Kaieteur News

Exxon shortchanged 15,694 kids killed, 17,000 without parents

Guyana $225 million for 2023 -ProfessorHunte

Pensioner found dead in trench after leaving

wake house drunk

Man wanted raping child on three counts of

Thief tricks man into removing Apple tracking ID before snatching phone

‘Demand for oil to slow in coming years’ ...butmassivesupplyglut predictedby2030 - IEA says in new report

‘Demand for oil to slow

in coming years’

...butmassivesupplyglut predictedby2030 - IEA says in new report

Oi l d e m a n d growth is set to slow in the coming years and global demand will peak in 2029, while rising production will lead to a major glut this decade, the International EnergyAgency(IEA)saidin its new medium-term oil outlookonWednesday

The clean energy transition and the “stellar growth” in global EV sales are expected to lead to slowing oil demand growth w i t h w o r l d w i d e consumption set to peak in 2029 and begin falling the following year, according to theIEA'sreportOil2024,the agency's annual mediumtermmarketreport.

World oil demand is being tempered by the clean energy transition, says the IEA,whichhasbeenavocal proponent of a faster energy transitioninrecentyears.

EV sales, which –according to the IEA –continue to surge, fuel efficiency improvements in ICE vehicles, structural economic shifts, and a decline in oil use for electricity generation in the MiddleEastareallsettostart offsetting this decade the

higher oil demand from the petrochemicalssector “Asa result, the report forecasts that global oil demand, which including biofuels averaged just over 102 million barrels per day in 2023,willleveloffnear106 million barrels per day towards the end of this decade,”theagencysaid.

At the same time, rising production capacity, led by theU.S.andotherproducers inNorthandSouthAmerica, isexpectedtooutstripglobal oil demand growth between nowand2030.

“Totalsupplycapacityis forecasttorisetonearly114 millionbarrelsadayby2030 – a staggering 8 million barrels per day above projectedglobaldemand,the report finds,” said the IEA.

“As the pandemic rebound loses steam, clean energy transitions advance, and the structure of China's economy shifts, growth in globaloildemandisslowing down and set to reach its peak by 2030,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.

“This year, we expect demand to rise by around 1 million barrels per day,” Biroladded.TheIEAholdsa

much more conservative view on global oil demand growthin2024comparedto OPEC The cartel sees demand growing by 2.25 million bpd this year compared to 2023, and by another 1.8 million bpd in 2025.

Thereportstatesthatina breakwithlong-termtrends, the front-loaded build in global oil production capacity is forecast to lose momentum and swing into contraction towards the end ofourmedium-termoutlook, with the 2024 expansion of 1.8mb/dreversingtoadrop of280kb/din2030.

This tracks the world's pivottowardscleanerenergy that leads to a plateau in our demand outlook by the end oftheforecastandresultsin an effective OPEC+ spare crude oil capacity cushionof6.8mb/d,mostly concentrated in Saudi ArabiaandtheUAE.

According to the report

such a massive oil production buffer could usher in a lower oil price environment, posing tough challenges for producers in the US shale patch and the OPEC+bloc.

Givenshale'sshort-cycle

Pensioner found dead in trench after leaving wake house drunk

A65-year-oldmanwasfounddeadina trench at Palmyra Village, East Canje Berbice on Tuesday morning after he reportedlyleftawakehouseintoxicatedon thenightbefore.

DeadisRalphAppiah,wholivedatLot 97 Public Road, Palmyra Village, East Canje Berbice. Police reported that the fatal incident occurred between 20:00hrs on Monday and 08:20hrs on Tuesday Policesaidthataccordingtothedeceased's wife Phoolmato Sooklall, 65,Appian was a known alcoholic and as a result of the consumption of alcohol he would wander theroadways.Sherecalledthatsometimes passerbywouldmakecontactwithherand other relatives to go and collect him from theroadwaysandtakehimhome.

Sooklallcontinuedbyrevealingthaton Mondayatabout20:00hrs,shewasinthe company of Appiah at a wake house, whereheleftinahighlyintoxicatedstate.

Thereafter, Sooklall ventured home, however uponherarrivalchecksweremadeforhernow deceasedhusbandbuthewasnotfound.

On Tuesday around 08:20hrs, Sooklall alleged that she was at home when someone called to alert her thatAppiah's body was seen floatinginthecanal,whichisabout25feetdeep, located at about 300 hundred feet from their home.

Uponarrival,Appiahwasseenfacedownin the said canal clad in a red jersey and a pair of blue trousers. The body was then recovered from the canal and examined for visible marks ofviolence.

There were bruises on his right eye, right wrist, and behind his thigh. However, police notedthatnofoulplaywassuspected.Thebody was taken to the New Amsterdam Regional HospitalwherehewaspronounceddeadbyDr RyanCampbell.Thebodywasthentakentothe Bailey's Funeral Home awaiting post mortem examination.

time frame and price reactivity,someoutputcould be at risk (see Shale price sensitivity scenarios)

Moreover, reduced requirements for OPEC+ crude may put the alliance's market management to the test.

The huge amount of excess supply could also tempt some in the group to rationalize capacity plans. Saudi Arabia has already takenthelead,announcingin early2024asuspensionofits 1 mb/d crude capacity

expansion.Atthesametime, it is ramping up gas liquids, reflectingtheexpandingrole of gas in Riyadh's efforts to transition towards its net zeroambitions.

Producers outside the OPEC+ bloc (non-OPEC+) dominatemedium-term capacity expansion plans, adding a total of 4.6 mb/d, or 76%, of the net increase.

The United States alone accounts for 2.1 mb/d of the non-OPEC+ gains, while Brazil, Guyana, Canada and

ExxonMobil has been ramping up production in Guyana

Argentina contribute a further 2 7 mb/d As sanctioned expansions ease markedlytowardstheendof our forecast, growth will stallintheUnitedStatesand Canada while Brazil and Guyana shift into decline based on current plans However, should companies continue to sanction additional projects that are already on the drawing board, an incremental 1.3 mb/d of non-OPEC+ capacity could become operationalby2030.

KaieteurNews

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Lack of trust

ThedecisionoftheGovernmenttohidelargechunksof theUS$7.3BauditreportofExxonMobil’sexpensesfrom thepublicspeaksvolumesofanadministrationthatcannot betrusted.Themissingdetailsoftheauditcoverthemajor expendituresoftheoilcompany Astowhy40pagesofthe report were redacted before it was published online is a causeofgreatconcernandalsosuspicion.

As our Leader said yesterday, the people who are the bona fide owners, the first shareholders, in Guyana’s wealth do not have the privilege to view the billions in expensesthatExxonMobilbillsagainstlocaloilrevenues. If they cannot view, then they can neither review nor question. They cannot raise any objection about millions charged that are too much, or millions that should not be chargedinthefirstplacebecausetheydonotbelonginthe Guyanaoilrevenuebucket. Thisisasbigaloopholethat couldbe,andthatanyoilsuperpowercompanycouldget. Tointensifythedarkness,whentheelectedgovernmentof the owners of the national wealth partner with the local offshoreoilconsortiumtoconcealthebillionsofexpenses, then the result is the result. That is, US$6.5B for ExxonMobilanditsgang,andUS$1.6BforGuyana.

We have stressed in these columns before that where there is trust relationships flourish, things get done, and thereisanenvironmentthatmakesallfeelverygoodabout thequalitythatissotangible,thatcan’tbedenied.Trustis motherhoodandmarriageofaspecialkind,abrotherhood and sorority that speaks for itself. But when there is a scarcityoftrust,thenforallthattheremaybe,thatcanbe had,itisasifthereisnothing.

When there is that nightmare of nightmares, where there is a total absence of trust, then for all the oil and moneyandpromiseofsomuchmore,thereisnothing.We trusteachothertobethereforus,lookoutforus,whenwe placecertainheavyresponsibilitiesinthehandsofothers. Sometimes it could be over hard-earned money, of other valuable property, of our family, and for both the day-todaypresent,aswellastheunknownfuture.

Wedothiswithsecurityguardsinwhomweentrustour safety and the integrity of our property We do this when great trust is placed in the hands of those colleagues and comradeswhohelpustogetthingsdone,bothlittleandbig, sometimes personal, oftentimes national in scope. When they turn around and betray that trust, a battering of the spiritcomes. Thereisadrainingofresolve,orareflexive temptation to throw up hands and say how could this happen. That is, if this one could so quietly and secretly study, and scheme so cunningly, then why even bother to continue to invest in trusting others, when the prospect of favourable returns for the trust given is shattered so callously

Weurgeourfellowcitizenstolookaroundandreview howourenvironmentistoday Weaskthemtorecallfrom long ago and recent memory, from the long list of examples, how precious trust has been trampled upon in this society, and at every level. Our own situation at this newspaper is a case in point. But this is a visible and physically touchable instance of trust violated, simply because it was so much in the bosom. It is never a comforting feeling, a most shocking one, to come to the startlingawarenessthatonehasbeenlivingwithasnakein thebosom.

But,justastherewasthisindividualfailureandgroup conspiracy to sabotage trust placed right here, there are thosegreatertrustsvestedinbiggerandhigherones:those whoraisetheirhandsandpleadforthegiftofourtrust,and promise to do what is right for us, the Guyanese people. PoliticiansinGuyana,particularlythesenior,morevocal, andrecognisableones,makeprettyspeechesofhowmuch good they have in mind for the Guyanese people, as they begforoursupport. Butdeepdownintheirhearts,iswhere therealtruthsoftheircommitmentsgivensoeasilylies. To support is to vote for, and to vote for is to trust.

Commentaries on Cost of Living Spot On

DEAREDITOR

I commend various writersforfocusingonrising costofliving.Thecomments about the effects of rising costoflivingarespoton.The poor cannot afford three mealsbasedontheirmeagre income; in fact, many don’t have an income and live on handouts. The middle class are also affected, barely making ends meet. They all complainedabouttheycan’t manage their budget with increasing prices of basic goods and materials for lodging.

I regularly traveled around the country every few months, including last month, visiting markets, shops, and homes gathering opinions of the public on government performance and other issues I also conversed with interviewers who collected data (interviewsforsurveys).The number one issue the public complained about as gathered from interviewers and from my own engagements over the last

fiveyears,andmoresosince Covid, has been inflation or the continuous rise of prices for basic foods. There has been no or little let up on pricerise.

The second issue people complained about the most over the last decade was corruption Not everyone wasorisconcernedaboutthe effects of inflation on their lifestyle, but everyone c o m p l a i n e d a b o u t corruption Corruption is linked with inflation as loot has to be invested raising inflation.

Itwillbedishonestofme not to say that respondents stated that certain officials havebeenextremelycorrupt (namesmentionedtomeand how they acquire wealth illegally) What was shocking was the names mentioned who I always thought were or are incorruptible. I still find it incredible they are on the take. And while informants made allegations, strong evidencearehardtoobtainto convictthoseperceivedtobe

corrupt. But politically, as I learn from my doctorate in political science, perception is realty Voters are influencedbyperceptionand voters tend to convict politicians on hearsay and perception especially if they arestrugglingfinancially

Inflation has not adversely impacted the wealthy class as they can afford the best meals, clothing, comfort and overalllifestyle.

But inflation has had a telling effect on the middle class, the poor, and the downtrodden, the bottom 50% of society Not many politicians, on both sides of the aisle, display empathy andcompassionforthepoor There are few Jaganites around.

The closest or among a few still around is the Vice President Jagdeo. He seems to want to control cost of livingsoastoliftstandardof living. He recognizes the political damage of continuing rise in price of foods, housing, and other

basics with elections expected before November next year But controlling inflationinatradedependent economy tied to global supply chain like Guyana is verydifficult.

The government must findcreativewaystocontrol or bring down prices of basics, subsidize certain basic staple foods like flour (for bread and roti), milk, potatoes, split peas, and others.

