Kaieteur News

-Nortonsaysvictoryat thenextpollsispossible

Govt. suspends Mohamed’s security service licence

…have to hand in their guns

The Government of Guyana has suspended the security service licence of Mohamed's Enterprise Security Service, a company ownedbyUnitedStates-sanctioned businessman, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed.

The decision was outlined in a letter dated March 26, 2025, from Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken to Mohamed, citing violations under the Private Security Service Act No. 32 of 2009. According to the letter, the suspensiontookeffectimmediately andwilllast30days.Mohamedhas been given 15 days to show cause astowhythesuspensionshouldnot beextendeduntiladeterminationis made on the possible cancellation ofthelicence.

The suspension was enacted under Section 10(2) of the Act, which allows for temporary suspension of a private security service licence if the Controlling Authority deems it necessary, pending a final decision on revocation. The reasons cited for

the action include violations of Subsection(1)(c),whichstatesthat the licence holder has violated other laws, and Subsection (1)(i), which pertains to unlawful acts posing a threat to national security ornationalintegrity

As a result of the suspension, several measures have been mandated in accordance with Section 10(4) of the Act. These includetheimmediatecessationof security services provided by Mohamed's Enterprise Security Service, the surrender of all firearms and ammunition to the Guyana Police Force, and informing all clients of the suspension.

Additionally, it was stated that securitydetailsofthecompanyare prohibitedfromwearinguniforms, and all personnel processing and training must halt. All firearm licencesandtheappointmentofall supernumerary constables have beenrevoked.Thecompanyisalso prohibited from using its emblem, logo,andbadge.

While the letter does not

disclose specific details on the alleged violations leading to the suspension, Mohamed now faces the possibility of an extended suspensionoroutrightcancellation of his security service licence, depending on the findings of the Controlling Authority following his response within the given timeframe.

Notably, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, S.C. recently disclosed thattheGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF) andtheGuyanaRevenueAuthority (GRA) believe they have gathered enough evidence to proceed with actions concerning the sanctions imposed on Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, as wellasPermanentSecretaryofthe MinistryofLabour,MaeThomas. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, at his recent press conference, had noted that this is just the tip of the iceberg regarding the Mohameds. Nazar Mohamed had accused the members of the government of misrepresenting the sanctions to stiflehisbusiness.

Todate,theMohameds'cambio licence has been revoked and their cabotage permission was not renewed. It was also reported that they are facing issues with authorities in relation to their mining operations. GRA has also initiated a process to go after over $900millioninowedtaxesforfour high-end vehicles owned by the Mohameds.

The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

hadsanctionedtheMohamedsover allegations of tax evasion, corruption, and gold smuggling, while Thomas was accused of misusing her position to grant government contracts and other benefits to the businessmen. Since the sanctions, the Guyanese gove

as so

n

ght information from U.S. authorities and committed to taking appropriate action once enough evidencewasavailable.

Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and his sonAzruddin Mohamed

Norton defends Opposition MPs not attending ExxonMobil meetings for oil projects

OppositionLeader

Aubrey Norton is not convinced that the Members of Parliament (MPs) on that sideofthepoliticalspectrum wouldaddastrongerlayerof scrutiny to ExxonMobil's projectplans.

During his weekly press engagement on Friday, he was asked the reason for Opposition MPs not attending the meetings held byExxonacrossthecountry andwhetherhebelievesthat these representatives could add a stronger layer of scrutinytotheseprojects.

To this end, Norton explained, “Well, I don't know that the presence of Opposition MPs will add a layer of scrutiny. We have been engaging ExxonMobil as a political institution. In fact, we are scheduled to do anotherengagement,andour concernsaremadethere.”

He said that as “a government in waiting”, the Opposition is tasked with ensuringthatitoperatesina manner that allows them to engagethecompanytomake changes necessary to give Guyaneseabetterfuture.

Kaieteur News therefore asked the Leader if he does notbelievethatbyattending themeetings,theOpposition could do more for the country, beyond the closed doormeetingswithExxon.

Consequently,heshared, “Well, I believe that Opposition MPs could attend. It is their decision if they want to attend. I do believe if they attend, they can impact the discussion, but I don't know that their non-attendance affect the discussions.”

Additionally, Norton

said that while Opposition MPs may not be present at the meetings, persons affiliated with the Oppositionwouldattendthe sessions. According to him, “Imustalsopointouttoyou that MPs are only one layer ofinvolvementinapolitical process.

There are many people who are involved politically that attend, but not necessarily in their political capacity.”

L a s t w e e k t h i s newspaper reported that ExxonMob

l recently commenced a series of public scoping meetings, specifically geared towards

engagingthewiderpublicon its largest offshore development to date, the Longtailproject.

Most citizens are not onlyunawareofthepurpose of these meetings, but have shown a lack of knowledge and keen interest in the ongoing offshore activities.

The meetings hosted so far byExxonhaveseennomore than a handful of people at various venues. Some were even delayed by as much as an hour as a result of poor

and seek answers on impact insomeregard,whileothers were interested in how they can benefit more from opportunities and initiatives fundedbyExxon.

attendance.

It was observed that of severalmeetingsattendedby this newspaper, no MPfrom the government or the Oppositionsideattended.

Thishascausedconcern, especially since these officialsareexpectedtolook out for the interests of Guyanese and hold these multinational corporations to account. Instead, citizens with their little knowledge turned out to enquire about the company's operations

It should be noted that while the participation from ordinarycitizensiscrucialto the process, one would e x p e c t e l e c t e d representatives of the people, with more knowledgeoftheindustry,to be in attendance to add

another layer of scrutiny to thecompany

Further, some citizens mayconsidertheattendance of elected representatives as a confidence booster for them, and that they- the MPs- are seriously engaged in this massive oil sector,

especially relative to potential impacts on Guyanesecommunities.

While the Longtail consultations have now concluded, the operator will commence public meetings this week on the seventh project,Hammerhead.

Apoorly attended public scoping meeting hosted by ExxonMobil

Opposition Leader,Aubrey Norton

Kaieteur News

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Legal framework and corruption

There is much that former Speaker of the House and Senior Counsel, Ralph Ramkarran, that we agree with on the issue of massive government corruption For starters, he posited that the legal framework is weak, and that procurement systems need urgent reform In his own words, “I don't think the laws are robust enough, but it's not only a question of laws, it's a question of systems The procurement system needs reforming in many ways and the Procurement Commission, the laws need reforming to enable the Commission(tocarryoutcertainfunctions).”

Ramkarran highlighted reforms needed to take aim at corruption infesting taxpayers' money We take the position that a complete overhaul is what Guyana's circumstances demand The legal framework, the Procurement Commission'spowers,thecompositionofthoseplacedtoman the ground-level contract award system, and those in oversight bodies all call for an overhaul From politicians to the common people, all have been talking about corruption cancers that have weakened this country's potential, and all but destroyed any claim it could make to standards. The grimrealityisthatgovernmentaftergovernment,andleader after leader, have all failed to address the corruption cancer, withGuyanesetaxpayersfeelingthepain. Amilliondollars lost through corruption represents a million in benefits not reachingcitizens.

New laws are in operation, yet they always seem to lack thekindofteethnecessary,asthoughloopholesareleftasthey are in the drafting process An invitation to raid the nation's coffers is how we see developments such as those The Natural Resource Fund law stands as a good example The PPPC Government had the wisdom to insert provisions to penalizethosewhocommitwrongdoingwiththeFund,butit waswiserinneglectingtoincorporatepenaltiesforthosewho touchtheoilmoneyofthepeopleinanimproperway

How can a real fight be mounted against government corruptionwhen thegovernmentitselfcouldbe so cleveras todosomethingofsuchaslipperynature? ThereisaPublic Procurement Commission to oversee the national tendering and award processes, yet its powers only go so far It is tantamount to putting a lame duck to look over a sick dog, the latter being a solid description of the National ProcurementandTenderAdministrationBoard(NPTAB).

Ramkarran also called for something that makes sense He pointed out that NPTAB, as it is currently constituted, is mostlymadeupofpublicservants Toaconsiderableextent, public servants are not respected by Guyanese as being paragons of virtue Therefore, to have a body as sensitive as NPTAB, one that oversees the award of contracts totaling hundreds of billions of budgeted funds, run by mainly public servants,istogiveagreenlighttocorruptpractices

WhentheGuyanapublicservicehasearneditswayback into the regard of citizens, there can then be some reconsideration of this position. Recent high-profile examples of contract awards that failed to meet eligibility requirements have resulted in NPTAB looking very disreputable, an agency not to be trusted. The Belle Vue pump station, awarded by NPTAB, stands above the others that give off the stench of politics and cronyism, and the corruption that is all but inevitable when the two are in operation. There was a contract award for $865M for the Belle View project that has been ripped to shreds, but the claim is that everything is stuck right there, since nothing canbedone. Afterallthenoiseaboutaccountability,thisis whereclosetoabilliondollarshangunresolved. ThePPPC Government is paralyzed by either its loyalty to friends and people who do dirty work for it, or by its behind-the-scenes endorsementofcorruption.Thepoliticaloppositionhasbeen clamoring for a seat on NPTAB, which should make a difference; slow down the corruption cancer Our position is that elements from civil society and other citizens who are known for their independence must be present in the government's procurement system When public service evaluators on the front end of bids and State engineers at the back end have compiled a less-than-reliable record, then peoplefromotherareasareneededtostemthecorruptiontide

Our people must be allowed to gain more experience

Dear Editor, Much has been said disparaginglyaboutthework of our local contractors and their poor workmanship displayed in the construction o f

developmentoftheUSAand C

overnight, and their skills in construction also took time

andpractice.Ourlocalteams can gain experience quickly by using the techniques developed by both the Chinese and the Americans. By combining their best practices, we can quickly improve the quality of our r

w

k However, it should be noted that in my travels around the

world, the Japanese have shown even greater quality and precision in their road work. By giving each of these three countries an opportunity to participate in our major road projects with the support of our local t e a m s , g o v e r n m e n t engineers and inspectors, we will have an opportunity to

learn from the best and quickly gain experience in the most advanced road building techniques in the

consider using this approach in the construction of the roadtoBrazil.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee

OGGN urges VP Jagdeo to end Guyana's tax payments on behalf of ExxonMobil by amending 2016 PSA

Dear Editor,

Over the past six weeks, the Oil and Gas Governance Network Guyana (OGGN) has published several letters in the Sunday editions of Kaieteur News, informing the Guyanese public about a q u e s t i o n a b l e t a x arrangement between the

Government of Guyana and the Stabroek Block contractor- ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd, along with its affiliates Hess Corporation andCNOOC.

AccordingtoArticle15.2 of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), the Contractor is subject to

Guyana's income and corporate tax laws However, Article 15 4 stipulatesthat:“TheMinister of Natural Resources shall pay a sum equivalent to the tax to the Commissioner General, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), on behalf of the Contractor, and that

amount shall be considered income of the Contractor,” and“Theappropriateportion of the Government's share of ProfitOildeliveredunderthe provisionsofthisAgreement shall be accepted by the Minister as payment in full bytheContractorofitstax (Continue on page 6)

What was the supporting section to substantiate this new policy?

Dear Editor,

Please allow me the opportunitytorespondtothe letter titled “Georgetown M&CC's choice to eliminate interest on overdue general rates intended to relieve city's economically distressedcitizens”byLelon Saul, Lt Col (Ret'd), Councillor

It should be known from the onset that Councillor Saul serves as the chairman ofthefinancecommitteeand is regarded as a policy and financial guru by his fellow APNU councillors, though not by PPP/C councillors w h o c h a l l e n g e h i s predominantly unsupported and ultra vires policies presentedforapproval.

It is generally perceived that policies are merely tools or frameworks to implement broader legislative mandates or, in the Mayor and City Council's case, by-laws

With the aforementioned being clear, the question arises: what was the supporting section to substantiatethisnewpolicy?

The answer provided was Section146oftheMunicipal and District Councils Act, which states, “The Minister may make financial regulations for controlling and managing the financial business of councils.” This section is unequivocal and clearly delineates who holds

theauthority Forthisreason, Councillor Saul and Mayor Mentore were both challenged on the legality of this new policy, while it was explicitly stated that there were no objections to assisting citizens facing financial hardships, provideditisdonewithinthe confinesofthelaw

But was this initiative genuinely intended for individuals experiencing financial hardships? In my humble opinion, I think not, as this policy, including a “solution” application, was approved on Monday, 24th March 2025, with 16 applications already in the system, none of whom had actually seen an application formorhadanyawarenessof the necessary supporting documents for the waiver Councillor Lelon Saul, who often postures as a messiah, stated confidently, “Let's carry on with the council's business.” Councillor Saul and his cohorts should not exploit citizens who may find it difficult to pay their general rates as political pawns, but rather seek authentic and sincere relief measures within the text of thelaw

There is a provision, as full exemption can be approved by the Minister of LocalGovernment. While 40% of property

owners are in arrears, the onus is on the council to maintain continuity in its awareness program, as the fruits of the program are already evident with over 400 citizens who can be classified as delinquent payers due to not paying for the last 3 years honoring their payments in January or February, according to reports.

This blatant attempt to shift blame or to so compassionately appeal to the minister is nothing but duplicity, as this suggestion was already made in our statutory council meeting and, of course, shot down by Mayor Mentore as he lamented“ExecutivePowers ofthecouncil.”

It is paramount that the citizens of Georgetown be led by well-oiled and rightthinking councillors who endeavor to implement measuresingoodfaithwitha common purpose to provide a result in which everyone will be satisfied, not presenting themselves as saviors with ulterior motives for personal benefits. It is time for a change at the helm of the M&CC for the better, as the current cohort proves time and time again they are notreadybutratherrecycled.

Sincerely,

Councillor Steven Jacobs

US-Guyana-Venezuela relations

Dear Editor, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Guyana last Thursday helped to clarify the Donald Trump administration's position on Venezuela's attempts to seize Essequibo and our territorial waters off its coast. President Trump is known for his skepticism towards committing American forces in foreign

military encounters H o w e v e r , R u b i o ' s statements suggest that Maduro's violation of internationalnormsandeven an ICJ's explicit warning

might have disturbed a tripwire suggesting the US might move beyond verbal support if Maduro's ongoing hybrid war against us takes a kineticturn. Rubio reiterated earlier American declarations supporting our position that Venezuela was making “ t h r e a t s b a s e d o n illegitimate territorial claims.”Askedastowhatthe US would do in the face of a Venezuelan attack, Rubio was quite unequivocal: "It would be a very bad day for the Venezuelan regime if they were to attack Guyana

Politicians urged to behave responsibly against potential opponents

Dear Editor,

In a democracy, every adult citizen has a right to vote and to run for office (if they meet age and other requirements) They also have the right to free speech, to campaign for office. The media also has the right to free speech. Politicking has been defined by the American Supreme Court as 'freespeech'.

Guyanese in the USA havetherighttovote,runfor office, and of free speech. Just like politicians have the freedom to speak in and outside of parliament, so do members of the public have the same right to speak in publicforums.

Itiswrong,therefore,for supporters or members of any political party or individual to bully and or attack those of any other political party or anyone desiring to seek elective office or to engage in free speech Violence is not rained on Guyanese involved in peaceful free speechintheUSA.

committed during that era, but are themselves silent today in condemning violent acts of affiliates from another party when they themselves are guilty of the same. All politicians must behave responsibly and distancethemselvesfromthe violence of members of their organization, and also not victimizepeopleforpolitical affiliation Dr Jagan strongly condemned his opponents who behaved accordingly during the 18 years of his being in opposition.

Attacking people who showed up as the audience for any political or civic meeting is unacceptable. In recent months, there has beenarashofsuchinstances. Several politicians from all sidesaretobeblamed.Allof this does not augur well for the general election campaign expected after August. Every politician and the free media must condemnsuchacts.

like me, and stop issuing ad hominem smears against candidates Supporters of anyoneseekingofficeshould never be harmed or threatened with loss of employment Corruption should not be the only factor t h a t r e s u l t s i n t h e cancellationofvisas.

ABCE countries should take note of political violence and move to cancel visas of those involved in physical attacks against candidates seeking office and against media houses andcommentators.

Those who speak out against wrongdoings, independent voices, even on harmless anodyne issues, including this writer, have often been targeted by thinskinned politicians of all stripes and parties and by partytrollsandpaidscribes.

or attack ExxonMobil or anythinglikeit.Itwouldbea very bad day or a very bad week for them, and it would notendwellforthem.”

This was repeated on several other occasions and remove any ambiguity about the nature of the US' reaction. At one point, he said, “We have a big navy and we have commitments that exist today with Guyana.”

He suggested these military ties would only strengthen moving forward. "Wewanttobuildonthose, (Continue on page 6)

I recall vividly that as a student activist during the 1970s,freespeechadvocates and activists were harassed and beaten by agents of the dictatorship.StudentsIledin aprotestin1976and1977on the Corentyne were beaten for speaking out against authoritarian rule and denying us the right to freely form associations. Dr. Jagan encouraged us to engage in protests against injustice. Young students, not even of voting age, were accused of being political, and violence was rained on us for protesting.

D r R o d n e y w a s murdered because of his political activism to win us our freedom to protest and run for office. Dr Jagan and somanyotherscombatedthe dictatorship to win us freedomanddemocracy

We can't practice today what we fought against from 1966to1992.

It is hypocrisy for politicians to condemn u n d e m o c r a t i c a c t s

Diversity of voices and political parties is good for any country In the USA, there are dozens of political parties and hundreds of thousands who pen critiques o f t h e A m e r i c a n government Dozens campaign for an office Violence is not unleashed on them. They are not intimidated and physically attacked for disagreeable viewpoints.Their supporters are not threatened with losingjobs.

I supported several politicians from different parties and was never victimized or threatened with losing my job as an educator

Guyana is a democracy I spent some 25 years fighting to restore democracy in our homeland, which came in 1992 and was threatened again in 2020; I was at the forefront battling attempts at rigging the democracy I fought for Politicians must discourage their supporters from attacking media houses and commentators

This leads to a chilling effect with independent voices and civic society going silent or avoiding topics which they feel will irk politicians, that will result in loss of income. Regrettably, the politicians achieve their aim to silence good, honest critics when credible voices stop writing. Societybecomestheloser Independent voices must remain strong and not be bullied by politicians or supporters of any party. Similarly, those who seek elective office must be free to campaign regardless of political affiliation or ideology

If an eligible person can't run for office or campaign, andthemediapeoplehaveto worry about political i n t i m i d a t i o n w h e n critiquing, then we no longer h a v e a d e m o c r a c y Politicians from all parties are urged to behave responsibly

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

US-Guyana-Venezuela...

From page 6 expandonthose.”

In turn, President Ali respondedwhenaskedabout the nature of his private discussions with Rubio: “I am very pleased at the reassurance of the US in ensuringthesafeguardofour territorial integrity and sovereignty The threats from Venezuela were specifically discussed ” According to the US State Department, Secretary Rubio signed a security agreement with our Foreign AffairsMinister,HughTodd, t h a t w i l l e n h a n c e intelligence sharing and m

ary c o o p e r a t i o n Ve r y significantly, the signing came as the US Navy was conducting exercises with the Guyanese Navy in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which a Venezuelan Navy corvette had violated on March 1 to threaten an ExxonFPSO.

There have been valid concerns raised about relying so heavily on the US coming to our rescue, especially at a time when the Trump administration has

adumbrated a totally transactional approach to its f o r e i g n p o l i c y commitments. In that vein, we must note Rubio's candid inclusion of Venezuela's t h r e a t t o “ a t t a c k

ExxonMobil” as much as violating our EEZ being the rationaleforinvokingtheUS Navy as part of the response to Venezuelan aggression.

As President Trump has declared explicitly in efforts to end the Ukraine War, protecting US companies that are exploiting local resources is a rationale for receiving American military protection. They will be protecting American interests. On that ground, we would more than q u a l i f y s i n c e t h e

ExxonMobil consortium exploiting the 11B boe (and counting) in the Stabroek Block is a sweetheart deal parexcellence.

We also note that back in 1999, when the original contract was signed by Janet Jagan, she had to have swallowed hard to invite companies she had railed againstforhalfacentury But even with our 11

billion plus boe reserves, we must consider Venezuela's 300B barrels of proven oil, which is the largest reserve in the world by far, and whichdwarfsours.

We have to accept that theUSwantstocontrolthose reserves since that would give it great leverage in the power struggle with China andotherblocsinthecoming decades.There are two ways in which the US can achieve that goal: firstly, by helping to replace the socialist Maduro regime through the application of sanctions and support for the friendly Venezuelanopposition.

Up to now, this has not worked The other is suggested by the willingness of Maduro to accept the return of US oil major Chevron, which is shipping 240,000 bpd to the US While Trump ostentatiously cancelledtheBiden-reissued license, he extended it to May 27 but applied a 25% tariff to other countries that purchaseVenezuelanoil.Itis possible that Maduro might agree to the return of other USoilmajorsthroughwhich the US would have “peaceful” control of Venezuelan oil as in preChavezdays.

As such, we must heed the old folk wisdom: “BelieveinGod;buttieyour camel.” We must strengthen our alliance with the US, but simultaneously hasten our efforts to defend Essequibo by intensifying changes in our military doctrine and force structure to wage a successful asymmetrical campaign to give pause to Venezuelanadventurism.

OGGN urges VP Jagdeo to end Guyana's tax...

From page 4 obligations.”Further,Article 15.5 states that the GRA Commissioner General shall issue tax certificates in the name of the Contractor, evidencing the payment of incometax.

Inplainterms,thismeans that the Minister pays the Contractor's income taxes using Guyana's share of profit oil, and the GRA issues tax certificates to the Contractor confirming that taxes were paid, despite no direct payment being made by the oil companies. This complex fiscal arrangement raises several critical questions:

How are these “deemed tax” payments recorded in publicaccounts?

What is the actual value of tax certificates issued to theoilcompanies?

Have these certificates been used to obtain foreign taxcreditsabroad,especially byExxonMobilandHess?

OGGN has repeatedly called on relevant Ministers and civil servants to clarify these issues. We have also asked the Attorney General to address the apparent conflict between the 2016 PSA and the 2021 Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, which prohibits using oil revenuestopaytaxes.

The Government's response to these concerns hasbeendisappointing.

y J o e l Bhagwandin (Stabroek News, March 25, 2025), a consultant with past ties to ExxonMobil and a current Commissioner of the Public Procurement Commission

In his missive, Bhagwandin dismissed OGGN's concerns as“non-issues.”

We refer readers to Christopher Ram's excellent r e b u t t a l , “ T h e Ta x Certificate Mystery” (Stabroek News, March 28, 2025), which debunks Bhagwandin's arguments pointbypoint.

Rather than responding with transparency, the Government and its proxies appear committed to confusing and misleading the public regarding Guyana's tax arrangements with ExxonMobil and its partners.

Why Vice President JagdeoMustAct

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, a senior Cabinet member, plays a central role in Guyana's oil and gas governance. According to the Official Gazette (September11,2020),hehas “specific oversight responsibilities for finance, natural resources, and the environment.”

skewed in favor of the oil companies, especially the provision in Article 15 that requires the Government to pay on behalf of the Contractorthetaxesowedby the oil companies out of Guyana'sshareofprofitoil.

