Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil going beyond industry standards in transfer of oil from FPSO to tankers

-In-CountryProjectsManager

The process of transferring oil from a Floating Production Storage and Offloading(FPSO)vesseltoatanker,that transports the commodity to refineries across the world, is a tedious one that requires careful planning to ensure safety oftheenvironment.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) recently explained how the company is going beyond industry standards to ensure an oil spill does not occur during this procedure. Exxon’s InCountry Projects Manager, Rebecca Cvikota,duringapublicscopingmeeting for the eight proposed development, Longtail, last week delved into the steps takenbythecompany

She said, “There’s a lot of things that we do in this process to ensure it’s done safely If we’re gonna do this every three tofivedaysthenwewannamakesurethat when we transfer oil from the FPSO to the crudetankerthatwedon’tloseanyofthatoil to the environment. We wanna transfer it safelyandkeepthecontainmentinplace.So, there’safewwayswedothis.”

‘Guyanaisthebestoffshore playintheworldpresently’

…higher drilling rates likely next year - Drilling company CEO

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Noble Corporation, Robert Eifler has described Guyana as the best offshore location intheworldpresently

Eifler in an interview with Offshore Magazine earlier this month discussed offshore drilling trends, regional hotspots and his company’s role in the market.

Exxon’s In-Country Projects Manager, Rebecca Cvikota

Sheexplainedthatthecompanyfirstuses adoublecontainmenthosewhichessentially means a hose inside of a hose. This is to ensure any issues with the interior hose that results in a leak allows the oil to be trapped ratherthanreleasedintotheenvironment.

DuringthetransferofoilfromtheFPSOs tothetankers,Exxonalsousesahawserthat is connected between the two vessels to ensure the tanker does not drift too far from theFPSO,asthiscanresultindamagetothe hosetransferringtheoil.

Additionally, three tug boats are used to ensurethecrudetankerstaysasafedistance fromtheFPSO.

According to Cvikota, ExxonMobil, “Goes above and beyond what’s industry standard to ensure that these operations are safe.Soindustrystandardsaysyouonlyneed

two tugs, we use three tugs. Industry standardssaysyoushouldbe90metersaway, we’re 120 meters away This is how we proactively go above and beyond what industrytellsustodotomakesurethatthese operations which we are gonna do regularly are done in a safe way to protect the environment.”

EMGL is the operator of the oil-rich Stabroek Block, currently producing about 650,000 barrels of oil per day Currently, three FPSOs are operating, the Liza Unity, Liza Destiny and Prosperity In the meantime, the company is working to commence production at three other developments that have been sanctioned to date,Yellowtail,UaruandWhiptail.

Additionally, the company has made an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for its seventh and eight project, Hammerhead and Longtail, respectively

By 2030, ExxonMobil plans to produce 1.3 million barrels of oil daily from the StabroekBlock.

country there, in what’s arguably the best offshore playintheworldrightnow.”

The CEO added that he expectstoseefurthergrowth intheGuyanaandSuriname areas, as well as Brazil, Colombia and West Africa compared to the U.S where drillingisconcerned.

Guyana’s unmatched o ff s h o r e s u c c e s s , particularly in the Stabroek Block has left quite an impression on the CEO and President of the Londonbased offshore drilling company

He was asked to commentonsomeofthekey emerging hotspots around the world and how he sees those markets evolving. To this end, Eifler explained, “For deep water rigs, all the actionremainsinthegolden triangle - U.S, West Africa and South America - and I don’t think that’s going to change. We are drilling in eachoneofthoseRegions.”

He was keen to note, “I would say for Noble, we’re particularly active in Guyana; we’re the largest drilling contractor in the

Meanwhile, with regard to the company’s drilling rates, Eifler said these are likely to increase by next year Offshore Magazine highlighted the fact that in March 2020, day rates for drill ships climbed to about US$500,000dailyandasked theCEOwhetherthedrilling marketisstillhotorcooling off.

To this end, Eifler said, “Therealityisthat2025will be slightly slower than we hadhoped,callitayearago, which I think is easily explained by oil prices. There’saslightlylowerspot pricing, and if you look out to the middle of the forward curve,slightlylowerbutmy

Chief Executive Officer and President of Noble Corporation, Robert Eifler

optimism about the future is as high as it’s ever been, all ofourforwardindicatorsfor growthareverystrong.”

Despite the short-term lull, Noble’s CEO indicated that the company has observed Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) being taken at a very high pace whileothertypesofservices likesubseatreesand Continuedonpage6

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Guyana, U.S. and Cuba

SecretaryofStateoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,Marco RubioisexpectedinGuyanathisweekaspartofaCaribbean tour For Guyana, though the matter of the border controversywithVenezuelawillloomlarge,theissueofthe United State’s policy on Cuba and its recent threat of sanctionstonationsthatcontinuetoengageCuba’smedical professionals will likely take centre stage. While Grenada, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago’s position on the issue has been unequivocal, Guyana has sought to play it safe, preferringtosaythatitspositionwouldbepartofthegrand Caricom’sresponse.

RubiohimselfhasbeenquotedontheStateDepartment’s website saying that within the first two weeks of President Trump’sterm,theStateDepartmenttookdecisiveactionto rescind major last-minute policy changes on Cuba announcedbythepreviousadministrationonJanuary14.He isquotedassaying:“TheCubanregimehaslongsupported actsofinternationalterrorism.Wecallfortheregimetoend itssupportforterrorism,andtostopprovidingfood,housing, and medical care to foreign murderers, bombmakers, and hijackers,whileCubansgohungryandlackaccesstobasic medicine.”

Additionally, he said on January 31, 2025, he approved there-creationoftheCubaRestrictedList,whichprohibits certaintransactionswithcompaniesunderthecontrolof,or acting for or on behalf of, the repressive Cuban military, intelligence, or security services or personnel. “The State Department is re-issuing the Cuba Restricted List to deny resources to the very branches of the Cuban regime that directly oppress and surveil the Cuban people while controlling large swaths of the country’s economy In additiontorestoringtheentitiesthatwereonthelistuntilthe final week of the previous administration, we are adding Orbit,S.A.,aremittance-processingcompanyoperatingfor oronbehalfoftheCubanmilitary,”Rubiosaid.

Cuba has long loomed inordinately large in the foreign policy calculations of the US – ever since a young radical namedFidelCastroseizedpowerfromthedictatorBatistain 1959. The latter had opened up the island state, just ninety milesfrommainlandAmerica,intoaplaygroundoftherich and a lucrative market for US corporations. Castro’s rapid alignment with Moscow in the context of the Cold War (whichwasvery“hot”then)wasviewedasaveritableactof war that the new liberal US President, John Kennedy felt impelledbydomesticpolitics(“softonReds”)tocounteract.

ThehumiliatingdebacleoftheUSsponsoredBayofPigs invasionin1961andthestandoffthatalmostbroughtabouta nuclearwarwhentheUSSRattemptedtostationmissilesin CubaledtotheUSdefiningCubaasathreattoitsnational security As part of its response, the US in 1962 imposed a blockade on trade, investment and travel between it and Cubathatinoneformoranotherhasremainedinplace.

Another response by Kennedy was to vow to “prevent anotherCuba”intheHemisphereandwhenheassessedthe PPP regime in Guyana in power at that time to be “communist leaning,” he engineered the removal of PPP from office through CIA agitation that spilled over into ethnic hostilities.And thus has the history of modern Cuba andGuyanabeenintertwined.Butalotofwaterhasflowed underthebridgesince–notablytheUSSRanditsperceived threat to the US collapsing ignominiously by 1990. In Guyana,thePPPwasseenasnotposingathreatanylonger andtheUS,throughtheaegisoftheCarterCentreandother institutionsmid-wifedareturnofdemocraticelectionshere –andthereturnofthePPPintooffice.TheUSpolicytowards Cubahoweverneverdidevolvetothatdegree.

Therewere,howeversignificantdifferencesbetweenthe two scenarios that may explain the disparate responses. Cuba,smallasitwas,continuedtothumbitsnoseattheUS andpresenteditspolitical,economicandsocialsystemsasa moreviablealternativetothoseoftheUS.Itevenpresented theUSembargoasthereasonwhyconditionsontheisland

The police have lost completely all control of our traffic situation

DEAREDITOR,

Irefertoaletterfromthe Member of Parliament Ms. Annette Ferguson captioned “Increases in road accidents appear to be the result of negligible enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act amendments 2023 and 2024” SN 17th March2025.

Whilst I wholeheartedly praise and applaud the letter writtenbytheMP,Ireadthe letter twice and did not see where the honourable member states that she p r e s e n t e d h e r complaints/questions to the National Assembly, the date it was formally laid there, and the information contained in the responses, which the appropriate Minister is obligated to answer truthfully by law If the minister does not reply, thentheHonourablemember isfullyentitledtoinformthe public.

Editor, the police have lostcompletelyallcontrolof ourtrafficsituation,asIalso believethattheyhavelostall abilitytoenforceourlawsin general.Inthenewspaperon 3/22.25, a criminal in court,

threatened the police with “Y’alldead!Igon’killallof y’all!” These developments indicate a failed Police Force.

ToseethecurrentTraffic Chiefinthemediaappealing to the public to be more courteous on the road is, in my opinion, a useless activityontheChief’spart.I prefer to see him getting his traffic ranks mobilised aggressively on the road daily,forcingourcompletely lawless citizens to abide by the traffic regulations. This has gone too far now for begging the public to be more careful, testosterone is ruling the road in Guyana now, not good sense or the roadregulations.

Enforcingthelawrigidly must now take precedence over begging for good sense to prevail, and the claims of discriminationmadebymany commentators, should be echoedbypublicoutrage Let the police control the Force and stop this alleged systematic destruction of the upperechelonsoftheForceto control it politically It’s not working, and on questioning manymembersoftheForce,I

get the distinct impression that they only report to work and use up the hours looking for a ‘freck’ on the street, reinforcing the allegations of discriminationbyPaulSlowe etal Mostofourpolicehave downed tools, disillusioned and demotivated, since it is their firm belief that political sponsorshipforpromotionsis making them unable to advance in that job by fearlessly enforcing the law It’s hardly a situation conducivetodedicatedpolice work at any level and in all departments Our system of policeprosecutorsisalsovery archaic and ineffective and should be overhauled with a more qualified and dedicated publicprosecutorsystem,US example There was even a letter in KN written by one Halim Khan head of the Region 3 private sector captioned “recognising dedicated police ranks for promotion”

Mr Khan makes a very tellingstatementaboutranks whohaveonlyjustgraduated and are being promoted to corporal just months after entering the Force, when high performing ranks with

several years of experience arenotbeingpromoted.

Other questions which I would like the Honourable MemberFergusontoaskare: “1 How many AfroGuyanese and IndoGuyanese are currently employed in the Force as constables?2.Howmanyby that same ethnic difference are Corporals, Sergeants, Inspectors, Superintendents etc.? 3. How many IndoGuyanese have entered the PoliceForcewithinthepast5 years?” When answered if the percentage of ethnic differences in the higher ranks does not match the ethnic composition of the constablelevel,thenthecase of discrimination can very easily be made as the majorityofcommentatorsin thiscountryarealleging,the names alone will identify them, e.g. Singh v Smith. The entire situation is just unacceptable, imagine a police officer with 500 million in his bank account, with allegations that other corrupt senior ranks are also hugepropertyowners!