Farmers must be encouragedtoproducemore milkandvegetables(greens) so as to bring down prices. Every eligible adult should be offered a job — private sector should be given incentives to hire more workers.

Failing implementation of those mentioned above and more, the public will continue to complain about theeffectsofrisingpriceson their standard of living resulting in serious political fallout.

YoursSincerely, Vishnu

Bisram

The GTU has flagrantly flouted all the labour laws of this country.

DEAREDITOR

Recently I was in a conversationwithafriendin Guyana when I asked him how are conditions in the workplace, his answer was verybad-heisemployedin the private sector - so I told him,whynotgettheworkers tocarryoutastrikeforbetter pay and better conditions, just like the teachers. His answer was no, because the boss will withhold his pay Andthisisexactlythepoint, The Teachers Union by its continued strike action mistakenlybelievesthatthey can hold out in a strike ad infinitum, and force the government to pay them at

the same time, this is unrealistic, unreasonable andagainstciviljustice. At the beginning of this strike, they were informed by the employer that the strike was illegal and there would be consequences, they were not satisfied that cautionstatementhencethey tookthemattertocourt.The court ruled that they have skirted around basic labour rulesandneedtoreturntothe bargaining table in the true spirit of collective bargaining.Theyreturnedto the bargaining table but was obstinateintheirresolve,not willinginanywaytoengage incleannegotiations,hence,

Every ballot cast with that simplest of letters from the alphabet,anXintherightplace,isadeedoftrust.Doright, do good, do what is truthful, do what is wise and just and clean.WeaskourfellowGuyaneseasimplequestion:what isitthatcitizenshavegotteninreturnforthelastsixdecades for their trust? Outside of leaders’inner circle of friends, family, and other favoured followers, what have leaders deliveredinreturnforthepricelesstrusttheyreceived?

Politicians were liars and frauds and deceivers long before oil, and now that that beauty springing from below the sea is here, men in the PPP/C Government and the APNU+AFCOppositionhavelosttheirminds. Theyhide, they lie, they makeup stories, and they mock Guyanese as theykickasidethetrustgiventothem. Thentheypoursalt inthewoundsofdespairingcitizenswithmorefalsehoods, more trickeries, and more thieveries. Just like those once associated with this paper, brothers trusted and held close. The biggest betrayers and biggest robbers in Guyana are higher up. They are in government offices and political headquarters.

that procedure floundered intoastalemate.

The GTU then in belligerent style, returned to court where an obviously confused judge, granted them a convoluted judgement;thatjudgementis thesubjectofanappealright now Itissubjecttoanappeal based on the fact that the judgement did not come closetoanythingtheunionis harpingon,thatis,unlikethe interpretation of the union’s lawyers, Justice Kissoon’s Ruling did not mean that it gave them the right to a never-endingstrike.

Secondly, Kissoon’s Ruling never addressed benefits and salaries, which the union’s president is now belligerently making demands on Matters of salaries and benefits, cannot be dealt with in a court of law, that has to be done between the two parties around a negotiating table. I mustinformDr Lytethathe should have courted proper legaladviceonthepertinent labour laws before calling the teachers out in a prolonged strike Proper advice on industrial matters would have alerted him to thefinerdetailsofindustrial action, but Lyte and his political advisor Coretta MacDonald were so consumed with an

opposition’s political agenda, that they have misdirected themselves to theseimportantlabourrules.

Another labour law he has flouted, is that you cannot hold the employer under duress while making demandsatthesametime.It is the other way round; you first have to cease all hostilities then sit down to negotiate, there is no bargaining negotiation that can take place under duress. Further still, bargaining is notawinnertakealloneither side, it means that you meet each other on common ground, you will gain in some areas while in others you will see decreases in your demands, simply put, youmustdisagreetoagree.

TheGTUisalsoguiltyas charged, because they have called the teachers out on a prolonged strike and showing no indication that you are willing to compromise, this puts them in a bad light The Government cannot reward anemployeeforbeingoffthe job indefinitely, that’s the law, there must be resumption before negotiation Arbitration which is a nice sounding wordisalsolightyearsaway because the legal steps leadinguptothatpointhave (Continuedonpage06)

Solidaritywiththeoppressedisgainingmomentum

DEAREDITOR

It is now eight months since the genocide of the Palestinian people in the Gaza and the West Bank by theIsraeliregime.

The verified number of those murdered has passed thirty-six thousand However, this figure will increase dramatically when the dead bodies lying under mountains of rubble and the mass graves that are now beingdiscovered.

People in GAZA must have lost faith in the government of western countries who often speak glibly about human rights and democracy Many must be asking why they have to suffer so much, for so long throughnofaultoftheirown. Itwouldbenosurpriseifwe hearthatsomeofthemhave givenuphopeingodorthey must at least be wondering why almighty would stand by and see what they are goingthrough.IntheGAZA, the dead are the lucky ones becauselifeinthereishell.

Theyarenodoubtaware that the Israeli’s actions are motivated significantly by race and greed. What they may not always grasp is the racism against them in the west, particularly in the United States, the main imperialist power of today and the United Kingdom, historically the most racist countryduringcolonialism.

Racismasapolicyarose with the advent of exploitation. It was most brutal up to the late part of

the 20th Century Apartheid wasonlylegallyabolishedin SouthAfricaandNamibiain the1980sand1990s.

Segregation in the US only took a legal exit in the 1960s after heroic struggles by the victims and international solidarity forced the ruling class to abandontheovertracism.

Inthatlongperiod,itwas not difficult to identify the victims of racism and the perpetrators of those criminal activities. The Whitesweretheperpetrators and the beneficiaries of racist crimes and the nonwhitemainlyblackswerethe exploited and the victims of horrible exploitation. There wasacoincidenceofRace& Class.

This allowed great solidarity to develop among the non-white victims the world over Those old enough would recall the tremendous support that the Vietnamese people, the peoplesofSouthAfrica,and Namibia received from the peoplethroughouttheworld. Since that time the oppressors have learnt quite a lot and have adopted new measures to obscure their own racism and blunt the effectiveness of the solidarity movement. The biggest blow the victims of racism, oppression and exploitation got was the collapse of the Eastern EuropeanSocialistcountries in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Those countries along

with others such as China andCuba,madetremendous contributions to the national liberationmovementinAsia, Africa and Latin America. Their contribution to the dismantlingofcolonialismis still not given the full recognitionitdeserves.

In passing, it is apposite tonotethattheNATOproxy war against Russia today is in a way a revenge against the Russian people for their roleinthatperiod.Itisalsoa determined effort to prevent Russia from rising again as an economic power Those intentions were stated explicit by influential persons in the U S for exampleJohnBoltonamong others.

Butthetacticbeingused todayinmanyoftheWestern countries is to assimilate a few from the oppressed groupsandusethemasaface to obscure the real culprits, i.e. the main shareholders and CEOs of the most powerful multi-national corporations, particularly those in the military industrial complex. There is

whereyoucanfindthedeep state, the real powers in manyWesternDemocracies. This little clique is the main beneficiary of today’s racism.

Just look at the United Nations (UN) and see who are the persons raising their hands to veto measures to halt the genocide in Palestine. They are AfroAmerican doing the bidding of the real power in the society known as the deep state.

Before them at the UN doing the same job was anotherAmerican of colour, one of Indian descent. That woman is even on record calling for more killings of Palestinians.

Further, looking at the US congress debates one would hear the speeches of many of the non-white members in support of Israeli’s massacre of defenceless children, women and the old and sick people,justbecausetheyare Palestinians It is unbelievableandverysadto see the descendants of those

who suffered but freed

g genocideinIsraeltoday IntheUK,thesituationis the same Indeed, this country now has a Prime Minister of Indian descent, but he is no better than Winston Churchill who was responsible for the death of millionsofIndiansinIndia–the Bengal famine was similartowhatishappening nowintheGAZA.

Despite the daily killings, no respite is on the way The Labor Party’s GAZApolicy is the same as B r i t a i n ’s p r e s e n t Government. Moreover, the person that is most likely to be the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom should Labor win the upcoming elections in UK, is a person of Afro-Guyanese descent whoisalsoasupporterofthe racist Netanyahu regime in Israel. The racists of our timeswhocontrolthewealth and military power in the West have never been so powerful as they are today They wield so much power

that they have managed to prevent solidarity to the Palestinians from their closest neighbours in the Arabworld.

Arab leaders who drink at the trough of the Western powers and spend hundreds of billions of dollars buying armsfromwesterncountries havebecomedeaf,dumband blind to the unimaginable sufferings of the Palestinian people. Imagine, that the RAFA gate is in Egypt, but that country has chosen to takeordersfromtheUSand Israel and ignore the atrocities that is being committed daily on its front door Thisisthesadreality Inspiteof,theenormous forces arraigned against the Palestinian people their victory is certain. Things havestartedtochange,anda worldwide mass movement hasbegun.

Peopleinvariouspartsof theworld,intheUS,UKand Europe are beginning to see through the brain washing propaganda of the corporate mediaandarepouringinto

(Continuedonpage16)

Thefollowingpersonsare

at

Which schools are excelling, private schools or public schools?

DEAREDITOR

IreadaletterinStabroek News by one Roysdale Forde SC MP “VP Jagdeo’s

p

y foundation of education system” (SN, 12th June

2024) in which the gentleman laments that the Democratically Elected PPP/Cisconsideringturning toprivateschoolstoeducate Guyana’s students albeit to break the ongoing strike by teacherscalledbyGTU.

GTU is asking for 20% beforeany negotiationtakes place on backdated multiyear pay awards which is ridiculous as the question needs to be asked as to why GTU settles for a couple of years backdated pay Why not ask for 10 years backpay?

The question that Roysdale Forde SC MP needs to answer is which schools are excelling, p

schools?

Everyone would like private education but not everyone wants to pay for privateeducation.

Which is fine as we can have a system whereby private schools are given grantstotakeonpupilswho cannot afford to pay for education.

Least we forget, some people do pay for extra tuitionfortheirchildren.

Sincerely

SeanOri

The GTU has flagrantly flouted all...

Frompage04

not been met. Finally, to mitigate their circumstances, The GTU should quickly get back to the table to negotiate a settlement The longer the strike goes on, dire would be the consequences and this is not good for the students who are

caught in the middle, our children are our future and due consideration must be giventothem At this juncture of our development, we cannotaffordthelearningloss.

RespectfullySubmitted NeilAdams

Theeducationallandscapeis experiencingatremendoustransition

DEAREDITOR, Investing in education is notonlyawisechoicebutan economicnecessity

It establishes the groundwork for innovation, nurtures skilled labour, and ensures sustainable growth in our rapidly advancing world.

The Ministry of Education,overthepastfew years, has made noteworthy progress in enhancing the educational prospects available to the nation’s children.

These developments, carefully curated are advantageous to all students- coastal or rural. With more resources and support available to students than ever before, the educationallandscapeis experiencing a tremendous transition.

One such mechanism put in place to ensure that education arrives at the door of every child is EdYou FM: the Ministry of Education’s radio station

EdYou FM is a gamec h a n g e r , m a k i n g education accessible to children As the only station in Guyana broadcasting educational content across all ten administrative regions,

EdYou FM is on a quest to broadcast to even the most remote areas. With thirteen liveshowsinitsarsenal,the station provides a mix of educational programs, community development features, and engaging content that enriches students’ learning experiences.

Mr Editor, we must recognise that the interest of the students of today have begun to pivot from the traditional “chalk and talk” and paperback methodsoflearning.