Based on the oil companies' financial statements from 2019 to 2023,thecumulativeincome taxes declared by the companies amounted to USD 2.789 billion (GYD 581.5billion).Overthesame period, Guyana's total share ofprofitoilandroyaltieswas USD 3.628 billion (GYD 756.4billion).

Sincerely, Ravi

Dev

Ittookmorethanamonth to issue a response, in which t h e M i n i s t e r o f Parliamentary Affairs and Governance attempted to discredit OGGN, while failing to address our questions.

The Minister has also remained silent on whether any steps have been taken to amend the Access to Information Act 2011, as recommended by the UN HumanRightsCommitteein 2023 (Kaieteur News, M a r c h 2 2 , 2 0 2 3 )

Subsequently, a letter was p u b l i s h

In practice, he functions as the de facto head of Guyana's oil and gas policy, often announcing key decisions on behalf of the government, particularly those related to the Stabroek Block and ExxonMobil. Despitethiscentralrole-and the PPPcampaign manifesto promise in 2020 to “immediatelyengageoiland gas companies in better contract administration/renegotiation”- VP Jagdeo has consistently refused to amend the 2016 PSA, citing the“sanctityofcontract.”

Why the 2016 PSAMust BeAmended

OGGN and many

international observers view the 2016 PSA as heavily

If the Government uses that sum to cover the oil companies' taxes, then 77% of Guyana's share of oil revenue (Profit oil plus royalties) is earmarked for tax payments, leaving just 23%, approximately USD 839 million, as the net revenue from five years of oil production (Stabroek News, June 28, 2024). The exact amount paid in taxes remains unknown, as the Government refuses to disclose how much was remitted to the GRA or d e p o s i t e d i n t o t h e Consolidated Fund This lack of transparency is unacceptable.

OurCalltoAction

In light of these facts, OGGN urges Vice President Jagdeo to exercise his responsibilityandleadership by:

Ending the practice of the Government paying taxes on behalf of ExxonMobil and its affiliates, as stipulated in the 2016PSA;

Guaranteeing full transparency in the flow of oil revenues to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the ConsolidatedFund; Ensuring that all tax certificates issued to the oil companies are backed by actual, audited tax payments;and Amending the 2016 PSA, resolving its conflict with the 2021 NRF Act, and invoking Article 32 (Stability Clause) to bring Exxon and its partners to the negotiatingtable.

Sincerely,

Andre Brandli

Kenrick Hunte Darshanand Khusial

Joe Persaud

For the Oil and Gas Governance N

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

Monday – March 24, 2025

Government business:

Shadyandmurky

The PPP/C Government has gone the other way.

Instead of straight disclosures of how the millions of US dollars withdrawn from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) are being spent, the shady has been the norm (“national developmentpriorities”).

Instead of the clear, through specifics, on the utilisation of natural resource revenues, there has been the murky (“national development priorities”) And when the government has had opportunities to manifest that it is trustworthy, through the h i g h e s t l e v e l s o f transparency, it selected the too clever by far (“national developmentpriorities”).

A worker collects his or her paycheck (or bonus) and when it is gone informs the family that it was spent on

improvingthehome,nothing

e l s e . T h e P P P / C Government has repeatedly withdrawn US millions, billions in Guyana dollars, from the NRF, and the most that it does is insult Guyanesebytellingthemthe money is being spent on “national development priorities.”

If one is looking for v a g u e n e s s w i t h millions/billions taken to the e x t r e m e , t h e n t h e government has outdone itself.

Tuesday – March 25, 2025

Much noise about nothing

On Sunday, the PPP held itsannualcommemorationat Babu Jaan to reflect on the life and legacy of the late formerPresident,Dr Cheddi Jagan. Nothing about Cheddi's lifeandworkwasondisplay Itwastheusualpoliticalcuss down we have become familiarwith.

Then there were the 'grand'announcements.Tollfree crossings on the three main bridges. Must we say, twoofthebridges:Demerara and the Mackenzie/Wismar the tolls are negligible and will have no real impact on thepoorandpowerless.

The toll on the Berbice bridge is a creature of the same PPP who through all manner of machinations used NIS funds to bankroll thatproject.

And then we heard of more cash grants- a PPP poverty alleviation strategy fraught with corruption, that selectively allocates one sets of people grants in the millions and another in the thousands.

Wednesday – March 26, 2025

Desecration of Babu Jaan

The solemnity of Babu Jaan, a site meant to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr Cheddi Jagan,

was desecrated last Sunday by an event that bore little resemblance to the ideals of the man it purported to honour.

The annual pilgrimage to Jagan's final resting place has long since ceased to be a moment of reflection. It has instead devolved into a spectacle of partisanship, vanity, and po

theatrics.

What should have been a

extravagant exercise, one that would have been repugnant to the man in whosenameitwasheld.

Dr Cheddi Jagan, for all his political militancy, was notamangiventothekindof vitriolic attacks that have become synonymous with the People's Progressive Party's modern-day political rhetoric.

He was known for engaging in rigorous political and ideological

debates,preferringtotakean analytical approach to national issues rather than engaging in attacks against hisrivals.

And yet, what we witnessedatBabuJaanwasa continuation of the crude political posturing that has become the hallmark of the PPP's weekly press conferences hosted by its GeneralSecretary

Friday – March 28, 2025

Deployment of social Mediainfluencers

On Tuesday, the PPP/C Government gathered some folks, who they described as social media influencers, for adinnerandlecture.Theidea istogetthosefolks,whothey will pay some bucks, to peddle their narrative on socialmedia.

It is what we call “the abuse of administrative procedures”, where the government will deploy social media influencers to harass those who hold a

different viewpoint than powersthatbe.

We are also witnessing the creation and support of new media outlets aligned to thegovernment,toguarantee that only PR brochures will be transmitted to the peoplecoupled with the harassment ofothermediaoutlets.

We want to remind those who appear to have forgotten, that the free press was born as part and parcel of modern flowering of democracy

From all the evidence, it doesnotappearthatthelatter can take root and survive without former Power, and it's inevitable corrupting effectonthosewhoarevoted into office, demands that the people , in whose hands ultimate sovereignty lie, must be given adequate information to make informeddecisions.

This is what will make t h o s e d e c i s i o n s “democratic.”

The PPP is afraid

Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), stood before the press last Thursday and delivered the u s u a l p o l i t i c a l incantations confidence without arrogance, vigilance without complacency It was a performance polished by decades of political theater, the kind of outburst meant to reassure the faithful and unsettle the opposition. The PPP,heinsisted,isnottaking victory for granted. It is working, fighting, sweating foreveryvote.

But beneath the rhetoric, there is something else at work an old, familiar specter that has haunted the party for years, the same specter that cost it power in 2015: corruption. That is the fearbehindthebluster Jagdeo would have you believe that the PPP's confidence is unshakable, thatitsrecordingovernment will deliver another term. And yet, the party's recent actions betray a nervous energy, a defensive crouch. The aggression directed at Azruddin Mohammed and his family—onceallies,now targets suggests a party that knows its grip is not as firm as it pretends. And the funny thing is that Azruddin has not announced that he is contesting the elections; he i s m e r e l y h a v i n g conversations with the people.

B e c a u s e o f t h i s constitutionally-protected activity, the Mohameds, former PPP supporters and donors,nowfindthemselves on the receiving end of the p a r t y ' s w r a t h P P P supporters have been accused of disrupting the public outreaches of Azruddin Mohammed. This

is a tactic straight from the old playbook: isolate, intimidate, exclude. Jagdeo dismisses these disruptions as “spontaneous,” a claim so thin it wouldn't survive a light breeze. The truth is simpler—thePPPisafraid.

A one-seat majority is a fragile thing A lead of 15,000 votes can vanish in a s i n g l e e l e c t o r a l miscalculation And third parties those wildcards that siphon off just enough support—can turn a sure victory into a shocking defeat. The PPP remembers 2011, when corruption eroded its dominance and left it clinging to a minority government. It remembers 2015,whenthescalesfinally tipped.

The PPP's problem has never been its work ethic. The party is relentless, resolute and ruthless when it needs to be. Its problem is the rot within, the kind that no amount of campaigning canscrubaway

The U.S. government's recent sanctions against the Mohammed family accuse them of smuggling, bribery, and corrupting public officials. If the allegations are true if 10,000 kilograms of gold were indeed smuggled out of the country, mostly under the PPP's watch then the question is unavoidable: Whoenabledit?Wholooked the other way? Who got paid?

The U.S. has reportedly h a n d e d G u y a n a ' s government a dossier detailing these operations. One wonders how many names in that dossier belong to PPPofficials. Corruption is the party's original sin, the flawthatundoesitsrecordof economic management. In

2011, it was a series of scandals that cost the PPPits parliamentary majority The PPPChasneverforgiventhis newspaper for exposing its misdeeds.By2015,thestink had grown too strong to ignore. Voters, even some within the PPP's traditional base, had had enough. Now, with the 2025 elections looming, the same questions return. Can the PPP win?

Almost certainly But can it win and keep its house in order? History suggests otherwise The PPP's responsetothreats—internal or external has always been the same: crush them. The Mohamed family is merely the latest example. Once valued, now vilified. O n c e d o n o r s , n o w

denounced The party's message is clear: cross us, andwewillturnthefullforce oftheStateagainstyou.

But this strategy carries risks. A government that governs by fear eventually breeds resentment. A party that relies on intimidation may win elections, but it loses legitimacy And in the long run, legitimacy is the currency that matters Jagdeo knows this. He is too shrewd a politician not to. Yet he persists, betting that the opposition is too weak, the electorate too forgetful, the resources from oil too much to hold back progress. It is a dangerous gamble. The PPP's greatest enemy is nottheAPNU+AFC.Itisnot Azruddin Mohamed or any other third-party challenger It is the memory of its own deficiencies. Corruption is not just a scandal—it is a slow-actingpoison.

ThePPPmaywellwin in 2025. But if it does not confront the corruption within its ranks, if it

Marco nearly get concussion in Guyana!

Well, well, well. If it ain't de great Marco himself that drive straight into de pothole paradise of Guyana. De man come expecting a smooth ride, but instead, he get acrashcourseinwhyheavydutytrucksand heavy machinery and Guyanese roads are mortalenemies.

Marcoheadnearlykissderoofofdecar De man was heard exclaiming, “What manner of road is this? Surely de Chinese builtthistorturetrack!”

Oh, Marco, Marco, Marco! If only it were dat simple. Dem boys had to break it down for him: “Bredda, dis road wasn't built or mashed up by no Chinese—dis is pure,grade-A,Exxon-inducedchaos.”

See, when de oil companies start set up shop and de oil money start flowing, so did de big trucks, de heavy equipment, and de relentless parade of machinery dat treat de East Bank Road like a sacrificial offering.

continues to govern as though accountability is for others, then it will only be a matter of time before history repeatsitself.

Confidence is not enough. Hard work is not

De vehicles turn de road into obstacle course. De faster yuh fit, another heavy dutyvehiclecomeandundothework.

Marco still rubbing he head. About the road that give he thrills, he must be asking, “But why not fix it?” Well, it gan get fix. Butnottillnextyear Andguesswhogetde contract? De Chinese. Now that alone is enoughfuhgivepoorMarcoaheadache.

ButatleastMarcolearnthatinGuyana, de roads ain't just roads—dey are obstacle courses, endurance tests, and like roller coaster rides. Marco survive de East Bank Public Raod, but he leave with one lasting souvenir—a neck brace and a new-found respect for Guyanese drivers who have to navigatedismadnesseveryday

Welcome to de Wild West of de Caribbean, Marco. Next time, bring a helmet. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

enough. Sooner or later, the pastalwayscatchesup.

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

PPP thugs and hooligans -Part II

Reuters - CNOOC Ltd. reported on Thursday an 11.4% growth in 2024 net profit on record oil and gas output, despite weaker oil prices.

The offshore oil and gas specialist posted a net profit of137.9billionyuan($18.99 billion) in a filing to the HongKongStockExchange onThursday

2024 net profit surges on record output

This is CNOOC’s second-highest profit on record.

Domestic rival, Sinopec CorponSundayreportednet income that fell 16.8% to 50.3billionyuan.CNOOC’s oilandgasoutputrose7.2% to a record 726 8 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe), meeting the high end ofitstarget.

Historically, one of the industry’s lower-cost explorers and producers, the company’s all-in production cost, held steadily low at $28.52perboe,comparedto $28.83 in 2023. Capital expenditure totalled 130.2 billion yuan last year, up versus about 128 billion in 2023.

Proven reserves totalled

Guyana Learning Channel launches Digital TV Box

The government is investing in digital learning solutions through the Ministry of Educationtopreparetheyoungergeneration forGuyana’sdigitalfuture.

This was underscored by His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the launchingoftheDigitalLearningTVBoxat the Leonora Track and Field Facility on Saturday TheDigitalLearningTVBoxisa device that empowers households to access the new digital educational channels launched by the Guyana Learning Channel (GLC).

It serves as a link between traditional analog or non-ATSC-compliant smart TVs

andtheATSC3.0digitalbroadcaststandard, which provides greater picture and sound quality,betterreception,andamoreefficient use of the broadcast spectrum. “I want to congratulate the Ministry of Education on further improving the digital platform through which accessibility to education, through which innovative approach to learning and through which a dynamic learning environment is created to enhance learning, ” the President expressedinbriefremarks.

The initiative is part of a broader investmentindigitaltransformation, Continued on page 55

7.27billionboeasoftheend of 2024, also a record high, and the reserve replacement ratiostoodat167%.

Thereserveliferemained at10years.“Reservesarethe cornerstone of our development.Weadheredto the philosophy of valuedriven exploration and targeted at large and medium-sized oil and gas fields,”thecompanysaid.

CNOOC remains a top contributor to China’s domestic oil production growth as State-owned oil companies tackle more geologicallychallengingand costlier resources such as shale oil to counter a steep declineatmaturebasins.The companymaintainedafocus on developing natural gas, including major projects such as the phase-2 of deepsea Shenhai-1 in the

SouthChinaSea. It made a total of 10 oil and gas discoveries such as deepwaterLingshui36-1gas field in the South China Sea and deep-reservoir coal bed methaneproject-Shenfu-in

expanded 10.8% thanks to projects, including in G

outpacing output growth of 5.6%fromoffshoreChina.

Globally the company s awarded in 2024 racts for 10 blocks in Mozambique, Brazil and Iraq, and was operator for seven of them.

CNOOC continues “dynamicallyreview”and “optimise” assets in the face growing geopolitical ertainties, management told an earnings call followingtheresults. When asked if CNOOC would consider divesting its onshoreshaleoilassetinthe U.S. following the sale of Gulf of Mexico assets, CNOOC said this has not come to the management’s reviewagenda.

CNOOC also declared a final dividend of HK$0.66 persharefor2024.

($1 = 7 2635 Chinese yuanrenminbi)

NationyettoseeExxonMobil’sUS$7.3Bfinalaudit reportfourmonthsafterGRAinstructeditsrelease

Although Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA),GodfreyStatia,orderedthe release of the final audit report for ExxonMobil’s US$7.3B expenses

since November last year, Guyanese are yet to see the document.

Since November, Statia informed this publication that the

local consortium, VHE Consulting, has been instructed to release the finalised second audit for the company’s expenses, incurred between the period 2018 to2020

At the time, the Commissioner General said, “The final audit will bereleasedwithintheweek.Ihave alreadygiventhego-aheadtoVHE forthemtodoso.”

Subsequently, it was reported that Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat assured that the report would be made public the followingweek.

The second audit was conducted by VHE Consulting, a registered partnership comprising

provided comprehensive data on significant costs, such as those for supply vessels, drill rigs, SURF, helicopter services, and waste management, while these details are notably absent from the audit report by the local consortium. Currently, citizens can access VHE’s“InitialAuditReportforthe Stabroek Block Cost Recovery Audit – 2018 to 2020” on the Ministry of Natural Resources

published onApril 12, 2024 and is 135pages.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and VitalityAccounting &ConsultancyInc.

Ananalysisofthesecondaudit report reveals missing details on keyexpendituresthatwerecovered inthefirstoilauditthatwasdoneby British firm, IHS Markit, of the company’s 1999-2017 expenses The first report, commissioned by

Notably, VHE was recently awardeda$312millioncontractfor the third oil audit of Exxon’s Stabroek Block expenses for the period2021to2023.

As the nation awaits the publication of the final report, citizenshaveembarkedonaprotest against the lack of information in Guyana, complaining of the stone walls they continue to face when attempting to access information thatshouldbepublic.

Itshouldbenotedthatauditsare

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia

criticaltoensuringthatthecountry isnotcheatedbytheoilcompanies through the procurement of goods and services from the company’s contractors.

This process is particularly important since the oil contract with ExxonMobil and its partners provides for the operator to deduct 75% of the monthly revenues

generatedtoclearitsexpenses.The remaining25%isthensharedwith Guyana as profits The reports provideasummaryofkeyfindings and recommendations by the audit team.

In the most recent Guyana ExtractiveIndustriesTransparency Initiative (GYEITI) report, the country’sfailuretocompleteanyof thetwocostoilauditsconductedto datewashighlighted.

In its Report for the year 2022, the transparency watchdog explained that the EITI Standard states,“implementingcountriesare expected to disclose final cost and tax audit reports, or summaries of those reports, including costs deemed as non-recoverable and costs deemed non-deductible and any additional revenues to be collectedasaresult”.

Consequently, the document notes, “At the date of this report, two such audits have been carried out by separate teams, but agreementhasnotbeenreachedon any potential adjustments to be made.”

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

What a sad nation we've become

What a sad nation we have become, sitting on so much oil, yet kept in the dark like bats. Nine years of oil discovery, five years of pumping, and all of those nine years was met with complete silence.

Not one meaningful word of hope, prosperity, or a proper plan from any of the so-called leaders in the three political camps. When they do opentheir mouths, it's all about what benefits the foreigners’ bank books. Instead of vision, we get vague promises. Instead of leadership, we get lies, six for nine,and a pig in bag, wrapped up as press conferences.

And while they wine and dine with the foreigners, we—the rightful owners of this wealth—are left begging for cash grants, struggling to pay bills, and watching our future being sold off in oil project after oil project.

Proposals to build new Berbice River Bridge top

...Chinese firms dominate bids

Firms bidding to design and build the new Berbice RiverBridgehavesubmitted financial proposals topping US$200M.

The project, which is being undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works, saw the financial aspect of the bidding process opened on Friday at the National Procurement and Tender

A

(NPTAB)office.

Thereitwasrevealedthat companies such as China R

Limited, China Railway C

Engineering Bureau Group Co. Limited (JointVenture); AJM Enterprise, Shandong High-Speed Road & Bridge Company Limited (Joint Venture); China Road & Bridge Corporation; China

The financial proposals submitted to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office for the new Berbice River Bridge project.

Company Limited, China R

Engineering Group Co Limited (JointVenture); and Vishwa Samooja Private LimitedoutofIndiaarenow theonlybiddersvyingforthe project.

With no engineer’s estimate provided for the p

ng to NPTAB information, the bidders bid between US$200 million andUS$465milliontobuild thenewbridge. Theirfinancialproposals

are as follows: China

Limited, China Railway

Engineering Bureau Group Co.Limited(JointVenture)US $255,872,559 08; AJM Enterprise, Shandong High-

Speed Road & Bridge Company Limited (Joint V

US$279,686,679 56; China Road&BridgeCorporationUS $205,888,712; China

R

Company Limited, China

Engineering Group Co Limited (Joint Venture)US$

; and Vishwa Samooja Private Limited-US$465,510,780. Regardingthisproject,in 2024, the Public Works Ministryhadsought Continued on page 55

Stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed as Eccles landfill burns

-EPAurgesresidents

The Environmental

ProtectionAgency(EPA)said onSaturdaythatunhealthyair quality levels for sensitive groups have been detected in Eccles, East Bank Demerara as authorities continue to work to address a fire at the HaagsBoschlandfill.

It said the Guyana Fire Service is on the ground, working to contain the situation and minimise any potentialimpacts.

Reports of smoke from another location are also being investigated as the Agency continues to monitor the situation to assess any furthereffectsonairquality

According to the regulator, “Air quality monitoring has detected elevated Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in Eccles, reaching thresholds considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Conditions are expected to remain

elevated for the next few hours before gradually improving overnight, though moderateairqualityconcerns

may

y communities, particularly Eccles and Providence, may experience lingering smoke andodors.”

C

children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions—are advised to limit outdoor activities, p

exercise EPA cautioned citizensinthesecommunities to stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, and ensure properventilationifsmokeis present. It also advised the useofawell-fittedN95mask to help reduce inhalation of fineparticles.

EPA said it will continue to monitor the situation and provideupdatesasneeded.

The Haags Bosch landfill site at Eccles

H ema ‘Celena’ Jagdeo

Ourfeatured beautyoftheweekis Hema‘Celena’Jagdeo, a19-year-olddentalassistantwho describesherselfasfun,lovingandfreespirited.Inherleisuretime,Celenaenjoys spendingtimewithherlovedones,listeningto musicorwatchingagoodmovie. Thisweek’s beautyalsohasaloveforsportscarsandbikes. Hermantraforlifeis“Don’tjustexist,live!”

The U.S. “Joining” the Commonwealth: an unreasonable expectation

By Sir Ronald Sanders

Recent media stories have suggested that King Charles III could “invite” the United States to join the Commonwealth of Nations. Yet as Professor Philip Murphy, Director of the History and Policy Institute of Historical Research in London, wrote in The Times on March 23, m e m b e r s h i p i n t h e Commonwealth “is not in theKing'sgift”.

Gaining membership starts with an application by the country desirous of becomingamember And,as Murphystates,theprocessis “typically a lengthy one and success depends upon the consent of all existing members”.

This is a fact that is very well-known in Buckingham Palace and one that has been respected by the Sovereigns of Great Britain since 1949 w h e n t h e M o d e r n Commonwealth emerged, and several countries led by India and Pakistan became Republics with their own Heads-of-State.

The Commonwealth is not a formal political or economic union; it is a network of countries that choose to cooperate on shared issues. The British monarch serves in a symbolic role as the Head of theCommonwealth.

This framework arose from a 1949 Declaration of Commonwealth leaders which formalized the Commonwealth's structure and recognized the British monarch as “the symbol of the free association of the independent member nationsand,assuch,Headof theCommonwealth.”

In this capacity, King Charles plays an important ceremonial role but cannot commit the organization Consequently, it is worth clarifying why these media reports about a supposed “Associate Membership” aremistaken.

No Such Thing as “AssociateMembership” Murphy rightly pointed out that there is no category called “Associate Member” in the Commonwealth. In November 2007, at their meeting in Uganda, the Commonwealth Heads of Government emphatically rejected any idea of “Associate Membership” They confirmed that the Commonwealth would

retain only one class of m e m b e r s h i p - f u l l membership by sovereign states. Their stance followed the recommendations of a special committee that was established under the Chairmanship of former JamaicanPrimeMinisterP.J. Patterson. In its October 2007 report, the Committee was categorical in stating that the idea of “Associate Membership” was “fraught with difficulties” They reaffirmed their conviction that “the Commonwealth was fundamentally an association of sovereign member states who were equalinallrespects”.