Sincerely,

TonyVieira

Babu Jaan must reflect Cheddi Jagan’s Vision, Not Betray It

DEAREDITOR,

As another Babu Jaan c o m m e m o r a t i o n approaches,itisimportantto reflectonwhetherthisevent truly honours the legacy of Dr. Cheddi Jagan or has become a political tool for division and hostility. Dr. Jagan stood for unity, democracy, and social progress. Yet, under the stewardship of Bharrat Jagdeo,thissolemnoccasion hasrepeatedlybeenusedasa platform to attack critics, incite political animosity, andfurtherdivideGuyana.

A clear example of this was in 2019, when Jagdeo usedhisBabuJaanaddressto launch an all-out verbal assault on the Coalition

government, accusing them of “dictatorial rule” and “rigging” even before an electionwasheld.Hisspeech was not about national development or Cheddi

Jagan’s ideals but a politically charged tirade aimed at inciting party supporters. Similarly, in 2022,ratherthanfocusingon policies or national reconciliation, Jagdeo used theplatformtolabelcriticsof thegovernmentas“sellouts”

and “anti-progress, ” reinforcing an “us versus them” mentality that Cheddi

Jagan would have condemned.

In 2023, the pattern continued as Jagdeo stood before the audience at Babu

werenotbetterthantheywere. TherewerealsosignificantenclavesofCubanémigrésin two key states – Florida and New Jersey – that brought pressureonsuccessiveUSadministrationstopreventareturn tothestatusquoante.FromthePresidencyofJimmyCarterin theseventiestothatofthelastBush,therehavebeenaback and forth in loosening the restrictions of travel and remittancestoCubaandthentighteningthemagain–withthe Democratsgenerallyinfavourofloosening.Therehavebeen several bills passed by both Congress and the Senate-some wentasfarasproposinganendtotheembargo–buttheywere allstymiedattheWhiteHouse.DuringthePresidentObama administration, he had dubbed President Bush’s policy toward Cuba a “humanitarian and strategic blunder” and

John and openly ridiculed political opponents while making sweeping racial insinuationsthatonlyserved

to deepen Guyana’s divisions Instead of discussing how the ruling party could address issues

s

or equitable distribution of oil wealth, he used the moment to brand dissenters as “troublemakers”anddismiss

valid concerns about governance. Thisisnotwhat Babu John should represent. Cheddi Jagan was a leader whobelievedinengagingall Guyanese,regardlessoftheir political affiliations. He did not preach hate; he built movements based on justice

and fair play If the commemoration at Babu

John is to remain meaningful,itmustreturnto thoseprinciples.Itmustbea space for unity, reflection, and a recommitment to the ideals that made Dr. Jagan a belovednationalfigure. If Jagdeo and the ruling party truly want to honour CheddiJagan,theymuststop weaponizing his legacy for political gain and instead work toward building a Guyana that is inclusive, democratic, and free from the toxic rhetoric that now dominatesthisannualevent. Anythinglessisabetrayalof Jagan’svision.

Sincerely, B.Rajkumar

Obamahadeasedtravelrestrictionsforthosewithrelativesin Cuba and an end to limits on remittances. Former President JoeBidenhadalsosoftenedactionsontheSpanish-speaking island, only to see them being restored by the Trump administration.

So as Guyana prepares to sit down for talks with the US topdiplomat,thisCubandoctorissue,andtheunilateraland heavy-handedmannerinwhichtheUShasusedittosqueeze countriesinthisregiondefinitelycallsforGeorgetowntodo morethanhidingbehindCaricom’sfrocktail.Nodoubt,due to the border controversy with Venezuela, there is a heavy dependency on the US to make-up for this country’s limitations.Still,theremustbealimittohowmuchGuyana’s leaderswillbowtoUSdictates.

Arrest and detaining of Melly Mel by ICE is not about PPP/C

DEAREDITOR,

Wewillhavetoawaitthe outcomeofthecourtcaseof Social Media Activist, Melissa‘MellyMel’Atwell, who is scheduled to appear before U S Immigration Judge, Francis Mwangi, virtually, at 8:30am, on March28.Untilthen,wewill not know the true circumstances surrounding her present plight - if it will be annulled and more so, if the People’s Progressive Party Civic had anything to do with her arrest. As I personally await, I have a few things to share with the public.

First, ICE, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,isnotanyone’s ‘plaything.’ This unit is the US federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and it is responsible for enforcing ‘immigration laws,

combating transnational crime, and investigating customs and trade violations.’ Where ICE is concerned, anyone can report cases regarding suspectedhumansmuggling, human trafficking, national security threats, or public safety concerns.Thisarm of the US Government is not interested in ‘little cussings’ from every Tom, Dick and Harry, and I cannot fathom the Guyana Government’s ‘complaining’ to ICE about Melly’s silly rantings and wild accusations. So many, for example Rickford Burk and Mark Benschop, have beendoingthiskindofthing, that what they say, and who they are, have now become non-issues. I recall when H a k e e m J e f f r i e s , CongressionalBlackCaucus (CBC), House Democratic Leader, visited Guyana in September 2023, and met with both sides of the

country’s political leaders, how things turned out…or maybedidnotturnout.

I thought this was an opportune moment for the solidifying of ‘racial and other attacks and accusations’ against the PPP/C However, in a disappointing anticlimax, theCBCsaidthat“…ithada productive meeting and discussed energy and food security, regional economic prosperity, and economic stewardship (but)nothing about “racism” and ethnic discrimination ” I quietly asked if this ‘racial slant’ is not the constant ranting of the Mellys, Burkes and Benschops?

Editor, this is where I back Guyana’s Attorney General,Anil Nandlall, who vehemently explained that “…the(PPP/C)Government playednorolewhatsoeverin the arrest of Melissa ‘Melly Mel’ Atwell in the United

Why does an AG need a weekly

DEAREDITOR,

Saw a recent ‘Issues in the News” with AG Anil Nandlall cutting down Guyanese citizens who, obviously, had different takes on the things political.The level of personal affrontery mirrored what a media commentator would advance since their postureoftenistotriggerreactionsthatallow furtherandfuturecommentaryontheissues.

But these diatribes came from the country’sAttorney General who has a basic responsibilitytoprotectthepublic’s(let’ssay citizens)interest,withoutregardtoreligious, politicaloreconomicdifferences.ThatanAG wouldhaveaweeklyTVshowisfraughtwith risk of revealing matters that belong to the judicial process and system. If the judicial processandsystemwereastraightroad,then the AG was driving all recklessly, not allowinganyoneelsetotraverse.

Incallingaparticularcitizena‘character’

show?

and others in a group setting in as much the same manner reflects that his presentation wasnotmeanttoclarifybuttodenigrate.

Guyana has had qualified and highly respectedAGswhooversawandrepresented the public interest in the late pre- and postindependence periods. Though these AGs mightnothavebeenperfectthroughouttheir service time, no one doubted the quality of theirthinkingandlegalexpression.

One Guyana is a political expression coined by one party ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ was forged through multi-party and cultural offerings Unsuccessfully, the AG tried equating the two. WhydoesanAGneedaweeklyshow? Callapressconferencetopresentorrespond tocriticalissues.

Perhaps,theAGhastoomuchrope!

Sincerely,

PhilEdwards

States ” This explanation and clarification stemmed from Opposition’s “ protests, encouraging Guyanese in the Diaspora to lobby for her release as the government has been accused of lodging complaints about her social mediacriticismsofthemand theallegedcorruption.”

As I pointed out before, these ‘non-evidential’ triflingsdonotconcernICE. These pertain to the Guyana Government or specific people within the g o v e r n m e n t A n i l emphasised this, and remindedthepublicthat“… he had served Melly Mel a libel suit and though he had some difficulty doing so subsequent to that, she continued her work via her socialmediapage.”

Well, it is that news, via ‘second-hand’ avenues, was verified and we now know for sure that Melly was arrestedanddetained and is currently being held in Federal facilities located somewhere in Louisiana Like I pointed out, the

arresting agency is the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency, whichisanorganisationthat primarily deals with the enforcement of immigration laws, investigating and prosecuting persons for violationsofthesaidlaw

I personally think that if thePPP/Creallywasbehind Melly’s arrest, then it begs the question, ‘why Melly?’I mean is she a threat to the PPP/C?Iapplythisthinking to Burke and my question is ‘why not Burke?’ who is in fact wanted in Guyana, and who missed a court hearing.

Also, “This lady was allowed to express her opinionforyearsandnoone during that period (ever) interfered with her right to expressherself.

I remind all who are following this issue that as per the role and function of ICE, Melissa Atwell’s detentionisinrelationtoher immigration status, which will be under the radar this week, March 28. So, it is quitegalling,ormaybesilly, thatmanypersonsinGuyana are protesting under the guisethattheGovernmentof Guyana was involved and thuscallingforsomekindof revocation to guarantee her release.Preposterous! Readers, stop and think please, as the AG specifically stated the” Government of Guyana did notarrestMelissaAtwell,the Government of Guyana is not detaining Melissa Atwell, (and) from all the informationthatisavailable, it is the US government that has arrested and is detaining Melissa Atwell.” I therefore call on these protestors to lobbytheGovernmentofthe UnitedStates(doitintheUS or even in front of the US Embassy in Guyana. My position is captured in the stand taken by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who, when he was asked to comment on the said arrest, succinctly and abruptly stated that “… they are not concernedaboutthat…”Itis exclusively a US and Ms. Atwell’smatter

Yourstruly, HargeshB.Singh

Make the most of Rubio’s visit to

DEAREDITOR,

I hope that this letter will be not be too late,asmypurposeisquitesincere.Yousee,I amawarethattheUnitedStatesSecretaryof State, Marco Rubio, will be in our region shortly Thedetailsshowthat“…hewillmeet with several leaders as part of a three-nation tour.” On Wednesday, Rubio will travel to Jamaica, where he will be hosted by Prime MinisterAndrew Holness for talks. Then he will then travel on to Guyana and Suriname, where he will meet with their respective presidents, Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Chandrikapersad“Chan”Santokhi.”

Where Guyana is concerned, I am so pleasedthatRubiowillmeetwithouroil-rich

Guyana

country’sHead-of-State,aswearenowquite inthespotlight,andintricatelylinkedwiththe US.

We need to welcome the man and make the most of the opportunity to express our concerns,aswehavetwopressingonesatthe moment.

Ispeakfirstabouttheloomingspectreof the border controversy between our Guyana and Venezuela. We are all cognizant of the fact that the Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, has accused PresidentAli of trying tostartanarmedconflictintheregion.Thisis so nonsensical, as Guyana has always gone thelegalway,andineverycasedidcomeout

Continued on page 5

Lawyer dies in Sheriff St. crash

Akil Johnson, a young lawyer of

S o u t h Georgetown died after his motorcycle collided with a car on Sheriff Street early Sundaymorning.

In a press release, police said that the accident involved: motorcar #PWW 9839, owned by Ludonna Naar and driven at the time by Viola Mittelholzer, a 34year-old female from South R o a d , L a c y t o w n , Georgetown and motorcycle #CP 4679, driven by Akilo

Attorney, Akil Johnson

Johnson, a 27-year-old male from South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Leopold

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the car was proceeding north along the easterndrivelaneof Sheriff Street and, upon the approach to the intersection of Sheriff and Dadanawa Streets, the car adopted the turninglanetoturneastonto Dadanawa Street. In that process, the motorcycle which was proceeding south along Sheriff Street at a fast rate alongside another motorcycle, ended up in the pathofthecar

Street man nabbed with gun,

ammo

ALeopold Street, Charlestown man was nabbed by police ranks on Sunday with a pistolandmatchingammunition.