EdYou FM, through the EdPal App., a potent tool intended to further improve students’ access to education, supports this metamorphosis

With a multitude of resources, these audio lessons and stories complement the national curriculum

Students can review lessons by subject, get help with tasks, and participate in self-paced learning, all from the comfort of their mobile devices This Mobile Application is especially beneficial for students in rural areas who may have d

ng traditional educational m

available for download on theGooglePlayStore

Students, parents, and teachers can engage with the live broadcast on the radio station directly from theapp

Essentially, the EdPal app ensures that every student,regardlessoftheir l o c a t i o n , h a s t h e opportunity to succeed by utilisingthistechnology

In conclusion, the educational landscape in Guyana is transforming through the efforts of the Ministry of Education and smart initiatives like EdYou FM and their accompanying EdPal application

Students now have unprecedented access to educational resources and opportunities, particularly inruralareas

These advancements are not just improving academic outcomes but are also empowering students to achieve their fullestpotential

As we continue to build ontheseachievements,Iam confident that the future of education in Guyana is promising, and our students arewell-preparedtothrivein thenewGuyana.

Sincerely, RonellaHarris

$30M to construct new school building for Augsburg Primary

With the old s t r u c t u r e deemed unfit foruse,theconstructionofa new school building for AugsburgPrimaryinRegion Fivewillbedonetothetune of$30,930,000.

This is according to information released on the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) website which states that the $30 million contract was awarded to contractor CAJ Construction Firm on June 10,2024.

According to the information provided, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development had put a tender seeking a contractor

to construct a single flat concrete building to house theprimaryschool.

K a i e t e u r N e w s

understands that plans to have a new structure for the school were announced during the consideration of estimates and expenditure for this year budget which washeldbackinFebruary Quoted in a Department of Public Information (DPI) article, Minister of Local Government, Sonia Parag had announced that

“Residents in the area and surrounding areas of Augsburg will be happy to know that it is our number one priority at $34 million, for the construction of that primaryschool.”

It was reported that the

new school which will measure 30.5 meters by 7.3 meters and replaces the previous school that was deemed unfit for use and forcedstudentstorelocateto atemporaryfacility

“Aschoolwasofferedto the students and it was refused…Thechildrenwere then housed in another buildingthatwasclosetothe area. [The] government has beentryingatitsutmostbest to ensure that the students still have a structure so that they can continue education,” Minister had explained.

The new school project will form part of the $3.5 billionthatwasapprovedfor RegionFivefromthisyear's budget.

Bandit beats fisherman with wood for gold jewellery

Alone bandit armed with a piece of wood on Wednesday attacked a fisherman at Number79Village,Corriverton,Berbice, Region Six and beats him before stealing hisgoldchainandtwogoldrings.

The victim, Chetram Seenarin of Number 68 Village Corentyne, Berbice was reportedly attacked around 00:20 hrs afterleavingabaratCorriverton.

He told police that he was heading home when a man walked up to him and started lashinghimabouthisbodywithapieceofwood. He recalled that after the man beat him to the ground,hesnatchedhisgoldchainandhisgold ringsfromhisfingersbeforerunningaway Hereportedthematterimmediatelyandwas subsequently taken to Skeldon Public Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and sent away Investigationcontinues.

Thief tricks man into removing tracking ID before snatching iPhone

An alleged thief on Tuesday reportedly trickedamanintoremovingthetrackingID on his iPhone 15 before snatching it and runningaway

Areporthasbeenlodgedwiththepolice. Kaieteur news understands that the thief managed to trick the man into removing his appleIDfromdevicebeforesnatchingitand runningaway WithouttheappleIDitwillbe difficult to track his phone. According to reports the victim had advertised the sale of the smartphone on the Facebook Market Place. The thief posing as a potential buyer

arranged to meet-up with the victim at a location on Mandela Avenue. Trusting thewould-be customer's word, the victim went to the location during the afternoon hours.

The male thief showed up and while discussing the purchase he managed to convincethevictimintoremovinghisApple ID before handing over the phone. He compliedbutwhenhegavethecustomerthe phone, the individual grabbed it and started running away The victim said he tried to pursuethethiefbutthemanpulledoutagun andhegaveupthechaseandlethimescape.

Man wanted on 3 counts rape of child under 16

TheGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)onWednesday issuedawantedbulletinforamanwhoisaccusedof threecountsofrapeofachildunder16years. ThewantedmanhasbeenidentifiedasHaisai Jones.Policestatedthathislastknownaddresswasat Lot196'B'Field,Sophia,Georgetown. PersonswithinformationaboutJones' whereaboutsareaskedtocontactthenearestpolice stationorcontactthepoliceon225-6940,225-8196, 226-7476,225-2317,227-1149.

Wanted: Haisai Jones

$225M in royalty payments for 2023

- Professor Hunte

Ex x o n M o b i l Guyana Limited (EMGL) in 2023 reported that the total revenue generated in the Stabroek Block that year amounted to G$1,108,897, 727,566-meaningGuyana's royaltypaymentshouldhave beenG$22,177,954,551.32. T

G$21,922,725,604 as reportedbyExxoninits2023 Annual Report. Royalty is a fixedpercentageofthegross value of revenue, paid to governments or the owners of

ces Professor and Former Ambassador, Dr Kenrick Hunte in a letter to this newspaper on Thursday flagged that the country did not receive its full 2% royalty Dr Hunte explained, “The correct royalty at two p e r c e n t i s G$22,177,954,551 32; and therefore, there is a shortage ofG$255,228,947.32which EMGLmustpay.”

He pointed out that the country only received 1.977% instead of its 2% royalty Consequently, Dr

dealing with large numbers, especially dollar values in billions and trillions, rounding percentage figures could result in serious shortages in the millions. Please round to no less than threedecimalplacestoavoid t h i s u n f o r t u n a t e misrepresentation, and only acceptafterverification.”

According to the 2016 Pro

S

g Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with Exxon and partners,thecountyreceived 2% royalty on all petroleum p

protesting against the low royalty rate stipulated in the agreement,demandingmore royaltiesbenegotiatedbythe governmentofGuyana.

The revelation by Dr Hunte has however exposed that the country is not being paiditsfairvalueofroyaltyit should receive from the oil company

Previously, Professor Hunte had warned that the countrywasnotreceivingits full 2% royalty Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo in

response however explained otherwise. Jagdeo assured,

“We got 2% of total sales as theroyalty Whatmightbeconfusing to Hunte… is that the 2% is paid from the contractor's profit, so in this case, the profitoilis25%,75%goesto cost recovery, so of the 25% ofgross,thatistotalsales,we get12andahalfpercent.The contractor gets 12 and a half then he takes from his share of profits, 2% and pays it to government, so we end up with 14.5% of the 25% of gross and they end up with 10.5%.”

FormerAmbassador,

Dr. Kenrick Hunte

Earth hit with 12 straight months of record-breaking temperatures

(CBC)-The planet's string of record-breaking temperatures has continued for a full year, with May m a r k i n g t h e 1 2 t h consecutivemonthforwhich itsaveragetemperatureseta newrecordforthatmonth.

In total, the global average temperature for the last 12 months was the highest on record, at 1.63 C above the 1850-1900 preindustrial average, according to new data from Copernicus, the European Union's climate monitoring service.

"For the past year, every turn of the calendar has turned up the heat," said United Nations SecretaryGeneralAntonioGuterres,in preparedremarks.

Guterrescalledonworld leaders and corporations to take"urgentaction"overthe next 18 months to slash greenhouse gas emissions,

boost climate finance and "clamp down" on the fossil fuel industry, which he described as the "godfathers of climate chaos." He urged countries to ban fossil fuel advertisingastheydidinthe pastfortobacco.

"Many in the fossil fuel industry have shamelessly green-washed, even as they havesoughttodelayclimate action — with lobbying, legal threats and massive ad campaigns," he said. "Our planet is trying to tell us something But we don't seem to be listening. We're s h a t t e r i n g g l o b a l temperature records and reaping the whirlwind. It's climate crunch time. Now is thetimetomobilize,actand deliver."

'Shocking but not surprising'

S c i e n t i s t s h a v e expressed alarm — and in somecasessurprise—atthe

rateofwarmingoverthepast year Experts say El Niño, a cyclical and natural ocean variability in the Pacific Ocean,hascontributedtothe rise in temperatures A reduction in shipping pollution, which can radiate

heatbackoutintospace,may also be a contributing factor —thoughscientistscontinue to debate the extent of its role.

Projections show the world is likely to face even hotter temperatures in the next five years, with the burning of fossil fuels pumping more climatewarmingcarbondioxideinto

T h e c o n d i t i o n s necessary for the private sector to reach its potential in driving development in theCaribbeanisthefocusof the2024WilliamG.Demas Memorial Lecture to be delivered under the theme “Economic Therapy for A Frustrated Regionalist” by Chief Executive Officer, Chair, and Principal Shareholder of the Musson Group in Jamaica, Mr Paul Barnaby(PB)Scott.

The Lecture will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 7:00 pm (EDT) during the Caribbean

Development Bank's (CDB/the Bank) 54th Annual Meeting at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier inOttawa,Canada.

The Lecture will be live streamed on CDB's YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages. Mr Scott, who draws from his management experiences at the Musson Group, will compare regional business ecosystems with other countries in which the Group operates, to demonstrate where additionalfocusneedstobe placed in key policy areas, such as the labour market.

CDB Acting President, Mr

Source: Copernicus Climate Change Service (Graeme Bruce/CBC)

the air "It is shocking but not surprising that we have reached this 12-month streak," Copernicus director Carlo Buontempo said in a statement.

"While this sequence of record-breakingmonthswill eventually be interrupted, the overall signature of climate change remains and there is no sign in sight of a

change in such a trend."

Another report released Wednesday by the World M e t e o r o l o g i c a l Organization (WMO) found thereisan80percentchance the annual average global temperature will exceed 1.5 Cabovepre-industriallevels inatleastoneofthenextfive calendaryears.(The12 (Continuedonpage16)

Isaac Solomon, noted that the Bank supports private sector institution capacitybuilding and public-private sectornetworking.

“Developmenthastobe asharedresponsibilityanda resilient private sector is indispensabletosustainable development in the Region.

That's why we look at the wider eco-systemstandards, diversification and market expansion, logistics, appropriate and affordable finance, and policy measures, as some criticalcomponents.

T h i s i n v o l v e s innovative activities among different tiers of private sector actors, and partnerships,”Mr.Solomon said. Mr. Scott is a leader across the Caribbean in food, pharmaceuticals, informationtechnology,and insurance.Inadditiontohis privatesectorcontributions, he has committed a significant amount of time topublicservice.

In2016,hewasawarded Jamaica's Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for service to business in the Caribbean. In2023,hewasawardedthe Order of Jamaica for his exceptional contribution to

the Business Industry, Investment,and PhilanthropyinJamaica andtheCaribbean.

TheprestigiousWilliam G Demas Memorial Lecture is among the most anticipatedeventsofCDB's AnnualMeetings.

Last year's keynote speaker was the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Mr Simon Stiell. In 2022, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, gave the keynote address.

The William G. Demas Memorial Lecture Series seekstohonourthethought leadershipofCDB'ssecond President, by bringing into focus, the issues and initiativesofsignificanceto the economic development of the Bank's member countries.Mr.Demaswasa TrinidadianandTobagonian politician, banker, and the first Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), from 1973 to 1974 He was also Secretary-General of the Caribbean Free Trade Agreement (CARIFTA) from1969to1973.

Neo-liberal economic persistence and its pitfalls

One of the most profound lessons life offers is the notion that repeating the same actions yields the same results. In the context ofnationaleconomicpolicy, thisaxiomisinstructive.

Since 1999, Guyana has adhered to a specific economic strategy often termed “Jagdeonomics,” after the policies instituted during the tenure of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. This neo-liberal economic approach has emphasized foreign direct investment, extensive public spending, andafocusoninfrastructure to stimulate private sector growth. However, despite these efforts, the nation continues to grapple with persistent issues such as risinginequality,corruption, andruralunderdevelopment. Jagdeonomicsrepresents theadoptionofaneo-liberal agenda aimed at integrating Guyana into the global free

market economy This was unnecessary because Guyana’s economy has always been exportoriented.