On the basis of the 8person Committee report, the Commonwealth leaders established a four-step process for any nation seeking admission This process involves: informal assessmentbytheSecretaryGeneral following a country's expression of interest; consultations with e x i s t i n g m e m b e r governments; a formal application by the interested country, if no objections are raised; evidence of democratic processes in the country and public support for membership, such as a resolution of the applicant's legislature.

T h e r e f o r e , n o “associate” or partial membership exists, nor is there any procedure for a single leader - monarch, president,orprimeministertounilaterallyinviteanation tojoin.

Why a U.S. Application IsUnlikely It is difficult to imagine the U S administration choosing to apply for m e m b e r s h i p o f t h e Commonwealth – or any other organization for that matter In the case of the C o m m o n w e a l t h ' s applicationprocess,itwould have to subject itself to a potentially contentious review – something that neither the administration northeU.S.Congresswould tolerate.

Further, national sentiment in the U.S. would likely bristle at the idea that its president and legislature must formally acknowledge the British King as the “Head”ofanorganizationin which the United States participates.

Even though the King's position today is purely symbolic,thenotionofagain recognizing a British

monarch - however ceremonial - would surely spark intense debate among a population that first achieved nationhood by breaking away from British r u l e A Vo l u n t a r y AssociationofEquals

Furthermore, even if the U S were to apply, the Commonwealth's culture of consensus and egalitarian decision-making stands in stark contrast to the usual role of the U S in internationalaffairs.

The Commonwealth is a network of 56 sovereign nations, rich and poor, large and small, that have chosen to collaborate on shared values: democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and development. Its informal style-particularlyduringthe “retreat” sessions of the b i e n n i a l H e a d s o f Government meetingspromotes frank, off-therecord dialogue among leaders who interact on an equalfooting.

For a superpower accustomed to steering global discussions, consensus decision-making where any member can stall or derail a proposal, would be a difficult fit for the US. The comparable situation is the U.S. membership of the Organization of American States (OAS), which the U.S. helped to shape in 1947 with Latin American and Caribbean countries, and in which it has played a forcefulrole.

However, the culture of the OAS, fashioned out of concerns only from the nations of the Americas (32 participating states), is d i ff e r e n t f r o m t h e

C o m m o n w e a l t h ' s remarkable diversity – 56 n a t i o n s , s p a n n i n g c o n t i n e n t s , f a i t h s , ethnicities, and political systems Commonwealth members have fostered an atmosphere of ideological pluralism that has matured oversevendecades.

TheBottomLine

All of this explains why the recent media discussion about a “King's invitation” to the U.S. misrepresents the Commonwealth's rules and operation.

Membership can only be achieved through a formal application approved by all e x i s t i n g m e m b e r governments.

And as long as those rules stand, the British monarch's headship is a ceremonial reflection of voluntary association,

without the power to grant membership to anyone Against this background, no “invitation” to the U S c o u l d t r u l y e x i s t Significantly, Buckingham Palacehasnotconfirmedthe mediastories.

For the United States to join the Commonwealth, it would have to follow the established process of its own accord, and that is not only very unlikely, it would

expectation (The writer is Antigua a n d B a r b u d a ' s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. He served as a Member and Rapporteur of the Eminent Persons Group commissioned by Heads of G o v e r n m e n t t o

recommend reform of the Commonwealth 20102011 Responses and previous commentaries: www sirronaldsanders co m)

Sir Ronald Sanders

TalkingDollars&MakingSense: Mapping Skills to Transform Guyana

Welcome back to Talking Dollars & Making Sense

Today,we'reexploringanother crucialdimensionofGuyana's Comprehensive Development Plan, specifically under the Human Capital and Innovation pillar, skills mappinginthepublicsector

Imagine having a clear picture of all the skills our people possess, knowing exactly how to empower them to drive our nation's ambitious growth. That's the powerofskillsmapping.

WhySkills Mapping Matters

Why is this so important for Guyana? Simply put, to maintain our momentum and capitalize on our economic opportunities, we must understand precisely where our strengths lie and where weneedreinforcement.

This isn't just about numbers or data, it's about real people with real potential, who, when supported, can dramatically transformourcountry.

DrivingAgricultural Innovation

Take agriculture, for instance,asectorattheheartof Guyaneselife

It's changing fast, embracing technology, advanced farming techniques, and climate-smart practices.

By Rennie Parris

Our public servants, from agricultural extension

specialists, are on the front

transformations.

When we identify precisely what new skills they need, we equip them to lead farmers effectively into a future of productivity,

sustainability The benefits ripple outward, improving food security and creating m

communities.

EmbracingDigital Transformation

Technology is another vital area Today, digital

advantageous, it's essential Government workers across all sectors must be digitally literate, mastering skills like cybersecurity, data analysis, and d

management

When our public sector is digitally skilled, it doesn't just perform better; it fosters an environment that attracts global investments and innovative partnerships Ultimately, a digitally savvy public sector positions

G

confidently on the world stage.

LeadingSustainable

EnergyPractices

As Guyana's energy industry expands, especially with the booming oil and gas sector, public servants need specialized knowledge Skills inenvironmentalstewardship, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices are paramount.

Byclearlyunderstanding and addressing these skills needs, we ensure the industry thrives responsibly This means more jobs for Guyanese, greater economic stability, and long-term stewardship of our natural resources.

ResponsibleMiningfor EconomicStability

M

cornerstone of our economy, requiringcarefulmanagement to protect our environment while optimizing economic benefits.

Our public sector needs

responsibleminingmethods, modern geology, and

management.

By pinpointing these specific skills needs, we can train our public officials to

sustainability and protecting our natural wealth for future generations.

StrengtheningOurService Sector

Our rapidly growing service sectors, including tourism, financial services, and business process outsourcing, also demand enhanced public-sector capabilities Effective customer service, regulatory oversight etc., these skills within our government

competitiveness. B

competencies, we position Guyana as a preferred global destination for investment, creating abundant economic opportunitiesforourpeople.

CultivatingLeadership Excellence Leadership sits at the very core of our national progress. Developing strong, capable leaders within our public

good governance, sound decisionmaking, and innovative policymaking. Effective leadershipdoesn'thappenby chance; it requires targeted

training and strategic development.

By identifying and n

potential, we build a public sector capable of guiding G

development with integrity, foresight,andinclusivity

The Human Impact

Yet beyond economic growth, the human aspect of skills development is perhaps themostpowerful

By recognizing and nurturing the skills of our public servants, we directly empower them and their f

hen communities, and create a more cohesive society. Public servants who feel competentandsupportedare more confident, productive, and dedicated. Their success becomes Guyana's success, building resilience and prosperity from the grassrootsupward.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Of course, our skills landscape will continually evolve alongside our dynamic

economy Therefore, it's crucial that the government remains committed to regularly updating and refining skills development strategies.

Leadingbyexample,the public sector can inspire private enterprises to adopt similar strategic approaches, ensuring that our national workforce remains flexible, responsive, and globally competitive.

Thestrategicmappingand development of public-sector skills are not merely administrative tasks, they're essential investments in Guyana'sfuture

B y e n s u r i n g o u r workforce is well-equipped to meet both current and future demands, we lay the groundwork for sustained economic growth, social stability,andoverallnational development.

Let's continue to support, andinvestinourgreatestasset, Our People, ensuring that every Guyanese can participate meaningfully in shapingoursharedfuture

Asadoctoralcandidatein technology education with a Marketing MBA lens and a lifelong commitment to learning, I've devoted my research and professional journey to exploring the transformative power of S T E M e d u c a t i o n , particularly its impact on learners from vulnerable communities.

STEM education, by the way, isn't simply about

t e a c h i n g S c i e n c e , Technology, Engineering, and Math as isolated subjects.

At its core, it's about integrating these disciplines with the creative arts and project-based learning to cultivate creativity, collaboration, problemsolving, and innovation in young learners. Through my work with STEMGuyana, one truth has become increasingly clear, the future of our nation's economic ecosystem depends on our a b i l i t y t o e m b e d technological literacy and innovative thinking at every stageofeducation.

The global economic landscape is undergoing a radical metamorphosis. The World Economic Forum projects that 97 million new roles will emerge by 2025 in the digital economy, a figure that, while statistical, should serve as a wake-up call for

strategic educational i n v e s t m e n t b y b o t h government and the private sector The potential of these investments has already been acknowledged and acted upon by many international development agencies.

In Guyana, this moment presents a tremendous opportunity and a national imperative for, especially our business community, one that competitors, both current and future, in the Global North recognized andembraceddecadesago.

Through both academic research and hands-on experience in the field, I've

observed a clear and compelling link between

STEM education and business performance Companies that invest in

STEM Education is a Strategic Imperative for Local Business Innovation

cultivating local tech talent aren't merely engaging in cost-cutting or fulfilling c o r p o r a t e s o c i a l responsibility, they are actively reengineering their competitive edge and positioning themselves for global success McKinsey supports this connection, reporting that organizations with a highly skilled technical workforce enjoy up to 40% greater labour productivity, a figure that translates directly to improvedprofitability Inthe v e r y n e a r f u t u r e , a company's size will matter far less than its ability to harness the power of technologies like Artificial

Intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, scale solutions, and boost productivity, leveling the playing field with even the largestglobalcompetitors. What we're building through robotics, coding, and engineering activities at STEMGuyana extends far b e y o n d t r a d i t i o n a l employmentpathways

We are shaping problemsolvers—young people who approach challenges with logic, creativity, and resilience. They are the architects of tomorrow's

industries, ready to transformentiresectorswith ideas we've yet to imagine. What we must urgently recognizeisthattheseyoung innovatorsaren'tonlyatQC, Saints, and Roses, they're also in schools in Regions 1, 6, 8, and every corner of the country

We must therefore ensure that opportunities are equitably funded and accessible, or risk losing a generation of brilliant minds

c a p a b l e o f d r i v i n g development and creating opportunities for the private sector,acrosseveryregionof Guyana.

The business case is c o m p e l l i n g W h e n companies support STEM education, they reduce their reliance on costly foreign expertise. They grow their ownskilledworkforce,spark innovation internally, and improve their reputation by meaningfully investing in

communities. This is not a social gesture, it's a smart businessstrategy

Other Caribbean nations are already capitalizing on this vision Barbados and Jamaica are aggressively expanding their digital education programmes to attract investment in highvalue tech and innovation sectors Guyana, on the brink of enormous oil wealth, is uniquely positioned to lead this charge, if we choose bold, visionary, inclusive action by supporting the nation's innovators, wherever they arefound.

I do not see STEM education as a nice-to-have, nor do I view it through a charitable lens STEM education is a strategic lever for economic resilience Every AI class, every technology camp, every mobile app prototype, every robot built, every local innovation competition, every learning pod we support, strengthens the foundations of our national economy for today and the future.

In today's marketplace, the ability to understand and applytechnologyisnolonger an edge, it is a requirement. Whether you run a logistics firm, a restaurant, an agriculture processing plant, or a retail operation, your long-term survival depends on your team's capacity to adapt and innovate That kind of agility is built, not bought, and it begins with education.

STEMGuyana is not merely equipping students withskillsforthejobmarket, we are laying the foundation for Guyana's transformation into a global centre for business innovation, poweredbylocaltalent.That vision begins in classrooms, community centres, STEM clubs,andlearningpods,and it ends in boardrooms, tech labs, and international markets. The path forward is clear The time to act is now STEMeducationisthebridge between the potential of our people and the future prosperityofournation

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

Sunday

ExxonMobildodgesquestionon whetheroperationscanleadto cancer,otherdiseases …saystakingmeasuresto ensuresafetyofworkers

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has refused to vouch for the safety of its operations where cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) areinvolved.

The issue was raised by Kaieteur News during a public scopingmeetingforthecompany’s eighth proposed project- LongtailhostedattheNewDiamondGrove Primary School, Diamond, East BankDemerara.

On Friday, a small group attended the meeting, causing the session to start an hour later than scheduled Following a presentation by Exxon’s InCountry Projects Manager, Rebecca Cvikota, on the proposed development,citizenswereinvited to share their concerns and questions,relatedtotheproject.

Also in attendance at the session were officers of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the consultancy firm, AcornInternational.

A senior journalist attached to this newspaper specifically asked theEMGLProjectsEnvironmental and Regulatory Manager, Mariya Skocik, to say whether the company studied the likelihood of offshore workers, or any other Guyanese, developing NCDs as a result of flaring, or any other petroleum-related activities, given that hazardous waste is also generatedduringtheoperations.

Skocik, in response, explained this was studied previously She said, “It has been done for prior projects. Earlier, I mentioned the industrial hygienists, roles that we have of staff, to be sure to conduct those assessments of health of the workersandifthereareanykindof mitigations like PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for example, that would be implemented.”

Exxon’s In-Country Projects Manager added that flaring is conducted at a safe distance away from the workers offshore. She explained, “So the flare is a good example of one of the safety equipment we use that we talked about earlier, but it’s located at a veryhighdistancefromtheground, forexactlythereasonofprotecting the people around it, whether they be on the FPSO, or in a city, or villagewhichweoperate.”

Cvikota also noted that the company conducts modeling to determine how high the flare shouldbeandhowconditionssuch aswindandcurrentswouldimpact theemissions.Assuch,shepointed

out, “That helps us ensure that we design our facilities to prevent any impact to the people that live around and work around it every day.”

This newspaper then pressed the team to say whether it is likely for Guyanese to be exposed to cancerasaresultofthecompany’s operations. To this end, Cvikota said,“WhatI’msayingiswedesign ourfacilitiestoensurethatisnotthe case,sotheheightoftheflareisan example of how we do that, where we position the flare in relation to the communities and in the case of the FPSO, how far it is away from wherepeoplearelocated,areways that we design and construct our facilitiestoavoid(that).”

Kaieteur News then asked Exxonif,duetothemechanismsin place, there was no likelihood of any worker, or any Guyanese contracting any type of NCDs as a resultofthecompany’soperations. Reluctant to give any assurance in this regard, the Projects Manager said,“WhatIcantellyouishowwe design and construct our facilities to ensure that that does not happen and I think I’ve explained that so I appreciate the question and I think that’sallIcansayatthispoint.”

Govt.,andOppositionMPsa no-showatExxon’spublic meetingson8thproject

When one thinks of a Member of Parliament (MP), they often think of representation; representation of the people. As electedofficials,theyareentrusted to act on behalf of citizens, which means showing up, engaging and often times taking other necessary action to make proper representationofthepeople.

This past week, American oil major ExxonMobil, commenced a series of public scoping meetings, specifically geared towards engaging the wider public on its largest offshore development to date,theLongtailproject.

These meetings, which kicked off in Region One are held in partnershipwiththeEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) and allows Exxon and its consultant to share information about the upcomingdevelopmentandengage

communities on their specific concerns or questions they may have, some of which may be addressed in the Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA) that will beconducted.

Most citizens are not only unaware of the purpose of these meetings,buthaveshownalackof knowledge but keen interest in the ongoing offshore activities. The meetings hosted so far by Exxon haveseennomorethanahandfulof people at various venues. Some wereevendelayedbyasmuchasan hourasaresultofpoorattendance. Most disappointingly however is perhaps the fact that not a single “representative of the people” showeduptoanyofthesemeetings hosted to date, at the coastal locations.

Two meetings were held on MondayandWednesdayinRegion One but were not attended by this newspaper. It is unclear whether anygovernmentorOppositionMPs were in attendance; however, two meetingsweresubsequentlyheldin Region Four on Thursday and Friday, none of which saw the attendance of any elected officials. Another meeting held in Region Three on Thursday again was not attendedbyanyoftheMPs.

This has caused concern, especially since these officials are expectedtolookoutfortheinterest of Guyanese and hold these multinational corporations to account.Instead,citizenswiththeir little knowledge turned out to enquire about the company’s operations and seek answers on impact, in some regard, while others were interested in how they can benefit more from opportunitiesandinitiativesfunded by Exxon. It should be noted that while the participation from ordinary citizens is crucial to the process, one would expect elected representatives of the people, with moreknowledgeoftheindustry,to be in attendance to add another layerofscrutinytothecompany Further, some citizens may consider the attendance of elected representatives as a confidence boosterforthem,andthatthey-the MPs- are seriously engaged in this massive oil sector, especially relative to potential impacts on

company’sroleinthemarket.

Guyana’s unmatched offshore success, particularly in the Stabroek Block has left quite an impression on the CEO and President of the London-based offshoredrillingcompany

He was asked to comment on someofthekeyemerginghotspots around the world and how he sees thosemarketsevolving.Tothisend, Eifler explained, “For deep water rigs, all the action remains in the golden triangle – U.S, WestAfrica and South America – and I don’t thinkthat’sgoingtochange.Weare drilling in each one of those Regions.”

Guyanesecommunities.

The public scoping meetings will continue this week, with two meetings scheduled for Monday in Region Five at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Center, Mahaicony and at the Regional Democratic Council Boardroom in Fort Wellington, WestCoastBerbice.

OnTuesday,Exxonwillengage citizens at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) Training Centre Hostel, Port Mourant,Berbicebeforeshiftingto Region Two on Thursday for a meeting at the Town Hall, Anna Region,EssequiboCoast.

The Longtail public scoping meetings will conclude in Region Four on Friday at the Mon Repos/ L a R e c o n n a i s s a n c e Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Lusignan Community Centre Ground, East CoastDemerara.

Monday

‘Guyanaisthebestoffshore playintheworldpresently’ …higher drilling rates likely next year – Drilling company CEO

ChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO)

and President of Noble Corporation, Robert Eifler has described Guyana as the best offshore location in the world presently Eifler in an interview with Offshore Magazine earlier this month discussed offshore drilling trends, regional hotspots and his

He was keen to note, “I would say for Noble, we’re particularly activeinGuyana;we’rethelargest drilling contractor in the country there, in what’s arguably the best offshore play in the world right now.”

TheCEOaddedthatheexpects toseefurthergrowthintheGuyana and Suriname areas, as well as Brazil, Colombia and West Africa comparedtotheU.Swheredrilling isconcerned.

Meanwhile, with regard to the company’sdrillingrates,Eiflersaid these are likely to increase by next year Offshore Magazine highlighted the fact that in March 2020, day rates for drill ships climbedtoaboutUS$500,000daily and asked the CEO whether the drillingmarketisstillhotorcooling off.

To this end, Eifler said, “The reality is that 2025 will be slightly slowerthanwehadhoped,callita year ago, which I think is easily explained by oil prices. There’s a slightly lower spot pricing, and if you look out to the middle of the forward curve, slightly lower but my optimism about the future is as high as it’s ever been, all of our forward indicators for growth are verystrong.”

Despite the short-term lull, Noble’s CEO indicated that the company has observed Final InvestmentDecisions(FIDs)being taken at a very high pace while other types of services like subsea trees and Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs)pointtoahealthybacklog of work that would eventually moveintodrillingservices.

Consequently, the CEO said, “So think today, rates are probably (or)havebeenflatforalittlewhile. They went to the five hundreds, as you indicated, and you know, perhaps they’re maybe high four hundreds right now, but we definitelyseeenoughworkin2026 and then 2027 and beyond that would suggest that perhaps there’s room to get back into the five hundredsandperhapsalittlehigher fromthere.”

According to Noble Corporation’s February 2025 Fleet Report,fourdrillshipsare Continued on page 25

Apublic scoping meeting was poorly attended at the Diamond Primary School, East Bank Demerara Chief

Noble Corporation,RobertEifler

Frompage24 deployedinGuyana.Theseinclude the Noble Tom Madden, Noble Sam Croft, Noble Don Taylor and NobleBobDouglas.

Kaieteur News understandsthat the contract for these vessels will remainineffectuntilAugust2028, and are subject to “market-based” pricing. Last week this newspaper reported that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the oil-rich Stabroek Block, has commencedwhatthecompanyhas described as its “busiest year yet”, with simultaneous developmental drillingoperationsongoingatthree projects.

According to notices published by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the oil giant has developmental drilling operations ongoing at the Yellowtail, Uaru, and Whiptail projects–thefourth,fifth,andsixth developments,respectively

Developmental drilling is an activity conducted following successfulexplorationdrilling.Itis conducted to develop a field with proven reserves At a press conferenceinJanuary,Presidentof EMGL, Alistair Routledge told reporters, “Here in Guyana, we havestartedwhatisgoingtobeour busiest year yet for SURF installation and associated activities- so SURF being the subseaumbilicals,risers(and)flow lines that are necessary to connect thesubseawellheadstotheFPSOs, toenableustotakeproductionfrom the production wells, but also to inject water and gas into the reservoirs.”

PPPpromisesmorecash grantsiftheywinelections - plans to create measures that allow citizens to invest cash grants

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) andVicePresident,BharratJagdeo, has announced that future cash grantswillbedistributedifthePPP securesanextterminoffice.

“You will get your cash grants inthefuturetoo,”Jagdeosaidashe addressedagatheringatBabuJaan, Corentyne, Berbice. “Just imagine thenextterminofficehowglorious thatwillbe,”headded. Duringhis address,Jagdeoreaffirmedthatthe PPP stands by its commitments. “When we make these promises thatPresidentAlispokeaboutinthe nextterm,youbestbelievethatthey willbedelivered,”henoted.

Last year, President Irfaan Ali announceda$100,000one-offcash grant for citizens 18 years and older To date, over 500,000 chequeshavebeendistributed,with about100,000moreexpectedtobe disbursed. However, the initiative isnowbeingpositionedasonethat willcontinueinthefuture.

Jagdeo further explained that thePPPplanstostructurefinancial

products in a way that enables citizens to invest their cash grants through a financial instrument createdbythegovernment. “Itwill underwrite, it will give you a guarantee rate of return than if the moneywasplacedinthebank,”he noted.“Sowhenyougetyourcash grantinthefuture,youcanputitin a financial instrument that the government will create, that it will underwrite, it will give you a guarantee rate of return than the moneyifyouplaceitinthebank,all ofthiswillempowerpeople,young people, especially to own things,” hesaid.

Tuesday

SurinameseinvestUS$516M intocountry’sfirstoilproject

The state-owned oil company ofSuriname,StaatsolieonMonday announced that the company has raised US$515.8 million through a new bond that allowed citizens theretoinvestinthecountry’sfirst offshoreoilproject,GranMorgu.

Staatsolie in thanking participants highlighted that the amount raised was US$ 211.7 million more than the US$ 304.1 million that was targeted. “This proves that there is confidence in Staatsolie, the GranMorgu project inBlock58andabrighterfuturefor Suriname,”thecompanysaid.

Proceeds from the bond issue will be used by Staatsolie to cofund its participation of up to 20% in the development of the GranMorgu offshore oil field in Block 58. The total investment for thisprojectisestimatedatUS$12.2 billion, of which Staatsolie’s contribution is US$ 2.4 billion. Staatsoliehasalsosetasideitsown cash reserves for the investment in theGranMorguproject.

Additionally, it was explained thatpartoftheproceedswillalsobe used to refinance the Staatsolie Bond2020-2025and2020-2027of US$195 million. “Holders of this bond had the opportunity of redeeming their bonds to participate in the new issue. More than seventy percent of the Staatsolie Bond 2020-2025 and 2020-2027 has been exchanged. Some of the bondholders,

has also set aside cash reserves for the GranMorgu investment

Anotherkeyobjectiveofthisbond issuance is to refinance the Staatsolie Bonds 2020-2025 and 2020-2027, which previously raised US$ 195 million to support the 2020-2027 investment programme.”