Inapressrelease,policesaidthatatabout 01:30hrsSunday,aCadetOfficerandateam of policemen from the Anti-Terrorism Unit from Police Headquarters were on mobile patrol duties in three Force motor vehicles and whilst in the vicinity of Leopold and Cross Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, theyheardaloudexplosionthatsoundedlike agunshot.

The ranks saw an identifiable male dressedinapairofbluejeansandacoloured hoodie, running with what appeared to be a firearminhishandandheadinginasoutherly directionandintoafencedyard.Ranksgave chase behind the suspect, and he was apprehended.

The suspect was searched and police found one 9MM Beretta pistol in his pants waist. The suspect was asked if he were the holder of a valid firearm licence and he said ‘no’. He was told of the offence committed and cautioned but he remained silent. The manwasthenarrestedandrefusedtogivehis nameandparticularstotheranks.Thesuspect wasescortedtotheRuimveldtPoliceStation. Police also seized the firearm with a magazine of 10 matching rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The suspect was later taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarterswherehishandswereswabbed forgunpowderresidue.Hewaslaterplacedin custodypendingfurtherinvestigation.

Police said the motorcyclist collided headonwiththecar Atthetimeof t h e a c c i d e n t , t h e motorcyclist was not wearingasafetyhelmet.

As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist wasflungsomedistanceand then landed on the road surface where he sustained injuries to his body The motorcyclist was picked up

by public-spirited citizens and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Accident and Emergency Unit where he wasseenbyadoctoronduty and pronounced dead on arrival.

Notice of Intended Prosecution was prepared in duplicate and served on the driver of motorcar PWW 9839.Checksweremadefor

eyewitnesses and one came forward, police said, adding that both the car and motorcycle were examined by a Licensing and

CertifyingOfficer

A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of the car and two readings of 0.16 and 0.10 micrograms werefoundinherbreath.The driverisincustody,assisting withtheinvestigation.

The aftermath of the deadly motorcycle-car crash on Sheriff Street early Sunday morning

‘Guyana is the best offshore play in...

Frompage3

FloatingProductionStorageandOffloading vessels (FPSOs) point to a healthy backlog of work that would eventually move into drillingservices.

Consequently, the CEO said, “So think today,ratesareprobably(or)havebeenflat for a little while. They went to the five hundreds, as you indicated, and you know, perhaps they’re maybe high four hundreds rightnow,butwedefinitelyseeenoughwork in 2026 and then 2027 and beyond that would suggest that perhaps there’s room to getbackintothefivehundredsandperhapsa littlehigherfromthere.”

According to Noble Corporation’s February2025FleetReport,fourdrillships are deployed in Guyana. These include the Noble Tom Madden, Noble Sam Croft, NobleDonTaylorandNobleBobDouglas. Kaieteur News understands that the contract for these vessels will remain in effect untilAugust 2028, and are subject to “market-based” pricing. Last week this newspaper reported that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of

theoil-richStabroekBlock,hascommenced what the company has described as its “busiest year yet”, with simultaneous developmental drilling operations ongoing atthreeprojects.

According to notices published by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the oil giant has developmental drillingoperationsongoingattheYellowtail, Uaru, and Whiptail projects - the fourth, fifth,andsixthdevelopments,respectively Developmental drilling is an activity conducted following successful exploration drilling. It is conducted to develop a field with proven reserves.At a press conference in January, President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge told reporters, “Here in Guyana, we have started what is going to be our busiest year yet for SURF installation and associated activities- so SURF being the subseaumbilicals,risers(and)flowlinesthat are necessary to connect the subsea well heads to the FPSOs, to enable us to take production from the production wells, but also to inject water and gas into the reservoirs.”

Make the most of Rubio’s visit to...

Frompage5 as the winner My concern is that Guyana’s quest for legal adherence and amicable relationswithVenezuelanisseenbyMadura as some sort of weakness and fear In fact, still fresh on my mind is that a Venezuelan army vessel entered Guyanese waters, threatening ExxonMobil’s offshore operations I am also mindful of desires by Venezuela to have a Governor, theirs, of Essequibo, and there are talks about cartographically annexing Essequibo. These issuesmustbebroached.

I further elaborate that this illegal, unethicalandpresumptuousincursionbythis VenezuelanarmyvesselmustpromptGuyana to remind Rubio that the incident threatens ExxonMobil’s oil operations in Guyana’s internationallyrecognisedmaritimeterritory

On this note, the OAS (Organisation of American States) noted that “Such acts of intimidation constitute a clear violation of international law, undermine regional

stability, and threaten the principles of peaceful coexistence between nations. (And thus)TheOASreiteratesitssteadfastsupport for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity… (and as such) The Venezuelan regime must immediately cease all aggressive manoeuvres that could escalate tensionsintheregion.”

Where the US is concerned, it is good to take some refuge as its Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere also reaffirmeditssupportforGuyana’sterritorial integrity, adding that “further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime,”andrightlyso. Afterall,theUSand Guyana relationship is most salubrious. I personallythinkthatMadurowillnotprevail and may not ‘even try anything.’ However, Guyanamustnottakechancesbutmuststand in unison with its allies, namely the US, and be‘well-prepped’foranycontingency

Yourstruly, RayAnderson

The illegal gun that was seized by police

The suspect refused to give his name to police

PPP promises more cash grants if they win elections

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has announced that future cash grants will be distributed if the PPP secures a next term inoffice.

“You will get your cash grants in the future too,” Jagdeosaidasheaddresseda gathering at Babu Jaan, Corentyne, Berbice “Just imagine the next term in office how glorious that will be,”headded.

During his address, Jagdeo reaffirmed that the PPP stands by its commitments. “When we make these promises that PresidentAli spoke about in the next term, you best believe that they will be delivered,”henoted.

Last year, President Irfaan Ali announced a $100,000 one-off cash grant for citizens 18 years and older To date, over 500,000 cheques have been distributed, with about 100,000moreexpectedtobe disbursed However, the initiative is now being

positioned as one that will continueinthefuture.

Jagdeo further explained that the PPP plans to structure financial products inawaythatenablescitizens to invest their cash grants through a financial instrument created by the government.

“Itwillunderwrite,itwill give you a guarantee rate of returnthanifthemoneywas

placedinthebank,”henoted.

“So when you get your cash grant in the future, you can put it in a financial instrument that the government will create, that itwillunderwrite,itwillgive youaguaranteerateofreturn thanthemoneyifyouplaceit in the bank, all of this will empower people, young people, especially to own things,”hesaid.

Trump’s tariffs plan on Chinese-made ships could impact regional trade - Pres. Ali

President Irfaan Ali has voiced concern over US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on ships/vessels, made in China, saying this could impact trade in Guyana and theregion.

In a statement on Saturday, Ali said Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobagowouldneedtoassess the implications for tankers and other vessels transporting oil and gas “That of course can have effects on the cost of goods coming into the region, the costoftransportcominginto theregion,”Alistated.

“Thisisapolicythatwas alludedto,sotherearesome discussions that will have to

President Irfaan Ali

occur so all of these things are key regional issues that we are discussing together.”

Some of these challenges were raised by the Regional Private Sector Organisation during a recent emergency virtual meeting held by CARICOMheads.

“The US is our partner; theregionrecognisesthatthe US is an important partner and the Regional Private Sector will be having some conversations with the US. We will also be having conversations with various actorsintheUS,Secretaryof State for example and also theChairofCARICOMwill beseekingtohaveameeting with the White House to go through some of these

challenges that we may face and to have a better understanding of each other positions,”Alisaid.

Henotedwhilethepolicy is not yet implemented, “we have to have early conversations to mitigate or minimisetheimpact.”

M e a n w h i l e , U S Secretary of State Marco Rubio will embark on his first official visit to the Caribbeannextweek,witha tour of three nations, including Guyana, Jamaica, and Suriname. Rubio will meetwithregionalleadersto discuss several pressing issues.

The visit will begin in Jamaica, where Rubio is set tomeetwithPrimeMinister Andrew Holness for talks He will then travel to Guyana and Suriname to engagewiththeirrespective presidents, Presidents I r f a a n A l i a n d ChandrikapersadSantokhi Rubio’s trip follows a regionalsummitinBarbados last month, where CARICOM Chairwoman, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, extended an invitation to President Donald Trump to visit the Caribbean.(CMC)

PPP/C’s General Secretary and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Development for whom?

The Vice President of Guyana,BharratJagdeo,has declared with great confidencethatthereismore disposable income in Berbicetoday Ofcourse,no empiricaldatawasprovided. Who needs data when you have conviction? We are, after all, living in a trillion-dollar economy—at leastonpaper Therealityon the ground, however, is a little more complicated. In Berbice, as elsewhere in Guyana, the question is not simply whether disposable income has increased, but rather: whose disposable incomehasincreased?

Before we dive into that murky pond, let’s define disposableincome.Insimple terms, it is the money left over after taxes, the money one can use freely for savings or spending. But disposableincomeisatricky littleconcept.It’salotlikea magic trick: now you see it, nowyoudon’t. Moremoney in circulation does not necessarilymeantheaverage person has more to spend. If the government injects billionsintoaneconomy,but thatmoneygoesprimarilyto a selected few, then disposable income may rise overall, but only in certain pockets pockets that already had money to begin with.

So let us consider where the money is actually going. It is no secret that the government has been pumpingcapitalintoBerbice

t h r o u g h m a s s i v e infrastructure projects Roads, and pump stations and schools and health infrastructurearebeingbuilt.

But who really are the primary beneficiaries of these projects? The contracting class those who win the lucrative construction contracts, the suppliers of raw materials, and the owners of heavy machinery For the average worker on the ground, the wagestheyreceiveareshortlived, quickly absorbed by risingfoodandhousingcosts and other cost-of-living expenses. The real money nevertricklesdown;itpools atthetop.

T h e n t h e r e a r e concessions and assistance totheagriculturalsector But who reaps the benefits? The large-scalefarmers,theones with enough land and equipmenttotakeadvantage of fertilizer and paddy distributionanddrainageand land subsidies are the one who reap the greater benefits, relatively and absolutely

The small farmers—the ones who need the help the most—continue to struggle with debt, rising fertilizer costs, and unpredictable market prices The large farmersexpandtheirwealth, while the small farmers barely keep their heads abovewater

And let’s not forget the much-vaunted brackish water shrimp initiative. The government has funneled resources into this sector, claiming it will uplift the economy of Berbice. But there is a curious silence whenitcomestoidentifying exactly who has benefited from this investment. Why? Because if we scrutinize the beneficiaries, we may find

Dem Boys Seh...

that only a few hands are in the pot, stirring up the profits The poor remain spectators to their own supposedupliftment.

The trillion-dollar economy is a marvel to behold, but like all magic tricks, it is an illusion. It

b e n e f i t s

i c h disproportionately,whilethe poor are left scrambling for the crumbs. Consider the p a r t - t i m e j o b programme—heralded as a solution for unemployment. What is it really?A form of disguised unemployment relief It keeps people occupied but does not provide a stable financial future. It is the economic e

ng someone a bucket to catch water while the ship is sinking.

Government workers, meanwhile, have been granted modest salary increases. But these raises have been swiftly eroded by inflation.

A trip to the market is now a journey into the absurd: staple food prices have skyrocketed, and the price of cooked food has nearlydoubledsinceGuyana became an oil-producing nation. People are paying oil-economy prices while earningnon-oilwages.Itisa cruel joke, except nobody is laughing—except, perhaps, thosewhosettheprices.