Thisapproachhashadits pitfalls.Ithasresultedinthe emergence of a powerful oligarchic class with close ties to the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC) The economic p o l i c i e s o f P P P C governments have heavily favoured this elite group, leading to a significant concentration of wealth and power

Thisskeweddistribution is now being made worse since the country’ designation as a highincomenation.Thefailureto equitably distribute the country wealth, now means that it is rich and the middle classes that will cream-off mostofthecountry’swealth, leaving only morsels for the poorwhowillbeleftfurther

behind.

The hallmark of this failedeconomicstrategyhas been high levels of public investment, particularly in infrastructure projects

These investments were intended to lay the groundwork for private sector development and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). In theory, this influx of capital would create jobs and alleviate poverty However,thereality has been far less promising. Despite substantial public expenditure, poverty remainsapressingissue,and the expected trickle-down

benefits have not materialized for most of the population.

One of the critical failuresofJagdeonomicshas been its inability to address rural underdevelopment

The rural economy remains anaemic with high levels of unemployment and poverty

DEM BOYS SEH

De big kahuna get de boot

DDempaperparties,dem likelilantswhobindepend on de Pee N Cee fuh everything.

Nowdemseh,“Werun things now.” Imagine de scene,bigPeeNCeecome home, bags pack and waiting at de door De paperpartiestelldem,“We need space fuh grow.” De same paper parties who could barely fill a car now acting like dem running a bigcaravan.

PeeNCeebeendehead honcho,debigboss,detop dog.Nowdemboysseh,de

emightyPeeN Cee de big kahuna of HAP-NU, get boot out by some lil paper parties. Yes yuhhearright. Is like de breadwinner come home one day, an de familyseh,“Wedon’tneed yuh no more.” De big boss man now find heself out in decold,watchinwhiledem smallfrytekover Butlehwetellyuh,dem boyssehdempaperparties got brass! It tek real guts fuh dem lil ones to mek a move like dis. Is like a bunch of schoolchildren deciding dem gon run de schoolwhiledeheadmaster onlunchbreak.

Pee N Cee looking like a fishouttawater.“Whogon bring in de votes now?” de PeeNCeewondering.

PeeNCeenowsitdown outside, pondering de future. Dem boys seh, is eitheradramaticcomeback or a quiet retirement for de bigboss.

But one thing fuh sure, dem paper parties, armed wid optimism and a big heap of enthusiasm, ready fuh lead HAP-NU into a brave, new an bewildering era.

So leh we see how dis onegonplayout. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

The focus on urban-centric developmentandlarge-scale infrastructure projects has neglected the needs of rural communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and underemployment. Moreover, the neoliberal model’s emphasis on market liberalization and p r i v a t i z a t i o n h a s exacerbated inequality As wealthconcentrateswithina small elite, the gap between different social classes has widened This growing disparity is not just a social issue but poses significant e c o n o m i c r i s k s , underminingsocialcohesion and stability Perhaps the mostglaringfault-lineofthis model,asithasbeenapplied in Guyana, is the pervasive corruption. The close ties betweentherulingpartyand theneweconomicelitehave fostered an environment wherecorruptioncanthrive. Public investment projects, o f t e n a w a r d e d controversially, have become avenues for rentseeking and embezzlement. This corruption diverts resources away from vital social and economic programs that could benefit the broader population Despite being marketoriented, Jagdeonomics has seen invisible hand of the marketbeingabsent.Despite a steady flow of foreign exchange earnings from oil revenues, the Guyana dollar has failed to appreciate,

raising questions about the authenticity of the floating exchange rate system. This suggests that the underlying economic policies are not facilitating genuine market adjustments but rather p r o p p i n g u p a n unsustainable economic structure.

The current government continues to adhere to the same neo-liberal policies, increasing public spending with the expectation that it will stimulate economic growth and address poverty

and unemployment

H o w ev er, w ith o u t substantial alterations to the economic model, this increased spending is unlikely to yield different results The rich will continue to amass wealth, thegapbetweentherichand the poor will expand, and a living wages for workers willremainelusive.

Increased spending within the same flawed frameworkisakintotreating the symptoms of a disease rather than addressing its root cause For genuine progress,thereneedstobea fundamental shift in economicstrategy Thisshift should prioritize equitable development, transparency, and accountability in public spending, and greater economicinclusion.

To break free from the cycle of inequality, c o r r u p t i o n , a n d underdevelopment, Guyana

must adopt a new economic paradigm. This new model should focus on a pro-poor economic agenda so to narrow inequalities This wouldcreatethefoundations for more inclusive growth that benefits all segments of society, not just the elite. It new model should invest heavily in rural economies, creating job opportunities, and ensuring that public resources are used efficientlyandtransparently A reformed economic strategy should also emphasizetheimportanceof a living wage for workers, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more broadly This would help reduce poverty and improve social stability, laying the foundation for true development. But so long as the present government is doing what has been done before, the results will be the same.All theoilrevenuesintheworld, willnotchangethatreality

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Jagdeo as a leader, a follower, a messenger, a perpetuator

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeoshouldbealeader,the trailblazer

Heispleasednottobethe leader,buttheperpetuatorof the PNC Exxon contract folly Jagdeo,Guyana'shead of state for oil, should be the pacesetter, the policymaker leader,foroil.

He is happiest being the messenger for Exxon, the water-boy for Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge, and with possibly Michael Wirth in the making. This is what Guyana main oilman thinks is worthy of his lofty leadershipposition.

When Jagdeo should be thenationaloilleader,heisa man driven to being the biggest Exxon follower, staunchestdefender

Ilookatthisleader,from Unity-Mahaicony, and I ask pardonifIgotthegeography wrong. There is no question inthiscornerthatDr Jagdeo (he is humored) has what it takes to go after the 2016 Exxon contract. It is a contract written in the sweat of bigots, the minds of men who used to wear cone hats, cover themselves in white

sheets, and roam under the blanket of darkness. They usedtogivethemselvestitles like Grand Wizards and Exalted Cyclops. If that is not what Guyanese have here, then who? If not that, thenwhatisit?

I wait for enlightenment from the local cognoscenti, the patriotically sterile Lookatthisvice-presidentof oil appointed by his own hand, a former head of state, andassesswhathehassettled forashispriority

He should be spending hishoursexpandingthepress of his imagination, tirelessly laboring quietly to explore experimentations to upturn that crippling corporate curse.

Hismindset,hissupreme priority, must be: what must be done to challenge it? What must I do to negate it clause by deplorable and unacceptable clause? And his conclusion must be this: whatever is required, it will be done. From the nuanced to the aggressive, from the bold strokes to the nimble subtleties, it will be done. His calling and cause, his

religion and mission, must be: I Bharrat Jagdeo will get it done, be done with this contract that damns Guyanese to a living hell. Whathashedone,madeithis duty?

Instead of a leader, he thrillstobeareviler Rather thanbethenationalleaderfor Guyanese oil, he is an attacker of Guyanese who speak about better from this oil. When he should be the corrector of the Exxon contract, he is its biggest supporter

Thisiswhatthemanwho has labeled himself the chief policymakerhasmadeashis only policy Jagdeo now fancies himself an authority on the terms and conditions of the contract. What a disbelieving world see him doing is living the most cowardly representation of a nationaloilleader

Whenthereisaworldof the unknown, the uncharted and untouched, something greaterthanphysicalcourage is demanded. For Bharrat Jagdeo and his followers, permit me to introduce what is termed moral courage,

spiritual courage, the undistilled courage of true patriots, revolutionary ones. I recommend that he approachMr Routledgefora quick lesson on American history

FourthofJulyiscoming up,soitshouldbetimely To my brother, this formidable mannowfallenintodisrepair and discredit, I give this priceless gift Genuine leadershipismorethanabout thewilesoftheintellect;itis aboutjudgment.

That is, searching endlessly for possible ways out of an impasse, and then seizing the moment, seizing any opening detected, no matterhowminute.

Itisobviousthatthehead of state for oil spends his week, wastes his week, to compile press materials to denounce well-meaning Guyanese at his Thursday mediasiestas.

Guyanese seeking a multiple of the pittances currently coming from the Exxon contract. There is not one that goes after the contract (and Jagdeo for his farces and failures) who

desire a job, an a w a r d , a n y recognition of any kind. So,Ibelieve. Because that is whereIam. Insteadof Jagdeo wringing himself intowretchednessbywasting time, manpower and State resources to identify perceivedenemies,heshould be zealously, unswervingly focused on capsizing that legalized abomination from 2016. It is this country's legalizedabortion,whatkills lifeinthewomb.

If Jagdeo has no qualms about that, there is certainty that the American Caesar in Guyana, Mr Stonewall Routledge does Yeah, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson lives today, and right here. Of course, he was about his reckless battlefield charges, sothattheslaves(whoelse?) couldhaveitgood. Is this not what

Stonewall Routledge has told, and has his Guyanese minions doing to brainwash thenatives?IremindbothDr Jagdeo and Mr Routledge that it doesn't call for any

personalvalortosendothers toleadbattlesbestfoughtby oneself.

Thereisappreciationthat my contract positions do not align with those of President Ali,VPJagdeo,andCountry Head Routledge. But if I have to suppress my conscience because of such, thenIamnotfittobeapublic voice.

Worsestill,Iwouldhave surrendered the rights of a free man, and that of a free thinker When all is written and said, it is not the rules, nor the policies. It is of the man. Leadershipiswhatthe manmakesofit. Beassured of my warmest wishes, gentlemen.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaperanditsaffiliates.)

National Parent Teachers Association launched

Guyana's first National Parent Teacher Association

We

w

launchedduringaceremony

, Georgetown.

The newly formed Parent Teacher Association Guyana (PTAG) brings together teachers and parentsfromacrossGuyana in an effort to improve the delivery of education. The PTAG has been envisaged since 2012 Efforts to establish the association

started in 2019 with several meetings and consultations being held on the way forward.

Assuch,Presidentofthe PTAG, Michele Fraser said that the launch marks a significant milestone in the journey towards fostering a collaborative environment whereeducatorsandparents unite for the common goal of enhancing our children education.

Duringthelaunch,itwas p o i n

Parent/Teacher movements

are not uncommon in the C

movements are fueled by passion, determination and unwavering commitment to children The association notedthatittookexampleof its sister Caribbean states like Trinidad and Tobago which surged ahead,

associations that have

However it was explained that until now that vision to establish the PTA has been elusive.

“With the launch of this association, Guyana is now asteadfastparticipantinthis quest and stands poised to redefine the landscape of education,”Frasersaid.

In a statement issued following the launch, the PTAG noted that research done has clarified the potential of PTAs beyond fundraising “The PTA couldbecatalystforchange –d

iv

innovation, amplifying voices and transformingschools.The (Continuedonpage17)

A 50-year-old security guard employed by Palm Courtwasremandedtoprison on Wednesday after being charged with inflicting maliciousbodilyharm.

Theincidenttookplaceon June6,2024,inAlbouystown, Georgetown, during an altercation between the accused, Theophillis King, and the complainant, Ashley Mansfield.

Mansfield was at her

n Albouystown when King arrived around 6:00 p.m. He climbed over the fence and entered the house, claiming that he needed to retrieve s

ngings An argumentensuedbetweenthe manandwoman,leadingtoa physical altercation King struck Mansfield multiple times, and they tussled, resulting in both of them fallingdownthesteps.

During the court hearing, Magistrate Annette Singh read the charge to King, who pleaded not guilty The prosecutor, Lacon, opposed bail due to the serious nature of the offense Mansfield

expressed fear that the accusedmightharmheragain and it was revealed that she had previously reported incidents of abuse to the police involving the defendant The magistrate denied bail and King was remanded to prison until his next court appearance scheduledforJune17,2024.