The GranMorgu project will develop the Sapakara and Krabdaguoildiscoveries,onwhich a successful exploration and appraisalcampaignwascompleted in2023.

accounting for US$55 million, decided to continue with their existing bonds,” the company stated.

The official launch of the bond issuance took place on 31 January 2025.

The Staatsolie Bond 20252033, which was available in both USdollarsandEuros,tookeffecton 23 March 2025, and has an eightyearterm.Theinterestrateissetat 7.75%fortheUS$bondand7.25% fortheEURbond.

Local investors had an opportunity to participate from as little as US$100 or EUR 100. Staatsolie said for larger investors residing in Suriname, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten, a denomination of US$30,000wasavailable.

In its production-sharing contract with TotalEnergies, the operatorofBlock58,itwasagreed thatStaatsoliewilltakeuptoa20% stake in the first-ever offshore oil fieldinSuriname,theGranMorgu.

The Suriname oil company explained,“Theproceedsfromthis bond issuance will help Staatsolie finance its portion, reducing the need for bank loans. The company

The fields are located 150 km off the coast of Suriname and hold recoverable reserves estimated at over750millionbarrels.Firstoilat the project is expected by 2028 TotalEnergies said in its Final InvestmentDecision(FID).

The project includes 220,000 barrels of oil per day Floating ProductionStorageandOffloading (FPSO)unit.

TotalEnergiesistheoperatorof Block 58 with a 50% interest, alongsideAPACorporation(50%).

Locally, the Chief Policymaker for the oil and gas sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo lauded the approach by Suriname that allowsitscitizenstoinvest.During a press conference last month, Kaieteur News asked the VP whether this initiative could be introducedinGuyana.

To this end, he explained, “I think while it’s a laudable thing, they have to raise a lot of money, let’s see if it’s going to be subscribed to in Suriname but you also have to tell people about that risk,thatwhenyouputyourmoney, an ordinary person, you’re dependent on what happens with the oil and gas sector in the future, you may not get back any return if the project doesn’t do well versus

Suriname’s first oil project, GranMorgu is expected to commence production by 2028

investinginabond.” Jagdeo also outlined how this initiative may be used in other projects in Guyana, particularly in sectors like fertilizer plants or offshoreservicevessels.According tohim,“Ifwebuildafertilizerplant in Guyana, maybe we could have peopletakeequityintheprojector invest through bonds [Additionally], the vessels supplying offshore so if we structure some of those in a way that provides multiple opportunities for Guyanese. If you investinabond,youknowthebond willstatetherateyou’llget10%for theyear,youmightgethigherthan the interest rate you are getting in thebank,butyouknowyougetting that definitely because that is paid inthefirstorder,it’sabovetheline, it’spartofthecostoftheproject.”

ExxonMobilimpact studyforHammerhead projectsilentonlikely explosionfromnewpipeline

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) for its seventh deepwater project- Hammerhead- is silent on how a pipeline explosion that may stem from a gas leak could affect theenvironment.

As part of the Hammerhead development,ExxonMobilplansto constructa13-kilometergasexport pipeline from the Floating ProductionStorageandOffloading vessel (FPSO) to a tie-in on the existing Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Pipeline.

This was revealed in the 4232page EIA that was released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Whilethegaspipelinewill Continued on page 26

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

Frompage25 play an integral role in developing the resources associated with the project, the consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) failed to assesssuchanimpact.

A review of the document by KaieteurNewsfoundthattheword ‘pipeline’ismentionedatleast182 timesinthestudy;bethatasitmay, the document fails to properly assessimpactsassociatedwiththat elementoftheplannedproject.

Ofthe182timestheConsultant used the word ‘pipeline’ this newspaper only noted associated impacts explained twice According to a table of the ‘modeled discharges and considered constituents for production, operations, and SURF hydrotesting’ ERM noted that commissioning fluids such as methanol and mono-ethylene glycolcanbereleasedfromthegas export pipeline. That table also explains this may cause toxicity impactsonmarinespecies.

Another table discussing the summaryoftheCumulativeImpact Assessment (CIA) states that marinemammalsmaybeimpacted by discharges and underwater sound disturbance during offshore pipelineconstruction.

InitsEIApreviouslyconducted fortheGTEpipeline,ERMdetailed the possibility of an explosion occurringalongthepipeline.Italso outlinedmeasuresthatwillbeputin placetomitigateandrespondtoany such event, given the likelihood of gasleakingfromthestructure.

In the absence of this crucial information in the Hammerhead EIA,citizensarethencluelessasto how an explosion of the new pipeline can affect the FPSO and crew members as well as other receptors such as marine species among others. It also presents an incomplete assessment of impacts for the EPA to review in considering the application for the development.

ExplosionatGTEpipeline

IntheEIAfortheGTEpipeline, theconsultantexplainedthataloss ofintegrityoftheoffshorepipeline, resultinginanaturalgasreleasecan becausedduetocorrosion,objects strikingthepipeline,andabuildup of stress in the pipe wall, causing buckling.

Thestudygoesontosaythatif an unplanned release of gas from damaged subsea pipelines occurs, thereleasedgaswillgenerateagas plumethatrisesfromtheseafloorto theseasurface.Therefore,“Fireor explosion accidents can occur when the released gas disperses intotheatmosphereandencounters ignition sources, which could have an adverse impact on human life and environment in the immediate vicinity of the fire ”

ERM added that the consequences of a release would likely be less severe offshore as it “is extremely

unlikely that there will be an ignition source to cause a fire, and the gas will passively disperse without affecting any resources” ratherthananonshoreoccurrence. However, a release close to the Floating, Production, Sharing and Offloading (FPSO) vessel could result in a fire onboard the FPSO. Exxon said that to reduce the likelihood of a gas release, the offshore pipeline design and installationwillvarydependingon thepipelinedepth.

Wednesday

Rubio’stalkswithPres.Alito focusheavilyonoilandsecurity threatsfromVenezuela—says USSpecialenvoy

Talks between President Irfaan Ali and US Secretary of State, MarcoRubiowillfocusheavilyon oil production and will ensure that Guyana has the necessary security amid Venezuelan threats, U S Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone said on Tuesday

Rubio will be visiting Guyana this week as part of a Caribbean tour that includes Jamaica and Suriname and will discuss energy security in the Caribbean, illegal immigration and dismantling of transnational criminal networks, Reuters reported on Tuesday While in Jamaica, the Secretary also will hold bilateral engagements with heads of state from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti. “Secretary Rubio’s engagements with our valued Caribbean partners will promote regional cooperation to end illegal immigration, counter transnational organised crime, strengthen regional actions to address Haiti’s political and securitychallenges,andstrengthen the United States’ economic partnerships with Caribbean countries,” the US Department of Statesaidinastatementlastweek.

Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, Claver-Carone told reporters that U S accusations about a labour programme that sends Cuban workers, particularly medics,overseaswasalsogoingto beamongthetopicsthatRubiowill tacklewithhiscounterparts.

Washington has threatened to halt visas for government officials in countries that receive Cuban doctors, whom it says are being exploited In response, many Caribbean leaders have said they adhere to international labour standards and that the medical services Cubans provide are essential. According to an internal memo seen by Reuters earlier this month, a number of small Caribbean nations with citizen-byinvestment (CBI) programs could also see wider visa restrictions. “CBIshouldnotbeamajorpartof these smaller islands’ GDP,”

Claver-Carone said, saying these attract “nefarious actors from China,Iranandothercountriesinto theAmericas, which then becomes asecuritychallengeforallofus.”

President Donald Trump has floated a similar programme, in whichforeignerscouldaccessU.S. citizenship via a US$5 million “gold card.” On energy, ClaverCarone also signaled Washington would support oil production in Guyana and Suriname, and that it wanted to “make sure that Guyana has the security necessary” amid a territorial dispute with neighbouringVenezuela.

“That’ll be where a lot of our conversations will be focused,” he said of developing the region’s oil output, adding that Washington does not see renewables as a substitute. Despite producing few emissions, the Caribbean’s high

geographymakeitamongthemost vulnerable regions in the world to the impacts of climate change.

Trump on Monday issued an executive order declaring that any country buying oil or gas from Venezuela, which has historically exported its oil across the Caribbean,willpaya25%tariffon tradewiththeU.S.

Earlier this month an armed Venezuelan patrol ship, Guaiquerí (PO11),illegallyenteredGuyana’s shoresandthreatenedExxonMobil Guyana’s Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel, Liza Prosperity President Irfaan Ali in response said that Guyana will not allow Venezuela nor its president Nicholas Maduro to threaten its sovereignty or territorialintegrity TheVenezuelan patrol vessel at the time of the

Map showing the location of the Hammerhead project, offshore Guyana

incursion transmitted a radio message declaring what it termed “disputed international waters” before continuing its course in a south westerly direction towards other FPSOs. President Ali had made it clear that all of Guyana’s assets and the FPSO are lawfully operating within Guyana’s own ExclusiveEconomicZone(EEZ).

“Let me be unequivocal, Guyana’s Maritime boundaries are recognised under international [law] and this incursion is a matter of grave concern,” President Ali saidatthetime.TheStabroekBlock is being operated by U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil Guyana and its partners and contains approximately11.6Bbarrelsofoil. Guyana had summoned Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana,CarlosPerez,toprotestthe Continued on page 40

Admiral Bailey promises great dancehall,

Admiral Bailey

soca Mello Vibes

( J A M A I C A

OBSERVER) - Veteran deejay Admiral Bailey says patrons attending this Saturday’s staging of Smirnoff Mello Vibes: Dancehall & Soca Jammin Up edition are in for a musicaltreat.

The recipient of several DJ of the Year awards, Admiral Bailey promises to deliver the dancehall hits and soca favourites that comprise his large musical arsenal.

“As the event says, Dancehall & Soca Jammin Up,sothepatronswillgeta little mixture, some of my dancehall hits and a couple soca.Iguessthat’soneofthe reasons why the promoter invited me. The fans can look forward to a… good performance.WheneverIdo things, I do it to the best of my ability,” the veteran artiste told the Jamaica ObserveronTuesday

It was 32 years ago that AdmiralBaileysteppedinto soca territory. That year, he teamed up with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires for a track that would become a #1hit,DancehallSoca.

Admiral Bailey recalled itsrecording.

“How Dancehall Soca cameabout,Jammyswasthe producer and Dynamic Sounds, which was owned by Byron Lee, was the distributor, so the connection was there. I was the top dancehall artiste at the time, and they asked if I could do a collaboration with Byron Lee. I didn’t haveanyideawhatthesong would be like. They laid downtheirtrackandleftthe space for me to record my part,andIjustputmymagic toit,”heshared.

The artiste admitted that while he was pleased at the outcomeofit,hehadnoidea it would have earned such a level of success. “I didn’t know thatitwould be #1 on thecharts,butIknewitwas going to be a very strong song,” he said. Dancehall

Soca helped to bridge the relationship between dancehall and soca music at the time. However,Admiral Bailey recalled that some of his fellow industry players were not so receptive of the move.“Irememberwhenthe dancehall put in with the soca, and I came under a lot offlakfrommyco-workers, that I was a sell-out and mi gone soca. Music is music, so that is how I viewed it from back then. After that, other dancehall artistes startedtodosocamusic.

It’s a good feeling to know that I was the first dancehall artiste to do a collaboration like that,” AdmiralBaileyshared.

The now-veteran got his start on the sound systems, which later led to a prolific careerinthedancehallarena. “I started out with Twilight from Olympic Gardens, which carried me all over Jamaica I used that opportunity to build my craft.IthenwentontoRoots Melody and then Stur Gav, but the sound that established me was King Jammys, where I really excelled From there, I transitioned into music. My career really started out in thedancehall,”saidAdmiral Bailey, whose first hit song was One Scotch, a collaboration with Chaka Demus.

OneScotch,producedby Jammys, was released in 1986 and it quickly shot to the #1 spot on both the RJR and JBC Radio One music charts.“OneScotchwas the song that ‘buss’ mi. That songstarteditallforus.And when that song dropped, everyone started to look at us,” said Admiral Bailey MelloVibeswillalsofeature the musical juggling of a cadre of DJs, among them Liquid, Bloodline Franco and Brush1, DJ Marc Chin, andBadGyalMarie.

The retro party series is knownforitsdeliveryofhit songs from the 1980s to the 2000s.

April Fools’ Day; a fun tradition of trickery

April Fools’ Day invitesmischief, lighthearted pranks, and playful deception.

Celebrated worldwide on April 1, this day has evolved into a cultural tradition of trickery, but its trueoriginsremainshrouded inmystery

While the tradition has beenpracticedforcenturies, pinpointing its exact beginning is nearly impossible Despite this ambiguity, various theories offer insight into the day’s fascinating evolution, providing context to its enduringpopularity

The Origins: From ancient festivals to 16thcentury france - Although AprilFools’Dayhasaglobal presence, its roots are often traced back to ancient festivals that celebrated humorandsatire.

Events such as the Roman Hilaria (held on March 25) and India’s Holi (ending March 31) are believed to have laid the groundworkformodern-day pranking traditions However, one widely discussed theory links the holiday to 16th-century France.

In1564,KingCharlesIX ofFrancepassedtheEdictof Roussillon, changing the date for the start of the New Year from Easter to January 1. Those who continued celebrating the New Year according to the old date were dubbed “April Fools,” and they were subject to playfulridicule.

The idea that the vernal equinoxMarch21mayhave influenced the celebration due to its association with unpredictable weather is a n o t h e r p o s s i b l e explanation.

A global tradition: VariationsaroundtheworldThough the essence ofApril

Fools’ Day remains consistent with fooling others it takes on unique forms in different countries.

In France, the target of the prank is called poisson d’avril (April fish), a referencetotheeasilycaught fish. Children may pin paper fish on others’ backs as a symboloftheirprank.

InScotland,AprilFools’ Day extends into two days.

The first is Gowkie Day, or “HunttheGowk”(thegowk, or cuckoo, symbolizes the fool). On the second day, known as Tailie Day, pranksters pin “kick me” signs to their unsuspecting victims’ backs. Meanwhile, in several nations, newspapers and media outlets often join the fun by publishingfakenewsstories, adding a layer of humor to theentireday

Memorable pranks:

Famous hoaxes that fooled the world The tradition of AprilFools’Dayhoaxeshas resulted in some legendary pranks.

One of the most famous occurred in 1957 when the BBC aired a segment claimingthatspaghetticould be harvested from trees in Switzerland.

The hoax was so convincing that many viewers believed it, and it remains one of the most iconic examples of media trickery. In 1965, the BBC struck again with a report about Smellovision, a fictional technology that allowed TV screens to transmit scents The broadcast led to a flood of viewers calling in, claiming tosmellthearomas.

TacoBellbecamepartof theAprilFools’lorein1996 when it announced it had purchased the Liberty Bell and renamed it the Taco Liberty Bell The prank generated outrage, forcing

phone when they see the screen of their beloved device is shattered but not really

Allyouhavetodoisfind or download an image of a broken screen which looks real and set it as wallpaper for anyone who you want to prank. They will skip a few beats before realising their phoneisfine.

Toothpastetrick

Give your kids a sweet surprise this April Fools’ Day by swapping their regular toothpaste with something unexpected! Replace it with cream cheese, vanilla frosting, or evencakedecoratinggelfor a harmless but hilarious prank. Watch their reaction astheyrealizetheirmorning

routine just got a little sweeter Buggedicecubes

Giveyourfamilyachilly surprise by freezing plastic bugsinsideicecubes!Using near-boilingwaterwillmake the ice clearer, making the creepy critters look even more realistic. Just wait for the shocked reactions when they spot them in their drinks.

the National Park Service to issue a public statement clarifying that the Liberty Bell was not for sale. In 1977, The Guardian newspaper printed an entire travel supplement about a fictitious tropical island republic called San Serriffe, withitsamusingandobscure references to typesetting terms. NPR followed suit in 1992 with a claim that Richard Nixon was reentering the presidential race, much to the delight of prank-hungry listeners (Source:Britannica)

Fun pranks to pull on friendsonfamilyApril2025 –(Source:HindustanTime) ChangetheCereal

Morning is the best time to prank your family members or roommates as theyhavejustwokenupand are off-guard This will ensure that they will fall for thetrap.Allyouhavetodois swap out their regular cerealswithadifferentkind. Bonuspointsifyouknowthe ones they hate, as reported byToday.com

Upside-downwatertrick

This classic prank is simple but effective! Fill a glass with water, cover it with a sturdy card, and quickly flip it onto a flat surface before sliding the card out. The water stays trapped,leavingyourfamily puzzledabouthowtocleanit up. Just be sure to avoid placing it on delicate surfaces.

Colourfultoilets

Allyouhavetodoisadd afewdropsoffoodcolourin the toilet When anyone entersandusestheflush,the toiletwillbecomethecolour youuse.

You can use this prank throughout the day or if you have multiple toilets then paintthetownred.

Crackedphonescreen

This will surely come as ashockertotheownerofthe

ElephantMan 'goodtogo' totheUK forthe firsttime in16years

( J A M A I C A OBSERVER) Dancehall star

ElephantManwillreturntothe United Kingdom for the first timein16yearsthisAugustfor a show, after being granted a workpermittoperforminthat country

“Ah just God and time, I just want to say thanks to my team who worked tirelessly to make this possible and the officials in the High Commission. I am just glad to be able to see my family membersagain,minoseedem for 16 years,” the self-styled 'EnergyGod'said.

The dancehall star had a daughter and a son in the UK, now ages 19 and 18 respectively, when he was a regular visitor to the country

“Ah one time mi go England and mek the two ah dem. One go!OneenergyGod,”hesaid, l a u g h i n g

He said the first thing that he willdowhenhegetstoLondon is'blockareverenceandthank God'. He is booked as one of the headline acts on Ultra Weekend which will be held August16-17inLondon.

“Mi have to tell God say givethankstobeontheground again.Rightnow,mijustamek the fans dem know, show up for this event, it's going to be huge,ahjustoneshowfornow, but there could be others,” the

artiste, whose real name is OneilBryan,said.

Music insider and booking agent Tameka Reynolds of Reynolds Entertainment Agency,whowasinstrumental in engineering the Energy God's return to the United Kingdom,hailedthemoveasa “momentous one for dancehall”.

“We based the application around the artiste's proven track record as a performing artiste, his dedication to his craftandthefactthathehasno criminalrecord.

Thisisamajorpositivefor reggae and dancehall because Elephant Man is easily one of the best, most dynamic entertainers of his generation and his absence in the UK market was a sore point for many promoters,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds is also the bookingagentforMalieDonn, Jquan,PabloYG,Gyptianand Jovi Donn. Elephant Man is the latest dancehall veteran to have travel privileges restored in the major United Kingdom orUnitedStatesmarket. Over the last several months, ace deejays Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killer have had their US visas reinstated, following similar reinstatements for BeenieMan,BujuBantonand Sizzlainrecentyears.

Dancehall artiste Elephant Man

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal break Broadway box office records with ‘Othello’

(CNN) - An “Othello” revival, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, has made history

The production at the Barrymore Theatre is now Broadway’s top-grossing play of all time, generating $2 8 million with eight

previewperformances. Itexceededarecordheld by”Harry Potter and the CursedChild,”whichpulled in more than $2.7 million in December 2023, according toDeadline.

Washington and

Gyllenhaal recently spoke with “CBS News Sunday

Morning” about the project. “It’s the most excited I’ve been this century,” Washingtonsaid.

“Seriously I haven’t been this excited about anything I’ve done as I am aboutthis.”

He plays the title role, while Gyllenhaal is cast as

Iago.TheShakespearianplot revolvesaroundOthelloasa military commander who is convinced that his wife has been unfaithful by his ensign, Iago Now 70, Washington first starred as Othello while in college at Fordham University and reflected on how different

playing the role is now versuswhenhewas22.

“I know a lot less now I thought I knew everything then!” he said. “I didn’t really like the part, ‘cause I wasn’t wise enough to understandit.

Now I understand it’s really about a bond, you

know, that these characters have. He loves not wisely, but too well.” Both he and his costar are thrilled about theplay’ssuccess. “Yougettoapointwhere you’re like, ‘Oh, I’ve workedmywholecareerfor this, for this moment,’” Gyllenhaalsaid.

CONSUMER

CONCERNS:

by: PAT DIAL

We again make an offering on the Guyana

Ve n e z u e l a B o r d e r

Controversy because Guyanese must always be aware of it and never relax their guard, since if ever they do, the treacherous and

apparently demented adversary will step up his mindless aggression as he has been doing in a steady crescendo over the last several weeks. President MaduroandVenezuelahave become universally isolated since even Russia, China and Cuba will not positively support their aggression against Guyana's territory andbreakInternationalLaw since Guyana is an older friend of these three nations. President Maduro and his entourage, in their isolation, seem to be affected with a dangerous desperation which is partly manifesting itself in their making of false d e c l a r a t i o n s a n d misinformation.

Below we will give a

short resume of the

Controversy and the Venezuelanmisinformation:

In 1831, the colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice were united into the colony of British Guiana. The western boundaries of the colony were not properly demarcated and in the 1840's, the colonial government engaged the German surveyor and e x p l o r e r R o b e r t Schomburgk to demarcate the boundary Schomburgk duly completed his work, largely guided by the territory which the Dutch had occupied, but Venezuela objected to the Schomburgk Line, claiming that it had taken in Venezuelan territory

Ve n e z u e l a m a d e attempts to have Britain and itself review the boundary but such discussions never materialized.Venezuelathen approached the USA to take up its case with Britain. Venezuela wished the issue be settled by Arbitration. In the 1890's, USA brought much pressure on Britain to havetheDisputeadjudicated byArbitrationwithPresident Cleveland even threatening war

In 1897, the Arbitral Court with Melville Fuller, Chief Justice of the United States and David Brewer, also a USA High Court Judge, representing the Venezuelan side and Lord Russel and Lord Henna

C o l l i n s , e q u a l l y

VENEZUELAN MISINFORMATION ABOUT THE BORDER CONTROVERSY

distinguished jurists, representing the British side with Frederick de Martens, a distinguished Russian jurist as Chairman, went to work.

The Archives of Britain, Holland and Spain were thoroughly searched and in 1899,theArbitralAwardwas made as a full, final and perfect settlement setting the present borders of Guyana. Immediately after, between 1901and1905,theboundary was physically demarcated by Venezuelan and British surveyors.

Venezuela accepted the present boundary as full, final and perfect until 1962 when Guyana was about to be granted Independence. Venezuela now claimed that the boundary was incorrect and opposed the grant of IndependencetoGuyana.

Britain was anxious to withdraw from Guyana and so the Geneva Agreement was arrived at allowing for the Controversy to be settled after Independence which was granted in May 1966.

Between 1966 and 2018, a four-year period of negotiation was tried and failed,followedbya12-year period of trying to get matters on the rails followed by a long period of "Good Offices" meetings which failedtobearanyfruit.

The matter was then transferred to the Secretary General of the United Nations in 2018 for him to prescribeasolution

H e o r d e r e d t h e Controversy be given to the International Court of Justice to be adjudicated; G u y a n a a g r e e d b u t Venezuela claimed that the Court had no jurisdiction The Court affirmed that it hadjurisdictionandthecase is now before the ICJ which hasorderedthatneitherparty should take any action to disturb the present status quo.