Housing costs have spiraledoutofcontrol.Once uponatime,awoodenhouse was the symbol of modest living. Today, it is a luxury beyondthereachofthepoor Atwo-bedroom unfurnished housecannowcostasmuch

Yuh leave de vault open!

Imagine yuh bring a tief in yuh house. Not just any tief—one who got a history of tekking what ain’t theirs. And instead of locking up yuh jewelry and money, yuh leave de vault wide open, like yuh begging dem,“Comein,boss,helpyuhself!”

DatisexactlywahhappeninginGuyana. Dem oil company boys come in through de Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), and insteadofwekeepingacloseeyepondem, we lef de whole vault open. No meters, no pump checks, no ring-fencing—nutten! Is likegivingamanyuhbankcardandtelling he, “Tek what yuh want, buddy, just lef lil changefuhmebusfare.”

Demboyssehwegovernmentsignanoil contractwiddesamelevelofcautionlikea man who meet a stranger online and decide fuhsendhelifesavings,causeheclaimhe’s a prince. De oil deh pumping, de barrels addingup,butwhocounting?Notwe!Islike goingtoderumshop,leavingyuhtabopen, and then wondering why yuh bank account empty And don’t talk about ring-fencing! Dat

as $160,000 per month in rent, while a one-bedroom can demand $120,000. How doesonepaysuchexorbitant rents with the earnings from a part-time job? This is the mathofeconomicdespair

The land distribution systemhasalsobeengamed. Government house lots, initially allocated at affordable prices, are being snapped up by those with means and resold at exorbitant rates to the bourgeoisclass.Wordonthe streets is that the rich are acquiringgovernmenthouse lots from allottees at G$16 million per plot, using irrevocable power-of attorney documents to circumvent the regulation that restricts the sale or transfer of these lands to ten yearsafterallocation.

Meanwhile, poor families, eager to own a home,areleftstaringatloan repayment terms that make ownershipadistantdream.It is not the banks’ fault but rather the high cost of construction materials that drive up the cost of home ownership, this despite the subsidies being provided in theformofforegonetaxes.

All of this—the cost-ofliving, the wealth disparity, the skewed benefits of g o v e r n m e n t spending cannot be captured by a simplistic declaration that “disposable incomehasincreased.”Even ifweacceptthatmoremoney is circulating, where is it going? Into the hands of those who already had disposable income to spare. The average Berbician may have a few more dollars in their pocket, but the cost of everything they need has outpaced their earnings

Whatuseisasmallraiseifit is instantly swallowed by risingprices?

Moredisposableincome does not necessarily mean greaterspendingpower This is so, especially when the cost of essentials like food and rent is rising at an even faster rate If someone’s income increases by 10%, but the price of basic groceriesjumpsby20%and rentskyrocketsby30%,then in real terms, they are worse off despite technically havingmoremoneyinhand. What could have bought a full basket of groceries last yearnowbarelycovershalf.

Inaneconomywherewages struggle to keep up with living costs, higher disposableincomeoftenjust means higher expenses, leaving people stuck in the same financial struggle, if notdeeperinit.

Thisistherealitythatthe Vice President’s statement conveniently ignores. The government speaks of economic growth, of development, of progress. But growth for whom? Development for whom? Progress for whom? The answers to these questions cannot be hidden behind grand proclamations If disposable income has increased, let’s see the numbers.

Let’s see where the money is going. Until then, weareleftwithwords,andas every Berbician knows, wordsdonotpaytherent.

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

word missing from dem contract like commonsense missing from dem who sign it. Ring-fencing mean dem oil company boys can’t use money from one project fuh cover expenses from another But since we ain’t put it in de contract, dem shifting cost likehowdemcricketselectorsdoesshiftde battingorder—randomanddisastrous!

Now dem boys seh if you see a duck swimming in de trench and yuh call it a horse,itstilladuck. Well, dem government boys calling dis daylight robbery “investment,” but it still robbery Guyana get invite to a buffet but insteadofeating,wearedeoneswashingde plates.

Demboyssehifyuhwanttostopatief, yuh don’t give he a key But somehow, we notonlygivedeoilcompaniesdekey,wetell dem which drawer got de good silverware. And we still standing up, scratching we head,wonderingwherealldemoneygoing.

Somebody gotta wake up and lock de vault!

Talkhalf!Leffhalf!

TrumpWhiteHouse - the first 50 days

The first 50 days of Donald Trump in the White House has come and gone, haditsshareofexcitements. Then, there have been the strategic retreats. Since not one bad word is to be said about the Don, strategic has itsuses.

ThemostIwillsayisthat Mr Trump has been on the move, constantly moving frompointtopointandplace to place. Because my selfimposed 100-day sabbatical

is only halfway over, I will leavewhetherhehasmoved at all to the tender handling ofothers.

I am in favour of some immigration developments. Some only, to be clear Those that relate to the borders and sanctuary cities getmynod. Oneexample:I would not want to live in New York City today The thought of having to travel on the subway brings out a heavy cold sweat, and I am

nottoomuchofaperspiring man.

The subway is the lifeblood of the City. To haveitdeterioratetowhereit is, means that commuters live in fear, forever looking over their shoulders, clutching their belongings moretightly,andhurryingto get to their destinations in onepiece. Thenwhatabout those cities where prostitution and drug use invaded neighbourhoods,

and degraded everything in sight? Crime was not a stranger, with enough to incur the wrath of hardworking and lawabidingAmericans.

Borders,sanctuarycities, and mass transportation crises dispatched the Democrats to where they belong. Into the barren wilderness Their immigration policy, more one of ultra-leniency, backfired. Reports are that some44%ofHispanicmales voted for Mr Trump, and gavehimagoodboostinhis successful quest to get back intotheWhiteHouse.

On the issue of skilled foreign workers, those coveted HB-1 visas, will result in the US falling fartherbehindinthetechgap betweenUncleSamlandand the land of dragons and Shaolintemples. Mr Trump will move soon, but very stealthily,tomanagethisone differently

R e t r e a t f i r s t , compromise on the qt. if the HB-1 visa squeezes go forward at full speed, the Chinesewouldhavebeenthe greenlighttoacceleratetheir advantage in AI, and the impacts will be devastating to many areas of American endeavour from the military toMainStreet. Frankly,the US lacks the kind of manpower needed to compete, so its options are limited.

Tariffs. Did somebody askwhatabouttariffs? Here is my response. Regarding thestuffthatIusuallycartin

from the US (all duties paid, of course), that timetable has been put on a fast track. Tariffsseemtometo be the equivalent of a mudwrestlingmatch.

Everybody gets a full body costume. That is, regardlesswhotookthefirst step, or who had the first jump. It is not quite that fancy one called a zero-sum game, but everybody gets lookinglesspresentablethan Santa In short, tariffs boomerang, everybody can playatthatgame,getshurt.

Ukraine showed that NATOgotshooktoitsroots.

Looks like Volodymyr Zelenskyisgoingtobeback inWashington,andeveryone will get to settle back and takeapuffontheirfavourite pipe, while absorbing the newson,whereelsebutFox News.

If NATO yesterday, then BrettonWoodscouldbenext onthetargetlist,withtheUN in for a turbulent existence.

Oh my, then there is cryptocurrency Me, I am staying far from that one.

Justgivemeapieceofpaper with a US president face on it. RelativetoGuyana,Iwill take one with the signature of the big boss man on it. I haveasmallfavourtoaskof the power people: Just keep hismugawayfromit,please.

Like I said, Donald Trump is on the move. The disputethathasbrewedfrom the very first day is whether he has made any progress at all. I call in a high value chip. Wait until after the

next 50 days of movements and excitements. But there is something that has to be said,becauseitistheessence offairnessitself.

Takealong,deeplookat the decisions and actions of Mr Donald Trump, 47th president of the United States of America, and one thing is so persistent that it becomesobvious.Itcan’tbe denied, or diluted, in any way President Trump has kept his promises made to hissupportbasescatteredall across America. What he told his people, he has delivered Or, at least initiated efforts to make goodonthosemattersofthe heart for red meat Republicans.

Whether I agree with him, or harbour any regard forwhathehasdone,isboth irrelevant and immaterial. The man gave his word and he has delivered. Now if Guyana’s darling President Irfaan Ali could look into that book copyrighted by Trump and learn, actually takeownership,Icouldgoso far as to consider voting for him. Seriously Thereisone little qualification, though: I wouldonlyvoteonce.

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

‘Majorprojectswillbeputatriskifyoudon’tvoteforPPP’

-Pres.Alitells Reg.6residents

PresidentIrfaanAli,haswarned that several major developmental projects in Region Six could be jeopardised if the Opposition wins theupcominggeneralelections

“Myfriends,letmejustgiveyou atasteofwhatyouwillputatriskif you are not politically-conscious,” Alisaidasheaddressedagathering at Babu Jaan, Corentyne, Berbice, onSundayafternoon Theeventwas held to celebrate the legacy of

formerPresidentDr.CheddiJagan.

During his remarks, Ali underscored that the PPP/C has exceeded its manifesto commitments.

“We are not about power; we are about responsibility, that is whatwe wantgovernmentfor,”he said. With elections slated to be held later this year, Ali cautioned thosegatheredatthememorialnot tovotefortheopposition.

After highlighting the investments, the government has made in Region Six over the past four years, President Ali then outlinedseveralmajorprojectsthat couldbeimpactediftheopposition takes power, including the new four-lane high bridge over the Berbice River “In New Amsterdam,notonlythesynthetic track but the new hospital, a new medicalschool,”Alistated

He also pointed to a new fourlane road to Moleson Creek and Canje,themunicipalairportatRose Hall, and developments such as hotels,malls,privatehospitals,anda newstadium “Tensofthousandsof new homes, supermarket to entertainmentsector,”headded

Other projects mentioned included the new national deepwater port, new gas development, phase two of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, a logistics hub, a new digital school, functional sugar estates, and the Corentyne RiverBridge.

“Openingupofland,expanding productivity and opportunity, not forgetting the national skills trainingcentrethatwillbetraining people from around the world, the national hospitality institute,” Ali continued.

He then stressed that empowerment,development,anda brightfutureforGuyanaarealsoat stake. “Anamazingstoryaheadof usbutyoucanloseallofthisifyou lose your political consciousness, youputallofthisatriskifyoufall preytothespineless,”hesaid.

PresidentAli concluded with a starkwarningabouttheopposition

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) “Every force against us is one of the same evil forces,theAPNUAFCforce.Make no mistake, they will use individuals,”Aliwarned.

President Irfaan Ali

A section of the gathering at the Dr. Cheddi Jagan Memorial event on Sunday at Babu Jaan

ELECTIONS…

Election too close to call: EBC boundary changes could shift result

( T R I N I D A D GUARDIAN)TheElections

a n d B o u n d a r i e s Commission (EBC) voter redistributioncouldshiftthe balance of support between political parties in the April 28 general election, potentially altering the

outcome in certain constituencies.

In a razor-tight election race,thePNMisdefendinga 22-19majorityandtheUNC is seeking to pick up at least twoseatsinordertoeffecta shiftinpower

InitsMarch2024report, theEBCunveiledpotentially significant adjustments to electoral boundaries and constituency titles across T&T Approved by Parliament on December 9, these revisions could make certain seats even more competitive.

Using advanced Geographic Information Systems(GIS),theEBChas

recalibrated polling divisions, leading to key shifts in areas such as Claxton Bay (formerly

Pointe-a-Pierre), La Horquetta-Talparo, San Fernando West, and TocoSangre Grande among others These boundary adjustments could impact

the four supposedly marginal constituencies by altering the comparison of victorymarginsfromthelast election. The implications for voter turnout and party dynamics could be profound, and on election day, the ground game will ultimately determine the outcome.