22-year-old gets

48 months for illegal firearm possession

Tyrese David, a 22-yearold construction worker of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Golden Grove Magistrate's Court to answerachargeofpossession of a firearm without a license.Davidwasarrestedon th June 7 , after being searched by patrolling police ranks, who discovered a .38 caliber revolveronhisperson.

The firearm had its serial number filed off and David wasnotlicensedtobeararms.

Atthetimeofhisarrest,he admitted to the offence, saying to the apprehending officers,“Sirismeown.Igot it from the interior.”As such, he pled guilty in response to the charge Magistrate

22-year-old

Tyrese David

Latchman ruled that the defendant be fined $70,000 and sentenced him to 48 monthsinprison.

Theophillis King

'A child's right to play will always be inclusive'

...UNICEF

official tells Int'l Day of Play

As the world on Tuesday celebrated the first International Day of Play, UNICEF Guyana & Suriname Social Policy Specialist, Michael Gillis underscored that a child's right to play will always be inclusivesinceitprovidestheright for children without a disability to better understand and accept those whohavedisabilities.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Child Care and Protection

Agency hosted the first International Day of Play for childrenacrossGuyanaatDayCare facilities at the Guyana Women's Leadership Institute. The Ministry of Human Services was pleased to partner with UNICEF Guyana and the Government of Canada on this inaugural event- International Day of Play 2024 under the theme: ChildrenGrow,LearnandDevelop through Play. For the first time, a symposium revolving around play for parents and caregivers was hostedaspartoftheinauguralevent facilitated by UNICEF in collaboration with the Child Care andProtectionAgency

Gillis said that, “35 years ago theConventionontheRightsofthe Child was ratified with Article 31

speaking to the right of children to play; a fundamental right. Play is never just play Play is powerful. The power of play unlocks potential,instillsconfidence,saves lives, heals and creates a world of possibilities. Play builds resilience andhelpschildrendevelop,”Gillis told the gathering of children and otherofficials.

He said on March 25 this year morethan140countriesagreedthat June11thwillbeInternationalDay of Play with this year being the inauguralone.Gillisexplainedthat

the theme 'Play Makes A Better World', “creates a unifying opportunity to elevate the importance of play as central to children's learning, well-being and development by ensuring time to play,spacetoplay,andsupportfor quality play are prioritised.” “We know that play holds significant benefits for children that can be physical, emotional, social,

cognitive, creative and enhances communications,” the UNICEF officialstressed.

He highlighted that playful moments are essential for a child's emotional well being since, there arestudieswhichshowthatmaking time for play can even protect childrenfromthenegativeimpacts prolongedexposuretostresscan

(Continuedonpage17)

Some scenes from the day's activities. (Photo UNICEF Guyana & Suriname Facebook Page)

Govt. seeking contractor for IDB-funded

Kato Hospital

Tapping into its US$97 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

loan once more, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health is currently seeking a contractortodesignandbuild the Kato Hospital in Region Eight.

This is according to an invitation for bids published by the Department of Public Information on Tuesday According to the document, the government has received financing from the IDB towards the cost of the 'Health Care Network StrengtheninginGuyana'and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing towards the construction of thathospital.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthatthestate-ofthe-artfacilitywhichissetto benefitresidentsofKatoand neighbouring communities will consist of 75 beds, a modern medical laboratory,

Buxton

and a 24-hour operated Accident and Emergency Unit. The world-class health facilityissettobecompleted bytheendof2025orthefirst halfof2026.

This publication had reported that the IDB loan secured by the Guyana Government in December 2022,formspartofabroader effort to strengthen the nation's healthcare network under the Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects ( C C L I P ) T h e comprehensive program aimstobolsterthecapacityof seven hospitals across various regions, including key hinterland areas and urbancenters.

It was reported that the US$97millionwillbeusedto improve the health of the Guyanese popu

n through increased access, quality, and efficiency of healthservicesbyimproving health outcomes associated

complexityprocedures.

This will be done by expanding the capacity of strategic hospitals, by extending coverage of

consultation, and patient management services, inclusive of the country's hinterlands, through digital health;andbyincreasingthe efficiency of the public

y strengthening key logistic, management, and support processesandinputs.

The project is also expe

infrastructure improvement and expansion in seven priorityhospitals,namelythe Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital (NARH) and the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), as well as four District Hospitals located in

farmers to benefit from improved infrastructure-AgriMinistry

The Government of Guyana through the Ministry ofAgriculture will s o o n c o m m e n c e rehabilitation work on a critical farm-to-market access road in Buxton VillageontheEastCoastof Demerara.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha announced this during a meeting with residents and farmers on Tuesday at the Buxton PIC Building, the ministry said in a release. While farmers in the area said that there was a vested interest in agriculture and that the village has the potential to do more, they told the minister that farm accesswasanissue.

While responding to the concerns raised by the residents, Minister Mustapha said that the Ministry ofAgriculture will rehabilitate the Buxton Middlewalkfarm-to-market access road. “We cannot do all of the farm-to-market roads now This afternoon

I'll commit that the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture will do the Buxton Middlewalk farmto-market road Those works will commence within a month. We'll also give four mechanical tillers to be used by farmers from

the Buxton/Friendship area,”hesaid.

One farmer said he was present at the last meeting that was held in the village withtheMinisterandateam from the Ministry of Agriculture and was encouraged to expand his cultivation He noted howeverthatherecentlylost a substantial amount of bearingtreesandpermanent crops due to wildfires and sought the Minister's assistance in restoring his farm.

While responding to the farmer's request, Minister Mustapha said that the Ministry through the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will provide planting materials andotherinputstoassisthim withresuscitatinghisfarm.

Minister Mustapha also told other farmers present

thatateamfromNAREIwill be meeting with them to develop a plan after which planting materials, fertilizers, and other inputs willbegiventothemfreeof cost.

Avillagecouncilorfrom Buxton who was also present at the meeting told theministerthatcommunity drains were not being maintained.Herclaimswere however quickly dismissed by several farmers who also accused the councilor of havingapoliticalagenda. Minister Mustapha said that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will continue to do drainageandirrigationwork in the village to assist farmers. He also said that rehabilitation work will be done on the irrigation structure along the crown d a m i n t h

catchment.

“Iknowforafactthatwe awarded contracts to have canals cleaned in this community A group was also awarded a contract to maintainthosecanals.

We'll continue to put mechanisms in place to ensure persons from the community are engaged to do these works. You also saidthatyouwanttheintake toberepaired.We'lldoitand we'll also clear the dam that the farmers are talking about. That will cost us about $14 million and those works will commence within a week,” Minister Mustapha said Minister Mustapha also told cattle farmers present that a breeding bull will be given to the farmers to improve theirstockandthataspecial committee will be set up to work with all classes of farmersinthearea.

the hinterland (Moruca, Kamarang, Kato, and Lethem).

The tender document further stated that the RFB will be conducted through t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Competitive Bidding (ICB) procedures specified in the I D B p o

Remanded:

Jason Lespoir

procurement It must be noted that bidding is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the polices and the bids will be read on August 20, 2024 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)office.

A34-year-oldmanwasremandedonWednesdaywhen heappearedattheGeorgetownMagistrates'Courton chargesofattemptedmurderandinflictinggrievousbodily harm.JasonLespoirof119WisrocLindenwasarraigned beforeMagistrateAnnetteSinghwheretwochargeswere readtohim.Hepleadednotguiltyto.Itwasallegedthat onMay25,2024atHighBridgeIndependenceBoulevard, Georgetown,Lespoirattemptedtocommitmurderon LeroyGoriahandinflictedgrievousbodilyharmon AlanzoMcLean.Accordingtopolicereports,at approximately20:00hrsonthespecifieddateand location,thevictimsweresocializingatabarwhenthey witnessedtheaccusedassaultinghisgirlfriend.Goriahand McLeanintervenedtoassistthewoman,whichprompted LespoirtoarmhimselfwithaRamboknife.Subsequently, theaccusedproceededtostabseveraltimesatthevictims' beforefleeingthescene.Thevictimswerethenrushedto theGeorgetownPublicHospitalCorporation(GPHC)for treatment. McLeanwasdischarged,but Goriahremained forcare.Police,actingontheinformationinLinden arrestedtheaccused.Duringcourtproceedings,Prosecutor QuincyLaconobjectedtobailduetotheseriousnessof theoffence.Hefurthernotedthatpolicehaveintheir possessionCCTVfootageoftheincident.An unrepresentedLespoirtoldthecourt“Ihavenothingto fearandIamnotguiltyofthecrime.“However MagistrateSinghdeniedhimbailandadjournedthematter untilJuly12,2024fordisclosure.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony among other officials during a recent site visit in Kato. (Photo courtesy, Ministry of Health) courtesy

...but80%ofworldpopulationwillexperience slowergrowththaninpre-COVIDdecade

Global Growth stabilizing for the first time in three years

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2024

The global economy is expected to stabilize for the first time in threeyearsin2024—butata level that is weak by recent historical standards, according to the World

Bank's latest Global EconomicProspectsreport.

Global growth is projected to hold steady at 2.6% in 2024 before edging up to an average of 2.7% in 2025-26. That is well below the 3 1% average in the decade before COVID-19. Theforecastimpliesthatover the course of 2024-26 countries that collectively accountformorethan80%of the world's population and global GDP would still be growing more slowly than theydidinthedecadebefore COVID-19.

Overall, developing economies are projected to grow 4% on average over 2024-25,slightlyslowerthan in 2023. Growth in lowincome economies is expected to accelerate to 5% in 2024 from 3.8% in 2023. However, the forecasts for 2024 growth reflect downgrades in three out of every four low-income economies since January In advancedeconomies,growth issettoremainsteadyat1.5% in2024beforerisingto1.7% in2025.

“Four years after the upheavals caused by the pandemic, conflicts, inflation, and monetary tightening, it appears that global economic growth is steadying,” said Indermit Gill,theWorldBankGroup's Chief Economist and Senior Vice President. “However, growthisatlowerlevelsthan before2020.Prospectsforthe world's poorest economies are even more worrisome. Theyfacepunishinglevelsof debt service, constricting tradepossibilities,andcostly climateevents.

Developing economies will have to find ways to e n c o u r a g e p r i v a t e investment, reduce public debt,andimproveeducation, h e a l t h , a n d b a s i c infrastructure. The poorest among them—especially the 75 countries eligible for concessional assistance from t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l D e v e l o p m e n t Association—willnotbeable to do this without internationalsupport.”

This year, one in four developing economies is expected to remain poorer than it was on the eve of the pandemic in 2019 This

proportionistwiceashighfor countries in fragile- and conflict-affected situations

Moreover, the income gap between developing economies and advanced economies is set to widen in nearly half of developing economies over 202024—the highest share since the 1990s. Per capita income in these economies an important indicator of living standards is expected to grow by3 0% on average through2026,wellbelowthe averageof3.8%inthedecade beforeCOVID-19.

Global inflation is expectedtomoderateto3.5% in2024and2.9%in2025,but the pace of decline is slower than was projected just six months ago. Many central banks, as a result, are expected to remain cautious in lowering policy interest rates.Globalinterestratesare likely to remain high by the standards of recent decades averaging about 4% over 2025-26, roughly double the 2000-19 average.

“Although food and energy priceshavemoderatedacross the world, core inflation remainsrelativelyhigh—and could stay that way,” said Ayhan Kose, the World Bank's Deputy Chief Economist and Director of the Prospects Group. “That couldpromptcentralbanksin majoradvancedeconomiesto delay interest-rate cuts. An environment of 'higher-forlonger' rates would mean tighter global financial conditions and much weaker growth in developing economies.”