Venezuela has not honoured this ruling of the ICJ but continues to carry out a series of aggressive actionsagainstGuyana

An important aspect of its aggression is to propagate misinformation about the Controversy and below we give four of the mostused:

(I) Venezuela claims that no Venezuelan was among the Arbitrators representing Venezuela's position and as such, prima facie, Venezuela does not recognize the Arbitration and its decision The truth and fact is that it is

Venezuela which insisted on the use of Arbitration as the method in settling the Dispute and it is they who agreed to the legal team representing the Venezuelan case which consisted of Melville Fuller, Chief Justice of the USA and his colleague High Court Judge, David Brewer and their supporting legal team -

Benjamin Harrison, Benjamin F Tracy, James Soley and Severo MalletPrevost. Venezuela chose those distinguished jurists s

o Venezuelan of equal calibre.

y endorsed the legal team representing her case and could not claim she had no representation when this team were, in effect, her agents.

(ii) Venezuela asserts that it never accepted the Arbitral Award and the boundaries it set for Guyana Venezuela's assertion belies the facts Venezuela celebrated the Arbitral Award as a victory and there was much rejoicing in Caracas and postage stamps were issued commemoratingtheevent.

T h e Ve n e z u e l a n

Ambassador to Britain at the time remarked that the Arbitrationhadassignedthe Orinoco Delta to them and that was their main interest Further, in 1931, they participated in the ceremony held at Mount Roraima where the borders of Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana met and Venezuelan maps delineated Guyana's presentboundaries. Thefirst objection to Guyana's boundarieswasmadeonlyin 1962.

(iii) Venezuela claimed that they had no part in demarcating Guyana's boundaries

The facts are different: After the Arbitral Award was made, Venezuela insisted that the boundary be immediately demarcated and between 1901 and 1905 Venezuelan and British surveyors demarcated the boundaries with the joint paals still existing Venezuela itself demarcated the boundary and could not truthfullydenythattheydid.

(iv) Venezuela claims that Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) belongstothemandGuyana licensed prospectors for Oil areoperatinginitsEEZ and are doing so illegally. Guyana's EEZ is the sea contiguous to Guyana'sland

massandissorecognizedby International Law and by all countries and Venezuela knows this but is traitorously trying to seize Guyana's territory and scare away investors Finally,Venezuela is completely isolated since Russia,ChinaandCubawill

not support her invasion of Guyana or seizure of Guyana'sterritoryandlikea caged animal, is trying to bully Guyana into speaking with her to relieve the isolationandcauseGuyana's friends and allies to drop their guard. President Ali, with great dignity, told President Maduro that Venezuela has been carrying on continuous aggression againstGuyanaandhasbeen ignoring the Argyle Declaration and could not dialogue in such a toxic milieu

GET YOUR GOLD ARTICLES TESTED OR CERTIFIED

Gold is a universally recognized medium of wealth. In 2024, Guyana recorded 434,067 ounces in gold production, some of which are utilised by Guyanese manufacturers to create unique pieces of jewellery sold on the local market To ensure these gold pieces are of quality and

i n c r e a s e c o n s u m e r confidence in the local industry, the Guyana

National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) offers testing and certification of thepreciouscommodity Testing determines karat contentorpurityofthegoldor gold articles. The GNBS conducts testing of raw gold for manufacturers seeking to determine the purity of the goldtheyareusingwhilenondestructive testing of gold articles can be done for both

m a n u f a c t u r e r s a n d consumers to determine the quality of their gold jewellery

Meanwhile, certification takes this process one step further by creating consumer confidence in the businesses making and selling gold

BY THE GNBS TO ENSURE QUALITY

jewellery In accordance with the National Standard – GYS 50:2022 'Specification for Gold articles' – the GNBS

c e r t i f i e s l o c a l l y manufactured jewellery

u n d e r i t s P r o d u c t CertificationScheme. The standard does not specify requirements for design of gold articles and doesnotapplytogoldarticles intended for industrial purposes such as dentistry, electronics, official coins, goldbarsandothersuchuses The document specifies

requirements for the manufacturing, alloying and testing of gold articles of 23, 22, 20, 18, 15, 14,12, 10 and 9 karat gold. It also specifies requirements for solders to beusedinthemanufactureof gold articles, methods for assayinggold,soldering,etc. Further, it stipulates requirements for marking andlabellingofgoldarticles. Businessescertifiedtothe standard are issued with a certificate permitting them to use the National Standards Mark on their gold jewellery in accordance with the conditions for certification,

which include adherence to quality and labelling requirements

The GNBS Product Certification Scheme ensures c o n s i s t e n c y i n t h e manufacturing process through the monitoring and implementation of quality control procedures, thereby reducingtheriskofproducing substandard products The ProductCertificationScheme also provides Gold Jewellers with a competitive edge on the local and overseas markets,andultimately,they benefit from increased revenue. Currently, there are six gold manufacturers certifiedbytheGNBS These are: Steve's Jewellery, R. Sookraj Jewellery, D & S Ramdeholl & Son Jewellery, Gopaul'sJewellery,Nazeem's Jewellery and King's Jewellery

Goldsmiths and other jewellery manufacturers who are not yet on the GNBS ProductCertificationScheme are encouraged to get certified

To begin the process, contact the Bureau or visit its website and fill out the form

(https://gnbsgy org/formsall/) On receipt of the completed form and fee, the document will be reviewed by the GNBS Certification Services Team to determine the overall cost of the certification process and a date will be set for a preliminary visit to assess theproductionoperations.

F o l l o w i n g t h e preliminary visit, companies willreceivealetterindicating their ability to produce products meeting the

specified requirements Once the requirements are met, an audit and independent testing ofproductsarecompletedand possible recommendations for improvements are made Afterthecompany addresses any non-conformances, the report is prepared for the Advisory Committee on c e r t i f i c a t i o n O n c e approved, the company is certified.

Certified Goldsmiths and Jewellery manufacturers receive a certificate and

plaque to showcase to their customers that their products meetqualityrequirements

Other products currently certified by the GNBS under its Product Certification Scheme arePVC Pipes, Concrete Hollow Blocks and fibreglass Bathtub and shower units. For further information, please contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065-66, WhatsApp 692-4627 or visit

the GNBS website: wwwgnbsgyorg

Frompage26 act of aggression. It also informed its partners, the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (UK), France, Regional Security System (RSS), and the Caribbean Community(CARICOM).

ExxonMobilunlikely toreuseGuyana’s FPSOsinfutureprojects …as soaring cost bank raises concern among citizens

The cost factor attached to the development of oil projects is beginning to cause worry among some Guyanese, especially as the priceofthecommodityisexpected tocontinueonadownwardtrend.

It is not only a new Floating ProductionStorageandOffloading vessel (FPSO) that is required, but new subsea material as well to aid in the production process.Another hidden cost is the operation and maintenanceoftheprojects,which isoftennotconsideredbymany

These costs are added to a bill that Guyana is required to pay ExxonMobil, using its oil. Each month,75%ofalltheoilproduced isallocatedtocovertheseexpenses. Theremaining25%issplitequally with Guyana as profits. More cost therefore means less revenue for thecountry

Cognizant of this reality, one citizen, Cyphil Swan during a public scoping meeting for the Longtail project, asked ExxonMobiltoexplaintheneedfor all the new FPSOs, given the soaringcostsforthecountrywhich ultimatelydelayhigherprofits.

In response, ExxonMobil’s Projects Environmental and Regulatory Manager, Mariya Skocik explained that the development of every project requirescertainfacilities,including anFPSOtoextracttheresources.At the same time, Guyana receives a portion of the profits from the FPSOs that is deposited into the NaturalResourceFund(NRF).

Meanwhile, Exxon’s InCountry Projects Manager, Rebecca Cvikota pointed out that numerous FPSOs are required, since the resources are not located inonelargereservoir

She said, “The reservoirs, it’s not just like one big reservoir The reservoirs are sometimes not even connected to each other, which means they’ll need a separate investment, a separate FPSO and separate wells to access that specific reservoir’s oil, water and gas.”

To this end, Cvikota noted that the various FPSOs offshore all accessdifferentreservoirs.Shealso pointed out that the company is saving some cost by developing three different fields with one FPSOinthisnewproject-Longtail. Withthecompanynowontoits eight offshore development, with plansrevealedsofarfor10projects

and several discoveries still undeveloped, Kaieteur News queried whether there was a possibility of any of the FPSOs being reused for any of the company’sfutureprojects.

TheProjectsManagerindicated thatthiswasunlikely,unlessanew discovery is found several years fromnow

“I think that would be unlikely is what I would say because Destiny, Unity and Prosperity are still new in their life span and so I guess if we found one (discovery) way down the road, maybe that wouldbeanoptionbutmorelikely in the near term, I would say we would need additional facilities to beabletodothedevelopmentsthat wearetalkingabout,”shesaid.

Additionally, Cvikota explainedthateachdevelopmentis different, which would raise questions about the suitability of thatvesselforanewdevelopment.

When it comes to the resale value of the FPSOs, she noted that some of the vessels are not built from scratch.As such, the Projects Manager stated, “That means that weuseoiltankersthathavekindof done their job for their first useful life.We’vebroughtthemin,we’ve refurbished them, we’ve rebuilt

theminmanywaystothenserveas an FPSO. We would do the same thing when it’s time to decommissionanFPSO.Wewould see who is able to utilize it, who wants to put in that maintenance worktorebuilddifferentpartsofit so that it can have a second life as well.”

ExxonMobilandcosts

In its 2023 Annual Report, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL)saiditinvestedmorethan G$6 trillion (US$30B) in the Stabroek Block. It also said the companyanditsco-venturershave committed to invest another G$5 trillion(US$25B)through2027.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had informed Reuters earlier this year that the company has already recoveredUS$33Bincosts.

Thursday

JamaicarebuffsRubiopush againstCubandoctors

KINGSTON,Jamaica(AFP)— Jamaica on Wednesday rebuffed a push by US Secretary of State MarcoRubiotoseveraprogramme that brings in Cuban doctors, who havebecomecriticaltohealthcare in fellow Caribbean countries

has also credited Barbados with takingstepstopayCubandirectors directly

despite allegations of labour exploitation.

Donald Trump’s top diplomat held talks on the sidelines of a Caribbean summit aimed in part at finding new ideas on violenceravaged Haiti, with host Jamaica saying it would help the new US administration in a “global war on gangs.”

But Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness made clear his differences with Rubio on the doctors, who are sent by Cuba aroundtheworldandhavebecome a major source of revenue for the cash-strapped government. Rubio, a Cuban-American and vociferous foe of the communist government in Havana, announced last month that the Trump administration would bar visas for foreign governmentofficialswhoassistthe p r o g r a m m e , w h i c h h e characterizedashumantrafficking.

“Let us be clear, the Cuban doctors in Jamaica have been incredibly helpful to us,” Holness saidatajointnewsconferencewith Rubio. He said that the 400 Cuban doctors in the country filled a deficit as Jamaican health workers emigrated.

“We are, however, very careful not to exploit the Cuban doctors who are here. We ensure that they are treated within our labour laws andbenefitlikeanyotherworker,”

Holness said “So any characterization of the program by others certainly would not be applicabletoJamaica.”

Rubiopromisedtoengagewith Jamaica to have a “better understanding” of how it treats Cuban doctors. “Perhaps none of this applies in the way it’s handled here,” Rubio said. But Rubio said the United States remained opposed “in general” to the programme. “The regime does not paythesedoctors,takesawaytheir passports and basically, it is, in manyways,forcedlabour,andthat wecannotbeinsupportof,”Rubio said.TheUSspecialenvoyonLatin America, Mauricio Claver-Caron,

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne earlier this month sharplydenouncedtheUSpressure, saying the absence of Cuban doctors would “literally dismantle ourhealthcareservicesandputour peopleatrisk.”AccordingtoCuban official figures, Cuba sent 22,632 medical professionals to 57 countries in 2023, with Cuba earningUS$6.3billionin2018and US$3.9 billion in 2020, in part in theformofoilfromVenezuela. –‘Globalwarongangs’–Rubio’s trip comes as he considers a new strategy on Haiti, the hemisphere’s poorest country, whichhasbeenplungedintochaos for years after government authority collapsed and armed groups took over A Kenyan-led mission supported by former US presidentJoeBidenhasdeployedto Haitiinhopesofbringingstability, but the troop numbers have come upshortandviolencehasresumed. Holness said the United States has been an “incredible partner” on Haitibutthatthepriorityshouldbe on a “significant expansion in resources” to Haiti’s fledgling national police so it can take on gangs.

“The present holding situation that we have, it’s not necessarily moving the situation forward,” he said. Holness said he spoke with Rubio about “a global war on gangs, and there is already significant policy alignment” between Jamaica and the Trump administration. Rubio has issued a waivertoTrump’ssweepingcutsto aid to back the Haiti mission. He also announced that the United States would provide assistance to Jamaicatocombatgangs,including software.

Rubio said that the support to Jamaica “highlights exactly what our vision for aid moving forward is.” “The United States is not getting out of the aid business,” he said. But instead of funding nongovernmental groups, Rubio said, “Wewanttoprovideforeignaidina way that is strategically aligned withourforeignpolicypriorities.”

Canadiancompanytopay overUS$3.8Mtolocal titleholderstofullyacquire secondgoldprojectinGuyana Greenheart Gold Inc , a Canadian exploration company, has signed option agreements to acquire a 100% interest in the Tamakay gold project in Guyana. Thecompanyannouncedthatitwill make payments totaling over US$3.8 million to “arms’ length local titleholders” over the coming years.

The company disclosed that it has already paid US$500,000 in 2024andUS$230,000todatein Continued on page 41

Guyana’s first FPSO, the Liza Destiny

Jamaica Prime Minister,Andrew Holness and US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio during their press briefing.

Frompage40 2025.“Tomaintainitsrightsunder alloftheagreementsandbeentitled to exercise the various options, the Company will have to make additional payments of

U S $ 6 7 5 , 0 0 0 i n 2 0 2 5 ,

US$1,055,000 in 2026, US$1,380,000 in 2027 and US$80,000 annually for the followingsevenyears,”Greenheart Goldstated.Someagreementsalso includecontingentpaymentsbased on future reserve estimates and production.

Tamakay is Greenheart Gold’s secondgoldprojectinGuyanaand the fifth early-stage exploration project in Greenheart Gold’s exploration pipeline, which to date consists of three projects in Suriname, including Majorodam, Igab,andTossoCreek.

Thesite,locatedapproximately 300kmwestofGeorgetownand20 km west of Aris Mining Corporation’sToroparuproject,has been mined on a small scale since 1937.

Thecompanynotedthatdespite ongoing alluvial mining, “there is no record of any ‘modern’ explorationhavingbeencarriedout on the project to investigate the extent of the gold-bearing quartz veins or to uncover additional potential hard rock sources of the goldfoundinthealluvialmaterial.”

Preliminary exploration work hasidentifiedpromisingtargetsfor follow-up. Grab and soil samples returned high-grade gold assays, including 969 g/t Au, 213 g/t Au, and 144 g/t Au. “Follow-up work planned for Tamakay includes trenching over these anomalous areas to determine the extent of gold-bearing quartz veins across the stratigraphy, as well as testing for any potential pervasively mineralized zones within the volcanics,”thecompanystated.

Notably, Greenheart Gold is working on the Abuya Project in northeastern Guyana Notably, Greenheart Gold said its goal is to buildarobustportfoliooftheearlystage exploration projects that target the key geological factors believedtohavebeencrucialtothe discoveryofOkoWest.

Greenheart Gold is an explorationcompanythatbuildson a proven legacy of discoveries within the Guiana Shield, a highly prospective geological terrain that hosts numerous gold deposits yet remains relatively under-explored. The Company is led by former executives and members of the explorationgroupofReunionGold, ateamthatwasmostrecentlynoted forthediscoveryanddelineationof the multimillion-ounce Oko West deposit in Guyana Greenheart Gold intends to build on its technical knowledge, strong contact base and previous success from exploring in the Guiana Shield to assemble, maintain and explore a portfolio of early-stage

explorationprojectsinGuyanaand Suriname that are prospective for orogenicgolddeposits.

Friday

“Itwillbeaverybadday forVenezuelanifthey attackGuyanaorExxonMobil” -Rubiodeclares

By Renay Sambach

UnitedStatesSecretaryofState Marco Rubio has issued a strong warning to Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro regime, stating that any aggression against Guyana or American oil giant, ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyanese waters wouldhaveseriousrepercussions.

Speaking at a press conference at State House in Georgetown on Thursday alongside President Irfaan Ali, Rubio reaffirmed America’s commitment to Guyana’ssecurity

“The regional threats based on illegitimate territorial claims by a narco-trafficking regime, and I wanttobefrank,andI’vesaidthis during my time as a senator, and I have full confidence in saying it now as a secretary of state, there will be consequences for adventurism, there will be consequences for aggressive action,” Rubio said in his opening remarks.

Venezuelahaslonglaidclaimto more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, the resource rich Essequibo region. The GuyanaVenezuela border controversy is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Despite a December 2023 agreement

between President Ali and Venezuelan President Maduro committing to regional peace, on March1,2025,aVenezuelannaval vesselenteredGuyana’swatersand approached Exxon’s Prosperity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel operating in the oil-rich Stabroek Block and radioed that the FPSO wasoperatingindisputedterritory.

When asked if the U.S. would offermilitaryassistancetoGuyana in the event of an attack from Venezuela, Rubio did not give specificsbutwasunequivocalinhis warning to the Maduro regime. “It will be a very bad day for the Venezuelanregime.Iftheywereto attack Guyana or attack ExxonMobil or anything like, it wouldbeaverybaddayorverybad week for them, and it will not end wellforthem,”heresponded.

The U.S. official outlined the strength of American military capabilities, and suggested that

Venezuela avoid making any hostilemoves.“IthinktheUSNavy today is making it clear and demonstrating our ability to, we have a big Navy, and it can get almost anywhere, and can get anywhere in the world,” Rubio said. Notably, Guyana has remainedsteadfastinitspositionto relying on international law and diplomacy to resolve the border controversy with its neighbour Venezuela President Ali has previously stated that while Guyana is committed to peace, the country will defend its territorial integrity

GuyanagetsinfoonU.S.tax evasionallegationsagainst Mohameds,MaeThomas - Nandlall says it’s time now for GRA, Police to act

AttorneyGeneralandMinister ofLegalAffairsAnilNandlall,S.C. disclosed on Thursday that the

GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)andthe GuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA) believe they have gathered enough evidencetoproceedwithactionsin relation to the United States’ sanctions imposed on Guyanese businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed, as well as Permanent SecretaryoftheMinistryofLabour, MaeThomas.

During a sideline interview at State House, Nandlall stated that information has been exchanged between Guyana and U.S. law enforcement agencies, leading to local authorities concluding that theynowhavesufficientgroundsto act.

“So, they have made that exchange and through that exchange, the law enforcement agenciesinGuyana,alongwiththe Guyana Revenue Authority, have expressed the opinion that they havesufficientvolumeofevidence, information, data, documents, whatever we should call it, to proceed to act upon it,” Nandlall said.

He outlined that the GRA is expectedtoactonallegationsoftax evasion, while the police will handle other aspects of the case based on the information received. Whenaskedwhencriminalcharges could be expected, Nandlall clarified that the process was ongoing but had reached a significant stage. “I said that there has been a process ongoing for several months now, and we have made that public, and that process have thus far yielded a sufficient volume of information that the tax authorities feel- and the law enforcement agencies in Guyana feel- provide sufficient basis for them to begin their statutory processes,”heclarified.

In relation to PS Thomas who has been on leave since last year, Nandlallwasaskedwhethersimilar actions could be taken against her, and in his response, the Attorney General expressed his confidence in the agencies to act objectively and based on evidence. “I cannot speak for the law enforcement agencies nor the Guyana Revenue Authority, but I have no doubt that their approach will be one that would be objective and would be evidence-driven. I have no reason tothinkotherwise,”headded.

This publication had reported that the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) hadsanctionedtheMohamedsover allegations of tax evasion, corruption, and gold smuggling, while Thomas was accused of misusing her position to grant government contracts and other benefits to the businessmen. Since the sanctions, the Guyanese governmenthassoughtinformation from U S authorities and committed to taking appropriate action once enough evidence was available.AccordingtoNandlall, Continued on page 42

Tamakay Project showing location, access and regional geology

United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio

Frompage41

the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has responded to Guyana’srequestsforinformation, and the investigation remains ongoing. However, he could not provide a specific timeline for whenchargesmightbefiled.“They aregoingtoact,theyhaveformally communicated that to me or to the government, and I presume that they will act. They will be acting anytimenow,”heassured.

Saturday

RubiomocksGuyana’sbumpy ‘US$65MHeroe’sHighway’ …says“almosthadconcussions, theroadwassobad, itwasterrible”

By Renay Sambach

Shortly after United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his visit to Guyana, where he held talks with President Irfaan Ali and other government executives, the US official, at a press conference in Suriname, spoke about the poor quality of roadsinGuyanaandcasttheblame ontheChinese.

The US$65 million road that Rubioreferredtowas,infact,built by local contractors and was commissioned in December 2023 by the Ali administration. The highway connects Eccles with GreatDiamondontheEastBankof Demerara (EBD). Rubio had to traverse this highway to make his way from the airport to Guyana’s capital.

In Suriname on Thursday evening, Rubio said his problem with China is twofold. He spoke about China’s Belt and Road Initiative and noted that in many countries, Chinese companies set up operations and “they do a terriblejob.Notabadjob,aterrible job.”

To this end, Rubio shared that hehadjustcomefromGuyanaand was escorted on a road that he was told was built by the Chinese. “We almostallhadconcussions,because theroadwassobaditwasterrible. Theypaidthesepeopletobuildthis road, and then they bring their workers.Theybringtheirworkers; theydon’thireyou;theybringtheir workers in to do all the work.And then they want you to borrow a bunchofmoney,andthentheyhold itoveryourhead,”Rubiosaid.

He explained that he wants countries to have alternatives and not be solely dependent on China. “If you’re going to build a road, I want you to, like, have a real road. Theywerebetteroffwithadirtroad thantheroadwewerejuston.And it’s not the fault of the current administrationinGuyana;thatwas a road that was built before. But theydidaterriblejob,”Rubiosaid.

He continued, “If you did that jobinAmerica,someonewouldsue

Minister of LegalAffairs andAttorney General (AG) Anil

youforalotofmoney,okay?Itwas abadroad.Sowewanttobeableto ensure that we are providing alternativestowhatwethinkisbad work by the Chinese that never finishes on time, is always over budget, and brings their own workers, don’t even hire the locals.”

GuyanavowstostandbyU.S.