Theseadjustmentscould be the deciding factor betweenvictoryanddefeat.

The details of the changes in these four constituencies deserve closer scrutiny to bridge the gap between dry statistical analysis—based on maps, charts, and data—and the reality of an election night outcome, filled with euphoria for the victors and sadnessforthevanquished.

ClaxtonBay(formerly Pointe-a-Pierre):UNC gainsanedge

With the new boundary changes, the margin by whichtheUNCcouldwinin Claxton Bay could potentially increase, as the transfer of Polling Division (PD) 3206 brings in additional UNC-leaning votes from Tabaquite, thereby boosting their overallmargin.

The changes appear to favour the UNC by increasing their vote margin in the new Claxton Bay

constituency which they currentlyhold. LaHorquetta/Talparo: MinorPNMbump ThetransferofPD2390

fromCumuto/Manzanillato La Horquetta/Talparo

results in a minor adjustment that slightly increases the PNM’s vote

margin over the UNC in Cumuto/Manzanilla (using 2020 results) which is currentlyheldbythePNM SanFernandoWest:UNC

chipsawayatPNMlead

The redistribution of polling divisions slightly reduces the PNM’s margin of victory in San Fernando

West,astheUNChasgained some votes due to the transfer of PDs 4005 and 4006.However,thePNM Continuedonpage17

Nearly $2B to be spent to address sewage problems in Kingston and St. Andrew – PM

( J A M A I C A OBSERVER) The National Water Commission (NWC) willbespending$1.4billion

this year to lay sewer lines alongMonroeRoad,Retreat Avenue, Seymour Avenue, and Old Hope Road in St

ime Minister Andrew Holness

said “the sewer network in Kingston and St Andrew is critical to the future development within the

parish, both to facilitate greater densities, and safeguardgroundwater”. He was speaking during

hisrecentcontributiontothe 2025/26 Budget Debate at Gordon House. He told the Parliament that the Government is moving to address the longstanding problemofcollapsingsewer mains in western Kingston and the downtown Kingston business district. He said an overhaul of the entire potable water, sewerage and drainage networks is required for most of Central andWestKingston. To this end, he has directed the minister with responsibility for water, MatthewSamuda,“toensure that project design for this massive infrastructure need iscompletedthisyear Ihave further directed that J$450 million be immediately deployed to the worst affected areas within the market district to provide immediaterelief”.

The prime minister said the NWC has also commenced procurement of anadditionalHiVactruckto be stationed in downtown Kingston to ensure blockages are dealt with immediately “The infrastructure is old and the investment has been inadequate,”Holnesssaid.

Hesaidstepswillalsobe taken to address the problems at the Greater Portmore Treatment Plant and sewerage lines in the Edgewater and Portsmouth commun

ties in St Catherine. He noted that the NWC spent $90 million to upgrade the eastern section of the Greater Portmore Treatment Plant and that a similar upgrade is required forthewesternsectionofthe plant and that will be undertakennextyear In the interim, the NWC will install two new pumps to cut overflows, increase maintenance and install perimeterfencingtostopthe illegal access of cesspool trucks.

Prime Minister, Andrew Holness

partnerships to offer GOAL expanding

more programmes for students

The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) said it is actively expandingitslistofpartners to ensure students can continue their studies in programmes previously o f f e r e d t h r o u g h StaffordshireUniversity

This move comes after GOAL severed ties with the International Skill Development Corporation (ISDC) and Staffordshire University after students raised concerns regarding

the unavailability of programmes they had enrolled in through the university

Director of GOAL, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, provided an update on the situationviatheinstitution’s Facebook page on Sunday, addressing the ongoing issue. During the update, Opadeyi stated that the institution had provided students the opportunity to select other universities that have partnered with GOAL

stating, “As of this afternoon, over 1900 has selected universities that they have wished to go to.”

However,henotedthatsome students have contacted the institution saying that the

current 19 partner universities do not offer p r o g r a m m e s t h a t StaffordshireUniversityhad provided.

“For some who cannot see the programmes they wanted in other universities, itisourdutytofindpartners who can offer those programmes.We have some who have indicated what they want to do and some havewrittentoussayingthat the partners we have, do not offer the programmes that they want to do and we are tryingwithinourbesttofind partnerswhocanofferthose programmes within the shortest possible time,” ProfessorOpadeyisaid.

To assist affected students,GOALhaskeptthe registration process open, even beyond the initial

Director of GOAL, Professor Jacob Opadeyi

deadline, through Google Forms for those wishing to select alternative universities. Opadeyi noted that,sofar,studentshavenot encountered issues in enrolling with new partners.

“I am delighted to note that our students who are currentlyregisteredwithour 19partners,noneofthemhas had any issues. GOAL will continue to ensure that the qualityofourofferingsmeet international standards and our students need not to be worriedaboutthat,”hesaid.

Meanwhile, during his a d d r e s s , O p a d e y i maintained that GOAL has done its due diligence. He said, “It is unforgivable for an incident like this to be turned into an issue as if GOAL did not do its due diligence. IDSC failed in its obligation to inform us that they have a problem with Staffordshire.”

Opadeyi also expressed f r u s t r a t i o n a n d disappointment over the University not informing him of the ongoing issue stating, “Staffordshire who haswrittentomeasfarback as2024,knewofmyaddress, know of my email and did not use the opportunity to inform us. We are also very displeased that these matter meets the newspaper before weknewanything.Theseold issueshavetodowithIDSC not being straightforward with us by letting us know that the agreement that they have with university of Staffordshire has been tangible. So we have learnt our lesson and we have severedourtieswithIDSC.”

Despite the challenges, Opadeyi reassured that the institution is “not playing games”withitsstudentsand urged students to not be discouraged from applying withGOAL.

“Iwanttoassureyouthat we are not playing games withthelifeofpeopleandwe are not playing games with theamountofinvestments

Continuedonpage16

WANTED VACANCY

Nanny/Housekeeper needed, must be 30 -45 years old 8 am-4:30 pm at Republic ParkE.B.D.Contact:715-4717.

Domesticneededtoworkin Campbellville, $6000. Call: 624-7436.

Selling your house or unfinishedbuilding,giveusa call :216-0671 / 692-8464 orWhatsapp622-0267.

Need a grocery shopper, ship chandler or visa application preparer: USA, Canada,UKETA.626-7040.

Electrical Repairs- transformer,powertools,vaccum, waterpump,aircooler,etcat Friendship,EBD.WhatsApp: 659-5664,Call:627-7835.

We repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer,AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/ Call Omar: 654-9711/ 6838734.

Elevateyour brandwithour professional Graphicdesign services.Call:619-0007,6295526.

Houseplandrawing,Estimates,Grubbingoflandand Sand filling K.Lakeram Building Contractor. Call 216-0671 / 692-8464 or Whatsapp622-0267.

Family funAracari Resort! crystal clear pool, safe kids & adult sections, music & food.W.B.D.Call:264-29469

TOURS

Suriname Tours- Easter weekend tour to Suriname. WhatsApp/Call:639-2663 /673-2348formoreinfo.

5 Miles Bartica & Garnett Street,Campbellville.Call: 679-9996

Maid for East Bank area. Call:615-9132.

Drivermustbeabletoassist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50,Car/Vanlicence.Call: 615-9132or645-8443.

MalecleanerforEccles.Call: 615-9132or645-8443.

MalecleanerforyardinEast Bank area, two (2) days a week,Call:615-9132.

Enthusiastic, customer- focused sales rep for Georgetown, able-bodied sales driven. $90k monthly & benefits. Whatsapp: 6886868.

General Domestic ,Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village nexttothepostoffice.4day work.

One (1) painter needed. Call: 615-9132or645-8443.

OneclerkforTSIEcclesofficeEnglish1,Maths2.Call: 615-9132oremailapplication to techserigy@yahoo.com

SupervisorandReceptionist needed, 25-45 years at 233 SouthRoad,Lacytown.Call: 225-0198.

Kitchenassistantneeded.For moreinfoCall:676-5534/6183696.

VacancyexistsforCarpenter, Mason, Truck driver. Contact: 656-0603 / 624-1230 / 624-9504.

AM/ PM Cashiers, Sales representative,ShelfRestockers, Porters & bond Clerk. Contact: 609-2995, email: survivalhumanresources2@gmail.com.

Vacancy for experienced cosmetologists for the Spa 24KayaSutra . Apply with original certificates Call 6497832.

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, musicsystem,alarm,reverse camera, spoiler, crash, low mileage PTT Series (first owner).Call:649-0956. One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere.Call:649-0956.

Germanyisunlockingbillionstosupercharge itsmilitaryataseismicmomentforEurope

(CNN) — “Do you think youcantrustPutin?”German Brig.Gen.RalfHammerstein askswithawrysmile.

It’s a rhetorical question to which most of Europe would give the same answer – no.

AstheTrumpadministrationcontinuestopursueadeal to end the war in Ukraine — one that may end up being more favorable to Moscow than Kyiv — Europeans, for the first time in decades, are focusingontheirownmilitary might. Nowhere is that shift as prominent as in Germany Its armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr, have been the victim of years of underinvestment – but that is set to change.

Presumptive Chancellor Friedrich Merz has decided that now is the moment for Germanytoinvestinitsmilitary, on levels not seen since the Cold War. Germany has just passed a major reform to its constitutional debt brake, unlockingbillionsofeurosin funding. One model shared with CNN suggested that over a 10-year period, with Germany spending 3.5% of GDP,itcouldamountto€600 billion($652billion).

CNN spent the day with the Bundeswehr at an undisclosedlocationincentralGermanyasfiveNATOalliestook partintrainingexercises.The simulationwasanattackbya “foreign adversary” on anothermemberofthealliance. Speaking at the makeshift headquarters for the simula-

Onefamilyapartmentforrent inAA,Eccles.Call:653-1003.

2.2 Acre Land at Garden of EdensecondDamE.B.DOpposite GPL Plant 7 Houses onontheright.Contact:6472473/266-5777

3bedroomUpperflat-Back Building D'Andrade & VlissengenRoad.$140,000 monthly. Call / Whatsapp (312)623-1103Preferred/ 603-4684.

The change to the constitution could unlock hundreds of billions of dollars of debt just on military spending. Matthies Otto/CNN tion,HammersteintoldCNN: “Germanyisacapablenation in Europe, and has to be a partner for other nations. We are a responsible partner in Europe and a big nation. We (have) got to step up, and we willdothat.”

Thefull-scaleinvasionof UkraineinFebruary2022was aseismicmomentforthecontinent. War had returned and the detente that had existed since the fall of the Iron Curtain was over. In Berlin, it kickstartedtheperiodknown in German as the “Zeitenwende” – or “turning point.” In effect, it was the beginning of the effort to step up military spending once again.

OlafScholz,thenow-outgoing chancellor, said the country needed a new defense and security policy –and that the Bundeswehr needed special attention. He establishedaone-off€100billionfundfor“comprehensive investment” into the Bundeswehr Todoso,Scholz had to amend the Basic Law – essentially, the country’s constitution. Even though that fund was welcomed, the implementation of the policy has been lackluster, and government squabbling and infighting ultimately led to Scholz losing his job. Merz nowislookingtosupercharge the “Zeitenwende.”

Sudha David-Wilp, a se-

nior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States,athinktank,toldCNN that“Merzand(his)coalition need to accelerate this… There’s now a lot of great power competition and hard power is the currency of internationalpolitics.”