The latest Global Economic Prospects report also features two analytical chapters of topical importance.Thefirstoutlines howpublicinvestmentcanbe used to accelerate private investment and promote economic growth. It finds that public investment growth in developing economies has halved since the global financial crisis, dropping to an annual average of 5% in the past decade.

Yetpublicinvestmentcan be a powerful policy lever For developing economies with ample fiscal space and efficient government spending practices, scaling up public investment by 1% ofGDPcanincreasethelevel of output by up to 1.6% over themediumterm.

The second analytical chapter explores why small states those with a (Continuedonpage16)

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Construction of houses begins at Silica City

Construction has commenced for 74 of the 110 contracted young professional houses in Silica City, with the project currently in its foundational stage.

Silica City is located along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and is the brainchild of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. It is the government’s first ‘smart’ urban city that will be developed in the country. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal visited the area on Tuesday where he inspected the ongoing works.

“We have the first set of 110 contracted houses to be built.

In fact, 74 of those units have commenced. And within the next two weeks, the remaining 36 will start,” the housing and water minister told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The government is investing $3 billion in the construction of the 110 houses.

The young professional homes will be constructed in four distinct styles, comprising two flat units valued at $25,200,603 and $25,290,178, and two elevated units priced at $33,980,153 and $34,450,145. Minister Croal added that other infrastructural work has been

done, despite the challenges encountered by the engineers and contractors. This includes the establishment of roads and drains to accommodate proper irrigation. The ministry is also working to develop independent access to the city, which will add to its expansion.

“The first base infrastructure work has been done. Because the soil type is sandy, we would’ve had additional expenditure in terms of concrete drains. And we would’ve put the road as crusher run,” Minister Croal explained. Already, electricity poles have started to be in-

stalled in the area to facilitate current flow. The ministry is currently in the procurement phase to drill an independent water well in the area. Asked if the houses being constructed have already been earmarked for persons, Minister Croal noted that the process is in the pre-qualification phase.

“We do have a list of persons who have indicated an interest. So, we are first of all going through the pre-qualification phase. No, we have not allocated, but we will be moving to the next stage in regard to that,” Minister Croal posited.

Earth hit with 12 straight months of record-breaking...

From page 8 months that reached 1.63 C were between June 2023 and May.)

The global average temperature for each year between 2024 and 2028 is predicted to be between 1.1°C and 1.9°C higher than the 1850-1900 baseline, according to the report.

Ko Barrett, the WMO’s secretary-general, said the projections show we will be exceeding 1.5 C “on a temporary basis with increasing frequency.”

Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries agreed

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to keep long-term global average surface temperature from rising 2 C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 C by the end of this century.

But temporary breaches “do not mean that the 1.5 C goal is permanently lost because this refers to long-term warming over decades,” Barrett said.

Scientists have warned that warming of more than 1.5 C risks unleashing far more severe climate change impacts, and that every fraction of a degree of warming matters.

Some of those impacts are already being seen. In the past 12 months, people across the globe have been subjected to record-setting heat waves, droughts and storms made more likely by climate change.

Those include: a heat wave in India and Pakistan that exceeded 50 C, heavy rains that resulted in flooding in East Africa, a sudden deluge in the desert city of Dubai, the decimation of coral reefs and record-setting wildfires in Canada.

The changes underscore the need for improved climate adaptation, said Gordon McBean, a professor emeritus of geography at Western University in London, Ont.

“There’s a whole series of strategies we can do, but they all take effort and time,” said McBean, who was the lead author on a 2021 study outlining steps to better safeguard communities against climate threats such as flooding and heat waves.

Bill Merryfield, a research scientist with Canadian Centre for Climate Modeling and

Analysis, says climate warming was particularly acute in northern Canada.

The region experienced the largest temperature anomaly in 2023 of any land area in the world, at 3 C above the 1991-2020 average.

More hot weather is expected in Canada this year, he said, with some variations over the next five years with the end of El Niño.

“It’s been known for a while that we would be reaching this point at some stage, where the effects of climate change are really unmistakable and quite severe,” he said.

“Seeing it actually unfold in some of the events like we had with the wildfires last summer and so forth, it’s quite extraordinary… and disturbing on a different level.”

Global Growth stabilizing... Global Growth stabilizing... Global Growth stabilizing... Global Growth stabilizing... Growth stabilizing...

From page 15 population of around 1.5 million or less—suffer chronic fiscal difficulties.

Two-fifths of the 35 developing economies that are small states are at high risk of debt distress or already in it. That’s roughly twice the share for other developing

economies. Comprehensive reforms are needed to address the fiscal challenges of small states.

Revenues could be drawn from a more stable and secure tax base.

Spending efficiency could be improved—especially in health, education, and infra-

structure. Fiscal frameworks could be adopted to manage the higher frequency of natural disasters and other shocks.

Targeted and coordinated global policies can also help put these countries on a more sustainable fiscal path.

Solidarity with the oppressed...

From page 05 the streets facing hostile police actions, including arrests and even risking their jobs to demand that Palestine be free.

Solidarity with the oppressed is gaining momentum.

A special word for the thousands of Jews that have taken to the streets, among the students and are making their voices heard, calling for a halt to this senseless slaughter.

“Not in my Name” they proclaim.

These are remarkable human beings standing up for our common humanity.

These are brave humanists; we just cannot thank them enough for their bold positive actions.

In conclusion, we must not allow the racists, the real beneficiaries of the genocide to continue to hide behind the few non-white faces.

We must continue to struggle to expose the modern day “Uncle Toms”. We must fight against the oppressors and their agents.

Finally, the struggle in the GAZA is showing us that the issue of class remains the most fundamental in our world.

Race is often used to obscure this so that the ruthless exploitation of working people of all races, nationalist or beliefs can continue unimpeded. We, the people must unite and put an end to the crimes of the rich and powerful.

Regards Former President, Donald Ramotar

Bids open to advance works on US$14M

food hub for Soesdyke/Linden Highway

The National

Drainage and I r r i g a t i o n Authority(NDIA)hasissued aninvitationforbid(IFB)to continue works on the US$14 million Regional Food Hub, which will be located on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, Region Four

NDIA, an agency under theMinistryofAgricultureis spearheading the project which is aimed at Guyana taking a lead role in the Caribbean Agriculture sectorwiththeestablishment oftheRegionalFoodHub.

The project was commenced last year with

phaseonecostingsome$187 million. For phase two, the government engineer estimates that it would cost $625 million for the construction of the foundation and external works.

Interested contractors areaskedtoparticipateinthe National Competitive Bidding(NCB)process.Bid documents will be available from June 5, 2024, and can be uplifted from NDIA’s cashier’s cage Finance Building, located at Regent Street and Vlissengen Road (Ministry of Agriculture), Georgetown upon payment of a non-refundable fee of

$3,000. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security amounting to the value specified in the bid document.

The bids should be addressedtothechairmanof the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and deposited in the tender box no later than 09:00 hours on Thursday,June27,2024.

Itshouldbenotedthatall bids must be accompanied by valid certificates of comp

ce f

Manager of the National Insurance Scheme and the Commissioner of the GuyanaRevenueAuthority

Achild’s right to play will always...

Frompage13 cause. Furtherunderscoring the importance of play, Gillis noted: “Last week we hadtheprivilegeandhonour to witness firsthand the inclusivity, emotional, physical and creative benefits that play brings.

UNICEF, who is partnering with the International C r i c k e t C o u n c i l , participated in two cricket clinics under the ICCs

C r i c k e t f o r G o o d Programme,”headded.

Congratulating the MinisterofHumanServices and Social Security, her teamandtheGovernmentof Guyana on the well thought out inaugural launched, he noted that UNICEF “remains committed to

w o r k i n g w i t h t h e government, local communitiesandchildrento ensure that every child can accessalltheirrights.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social

Security,Dr VindhyaVasini Persaud who gave the feature remarks emphasised theimportanceofplayinthe development of children’s innovative and creative skills, establishing healthy and positive social skills, mental well-being and how it could be utilised as a tool

for early childhood development. She stressed the Human Services Ministry’s emphasis on E a r l y C h i l d h o o d Development citing the programmes emanating from the Ministry including its parenting programme, training of caregivers in E a r l y C h i l d h o o d Development, development of parenting manuals and workbooksDay and /Night Care Early Childhood Development Consortiums, along with Public-Private Partnerships to establish these centers in workplaces andorganisations.

Minister Persaud

thanked UNICEF and the High Commission of Canada for their strong supportandcollaborationin manyoftheseinitiativesand recognised the work of the Child Care and Protection Agency in organising the first International Day of Play

The Ministry of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity is fulling the call by UNICEF and UNESCO to Fulfilevery child’s right to play by accelerating programmes towards key SDGTargetswhichinvolve: Promotingaccesstoquality, inclusive early childhood educationthroughourEarly Childhood Day and Night CareCentres;trainingofthe Caregivers that operate privately run Daycare and State-owned facilities Protection of public spaces throughour‘SafeSpacesfor our children’:Training in play-based teaching to caregivers.

National Parent Teachers Association...

Frompage12

limitedscopeofpastandpresentPTAbodies fueled our determination,” the release said. FurtheritaddedthatthePTAGrekindledits interests driven by the promise of impact. Indeed in Trinidad and Tobago the PTA is part of a tripartite management structure which encompasses the Ministry of Educationandstudentbody

Asaresult,thePTAGnotedthatthebody has elected Chairpersons –and dedicated individuals from nursery, primary and secondaryschoolsthathaveandwillforgea pathforward. “Theyareelectedinafaceto face election, their passion palpable; their goaltolaunchaforcefulmovement-onethat transcends bureaucracy and drives real change,”theassociationsaid.

In its statement, the PTAG reaffirmed theircommitmenttoaction.“Ourmandateis to systems, empower members and champion our children welfare,” the

Last year, Minister of Agriculture Z

disclosure of the regional food hub, during an event that was attended by the President of the Islamic Development Bank Dr MohammedSulaiman.

“We want this Guyana heretobethefoodhub.The primary production hub of the Caribbean so that we could supply the Caribbean.

What we have, our colleaguesintheCaribbean, don’t have. We have arable flat land and abundant fresh water Now with the investment coming on board,wecanmodernizethe

infrastructure, and start ramping up of the productions,” the minister stated.

Minister Mustapha had underscored that Guyana is lookingtoplayaleadrolein reducing the Caribbean’s foodimportbillby2025.He notedthatGuyanawillwork withtheStateofRoraimain Brazil to form a partnership in the development of the Hub.

Moreover, Senior MinisterwithintheOfficeof the President Dr Ashni Singh said the government have been in discussions with the Prime Minister of Barbados about sourcing

inputs from Northern Brazil and transporting them throughGuyanatoBarbados andviceversa.

“We see the regional food hub as very much a regional initiative as a piece of infrastructure that will contribute to a more efficient market for agricultural products, across the entire Caribbean and Northern South America,” Dr Singhhadsaid.

He noted that this will alsogiverisetothegrowing logistics industry in Guyana movinggoods,services,and people. The project will be partly funded by the government.

association added. The group plans to establish oversight of PTAs across Guyana from nursery to secondary with a view to broaden the work to vocational and tertiary levels.

According to the PTAG, the intention is toworkhand-in-handwiththeMinistryand other stakeholders with an aim to shape educationaloutcome “Wewillendeavorto have representation on education committees at the highest levels and train members, equipping them to execute their mandateeffectively.”

Theassociationalsointendstobridgethe gap between home and school enhancing teaching and learning. “We will lobby for meaningful change and ensuring our education systems evolve…We empower parent with knowledge demystifying policies and we raise funds to fuel transformative programmes.” The PTAG said.