AtthepressconferenceatState HouseinGeorgetown,Rubiostated that President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese-built shipsaimtoreducedependencyon Chinese shipbuilding While Rubio acknowledged the potential economic consequences such a move would have on Guyana and the region, he admitted that he could not make any guarantees about exemptions or policy changes,astrademattersdonotfall under his portfolio. However, he assured that he would relay the region’s concerns to US trade officials.Forhispart,PresidentAli, who had acknowledged the looming economic impacts stemming from Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese-built ships, vowedtostandbytheUS,“agreat friend” of Guyana. Ali said, “The USisagreatfriendofours.TheUS hasmadeitveryclearthattheyare ready to stand by us in our development, in our economic expansion, in our security and in our defence. And I will say very boldly that such friends must have some different and preferential treatment, because a friend who willdefendmewhenIneedafriend todefendme,mustbeafriendthat enjoys some special place in our heartandinourcountry,thatwillbe

thecase.”

Chinafiresback Hours after the press conference with President Ali and Secretary Rubio, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana made a Facebook post highlighting its work in Guyana. China outlined that it has always put the ChinaGuyana friendship first “We honour our commitment with concrete actions. As a matter of fact,Chinahasparticipatedfullyat the biggest economic and social transformation in the history of Guyana. Facts and figures speak louder than anything else,” the Embassyresponded.

The embassy highlighted the various projects being executed by ChinainGuyana.Italsostatedthat over the past 12 years, ChinaGuyanatradevolumehasincreased from US$180 million in 2013 to US$1.4 billion in 2024. “China is willing to deepen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030,andelevatethelevelofhighqualityBeltandRoadCooperation between the two countries,” it was stated.

In its post, China highlighted the New Demerara River Bridge, whichistakingshapeandexpected to be completed this year, the construction of the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Viera Park, which has started, and the six regional hospitalsexpectedtobecompleted by the end of 2025. Phase Two of the East Coast Demerara Road Projectisalsoprogressingsteadily.

PNCR clarifies road was built byPPP

Meanwhile, at the People’s

NationalCongressReform(PNCR) press conference on Friday, Party Leader Aubrey Norton said, “HeroesHighwaywasbuiltbyPPP favouritecontractorsunderthePPP and not the coalition government.” He said the Opposition notes with great concern an ill-informed comment that the construction of the Heroes Highway was undertaken by the APNU+AFC government. He stated that this claimiscompletelyuntrue.Norton clarified that the Heroes Highway was constructed by some 12 contractors, whom he alleged are favouritesofthePPPregime.

“WeagreewithUSSecretaryof State, Mr Marco Rubio, that the roadwaspoorlydone.IntheLeader of the Opposition’s Budget presentation, this fact was underscoredwhenhedescribedthe roadasanabortionroadandstated clearly that it was of poor quality and a reflection of PPP corruption

andincompetence,”Nortonsaid. The Opposition Leader suggestedthatthePPPgovernment might have misinformed Secretary Rubiobyclaimingthehighwaywas built by the former administration. He added, “Whether it is the governmentornot,thegovernment musttakefullresponsibilityforthe construction disaster they call Heroes Highway and correct the misinformationthatisinthepublic domain. The Secretary of State mustbemadeawarethatitisnotthe worst that the regime has built; the SchoonardtoCraneroadisworse.”

“Melly-Mel”releasedonbail …accusedofoverstayingvisa

More than two weeks after social media activist Melissa ‘Melly Mel’ Atwell-Holder was detained in the United States, she was released on Friday on US$7,500 bail for overstaying her visa, when she made her first appearance before a US ImmigrationJudge.

Atwell-Holder virtually appeared before Judge Francis Mwangi from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Center in Louisiana. Her lawyer, Joyce Booth, told the court that Atwell-Holder entered the US in 2022andhasbeenmarriedtoaUS citizen, Paul Holder, for the past two years. “Your honour, my client is married to a US citizen, there is an approved I1-30 and thereisalsoapendingI-485inthe system, so she is eligible to adjust,”thelawyersaid Shenoted that the I-485 has been pending since September 2023 She added that Atwell-Holder did an interview last year and since then shebeenwaitingontheapprovalof theI-485.

Judge Mwangi asked why Atwell-Holderwasinproceedings, given that she has an approved I130 and a pending I-485. “We have no idea, she was unexpectedly detained two weeks ago, ICE just showed up at her door in Brooklyn,”Boothtoldthecourt. TheI1-30isaformfiledto Continued on page 43

Guyanese businessmen Azruddin (right) and Nazar Mohamed

Nandlall, S.C

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas

President IrfaanAli and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday

Frompage42 petition for an immediate or close relative who is not currently a US citizen to immigrate to the United States. The I-1485 is an application to register permanent residence or adjust status. This is used to apply for a green card, lawful permanent residence, for someone who is already in the United States and

wish to adjust their immigration status.

For their part, a representative of the Department of Homeland Security said that according to the Notice to Appear (NTA) that was filedisinrelationtoavisaoverstay, andclarifiedthattherearenoother charges against Atwell-Holder To this end, the judge enquired, given that Atwell-Holder is married to a

US citizen, if she would not get a waiver from the overstay charge. He then asked for the lawyer to submit a copy of the I-485, a copy oftheapprovedI1-30,aswellasthe birthcertificateofthePaulHolder These documents are to be submitted to the court byApril 18, 2025.

Moreover, in relation to the bond application, Holder’s lawyer

notedthatherclienthasnocriminal history, is not a danger to national security and is not a flight risk. Booth contended that her client’s detention is still a mystery and pleaded for bond in a reasonable amount.

The representative of the DHS acknowledged that the I1-30 has been approved, and a pending I1485 It was also stated that

according to their background check, Holder does not have a criminalhistory.

Therepresentativedidnotmake anyobjectiontobondbeinggranted toHolder,butleftituptothecourt to decide. Judge Mwangi then granted bail in the sum of US$7,500.

Uponpostingthissum,AtwellHolderwillbereleased.

The Whimsical Weather Wonders

In the lively town of Sunnybrook,wheresunshine often painted the sky and rainbows danced after rain showers,livedacuriousand imaginative nine-year-old namedSophie.Sophieloved everything about the weather from the gentle breezes to the sparkling snowflakes. Her fascination grew when she discovered a magical book in her attic called “The Whimsical WeatherWonders.”

One sunny afternoon, as Sophie flipped through the book,shenoticedasparkling page that promised to take her on an extraordinary adventure. The page read: “StepintotheWeatherWorld andunlockthesecretsofthe skies.” With a mixture of excitement and curiosity, Sophie decided to give it a try

As she read the magical words aloud, she felt a gentle whirlwind envelop her When the windsettled,Sophiefound herself in a fantastical land where the weather was alive She stood in the middle of a meadow with clouds floating around her, and a colorfulrainbow archingoverhead.

Afriendly, fluffy cloud named Nimbus floated

down t

ful puff “I'm Nimbus, and I'll guide you through the Weather World We need your help to fix the weather, which hasgoneabithaywire ” Sophie's eyes widened with wonder. “What happenedtotheweather?” Nimbus explained, “The Weather World's magical balance is off. The Sun's warmth is too strong, the Rain's droplets are too heavy, and the Wind is too wild Each of these elements has gone out of control, and it's causing chaos in the Weather World To restore balance,youneedtovisitthe

Help others and you help yourself

ByUncleRoy

IknowIfeelnicewhensomeonegivesmesomething, Andwhenothershelpmeinsomeway; Iknowitfeelsgoodwhenpeoplesmileatme, Andtellmewordsthatmakemefeelgay

ThismeansthatIshouldalsotry TodothesameforotherswhatIcan, Ishouldnotonlyseektogetformyself, Butdomybesttohelpeveryone.

FirstImustobeymyparentsathome, Andtrytokeepbrothersandsistershappy, NextdowhatIcanfrommyfriends, Andthenseekwaystohelpanybody

ThegreatthingisthatwhenItry Tohelpothersandmakethemfeelthebest, IfindthatImyselfgainsomuch Thatitmakesmefeelthegreatest

Flower Garden Scene Canvas

Unleashyourcreativityand designastunning,wallworthypieceofartinspired byavibrantflowergarden. Thisbeautifulcanvasproject allowsyoutocraftyourvery ownfloralmasterpiece, perfectforaddingatouchof nature'sbeautytoyourhome décor

HowtoMake

Step1

Sun Palace, the Rainy Realm,andtheWindyPeaks, andsolvetheirproblems.”

Sophie agreed to help and first traveled to the Sun Palace, a grand, golden palace floating high in the sky.The palace was basked in bright, scorching sunlight, making it hard for Sophie to stay cool. She met Sunny, the Sun's guardian, wholookedworried

“The Sun's heat is too intense,” Sunny explained. “I need to find the right balanceforthesunlight,butI can't do it alone. Can you help me figure out how to make the Sun's warmth just right?”

Sophie thought about it and noticed a large, magical dial glowing on the palace wall. “Maybe adjusting the dial can help, ” she suggested. She turned the dial carefully, and soon the Sun'sraysbecamepleasantly warm instead of too hot. Sunny thanked Sophie and gave her a golden sunbeam pendant as a token of appreciation.

Next,Sophieventuredto the Rainy Realm, where the sky was covered in dark, heavycloudsandrainpoured down like waterfalls. She found Rainy, the Rain's guardian, trying to control thetorrentsofwater

“The rain is too heavy,” Rainy said, drenched and tired.“Ineedtofindawayto lighten it up so it's just right for the plants and animals. Canyouhelp?”

Sophie spotted a large, glowing rain gauge and thought it might be useful. “Let's try adjusting this gauge to measure the rain correctly,”shesuggested.As she carefully calibrated the gauge,therainturnedfroma flood to a gentle, refreshing shower Rainy smiled gratefully and handed Sophie a shimmering raindropcharm.

Startbypaintingyourcanvas avibrantbluetocreateaskylikebackground.Letitdry completelybeforemovingon.

Step4

Wrapasmallfence decorationaroundthecanvas, justundertheflowers,and secureitbygluingittothe backifneeded.

Step2

Next,takeapieceof hessianfabricandglueit halfwayupthecanvas, leavingthetopedge unglued.Thisallowsyou totuckthestemsofyour flowersunderneath.Once secured,trimthehessian aroundtheedgesofthe canvasforacleanlook.

Step3

Beginstickingyourartificial flowersandgrassesontothe canvas,arrangingthem howeveryouliketocreatea beautiful,layeredgarden scene.

Step5

Placeadditionalflowers andgrassesonthefront sideofthefence,adding depthanddimensionto yourgarden.

Step6

Finally,attacharibbonor stringtothetopofthe canvas,makingitready tohanganddisplayyour lovelyflowergarden artwork!

With categories ranging from "an insect" to "baby animal" FIND corresponding words for each letter in the word "GROW." ENJOY!

Therearemanywaysbywhichyou can make your life more worthy, some of which we have been dealing with in the weeks past in our discourses about self-improvement.

However,thereisonewayinwhich we can do this in an unselfish manner, andthatisbylookingoutcontinuously tofindhowyoucanhelpothers,bothon thelongandshortterms. Iamsureyou can think now of instances when you have seen someone close to you acting in a manner that can lead to some negativeresult.

If you had helped that person to behave better, then you would have beenabletoseehowrewardingthiswas tothatperson,aswellasthesatisfaction it gave you for having spent your time andenergytodosomethingunselfish.

There are also other ways in which you can reach out to your friends and lead them into understanding your approach to the proper solution of the

problems they would be faced with in theireverydaylives.

One way by which you can make this an ongoing process is to start a discussiongroupinwhichyougetthose whoaremembersofanygrouptowhich you belong to interact and spread your ideasofgoodbehaviour

Getting this group to meet on a

Each of us can make a big difference in the progress of our nation when we see the need to join with others in this effort.

Jigoku

regular basis, say weekly, at a determined venue, can provide a guarantee that personal problems will be discussed with the object of finding propersolutions.

You can get someone who is respected by your group's members fromthechurchorotherorganisationin your area to speak to your group when youmeet. Thiswillmakeitanongoing exercisethatwillbeofimmensebenefit to the members as they develop and shareacultureofgoodbehaviour

Think of the value to our nation if thissystemweretobeadoptedbyevery community, and I am now proposing that we all make a serious attempt to worktowardsachievingthis,andmake ourvoicesheardinthisendeavour

Ifyoumustsoundthedepthsofanother'sthoughts, Andassisthimfromsomeilltopart, Youneedthekeyofempathy

Tounlockthedoortohisheart.

Besincerelywillingtoexperiencehisworld, Andseethingsfromhispointofview, Thentrytounderstandhisfeelings, Respectingwhathebelievesistrue.

Youwillavoidprofferinganyjudgment, Orcriticismofanystepshehastaken, Fosteringfeelingsofunconditionalacceptance, Andbeingregardedasaspecialperson.

Theresultingwarmthwillmakehimsosafeandfree, Hewillthennotbeafraidtodisclose, Andwillbeencouragedtobeopenandvoicehisthoughts, Inamannerthatwouldhelphiscause.

Whenyoulistenwithinterestandfullrespect, Andbepatientandsensitivetohisexpression, Thisshowofconcernforhiswelfare Willenablehimtoarriveathisownsolutions.

Empathyisthebestapproachtopersonalcommunication, Betweenthosewhosharecommitmentandcare; Makethisthemodethatyouconsistentlyuse, Andyourrelationshipswillbeevertrueandclear

Solutions to last

week’s

“Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. > and < connections between squares indicate that one number is greater than or less than another If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without making guesses. Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. "

Interesting Creatures... Echidna

While the echidna (pronounced ih-KIDna) is considered a mammal — because it’s warm-blooded, has hair on its body and produces milk for its young — this large hedgehog-likecreatureisinaclassofitsown. In fact, the echidna is so different from any other mammal; it puzzles researchers and scientiststothisday

The echidna is native to Australia and NewGuinea.Itiscoveredinsharpspinesfor protection and uses a long, sticky tongue to captureants,termitesandothersmallinsects.

Echidnas have poor eyesight and rely heavilyontheirsenseofsmelltolocatefood. They use their short, powerful claws to dig into ant mounds and other insect nests.

Largely instinctual, echidnas show little adaptability when faced with challenges or threats.

Whenfeelingthreatened,theyuseabasic survivaltacticofcurlingintoaball,exposing only their sharp spines to deter predators rather than actively escaping or seeking shelter

Despitetheiruniquephysicaladaptations, echidnas exhibit limited problem-solving skills and lack the cognitive complexity foundinmoreadaptableanimals.

Over time, the reliance on basic survival instincts over learned behaviours can reduce overall cognitive complexity in affected species.

The Echidna is native toAustralia and New Guinea. It is covered in sharp spines for protection and uses a long, sticky tongue to capture ants, termites and other small insects.

Six-year-old shot to head succumbs

Six-year-old Jeremiah Gustave, who was recovering from a gunshot wound to his head since July 2024, has succumbedtohisinjuriesathis Charles Street, Charlestown, G e o r g e t o w n h o m e

Kaieteur News confirmed that he died Saturday evening

Reports indicate that Jeremiah, onJuly29,2024,wassittingat hismother'sfoodstallwhenan altercation escalated, resulting intheshooting.Hewasquickly transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he underwent multiple surgeries. One suspect, Odel Garnette,iscurrentlyremanded and his trial has begun The child's mother, Keisha Gustave, had hoped for a successfulrecovery InJanuary he had celebrated his birthday

Dead: Jeremiah Gustave

Housing backlog in Reg. 3 to be cleared by September

By September 2025, all individuals who applied for land in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) up to 2024 will receive provisional allocation lettersfortheirhouselots.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made this announcement on Saturday during a community meeting in La Grange, West Bank Demerara “We will clear the backlog completely in Region Three because we have now built the roads, we have opened up the lands in Wales,” the President said The lands in Wales were previously allocated to families under the previous administration following the closure of the sugar estates

However, after assuming office in 2020, the current governmentreclaimedtheselands.

This initiative will now enable 3,000 to 4,000 families to receive their house lots, allowing them to build homes and improve their livelihoods. “You’ll get that letter of provisional allocation and you will get to go see the development works and the lot [where you will be placed.] So, start saving for the

construction of your home,” he urgedresidents.

President Ali highlighted the significantinvestmentinhousingin thelastfouryears,withnearly$65 billion expended in the region to accelerate home ownership for thousands of residents. This marks a 1,321 per cent increase over the previous administration Additionally, a substantial $28 billion was spent on roads,

- President Ali

road to Parika and continuing to Goshen Road leading to Bartica, connecting back to Sandhills, all the way to Timehri; that is the vision.”

Hereiteratedthatthisprojectis not only about a road, but the opening up of tens of thousands of acresoflandtosupportagriculture expansion.

Otherinvestments

highways, and bridges in the region, bringing significant relief forcommutersandpedestrians.

NewHighway

In addition, the President said bidsarecurrentlybeinginvitedfor a major road link from Parika to Goshen.Additionally,PresidentAli saidthatbytheendofAugust,“we will identify all the bridges all the waytoWalesforbids.Andwhatis the plan? The plan is the four-lane

To boost agriculture, President Ali said a fertiliser plant will be established in the region, which will supply all the agricultural needsinthecountry Additionally,a steel production partnership is currently being pursued. This is partoftheadministration’sholistic vision of develo

manufacturing and industrial powerhouse This hub will be supportedby600megawatts(MW) of power projects that will be developedrightinRegionThreeto support Guyana’s industrial aspirations.

Currently, a gas-to-energy projectisbeingdevelopedinWales

thatwilltransportnaturalgasfrom the Stabroek Block’s Liza oilfield to an integrated facility.As part of this project, a 300 MW combined cycle power plant is being constructed to supply power to citizens.Asecondpowerplantwill beestablishedintheregion.

Healthcare

To expand healthcare services forresidentsthere,thegovernment is constructing a new state-of-theart West Demerara Regional Hospital, and another at De Kinderen on the West Coast Demerara.

The Head of State said these ongoing efforts are aimed at transforming Guyana into a regional leader in energy, food security,education,andhealthcare, while ensuring economic prosperityforall.PresidentAlialso urged citizens to look beyond race and politics, stressing that the government he leads is a party of service and development, not opportunism.

During the meeting, a number of community issues were voiced, towhichPresidentAliimmediately instructed the various agencies to address.(DPI)

President IrfaanAli meeting with residents

Public Works to spend $211M to repair several vessels

The Ministry of Public Works, through the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), will be spending approximately $211,972,300todockandrehabilitateseveral ofitsvessels.

Thisisaccordingtoaninvitationforbids issuedbytheMinistry,whichstatesthatbids areexpectedtoopenonApril17,2025atthe National Procurement and Tender AdministrationBoard(NPTAB)office.

According to the ministry, the vessels slated for docking and rehabilitation are: M.L. Thompson for an estimated cost of $17,000,000, M.L. David P for $9,000,000, P.BArapaimafor$8,800,000,M.D.Steve-N for $151,272,300, M T Setter for

$10,900,000.

This publication understands that PB Arapaima was one of the newest vessels added to MARAD’s fleet. The $535M pilot vessel, which was commissioned in 2023, was custom-built for MARAD by Ocea ShipbuildingLimitedinFrance. It was reported in the media that these vesselsundergogeneralmaintenancesoasto ensure safe use on the country’s waterways. Withasumof$9.3billionexpendedlastyear onrivertransportfacilities,itwasannounced that this year, an allocation of $9.9 billion is budgeted to improve the country’s river transportationservice.

The P.BArapaima.

‘PPP hooliganism confirms they know their time is up’ - Norton says victory at the next polls is possible

As members of the People’s ProgressiveParty(PPP)continueto clash with supporters of Azruddin Mohamed during organised meetings across the country, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has concluded that the ruling party knowsitstimeinofficehascometo anend.

Norton,duringanaddresstothe People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) 2025 General Council on Saturday, said, “In recent weeks we have seen PPP thuggery and hooliganism in full display in Regions Two and Six. Theirbehaviourconfirmsthatthey knowwhatistheorder-theirtimeis up!”

He added, “We must see the behaviour of (Vice President Bharrat) Jagdeo and (President) IrfaanAli as two desperate people who believe it is the end of the government they lead. All the evidence suggests that they are afraid.”

During a visit to Lima Sands, EssequiboCoastonMarch9,2025, Elsie Schadde, Community Representative of the ruling party, threatened to deny residents house lots after they met with businessman,Azruddin Mohamed.

It was later reported that another meeting between the businessman and Letter Kenny residents on March 25 descended into chaos when supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), allegedly led by Region Six Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, disrupted the gathering.AccordingtoaFacebook postmadebyTeamMohamed’son Wednesday, it was stated that althoughthebusinessmanhadbeen invited by the residents, his visit resulted in a standoff between a group of 10-day workers and

councilors who were allegedly instructedtocreateraucous.

PNC/Rvictory

ForNorton,avictoryatthenext elections, scheduled for later this year,isnotjustpossible,buthighly likely In his address, the leader of the party said, “I believe that as a party,wehaverestoredthestrength we know of the People’s National Congress. A mere five years ago, manypeoplewonderedifasaparty we can see government again. We did the hard work, we went from villagetovillage,andtodaypeople

are saying we are very likely to be thenextgovernment.”

Further, Norton shared, “From mywork inthevillagesacrossthis country,Icanreportthatvictoryat the next election is not only possible but highly likely and will occur I am not promising you it will be easy It will demand hard work.”

Hesaidthatthereisanoticeable lack of respect for the rule of law and destruction of democratic institutions. Norton said such acts by the government are aimed at ensuring political control and domination, which must be resisted.

TheOppositionLeaderassured thatagovernmentledbyhimwould seek to ensure that government resources are not used in the manner in which the PPP utilizes them, “to trample on the rights of Guyanese, even those with different political views.” Norton urged members of the PNCR to recruit young people and work, realizing that if the party does not win,“ourpeopleareintrouble,”he said Additionally, he charged members to campaign beyond the strongholds of the party and have no fear to enter villages that may

traditionally support the PPP Importantly, the Leader encouraged his supporters not to fallfor“sweettalk”byothergroups thatmaycontesttheelections.

Oilmoney

Meanwhile, he told the gathering that resources generated from oil production must meet the people.Assuch,thepartyintendsto roll out a housing programme to ensure each Guyanese, desirous of owningahome,willbeabletodoso in the shortest possible time According to him, the PNCR also plansto“openGuyana”throughthe construction of an inter-regional highway system. “We should be able to drive from Region One to 10. These roads will link Regions, villages to markets, regions to opportunities and Guyanese to the beauty of Guyana.” Further, he notedthatthepartywillimplement a “substantial cash transfer” to every Guyanese household, guaranteedbylegislation.

Norton said, “This direct benefitfromouroilwealthensures that prosperity begins at the grassroot because the transformation of a nation begins with the transformation of individuallives.”

Opposition and PNC/R Leader,Aubrey Norton

Protesters return to Istanbul’s streets for huge rally

(BBC NEWS) - Hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators have returned to the streets of Istanbul, Turkey, in supportofthecity’sjailedmayor

Ekrem Imamoglu, who is seen asthemainrivalofPresidentRecep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on corruption charges last week, sparking mass protests. He denies the charges and claims his arrest is politically motivated Saturday’s crowds were so large that they spilled from the site of the protest into a neighbouring park The chairman of Imamoglu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) addressed demonstrators, reading outaletterfromthejailedpolitician who is being held in solitary confinement.

“I have no fear, you are behind me and by my side. I have no fear because the nation is united. The nation is united against the oppressor,” the letter said, according to Reuters. Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek, was also at the protest and told the crowd: “We will keep fightingandfighting.”