As the simulated attack wasunfolding,backinBerlin Merz was outlining his new vision for the armed forces.

“We have believed in a deceptive security in our societyforatleastadecade,probably much more… This is nowtheparadigmshiftindefense policy that lies ahead of us.” Since the middle of the ColdWar era, Germany’s militaryexpenditureasapercentage of GDP has dropped dramatically.Peakingat4.9% in1963,itfelltoanall-timelow in2005ofjust1.1%.

Only as recently as 2024 didGermanymeettheNATO threshold of 2% spending on defense — marking the first time in more than 30 years.

Hammerstein acknowledges that“everyarmyintheworld, in history and also in the future, will always claim not to haveenough.”Butheequates Germany’s current situation as a reliance on the “peace dividend”fromthe1990sthat “was a decrease for all the militariesintheworld,inEurope especially.”

HethinksthatGermanyis on the right track now. Last

GOALexpanding...

Aracari Hotel renovated rooms,A/C,TV,Restaurant, bar,pool,gymStay7nights, 1Free!Call:264-2946.

to

Call Star Alliance Realty: 686-3231,929-355-7639.

SmallFarmersminiTractor, complete plows - coutock plows.Cantact:624-0646.

For Sale 6 used American madeDentalchairsexcellent condition contact Mr Vino on661-3030or626-8918

From page 15 that the government has put into its education. Please don’t let this news affect your ambition to study in an accredited university and when we talk about accreditation, you can takeyourdegreewhetherit’sfromUNICAF,Zambia,Uganda... yourdegreewillbeaccreditedandacceptedbyotheruniversities.”

OpadeyialsohighlightedthepositiveimpactofGOAL’s initiatives,revealingthatover2,000studentsareexpectedto graduate this year

HefurthernotedthatGOALhadreceivedmorethan10,000 applications for 2025, with over 9,000 students already deemed eligible.Additionally, the institution is reaching out to people in remote areas to assist them with applying for scholarships.

year, for the “first time, (we) were able to spend the 2% GDPNATOcriteria,andwe’ll additionally spend money, likethe€100billionwedidin 2022, and this will continue, andthenewchancellorisabsolutely dedicated to that.”

Merzmaybecommittedto beefing up Germany’s projectedmilitarypowerandputting its defense on a more secure footing, but a report bytheParliamentaryCommissioner for theArmed Forces, Eva Högl, suggested the work to be done was significant.

Released last week, the report outlined that the Bundeswehr didn’t meet recruitment targets, had an aging fighting force, with barracksandbasicinfrastructure lacking. Addressing journalists at its launch, she said, “theBundeswehrstillhastoo littleofeverything.”In2018, Germanycommittedtoboosting its standing forces to 203,000 by 2025 — a target date that was later revised to 2031. As the report states, “the Bundeswehr once again failed to achieve its original target.” Högl said that the current Bundeswehr fighting forceis181,174personnel.

Asked about how the figure should be reached, Hammerstein, who joined as aconscriptin1992,calledfor a period of military service. Germany officially put conscription into abeyance in 2011.“Iwasconvincedbythe law to join the military. So, I thinksomekindofobligatory service has to be in place to increase the numbers in the way we want to see it,” Hammersteinsaid.“Itwillnot happen overnight - but the increase we will see… starting this year.”

TheHöglreportalsohighlighted the serving age of the army,sayingservicemenand womenare“gettingolderand older.,” The average age in 2019 was 32.4, but has now increased to 34.Perhaps the Continued on page 17

LANDFORSALE

Riverside land for sale in Walesnext

theGasShore.

Election too close to call: EBC boundary changes could...

Frompage13 stillmaintainsareducedlead in this constituency which theycurrentlyhold.

Toco/SangreGrande:

PNMmarginshrinks

The adjustment reduces themarginofvictoryforthe PNMinToco/SangreGrande by 415 votes (using 2020 results), as these votes will nowbecountedintheArima constituency Even with this change, the PNM still maintains a significant lead over the UNC, though the marginisslightlyreducedin this seat which the PNM currentlyhold.

Changestoelectoral boundaries

In outliningthe rationale for making changes to electoral boundaries in its March2024report,theEBC said:“1.METHODOLOGY

Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), suitable adjustments to constituencies were identified by analysing the distribution of the polling division electorate and the statistical impact of PD transfers between

ies Each potentialtransferwasfurther

i n g t h a t a l l constituenciesofeachisland conformed with the Second Schedule while avoiding unnecessary fragmentation ofcommunitiesandlimiting theuseofimaginarylinesin densely populated areas.” (p xiii).

Changesworthyof monitoringcloselyare: ClaxtonBay(formerly

Pointe-a-Pierre)

“Polling Division 3206 withanelectorateof936was transferred to this cons

tuency f

m Tabaquite, thereby increasing the electorate of Pointe-a-Pierre to 26,030 andincreasingthenumberof pollingdivisionsto32.

Collaterally, with adjustmentsmadeunder‘A’, the electorate of Tabaquite was reduced to 28,653, which is within the permissible l

Correspond

ngly, the number of polling divisions inTabaquitewasreducedby one (1) to 38 This adjustment, made on the northeastern extent of the constituency,wasbestsuited based on the significant number of electors belonging to this polling division residing on the western side of the Uriah ButlerHighway.”(pxv).

PD 3206 was housed at the Springvale Hindu

Germany is unlocking...

Frompage16

mostdamningsectionofthereportcamewithabillattached. Itsaid€67billionwererequiredforinfrastructureprojects, anddescribedbarracksandpropertiesas“stillinadisastrous state.”

ForHammerstein,though,itisn’talwaysaboutmoney He insists that Germany has a sound platform to launch from, saying: “It’s about the quality and what I see here during the training is that we have a good substance. We have really highly motivated soldiers… and that keeps me veryoptimisticthatthesubstanceisgood,andnowwehave toincreaseit.”

There is also a shift in the national psyche towards the Bundeswehr While Germans are usually very imageconscious over their military, particularly given the country’s history, polling suggests many now hold a more positive opinion. A survey conducted by German public broadcaster ARD in March found 66% of respondents believe it’s right to increase spending on defense and the Bundeswehr, while 31% said spending should remain the sameorbecutfurther

It also found that 59% of those surveyed agreed that Germany should significantly increase its debt in order to “cope with upcoming tasks, especially in defense and infrastructure.” As Merz embarks on turning around the German juggernaut, he is confident that he is setting Germany on the right track towards a more secure and prosperous future. “Germany is back,” he declared a week ago in Berlin “Germany is making a significant contribution to the defense of freedom and peace in Europe.”

PrimarySchool,MtPleasant Road,Springvale.Theresult in the 2020 general election was PNM-123 and UNC424,whichwasanetgainfor the UNC of 301, which will now be located in Claxton Bay ThemarginoftheUNC overthePNMin2020wasa differenceof1,512.Withthis change, the statistical gap (using2020results)between the UNC and the PNM will beincreasedto1,813.

LaHorquetta/Talparo “Polling Division 2390 in Cumuto/Manzanilla with an electorate of 407 was t r a n s f e r r e d t o L a Horquetta/Talparo, thereby reducing the electorate of Cumuto/Manzanilla to 30,550 and the number of polling divisions to 53 Collaterally,theelectorateof La Horquetta/Talparo was increasedto28,526,whichis withinthepermissiblelimits.

Correspondingly, the number of polling divisions inLaHorquetta/Talparowas increased by one to 36.This adjustment, made on the south-western extent of the

constituency, reduced the degree of community fragmentation between the c o n s t i t u e n c i e s o f Cumuto/Manzanilla and La Horquetta/Talparo while also minimising the impact oftheadjustmenttoconform to the rules set out in the SecondSchedule.”(pxvi) PD 2390 was housed at the Tamana RC Primary School, Tamana Section II Road, Four Roads, Tamana. The result in the 2020 general election was PNM116andUNC-98,whichwas anetgainforthePNMof18 votes, thereby making it a marginal PD. The margin of the PNM over the UNC was 1,921. With this change, the statistical gap between the PNM and the UNC will be 1,939.

SanFernandoWest

“Polling Divisions 4005 and 4006 with an electorate of453and473,respectively, were transferred to this constituency from San Fernando East, thereby increasing the electorate of SanFernandoWestto25,374

andincreasingthenumberof pollingdivisionsto61.

C

y, the electorate of San Fernando East was reduced to 25,646, w

C

number of polling divisions in San Fernando East was reduced by two to 43. This adjustment, made on the northeastern extent of the constituency, bolstered the desc

he constituency’sboundaryand f

d community fragmentation by aligning the boundary withthenaturalboundaryof theVistabellaRiver.”(pxxi).

PDs4005and4006were housed at the Vistabella Regional Complex, Ninth Street, Off Manjack Street, Vistabella. The result in the 2020 general election in PD 4005 was PNM-135 and UNC-115. In PD 4006, the result was PNM-80 and UNC-187. There was a net gainfortheUNCof87votes combined.Themarginofthe PNM over the UNC was

1,705. With this change, the statistical gap between the PNM and the UNC will be reducedto1,618(using2020 results).

Toco/SangreGrande

“Polling Division 2100 in Toco/Sangre Grande with an electorate of 2,000 was transferredtoArima,thereby reducing the electorate of Toco/Sangre Grande to 30,498 and the number of polling divisions to 48 Collaterally,theelectorateof Arima was increased to 28,577, which is within the permissiblelimits.

Correspondingly, the number of polling divisions in Arima was increased by one to 41. This adjustment, made on the western extent of the constituency, further extended the use of the Eastern Main Road and Valencia Road as easily discernible and prominent natural boundaries Althoughthisboundarydoes unavoidably incorporate the use of imaginary lines in its description,thesearepresent inunpopulatedregionsofthe constituency.”(pxxii).

PD 2100 was housed at t h e V a l e n c i a RC/Government Primary School, Nos 14-18 Flamboyant Crescent, Valencia.

The result in the 2020 general election was PNM741 and UNC-326. There was a net gain of 415 in favour of the PNM, which has now been transferred to theArima constituency The margin of the PNM over the UNC was 3,391. With this change, the statistical gap between the PNM and the UNCwillbe2,976.

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar (File photo courtesy Office of the Parliament) Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Stuart Young

More than 50,000 killed in Gaza since war

Israeli’sarmycontinuesattacks across the Gaza Strip – killing 41 peopleonSunday,includingsenior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil andhiswifewhoweresleepingina tent,Aljazeerareported.

Meanwhile, CNN has reported that more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel’swarwithHamasbegan,the territory’s health ministry said Sunday,agrimmilestoneforawar with no end in sight as Israel resumesfightingandwarnsofeven tougher days ahead. The ministry reported41moredeathsinthepast 24 hours, bringing the toll to 50,021.

Authorities in Gaza do not distinguish between civilians and Hamas fighters when reporting casualty figures, but the health ministryandtheUnitedNationssay the majority of deaths are women andchildren.Andthetruetollcould be much higher, with many thousandsbelievedtostillbeunder therubble.Inresponse,theIDFtold CNN that the Hamas-controlled ministry’sfiguresare“repletewith inconsistencies and false determinations,” adding that the ministry tends to “record deaths unrelated to the conflict, such as natural deaths.” The IDF added that it is “committed to mitigating civilian harm during operational activity in strict accordance to international law,” and that it “distinguishes between civilians and combatants as required by its legal obligations and entrenched values.”

The death toll surged as Israel resumed its war with Hamas this week, ending a two-month

ceasefire in Gaza Tuesday’s renewed airstrikes made it one of the deadliest days for Palestinians sincethewarbegan,withmorethan 400killedbyIsraelifire,according to the health ministry By Wednesday, Israel had also resumeditsgroundoperationinthe enclave.