A 28-year-old man on Wednesdaycompensateda taxi driver with $100,000 cashafterhehadstolenhis car at Festival City South Ruimveldt, Georgetown lastweekSaturday

The transaction took place when he appeared at t h e G e o r g e t o w n Magistrates’ Court for using a toy gun to rob the taxidriverandhijackedhis car on June 8, 2024. The accused, Akeem Hatton appearedbeforeMagistrate Annette Singh to face a, ‘Robbery under arms’ charge. Hatton was unable to plea to the indictable charge. However, the case was dismissed after the victim accepted the $100,000 compensation The victim also recovered hiscar According to police

report, at around 15:00hrs on June 8,2024 the victim was working taxi and picked up Hatton on the ColdigenPublicRoad,East Coast Demerara (ECD) Hattontoldhimthathewas heading to Festival City

South Ruimveldt, Georgetown They reportedly arrived around 15:55 hrs at the location where Hatton told the taxi driver to stop the car Hatton then placed an objectthatappearedtobea gun behind the victim’s neckandtoldhimtothrow his car keys out of the car andexit.Healsoinstructed the taxi driver to walk up the road and as the victim wasdoingso,hereportedly drove off with the victim’s car According to reports the victim also had a Samsung cell phone and

$80,000 cash in the car whenHattondroveaway

Thevictimreportedthe matter immediately and police across the coast were advised to be on the lookout for the stolen car Later that day police stopped the accused with the stolen car at a road block set up in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Police searched him and the stolen car and recovered the victim’s cell phone, his $80,000 cash andtoygunthatwereused to rob him Police cautioned Hatton and arrested him While questioning him at the La Penitence Police Station, Hatton admitted to committing the crime and said he did it because the victim owed him some money

Linden-Soesdyke Highway

Gaza ceasefire plan in balance as US says Hamas proposed ‘changes’

(BBC NEWS) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Hamas has proposed “numerous changes” to a US-backed planforaGazaceasefireand hostage release deal, which currently hangs in the balance.

HetoldreportersinDoha that some of the changes were “workable” and others werenot,butthattheUSand mediators Qatar and Egypt would “try to close this deal” Hamas said on Tuesday that it was ready to “deal positively” with the processbutstressedtheneed for Israel to agree to a permanentceasefire.Israel’s government has not commented, but an anonymous Israeli official said the Palestinian armed group’s response amounted toarejection.

OnTuesday,Mr Blinken said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “ r e a f f i r m e d h i s commitment” to the ceasefire proposal and that onlyHamasstoodintheway of progress. However, Mr Netanyahu has not publicly endorsedtheplan,whichUS PresidentJoeBidensaidhad been offered by Israel when he outlined it 12 days ago. TheUNSecurityCouncilon Monday passed a resolution supporting the proposal, adding to the diplomatic

pressuretheUSisexerting.

The BBC is part of the travelling press pool on the US secretary of state’s visit to Qatar - a glittering Gulf locationthatbeliesthesense of regional crisis he is attempting to solve with a diplomatic tour taking place at breakneck speed. At a news conference with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Mr. Blinken said they had been discussing the changes requested by Hamas to the US-backed ceasefire proposal.“Adealwasonthe table that was virtually identical to a proposal that Hamasputforwardon6May -adealthattheentireworld is behind, that Israel has accepted, and Hamas could haveansweredwithasingle word:‘yes’,”hesaid.

“Instead, Hamas waited nearly two weeks and then proposed more changes, a numberofwhichgobeyond positions that it had previously taken and accepted.” But, he added, US, Qatari and Egyptian officials would “try to close this deal”. “I believe those gapsarebridgeable.Butthat doesn’t mean they will be bridged because, ultimately, Hamashastodecide.”

Sheikh Mohammed said both Hamas and Israel

needed to make some concessions “We are witnessing a shift in this conflict in the recent period and there is a clear and firm call to end this war,” he noted.Mr Blinkenalsosaid it was crucial to develop plans for the “day after the conflict” in Gaza as soon as possible in order to achieve an enduring end to the war

“In the coming weeks, we will put forward proposals for key elements of a ‘day after plan’, including concrete ideas for how to manage governance, security, reconstruction,” he added. The brief statement issuedbyHamasonTuesday evening confirming that it had given an official response to the ceasefire proposal did not outline any of the changes it had requested However, the groupdidreiterateademand for what it called “a completehaltoftheongoing aggression against Gaza” and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces A Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, said t h e r e s p o n s e w a s “responsible, serious and positive” and that it opened up “a wide pathway” to reach an agreement. The Israeli prime minister’s office did not release an onrecordreply

But a statement was issued by an anonymous

15,694 kids killed, 17,000 without parents - Gaza Health Ministry 250 days of Israeli war on Gaza...

(AL JAZEERA)

Gaza’s government says that 15,694 children have been killed and 17,000 are without parents after 250 days of Israel’s war on Gaza.

Gaza’s Ministry of Health warns that hospitals, health centres andtheonlyoxygenstation

in the Gaza City governorate are at risk of goingoutofserviceduetoa lackoffuel.

HamasandPalestinian Islamic Jihad say they submitted a response to an UN-backed ceasefire proposal to mediators in Qatar and Egypt. “Homes, hospitals, schools, universities, agriculture,

theeconomy…devastated. And still the bombs fall,” says a UNICEF official frominsideGaza.

Acutemalnutrition

Meanwhile, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) says a significant proportion of people in Gaza are now facing “catastrophic hunger and famine-likeconditions”.

“Despite reports of increased delivery of food, there is currently no evidence that those who need it most are

receiving sufficient quantity and quality of food,” said DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Tedros said

Israeliofficial,whosaidthat Hamas had “changed all of the main and most meaningfulparameters”and “rejected the proposal for a hostage release that was presented by President Biden”. The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas in r e s p o n s e t o a n unprecedented attack on southernIsraelon7October, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 othersweretakenhostage. Morethan37,200people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’sHamas-runhealth ministry A deal agreed in November saw Hamas release105ofthehostagesin return for a week-long ceasefire and some 240 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Israel says 116 hostagesarestillbeingheld, 41 of whom are presumed dead.MrBidensaidthenew

proposal involved three phases.

The first would involve aninitialsix-weekceasefire, when Hamas would release some of the hostagesincluding women, the elderly and the sick or wounded - in exchange for Israelreleasinganundefined number of Palestinian prisoners. There would also be a withdrawal of Israeli forces “from all populated areasofGaza”anda“surge” inhumanitarianassistance.

Thesecondphasewould see all remaining living hostages released and the withdrawal of all Israeli forcesfromGazaaspartofa “permanent cessation of hostilities”, but the latter would still be subject to further negotiations. During the third phase, the remains of any dead hostages would be returned and a major reconstructionplanforGaza wouldcommence.

While the White House is in effect trying to bounce thesidesintoprogressonan agreement, Israel’s leadership remains deeply sceptical about it. Far-right ministers are pressuring Mr Netanyahu to ignore Washington’s diplomacy and have threatened to quit his governing coalition and triggeritscollapseiftheUSbacked proposal goes forward, seeing it as a surrender to Hamas. The prime minister has not unequivocally voiced support for the plan, which he has acknowledged was authorised by his war cabinet. The actual Israeli proposal - reportedly lengthier than the summary presentedbyMr Biden-has not been made public and it is unclear whether it varies from what the president conveyed. It was presented to Hamas days before Mr Biden’sspeech.

More than 80 people dead in DR Congo after boat capsizes

thereweremorethan8,000 children under five years

old who had been diagnosed and treated for acute malnutrition, including 1,600 children with severe acute malnutrition.

“However, due to insecurity and lack of access, only two stabilisation centres for severely malnourished patients can operate,” he added

“Our inability to provide health services safely, combined with the lack of clean water

a n d s a n i t a t i o n , significantly increases the risk of malnourished children ”

(AL JAZEERA) More than 80 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have died after the boat they were travellingonsank,President Felix Tshisekedi has announced.

The accident on Wednesday occurred on the Kwa River, about 70km (43 miles) from the city of Mushie in MaiNdombeprovince

“The President of the Republic is calling for an investigation into the true causes of this unfortunate incident, to prevent such a disaster from happening again in t h e f u t u r e , ” t h e presidency said in a statement posted on X Tshisekedi “sends his condolences to the families and loved ones of

Deadly boat accidents are common in the DRC [File: Luke Dennison/AFP]

thevictims,”thestatement said, adding that he directedauthoritiestotake measures and help those affected. Theincidentwascaused by night sailing, Rita Bola Dula, Ma

N

mbe province governor, told Reuters news agency, a d d i n

h e investigations continued. Deadly boat accidents are commonintheDRC,where vessels are frequently loaded well beyond their capacity

The central African countryhasfewtarredroads across its vast, forested territory, and river travel is common.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke after discussing Hamas’s response with Qatar’s prime minister in Doha

A suspected ganja farmer evaded police on Tuesday when they raided his camp abackofVictoriaVillage,East CoastDemerara.

In a press release police saidthatactingonintelligence received from an unidentified source, ranks on Tuesday, June 11 arrived at an area in Victoria Backlands, ECD, wheretheydiscoveredseveral plots of land and a makeshift camp that were used for the cultivation and processing of cannabis.

Upon their arrival, the ranks observed an unnamed 33-year-old resident of the area preparing two plots of land of about two acres each. When the individual was alerted of their presence, he dashed away into the dense v e g e t a t i o n o n t h e southwestern part of the land and made good his escape.

The ranks proceeded to investigate the plots of land andthestructurethatservedas a 'camp' of sorts, and

discovered an alarming amount of cannabis and c a n n a b i s - r e l a t e d paraphernalia Several personal items were found in the camp, including clothing, a mattress, a hammock, two cell phones, an electronic tablet, one Digicel Wi-Fi connector, the national identification card of the escaped suspect, and food items.Also found around the structure were several large, black bags containing partially dried leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant; as well as two 2-ft. cannabis plants in a small bucket. The total estimated weight of the narcotics found isapproximately250lbs.The ranks took samples of the suspected cannabis for testing, as well as other items relevant to the investigation, and proceeded to destroy the camp and the narcotics by incinerating them The Guyana Police Force is still investigatingthismatter

Victoria man bolts after police raid ganja camp

...250 lbs of cannabis found and destroyed

Grimmond named Guyana Women’s U19 Captain ahead of CWI Regional tournament

Realeanna Grimmond

was recently named Captain oftheGuyana’sWomenU19 Team, ahead of the CWI Rising Stars Women’s

u n d e r 1 9 R e g i o n a l

C h a m p i o n s h i p s Grimmond, a West Indies under-19 player, will take over from former U-19 skipper Ashmini Munisar,

along with deputy spinner NiyaLatchman,thepairwill lead an imposing unit that performed at a high level duringthelasteditionofthe regionaltournament.

The Guyanese, who finished 2nd overall last year, missed out on the title after being edged out by eventual winners Jamaica, despite being tied on 16 points.

Thursday June 13, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of a

hat's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday

CANCER(June21–July22)

Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some intellectual pro

s Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

It'sgoingtobealittledifficult talking to you today, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Haveyoubeenreviewingyour family history lately, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.

wing out for Trinidad and TobagoonJune30,withthe Wo

running from July 2-14 GuyanaWomen’sU19Team - Realeanna Grimmond (Captain), Naomi Barkoye, Niya Latchman (Vice-

Hardat, Laurene Williams, Denelle Lindee, Crystal

Manager: Treymayne Smartt

Coach: Clive Grimmond Standbys-AaliyahDaSilva, Qzel Sampson, Daniela Hicks, Areah Ally, Aneesha ChetramCiannaBarkoye

This year, experienced players like Trisha Hardat, NaomiBarkoye,TieaIsaacs, Crystal Durant and others will have an opportunity to showcase their talents, adding to their exploits last y e a r Meanwhile, the ladies will

Durant, Brianna Samaroo, Shonette Belgrave, Tiea Isaacs, Danellie Manns, Tremaine Marks, Latoya Williams.