Protesters waved Turkey’s redand-white flags and chanted: “Rights, law, justice!” Imamoglu has served as Istanbul’s mayor since 2019 and won a resounding victory in mayoral elections last year He has been named as the CHP’s candidate for the presidential election due in 2028 and is widely viewed as the only

Hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators have returned to the streets of Istanbul, Turkey, in support of the city’s jailed mayor

politician capable of challenging Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party at the ballot box.Erdoganhasbeeninpowerfor more than two decades, first as prime minister, then as president from2014.Hecannotrunagainfor the presidency after 2028 - unless hechangesTurkey’sconstitution.

Aseriesofmasspro-democracy protests have wracked the country since Imamoglu’s arrest more than week ago. While Saturday’s demonstration was peaceful, some earlierprotestsfacedheavy-handed policetacticswhofiredteargasand rubberbullets.Nearly2,000people havebeenarrested,includingsome

journalists who had been covering theprotests. T h a

s B B C correspondent Mark Lowen who was deported after the State claimedhelackedthecorrectpress accreditation.Erdoganhasclaimed the protests amount to “street te

demonstrators of attacking the police and damaging public property. There are concerns that Imamoglu will not face a free and fair trial when his case is heard in court. The government has denied Imamoglu’s arrest was politically motivated and insists the Turkish courtsarefullyindependent.

Guyana Learning Channel launches...

Frompage11

whereby a national digital platform that integrates education, finance and governance,isbeingcreated.

For example, a digital school will be launched soon in Regions Two, Three and Six. This will provide interactive, highquality education accessible to all students nationwide and even across the Caribbean. Thisdigitalschoolwillcomplementphysical schools, ensuring students in even the most remote areas have equal access to learning materials. President Ali added that this tool will help mitigate issues such as teacher absenteeism and inadequate access to learning resources, ensuring continuous education. “This [Digital TV box] and the digital school will complement each other, so that our children can learn in an environment that they will have to operate in. Five years from now or less, your children will be operating in a completely new environment. An environment that is highly digitised, an environment in which AI(artificialintelligence)willbeplayingthe leadrole,”theHeadofStatestressed.

Otherdigitalsolutions

In addition to education transformation,

President Ali said the government is introducing self-service kiosks for services like driver’s license renewal, reducing bureaucracy, human bias and increasing efficiency “We will have it across the country… and you just scan your license, use your credit or debit card and you renew your license …at any facility; in a mall, in a police station, ” the Head of State explained.

Apart from this initiative, Guyanese will soon be able to make payments using their mobile devices through the national digital paymentplatform.Thisisbeingdevelopedin partnershipwiththeIndianGovernment.

The President noted that investments in digital infrastructure are designed to prepare the country for future crises, including potentialpandemicsliketheCOVID-19.

Minister of Education Priya

Manickchand and Director of the GLC, AnieshawMohamed,alsodeliveredremarks.

To ensure that every household can access these enhanced digital channels, GLC is distributing Digital TV boxes to families at the Leonora Track and Field Facility Some 2350 boxes are expected to be distributed here.(DPI)

Proposals to build new Berbice...

Frompage14

expression of interests (EOIs) for the designing,buildingandfinancingofthenew BerbiceRiverBridge.

In October last year, nine contractors submitted bids. They were China Road & Bridge Corporation (China); Ashoka Buildcon Limited (India); China Railway Construction Caribbean Limited (China) in jointed venture with China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Company Limited (T&T); Shandong High-speed Road & Bridge Company Limited(China)injointedventurewithAJM Enterprise; China Railway First Group CompanyLimited(China)injointedventure with China Railway Eryuan Engineering GroupCompanyLimited(China);Rockey& Son Construction (local); Kalpataru Projects International Limited (India); Vishwa Samudra Engineering Private Limited (India);andAeconGlobalServices(Canada).

In January 2024, President Irfaan Ali announced that his government intended to construct a fixed high-span crossing bridge acrosstheBerbiceRiver

“Wearealreadyunderstandingthefuture

needs of this region. That is why we are accelerating the plans for a fixed high-span crossingbridgeacrosstheBerbiceRiverjust liketheoneintheDemeraraRiver,”President Ali said at a sod-turning event held for the US$161 million modern hospital in New Amsterdam. He had initially announced the construction of a new bridge in Berbice in October2022.

Speaking about the new Berbice River Bridgeonnumerousoccasions,thePresident had mentioned that it would be built, promising that it would bring significant benefits to commuters and the region’s economy

The structure is expected to mirror the US$260millionnewDemeraraRiverBridge, which is currently under construction and is expectedtobecompletedbyAugust.

KaieteurNewshadreportedthatAttorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, during the debates on the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (Amendment)BillinDecember,saidthatthe government has since acquired over 50 propertiestocaterforthenewBerbiceRiver Bridge.

WANTED VACANCY

Nanny/Housekeeper

needed, must be 30 -45 years old 8 am-4:30 pm at Republic Park E.B.D. Contact: 715-4717.

Selling your house lot or unfinished building, give us a call :216-0671 / 692-8464 or Whatsapp 622-0267.

Hiring - Cook / Baker , Assistant cook and Housekeeper / Galleyhand. Apply via email to : Admin@titanenergyguyana.com.

Truck drivers & welders with mechanical idea & Handy boys. Living accommodation provided. Call : 627-5043 / 639-1315.

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

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

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

House plan drawing, Estimates, Grubbing of land and Sand filling K.Lakeram Building Contractor. Call 216-0671 / 692-8464 or Whatsapp 622-0267.

TOURS

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

For Sale 6 used American made Dental chairs excellent condition contact Mr Vino on 661-3030 or 626-8918

Pure breed Rottweiler. contact 639-2828 for more information.

Small Farmers mini Tractor, complete plows - coutock plows. Cantact : 624-0646.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Male cleaner for Eccles call 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Male cleaner for yard in East Bank area, two (2) days a week, call 619-9132.

Timber Grant manager , Tractor operator, Labourer, Chain saw operator, Wood Mizar Operator. Call Richard: 6097675 / 674-1705

General Domestic ,Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office. 4 day work.

One (1) painter needed. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2. Call: 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com

Supervisor and Receptionist needed, 25-45 years at 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

Kitchen assistant needed. For more info Call: 676-5534 / 618-3696.

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

Female cleaner for office in Eccles. Call : 645-8443.

One Counter Staff between 18-25 years, One person to bake & make roti and puri from 6:30 - 8 :30. Call: 5014769.

Handyman to work 2 days per week. Call : 621-5140.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. Call : 649-0956.

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

Leyland DAF truck for sale. Contact: 676-6165 / 693-9843

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE 6 Acres of Land Garden of Eden, E.B.D. Serious Inquiries Only Tel #: 592 690- 5512

Roadside Heroes Highway Land for Sale, Garden of Eden 3.8 or 6 acres. Contact : 621-1139 / 712-4020

1.1 million eligible tovote in T&T elections

(TRINIDAD

GUARD

IAN) Chief Elections Officer

Fern Narcis has revealed that 1,154,708 people are registered to vote for the 2025 General Election on April 28, based on a preliminary electoral listing.

This represents an increase of over 20,000 people, as a total of 1,134,135 people were registered to vote in the 2020 general election. As Elections and Boundaries Com-

FOR RENT

2.2 Acre Land at Garden of Eden second Dam E.B.D Opposite GPL Plant 7 Houses on on the right. Contact : 6472473 / 266-5777

One Single apartment with two bedrooms, only couples or married people. $65,000 a month. Call : 640-3861.

One downstairs flat. $60,000 per month. Only Couples. Call : 640-3861.

Apartment for rent, Two bedrooms.$ 75, 000 per month. Call : 662-6772. (Located in Diamond)

Three bedroom flat house for rent in Diamond. Contact: 679-2406 / 693-9843

EDUCATION

Supercharge your child/ loved ones reading and writing skills using the highly effective hooked on phonics program. 7 years & older. Call 650-8925.

TO LET

Camp Street, Top Floor (25'x40') Middle floor( 25x40') for offices or other types of business . Call : 609-7675 / 674-1705.

Commercial space, Enmore Mall Top and ground spaces, also 4 Acres Land to lease, Emore Public road. Call : 6097675 / 674-1705.

mission (EBC) field officers continue to work to verify data, including addresses over the next few weeks, Narcis said there seems to be a higher interest in voter registration this year, when compared to previous years.

“I can confirm a higher volume of traffic within our offices than in previous electoral registration periods,” she said.

The electoral registration for the 2025 election closed yesterday. A source revealed that 132 people visited the San Fernando Registration Area office on Thursday for transactions such as address changes, electoral list checks, renewals, and name changes. That process continued yesterday.

Among persons seeking to verify their information was Marissa Farnum, from San Fernando East, who is voting for the first time.

“Today is the last day and I am making sure I am regis-

tered to vote. I am going to vote for my children’s future. My eldest son is in university, and the way things are going, I want a change because crime is just too high,” she said. She added, “This country is in dire straits and this is why I am making sure I am voting this year. It will be the first time I am voting.”

Emmanuel Thompson, from San Fernando West, also said he wanted to ensure he could vote in the upcoming elections.

“We want to make sure our addresses are proper. This is the grandmother of elections and all votes must be counted.

I will be voting in the San Fernando West area.

The momentum is nice. Everything is looking good on the ground and I am ready to make my decision,” Thompson said.

Meanwhile, David Kangaloo, of Marabella, emphasised the importance of

participation. “Everyone has a role to play in participating in elections and determining the future of the country.

People complain about everything but they’re not voting.

We want to make Trinidad a better place and develop the country, so participate in the voting process,” he added. Jamal Hinds praised the EBC staff for their efficient handling of transactions.

“I came here on Thursday and I forgot to walk with my bill so I came back today. Everything is going smoothly. I am trying to rush and get this done because I want to vote,” Hinds said.

Several elderly citizens also visited the office to check their names on the electoral list and renew their identification cards for the election.

EBC field officers are continuing to verify addresses to ensure no discrepancies on election day.

‘Musings of a Poet’...

From page 50 performances kept them entertained, informed and sometimes at the edge of their seats. Speaking to The Waterfalls about the production, Creative Director of the NDC Al Creighton Jnr and its President Tashandra Inniss explained that during the preparation the team faced several challenges including acquiring sufficient funds for the show to successfully produced.

However, with assistance from their sponsors and senior members Ayanna Waddell, Esther Hamer, Jonathan Hamer and Tashandra Inniss, the group was able to overcome that challenge and deliver an un-

forgettable night of dramatic poetry. Creighton said that he was satisfied with the show and noted that while the theatre was small, it was a filled to capacity with attendees.

“It was a full house, and I am satisfied, even though it was a small theatre,” he said.

This publication also spoke with members of the audience who expressed their satisfaction with the production. “Attending Musings of a Poet for the first time was an unforgettable experience. The show offered a diverse collection of poems, each one evoking deep emotion and thought. Themes of femininity, death, love and environmental protection were explored with raw honesty, mak-

ing the night both introspective and socially conscious. I will most definitely be in attendance annually,” asserted one member of the audience.

“One of the most remarkable and memorable experiences I’ve ever had was attending the musings of poetry, not only was the scene serenely captivating, but the performances were profoundly soul touching,” another quipped.

The NDC was founded in January 2015 and celebrated its 10thanniversary, this year. The company is known for using performing arts to capture the emotions of members of the audience through entertaining and thought-provoking showcases.

Keron Fraser is asked to make contact to Olden Mc Kinnon On 661-0775.

Despite an overall decrease in premature mortality in the Americas, just five countries are on track to achieve the 25% reduction target by 2025

Brasilia, March 26, 2025 (PAHO) - While premature mortality from non-communicable diseases

( N C D s ) s u c h a s hypertension, diabetes and cancers, has dropped in the Americas over the past decade,from15.2%in2010 to 14% in 2021, just five countries of the Region are on track to reach the global target of a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025 (known as the25x25target).

During the Regional

M e e t i n g o n

N o n c o m m u n i c a b l e Disease Prevention and Control, held from 24-26 March in Brasilia, Brazil, PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, called on countries to urgently address the key drivers of mortality due to NCDs, which continue to take around 6 million lives

e a c h y e a r i n t h e Americas

“Over 240 million people in the Americas are living with NCDs and

require continuous treatment, most of which can be provided through

primary health care,” the PAHO Director said “However, many people do not receive adequate care or succumb to their illness due to poor m a n a g e m e n t a n d control ”

“ T h e e c o n o m i c dimensions of NCDs are also staggering,” Dr Barbosa added, highlighting that while

further studies are needed to determine the regional i m p a c t , c u r r e n t projections show that in ten countries of South America, NCDs and mental health conditions are expected to result in

combined economic losses totaling US$7 3 t r i l l i o n b y 2 0 5 0 , equivalent to 4% of the sub-region’s Gross

vaccination against Human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer,togirlsundertheage of 15; and providing treatment for hypertension anddiabetes,amongothers.

“

implement

in our countries but we must urgently scale up and a

nd provide quality health care to all of those affected,” he added The m

g, which convened PAHO exp

DomesticProduct(GDP)

“Thegoodnewsisthat we have the knowledge and tools to prevent and controlNCDs,”Dr Barbosa said, including the NCDs’ “best buys” – cost-effective policies and health interventionssuchasraising taxes on tobacco and alcohol; implementing front-of-package food labeling; offering

, heads of national NCD programs and civil society, focused on key priorities for accelerating progress towards 25x25 in advance of the 4th United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025 Theseinclude:

I n c r e a s i n g i n v e s t m e n t a n d strengthening leadership in NCDprevention,policies to address risk factors, and healthservices

Expanding access to primary health care to

improve dia

treatmentandcoverage

Promoting policy

government sectors beyond

g establishing multisectoral NCD commissions to addresstheissueholistically

BetterCareforNCDs

PAHOcontinuestowork with countries of the Americas to prevent and addressNCDs,whicharethe number one cause of death and disability, both in the Regionandglobally

To accelerate this work, in 2023 the PAHO Director launchedtheBetterCarefor NCDsinitiative,whichaims toexpandequitableaccessof

CD services within primary healthcareintheAmericas.

“I encourage you to join forces with PAHO to implement this important initiative,” Dr Barbosa concluded “Working collaboratively, we can make significant strides to achievetheNCDtargetsand improve the health and wellbeing of the people of theAmericas.”

Myanmar quake toll passes 1,600

….as people dig for survivors with bare

(BBC NEWS) The number of people known to have died following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar has risen to more than 1,600, with people in some areas telling the BBC they had been left to dig through rubble for their loved ones with their bare hands.

An acute lack of

e q u i p m e n t , p a t c h y communication networks and wrecked roads and bridgeswerealsohampering the search for survivors. The quake has flattened much of Mandalay, the country's second-largest city. There was applause when rescuers pulled a woman alive from the wreckage of a 12-storey apartment block some 30 hours after it collapsed, but theRedCrosssaysmorethan 90 people may still be trappedthere.

In a nearby township, rescue workers found the bodies of 12 preschool children and a teacher under a building housing a kindergarten Cracks and surface distortions to the main highway between the biggest city Yangon, the capital Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay had caused severe transport disruptions, UN humanitarian agency, OCHAsaid.

T h e r e w e r e a l s o shortages of medical supplies including trauma

k i t s , b l o o d b a g s , anaesthetics, essential medicines and tents for health workers, it said Although rescue teams have been at work since yesterday

and international aid has begun to enter the country, helpisyettoreachtheworsthitareasandordinarypeople have been trying to dig survivorsoutbyhand.

The BBC has spoken to locals who said that people were screaming for help from under the debris Elsewhere, other rescue workers have been listening out for signs of life. ''We can only rescue people when we hear them,'' one said. Earlier onSaturday,arescueteamin the Sintkai township in Mandalay's Kyaukse district pulled out a number of people trapped in the debris of a private school. Six of them – five females and one male – had died by the time the rescue teams arrived. Among the victims were students,teachersandschool staff.

A lack of equipment is greatly slowing down the rescues, a worker told BBC Burmese: "We are making do with the equipment we have. We have been trying for hours to pull out a girl trapped under the collapsed school." Another worker in Mandalay told a BBC

reporter in Yangon that communication had been near impossible. "The main thing is that we don't have internet lines, we don't have phone lines, so it's very difficulttoconnectwitheach

to do. Locals have had to fend for themselves. If they find dead bodies in the debris, they don't even know where to send the bodies; hospitals are overwhelmed and unable to cope," the

days.Mandalayairportisnot functional as the runways were damaged during the earthquake The military council said that it had been w o r k i n g t o r e s u m e operations and a temporary hospital,medicalreliefcamp and shelter have been set up there.

Less than 25km (15 miles) from Mandalay, in Sagaing, the older of two bridges connecting the regions has completely collapsed and the newer one has developed cracks, cutting off access for rescue teams. "Right now, there are not enough people even for

other The rescue team has arrived. But we don't know where it will go, because the phonelinesaredown."

AMandalayresidentsaid people were doing their best inthechaoticcircumstances. "There is no coordination in the rescue efforts, no one to lead them, or tell them what

residentsaid.

The junta has put the number of damaged buildings in the Mandalay region, the epicentre of the earthquake, at more than 1,500. Power outages have exacerbated the situation, and according to officials, restoring power could take

emergency rescue. We can't pick up bodies, there are so many people trapped. We can't cross either bridge, so we are all trapped in the rubble.

Please help emergency rescuers come and rescue us," a local resident told BBC Burmese. The recently

hands

constructed capital Nay Pyi Taw,wherethemilitaryjunta is headquartered, has been hit by aftershocks and small tremors. The city has seen extensive damage with high numbers of casualties, collapsed buildings and buckledroads.

Meanwhile, even while the junta has made a rare international appeal for aid, it has continued air strikes and drone attacks against the ethnic armies and armed groupsithasbeenfightingin the country's four-year civil war.

B B C B u r m e s e confirmed that seven people were killed in an air strike in Naungcho in northern Shan state. This strike took place around 15:30 local time, less than three hours after the quakestruck.

Pro-democracy rebel groups, fighting to remove the military from power, have reported aerial bombings in Chang-U township in the central Sagaingregion,theepicentre ofthequake.

There are also reports of airstrikes in regions near the Thai border. The UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, urged the junta to ceasebombingraids.

"The problem is that you still have military operations going on right now Military strikes by the military junta," he told the BBC. "I'm calling upon the junta to just stop, stop any of its military operations. This is completely outrageous andunacceptable."

People in Gaza surviving on canned food as fresh produce rotting at border

( A L J A Z E E R A )

Palestinians in Gaza have described surviving on canned food as the UN relief chief warns fresh produce is “rotting” at Gaza's shuttered border since an Israeli blockade on crucial humanitarian aid started 10 daysago.

Tom Fletcher, chief of humanitarian affairs at OCHA, told the United Nations Security Council thatallentrypointsintoGaza were closed to cargo, with food “rotting, medicine expiring, and vital medical equipmentstuck”.

“ I n t e r n a t i o n a l humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks, obstruction of life-saving aid, destruction of infrastructure indispensable for civilians' survival, and hostage-taking If the basic principles of humanitarian law still count, the international community must act while it can to upholdthem,”headded.

Fletcher's comments come as the UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported on Friday that it only has

“5,700 tonnes of food stocks left in Gaza – enough to support WFP operations for a maximum of two weeks”. The organisation said that amid the Israeli blockade, the price of food has drastically increased, with a 25kg (55lb) bag of wheat flour now costing up to $50, a “400 percent increase compared to pre-March 18 prices”.

Since the beginning of March, Israeli Prime M i n i s t e r B e n j a m i n Netanyahu announced that food and aid would be

banned from entering Gaza untilHamasagreedtoextend the first stage of the January ceasefiredeal.

H o w e v e r , t h e Palestinian group has refused to extend the first stage and has pushed to advance into the second one, which would negotiate the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and an end to the war

At a market in Jabalia, northernGaza,foodsupplies are limited to canned goods and expensive vegetables.

Mustafa Homaid, a

vegetable seller, told Al Jazeera that the marketplace is “almost empty” as the price of goods is too high for peopletobuy

“A kilo (2.2 pounds) of tomatoeshastripledinprice. I can hardly afford to buy groceries for my family You can imagine how other people are coping,” Homaid said.

For Ahmed Balosha, a displaced child in Jabalia, the increase in prices has meant his family has not had fresh meat “for more than a year”. “We are surviving on

cannedfood,somebreadand cheese. That is all,” he said. Amid the worsening food crisis, Gaza continues to be under intense fire from Israeli attacks. Since Israel resumed its war on March 18, nearly 900 Palestinians have been killed, adding to the overall death toll of 50,251 people since the war beganonOctober7,2023. The October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel killed 1,139 people and about 250 were taken as captives, igniting the current war

The fire station in Sagaing collapsed, crushing the fire engines

The Red Cross has warned that about 90 people may still be trapped under this apartment block in Mandalay

UPEC defeats UG in Speaker’s Regional Youth Debating Competition

The Upper East Coast (UPEC) Youth Federation of Seventh-day Adventist delivered a narrow victory over the UniversityofGuyanaEconomicsSocietyintheninthmatchof Round 1 for Region 4 in the Speaker’s Regional Youth DebatingCompetition2025onFriday

Thespiriteddebateunfoldedat9:30a.m.intheChamber of the Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown, the Parliamentsaidinarelease.Thismarkedtheninthandfinalinperson showdown for Region 4. The teams engaged passionately on the moot: “Virtual teaching is overrated.” Bothsidespresentedcompelling,well-researchedarguments that captivated attendees, online viewers, and the distinguishedpanelofjudges,thereleasestated.

Despitetheloss,Ms.SafiyyahAzeezoftheUniversityof GuyanaEconomicsSocietyearnedtheesteemedBestDebater title for this round, impressing with her calm yet persuasive delivery

The University of Guyana Economics Society, representingthePropositionside,securedanaveragescoreof 208 points. However, as the Opposing team, the Upper East Coast (UPEC) Youth Federation Youth Group narrowly clinchedaone-pointvictorywithanimpressive209points. With this win, the Upper East Coast (UPEC) Youth FederationYouth Group is the final group to advance to the second round for Region 4, joining an impressive roster of qualifying teams, including the UG African Cultural Association, Nyah Foundation, Cummings Lodge Youth Movement, Grove/Diamond Youth Ambassadors, JCI Guyana, the University of Guyana Women in Law Association, the Gen Advocates, and the Child Rights AmbassadorsYouthGroups.OnlyfourteamsfromRegion4 will earn a coveted spot in the Speaker’s National Youth DebatingCompetition2025.

Fixtures for GOG/GCB/MCYS One Guyana National U21 Inter Club Super 50 announced -

The draft of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) One Guyana National Under-21 Inter-Club Super50 Knock Out Championships was finalized yesterday with the

Berbice Zone match set to bowloffsoon.

Saturday’s draw saw ZONEATeams -Achievers Cricket Club, Cotton Tree DieHardCricketClub,Bush

Lot,UnitedCricketCluband Blairmount Community CentreCricketClub.ZoneB Teams to feature will be Tucber Part Cricket Club, Rose Hall Canje Cricket

Club A, Rose Hall, Canje Cricket Club B and East BankBlazersCricketClub.