IsraellaunchedawaronHamas in Gaza on October 7, 2023, following the militant group’s surprise attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostage, according to Israeli authorities. Hamas calledthelatestoffensivea “newanddangerousbreach”ofthe

Smoke rises from a building destroyed in Israeli airstrike at the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on January 12, 2025, as the war between Israel and Hamas militants continues.

Eyad Baba/AFPvia Getty Images

famine in parts of Gaza are unfolding, as Israel blocked aid from entering Gaza earlier this month and as its latest operation impedesdistribution. Negotiations to extend the ceasefire have been moribund nearly from the day it wentintoeffectJanuary19.Hamas hasinsistedonstickingtotheinitial framework signed with Israel in January, which would have seen parties move to a second phase on March 1. Under the terms of the second phase, Israel would have hadtowithdrawentirelyfromGaza and commit to a permanent end of thewar Inexchange,Hamaswould releasealllivinghostages.

ceasefire agreement. The militant group says it is committed to the ceasefire agreement it signed with Israel in January, but on Thursday fired its first rockets at Israel since thetrucecollapsed.

Gazans are left with little hope that the killing will slow as Israeli officials warn that what’s to come will be significantly worse Defense Minister Israel Katz this weekwarnedHamasthatIsraelwill maintain a permanent presence in partsofGazaunlessthehostagesin Gazaarereleased. KatzsaidFriday that he’d instructed the Israeli military “to seize additional areas in Gaza, while evacuating the

population, and to expand the securityzonesaroundGazainorder to protect Israeli communities and IDF soldiers through permanent maintenance of the territory by Israel.”

Soon after the renewed campaign began, Israeli Prime MinisterBenjaminNetanyahusaid: “I want to assure you: This is just the beginning.” Almost all of Gaza’s population of more than 2 million has been displaced from their homes The enclave’s healthcare system has been severely damaged, with hospitals often becoming the center of fighting.Ahumanitarian crisis and

The second phase never happened, and Israel resumed the war, citing Hamas’ alleged rejection of “two concrete mediation proposals presented by theUS”andits“threatstoharmIDF soldiers and Israeli communities” as justification for its attacks on Gaza. Israeldoesnotdisputethata significant number of Palestinian civilianshavebeenkilledinitswar inGaza.Ithashoweverlongargued thatthehealthministry’sfiguresare exaggerated, and that Hamas embeds itself between civilians, using them as “human shields.”

The United Nations and United States State Department have repeatedly said they believe the health ministry’s figures to be accurate, and independent academic studies have estimated that the true toll is likely to be far higher CNNcannotindependently verify the numbers and the Israeli governmentdoesnotallowforeign journalists to independently enter Gaza.

Toll-free crossing on all bridges from August 1 - Pres. Ali

President Irfaan Ali on Sunday announcedthattolls to cross all three major bridges-Demerara,Berbice andWismar will be toll-free fromAugust1thisyear

H e m a d e t h e

announcement while addressingpartyfaithfulata memorial to commemorate the birth anniversary of the late, Former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan at Babu Jaan PortMourant,Berbice. Ali,lastyearAugust,had firstannouncedthatthetolls will be removed from crossing the bridges when thenewonesarecompleted. Government is currently building a new Demerara River Bridge as well as one in Wismar Linden. A new bridge for Berbice is also at thetenderingstage.

Speaking at the memorial,PresidentAlisaid that the move by the government will bring ease in travel while eliminating financial burdens on thousandsofcommuters.

D u r i n g t h e commissioning of the new Schoonord to Crane fourlane highway in Region Threelastyear,PresidentAli hadannouncedthatoncethe new Demerara River Bridge is completed, crossing the bridge will be free of cost.

“On the completion of the newDemeraraRiverBridge, the toll for crossing will be freeofcost,”hestatedthen.

TheUS$260million2.8kilometre new Demerara River Bridge, a key project to alleviate traffic congestion caused by the current Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB). The bridge was slated to be completed bythisyear Thenewbridge is being constructed by ChinaRailwayConstruction (International)Limited,with the Italian firm Politecnica overseeingtheproject.

The bridge’s main span,

locatedbetweenPiers34and 35,willbe300feetwideand 164 feet high, allowing Handymax-type vessels to pass through unobstructed. The towers supporting the spanwillrise220feetabove the carriageway, making the total height of the structure 384 feet above water level. Once completed, the bridge will connect Regions Three and Four, playing a crucial role in enhancing efficiency andeconomicactivityinthe area.

With respect to a new Berbice River Bridge, President Ali had said then that government was in the process of discussing with the Berbice Bridge Company the possible acquisitionofthatbridge.He said if the acquisition is not finalisedbythetimethenew Demerara River Bridge is operational, the Berbice River Bridge crossing will also become toll-free simultaneously

Asitrelatestothecurrent Berbice River Bridge, that bridge was constructed between 2006 and 2008 at a cost of $8 billion, and received financial backing through loans and equity contributions from various entities, including the staterun National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and private investors. It must be noted that the bulk of the money invested in the Berbice BridgecamefromNIS. Sharing ownership percentages in the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI): National Industrial a n d C o m m e r c i a l Investments Ltd (NICIL) holds 10 percent, NIS owns 20 2 percent, and other stakeholders include Handin-Hand Fire Insurance (10 percent), New GPC (20 percent), Queens Atlantic InvestmentInc.(20percent), and Secure International

Finance Co. Limited (20 percent).

Back in January this year, this newspaper reported that seven prequalified international contractors have been shortlisted to bid for the design and construction of the new Berbice River Bridgeproject.

Lastyear,theMinistryof Public Works sought EOIs for the designing, building and financing of the new Berbice River Bridge. In October last year, nine contractors submitted bids. They were China Road & BridgeCorporation(China); Ashoka Buildcon Limited (India); China Railway Construction Caribbean Limited (China) in jointed venture with China Railway C

Engineering Bureau Group Company Limited (T&T); Shandong High-speed Road &BridgeCompanyLimited (China) in jointed venture withAJM Enterprise; China R

CompanyLimited(China)in jointed venture with China

Company Limited (China); Rockey&SonConstruction (local); Kalpataru Projects

International Limited (India); Vishwa Samudra EngineeringPrivateLimited (India); and Aecon Global Services(Canada).

President Irfaan Ali had a

government intended to construct a fixed high-span crossing bridge across the BerbiceRiver

“

y understanding for the future needs of this region. That is why we are accelerating the

plans for a fixed high-span crossing bridge across the Berbice River just like the one in the Demerara River,”

President Ali said. He had initially announced the constructionofanewbridge in Berbice in October 2022. The structure is expected to mirror the US$260 million newDemeraraRiverBridge. With regard to the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge, in January 2024, the government and China

Railway Construction Corporation Limited signed a US$35M contract for its construction. The four-lane bridge is expected to be completed in twoyears.Itwillbepre-cast and will measure 220 meters. It will carry all road safety signs, lighting and have a 32-meter horizontal clearage and 11.5 meters vertical clearage. It will be constructedinthevicinityof WestWatooka,Wismar

The Berbice Bridge

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

NSC, Office of the DPP host meeting on Criminal Law and Sexual Offences Act

In a proactive effort to foster a safer and more responsible sporting environment, the National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), hostedacrucialmeetinglast Saturday at the Cliff AndersonSportsHall.

NSCviewedthisinitiativeas a significant step in reinforcing its commitment to raising awareness and strengthening the fight against domestic and sexual violence.

Themeetingwasdeemed amandatoryengagementfor all executive members of national federations and associationsinGuyana,with a primary focus on criminal law, particularly the Sexual OffencesAct.

Monday March 24, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Aletterorcallfromarelative couldresultintheprospectof an unexpected houseguest Youmightbeinaquandaryas to what to do about it, Aries. Your schedule could be crammed with other responsibilities.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Travel plans might have you confused, Taurus. You may haveanumberofpossibilities in mind, and all seem equally attractive. It probably isn't feasibletogoforthemall.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

New earning or investment possibilitiescouldhaveyouin a quandary over which one is the best for you. There are a number of solutionstechnology may be one of them-butthisisn'tthetimeto makeanyimportantdecisions.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Your life may seem to be at a crossroads,Cancer Anumber ofdifferentpossibilitiescould beopeninguptoyou.Theonly thingthatseemscertainnowis that changes are on the horizon.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Others' attitudes toward you mayseemtobechanging.You may not be sure what this means.Thefactis,Leo,you're changing, and some of your friends may like what you're becomingandothersmayfeel lesscomfortable.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

A number of different and unexpected professional and personal possibilities might haveyouabitconfusedabout which way you want to go, Virgo.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Todayyoumightfaceachoice, Libra.Youmightbethinkingin terms of relocating to advance your career, but you could be confused about your options. You might be grappling with severaloptions.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

An intellectual problem may prove confusing, Scorpio, and reading and research reveal contradictoryinformation.You might also hear some gossip thatdoesn'tseemquiteright.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Confusion about money might be on your mind today This doesn't necessarily mean that your finances are in chaos. Chances are that you face unfamiliar options concerning your financial future, and so you may be in no position to makeanykindofdecision.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

A relationship that you may have recently formed might have you in a dither today, Capricorn This could be romantic or some other sort of acquaintance.Youmightnotbe sureaboutwhichwayyouwant thisinvolvementtodevelop.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You might be feeling somewhat under the weather, Aquarius You're probably stressed and in need of rest. Work concerns could also be confusing.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Recent successes have you feeling especially pressured to continue on your path, Pisces. You may have to make some choices regarding your activitiesoutsideofcareerand family

Leading the discussions were Assistant DPP Tiffini Lyken and the DPP’s Communications Officer, LizRahaman,whoprovided keylegalinsightsrelevantto thesportinglandscape.

According to Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, the

Hetmyer’sblazing knockinvain...

Frompage22 the target proved too steep. Harshal Patel (2-34) and Simarjeet Singh (2-46) held theirnerveinthedeathovers forSunrisers,whoclincheda 44-run win. Rajasthan ended at242/6.

T h e m a t c h a l s o highlighted a worrying trend for Rajasthan’s pace spearhead Jofra Archer, whose 76-run spell eclipsed previous records for most runs conceded in a four-over spellintheIPL.

With the win, Sunrisers Hyderabad signalled their intent this season, while RajasthanRoyalswillruethe missed opportunity despite several standout batting performances.

A key focus of the meeting was the protection of women and children, ensuringthatallstakeholders withinthesportingfraternity are well-informed and equipped to contribute to a safe and just sporting community

With global attention increasinglydirectedtoward safeguarding individuals in sports, the forum provided aninvaluableopportunityfor sports administrators to understand their legal o b l i g a t i o n s a n d responsibilities.

Discussions emphasized preventative measures, legal repercussions, and the critical role of sports organizations in fostering a culture of respect and accountability

Assistant DPP Tiffini Lyken addressing the gathering at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Hetmyer’s blazing knock in vain as Sunrisers sink Royals in run-fest

(SportsMax) - Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive cameo of 42 from 23 balls wasn’t enough to rescue Rajasthan Royals, who fell short in a high-octane chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad on SundayintheIndianPremier League. The West Indies star’s late flurry, including four towering sixes, brought hope to the Royals but couldn’t eclipse a monumental Sunrisers total of286-6. Batting first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Sunrisers posted a recordshattering 286 thanks to

Ishan Kishan’s breathtaking unbeaten 106 from just 47 balls The left-hander peppered the boundary ropes,smashing11foursand 6 sixes at a strike rate of 225.53. He shared crucial partnerships—most notably a 72-run stand with Travis Head(67off31)anda56-run

blitz alongside Heinrich Klaasen(34off14).