Realeanna Grimmond Niya Latchman

Zampa reaches milestone as Australia thrash Namibia to reach T20 World Cup Super 8s

SportsMax - Adam Zampa hit a milestone as Australia reached the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup with a resounding nine-

wicket thrashing of Namibia.

Leg-spinnerZampatook 4-12 to reach a century of wickets in the shortest

format, as Namibia were bowled out for just 72 in 17 oversinAntigua.

Australia needed just 34 balls to surpass that total,

withTravisHead’sunbeaten 34 from 17 deliveries propelling them to a comprehensivewin.

David Warner (20) was the only Australian to lose his wicket, with captain Mitchell Marsh (18 not out) hittingthewinningruns.

Australia are now top of Group B ahead of facing surprise package Scotland onSunday Tuesday’s other match, between Sri Lanka and Nepal, was called off due to rain without a ball having beenbowled.

Theabandonmentofthat match in Florida means that Sri Lanka’s hopes of qualifyingforthenextround areallbutover Sri Lanka are bottom of Group D with just one match left to play, against the Netherlands on Monday.

Data Debrief: Zampa makeshistory

Zampa is the first Australian to reach the century landmark for wickets in T20Is, while his 12 runs conceded againstNamibiaisthejoint-

lowesttotalofanyplayerfor Australia from a full four overs in a T20 World Cup match.

Gerhard Erasmus was the only player to impress for Namibia. He scored 36 runs, 50 per cent of his team’stotal.

That is the highest proportion of any batter in a Namibia T20 World Cup innings

Scores: Australia 74 for 1 (Head 34*) beat Namibia 72 (Erasmus 36, Zampa 4-12) by nine wickets

Adam Zampa hit a milestone as he took 4-12 to reach a century of wickets as Australia reached the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar leads India to Super 8s in win over USA

B B C S p o r t -

SuryakumarYadav made an unbeaten half-century as India reached the Super 8s despite being given a fright in a seven-wicket win over T20 World Cup co-hosts USA.

Left-armseamerArshdeep

Singh was rewarded for his diligence and accuracy with impressivefiguresof4-9ashe helped restrict the United Statesto110-8

NitishKumarplayedsome stylishshotstotopscoreforthe

USwith27off23balls,butthe total felt comfortably within reach of India’s powerful battingline-up

However,anervoushush

d e s c e n d e d o n t h e predominantly IndiasupportingcrowdinNewYork whentheymadeaspluttering start to their reply First Virat Kohli nicked off Saurabh

Netravalkarforagoldenduck then the US left-arm fast bowlerpickedupthewicketof fellow opener Rohit Sharma via a leading edge to leave Indiareelingat10-2 Apivotal momentcameinthe13thover, with India on 59-3, when Netravalkar spilled a high catch that would have dismissedSuryakumaron22 From that point Suryakumar senseditwashisdayasheand Shivam Dube, who finished with 31 from 35 balls, found theboundarymorefreely

The US will also qualify fortheSuper8siftheyavoid defeatintheirfinalGroupA match against Ireland in Florida on Friday, or if the gameisrainedoff.

Kohli struggles as India scrape home It’s been a particularly miserable time onthepitchinNewYorkfor oneofIndia’sstarnames.

The conditions didn’t allow Suryakumar Yadav to really break free. (ICC/Getty Images)

Kohli came into the tournament on the back of stellar season in the Indian Premier League where he

inhigh-endcoffeeshopswith his Bollywood actress wife Anushka Sharma without the frenziedattentionhewouldget a home Kohli might have enjoyed his time spent in Manhattan,buthisimpacton the cricketing graph of the same name barely stretches above the height of a bungalow so far in this tournament.

Scores of four, one and zero in his last three innings, albeit on tricky pitches at the venue inside Eishenhower Park, will be of a nagging concern to India supporters beforetheSuper8s

was top runscorer with 741 atanaverageof61.75. Off the field in the Big Applehehasbeenabletorelax

Memories of the USA’s shockwinoverPakistanmight have caused a few palms to sweat particularly when Rishabh Pant, crucial in India’sownwinoverPakistan, sawhismiddlestumppegged backbyAliKhan

Recognising the precarious nature of the situation, Suryakumar, a flamboyant 360 player, initially reined in his approach to get India over the line. His heart would havebeeninhismouthwhen Netravalkar, a part-time software engineer and former India Under-19 player,pitter-patteredonthe turfatshortthirdunderneath atopedgeonlytofumbleit. ForanAssociateteamto beatapowerhouselikeIndia those types of chances have to be taken and from that point SKY and Dube were able to cruise home with 10 ballstospare.

Scores: India 111 for 3 (Suryakumar50*,Dube31*, Netravalkar 2-18) beat USA 110 for 8 (Nitish 27, Taylor 24,Arshdeep 4-9, Hardik 214)bysevenwickets.

MVP Sports pledges support for upcoming Mazaruni Boys and Girls U18 Football

Th e P e t r a

Organisation

r e c e i v e d a substantial donation from long-standing partner MVP Sports yesterday, ensuring the successful kickoff of the upcoming Mazaruni Boys’

and Girls’ Football Tournament. Scheduled to commence on June 16, the tournament promises an exciting showcase of young talent from region seven areas.

The presentation ceremonytookplaceatMVP

Sports’ Giftland Mall location MVP Sports contributed practice balls and a significant financial donation, bolstering the resources needed for the tournament. Key attendees included Petra Co-Director Marlan Cole, Aalyha Hinds representative, tournament coordinator Sir Neil Henrito from D C Caesar Fox Secondary, and MVPSports Store Manager Selwin Apple.

During the brief ceremony, Apple expressed

supporting local football

“We are always pleased to support local football and have this opportunity yet again to assist in the overall development of sports countrywide. We at MVP Sports are looking forward to this competition as these youngsters from the rural Mazaruni areas get a chance to showcase their talent as they vie for championship glory,”Applestated.

The tournament, the brainchild of school teacher

Tournament coordinator, Neil Henrito (second left) receiving financial donation from MVP Sports, Store Manager Selwin Apple in the presence of Petra rep, Aalyha Hinds and MVP rep.

NeilHenrito,issettorolloff its second edition The

featured only boys, with Paruima Boys emerging as winners.Thisyear,theevent hasexpandedtoincludeboth boys’ and girls’ divisions, featuring teams from v

Waramadong, Kamarang, Kako,Jawalla,andPhilipai.

In his featured address, Henrito expressed heartfelt gratitude to MVP Sports.

“Wearehappytodaytobeon the receiving end of this invaluable contribution With this contribution, we will be able to effectively grow our tournament and further enhance the athlete’s experience This helps promote the inclusivity

aspectofthetournamentand a

he opportunity to witness new talent,”Henritosaid.

The tournament is also supported by the Petra Organisation, Busta, and Turbo Energy Drink, further h

h l i g h

h e collaborative effort to promotesportsdevelopment intheregion.

2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup…West Indies vs. New Zealand Rutherford fifty, Joseph/Motie combo lead Windies to 13-run win over New Zealand

- Joseph 4-19, Motie 3-25, Rutherford 68*

Ablistering halfcentury from man-of-thematch Sherfane Rutherford coupled with magical spells from left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and pacer Alzarri Joseph, gave the West Indies a crucial 13-run win over New Zealand last night under lights at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium, Trinidad & Tobago The Caribbean team also marched into the Super 8 withthatvictory New Zealand, won the toss and elected to field but failed to finish the innings properly,astheyallowedthe Windies to post 149-9 in their20oversafterbeing767atonepoint.

BattingfortheCaribbean side was led by the hardhitting Rutherford who pummeledhis2ndT20Ififty,

a scorching career-best 39ballunbeaten68with6sixes and just two fours; a wellpaced innings which helped hissiderecoverafterlooking unsure about reaching 100runmark.

The Kiwi bowling was ledbytheexperiencedthreeheadedpaceattackfeaturing Trent Boult (3-16), Tim Southee (2-21) and Lockie Ferguson (2-27), who produced spells which rockedtheWestIndies;prior to Rutherford’s counterattack.

TheKiwisinreplymade 136-9 with Glenn Phillips utilizing his experience of playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for a number of years and knowingtheconditions,topscoringwith40.

Motie was sensational with his left-arm spin,

snapping up 3-25 from his quota of 4 overs. Strike bowler, speedster Alzarri Joseph returned 4-19 following an excellent spell which lent support to the wizardryofMotie.

Opener Finn Allen (26)

GBA’s National Novice Championship fist off today

The 2024 National Novice Boxing Championship is set to begin today at the National Gymnasium on MandelaAvenue.

Thiseventmarksanother highlight in a busy year for boxing, as the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) hosts its annual Novice Championship, a crucial platform for discovering emergingtalents.

T h e t h r e e - d a y tournament, running from June 13th to June 15th, will featureathletesfromvarious

gyms, including the ForgottenYouthFoundation, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, P a c e a n d P o w e r ,

Vergen

n, New Amsterdam Academy, and RepublicansBoxingGym.

T h e N o v i c e Championship plays a vital role in the development of thesport,offeringavaluable opportunity for the next generation of boxers to showcase their skills and gainrecognition.

“The GBA remains committed to excellence in boxing by enhancing existing programmes and adopting modern standards and practices respected worldwide.

The development of young talent is crucial, and we will continue to support this, which has been key to Guyana’s dominance in the

Caribbean,” stated GBA PresidentSteveNinvalle.

GBATechnicalDirector, Terrence Poole, emphasized the significance of this championship as a foundational stage for many boxers.

“This is where we identify future talents, as many boxers start their careershere.

We expect lots of excitement; as the new boxers, though not yet technically perfect are eager andenthusiastic.

After the event, we will select the most promising talents for further training and development,” Poole explained.

playended,provedabrilliant move as he immediately removed Kiwis skipper Kane Williamson (1), Rachin Ravindra (10) beforeknockingoverDarryl Mitchell(12).

After Phillips departed courtesyofJoseph,notmuch camefromtheNewZealand order except Mitchell Santner (21*) who hit a few late sixes before the innings cametoanend.

foundthemselvesbackinthe dressingroom.

Andre Russell (14) then smackedtwofoursandasix in an over from Ferguson, which yielded 17 runs; beforefallingtotheclassof Boult

But Rutherford had o

gave his team a solid start afterhittingthreefoursanda six to help New Zealand reach 32-1 after their first power-playended.

Allen and his partner Devon Conway (5) were then sent packing after timely strikes from Hosein andJoseph.

Motie’sintroductioninto the attack after the power-

Earlierbattingfirst,West Indies were three down insidethepower-play,losing opener Johnson Charles (0), Nicholas Pooran (17), Roston Chase (0) and skipper Rovman Powell (1) ;courtesy of some classy fast-bowling from Boult, Southee and Ferguson who rippedopenthetop-order Wicketscontinuedtofall as medium-pacer James Neesham(1-27)andleft-arm spinner Santner (1-27) struck as Hosein (15) and Romario Shepherd (13)

bowlers during the last three overs, with overs 19 and 20 going for 19 and 18 runs respectively; reaching his half-century while digging his team out ofahole

The home team will now shift their attention to their next match and what could be their most important assignment to date, inAfghanistan Scores: West Indies 149 for 9 (Rutherford 68*, Boult 3-16, Southee 2-21) beat New Zealand (Phillips 40, Joseph 419, Motie 3-25) by 13 runs

PiGBAHead, Steve Ninvalle,

Terrence Poole GBATechnical Director

Trent Boult struck in the opening over of a T20I for only the second time. (ICC/Getty Images)

Sherfane Rutherford helped West Indies tick along through the middle overs. (Getty Images)

Alzarri Joseph sent back the dangerous FinnAllen. (ICC/Getty Images)