Teams for ZONE C are, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club A, Rose Hall TownYouth&SportsClubB, Berbice Police Cricket Club and Albion Community CentreCricketClub.ZoneD squads will see a mix of talentfromthePortMourant CricketClub,No.72Cutand LoadCricketClub,Skeldon, Community Centre Cricket Club The draw for Essequibo teams will bowl off from April 4 in the CinderellaCounty

The GCB will also bowl off their U17 inter-county tournament m today, March 30, 2025, with two exciting opening-roundfixturesasthe Select XI play Demerara at Transport, while Berbice battleEssequiboatLBI.

ActioncontinuesMonday, March 31, 2025, with Essequibo and Demerara at LBI, while Berbice battle SelectXIatTransport

The final round of matches will be played on Wednesday,April2andwill see Demerara playing Berbice at LBI with the Select XI facing off against Essequibo at Transport Ground. The GCB also announcedthesquadsforthe upcoming U17 tournament. DemeraraU17squad: Parmeshwar Ram, Dave

Mohabir, Lomar Seecharran, Nathan Bishop, Emmanuel Lewis,ShamarApple,Marcel Nandu,MuneshOutar,Arvind Suknanan, Patrice Fraser, Trilok Nanan, Danesh Persaud, Danveer Seegobin, Joshua Kissoondial, Johnathan Mentore Coach: Kumar Bishundial Manager: Avishkar Ramgobin Berbice

U17 Squad: Romario Ramdeholl, Adrian Hetymer, Rafeal McKenzie, Gilbert Griffith, Micah Amsterdam, Vishal Williams, Navin

Boodwah, Chamesh Seenauth, Arif Khan, Devin Lallbeharry, Razam Koobeer, FeazBaksh,SohailMohamed, Anthony DePaul, Gavin Kisten Coach: Ameer

Rahaman

Manager:JuniorBlair

EssequiboU17Squad: Justin Dowlin, Nicholas Lovell, Elisha Ramdat, Darrius Pearson, Usain Fredricks, Bomesh Lall, Jathniel Nurse, Makayah Holmes, Shazim Mohamed, Navindra Sankar, Darwin Joseph, Eron Benjamin, Romario Bholo, Ravesh Singh,ZaheerRamkissoon.

Coach:WayneOsborne

Manager: Vickram RamnarineSelectXISquad: Ravid Fredericks, Shazam Basheer, Dennis Crossman, Jay Desuza, Jumal Ramlall, Richard Ramdeholl, Nathneil Ramsammy, Arif Bacchus,

Thierry Henry, Gibran Yacoob, Christo

Persaud, Arun Gainda, Narindra Isurdeen, Shane Prince,VineshKalpoo.

Coach:OrlandoTanner Manager:NeilRudder T

development and sees this tournament as an integral part of preparing young players for future national a n

representation.

ONEGUYANAU21 tournamentfixturesZoneA:

1 AchieversCricketClub vs Cotton Tree Die Hard CricketClub

2 BushLotUnitedCricket Club vs Blairmont Community Centre Cricket ClubZoneB:

1 Tucber Park Cricket Club vs Rose Hall Canje CricketClub(B)

2 RoseHallCanjeCricket Club(A)vsEastBankBlazers CricketClubZoneC:

1 Rose Hall TownYouth &SportsClub(B)vsBerbice PoliceCricketClub

2 Rose Hall TownYouth & Sports Club (A) vsAlbion Community Centre Cricket ClubZoneD:

1. Port Mourant Cricket ClubvsNo.72CutandLoad CricketClub

2. Skeldon Community Centre Cricket Club Draw theBYE

CricketZoneUSAsignsMotie asE4BrandAmbassador

In a strategic move gearedtoenhanceits visibility globally, Cricket Zone USA has signed Guyana and West Indies left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie as its E4 BrandAmbassador Cricket Zone USA,

owned by Guyanese entrepreneur and cricket fanatic Ravi Etwaroo, is North America’s largest

cricket retail outlet, with a hugeCaribbeanclientele.

The company prides itself on supplying top qualityandauthenticcricket equipmentandapparelatan affordable price, while also fulfilling its Corporate SocialResponsibility

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Gudakesh Motie to the E4 family,”Etwaroosaid.

“We at Cricket Zone USA are proud of the achievements of this Guyanesesonofthesoiland we hope that this is the start ofalongandfruitfulalliance withtheE4brand.”

Motie, moments after signing on the dotted lines, said: “I’m excited to officially announce my partnership with E4 and Cricket Zone USA and the

launch of my very own line of cricket gear This is a proudmomentforme.”

“This move means a lot tomenotjustasaplayer,but as someone who wants to give back to the cricket communityandhelpthenext generation with gear they cantrust.Massiverespectto my agent for the guidance and support in making this movehappen.”

Sunday March 30, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today you will have all the energy you need to deal with long-term family problems. Indeed, you'll probably clash with some of your relatives. But this situation won't cause anyseriousissues.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You enjoy caring for others andyouinterveneregularlyin their lives to guide them. Ironically, today you're the one who needs advice. You'll probably need to get away from it all in order to get a clearviewofyourownlife.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

We all have to make compromises in order to live in contemporary society.You may have strong beliefs, but it's difficult to combine your idealsandasociallife.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You'vealwaysfelttheneedto free yourself from society You need to feel independent at any cost. You may need to face certain relationship problemsatthistime.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You may feel annoyed about the attitude of some of your groupoffriends.Unlikethese people, you're very openmindedandyoucandealwith situations as they arise Indeed, you have a natural ability to adapt to every situation.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Today, Virgo, you'll be submerged under a lot of emotions. In a way, you'll be revisiting your childhood

Youmaybeveryedgy Thisis agooddispositioninwhichto analyzeyourlife.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You really know how to seduce,Libra.Thereisaspark inside of you that spreads naturally to those around you. You have a big reservoir of sensitivity and emotion that couldgrowtoday

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You're a very active person, Scorpio, but today you'll probably be disappointed. If you ask those around you to help with your activities, they most likely won't understand yourneeds.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Nothing much is happening today, yet you seem worried and tense. You'll have to use this day to your advantage. Think about your life. You'll also think about the needs of yourrelativesintheyears.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You often need to thrive on personal emotions.Today will benoexceptiontotherule.For instance, you could try to captivate the attention of peopleyouadmire.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You shouldn't try to fight the feelings that run through you today Don't even try to rationalize them These feelingsareprobablyrelatedto emotions dating back to your childhood You shouldn't avoidoranalyzethem.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You'll be lost in your thoughts today, analyzing your life and relationships.You'll be asking yourself if your existence is meeting your standards. You will ponder what to expect from the future and from the peoplearoundyou.

Brazil sack boss Dorival after Argentina defeat

BBC Sport - Brazil have sacked manager Dorival Junior after losing 4-1toarch-rivalsArgentina inWorldCupqualifying.

They sit fourth in the South American group, having lost five of 14 games, although are still well placed to qualify for the2026finals.

In 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Etwaroo took the bold step ofunveilinghisindigenous brand E4, supplying his own line of cricket gear to the North American and Caribbeanmarkets.

And in March 2024, E4 was successfully approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to be used in all formats of international cricket (Tests, ODIs andT20Is and franchise).

In effect, the E4 logo canlegallybedisplayedon clothing and equipment used in international cricket

This expansion would take E4 beyond the North American and Caribbean market, with the initial targets being Australia, England, Bangladesh and Pakistan

Motie will debut the E4 line at the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League when he turns out for Multan Sultans during the April 11 to May 18 tournament.

Over the years, Cricket ZoneUSA,throughE4,has aligned with several cricketers across the region, amon

Raymon Reifer, Fabian Allen, Kemol Savory, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Kennar Lewis, Matthew Nandu, Oraine Williams, Tevin Imlach, Adrian Hetmyer and West Indies female cricketers Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Mandy Mangru, Rashada Williams and Natasha McLean.

Notably,KevinSinclair was the first player to use the E4 brand in Test cricket It is the hope of Etwaroo that list will grow significantly in the coming years,asthebrandexpands itsglobalreach

The 62-year-old, who has managed a host of Brazilianclubs,hadbeenin chargeofthenationalteam sinceJanuary2024.

Hisfirstmatchwasa10 win at Wembley over England in a friendly last March - and he went on to win seven, draw six and losethreeofhis16gamesin charge.

“The board wishes him success in his continued career. From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement,” a short statement read. Dorival, who never played for his country, led Flamengo to the2022CopaLibertadores - his biggest success as a manager Brazilian media suggest, external Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus is the favouritefortheBraziljob.

They tried and failed to appoint Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti beforehiringDorival.

The Athletic reported, external on Thursday that Brazil were keen to talk to Ancelotti about being in charge at the 2026 World Cup.

But the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced his exit after they were well beaten by Argentina, who have alreadysealedtheirplaceat theWorldCup.

Fixtures for GOG/GCB/MCYS One Guyana National U21 Inter Club Super 50 announced -

The draft of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) One Guyana National Under-21 Inter-Club Super50 Knock Out Championships was finalized yesterday with the

Berbice Zone match set to bowloffsoon.

Saturday’s draw saw ZONEATeams -Achievers Cricket Club, Cotton Tree DieHardCricketClub,Bush

Lot,UnitedCricketCluband Blairmount Community CentreCricketClub.ZoneB Teams to feature will be Tucber Part Cricket Club, Rose Hall Canje Cricket

Club A, Rose Hall, Canje Cricket Club B and East BankBlazersCricketClub.

Teams for ZONE C are, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club A, Rose Hall TownYouth&SportsClubB, Berbice Police Cricket Club and Albion Community CentreCricketClub.ZoneD squads will see a mix of talentfromthePortMourant CricketClub,No.72Cutand LoadCricketClub,Skeldon, Community Centre Cricket Club The draw for Essequibo teams will bowl off from April 4 in the CinderellaCounty

The GCB will also bowl off their U17 inter-county tournament m today, March 30, 2025, with two exciting opening-roundfixturesasthe Select XI play Demerara at Transport, while Berbice battleEssequiboatLBI.

ActioncontinuesMonday, March 31, 2025, with Essequibo and Demerara at LBI, while Berbice battle SelectXIatTransport

The final round of matches will be played on Wednesday,April2andwill see Demerara playing Berbice at LBI with the Select XI facing off against Essequibo at Transport Ground. The GCB also announcedthesquadsforthe upcoming U17 tournament. DemeraraU17squad: Parmeshwar Ram, Dave

Mohabir, Lomar Seecharran, Nathan Bishop, Emmanuel Lewis,ShamarApple,Marcel Nandu,MuneshOutar,Arvind Suknanan, Patrice Fraser, Trilok Nanan, Danesh Persaud, Danveer Seegobin, Joshua Kissoondial, Johnathan Mentore Coach: Kumar Bishundial Manager: Avishkar Ramgobin Berbice

U17 Squad: Romario Ramdeholl, Adrian Hetymer, Rafeal McKenzie, Gilbert Griffith, Micah Amsterdam, Vishal Williams, Navin

Boodwah, Chamesh Seenauth, Arif Khan, Devin Lallbeharry, Razam Koobeer, FeazBaksh,SohailMohamed, Anthony DePaul, Gavin Kisten Coach: Ameer

Rahaman

Manager:JuniorBlair

EssequiboU17Squad: Justin Dowlin, Nicholas Lovell, Elisha Ramdat, Darrius Pearson, Usain Fredricks, Bomesh Lall, Jathniel Nurse, Makayah Holmes, Shazim Mohamed, Navindra Sankar, Darwin Joseph, Eron Benjamin, Romario Bholo, Ravesh Singh,ZaheerRamkissoon.

Coach:WayneOsborne

Manager: Vickram RamnarineSelectXISquad: Ravid Fredericks, Shazam Basheer, Dennis Crossman, Jay Desuza, Jumal Ramlall, Richard Ramdeholl, Nathneil Ramsammy, Arif Bacchus,

Thierry Henry, Gibran Yacoob, Christo

Persaud, Arun Gainda, Narindra Isurdeen, Shane Prince,VineshKalpoo.

Coach:OrlandoTanner Manager:NeilRudder T

development and sees this tournament as an integral part of preparing young players for future national a n

representation.

ONEGUYANAU21 tournamentfixturesZoneA:

1 AchieversCricketClub vs Cotton Tree Die Hard CricketClub

2 BushLotUnitedCricket Club vs Blairmont Community Centre Cricket ClubZoneB:

1 Tucber Park Cricket Club vs Rose Hall Canje CricketClub(B)

2 RoseHallCanjeCricket Club(A)vsEastBankBlazers CricketClubZoneC:

1 Rose Hall TownYouth &SportsClub(B)vsBerbice PoliceCricketClub

2 Rose Hall TownYouth & Sports Club (A) vsAlbion Community Centre Cricket ClubZoneD:

1. Port Mourant Cricket ClubvsNo.72CutandLoad CricketClub

2. Skeldon Community Centre Cricket Club Draw theBYE

Yarrowkabra smashes four in Tutorial, as Dolphin, Waramuri Sec’ remain unbeaten

Th e P e t r a

Organisation

Milo/Massy

Boy’s Under-18 Football Championship is set to conclude its third-round stagetoday,markingtheend of preliminary rounds of the 11th annual Secondary Schools tournament The final round three matches will take place at the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Queen’s College (QC) grounds, with five games scheduled across the twovenues.

Yesterday’s round three matches set up an exciting finishtothegroupstage

At QC ground, West RuimveldtSecondary,which hasbeeninfineformoverthe pastthreeweeks,washeldto a 1-1 draw against Essequibo’s Abram Zuil

S e c o n d a r y We s t

Ruimveldt’s Donavon Welcomeopenedthescoring in the 5th minute, but their opponents responded 54 minutes later when Omar Kendallfoundtheequalizer Despite the draw, West Ruimveldt heads into the nextstageatthetopofGroup ‘C’. In match #30, New Central High edged past Brickdam Secondary with a 2-1 victory Brickdam continuedtheirdisappointing run,strugglingtomatchtheir opponents Trevor Gordon struckfirstforNewCentralin the19thminute,followedby Caedon Whyte’s goal in the 56th Brickdam’s Xavier Lawrence managed a consolationgoalinstoppage time,butitwasn’tenoughto preventanotherloss. Meanwhile,overatMoE

ground, Group ‘D’ leaders

Dolphin Secondary maintained their unbeaten record with a dominant 4-0 win over President’s College.

Jamal Williams added another goal to his tally, while Collin Frank David, Kevin Bunton, and Brian Brower also found the net. Waramuri Secondary continuedtheirimpressiverun in the 2025 tournament, thrashing New Amsterdam Secondary 5-1 After a competitive opening 15 minutes, Denzell Abrams brokethedeadlockinthe20th minute

From there, Waramuri took control, with goals from Ricardo Lewis (21’), Shakeel Marks (37’), Orwin Abrams (40’),andDwayneBoyal(45’) securing their third

Ramesh Chattergoon smacks 110* in ESCL...

Frompage66 Club 2 with 48, while LatchmanRohitandEshwar Singhchippedinwith33and 32respectivelyastheirteam raced to 236-6 from the 20overs.

Meanwhile, the 8-team round-robin tournament is slated to continue today, Sunday, with four more

matchesatvariousvenues.

From 10 am, Caribbean Cricket Club 2 will take on Devonshire Castle at Hibernia and at the same facility from 1:30 pm, Reliance Sports Club will tackleHiberniaStrikers. And over at Zorg Beach from 10 am, Untouchables willmeetupwithRichmond

Unitedandalsoat10amon theabove-mentionedBeach, Essequibo Legends and Queenstown Tigers will do battle. This year’s edition is expected to climax on May 25 at a venue to be named. Thechampionsidewilltake home$100,000andatrophy Other monetary prizes and trophiesarealsoatstake.

consecutivewin Theynowsit comfortably atop Group ‘A’ with nine points South Ruimveldt Secondary and Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary played to a goalless draw, whileTutorialHighsuffered their third consecutive defeat, falling 4-0 to Yarrowkabra Secondary Leroy Evans stole the spotlight for Yarrowkabra, scoringtwiceinthe15thand 58th minutes Mekaiya Daniels and Nicholi Morris

addedtheothertwogoalsto sealthevictory

Today’s action will see Chase’sAcademicFoundation facing off with Three Mile Secondary in the opening matchatMoEgroundat12:30 PM Other matches at this venue include West Minster takingonSt John’sCollegein match #32, while Santa Rosa Secondary goes head-tohead with Charlestown Secondary Two additional matches will take place at

QC ground, where Bartica Secondary will meet Ann’s Grove Secondary, and West Demerara Secondary will clashwithHopeSecondary

The tournament is sponsored by Nestlé Milo, with support from Massy Distribution,MVPSports,the National Sports Commission, and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. It is coordinated by the Petra Organisation and sanctioned bytheMinistryofEducation

RameshChattergoonsmacks110*inESCLT20,Over-40

An enterprising, unbeaten 110 from Ramesh Chattergoon was not good enough for his team Devonshire Castle against EssequiboLegendswhobeat them by a thrilling onewicket margin in the latest round last Sunday in the 2025 Essequibo Softball CricketLeague(ESCL)T20, Over-40competition.

Playing at Reliance Sports ground, Essequibo Coast, Region 2, the righthanded Cha

goon clobbered 12 sixes and two fours during his 48-ball show His team tallied up

165-0 from the reduced 15overs while Essequibo Legendssurpassedthetarget withjustaballremaining.

The reduction of the overswasduetoalatestart.

Chattergoon got support from Latchman Singh with 40 not out.When Essequibo Legends batted, Naresh Narine led the way with a responsible 45 while the consistent Imam Gafoor added30valuableruns.

And at the same venue earlier in the day, Reliance SportsClubclaimedawalkoverfromRichmondUnited. Unitedfailedtofieldaside.

Across at Affiance ground also on the Coast, Untouchables humbled Queenstown Tigers by 56 runs. Untouchables rattled up a formidable 234-4 from the reduced 15-overs while Queenstown Tigers only respondedwith178alloutin 14.5 overs. The game was reducedto15-oversbecause ofrain.

Kemraj Imrit struck an

contained five sixes and threefoursforthewinner He received solid support from theinformandformerSenior Essequibo Inter-County

opening batsman Ravi Beharrywhomade57. Lloyd Innis, Tigers’ frontline batter, offered some resistance with an impressive half-century (54). In the other fixture b

championCaribbeanCricket Club2andHiberniaStrikers wasabandonedduetorain. Strikers were struggling at93-4offeightoverswhen

proceedings.

Joel Dasilva hit a topscoreforCaribbeanCricket (Continuedonpage65)

Abram Zuil Secondary among winners in Region 2

section of the Jagan Memorial

Results in the R e g i o n 2

Inaugural leg of the MCYS and NSC sponsored Janet & Cheddi Jagan memorial Windball Cricket,organisedbySports OfficerA.Munroeplayedat Zorg Community ground, saw both Abrams Zuil Secondary boys and girl’s teamsonwinner’srow

The first female RegionalChairpersonofthat region was present at the gamesandalsosharedabrief historyaboutJanetJagan.

IntheGirlssegment-

Abram Zuil Secondary scored 57-1, with Deoroya Morris 22 and Jael Charles 20. 8th of May Secondary

replied with 45-2, with Annastasica Clarks 12 and Alicia Griffith 12. Aurora Secondary made 70-0, AkeelaStephen61,(6sx9).

Johanna Cecelia

Secondary could only respond with 45-3 with AniessaJohn38. OverintheBoys department:-

A n n a R e g i n a

Multilateral rattled up 61-1, TyreseStephyscored35and Jarel Singh 11. Bowling for the eventual winners

Brandon Narine 2-5, Vijay Seenauth2-13. 8th of May Secondary made a winning response of 66-5, Mario George 20, Jadesh Narine 14 led the

Minister Vickram Bharrat to sponsor cricket coaching sessions in home town of Berbice

BySamuelWhyte

With a pledge to stay grounded and give back to his home county, Minister Vickram Bharrat continues to live up to his word. The Minister has pledged to sponsor a two-day coaching clinicinBerbice.

Raised in the town of New Amsterdam where he attended school, Minister Bharrat has been keeping in touch with and giving back to the area where he originatedfrom.

Currently serving as the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr Vickram Bharrat is a community and sports enthusiast. He would regularly contribute to community development andsportsinvariousways.

The Minister in collaboration with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has pledged to sponsor a two-day coaching session for youths in the AncientCounty

Minister Bharrat has committed full sponsorship fortheactivityondatestobe finalizedbytheBCB.

The event was fully ventilated and accepted at the recently held BCB

executive committee meeting held at the BCB office in New Amsterdam whereanumberofdecisions weremade.

The coaching session will cater for at least 100 U19youthswhoareactively

playing or interested in playing cricket. The two days activity will entail all aspects of coaching including theoretical and practicalsessions.

MinisterBharrathimself is expected to be on hand to declaretheactivityopenand give pep talks to the participants.

Apart from recognised coaches, the BCB plans to utilise senior players to assist with conducting the activities.

Meals snacks and transportation are expected to be provided for those attendingthesessions.

The minister, who is a graduated from the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School and the University of Guyana amongotherinstitutions,has served a number of years as aneducator,amentorandan entrepreneur among other aspects.

Windball Cricket tourney

Action in one of the matches played.

In one Semifinal,Abram Zuil Secondary scored 81-3 with Ravid Fredricks 53 (6s

Mice and Jermaine

$1.4m Futsal underway

Botafago whip Hi Stars 6-4, Silver Shattas humble Ward Panthers

Botafagowitha64poundingofHi Stars and Silver Shattas overcoming Ward Panthers 7-4 were the order of the night, when the Mice and Jermaine futsal championship began Friday night at the Retrieve Hard CourtinLinden.

With attractive prize money on offer, thirteen clubs have entered this tournament which will be played in a round robin format to decide the teams a d v a n c i n g t o t h e quarterfinals.

B o t a f a g o w e r e outstandinginthefirstgame of the tournament as they scored a 6-4 win against Hi Stars, as Jamal Haynes and Jashawn Moore both netted twice, with Omar Brewley and Donovan Francis accounting for Botafago’s othergoals.

ForHiStarsKeonaLowe nettedadouble,withJoshua Fleming and Lennox Paul beingtheotherscorers.

Silver Shattas then overwhelmedWardPanthers 7-4, behind Omar Williams and Jermaine Samuels each netting doubles, and Omar Samuels, Jehu Regis and

7-4

Play on opening night between Botafago and Hi Stars of the Mice and Jermaine futsal tournament.

Jonah Simon getting the othergoals. The scorers for Ward Panthers were Nico Mickle, Paul Trotman and Damian Warner

winners will get $700,000,

and

and the fourth

Bella’s Lumber Yard, Scotty’s

and Sky

victory Abram Zuil Secondary 81-2,RavidFredricks65(6s

x9).AuroraSecondary55-2, Shamar Sue 25, Dishon Stephen15.

x 5) Johanna Cecelia Secondaryfellshortat52-3, JosiahFortunescored13.

Vickram Bharrat

Cricket Zone USAhas signed Guyana and West Indies left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie as its E4 BrandAmbassador.

Cricket Zone USA signs Motie as E4 Brand Ambassador

Dorival Junior won the Brazilian Cup with Sao Paulo in 2023, not long before becoming Brazil boss. (Getty Images)

Another disappointing day at the office for Brickdam Secondary, falling 4-0 to New Central in their Round III encounter.