Kishan’s carnage was complemented by Travis Head’s 67 off 31 balls and quickfire cameos from Nitish Kumar Reddy (30 off 15)andKlaasen.TheRoyals bowlers were left reeling, especiallyJofraArcher,who

endured a torrid outing—his fouroversgoingfor76runs, the most expensive spell in IPLhistory

In reply, Rajasthan Royals showed early promise despite losing three wickets in the powerplay

Sanju Samson (66 off 37) and Dhruv Jurel (70 off 35)

forgeda111-runpartnership that reignited hopes. But Samson’s dismissalat161-4 in the 14th over sparked a collapse. Jurel followed shortly after, and although Hetmyer and Shubham Dubey (34* off11)addedarapid80runs, Continued on page 19

Junior Pan American Games Qualifier…

Archery Guyana commends Chung’s outstanding performance

The elimination rounds of the second Qualifier for the Junior Pan American Games 2025 concluded yesterday, with 24 countries fiercely competing for a coveted spot in Asunción, Paraguay Among them, Guyana’s Lucas Chung proudly took to the field, representing our country with skill, determination, andsportsmanship.

Afterastrongstartinhis match against Jacob Mighty of Jamaica, Chung led 2-0 after the first end. However, despite a tightly contested battle, Mighty ultimately advanced to the next round. The competition continued with eliminations from Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, Jamaica,andPeru,leadingto a thrilling final lineup featuring Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, and E c u a d o r f o r t h e championshipshowdownon Sunday,March23rd.

Despitetheresult,Chung remains positive and determined. Reflecting on theexperience,heshared:

“Competingontheworld stage and achieving my

personalbestscoreof580is something I will always cherish.Thistournamenthas been an incredible learning opportunity, and I am grateful for the chance to connect with fellow archers from across the Americas. I look forward to more international competitions andcontinuingtogrowasan athlete.”

Archery Guyana

President Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon praised Lucas Chung for his dedication, resilience, and achievement in representing Guyana on the international stage. She acknowledged that while eliminationisdisappointing, true champions rise after setbacks.Shehighlightedhis 18th birthday milestone, emphasising that this is just thebeginningofhisjourney, and expressed confidence in his continued growth and success.

She also extended heartfelt appreciation to Lucas’s family: Andrew, Christy, and Leianna, for their unwavering support, recognising their sacrifices androleinhisachievements. She reassured the Chung

Familywhoareallpresentin Buenos Aires, Argentina, that Lucas’s experience in this competition will only propelhimforward,andwith their encouragement, his bestisyettocome.

Vidushi reaffirmed Archery Guyana’s pride in Lucas and commitment to standing by him as he continues his athletic journey

Despite the loss, Lucas Chungperformedadmirably against an opponent with s

competition experience and

the advantage of prior training camp participation. President Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon acknowledged this, emphasising that Lucas s t i l l d

e d a commendableperformance. Shealsorespondedtothe wildcard selection update, expressing disappointment but respect for the decision a n d e x t e n d i n g congratulations to Puerto Rico for securing the men’s

Guyana’s gratitude for the opportunity to compete at

this level and the valuable experiencegained.

Finally, she expressed

Organisers in Buenos Aires and to World Archery Americas and in particular, Secretary General Mr S

dedication and efforts in supportingthecompetition.

ArcheryGuyanaextends itssincereappreciationtothe President Munroe and Executive Committee of the

Association (GOA) for their continuous support of

archeryandthedevelopment of young athletes. Their commitment to sport and athlete development has played a crucial role in providing opportunities like the

’s representatives to shine on theinternationalstage.

As Lucas Chung returns home,hisjourneycontinues, fuelled by experience, resilience,andthesupportof his family, federation, and country Archery Guyana stands firmly behind him, ready for the next steps ahead.

Lucas Chung and Sergio Font, Secretary-General, World Archery Americas in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

GOA and Paraguayan Olympic Committee

sign historic Memorandum of Understanding

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) have officially signed a landmark M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding (MOU), solidifying a new era of collaboration between the two National Olympic Committees.

T h i s s t r a t e g i c partnership follows extensive discussions and joint engagements, paving the way for long-term cooperation in sports development, athlete training, and knowledge exchange.

T h e a g r e e m e n t establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration in high-performance sports, h u m a n r e s o u r c e

development, technical expertise sharing, and capacity building. It also outlines structured initiatives to enhance p h y s i c a l a c t i v i t y opportunities for athletes in both countries, leveraging available resources for mutualbenefit.

During their visit to Guyana, COP President CamiloPérezLópezMoreira andMarioCilentiengagedin high-level meetings with G O A’s E x e c u t i v e Committee, office of the President, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr, and otherkeystakeholders.Their visitalsoincludedameeting with the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association and

visiting several local sports facilities, emphasising their c

o strengthening ties with G

ting community

Inexpressinghissupport for the partnership, COP President Camilo Pérez LópezMoreirastated:“This agreement with the Guyana

development of sport in the

Understanding, we promote cooperation,theexchangeof knowledge, and the growth

d professionals, further strengthening the Olympic tiesbetweenournations.”

The MOU highlights six

majorprojectsthatwilldrive this partnership forward AthleteDevelopmentGuyanese athletes at variouslevels,fromcadetto s e n i o r, w i l l h a v e opportunities to train within COP’s jurisdictions Training programs will rangefromonetosixmonths in high-performance centers and provincial leagues in Paraguay

T r a i n i n g a n d

CompetitionforAthletesand Teams - COP will explore avenues for high-level training for Guyana’s national team coaches and athletes,focusingonrefining techniques and improving performance. Training stints will range from short-term programstoone-ortwo-year specialized training programs. The initiative also includes hosting COP athletes and coaches in Guyana, particularly in athleticsandrowing,towork alongside national team members.

The team also visited some of the local venues that are home to some disciplines.

CoachingDevelopmentGuyanese coaches will benefit from specialized training programs and coachingeducation,working alongside top-tier professionalsinParaguay

This collaboration aims to enhance coaching methodologiesandtechnical expertise in various disciplines.

Equipment Support

Grant - COP will facilitate the provision of sports equipment to support mass participat

ent identification, and schoolbased programs in all ten administrative regions of Guyana Additional competition equipment will also be provided to help Guyana host international sportingevents.

National Sports Facility

Development - COP and GOA will explore potential funding and support for the construction of a National High-Performance Training Facility in Guyana This facility will provide elite training opportunities, enable extended training hours, and position Guyana as a host for regional and internationalcompetitions.

Cricket Development in Paraguay-Guyanawillplay a leading role in developing cricket within Paraguay, providing training, coaching expertise, and technical guidance to help grow the sportintheregion.

ATransformational Initiative

Speaking on behalf of GOA, President Godfrey Munroe underscored the transformativenatureof this agreement: “This is a landmark collaboration that will provide much-needed training exposure, scholarship opportunities, and high-performance environments for our athletes and coaches. It is alsoastrategicinvestmentin h u m a n r e s o u r c e development, planting the seedsforthefuturegrowthof oursportsecosystem.” He further emphasised the broader significance of the partnership: “This initiativeservesasacatalyst fordeeperculturalandsports exchanges, fostering stronger bonds between our nations through knowledge t r a n s f e r , s h a r e d methodologies, and mutual respect. Sports will be the bridgethatbringsthepeople of Guyana and Paraguay closertogether.”Mr.Munroe andtheexecutivecommittee of the GOA extended its appreciation to COP President Camilo Pérez López Moreira, the Government of Paraguay, andallstakeholdersinvolved in making this collaboration a reality The MOU is a testament to what can be achieved when National Olympic Committees work together in the true spirit of Olympism. This partnership marksahistoricmilestonein Guyana’s sporting development and is set to yield significant benefits for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators for years to come.

Waramuri stuns Vreed-en-Hoop

Cayden Paul (left) netted a beautiful free-kick for Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary as they fell 7-1

-Milo/MassyU18Football ChampionshipRoundII

7-1, as

Bush

Lot topple Ann’s Grove

The Petra Organisation wrappedupthesecondround of the 2025 Milo/Massy Under-18 Boys’ Football Championship yesterday at the Ministry of Education

and Queen’s College

grounds Bush Lot Secondary, President’s College,DolphinSecondary, Westminster Secondary, Waramuri Secondary, and West Ruimveldt Secondary all secured victories to close out the round in style. The final day of round two was electric, with thrilling encounters across both venues. Dolphin Secondary edged Yarrowkabra Secondary 2-0, courtesy of goals from Jamol Williams and Ezekiel Frank-David. Their well-timed strikes ensured Dolphin’s second winofthetournament.

At the Queen’s College ground, West Ruimveldt Secondary delivered a dominant performance, blanking St. John’s College 4-0 Donvovan Welcome bagged a brace, scoring in the 39th and 50th minutes, while Ezekiel Stanford and Jeremiah Griffith added one goal each to seal the emphaticwin.

Meanwhile, President’s College recorded their first victory of the tournament, dismantlingTutorialHigh51. Michael Antigua opened the scoring in the 10th minute before doubling his tally in the 20th. Jamaine Caster (29’), Jude Andrews (25’), and Michael Joseph also found the net. Akelo Bovell pulled one back for Tutorial, but it was merely a consolation as President’s College cruised to a comfortablewin.

Over at the Ministry of Edu

thenet.

, Waramuri Sec

dary produced a masterclass, thrashing Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary 7-1 Captain Rondel Peters set the tone with a well-executed strike inthe5thminute,butVreeden-Hoop’s Cayden responded with a stunning free-kick from 30 yards out tolevelthescoresinthe10th minute. However,Waramuri quickly reasserted their dominance as Denzil Abrams (18’) and Erwin Booker (24’) breached the opposition’s defense to give their side a 3-1 lead heading intohalftime.

The second half was all Waramuri as they ran riot. Abramscompletedhisbrace in the 46th minute, while Eldon Lewis (58’), Shakeel Marks (64’), and Ricardo Lewis (66’) added to the tally, capping off a comprehensivevictory Westminster Secondary and Abram Zuil Secondary played out a thrilling 4-3 contest. Westminster started strong, racing to a four-goal leadwithstrikesfromTravin Evans (6’), Nickille Watson (10’), Germaine Garnett (17’), and Michael Singh (19’). However,Abram Zuil launched a spirited fightback, scoring three goalsinthefinal20minutes. Despite the late surge, Westminster’s defense held firmtopreservetheirnarrow win.

In another fixture,Ann’s Grove suffered a 3-1 defeat to Bush Lot Secondary Quaency Fraser and Cary Blair were instrumental in securing the win, with both players finding the back of

The tournament is sponsored by Nestlé Milo, with support from Massy Distribution, MVP Sports, the National Sports Commission, and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Sanctioned by the Ministry of Education, the competition is coordinated by the Petra Organisation. The action continues this weekend with the thirdroundmatches.

Waramuri stuns Vreed-en-Hoop

Bush Lot topple Ann’s Grove

President of POC Camilo Perez, Minister of ForeignAffairs Hon. Hugh Todd, Minister ofYouth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr, GOAPresident Godfrey Munroe, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, DoS Steve Ninvalle along with other executive members of the GOAincluding Mario Cilenti, Emily Ramdhani, Philip Fernandes and Garfield Wiltshire were all present to witness the historic event.

Waramuri’s captain Rondell Peters with his eyes glued on the ball against Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary