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Ram exposes Jagdeo’s misleading value of Exxon’s assets

Attorney-at-Law and Chartered

Accountant, Christopher Ram has exposed the true value of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s (EMGL’s) assets, compared to the highly inflated figure spouted by the key policymaker for the oilsector,VicePresident,Dr BharratJagdeo.

During his weekly press conference at Freedom House on February 22, Jagdeo was asked by a reporterfrom Kaieteur News to list the US$20B in assets ownedbyEMGLthatcanbe sold in the event of an oil spill, following his previous engagement where he said the company’s assets can be sold to handle those liabilities.

Ram in his weekly column, published in the StabroekNews,titled‘Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become OilMinded’ said the VP’s performanceintheoversight of the sector leaves much to

Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

bedesired.

In his 122nd edition, the Chartered Accountant reasoned, “Put under the microscope, the vice president’s performance in the oversight of the sector leaves a whole lot to be desired This became so painfully obvious in an answer he gave to a newspaperreporter.”

Ram said it was unclear whether Jagdeo wanted to

impress the audience with the tone of his voice or if it wasbecauseawomanasked the question, or it was simply because the reporter was attached to Kaieteur News

Nonetheless, the Attorneysaid,“Hisresponse exposed his own limitations in oil and gas than was ever so glaring before never before have so many mistakes been made in so

few words by such an elevatedofficeholder

He asked and answered in the negative the question whether the reporter had read the balance sheet of Exxon,advisingthereporter to look at the balance sheet but then demonstrated his own unfamiliarity of those numbers but diverting his audience to Hess and Chevron.”

In his response to the

question on Exxon’s assets, Jagdeo pointed to the deal betweenChevronandHess.

“You’ve heard about the merger between Chevron and Hess. Do you know what’s the value that Hess company was valued at? Do you know?You don’t know, its $60B(US). So the Hess assets are made up mainly 30% shares in Guyana and some assets in the Permian area.Sotakehalfofit,sayof

theirglobalassetshalfarein Guyana,it’smuchmorethan half,butsayhalfofthe$60B is$30Bthat’sthevaluation.”

Henotedthatthismeans 70% of the remaining assets wouldvalueabout$70B.

Jagdeo said, “So in the market, the market values not just the assets that are listed but they look at the recoverable reserves everything else It’s an intangible, you don’t see it...but it has a recoverable value that will bring in, in future years a stream of benefits that would equal waybeyonditsvaluationand that is how companies are often valued on a stock exchange etcetera so effectively if you use just crudely the value that Chevron placed on Hess’ sharesinGuyanayouhavea $100B company in Guyana here, that’s the value of all the shares because they value 30% of the local company at minimum $30B becauseI’mjusttakingout

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$603M in contracts awarded to build call centres in Reg. 5

The Ministry of Housing and Waterthroughthe Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) w i l l b e s p e n d i n g a p p r o x i m a t e l y $603,925,377 to construct two call centres in Region Five.

A c c o r d i n g t o information provided on the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board’s (NPTAB) website, the two call centres will be constructed in Mahaicony

andHopeTown.

NPTAB revealed that it awarded a $338,097,210 contract to Mac Junior International to execute the project in Mahaicony, while D Chowkai & Sons Construction will be building the centre in Hope Town for $265,828,167.

NPTAB noted that both projects were awarded on February21,2024.

With some four call centres constructed last year and these two coming onboard,itwasreportedthat

One of the newly built Call Centre at Onderneeming in Region Two.

the call centres will be vital communication hubs, enhancing public access to

Opposition accuses Govt. of excluding it in naming nominees for GNBA, other state boards

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC)onSaturdayaccusedthegovernment of excluding it from naming nominees for the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) and other state appointedboards.

InastatementissuedbytheOfficeofthe Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, the Opposition said it has noted that on February 15, 2024, the government gazette thelistofnewmembersoftheGNBAwhile addingthattheAPNU+AFCwasnotinvited topresentanomineefortheboard.

“Bylaw,”theOppositionsaidthat“itis entitledtonameanominee.”

Thepartylamentedthat,“Asinthecase intheprevioustwoappointmentcycles,we wereagainnotinformed.”

“Were the PPP government genuine about inclusion,” the APNU+AFC said it wouldhavefollowedthepracticeofinviting the Opposition to be represented on a wide range of state boards, authorities, and commissions – whether or not the relevant

statutessodictate.”

Thepartysaid,“ThePPPhasstubbornly refusedtodoso,preferringtoengageinthe politicsofexclusion.”

According to the Opposition, its representation on boards is a practice that originated over two decades ago through several high-level bilateral talks between themajorparties.

Thepartyexplainedthat“Allpartieshad then agreed that the presence of the Opposition on State Boards promotes inclusivityandtransparencyingovernment. Unlike the PPP, which boycotted all state boardsafteritselectoraldefeatin2015,the APNU+AFC Coalition has communicated nosuchpositionafterthelastelection.”

“We call on citizens, civil society, the diplomatic community and other international stakeholders to note this and other acts of PPP bad governance. As the next government, we pledge to the Guyanese people that we will honour the principleofinclusivityinthecompositionof stateboards,”thestatementadded.

RamexposesJagdeo’smisleading...

Frompage2 halfofwhattheyhavefortheirglobalassets.”

MISLEADING

Ram explained to readers of his weekly columnthatasatDecember31,2023,thenet assets of ExxonMobil Guyana amounted to US$7B. The Lawyer also pointed out that Jagdeo’s statement of a merger between ChevronandHessisalsowrong,sinceitwas atakeoverbyChevron.

“Itwastoomuchtoexpectvicepresident to know that if there are changes in the compositionofthecontractors,theagreement required that such assignment be permitted. Given the challenge by Exxon to the deal, it seemsclearthatHesshasbeenpushedaside, infactifnottechnically,”Ramsaid.

Hethereforenoted,“Theerrorsmounted. TheVPchallengedthereporter’sknowledge by asking and telling her that she does not knowthevaluethatChevronplacedonHess, and that that figure was US$60M. Wrong again,exceptifhedisregardsthesmallmatter ofUS$7billion.”

The Chartered Account then went on to exposethatthe‘fuzzymath’oftheVP,inhis storyofthestockmarket,Hess’globalassets and how much is attributable to Guyana whichheputatUS$30B.

Ram contended, “The balance sheet to which he pointed the reporter suggested that eventhegrossassetsdidnotcomeclosetothe number, let alone the net assets, which was about one-tenth of that number Yet, Jagdeo claims that given the ‘value that Chevron placedonHess’sharesinGuyana,youhavea $100billioncompanyinGuyana’.”

He said it was unexpected that a former Finance Minister to conflate stock market pricewithassetprice.

Ramconcluded,“He(Jagdeo)completely evaded the question about Exxon’s US$20 billionandgivesalessontothereporterthatis wrong.ButthereisalsoafundamentalissueJagdeo expects the book value of an oil company to pay for the environmental disaster involving those very assets. Perhaps hewastalkingratherthanthinking.”

essentialservices. The Department of Public Information (DPI) had reported that the government aims to create over 15,000 jobs across the countryby2025throughthis booming Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, driving economic growth andlocalopportunities.With its ideal location near the Americas, favourable time zone, and educated young workforce, Guyana is becomingamagnetforBPO

companies seeking a competitiveedge.

The Guyana Office for Investment,thearticlenoted, conducted studies in several regions including Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and Ten to assess the region’s potential for the expansion of BPO outlets With positive findings, the government is undertaking the construction of call centresnationwide.

I n h i s b u d g e t presentation in January,

SeniorMinisterintheOffice of the President with the responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh had mentioned that the BPO sector is a major employer, creatingmorejobsthanmost other sectors in the country and, in particular, jobs that are especially popular with the female workforce and that provide an entry point into the world of work in a t e c h n o l o g y b a s e d environment.Recognising

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Tel:

ExxonMobil – all that glitters is not gold

Guyanese know so little of what ExxonMobil is doing 120 miles offshore with their oil wealth. What the Guyaneseknowcanbecompressedintoatautphrase:ruins of ignorance. The people at ExxonMobil claim to be the best partners, yet they have withheld so much from the Guyanesepeople. Thismustbeadifferentkindofpartner,a corporateonethatiscoldandruthlesslycalculating,likeone that would slowly, cleverly poison his sick mother or spouse. In almost every area of this nation’s patrimony, ExxonMobil has succeeded in bringing out the worst in Guyanese,whilecarvingoutthebestfromtheirriches.

TheoilwealthofGuyanacanbecomparedtoadeckof cards. ItisonewhereeverycardismarkedinExxonMobil’s favour, thewholestackagainstwhatcouldbenefitGuyanese HerearesomerandomexamplesthatemphasizetheGuyanaExxonMobilpartnershipfarce Beforethiscountrycantouch one penny of its oil production money, 75% of the revenues must be creamed off from the top to cover the company’s expenses Localsarenotprivytowhatthoseexpensesare,the legitimacyofitsbillionsinUSdollars ExxonMobilhasseento that, and Guyana’s number one oilman, Bharrat Jagdeo is untroubledbytheongoingconcealments Guyanesearepaying thismassiveamountinexpenses,theyarekeptinthedark,and their advocates may be part of what could be odious trickeries. Guyana’s political leaders are more occupied withprotectingtheirownskin,defendingwheretheyareon theleadershipladder,thanontwistingExxonMobil’sarms and making it reveal what is really going on with this oil wealth. The most important thing in the world to them is giving Alistair Routledge the smoothest path, and the freest rein, to do as ExxonMobil pleases with this country’s great naturalresourcesendowment. BharratJagdeo,IrfaanAli,and Aubrey Norton are peas in a pod where toadying up to ExxonMobilisconcerned. Routledgehasthemonastring,and heisthemasterpuppeteer,whodoesn’tletup.

Why are there no meters at ExxonMobil’s offshore production sites? Do the daily production numbers, as reported by ExxonMobil, have any relation to the real numbers? It is a numbers game, and Guyana seems to be always drawing the lowest ones. This is part of Jagdeo’s leadership impotence, when he drags his feeble feet about installingmeterstocheckfortheprovenaccuracyofdailyoil productionnumbers Howcouldanynationalleader,onewith somehonesty,somecredibility,stillinhimorher,everopenlybe apartytoaforeigncompanynotsharingthedetailsofnewoil discoveries? What could be so difficult with openness on howmanymorebillionsofbarrelsofoilareinthoseseven new oil finds? Why is it that Jagdeo and President Ali (conveniently silent) and Routledge are so slippery, so tricky, in putting those new discovery barrels before the Guyanesepublic? Whatprobableadvantage,ifany,isthere forJagdeo(andAli)todenythisvitalpieceofinformationto the people who own this wealth? What is in there for the governingpartyanditsleadersthatitsurpasseswhatistothe benefitofGuyanese?

Withthefocusonnumbers,howmanytonsofwasteand poisons are dumped daily into Guyana’s waters by this Americancorporateself-enricher? Whichhonestgovernment, whichleaderwithsomeself-respectremaining,wouldnotwant tobeontopofsuchpractices? Wouldnotwanttheircitizensto know? All these components of oil operations, Guyanese should know From expenses (legitimate) to audit reports (genuine)toproductionnumbers(proven)tonewdiscoveries (accurate),totoxinsdumped(real),theseareallthepropertyof Guyanese They must have access, they must know No corporate and political leadership conspiracy should preventonecitizenfromhavingtheclearestideaofwhatis happening,andwhatthismeansfortheirhopes,theirfuture.

Country Head Routledge loves to sell to the Guyanese people that his company must be seen as a trusted partner Hemustproveit,andhedoesthisbestbyreleasingJagdeo and Ali from the full nelson in which ExxonMobil locks them.

Paying 2 Percent from its Profit, EMGLRobs

Guyana of its Correct RoyaltyAmount

DEAREDITOR, It has been reported that Guyana receives 52 percent of oil profits from ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) oil extractionoperations.Given that Guyana is not a shareholderinEMGL,thisis overly generous of a company that is expected to minimizecostandmaximize profits for its shareholders.

In fact, nowhere in the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) is there any mention that Guyana willreceive52percentofthe p r o f i t ( O G G N : https://wwwtiktok com/@o ggn_/video/7339658873780 882694? r=1& t=8kBk1ad 1Vtr) Therefore, EMGL musttakedownthebillboard whichfalselyadvertisesthat Guyana receives 52 percent oftheprofit,forthisoutcome is not included in any of the

ArticlesofthePSA.

So let us examine the correct distribution of the total oil sales. According to the PSA, 75 percent of total sales is first extracted as costs, and EMGL has full control of this amount; and without real-time audits, Guyana cannot verify these expenses. And even when discrepancies are observed, the correction process is expensive; and it must be funded 100 percent by Guyana through an arbitration process in the United States of America, with Guyana having to pay the cost of the EMGL’s lawyers. Additionally, the PSA requires that the remaining25percentoftotal sales,calledprofits,mustbe shared at a rate of 12.5 percenteachforGuyanaand EMGL Furthermore, the PSAalsostipulatesinArticle

15.6 page 39 that: ‘The Contractor shall pay, a royalty of two percent of all Petroleum produced and sold, …’. This implies that the2percentroyaltymustbe sourced from the total sales andnotfromtheprofitshare o f E M G L I n t h e circumstances, it is contended that this act by EMGL,whichusesitsprofit share to pay Guyana’s royalty, violates the condition of Article 15.6 in the PSA; it robs Guyana of its correct royalty payment; andthisapproachbyEMGL generates a smaller share of totalsalesforGuyana.

So here is the derivation of Guyana’s profit share. After taking out 75 percent ascostfromtotalsales(TS), profit is equal to 25 percent of total sales; and this is specified as: Profit = (175%) TS = 25%(TS), with

Guyana’s profit share being defined as 50 percent of profit; that is: Guyana’s profit share = 0.5 x 0.25 = 12 5% (TS) Royalty is specifiedinArticle15.6as2 percent of total sales (TS); and this is defined as: Royalty = 2% (TS).Adding Guyana’s profit share (12.5%TS) and royalty of 2%(TS), this will yield a totaloilshareof14.5%(TS), asdefinedinthePSA.

Now here is the royalty deception.InsteadofEMGL paying Guyana with 2 percentoftotalsales,EMGL smilingly presents the 2 percent of its profit to Guyana. But remember the Guyanese proverb: ‘“All skin teeth nah laugh”. In fact, this EMGL’s methodology of paying 2 percent from its profit understatesthecorrect

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Ex GNS members need help Are we men or mice?

DEAREDITOR,

Every year on Easter Monday, hundreds of ex Guyana National Service members along with their wives, husbands and children make their way to National Service Sports Complex (the PPP government changed our complex’s name to Georgetown Club, but we continuetorefertoitasGNS SportsComplexor“Nash.”)

They spend the day reminiscing the wonderful days of togetherness and sense of being involved in something bigger than them as they turned empty land intofieldsofcotton,nutsand blackeyepeas.

Everyyearthoseofusin the diaspora would arrange ourleavesothatwecouldbe inGuyanaatEastertime.We doso,sothatwecouldagain meet our comrades, be introduced to wives, husbandsandchildrenwhile once again enjoying each other’s company and again reminiscetheyearswespent together at Kimbia, Papaya, etc. We take pride and satisfaction in doing this, while also pointing out to our wives and children that thisGNScomplexwasbuilt withourlabourandmonthly financial contributions Now, as I understand it, Ex GNS members will no longer have a home; no longer have their own special place to meet on Easter Mondays or at any other time, no place to call theirown.

Editor, in one of my letters that appeared in your Newspaper on 19th April 2021,Ididexpressmyfears that the PPP government after changing the name of our complex would then move to sell the property to their friends. It seems I was absolutely correct in my understanding of how the PPP behaves, even though I never thought they would stoop so low as to give it to foreignfriends.

The fact that the GNS Complex means so much to somanyofusmeansnothing tothePPP Afterallthoseof us,making-upthebulkofex GNS members was not/ is not known to be supporters of the PPP So, for the PPP, deprivingusofourcomplex, inflicting such emotional painonusisnobigdeal.But there are some other considerations that I ask Guyanese of good will to ponder

First,GNSwasprimarily peopled by members of the

Afro Guyanese community Dr Cheddi Jagan once observed that “Afro Guyanese are at the bottom of the social order” (or something to that effect).

Having made that observation,hedidnotmove to initiate any perceivable policy or programmes intended to improve our condition, as he defined it. Perhaps he was limited by the absence of adequate resources at the time. Now with adequate resources at their dispose the modern PPP, which claim to revere their founder leader, one would have thought would seek to satisfy what we saw asadesireonJagan’spart,to improve our lot. Sadly, not so, the modern PPP seems intent on take away from us whatlittlewehave.

Second, taking away recreational space from citizens of Guyana does not seem as a good idea, especially since its being done,merelytofacilitatethe building of a hotel. All the landalongCarifestaAvenue has, historically been seen by citizens as recreational grounds What has been wonderful is that most of these grounds have been familyfriendlyandtherefore grounds like the NIS and

GNS have always allowed non-membersaccesstotheir facilities.

With the Qataris’ building a modern hotel on these grounds, again poor people are being squeezed out of recreational space in theircitytomakewayforthe rich to be entertained and excite their insatiable desire forextravagance.

Third in Guyana, it is difficult to identify on our annual calendar, any day, anyactivitythathasbeenset aside, or organized which focuses primarily on the old and the elderly All the exmembers of the GNS are today at least in their 50s, mostwillbeintheir60sand 70s. This annual pilgrimage to“Nash”onEasterMonday has been created and sustainedbyasectionofour elderly population for their enjoyment (non-EX GNS members’presence is never discouraged). Why would a caring government discourage this seminal yearly activity in preference to giving foreigners this ground for the creation of a hotel? Why in a country with so much land should thislandbeidentifiedforuse byforeigners?

Editor,asIunderstandit,

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DEAREDITOR, As we prepare to celebrate Ghana Day this weekend, reminding us that it was the first country in Africa to gain its Independence from Great Britain on the 6th March 1957.

We remember that in 1948 on the heels of communal violence, India was made Independent less than a decade earlier even while there was turmoil and the manifestation of discontent in the British GoldCoastinWestAfrica.

The majority of Guyanesehavetheirrootsin thesetwocountriesandthere are many lessons in their history that provide useful tools if Guyanese irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political persuasion are to avoid return to imperial dominationandtheindignity ofneocolonialism.

A key element is the temperament and behaviour of those who today are in charge of the ship-of-state. Reviewing recent events, particularly as it relates to our non-renewable natural resources and the contradiction of heavy handedness as it relates to thetreatmentofgovernment

employees, we see PPP e q u a l t o P e t t y , Pusillanimous, Proclivity Briefly,areourleaders,men ormice?

Events saturated and consumed by powerful propaganda This week, thanks to Activists, ElizabethHughes,KarenDe Souza, Vanda and Danuta Razik who presented a r g u m e n t s t o t h e International Human Rights High Commission, pointing tothesharedstupidityofthe government on the impacts of private companies on inhumanrightswithspecific focus on the ‘Right to a Healthy Environment, Rule ofLawandJusticeinOiland Gas Industry ’ Are our leaders,menormice?

Not to forget that no explanation has been given for shifting the entry point for the Gas to Shore Project from Nabaclis on the East CoastDemeraratoWaleson the West Bank Demerara or

this the same wisdom that shifted the Berbice bridge from Rotterdam, East Bank of Berbice to Ithaca on the West Bank of Berbice to its present location at nearly doublethecost.

So we are building without appropriate consultation or discussion who violate the essence of the Greater Georgetown Development Plan prepared and accepted by the GeorgetownCityCouncilto build two massive hotels utilising public open spaces supported by purported champions of the earth or chips of the earth. Are we men or mice? The 1953 Government led by Forbes Burnham and Dr Cheddi Jagan supported a state for the people of Palestine Today, our leaders have become soft-spoken even as ofthegenocideinGaza.Are we men or mice? Listen to theasseverationsof

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Paying 2 Percent from its Profit, EMGLRobs Guyana...

Frompage04

amountofGuyana’sroyalty Notably, this understated royalty (UR) amount is specified as: UR = 2% (profit) = 2% (25%) TS = 0 5% (TS) Therefore, Guyana’sshareoftotalsales (TS)isnot14.5%(TS),butit is only 13 % (TS); that is: profit (12.5 %) plus royalty (0.5%).

The outcome in this approach is that Guyana is being blatantly robbed

of 1 5 percent of its share o f t o t a l s a l e s I n c i d e n t a l l y , a comparable analysis by C h r i s t o p h e r R a m (https://www stabroekne ws com/2024/01/09/new s/guyana/the-myth-ofthe-equal-share-part-1/ ) indicates that Guyana’s share of total sales could be no higher than 11 37% which is below the 13 % derivedabove.

Meanwhile, some

might think that 1 5 percent of total sales is insignificant, but when managing billions of dollars, the shortfall can be significant And in this regard, examining the crude oil and other commodity export data (Bank of Guyana, Annual Report, 2022, page 21, Table VII) will p r o v i d e a u s e f u l example Oil exports during the period 2020 to

2022 amounted to US$13 9B, and 1 5 percent of this amount is US$208 7M (Table 1) S o u r c e : BoG:https://bankofguyana org.gy/bog/images/research/ Reports/ANNREP2022.pdf

In contrast, when Guyana is shortchanged by 1 5% in oil sales (US$208 7 million), this loss is greater than the total export earnings from sugar and timber in the

amount of US$137 47M

Moreover, the undisputed US$208 7M (or G$41 6 billion), along with the millions in uncollected profit taxes can make a significant contribution to our deserving teachers, who provide a key cornerstone in Guyana’s foundation

Additionally, the profit tax payment should not be sourcedfromGuyana’sshare of oil revenue in the Natural Resource Fund (PSAArticle 154b;and155),butitmust originatefromadirectEMGL disbursement to the Guyana RevenueAuthority

Otherwise, the current tax payment transaction will only result in the Government just moving its own money from one account to another account,whileEMGLwill be laughing all the way to the bank for the next 20 years

Similarly, all royalty payments must not be based on ‘so-called-profits’, but onlyontotalsales

Editor, it should be pointed that EMGL does not reply to queries from civil society; but they

conveniently leave that task to the Government of G u y a n a , w h o , unfortunately, provides no comprehensive answers, and appear unwilling to do so For example, the discovery of the additional seven oil reservoirsandhowmuchoil has been found is still a secret to the Guyanese public.

This is indeed most troubling, because the right toinformationthatisrelated to our natural resources, mustbeavailabletoboththe publicandforeigninvestors.

Finally, I endwiththis question: Does contract sanctity include a free-pass forforeigninvestors,whileit imposes ‘eye-pass’ on the Guyanese people? No contract should supersede the requirements of the ConstitutionofGuyana.

The plunderingofour non-renewable resources muststop.

And in the words of brother Bobb, “Get-up, stand-up, stand-up for your rights’. Wake-upGuyana!

Dr. C. KenrickHunte

P r o f e s s o r a n d FormerAmbassador

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

We must maintain a zone of peace - Pres. Ali

“Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a Zone of Peace.

The never-ending war in Ukraine and the unceasing bombing of Gaza are senseless acts of aggression and inhumanity which have consumed the efforts of the international community to find ways in which the citizens of Ukraine and Palestine can be relieved of their suffering. But so far – to no avail.

We must never allow the peoples of this region to be subjected to such actions.

The genocide in Palestine must come to an end and hostages held must be returned.”

“The aspect relating to Venezuela's claim to the Essequibo is before the International Court of Justice and the Joint Declaration of Argyle on Dialogue and Peace acknowledges that Guyana is committed to the process and procedures of the International Court of Justice for the resolution of the border controversy. We are prepared to accept the judgement of the Court on this matter. I can assure you that Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to the international judicial process, as well as, to maintaining our region as a ‘Zone of Peace'. We want peace.”

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Citizens must exercise caution as upsurge in grass fires noticed

The Guyana Fire Service is reiterating that citizens exercise extreme caution when it comes to fires and taking measures to prevent fires, as there has beenanupsurgeinbushandgrassfires lately

InanadvisoryreleasedonSaturday viaitsFacebookPage,theFireService said that, “Following a recent upsurge ofbrushandgrassfirestheGuyanaFire Service is urging citizens to exercise extreme caution and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of

fires.Pleaserefrainfromanyactivities that could potentially spark fires, such asdeliberatelysettinggrassorgarbage on fire, discarding cigarettes, or using equipmentthatgeneratesheatorsparks indryvegetationareas.”

Theadvisorystatedthatifaperson should, “notice any signs of smoke or fire, do not hesitate to report it immediately to the Fire Service via 912, your Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Regional Democratic Council,ToshaosorVillageLeaders.”

TheFireServiceaddedthatpersons

–FireService

should, “ensure that your property is adequatelypreparedforfireprevention by clearing away dry vegetation, maintaining defensible space, and having fire extinguishing tools readily available. Let's all work together to keep our communities safe from the threatoffires.”

OnFebruary29,2024,theFire

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Magistrate denies bail

Shaquane George

to

robbery

accused who was charged twice in one month for same offence

A19-year-oldmanwason Friday denied bail when he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to answer to a robbery charge, the second such chargewithinamonth.

The man, Shaquane George, was granted bail a month ago for a similar offencebutwhenheappeared on Friday before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, where the new charge was readtohim,bailwasdenied.

It is alleged that on February 22, 2024 George robbed Chris Franklin, while inthecompanyofanother,of a 30-pennyweight silver chain valued $80,000, one

black wallet valued $1000 and$7600cash.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that George, while on bail for the first robbery allegedly committedanother

The court was informed that on January 23, 2024, George was accused of committing a similar offence andwasgranted$60,000bail when he appeared at the Magistrates' Court on January26,2024.

Senior Magistrate Daly denied George bail based on thefactspresentedbeforethe court The accused is scheduled to return to court onApril5,2024.

The grass fire at UG road on Thursday

What exactly is being mediated?

Itisdifficulttocomment on the court ordered mediation in the case brought by the Guyana Teachers’Union against the government. This is all the more so because news reports have not been clear as to what exactly is supposedtobemediated.

Mediation is a disputesettlement mechanism. It is u s e d t o r e s o l v e disagreements and differences.Mediationhelps to avoid litigation or a protracted legal trial. It is usually a process to which parties voluntary agree to enter into. However, last November, the Court of Appeal of England and Wales ruled, “Courts can

lawfully stay proceedings for, or order, the parties to engage in a non-court-based dispute resolution process providedthattheordermade did not impair the very essence of the claimant’s righttoproceedtoajudicial h e a r i n g , a n d w a s proportionate to achieving thelegitimateaimofsettling the dispute fairly, quickly andatreasonablecost.”

But what exactly is the disputewhichissupposedto haveledtothelocalCourtto haveorderedmediation?

It will be recalled that theGuyanaTeachers’Union (GTU) took the government to court to stop the government from deducting sums for the days on which

the teachers were on strike, and secondly from refusing to perform the agency function of deducing the union dues from teachers’ salaries.

Both of these issues are matters of law.They require a legal pronouncement as to what is permissible under law Thiswouldsuggestthat these disputes are not necessarily amenable to mediation.

Disputes and difference relatingtowhatislawfulare best settled through legal adjudication.Itisdifficultto envision how much success can be achieved by mediation on the subject of whether teachers should be paid for the time they were

Ex GNS members need help...

Frompage05 an ex-senior member of the GNS has asserted that as far asheknowsthelandisstate landandthatthereisnothing that can be done. I beg to differ Evenifthegentleman is right, he fails to u n d e r s t a n d t h a t governments’actionsarenot expected to be influenced solely by what is legally allowable, what is morally right should also be an important consideration in governments’ decision making. And based upon what I have articulated above, who in their right mind would see the government’s behaviour in thismatterasfair,asjust,as moral? So, the question

becomes what can ex GNS personnelandfriendsdo?

A campaign needs to be mounted against the taking away of recreational land that served primarily the poor, by the Guyana government. To do this Ex GNS-members at home must organize themselves for this battle. They must resuscitate the ex-members of GNS Association. This Association must seek the local independent press’s support keeping citizens focus on this wrong being done to its members by the PPP government. It must encourage its branches in foreign lands to lobby governments and any sympathetic organization

(example, environmental agencies) in the countries in whichtheyresideforsupport in discouraging this abductionofpropertybythe P P P g o v e r n m e n t CARICOM, and ABC countries and embassies in Guyanamustbeapproached forsupport.

Further, the Ex GNS member must seek legal advice to ascertain whether ex GNS members are entitled to reimbursement with interest of the sums of money they contributed to the building of the GNS complexandpaymentforthe hours of labor they gave to buildingthesaidcomplex.

Yourstruly ClaudiusPrince

DEM BOYS SEH

Mek sure yuh mek yuh

Will before yuh leff home

Dem roadways inGuyanaain’t nopicnic.Dem more like a wild ride in de jungle We gat drivers crazier than a mongoose in a chicken coop. If yuh leaving yuh yard, better scribbledownyuhlastWill and Testament, ‘cause yuh never know if yuh gonna makeitbackinonepieceor end up as a hood ornament onsomebodyelse’sride.

Now, lemme tell yuh, goingtotheshopain’tjusta simplestrollnomore.It’sa gamble, a real-life game of Russian roulette, except instead of bullets, yuh dodging reckless drivers, jaywalkers, and stray cows that decided de grass was greener on de odda side of

de road. And if yuh think pedestrian crossings mean anything, well, bless yuh innocent soul, ‘cause dem just decorations, like Christmaslights. Some people leave home looking all fresh and dapper, and de next thing yuh know, dey limping back with more bruises than a ripe mango fallen from a tree. It’s like de roadways got a vendetta againsthumanity

We gat daredevils behinddewheelwhothink dey are Formula One racers. Dem fellas driving like de road is their personal racetrack, swerving and honking like dey playing Mario Kart in reallife.It’samiracleifyuh

on strike. Or whether the government can arbitrarily refusetoperformtheagency functions it was previously performing on behalf of the GTU.

One therefore has to assume that the mediation process concerns the proximate cause of the two disputes that are before the court That cause would appeartobethestrikecalled by the Guyana Teachers’ Union.

But the strike itself was called because the GTU felt that the government was ignoring the need for negotiations on the government’sdemandsfora multi-year agreement were not being entertained. Now ifthisisthesubjectmatterof mediation, there are good prospects for the Courtordered mediation to succeed.

The union wants negotiations The governmentnowclaimsthat nothing is off the table in relation to the now aborted engagements which were taking place between the union and the Ministry of Education.

Assuch,allitwouldneed

for resolution is for the government to agree to negotiations on a multi-year agreementundertheexisting framework. Once this done, it paves the way for the teachers to end their strike and for a full resumption of classes.

Exceptthattheteachers’ unionhavepreconditionsfor a return by teachers to the classroom Among those demands are the issues beforethecourtinrelationto payment during the strike andfortherestorationofthe deductionofuniondues.

There would appear to be room for compromise: teachersagreeingtoreturnto work in return for the government rescinding its decision not to perform agency functions relating to thecollectionofuniondues. But whether there will be agreement on payment for those on strike is something which the government will seriously have to weigh given the precedent it will have for future industrial disputes.

It is in no one’s interest for the present impasse between the union and the governmenttocontinue.The

teachersareoutonthepicket line Students are being deprivedoflearning.Parents are concerned about the supervision of their children inschoolandthefactthatnot much learning is taking place.

Thegovernmentisunder pressuretoresolvetheissue. Everyone is losing as result ofwhatistakingplace.

Thisissufficientenough to justify a court-imposed mediation process. As such, the mediation process needs tobegivenachancetowork. But at the same time, the public is entitled to know preciselyjustwhatprecisely isorarethedispute/disputes thatarebeingmediated.

Isitthesubjectmatterof the court case? Or is it the causeoftheteacher’sstrike?

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

make it from point A to pointBwithoutfeelinglike yuh just survived a neardeathexperience.

So, when yuh stepping out onto dem treacherous roadways, pack more than just yuh wallet and yuh phone.Packsomecommon sense, pack some patience, and pack a good lawyer’s number, ‘cause yuh might justneeditwhendemroad rage incidents turn into courtroomdramas.

Remember, life is precious, and yuh ain’t invincible, no matter how fast yuh think yuh can sprint across de road. So, take heed, be vigilant, and maydetrafficlightsalways beinyuhfavour Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Exxon v. Chevron – brawling over beautiful Guyana

The times really don’tchange,and now it is history straining at the collar to repeat itself. I feel like this is a journey back in time.

Today it is Exxon and Chevron. Way back in the 80s, it was Pennzoil and Texaco. Justliketoday,itis about who could do what, and who shouldn’t have done what they did. The players are different but, as is customary in the freewheeling oil business, theegosareevenbiggerthan before.

Italwaysseemstocome down to this: who could sprinkle the wind and the groundthefarthest.

During the early days of the dogfight that was Pennzoil v Texaco, which ended up with an award of US$0.53Bandabankruptcy See any Texaco gas station inanyrecenttravels? Iwas agreennewcomerinaseaof WallStreetblue,withadash of austere grey here and there. In the middle of the battle of Texaco versus Pennzoil that raged from Delaware to DC to downhome in good ole boy country Texas, there was anotherAmerican legend of yore: Getty Oil. It is a family best whispered in hushed tones. Today, in what is shaping up to be Exxon v Chevron, there is

the Hess Corporation, and the Hess family I do miss Uncle John Hess (he would have already bragged about howmanybillionsofbarrels ofnewoilhavebeenfound).

Forget about Exxon chief propagandist and apologist, theHon.Dr.BharratJagdeo and his spiel about priority and focus, and the constraints of time, Uncle John would have found the timeandplacetoletloose.

So here we are, with ExxonandChevronaboutto do battle for a piece of Guyana,liketheGreeksand Trojans over Helen, but this one is with the strangest of twists From the early indications, America’s

ExxonhasChina’sCNOOC right by its side. Jesus Christ! Is the world coming to an end? Is this a thaw in Sino-Yankeerelations?

The commerce of oil certainty takes precedence over the visions and wargames of the State Department and the Department of Defense Pardonmeforforgettingthe White House, but that is only when President Joe Biden remembers that it is the21stcentury,andthathe is the Chief Executive, and notGeorgeWashington.

It was Gordon Gekko (MichealDouglas)whosaid that ‘greed is good.’ Right on! Brother It looks that

Chief Darren Woodsheardhimall the way in Spring, Texas. Whysharethe wealth of Guyana with a competitor? It does notmatterthatChevron and CEO Steven Wirth are as American as God, mother, country, and apple pie. To those who objectto the paramount place that I gavetothedivinepowers,an apologyistendered. Hereis the first and final analysis, and it is one that needs neither charts nor graphs: Guyana’s oilfields are too sweet, too rich, too lusciouslydelicioustoshare evenwithanotherAmerican oil giant. What, and dilute thespoils? Theoilbusiness is not for missionaries, and the likes of Darren Woods (sorry, Mistah Woods) do not welcome strangers into their patch, and take no prisoners during the march. Even when a descendant of the old Standard Oil is involved. Fraternitylosesto money

Here is a thought-a hard truth-for my fellow citizens to weigh and come to their own conclusions: if Exxon could be gearing up for war against a fellow American corporate hustler, then what it would not to do to poor coloredGuyanese.

Hereisanotherhardand bitter bite: if moves are in themakingtocrushChevron and CEO Wirth, then what aboutpooroleDr IrfaanAli andDr BharratJagdeo.

Just so that he doesn’t feel slighted, I throw Dr Aubrey Norton headfirst into the mix. When I call Exxonavoraciouspredator, many folks think that it is a word too harsh. I am still trying to figure out which one is found offensive: voraciousorpredator

For the doubtful, the expense for a ticket on American Airlines to Texas couldbesaved. Forthereis Exxon’s resident lead headhunter in technicolor pointing to neon billboards,

and how good the company of John D. Rockefeller has been to Guyanese. Perhaps livingontheirkneesonnew roads, and dragging their behinds across modern bridges, is what meets Exxon’sdefinitionofwhatis good.

Yeah,Goddidcreatethe world,anditwashehimself who said it was good (refer to Genesis in the Old Testament). Now check what has happened since then, with Exxon now fully in command in Guyana, while President Ali still believesinthemiragethatit ishewhoisthemagnificent one.

TodayExxoncontrolsall ofGuyana,butthereisstilla naggingissuethatstickslike a chicken foot bone in its throat There are the Chinese. Remember I said this in 2024: Exxon wants thewholeshow,lock,stock, block, and every barrel (disclosed or concealed) Ignore all the noise, it already owns Guyana’s executive, owns Guyana’s legislature, owns Guyana’s tribunes (enough of them), and it has its heart set on owning all the Stabroek Block.

Mr CNOOC (Xi Jinping)hadbetterlookout, forthemastervisionaryand maneuverer, Mr Woods is lining up for the kill next.

Today, China is America’s Exxon ally against another storied American entity Tomorrowitisgoingtobea different story Guyana is part of the credits when the motionpictureisover

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

Participants of the ECD Training pose with their certificate after the ceremony with Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Canada High commissioner to Guyana and Suriname, H.E, Mark Berman andArea Representative of UNICEF Guyana and Suriname, Nicolas Pron.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MOHSSS), in partnership with UNICEF Guyana and withfundsfromtheCanadian government recently concluded a one-week Early Childhood Development (ECD) capacity building sessionwithRegistrationand Licensing Officers, Child Protection Officers and Primary Caregivers countrywide.

The training included

Childcare monitoring and services to advance across Guyana

sessions on Early Childhood Development Practices, Schedules, and Routines for Childcaresettings,analyzing diverse facility scenarios, Registration and Licensing Officers Portfolios and Assessments and the Importance of play in the earlyyearstonameafew TheCareProvidersalong with the RLOs and CPOs were also engaged in a oneday training on the effective use of the 100 early

childhood development kits that were donated sometime last year, a statement issued by UNICEF Guyana said on Saturday

During the certificate ceremonyMinisterofHuman ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr Vindhya Persaud c o n g r a t u l a t e d t h e participants on completing the sessions and charged them to share their new knowledge with peer and parents in their respective

regions.

“I have no doubt that we will see the elevation of care asitisprovidedacrossallthe regionsinGuyana.Formany regions,itmaybenewerthan others, for other regions it may require changing things a little differently moving with the fast-paced progress ofourcountrysothatwecan provide what is needed for the parents and children of today'sgeneration,”shesaid. S h e c o m m e n d e d UNICEF and the Canadian governmentforcontinuously injecting resources to enhance childcare delivery servicesinGuyana.

Also congratulating the participants was Mr Nicolas

- 56 complete early childhood development training

Pron,Area Representativeof UNICEF Guyana and Suriname who highlighted some key factors that are necessary to ensure children achieve their full potential.

“Asistheirhumanright,they need health care and nutrition, protection from harmandasenseofsecurity, opportunities for early learning, and responsive caregiving with parents and caregivers who love them,” hesaid.Headded,“Iammost certain that this training has provided you with the necessary tools needed to furtherenhancetheoversight you provide in ensuring that the caregivers understand that the first 1000 days of a

child's life matter and we look forward to seeing great outcomes from the different facilities.”

His Excellency, Mark Berman, Canada's High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname who also attended the certificate ceremony cheered the participants and the MOHSSS for their efforts to expand and spearhead early childhood development in Guyana.“Iwanttothankyou allforbeingpartofthiseffort to ensure equal delivery of quality early childhood services to all of Guyana's communities no matter how remote,”hesaid.TheHigh

(Continuedonpage72)

Trevor Benn's slate sweeps Public Service Credit Union Elections

Long-standing member of the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union (GPSCCU) Trevor Benn on Saturdayreceivedthemostvotesat theCreditUnion'selectionofanew CommitteeofManagement.

Saturday's election followed a lengthy High Court fight between twosectsofthecreditunion.

Polls opened at 13:15h and closedat17:30h.Atapproximately 19:34h, Returning Officer, ProfessorLeylandLucasstartedthe declaration at approximately 20:00h.The results delivered by Professor Lucas are as follows: Trevor L. Benn- 1816 votes, Paul Clarke 291, Simone Allen 157, EslynHarris1490,PatrickMentore 1636, Mehalai Mc Almont 1504, ChristopherThompson1504, John Anderson 1495, Judah Louisy 1408,VanessaKissoon1,608,Kirk Fraser 1403, Candace Enmore 1255, Beverly De John 1133, Joel Hinds 960, Marlon Cole 851, Rajdai Jagarnauth 1251, Dwight Dodson 187, Dawn Gardener 125, Patrick M Yarde 97, Indira Thakurdin 90, Loren Park 173 and SelwynGriffith253.

After emerging victorious,

Benn told reporters that Saturday's victory is for the members of the Guyana Public Service CooperativeCreditUnion.

“Asyouareaware,theneedfor this Special General Meeting was made possible by ordinary members who decided that they wantedtohavebettergovernanceat thecreditunion,andtheysoughtto have the management committee

respond to them on issues which they felt were not in keeping with goodgovernanceatthetime.

They further went on to the court because the management committee did both respond to them,andsoherewearetwoyears hencefortheholdingoftheSpecial GeneralMeeting,”hesaid.

Further,Bennsaid“Ithinkitisa verygoodthingthatmembersofthe

Credit Union are allowed to question the leadership of the organization and to take steps necessarytobringthemtoaccount andthisiswhatIbelievedhappened hereoverthepasttwoyears.”

He reminded reporters that the road to Saturday's elections were fought for in the country's courts.

“Andineachperiod,thecourtruled

(Continuedonpage14)

GPSCCU's members during the voting process.

Trevor Benn speaks to reporters following the elections on Saturday

Trevor Benn's slate sweeps Public Service Credit Union Elections

Frompage13

infavourofthemembersand I am sure they are rejoicing today that the final order of thecourthadbeenadheredto andweareatthisstagehere today.”Earlier Saturday, a motion was carried by the Credit Union to elect a new Committee of Management at its Special General Meeting held at the Critchlow Labour College on Saturday This motion was the third of three tabled in keeping with the orders handed down by Justice NavindraSinghinthematter of Mehalai McAlmont and others vs. Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit UnioninDecember.

The process was facilitated by ROSE I.T, a Trinidadian Firm, and membersconsistingofthose in person as well as those who participated in online voting Persons were assistedwithavideoonhow to properly register and log in, with their unique voter code, when the portal was

open. Those who were not the owners of cellular phones were able to use tablets provided by the company to cast their votes. The nominee list consisted of 22 persons and voters were allowed to vote for 12 persons of their choice to makeupthecommittee.

For the motion to be carried, it needed “a simple majorityofthosepresent.”

Asaresult,atotalof879 members participated Of that number, 826 persons votedyeswhichrepresented 94%,sevenpersonsvotedno which represents a meager 1%, another 1% or four abstained and 42 persons or 4%chosenottoparticipate.

The other two motions were to remove the current members of the Committee of Management which consists of Karen Vansluytman-Corbin (Chairman), Gillian Pollard (Secretary), Ruth Howard (Committee Member), SaskiaEastman-Onwuzirike (Committee Member),

Charles Ogle (Committee Member), Jermain Hermanstyne (Committee Member), Leslyn Noble (Committee Member), Michelle David (Committee Member), andArthur Gibbs (Committee Member with immediateeffect.

The first motion in this regard received a 765 membership votes, which meant 88% said yes, 2% abstained, 3% voted no and 7%didnotparticipate.

As this motion was carried, it was met with thunderous applause and loudcheersfromthegeneral members.The other motion that was tabled was, “the nine officers of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Ltd , be prohibited at this Special General Meeting from standing for election to any office on the Committee of Management of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Ltd This motion was met with a 824 strong votes, 85% of the

membership voted yes, 4% voted no, and 4% abstained, 7%optedtotakeavoteofno participation.

During the meeting, the nowformerChairmanKaren Vansluytman-Corbin objected to the voting processonthegroundsthata quorumwasnotestablished.

Vansluytman-Corbin claimed that everything done after 11:00 hrs was illegal. “One hour after the time fixed, which is 10 o'clockforanymeetingother than a meeting convened by the commissioner, (if) the members present are not sufficient to form a quorum such meeting shall be considered as dissolved,” she said VansluytmanCorbin explained to the media that, “you cannot just goupthereandsayaquorum has been established, and you do not say what is the quorum that has been established. At 11:00hrs the meeting for lack of quorum ought to be dissolved in keeping with this law

Anything that happens after now is illegal.”She said that the decision made after the 11:00hrs mark will be challenged because of illegalities.Sincetherewere approximately 300 persons intheroom,andreportsfrom the outlying locations were around10and15.“Thatwill not give them a quorum. Even if they have the online numbers, ROSE I.T said they can only facilitate a maximumontheplatformof 3000 people.”VansluytmanCorbinstressedthatthiswas not her estimation of the quorum, but the law says “thequorumisone-fourthof the total membership. The totalmembershipis25,385.”

However, Returning Officer Dr Leyland Lucas told Vansluytman –Corbin that, “According to the numberswehave,aquorum hasbeenestablished.”

Lucas informed her that everything that they were abouttodoisinkeepingwith the law as the combined numbers he had received matched the requirements for a quorum to be formed, and as such the morning's proceedings would go ahead.Votingtoestablishthe new Committee of Management commenced at 13:15hrs and it was done strictly online Back in September, Justice Singh ruled that the Committee of Management must issue a newnoticewithin10daysof the date of the Order, scheduling a Special General Meeting (SGM) to beheldnolaterthanthe24th of October 2022. This was notdone,andthenoticewas issued three days before the meetingandbackdated.

LastMarch,Attorney-atLaw Forde, filed Contempt ofCourtproceedingsagainst the Committee of Management of the GPSCCU The action was

filed on behalf of Mehalai McAlmont,andothers.They petitioned the court to declare that members of the GPSCCU Committee of Management (CoM) unlawfully failed to comply with the principal orders made by Justice Singh on September30,2022.

As such the lawyer had sought several orders including a declaration that the GPSCCU, Noble, Howard, and VansluytmanCorbin, have unlawfully failed to comply with the principal orders made by Justice Navindra Singh on September30,2022.

Asaresult,JusticeSingh strippedthreeofficersofthe GPSCCU of their rights, duties, and responsibilities withintheCreditUnionafter they failed to show up in a contemptofcourtmatter

Thejudgehadcitedtheir barefaced disregard for the court,thejudgeorderedthat Chairman of GPSCCU Vansluytman-Corbin, SecretaryPollardandBoard Member, Howard no longer hold their positions or perform duties within the creditunionuntilthehearing and determination of the matterinSeptember

He had also ordered that former Chairman of the Credit Union, Trevor Benn, Vice Chairman, Patrick Mentore and Treasurer, Rajdai Jaggernauth fill their positions and perform their functions Justice Singh made the order after attorneys representing the three respondents, failed to provide a plausible explanation for their absence The lawyers explained that their clients were out of the jurisdiction and that they had left the country to attend a conference However, JusticeSinghdidnotfindthe excusegoodenough.

Citizens must exercise...

Frompage8 Service released two statements on its Facebook page speakingtotwofires.OnebeingagrassfireatUGRoadthat theywereabletocontainandawildfirethatwasaffectingthe residentsofNappiintheinterior AccordingtotheFireService atapproximately10:54hrsonThursday,theyreceivedreports of a grass fire at University of Guyana Road, Turkeyen. “Actingswiftly,firefightersweredispatchedtothescene,and theirpromptresponsehasbeencrucialincontainingtheblaze. Watertender#85,underthecommandofSectionLeaderKing fromHeadquarters,andLandRover#7,underthecommandof Section Leader Sparman from West Ruimveldt Fire Station, alongwithwatertender#105andtwenty-two(22)firefighters, arrived at the location by 11:20 a.m., ready to tackle the inferno.The fire previously threatened three buildings in the vicinity However,firefightingeffortsmanagedtocontainthe fire.” On the same day the firefighters in Lethem were combating wildfires that have devastated the savannahs and farmlands in the area, impacting the residents of Nappi. “Support is being provided by the Regional Administration, Agriculture Ministry, Ministry of Health, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, and local villagers,” the Fire Servicesaid.

Airman who set self on fire grew up on religious compound, had anarchist past - The Washington Post

Less than two weeks before Aaron Bushnell walked toward the gates of the Israeli Embassy on February 25, 2024, he and a friend talked by phone about their shared identities as anarchists and what kinds of risks and sacrifices were neededtobeeffective.

Bushnell, 25, mentioned nothing violent or selfsacrificial,thefriendsaid.

Then on Sunday (February 25), Bushnell texted that friend, who described the exchange on theconditionofanonymityto protecthissafety

“Ihopeyou'llunderstand. Iloveyou,”Bushnellwrotein a message reviewed by The Washington Post “This doesn't even make sense, but I feel like I'm going to miss you.”

He sent the friend a copy of his will on Sunday (February 25). In it, he gave hiscattohisneighbouranda fridgefullofrootbeerstothe friend.

Twelve minutes later, Bushnell, who was a senior airmanintheU.S.AirForce, doused himself with a liquid and set himself on fire. He had posted a video online saying he did not want to be “complicit in genocide.” He shouted “Free Palestine” as heburned.

Secret Service officers extinguished the blaze Bushnell died seven hours lateratahospital.

His suicidal protest instantly won him praise amongsomeantiwarandproPalestinian activists, while others said they were devastatedthathewouldtake an action so extreme. But how a young man who liked the Lord of the Rings and karaoke became the man ablaze in a camouflage military uniform remains a mystery,evenamongsomeof hisclosestfriends.

Bushnell was raised in a religious compound in Orleans,Mass.,onCapeCod, according to Susan Wilkins, 59, who said she was a member of the group from 1970 to 2005. She said that she knew Bushnell and his family on the compound and that he was still a member when she left. Wilkins said she heard through members of Bushnell's family that he eventuallyleftthegroup.

Wilkins's account is consistent with those of multiple others who said Bushnellhadtoldthemabout hischildhoodinthereligious grouporwhohadheardabout

hisaffiliationfromhisfamily members.

The group, called the Community of Jesus, has faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which it has publicly disputed.Inalawsuitagainst an Ontario school, where many officials were alleged to be members of the U.S.basedreligiousgroup,former students called the Community of Jesus a “charismatic sect” and alleged that it “created an environment of control, intimidation and humiliation that fostered and inflicted enduring harms on its students.” The school, now defunct, disputed the allegations Last year, an appeals court in Canada awarded 10 8 million Canadian dollars to the former students, who attended the Ontario school between1973and1997.

A receptionist who answered the phone at the Community of Jesus declined to put a call from a reporter through to someone in authority Emails to the groupwerenotanswered.

Multiplepeoplewhosaid theywereformermembersof the Community of Jesus described their years after leaving the compound as particularly challenging They said former members, soon after they depart the group, often long for a sense ofbelonging.

“A lot of us that got out are very much into social justice,tryingtodefendthose who don't or can't defend themselves, because that is what we went through,” said Bonnie Zampino, 54, who saidshewasamemberofthe group for three years in the 1980s.

Wilkins also said it is common for members of the Community of Jesus to join the military, describing the transition as moving from “one high-control group to anotherhigh-controlgroup.”

The Air Force said in a statementMonday(February 26) night that Bushnell's death is under investigation by military officials, a common practice after the death of a service member He was a cyberdefense operationsspecialistwiththe 531st Intelligence Support Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, andhadbeenintheAirForce since May 2020, the service said.

Lupe Barboza, 32, said she met Bushnell in San

USAirmanAaron Bushnell who died of his injuries after setting himself on fire near the Israeli embassy in Washington.

(Photo courtesy, The Washington Post)

Antonio in 2022 at an event for a socialist organization. She said they bonded over their politics and started working together to deliver clothing and food to people experiencinghomelessness.

“Hewasoutraged,andhe knew that no one who is in charge is listening to the protesters out there every week,” Barboza said. “He knowsthathehasprivilegeas aWhitemanandamemberof

themilitary.”

Other friends from San Antonio said they had talked with Bushnell about the Palestinians and their shared distaste for the U.S. role in the Israel-Gaza war But he had not expressed to them anyindicationofwhatwould take place in Washington on Sunday

They also said he moved toOhioearlierthisyearfora course for service members transitioning out of the military

One of his friends, Levi Pierpont, 23, met him for lunch in Ohio in January Overplatesofbutterchicken, the two talked about their involvement in the military and what they hoped to do after leaving the force. They had met in basic training in May 2020, when they were both still excited about

joining the military and how itcouldhelpthemexperience more of the world, Pierpont said.

Pierpont said he grew disillusioned with the military over time concerned with what he saw as flippant attitudes toward violence within the force — and said he left as a conscientious objector (The Air Force did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his account.) By 2024, Bushnell hadbecomemoreopenabout hisobjectionstothemilitary, Pierpont said. In the wake of George Floyd's killing by police in Minneapolis in 2020, Bushnell told Pierpont hehadstartedtoresearchthe history of the United States and wanted to take a stand againstallstate-sanctioned

(Continunedonpage73)

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

Sunday

ExxonMobildriller earnedUS$703Mfrom Guyanain2023 –earningsfromhere higherthanU.S.,Norway, andAustralia

In its 2023 Annual Report, Noble Corporation plc, a leading contractor of ExxonMobildisclosedthatit garnered an astounding US$2.6billioninrevenuesin 2023acrossallthecountries in which it operates. From Guyana, Noble earned US$703 million, the highest amount among countries, including the US, Norway andAustralia.

“Operations in Guyana, the Gulf of Mexico, and the North Sea accounted for approximately 27 2%, 16 9%, and 17 0%, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023,” Noble stated.

The fiscal milestones achieved in Guyana can be attributed to Noble’s Commercial Enabling Agreement (CEA) with ExxonMobil Guyana, under whichthecompanyhasbeen operating four state-of-the-

artdrillships:theNobleTom Madden, Noble Sam Croft, Noble Don Taylor, and Noble Bob Douglas. These vessels have been exploring theStabroekBlock.

The extension of the contract duration for these drillships, from the fourth quarterof2025tothesecond quarter of 2027, as announced last year, guarantees a steady revenue stream for Noble from Guyanaforseveralyears.

Guyana is continuing to hold growing strategic importanceforNobleamong the jurisdictions in which it operates.

T h e c o u n t r y ’ s prominence in Noble’s operations was further highlightedbyacomparison with the 2022 earnings, whereGuyanaalsostoodout as a key revenue generator, contributingUS$469million (33%)ofthetotalrevenues.

A 2023 report by Wood Mackenzie,aglobalresearch and consultancy group, had shown that rig/drillship utilisation returned to preCOVID levels, driving rates up.

Wood Mackenzie had reported that by the end of 2023 rates were expected to be at US$500,000/day or above for highly-prized, advantaged ultra-deepwater

rigs Such developments signify a robust demand for drilling services, buoyed by the steady tightening of o f f s h o r e d r i l l i n g fundamentals, which presents attractive contract opportunities for firms like Noble.

Notably, owing to the 2016 Production Sharing

Agreement (PSA) Guyana signedontowithExxon–all of the company’s expense willberecovered.Underthe deal, Exxon receives profits after75percentiswithdrawn to cover its expenses, which includes monies paid to its contractors.

Thefournobledrillships arecontributingtodrillinthe Stabroek Block. Exxon has already made more than 35 discoveries in the Stabroek Block and is currently executing a 35-well drill campaign there. It also has asked the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)for approval to drill 12 wells in theCanjeBlock.

Inadditiontoexploration andappraisaldrilling,Exxon is undertaking development drilling for the Payara, Yellowtail, and Uaru projects,making2024oneof thebusiestyearsforoffshore drillingactivitiesinGuyana. This flurry of activities is supported by six drillships contracted by Exxon to operate offshore Guyana, four of which are provided byNoble,withtheremaining two supplied by Stena Drilling.

Duringhisaddressatthe openingofthe2024Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, ExxonMobil Upstream President, said, “Six drilling rigs and their crews are at work every single day 24/7 throughout the block, drilling and exploring, preparing Yellowtail and Uaru for startup tirelessly developing the existing resourcebaseandseekingto findevennewdiscoveries.

Taxidrivershotdead duringrowoverparking

A taxi driver was shot deadearlySaturdaymorning at Alexander Street, Georgetown (in the vicinity of Bourda Market) during a rowoveraparkingspot.

Dead is 41-year-old Eon Holder of Lot 2498 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown Holder was killed around 05:30hrs.infrontofGuyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), located on AlexanderStreet.

According to police, the alleged murder was committed by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. Police related that at about 04:40hrs, Holder wasatataxiserviceworking hismotorcarPRR271,when he was hired by a 50-yearold businessman of Queenstown, Georgetown, to go at the Bourda Market andpurchasevegetables.

Upon arrival at Alexander Street, the businessman exited the car and was walking towards Bourda Market, leaving the victim(Holder)tolookfora parkingspace.

The businessman reportedlyclaimedthatafter five minutes, his ears were filled with sounds of loud explosion.After hearing the explosion, he looked back and saw Holder lyingon the ground about 15 feet away from his car in a pool of blood.

Thebusinessmansaidhe sawtwomen,onereportedly armed with a handgun, running away from the

bloodycrimescene.

Reports are that witnesses informed Police thatthetaxidriverreportedly parked his car in the middle of the street, blocking other vehicles from passing. This angered one of the suspects whowhippedoutahandgun anddischargedaroundatthe taxidriver

T h e r e a f t e r, t h e Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were summoned, and the victim was pronounced dead by a doctorfromtheGeorgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

F o l l o w i n g a n examination of the body, it was noticed that Holder sustained a gunshot wound totherightsideofhisface.

Policeinastatementsaid Holder’s body is at the Memorial Funeral Home awaiting Post Mortem Examination(PME).

Investigations are ongoing.

Monday

GuyanasignsUS$89M loanpactwithCanada –fundsaimedat supportingvictims ofhumantrafficking; strengtheningpensions system

T h e G u y a n a Government on Sunday enteredintoasovereignloan agreement with Canada for CAD120 million or US$89 million to improve social servicesinGuyana.

The agreement was signedbyFinanceMinister, (Continuedonpage17)

Canada’s Minister of International Development,Ahmed Hussen (third from left) signs the sovereign loan agreement with Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr.Ashni Singh as Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana (far left), Mark Berman watches on.

Frompage16

Dr.AshniSinghonbehalfof Guyana at the official residence of the High Commission of Canada in B e l A i r G a r d e n s , Georgetown Canada’s visiting Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen received a warm welcome from the Finance Minister who said he is looking forward to further collaborations with thecountry,evenintheform ofasecondloan.

Minister Hussen in his remarks explained that the 10-year sovereign loan, to boost Guyana’s social services sector, will support the vulnerable population and help this nation achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(UNSGDs).

“Through this sovereign loan, our goal is to support Guyana in generating beneficial, social, economic andenvironmentaloutcomes for the good of all your citizens, particularly the most vulnerable,” Hussen said.

Tothisend,theCanadian politicianshared,“Thisloan istailoredtowardstheneeds of Guyana. It will focus on our mutual priorities and interests It’s about protecting the most vulnerable populations; it’s aboutmakingsurethataswe grow our economies, we p r o m o t e g e n d e r empowerment and we fight gender-based violence. It’s about empowering people with disabilities and enabling them to participate fully in the economy and in the society of Guyana. It is about supporting victims of humantrafficking;it’sabout strengthening the pensions system…it’s about making sure that as Guyana delivers its social services and strengthens its social safety net, we also improve the deliveryofthatsocialsafety net.”

He added that Guyana, likeotherCaribbeannations, is vulnerable to natural disasters. The loan however includes a climate resilient debt clause which would be triggered in the event of a

climate incident, a natural disaster, pandemic or epidemic.

Minister Hussen was also keen to highlight in his remarks that Guyana is Canada’s largest trade partnerintheCaribbean.He also lauded the country, sharing his belief that Guyanaiswellpositionedto become the success story of thedecade.

“Thiscountrystandsona threshold of a new era with the potential to really become the success story of this decade around the world,notjustinthisregion. Your country sits as the fastest growing economy in the world, a significant player in the global energy marketandaregionalplayer in food security and addressing climate change,” Hussenposited.

Meanwhile, Minister Singh described the loan as an outstanding example of collaboration and cooperation. He explained that the loan is being intermediated through the I n t e r - A m e r i c a n

DevelopmentBank(IDB)of which Guyana and Canada arebothproudmembers.

Dr Singh highlighted that Guyana has a longstanding relationship with Canada, given that the foundation for Guyana’s bauxite industry was laid by aCanadiancompanyabouta century ago. He also noted thatOmai,anotherCanadian companywasGuyana’sfirst large-scale gold mining c o m p a n y ; b u t t h e partnership with Canada extended beyond the extraction of minerals, with further business relations now possible through the CanadaGuyanaChamberof Commerce The Finance Minister said that the relationshipbetweenthetwo stateshasnowenteredanew phase, rooted in economic and commercial ties Guyana is now the third country to have concluded a sovereign loan programme with Canada. The country stands behind Ukraine and Jordan, meaning, Guyana is the first country in the western hemisphere that has

concluded a sovereign loan programmewithCanada.

Dr. Singh said that the governmentisevermindful, and has retained at the highestlevelofpriorities,the objectiveofensuringthatthe most vulnerable citizens experience a visible and tangible improvements in their circumstance, including in the delivery of socialservices,whichwillbe bolsteredwiththenewloan.

To this end, he told the Canadian Minister that he looks forward to a second loan with the country “Of course, we look forward to many other occasions, whether it be a second sovereign loan programme, nottoputyouonthespot,or put you under pressure, but we look forward to several other manifestations, howevertheymightcomeof this very, very special and highlytreasuredrelationship that exists between Canada and Guyana,” the Minister related.

This year, Guyana’s public debt is expected to grow by US$2.2 billion. In

2023, the country plunged 23% deeper in debt and ended the year owing some US$4.5billion.

The country’s national Budget for 20224 is set at $1 146 trillion with a whopping 40% being financed through loans Government has however consistently defended its ability to contract and repay loans, given the growth in Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) The administration argues that Guyana now boasts the lowest debt to GDP ratio in theregion.

‘Teacherstoupantefor livablesalary’–GTU likenssituationto indentureship

GuyanaTeachers’Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte has said that teachers across Guyanawillremainresolute intheirstruggleforalivable wage as the nationwide strike enters its 15th day today

Lytenotedthat“overthe

(Continuedonpage18)

Teachers’protest is expected to continue today

Frompage17 lastthreeweeksourfaithhas been tested I want to commendthosepersonswho have stood solidly with the union…therearesome,who becameafraidbecauseofthe threats made by the government and returned to theclassroom.”

Speakingonalivestream via the GTU’s Facebook page on Sunday, the President noted nonetheless the union will continue its efforts to get the Government to engage with themontheissueofpayhike forteachers.

“You who stood with us and those who continue to stand us I commend you…” hesaidaddingthattherecent court ruling has given teachers a glimmer of hope thattheireffortsarenotvain.

“So this week, we will expect some more support because we must not allow this administration or any government to intimidate us,”hestated.

To this end, the GTU President drew a parallel between teachers struggle for adequate pay and the problems faced during the period of indentureship and

slavery “As a social studies teacher when I look at what our foreparents went through, they were beaten intosubjectionwithrodsand whips and the minute, there was any dissenting voice, or showed resistance to the oppression,theywerebeaten intosubmission.”

“Our indentured servants,thePortuguese,the Indians,theChinesewereall brought here to work on the plantation initially for five years on contract but many of them could not use the money they gained to go back to India or China so they decided to settle here These folks were tricked and robbed of their livelihoods, Today we are nottricked,wearenotbeaten and robbed with physical rods...wearenottrickedinto contractsbutwearemadeto feel fear by those who were giventhemantleto leadthis country, those that we, as a people have entrusted confidence in to lead Guyana,”Lytestated.

The GTU President noted too that despite their efforts, the Government has acted callously and continued to ignore the

plightofteachers.“Teachers are now moving into day 15 of the industrial action… Teachers are out there in the boilingsunandalltheywant is for the Government to engagetheirUnion.”

The Union head again debunked claims made by the Government that the strikeispolitical.Lytenoted that for too long the issues race and politics have been usedtodivideGuyanaandit should not be used to divide the efforts of teachers. “The government is looking teachers square their faces and saying this is about politics, we must show solidarity and show it’s not about politics… Put aside your parties’ positions and take the lead. Raise your voice to call for collective bargaining,”heurged.

Making a comparison between Guyanese teachers and a majority of their counterparts in the Caribbean, the Union Head noted that Guyanese teachersareatthebottomof the list in terms of remuneration “When we look at the Jamaicans, the Bahamians, the Grenadians, the Barbadians, we receive

theleastofasalaryjustabout USD $400 per month for a teacher who is now starting out. The average teacher in this country does not earn a USD$1000.

The minimum amount forateacher’ssalaryinthese other countries is a little above USD $1000,” he lamented.

He continued “I travel a lot and I can tell the kind of resourcesthatGuyanahasas country, the gold, the bauxite, diamond, timber [and now oil]… We can always talk that we are hospitable people as Guyanese. Those countries survive on mostly tourism andpaybetteryetwehaveall the resources and are still poor.”

Tuesday

GlennLallthrowssupport behindteacher’sstrike –saysGovt.givingaway USbillionstoExxonthat cantripletheirpay overnight

KaieteurNewsPublisher and advocate for a better oil deal, Glenn Lall has thrown his support behind the

ongoing nationwide teachers’ strike action, saying that the educators’ salaries could be tripled if government manages the oil sectorproperly

During an impromptu visit to the striking teachers in Essequibo on Monday, Lalltoldthemthattheyneed toeducatethemselvesonthe nitty-grittyoftheoilindustry here to better appreciate the amount of money this country was losing through bad contract management. Hetoldtheteachersthatthey should be demanding a triplingoftheirsalarieswith the kind of resources this countryisblessedwith.“Our gold and diamond and manganese and timber are being stolen by foreigners andourleadersarenotdoing anything about it,” Mr Lall told over 150 teachers who gathered under a benab at AnnaReginaonMonday

He said with no ringfencing of the oil contract with Exxon, the nonpayment of taxes by the US oil major and a meagre 2% royalty every Guyanese is being short-changed. He called on the teachers to stand up for their rights and

march the leaders out of government.

The teachers have entered their fourth week of strike action, calling on the government to engage their union in collective bargainingtoaddressarange of issues including a hike in their salary Thus far the governmenthasresistedand instead threatened to deduct the pay of the striking teachers and branding their industrial action political. A High Court judge last week blocked any attempt by the government from deducting the teachers’ salary until a challenge by their lawyer is determined.

Lalltoldtheteachersthat they have to stand up and fight for what they are blessed with and know their worthinthecountrytheyare livingin.

“I asked a teacher yesterday, I said man if you go home and you see a man fetching out your TV from your house what are you gonnado?Nononohecan’t dothatIwouldhavefightfor it.Mybrothersandsisterswe havetostandup,wehaveto fightforwhatGodblessedus

(Continuedonpage66)

Scenes from Monday’s protest action in Essequibo

Jagdeo wants to sell assets already paid for by Guyana to cover oil spill

FormerHeadofthe Environmental P r o t e c t i o n Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams has mocked the response provided by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo that Guyana could sell US$20B in assets owned by ExxonMobil Guyana to cover costs associated with anoilspillthatoccursinthe StabroekBlock.

Dr. Adams during a virtualAlliance For Change (AFC) press conference on Friday dissected the recent comments of the chief policymaker for the oil sector, who said during his February 22, 2024 press conference at Freedom House in Georgetown that Exxon has some $20B in assetsthatcanbesoldinthe eventofanoilspill.

He was asked by Kaieteur News to list the assets,butinsteadshiftedhis attention to the assets of Hess- a 30 percent shareholder in Guyana’s StabroekBlock.Jagdeosaid, “IfIhavetolisttheassetsof Exxon, have you read the balancesheet,haveyougone to the financial statements and looked at the balance sheets? You should look at that.Ihavetolisteveryasset that they have and considering something else. Wetalkaboutthebookvalue oftheassets,letmejustgive

Former EPAHead, Dr. VincentAdams

you an idea. You’ve heard about the merger between ChevronandHess...”

Weighing in on the responseprovidedbytheVP, Dr Adams said that the recentoilspillinTobagohas again awakened the attention of all of Guyana and the Caribbean that can be in serious danger of not only an environmental catastrophe, but also financialbankruptcy.

He pointed out that the spill in Trinidad is little compared to the existing threat posed by the vessels that traverse through the CaribbeanfromGuyanawith a load of 1million barrels of oil every other day, which will soon increase to at least 1million barrels every day –35timestheTobagospill

“If this 30,000-barrel spill is a national disaster, imagine what it will be with a1-million-barrelspill,or35 times Tobago’s, from a ship carryingoilfromGuyana;or fromawellblow-outspilling millions of barrels,” Dr Adamsstressed.

Be that as it may, he argued that Guyana remains grossly unprepared for the impactsofsuchadisaster

“Asexpected,theVPhad to swivel to his foolishness aboutsomesortofconcocted US$2 6B, and phantom US$20B in assets that he could seize from EMGL to

$603Mincontractsawarded...

Frompage3 the sector’s job creation potential, he noted that the government will continue to support the development and expansionofthesectorinGuyana.

Hefurtherstatedthatsincetheliberalisationandcreation of a competitive telecommunications sector, mere months after the PPP/C Government resumed office in 2020, the governmenthasseenanextremelysignificantreductioninthe cost of bandwidth, allowing for the expansion of the call centreindustryandthepromiseofjobcreation.

Singh added that in 2019, call centres paid US$950 per megabit of data and today that price is US$50 or lower, therebyloweringthecostofbandwidthbyapproximately95 percent,makingcommunicationcostinGuyanaamongstthe mostcompetitiveinthecallcentreindustry Asaresult,since resuming office in 2020, almost 2,000 BPO jobs have been created,herelated.

pay for an oil spill,” the formerEPAheadsaid.

TheUS$2.6Bhereferred to includes the US$2B oil spill guarantee recently submitted by Exxon to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US$600 million oil spill

insurance.

The former EPA head then explained that the US$20B assets of Exxon being touted by the VP are being paid for by Guyana through the cost recovery mechanism outlined in the 2016 Production Sharing

Agreement(PSA).

He said, “All assets are beingboughtandpaidfor,by Guyanathroughcostoil,and per the PSA, will be turned overtoGuyanafreeofcharge upon termination; so, it is daftness to keep repeating that he will seize our own

assetsfromEMGL” Consequently, he dared Jagdeo to please publish the assetsheclaimstobeowned by ‘child company’ EMGL that adds up to $20B. “In other words, put up or shut up to stop fooling the people,”heasserted.

ExxonMobil’s gas data not updated in over 4 months on Govt’s website

Dataontheamountofgasflared, re-injected and used by oil giant,ExxonMobilhasnotbeen updated on the government’s petroleum websiteinoverfourmonths.

The Data Centre that was launched as part of the Petroleum Management ProgrammewaslastupdatedonOctober31, 2023 with information relative to gas production.

This website provides key updates on thenumberofbarrelsofoilproducedatthe three operational projects- Liza One and Liza Two, and Payara- operations in the StabroekBlock,aswellasthedailyreported amountofgasproduced,gasinjected,flared gas and gas used for fuel. It also gives an overviewontheBrentCrudepricesandthe amountofwaterproducedandinjected.

Theportalisusuallyupdatedattheend of each month; however, the Data Centre hasbeenstarvedofrecentupdates.

A closer look at the already non-userfriendly graphs on the website displays outdated information on not only gas, but forinjectedwater,lastupdatedinDecember 2023.

Similarly, data on daily oil production was not updated to the portal since December31,2023.

The lack of timely updates on the website is not new, as it was previously reported that the Data Centre was not receivingtimelyupdatesonExxon’sflaring ofgasin2022,atatimewhenthecompany was experiencing mechanical difficulties with its equipment. This had sparked serious concern among stakeholders, who questionedthereasonfordelayedupdates.

Kaieteur News was finally directed to the Petroleum Management website in 2022, amid pressure from transparency activistsonthereleaseofdatarelatingtooil productionhere.

The failure by the Ministry of Natural Resources to however update the website defeats the purpose of the portal to keep Guyanese informed on the exploitation of the oil and gas resources. It also brings the government’s commitment to transparency intoquestion.

Last November,Vice President Bharrat JagdeoissuedadirectivetotheMinistryof NaturalResourcestoaddresstheissueswith the website. His call for action came after multiplereportsbythisnewspaperaboutthe pressing need to ensure transparency and reliable information sharing on the oil sector

The Ministry of Natural Resources has beenunderscrutinyforsometimeduetothe recurring problems with the website, especiallyitsdatacentre.Itwasreportedat that time that there was incomplete and fragmenteduploadofoilproductiondatafor themonthsofAugustandSeptember.

Notably, data for August 31 and September30wasconspicuouslyabsent.In addition, the detailed breakdown of production, which is typically included in monthly updates, was missing in the September release. Clear and consistent data are essential for transparency advocatestoassessthesituationaccurately andmakinginformedjudgments.

The Waterfalls Waterfalls

Empowering

Women: Guyanesefitness

MelissaHillaire unveilsfemale focusedgym

Mel's Fitness gym recently opened at Victoria's Court, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

VenezuelanActress and DJ, JimenaAraya

JimenaAraya during one of her performances in Guyana.

Venezuelan international actress, DJ performed in Guyana per enthusiast

Meet the daring and beautiful Fiona Natasha Dhanpat. The 25year-old West Demerara native recently participated in the drag races for the first time, where she copped the prestigious title of “winneroffemaledragracing”. She enjoys outdoor activities like jet skiing, swimming, listening tomusic,shopping,travelingandof course,dragracing.

Fiona's favourite quote is by Ralph Emerson who said, “To be yourselfinaworldthatisconstantly tryingtomakeyousomethingelseis thegreatestaccomplishment.”

Fiona Natasha Dhanpat Fiona Natasha Dhanpat

THE INDISPENSABLE NEED FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS

BySirRonaldSanders

In 2024, a series of general elections in Latin American countries, including the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela, are pivotal events that will shape the internal dynamics of these countries Because these elections will determine the future stability and prosperity of these

influential countries, they areimportanttotheregionas a whole, emphasizing the importance of free and fair electoral processes that will command the endorsement of their citizens and the wider hemispheric community

In the English-Speaking Caribbean, the principle of free and fair elections has long been a cornerstone of democratic practice. It is a

standard that is not only expected but also respected by its citizens, including those with allegiances to competingpoliticalparties.

There were two exceptions to this general experience: Guyana and Grenada.

Guyana experienced a series of rigged elections between 1968 and 1992, leading to social and political instability, massive

migration, decline in investment and the classification of the country as the second poorest country in the Hemisphere afterHaiti.

Freeandfairelectionsin 1992 created a period of stability and economic recovery up 2020 when attempts were made to rig elections in favour of the ruling APNU party This situation was rectified after the votes were recounted under the supervision of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of American States(OAS).

Since then, the general acceptanceofthevalidityof the currently elected government, and the foreign investmentinexploitationof largereservesofoilandgas, hastransformedGuyanainto thefastestgrowingeconomy intheWesternHemisphere.

In Grenada, in 1979 an unpopular government, known for corrupt election practices was overthrown in a coup organized by a combination of the opposition New Jewel Movement and the army which, together, formed the government.

A period of internal unease and discomfort by neighbouring states continued until 1983, when the government imploded, and the Prime Minister and membersofhisCabinetwere assassinated. This led to an invasion of the country by the United States, supported by several Caribbean countries, principally Grenada’s closest neighbours Since then, elections in Grenada have been judged to be free and fair and the country has progressed steadily.The peacefultransitionofpower, a hallmark of stable democracies, is contingent upon the universal acceptance that election processeswerefreeandfair, resulting in the election of a valid government Acceptanceofthevalidityof thegovernmentiscrucialfor maintaining democratic institutions, ensuring civil and social stability, attracting investment, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and fostering economicgrowth.

Conversely, in nations wherethesanctityoffreeand f a i r e l e c t i o n s i s compromised, the result is instability, characterized by authoritarian control measures that lead to an

exodusofcitizens,a s c a r c i t y o f investment, and a r i s e i n unemployment andpoverty

The case of V e n e z u e l a c u r r e n t l y illustrates a concerning trend where the erosion of electoral integrity threatens not only the domestic fabric of democracy but also poses a challenge to regional stability

Sir Ronald Sanders

The unravelling of an agreement, signed in Barbados in October 2023, between the government of President Nicolás Maduro, and a group of Opposition parties, called the Unitary Platform, threatens the possibility of free and fair electionssometimethisyear

The government has sidelined the opposition from crucial decisions regarding the proposed elections It has also excluded its most popular and credible rival, Maria Corina Machado, who was elected by a significant margin in Venezuela’s opposition-led presidential primary, receiving approximately 93% of the vote. This decisive victory positioned her as the clear winner, garnering strong support among voters who showedakeendesireforher to run against President Maduro. In response, she wasaccusedofcorruptionby theMadurogovernment,and the government-appointed Supreme Justice Tribunal b a n n e d h e r f r o m participationintheelections.

A U N -backed panel investigating human rights violations in Venezuela has noted the government’s intensifiedefforts“tocurtail democraticfreedoms”.

As the time for Venezuela’s presidential election approaches, it is crucial that efforts to ensure that elections align with international standards of transparency and fairness. The disqualification of opposition candidates, the l a c k o f j u d i c i a l independence, and the manipulation of electoral conditions by the ruling government underscore the challenges facing not just Venezuela but democracy itself in the region. If the electoral process in Venezuelaisnotregardedas legitimate, the resultant government will enjoy no

validity, worsening the economic and social conditions in Venezuela, including an increase in its people fleeting to already overburdened neighbouring states.

For its part, the Venezuela’sgovernmentand its allies have announced a proposal to hold the presidential election on any of20potentialdates.

They have also said that the proposal will be presentedtothegovernment controlled, National Electoral Council, whose members will choose the date. The opposition parties have objected to this arbitrary process. All this sets the stage for a controversial election and a contentiousresult.

Caribbean nations, which themselves undergo democratic elections where debateanddissentiscrucial, have a vested interest in the integrity of elections throughoutLatinAmerica.

The erosion of free and fair elections in any one country is a threat to democratic stability everywhere. Free and fair elections serve as the bedrock of democratic governance, enabling the peacefultransitionofpower L e g i t i m a t e a n d democratically elected governments, responsive and accountable to their citizens, are fundamental to successful development efforts. The right to choose leaders, to influence government policy, and to hold those in power accountable is not merely a democratic right, it is a prerequisite for sustainable developmentandpeace.

That is why Caribbean political parties and citizens must champion the cause of electoral integrity, both within their borders and beyond,recognizingthatthe health of democracy in their n e i g h b o u r h o o d i s intrinsically linked to their own.

The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. For comments and previous commentaries, s e e : www.sirronaldsanders.com

These common symptoms may indicate that your gut is not in the best shape

Dr.ZulfikarBux

Emergency Medicine Specialist

It is through our gut, we ingest food to survive, but foods can also lead to bad health if we are not careful.

Our gut is one of the main barriersthatshieldsourbody from the dangers of the world.Ifwedonottakecare ofourgut,thenitcannottake careofusandthiscanleadto many disorders in our body Numerousstudiesinthepast two decades have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, andcancer

Today, I will discuss signsthatmayalertyoutoan unhealthy gut and what you can do to improve your gut health.

Whataresignsthat youmayhavean unhealthygut?

High stress levels, too little sleep, eating processed and high-sugar foods, and taking antibiotics can all damageourgutmicrobiome. Thisinturnmayaffectother aspectsofourhealth,suchas the brain, heart, immune system, skin, weight, hormone levels, ability to absorb nutrients, and even thedevelopmentofcancer

The following are signs that you may have an unhealthygut:

* Upset stomach: Stomach disturbances like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea,andheartburncan all be signs of an unhealthy gut.

* A high-sugar diet: A diet high in processed foods and added sugars can decreasethenumberofgood bacteria in your gut. This imbalance can cause increased sugar cravings, which can damage your gut stillfurther

High amounts of refined sugars, particularly highfructose corn syrup, have been linked to increased inflammation in the body Inflammation can be the precursor to a number of diseasesandevencancers.

* Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue: The majority of the body’s serotonin, a hormone that affects mood and sleep, is producedinthegut.

An unhealthy gut will therefore contribute to sleep disturbances such as insomnia or poor sleep, and therefore lead to chronic

fatigue.

* Skin conditions: Inflammation in the gut causedbyapoordietorfood allergies may cause increased “leaking” of certain proteins out into the body, which can in turn irritate the skin and cause conditionssuchaseczema.

* A u t o i m m u n e conditions: Medical researchers are continually finding new evidence of the impact of the gut on the immunesystem.

It’s thought that an unhealthy gut may increase systemic inflammation and alter the proper functioning of the immune system. This can lead to autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis and manyothers.

* Food intolerances: Food intolerances are the result of difficulty digesting certain foods. It’s thought that food intolerances may becausedbypoorqualityof bacteriainthegut.

Thiscanleadtodifficulty digesting the trigger foods and unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, andnausea.

Howcanyouimprove yourguthealth?

You can improve your gut health and subsequently, youroverallhealthbydoing thefollowing:

*Managingyourstress levels: Chronic high levels of stress are hard on your whole body, including your gut.

* Fasting: The best way to give your gut a chance to takecareofitselfandcleanse toxins, is to fast. When you fast,yourgutgetsarestfrom processing foods and can focus on healing and cleansing the body of toxic buildup.

*Getenoughsleep:Not getting enough or sufficient quality of sleep can have serious impacts on your gut health, which can in turn contribute to more sleep issues.

* Eat slowly: Chewing your food thoroughly and eating your meals more slowlycanhelppromotefull digestion and absorption of nutrients.Thismayhelpyou reduce digestive discomfort andmaintainahealthygut.

* Stay hydrated: Drinkingplentyofwaterhas been shown to have a beneficial effect on the mucosal lining of the intestines, as well as on the balance of good bacteria in

thegut.Stayinghydratedisa simple way to promote a healthygut.

* Taking a prebiotic or probiotic: Adding a prebiotic or probiotic supplement to your diet is oftenagoodwaytoimprove your gut health. Prebiotics provide food meant to promote the growth of beneficialbacteriainthegut, while probiotics are supplements with live good bacteria that helps your gut with digestion and maintaining the right balance.

* Check for food intolerances: If you have symptomssuchascramping,

bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rashes, nausea, fatigue, and acid reflux, you maybesufferingfromafood intolerance.

You can try eliminating commontriggerfoodstosee ifyoursymptomsimprove.

* Change your diet: Reducing the amount of processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods that you eat can contribute to better gut health. Additionally, eating plenty of plant-based foods and lean protein can positivelyimpactyourgut.

Anunhealthygutwillnot remainsilent;itwillindicate thatsomethingiswrongand display the symptoms discussedabove.

Listen to your gut; it’s paramountthatyoudoifyou wanttoremainhealthy

Country Profile Slovakia

Slovakia (/slovækiY,vQk-/ ; Slovak: Slovensko [slTenskT] ), officially the Slovak Republic (Slovak: Slovenská republika [slTenska republika] ), is a landlocked country in Central Europe It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south,

established the Principality of Nitra, which was later c o n q u e r e d b y t h e Principality of Moravia, leading to the formation of Great Moravia. In the 10th century,afterthedissolution of Great Moravia, the territory was integrated into the Principality of Hungary, which then became the

Slovak National Uprising, itself triggered by the Nazi German occupation of the country Although the uprising was eventually suppressed, partisan resistance continued, and Czechoslovak independence was re-established after the country’s liberation at the endofthewar

e c o n o m y w i t h a comprehensive social security system, providing citizens with universal health care, free education, and one of the longest paid parental leaves in the OECD [ Slovakia is a member of the European Union, the Eurozone, the Schengen Area, the United

Austria to the west, and the Czech Republic to the northwest Slovakia’s mostly mountainous territory spans about 49,000 squarekilometres(19,000sq mi), hosting a population exceeding 5.4 million. The capital and largest city is Bratislava, while the second largestcityisKošice.

HISTORY

The Slavs arrived in the territory of the present-day Slovakia in the 5th and 6th centuries. From the late 6th century, parts of modern Slovakia were incorporated in the Avar Khaghanate. In the 7th century, the Slavs played a significant role in the creation of Samo’s Empire. In the 9th century, the Avar Khaghanate dissolved, and the Slavs

Kingdom of Hungary in 1000.[10]In1241and1242, aftertheMongolinvasionof Europe,muchoftheterritory was destroyed, but was recovered largely thanks to BélaIV

After World War I and the dissolution of AustroHungarian Empire, the state of Czechoslovakia was established, incorporating Slovakia. In the lead up to World War II, local fascist parties gradually came to power in the Slovak lands, andthefirstSlovakRepublic was established as a puppet state under the control of Nazi Germany The local Jewish population was heavily persecuted, with almost 70,000 Jews being murdered or deported Internal opposition to the fascist government’s policies culminated in the

Following the Sovietbacked coup of 1948, Czechoslovakia became a communist state within the Eastern Bloc and a satellite state of the Soviet Union. Attempts to liberalise communism culminated in the Prague Spring, which was suppressed by the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. In 1989, the Velvet Revolutionpeacefullyended Communist rule in Czechoslovakia Slovakia becameanindependentstate on 1 January 1993 after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, sometimes known as the Velvet Divorce.

Slovakia is a developed country with an advanced high-income economy The country maintains a combination of a market

per capita equalling 69% of the average of the European Union in 2021. The country has difficulties addressing regional imbalances in wealth and employment GDP per capita ranges from 188% of EU average in Bratislavato54%inEastern Slovakia. Bratislava is the 19th-richest region of the European Union by GDP (PPP) per capita. Although regionalincomeinequalityis high, 90% of citizens own theirhomes.

TOURISM

and the ruins of Devín Castle. Èachtice Castle was oncethehomeoftheworld’s most prolific female serial killer, the ‘Bloody Lady’, ElizabethBáthory

CULTURE

Folk tradition has rooted strongly in Slovakia and is reflectedinliterature,music, dance and architecture. The primeexampleistheSlovak national anthem, “Nad Tatrou sa blýska”, which is based on a melody from the “Kopala studienku” folk song.

Nations, NATO, CERN, the OECD, the WTO, the Council of Europe, the Visegrád Group, and the OSCE Slovakia is also home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The world’slargestper-capitacar producer, Slovakia manufactured a total of 1.1 million cars in 2019, representing43%ofitstotal industrialoutput.

ECONOMY

Slovakia has a highincomedevelopedeconomy

In2023,withapopulationof only 5 million, it ranked as the46thrichestcountrywith a per capita gross domestic productbasedonpurchasing powerparityof$42,228,and the 62nd largest economy in the world with a GDP of $127,533 billion.] Its GDP

Slovakiafeaturesnatural landscapes, mountains, caves, medieval castles and towns, folk architecture, spas and ski resorts. More than 5,4 million tourists visitedSlovakiain2017.The most attractive destinations are the capital of Bratislava and the High Tatras.[134]

The manifestation of

Slovak

Mostvisitorscomefromthe Czech Republic (about 26%), Poland (15%) and Germany(11%).[135]

Slovakia contains many castles,mostofwhicharein ruins.

The best known castles include Bojnice Castle (often used as a filming location), Spiš Castle, (on the UNESCO list), Orava Castle, Bratislava Castle,

cultureisthe “Východná” Folklore Festival. It is the oldest and largest nationwide festival with international participation, which takes placeinVýchodnáannually Slovakia is usually represented by many groups but mainly by S¼UK ( S l o v e n s k ý ¾ u d o v ý u m e l e c k ý k o l e k t í v # X # S l o v a k f o l k a r t collective). S¼UK is the largestSlovakfolkartgroup, trying to preserve the folkloretradition.

An example of wooden folkarchitectureinSlovakia can be seen in the wellpreservedvillageof (Continuedonpage49)

folklore

Slovakian Flag

Slovakian Coat ofArms

Slovakian Cuisine

Bratislava: one of the interesting places to visit when in Slovakia

(DANCEHALLMAG)

Reggaemusiclostagiant thisweekwiththepassingof Peter “Peetah” Morgan, the lead singer of the family Reggae band Morgan Heritage His unique, instantly recognizable voice was one of the group’s defining characteristics, standing out in a crowded

Peter ‘Peetah’Morgan

Remembering Peetah Morgan: 20 Essential Songs From Morgan Heritage

field where comparisons are frequent Peetah’s soulful vocals—often paired with t h e h a r m o n i o u s complements of his brother R o y “ G r a m p s ” Morgan—created a distinct musical fingerprint over the band’s 30-year history. Whenever a Morgan Heritage song starts, there’s

no mistaking the group’s identity

In honor of Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy with Morgan Heritage, DancehallMaghighlights20 essential songs from the band’s rich catalog. These tracks showcase their versatility, ability to tackle socialissueswithgrace,and commitment to spreading positivity and love through music.

1 Don’t Haffi Dread (1999)

Don’t Haffi Dread, the title track from their 1999 album, is the quintessential “Rasta 101” anthem. The songtackledthenecessityof dreadlocks for spiritual identification in the Rastafarian community, and stands out for its nuanced and convincing approach, moving beyond simplistic statements often found in similarReggaesongs.

Album: Don’t Haffi

Dread(1999)

2Liberation (Chant Woee)(1999)

Thisoneisacalltoaction formoreconsciousartiststo rise and help ‘liberate’ the peopleusingmusic. Album: MorganHeritageFamilyand Friends, Vol 1 (2000), LiberationRiddim(1999)

3.Down By The River (2000)

Down By The River is the title track from Dean Fraser’s riddim, which remade The Cables’classic, WhatKindOfWorld(1970).

Thesongtakesonaspiritual theme, with Peetah and Gramps’vocalsdescribinga journey toward spiritual awakening inspired by the symbolismofariverandthe guidanceofnature.

4.WhatWeNeedIsLove (2000)

WhatWeNeedIsLoveis laid on the Grab Yu Lass Riddim,whichitselfsamples the1967YouDon’tCare (Continuedonpage35)

RememberingPeetahMorgan:20Essential...

Frompage33

Riddim. Peetah, who leads the song with Mr Mojo contributing ad-libs and raping in the third verse, delivers yet another excellent message of unity andlove,urginglistenersto embrace these values for themselves and future generations.

5 More Teachings (2001) Living up to its

title, this song is an e x p l o r a t i o n o f Rastafarian philosophy andhistory

More than that, it showcases the diverse talents within Morgan H e r i t a g e b e y o n d Peetah and Gramps Mr Mojo delivers an intro and rap verse, while Una takes the rare opportunity for a

solo segment

6 She’s Still Loving Me (2002)

She’s Still Loving M e s h o w c a s e s

Morgan Heritage’s

a b i l i t y t o b l e n d m u s i c a l s t y l e s , weaving a country influence into their

signatureReggaesound While the song doesn’t delve into social

or political commentary, its messageofunwavering c o m m i t m e n t a n d d e d i c a t i o n i n a relationship, delivered via Peetah’semotivetenorand Gramps’ssoulfulbaritone, hasmadeitastapleoftheir liveperformances

Album: Three In One (2003) Producer: Phillip Linton 7 A Man Is Still A Man (2002) On the same

bass-heavy riddim as Sizzla‘s Simplicity (We Use To Survive), A Man I s S t i l l A M a n challenges societal biases by championing the inherent value of e v e r y i n d i v i d u a l regardless of wealth, skin color,orsocialstatus.

8 Your Best Friend (2004) This one finds Peetah (with backup

from Gramps and Mr Mojo) navigating the a d v a n c e s o f h i s woman’s ‘best friend’ on the Drop Leaf riddim

While the narrative focuses on that specific situation, the song’s themes of loyalty and temptation offer a relatable listening experience.

Lion-tailedmacaques

Category: Endangered

Lion-tailed macaques have black fur They are characterised by the grey mane around their face. In fact, they are sometimes called bearded monkeys

Theyhaveasmalltuftonthe tip of their tail. Their tail resemblesalion’stailwhich is where the name ‘liontailedmacaque’comesfrom. Lion-tailed macaque males are larger than the females.

Just like other macaques, these monkeys also have cheek pouches. The pouch holds almost as much food as can fit in their stomach andtheyusetheirpouchesto

temporarily store food Finally, just like other Old World monkeys, lion-tailed macaques have a tough, callous-like pad of skin on their buttocks, enabling themtositandsleepontree branches.

Habitat

In the wild, lion-tailed macaques are only native to India.There,theyliveinthe Western Ghats hills and mountains of southwestern India, where they live in tropical rainforests and on elevatedmountainsides.

Lifestyle

Lion-tailed macaques are social animals, living in groups of four to thirty

consistsofafewadultmales and roughly twice as many females and infants. One of the males is the alpha male and leader of the group. Males often change groups. Thatmeanstheyjoinanother existing group and establish themselves by means of a hostile takeover Each individual animal knows its place in the group, which maintains a distinct hierarchy

The males do not have much contact with each other and often remain at a distance. The females stay within the group and adhere toaclear,linearhierarchy

Alion-tailed macaque

Lion tail macaque are considered endangered

Former Kaieteur News Editor

Michael Jordan wins Guyana Prize

for Literature's

Best Book of Fiction

Former Kaieteur

News editor and popular Guyanese journalist,MichaelJordanon FridaynightwontheGuyana Prize for Literature in fiction category for his book “The Girl in the Pink Pleated Skirt”.

Jordan who was known for his reporting during Guyana'scrimewavenovelis “A gripping tour de force of murdersetinGuyana.

Otherwinnersoftheprize include First Prize for Nonfiction went to Etherine G H Adams with her entry “The Few Among the Many: Women's Labour in British Guiana'sJails”.

Ruth Osman copped first place for Best First Book of Poetry with her entry “All Made of Longing”. Harold Bascom received the top award for Drama, winning with“Unfounded”andSamir Mohammed walked copped the First Prize for Short Stories with his entry “The Lighthouse at the Bottom of The Sea” and third place in the Boy's Poetry Category with his poem “Shadows in theSand”.

The announcement of the winners of the Prize was made at the National Culture Centre, Georgetown by subject Minister Charles Ramson Jr and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd), MarkPhillips.

Meanwhile, the work of theauthorswillbeondisplay atGuyanaPrizeforLiterature Festival which kicked off on the29thofFebruaryandisset to culminate on Sunday, the 3rdofMarchLiteratureatthe CastellaniHouse.

GuyaneseAuthor and coorganiseroftheGuyanaPrize for Literature Festival, Ruel Johnson said the event is a significant platform for seasonedandbuddingwriters

togainexposure,connectand enhancethecreativeindustry

“The Guyana prize festivalisoftenaplatformfor greater things, it provides affirmation of literary talents particularly for emerging talents who might be unsure of whether they got it or not and if these highly regarded, veryqualifiedjudgessayyes, your work is good that in itself is a critical boost for their moral. So, the idea is to have the visitors connect to the literature that is being produced here by Guyanese” Johnsonemphasised.

“It is not just about accolades, it's a spirited convergence of literary enthusiasts. It also features writingworkshopsconducted by renowned Guyanese writers as well as captivating presentations of Guyanese literature,”headded.

The festival also caters to anarrayofengagingactivities for children such as writing training and face painting amongothers.

The centrepiece of the event is the Guyana Prize for LiteraryAwards,aprestigious ceremony geared at recognising the exemplary works of Guyanese in the categories of fiction, drama, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

Moreover,thefestivalhas been extended to embrace youths,withawardsinpoetry andshortstorycategories.

Johnson said the transition from a mere award ceremonytoacomprehensive literary festival underscores the government's broader vision of honouring exceptionalwriters,nurturing and connecting emerging talents with the wider Guyanesesociety

In addition, Johnson hintedatfutureexpansion

(Contiunedonpage49)

Former Kaieteur News editor and popular Guyanese journalist, Michael Jordan

Empowering Women:

Guyanese fitness enthusiast

Melissa Hillaire unveils female focused gym

The women's empowerment advocate is set to host her nd2 high tea event for female entrepreneurs this month

advocate is set to host her

Hillaire has her sight set on launching her own gym wear line

Mel's Fitness gym recently opened at

Court, Eccles, East Bank

Guyanese Fitness

enthusiast, Melissa Hillaire

Venezuelan

Entertainment

By Shervin Belgrave

int’l actress,

DJ performed in Guyana

Venezuelan international actress, DJ

performedinGuyana

JimenaAraya popularly known as Rosita was in Guyana last week performing her electronic (EDM) styled party music mixes at a number of Mash and after Mash events. Araya has over 3 million followers worldwide on Instagram and more than a million across other social media platforms.

NotmanyGuyanesemightknowherbutsheis renowned globally especially in Latin America, UnitedSatesandEurope.

Nevertheless, via collaboration with Carol ProductionsinGuyana,shemanagedtoselloutthe eventssheheadlined.

Although a large part of the patrons at her showsinGuyanathispastweekwasdominatedby individuals from the growing Latin migrant community from Cuba and Venezuela, a large number of Guyanese turned up to party to her mixes.

Jimena Araya first made her debut in the international entertainment industry as an actress inLatinTVsoapsknownas“Telenovelas”.

Her first appearance was in a Venezuela Telenovela called 'Negra Consentida (Pampered black girl)' that aired on tv screens in 2004 and 2005.

She then appeared another Venezuelan TV Soapcalled“ElAmorLasVuelveLocas(Thelove that drives them crazy) before moving to Miami, USAtostudyEnglish.Theresheplayedaroleon American Television in a Latin Telenovela El Cuerpo del Deseo which starred a popular actor, MarioCimarro.

Shecontinuedheractingcareerintelenovelas after returning to Venezuela before switching to comedy television shows where she played the role of Rosita. This move propelled her into stardom and the stage name “Rosita” stayed with her throughout her very successful artistic career todate.

After moving to Mexico, Jimena Araya became introduced to the Global music industry wheresheaddedmusicartisteandFemaleDJ.

SincethenJimenaArayahasbeenperforming music around the world. She is hopeful that she will be able to return to Guyana sometime in the futuretoperformagain.

Localproducer,artistescollaboratewithinternational LatinstartoproduceAfro-housemusicinGuyana

Localproducer,artistescollaboratewithinternational LatinstartoproduceAfro-housemusicinGuyana

Guyana will be showcased on the global entertainment stage yet again after an international and world-renowned Venezuelan female DJ, Jimena collaborated with a local producer, Richie Rich and music company “The Bad Family Music” to produce an Afro-house beat/music ontheseshores.

The Bad Family Musicisagroupoflocal and Latin artistes living and producing Music in Guyana.

Jimena Araya during her visit to Guyana last weekteamedupwithRichie Rich and The Bad Family Music for an Afro-H

productionthathasthepotentialof showcasing not only the artiste on the global stage but the country as well Afro-

Scenesofthe video shoottobe released both

locallyand internationally .

ouse is an electronic genre of music reportedly created in South Africa and is very popular around the globe especially in European countries,NorthAmericaand ofcourseLatinAmerica.

Jimena Araya popularly known as Rosita is not only a DJ but also an actress and Fashion Model who starred in a number Latin telenovelas (soaps)

Miami Florida, United States of

America(USA)andVenezuela.

In recent times, however, she has been in demand for her expertise as an artiste and female DJ which led to her touring a number of countries across continents-from Mexico in North America to, Colombia, Ecuador and other big cities in South America.

Her latest stop was in the GardenCityofGuyana, (Continuedonpage63)

V enezuelan Actress and DJ, Jimena Araya

JimenaAraya recording with The Bad Family Music at the Richie Rich Jaggy Records studio in Guyana

JimenaAraya taking a photo with The Bad Family Music following a video shoot in Durban Park, HomestretchAvenue

Entertainment

OBy Shervin Belgrave

ne of the most a n t i c i p a t e d Mashramani Events in Guyana, the Soca Monarch Competition, ended dreamlike for local artiste Carlvin Burnett after he took the 2024 crown with his song,“Handyman”

Leading up to finals of the competition held in Linden on February 17, Burnett had told Kaieteur News that he wanted to makehiscounty,Berbiceproudby becomingSocaKing,2024.

He did not disappoint on the night of the finals because he did become K i n g w i t h a n e x h i l a r a t i n g p e r f o r m a n c e o f Handyman. It was the first time that Burnett participated in the competitionandtowinit ondebutisdreamlike.

The competition was f i e r c e b u t t h e “Handyman” singer captivated the judges, fans and the country at large He emerged victoriouswithatotalof 277points.

Burnett's song H a n d y m a n w a s p r o d u c e d b y

JOEY2KOOLPRODUC

TIONS and the artiste had high praises for him contributing to his

success that led to him becoming Guyana's Soca King in 2024 According to Burnett, there was a rhythmin“Joey'shead”andthatis what led to the creation of 'Handyman.'

“Joey called me one night, he waslike'thisiswaahearinginma head' (mimics sound),” Burnett said, as he recalled brushing off Joey2Koolatfirst.

The producer called him the next day, but on that occasion, Burnett agreed to make his way down to Joey's studio and listen to

LatinisimaGuyanaisanonlineradiostationthatwas createdinJuly2021byVenezuelanBroadcaster,Miguel LineroandhiswifeMaria.

Unfortunately, the online radio was offline briefly followingunforeseencircumstanceswhichinvolvedthe theftofitsequipmentforbroadcastingbutitisbackand LineropromisesthatLatinisimaGuyanawillbebigger andbetter

He told Kaieteur News that the communication platform was created to meeting the demands of a growing Spanish speaking migrant population from CubaandVenezuela.

Linero explained that one of its purposes was to introducetheLatinculture,music,anditspeopletotheir Guyanesebrothersandsisters.

This time around, Latinisima will not only be for entertainment purposes but will also feature programmestoeducatethemassinGuyana,throughand currentevents.

“TherewillbeaChristianprogramme,itwillbeasa medium to circulate important information, especial to SpanishmigrantsspreadacrossGuyana”,Linerosaid He explained that one of the programmes that will featureonitsreturnisonethateducatethemigrants,on immigration details, the laws of the country and other thingstheyneedtoknowwhilelivinginGuyana.

Linerosaysthathewouldlikenotonlyforlatinisima Guyana to be online and across social media platforms but also on Guyana's airwaves. He is hoping that the Guyanese Government will support the initiative in

CarlvinBurnettis Guyana'sSocaKing2024

theproducer'sidea.

“The minute he put the instrumentalon,itwaslikethesong actuallywroteitself…Thevibewas so good,” Burnett had told KaieteurNews

Not only was the instrumental “vibinggood”butthelyricspenned for the song is very unique and interesting.

Burnett called it “word-play” thatwillmakemusicloverssitand think “As a youth growing-up listening to [Mighty] Sparrow, Lord Canary and these guys

wordplay was a big thing,Icouldsingabout phone but I don't even mention the phone,” he explained.

'Handy Man, ' according Burnett, is a worker who can carry out any kind of job. In thesong,hesingsabout a 'Handy Man' for hire, but strangely, he only wants to be

women According to the character's resumé, in the song, he isagoodmasontolaydownbricks ifthemixtureisthickorhecanbea good plumber to lay down pipes. He is even a farmer; he can plant seeds in a woman's garden if needed.The lyrics indeed fit the description of a handyman but could Burnett be singing about somethingelse?Wemayhavetosit and think when we listen to his song.

Radio Latinisima Guyana is back

hired by

Carlvin Burnett being crowned Soca King 2024

Burnett performing at the Soca Monarch Finals last month

Carlvin Burnett and his Producer Joel Browne better known as Joey

granting Radio Latinisima Guyana its licence to be on the airwaves. For now, you can listen to Latinisima Guyana @www.latinisimagy.com, or via the Google PlayStoreApp,LatinisimaGuyana.

Miguel Linero and his wife Maria.

How to Actually Fix Damaged Hair

B Y : A P R I L FRANZINO

W e b s i t e : https://www.goodhousekee ping.com/beauty/hair/tips/ a15884/fix-damaged-hair/

Tips and fixes for your healthiesthairever

Almost everyone has some hair damage, from dryness and brittleness to splitendsandbreakage.

The best way to tackle dry and damaged hair really depends on the cause and typeofdamage.

Findthebestfixforyour hair with these pro tips on prevention and solutions f r o m t h e G o o d Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab experts and hair specialists.

Can you actually repair damagedhair?

“Once hair is split or broken, nothing can permanently fuse it back together,” explains Beauty Lab executive director BirnurAral,Ph.D.“Products like split-end menders, leave-in conditioners and treatmentmaskscansealthe outerlayerofstrandssothey temporarilyappearsmoother and less frayed and feel softer, and help protect hair from further damage ”

However, the only real long-term solution is by cutting your hair, to trim offdamagedareas

Minor–Severe Breakage Strands that feel or look parchedcanbeacuethatthe cuticle, which locks moisture into hair, is damaged.

Spiltends

As the cuticle is further damaged or completely lost, the hair strand can start to fray,orsplitinpieces,atends orinotherareas.

Breakage

This occurs when a strand’s layers deteriorate enough to cause weak spots alongthehairshaftwherethe strandfractures.

Hairloss

Severedamagethatpulls on hair roots, from causes such as styling, can produce permanentfollicleloss.

That said, conditioner is damaged hair’s best friend: Damaged hair is stripped of itsprotectiveouterlayer,and conditionerhelpsreplenishit with emollient ingredients like silicones and plant oils (such as coconut oil) and butters.

“They coat wet hair so it’seasiertodetangle,which

can lead to less damage and make it silkier and more manageable,”Aralsays.

Formaximumbenefitsto preventdamage,usearinseoff conditioner after every shampoo, plus a leave-in conditionerondamphair.

Swap in a deep conditioner or hair mask weekly: “These tend to c o n t a i n h i g h e r c o n c e n t r a t i o n s o f conditioning ingredients, making them thicker and heavier,”Aralexplains.

Howtorepair chemicallydamagedhair

When using hair color, chemicals such as ammonia havetobeusedtoopenyour hair shaft, so the dye can be deposited.

Ammonia-free formulas exist, but industry studies have found that they’re just as harmful (you have to use more and leave them on longer).

Your hair is damaged if after showering, your hair driesalmostinstantly

That shows just how porousthosecolorchemicals havemadeit,saysKatherine Polite, a colorist at Zano SaloninChicago.

1. Use a moisture-rich hairdye

Many dyes, like the Beauty Lab’s recommended formulas below, are infused with conditioning ingredients to help protect and repair hair during the colorprocess.

For gray coverage, go with a semi- or demipermanent formula — it’ll fade faster but is less harsh than a permanent dye. To highlight at home, avoid pull-through caps, which often result in damaging color overlap (go for a caplesskitinstead).

2.Onlydyeyourroots

When possible, reapply dye to just the roots to minimizechemicalexposure on the lengths, and “space dyeing hair 10 to 12 weeks apart at minimum,” says George Papanikolas, Matrix celebrity colorist in Los Angeles.

Finally, major color changes can cause major harm (including hair breakageorevenloss)when done wrong, so leave those tothepros.

Howtorepairbroken hairandflyaways

The wrong tool or the wrong technique can tangle or, worse, tear your hair You’re in trouble when you

lookinamirrorandseetiny hairs sticking up along your partandhairline.

Thesearen’t“babyhairs” growing in, says Cheri McMaster, senior scientist for Pantene: they’re hairs thathavebroken.

Here’showtotostopthat breakageinitstracks:

3 Invest in a good brushtopreventbreakage

Bristles are the key to preventingbreakage.

They should be soft, smooth — avoid those with plastic balls on the ends — andspacedout,asonacomb.

Wet Brush is designed specifically for wet hair: its thin, perfectly-spaced IntelliFlex bristles are flexible and specially designed to be firm enough to get through knots and tangles, yet soft enough to keep hair healthy and snagfree.

4.Don’tbrushwethair

H2O can exacerbate the issue:

“Water exposure swells andstretchesthehair’sshaft, which causes the shinglelike outer layer to lift, and adding stress from brushing in that state can cause it to break,” explains GH Beauty Lab senior chemist Sabina Wizemann.

Brush your hair before washing if possible, and if you have to detangle it wet, towel-dry so it no longer drips, apply a leave-in conditioner from roots to ends,anduseagentlerwidetooth comb or detangling brushtoreducefriction.

Workfromtheendsupin small sections to avoid ripping strands, she suggests.

Howtorepair damagedhairfromheat

Blow-drying, flatironing and curling can all causehair’souterlayertolift up, releasing valuable moistureandleavingstrands brittle,dry,anddamaged.To tell if your hair is damaged, pull out a hair, run your fingernail from root to end (asifcurlingaribbon),drop the strand into a glass of water—andseeifituncurls. If it doesn’t, your hair has lost elasticity, McMaster says.

5.Useheatprotectant

Before drying or ironing your hair, McMaster says, use a heat protection hair spray or serum that contains siliconesorpolymers,which create a protective barrier over strands. “These stylers

work by coating hair at the high temperatures of heat styling and shielding the surface of damaged strands, which can improve hair’s manageability, in turn resulting in reduced breakage,”Aralexplains.

6.Makesurehairisdry beforestyling

Mostimportantly,“never blow-dry hair that hasn’t been towel- or air-dried partially first or use styling ironsonhairthat’snottotally dry, as that can cause any water inside to boil and the strand to rupture, ” Wizemann warns. To avoid harmful friction, dry hair by wrapping your head in a small microfiber towel for a fewminutes.

7.Replaceoldheattools Throw out any heatstyling tool that you’ve had

formorethanfiveyears:The older the appliance, the higher the chance that the temperature gauge has gone kaput, says Beverly Hills celebrity stylist Cristophe. Use your blow-dryer’s nozzle attachment; it cuts downoncuticleruffling.

Pick a flat iron that has ceramic plates: Since ceramic heats up evenly, it straightens hair faster and won’tstickto—orsinge— anyonespot.

Howtorepair environmentalhair damage

Sun,water,chlorine—a day of fun outdoors can be hard on your hair. These essentialswillhelp.

8. Shield hair from the sun

Cover hair with a hat to help shield it from the sun,

which can damage hair at high levels of exposure, the Beauty Lab says. A tightlywoven hat can also help prevent sun burns and skin canceronyourscalp.(Bonus points if it has UPF protection, like the one below,whichcertifiesthatits fabric weave block’s UV rays.)

9. Coat hair in a “waterproofing”product

Before swimming, wet yourhairwithshowerortap water, then coat it with a leave-in or regular conditionertoformabarrier against the chemicals like chlorineinpoolwater,which cancausecolorstrippingand breakage, Cristophe says. Plus, dousing hair in clean water means it can’t absorb as much chlorine to begin with.

...premiere creates major buzz in Jamaica

Slovakia

Frompage31

Vlkolínec which has been the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The Prešov Region preserves the world’s most remarkable folk wooden churches. Most of them are protected by Slovak law as culturalheritage,butsomeof them are on the UNESCO list too, in Bodružal, Hervartov, Ladomirová and Ruská Bystrá The best knownSlovakhero,foundin many folk mythologies, is Juraj Jánošík (1688–1713) (the Slovak equivalent of

Robin Hood). The legend says he was taking from the rich and giving to the poor Jánošík’slifewasdepictedin a list of literary works and manymoviesthroughoutthe 20thcentury Oneofthemost popular is a film Jánošík directed by Martin Friè in 1935. He is commemorated mainly in Terchová, his family’splaceofliving.

FOOD

Traditional Slovak cuisine is based mainly on pork, poultry (chicken is the most widely eaten, followed byduck,goose,andturkey),

flour,potatoes,cabbage,and milkproducts.Itisrelatively closelyrelatedtoHungarian, Czech, Polish and Austrian cuisine.

On the east it is also influenced by Ukrainian, includingLemkoandRusyn. In comparison with other European countries, “game meat” is more accessible in Slovakia due to vast resources of forest and becausehuntingisrelatively popular Boar, rabbit, and venison are generally available throughout the year Lamb and goat are

eaten but are not widely popular The traditional Slovak meals are bryndzové halušky, bryndzové pirohy and other meals with potato doughandbryndza.

Bryndzaisasaltycheese made of sheep milk, characterised by a strong taste and aroma. Bryndzové halušky especially is considered a national dish, andisverycommonlyfound on the menu of traditional Slovakrestaurants.

A typical soup is a s a u e r k r a u t s o u p (“kapustnica”) A blood sausage called “krvavnica”, made from any parts of a butchered pig is also a specific Slovak meal. Wine is enjoyed throughout

Slovakia Slovak wine comes predominantly from the southern areas along the Danube and its tributaries; the northern half of the country is too cold and mountainous to grow grapevines Traditionally, white wine was more

popular than red or rosé (except in some regions), andsweetwinemorepopular than dry, but in recent years tastes seem to be changing. Beer (mainly of the pilsener style, though dark lagers are also consumed) is also popular

Former Kaieteur News Editor...

Frompage39 plansforthefestival.“What we are going to look at is having bridging events in betweenprizes.

You have writing workshopsthatwecanpush out to the region instead of havingmerelyacentralised one-offeventoverthelifeof theLitFest.”

Theeventisentirelyfree of cost, thanks to the significant investment madebythegovernmentof Guyana.Theonlyexception is the play, which has a nominal fee attached. This fee not only supports the performers but also contributestothegrowthof thecreativeindustry

Princess Love Announces Divorce from Ray J for a Fourth Time: ‘Our Paths Have Diverged’

It’soverforRayJand Princess Love again.

Oneyearafterthe“Sexy CanI”singerhadhisdivorce filing dismissed for a third time, Love announced on social media that the couple have gone their separate ways.

“It is with heavy hearts thatwesharethenewsofour decision to divorce. After much reflection, discussion, and counseling, we have come to the difficult realization that our paths havediverged,anditisinthe best interest of both of us to part ways,” she wrote in a statement shared to InstagramonMonday

“Wewanttoreassureyou that this decision was made thoughtfully and with mutual respect and consideration for each other’swell-being.

Whileourrelationshipas spousesmaybecomingtoan end,weremaincommittedto co-parenting our children and maintaining a positive and supportive family dynamic.”

Ray J, 43, and Love, 39, weremarriedinLosAngeles

in August 2016 after four years of dating, and share daughterMelody,5,andson Epik,4.Inthecaptionofher Instagram post, Love added that she was “trusting GOD with the next chapter of our lives.”

Lovefiledfordivorceon Feb. 26 in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE.

Thedivorcefilingmarks the latest step in the pair’s tumultuous relationship, which has played out on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop:

Hollywood.

Ray J and Love first experienced marital turbulence in 2019, when Loveclaimedsheplannedto file for divorce after accusing the singer of leaving her and Melody “stranded”inLasVegas.

By that December, though, they’d reconciled, andRayJtoldPEOPLETV’s Reality Check that he was “sorry for all the things that happened”betweenthem.

“Well, first off, let me say, Princess, I love you baby… We cool now and we’llworkitout,”hesaid.“I

knowyoustillmadatme,but as a couple, you go through things and it just got a little bitoutofhand.

Sometimes it gets out to the public and then everybody has their opinion onit,butwe’regoodthough, asparentsandasfriendsand ashusbandandwife.

We just went through something.”

Though they welcomed sonEpikinDecember2019, Love filed for divorce in May2020,onlytoaskforthe filing to be dismissed two monthslater

Ray J then filed for divorce in September 2020, but agreed to call things off inMarch2021.Helaterfiled again that October, but was officiallygrantedadismissal in March 2023. In January 2023, he offered fans a glimpse at his personal life with Love, explaining in an Instagramvideothathe“had togetmywifebackandstart fresh.” “I love my family!! I’ll fight over and over for lifeformyfamilyandkids!!

-I’llputitallonthelinefor mychildrentobehappyand safeandclosetome24/7!!!” hewrote.

Regardlessofifyouhave straight, wavy, coily, virgin, or damaged hair, taking care of yourself and your hair is often a sacred process Making sure the line could serveeveryonewasessential toBeyoncé.“Myvisionisto be an inclusive force of excellence in the haircare industry while celebrating hair rituals across global cultures and helping dispel h a i r m y t h s a n d misconceptionsonallsides,” says Beyoncé via press releas at the launch of her new hair care line Cecred earlierthismonth.

According to her, her

mom Tina Knowles, their teamdiscoveredthataslong as the products met the strength and moisture needs of textured hair, the shampoos, conditioners, and treatments could help every other hair type and texture. TherestofBeyoncé’sfamily hasgotteninonthefun,too; Neil Farinah, her hairstylist reported that he applied Cécred’shairoilonBlueIvy Carter before she stole the show at the Grammys this year

Butin2024,newsabouta celebrity beauty brand tends to be met with an audible sighandaneyeroll.

Ray J and Princess Love

Singer Beyonce

ENSURING DRIVERS GET VALUE FOR MONEY AT THE PUMPS

Have you ever been to a gas station and wondered who checks that the amount offuelpumpedintovehicles corresponds with the sum

displayed on the petrol pumps? If you did, you are notalone.Manypeoplehave wondered the same. It is the Guyana National Bureau of

Standards (GNBS) that has thisresponsibility In accordance with the 1981 Weights and Measures Act, the GNBS is

responsible for the verificationofallmeasuring instruments used in trade. Amongthelistofmeasuring instruments verified by the GNBS are the Petrol Pumps at gas stations across the countrytoensuredriversget the accurate amounts of fuel or“valueformoney.”

This exercise is conducted twice annually to guarantee consistency The first verification exercise at gas stations is done during the months of January to March while the second verification exercise is conducted during July to September So far for the year, the GNBS has verified a total of nine hundred and seven (907) petrol pumps at gas stations across the country, and by the end of March,theremainingpumps willbeverified.

During the verification process, test measures are used to determine whether these fuel pumps are delivering less or more than the specified amounts or are within the acceptable tolerance.Forpumpsthatare inaccurate, the necessary adjustments are made, and security seals are affixed to theadjustingmechanismsto prevent tampering, which safeguards drivers and other purchasers of fuel. If a subsequent check is conducted by Inspectors of the GNBS and the affixed seals are found to be tampered with or removed, the operators or owners can face prosecution. This is to maintain the integrity of the verificationprocess.

Further,ifforonereason

or another, a verified measuring device is not functioning properly, and cannot be verified immediately, the Inspector would seal the dispensing nuzzle to prevent usage of thatdeviceuntilitsaccuracy canbeverified.

Importantly, the verification process is intended to protect both suppliers and consumers Petrol pumps that deliver accurate fuel to consumers guarantees that the fuel stations are not facing financial loss while consumers are not shortchanged Similarly, fuel terminalsalsoneedtosupply the correct quantities of fuel to petrol stations that are their customers so that they toocanbesatisfied.Assuch, bulk meters and tanker wagons used to move the fuel are also checked by the GNBStomaintainaccuracy

Consumers! You can help the GNBS protect yourself by checking to ensure that you are sold the right quantity of fuel. To do so,simplymultiplytheprice per litre that is displayed by the quantity of fuel in litres dispensed to you. If your answer does not correspond to the total sale indicated on the pump or what you paid, do not hesitate to inform the GNBS.

Further, check fuel pumps for the GNBS approval seals which is a stickerdisplayedonthefront ofthepump.Thepresenceof an approval seal on a fuel pump indicates that the pump was checked for the correspondingperiod.

For further information on this subject, call the GNBS on Telephone number: 219-0065 or 2190069 or visit the Bureau’s website:www.gnbsgy.org.

Ollie is Scared

Ollie doesn't feel like going to school because of some bullies. Luckily his Mom and teacher have a plan...

“I don't want to go to school today, I feel a bit sick…” Ollie told his Mom atbreakfast.

Mom frowned. “Have yougotamathtest?”

“No, of course not ” Olliepushedhiscerealaway “Ijustfeelsick.”

Olliesometimesfeltsick before school Mom wonderedwhy

“If you have a school problem, just tell me about it…” His mother hugged himrealtight.“WhenIwasa little girl, sometimes the other children called me horriblenames.”

Ollie looked up. “Why didtheydothat?”

“Some children can be mean, especially if they don't feel so good about themselves.”Momlookedat Ollie.“Isthatyourproblem, maybe?”

Ollietook a long timeto answer. “Yes, it is. How did youguess?”Atearrandown hischeek.

“Because you often feel sick before school, so, Momsguessthesethings…”

“TheycallmeItsy-Bitsy Ollie,Mini-Me,meanthings like that. Now all the other kidscallmethings,too.Just becauseI'mabitsmall.And thefirsttwonowoftenshove

me about as well… and it hurts.”

Momwasquiet,butthen asked, “Did you tell your teacher?”

“No, of course not; that would make them worse, I knowit…”

“Bullying is wrong, Ollie. Maybe we can talk to yourteachertogether;would thatbeOK?”

Ollie had to think for a long time; he didn't like the ideaatall.

“It will make things worse…” he frowned. But thenhethoughtitwasworth atry

Ollie and his Mom met up with Ollie's teacher after school,withnobodyaround. Ollie's teacher was happy that Ollie told her all about thenastybullying…

“I had an idea that

something was going on…” Ollie's teacher told them. “But the important thing is, Ollie, that you tell a grownup.FirstyourMom,andthen me.”

The next day at school, Ollie'steachertoldtheclass:

“A lot of schools have No Bullying Projects, and with ALL your help, I'd like to startoneinourschool.What do you think? Will all you childrenhelpme?”

Ollie's teacher started their project in Art Class: SpeakUp–StandUp!ALL the children agreed that the rulesweregood:

1.Tellagrownupifyou seebullying.

2.StandUpforothers.

Theydidpaintingsofthe rules,andtheymadebadges.

“It's really quite easy,” allthechildrenagreed.

WORDMATCH

Matchorpairthewordsfromthefollowinglist.

Devicethatdeliversfuelintothecombustionchamber oftheengine

Frictionmaterialsthatclampdownonthebrakerotor tosloworstopthevehicle

Devicethatprovidesthesparknecessarytoignitethe air/fuelmixtureintheengine'scylinders Collectsexhaustgasesfrommultiplecylindersand routesthemintotheexhaustsystem

intolessharmfulsubstances.

Partofthecoolingsystemthathelpstoregulatethe temperatureoftheengine

Acomponentthatchargesthebatteryandpowersthe electricalsystemwhentheengineisrunning Componentthattransmitspowerfromtheengineto thewheels,allowingthevehicletochangegearsand Regulatestheenginetemperaturebycontrollingthe flowofcoolantthroughtheengine

Providestraction,support,andcushioningforthe vehicleanditspassengerswhilerollingontheroad

How to Make a String Puppet Plane By:Anjela

WhatYou'llNeed

Pencil

Cardboard

Longcardboardtube Scissors

Cardstock (several sheets)

Glue

Corrugatedcardboard String

Tape

Needle

WhattoDo

1.Usingcardboardanda pencil,tracearoundoneend ofalongcardboardtube.Cut out the circle and tape it to oneendofthelongtube.

2. Cover the tube and

circle with paper, leaving oneendofthetubeopen.

3. Cut a propeller from cardstock. Glue it to the circle.

4. Cut wings from the corrugated cardboard Decorate them with paper and glue them on the tube. (For a biplane, add another set of wings underneath, with cardstock struts between the top and bottom wings.)

5. Cut two pieces of cardstockforatail.Cutaslot in one, and slide them together,makingaplus-sign shape. Cut slots in the open

Curtis

tubeendforthetailpiecesto slideinto.

6.Forthehandle,tightly roll two sheets of cardstock separately Tiethemtogether withstring,forminganX.

7. Tie long pieces of string to three ends of the handle. Tape them in place. Poketheendsoftwostrings through the wings using a bluntneedle.

Knot the strings beneath the wings. Poke the third string through the airplane bodynearthetail. Knot it inside the tube. Slidethetailpiecesinplace, thentakeoff!

Why go to school?

By Uncle Roy Isometimeswonderwhy Ihavetogotoschool–Youhavetodosomuchwork, Andfollowsomanyrules.

ButthenIlookatpeople, Withnoeducationyoucansee, Theyoftenseemtobesopoor Thattheynevercouldbehappy.

Andthentherearethose, Whoyouknowareeducated–Theymosttimeshavethebestjobs, Andbyallothersarerespected.

SonowIhavemadeupmymind Toworkhardformyeducation; Iknowitsometimescanbetough, ButintheendIwillgainsatisfaction.

Develop your Memory to help you in your Studies Develop your Gifts and Talents

Inyourstudiesduring your regular lessons a n d t o w a r d s examinations,youwilloften have to memorise facts, dates, numbers and formulas, i.e. know them so wellthatyoucanrecallthem quickly and easily use them readilyinyourwork.

Therearemanymethods you can use to develop your memory Somepeoplelearn by talking aloud to themselves. They recite what they are trying to memoriseoverandover,and then get someone to test them afterwards. Another simple way is by studying a lesson, covering it up, and then trying to write it out in yourownwords.

Using flash cards is one system which can be very helpful. If in your history studies you are trying to memorisedatesofanymajor events,thenyouwouldwrite thenameoftheeventonone sideofacard,andthedateon the other side. When you look at the name on the one side, try to remember the date that is written on the other This system can be used for all other subjects, with a different series of cardsforeverysubject–say, forscienceandmathematics, equations and formulas, for English words and their meanings, for a foreign language,phrasesandwords in English and the foreign language equivalent for

these,etc.

You may also use the principle of association in your memory exercises, for example,youcanremember the date of Guyana's Independence as someone's birth-date, or the date of Indian Arrival Day as the number of fingers on one hand.

Because we tend to forgetmostquicklywhatwe have just learnt, it is always helpfultoreviewasubjecta short time after your first

studyperiod. Ahalf-hourof restbetweenstudyperiodsor even overnight is a good timespanbeforeareview Most of all you must havesometrustinthepower ofyourmemory Everything you study can be recalled if you develop a positive attitude that you will remember if you try hard enough.

Try this in your studies and you will succeed in recalling what you have learntbefore.

God fashioned all your parts before you were even born, He wants you as you are, for His purpose you were formed;

He made you in His likeness, unlike beasts and other creatures, He's given you gifts and talents, you are special in your features.

So discover all your talents, work hard, try lots of things, Watch for what you're good at, these are the gifts God brings;

It may be guitar, singing or in art, writing stories, maths, history,Aleader, thinker, organiser, pioneer or inventor in industry

Or is it sport, a ball or bat, God has made you good at? Whatever kind of hat He gave you, fully develop that;

He gave you gifts to honour Him, not to puff up or think you're smart. Nor should you covet someone else's gifts, as this would hurt your heart.

To be your best is how He wants you, this is the way to be fulfilled,You may find that you're different, which is because of your unique skills;

God gave you very special gifts, thank Him for how you are, Ever strive to develop these talents, and you will shine like a star

When you develop the confidence that the effort you make towards developing your qualities will bear fruit, this will help you to bring success in this endeavour.

SUGURU

How to Tell If You Are Fostering

Positive Relationships in Life

1.AssessYourBigFive

MotivationalspeakerJimRohn,oncesaid,

“Youaretheaverageofthefivepeopleyouspendthemost timewith.”

Insteadofreflectingonjustfive,takeitonestepfurtherby reflectingonthefivepeopleyouspendthemosttimewithin differentareasofyourlife–personal,work,andfamily

Agreatstartingpointisseeinghowpresentyouareinthat verymoment.

Forexample,youdecidetograbcoffeewithalong-time friendwhomyoucatchupeverycoupleofmonths.Duringthe conversation,doyoufindyourselfcheckingyourphoneevery fiveminutesorgoingthroughalistofthingsyoucouldbe doinginstead?Ifso,itmaybetimetoseehowmuchvalue you'regettingfromthisparticularrelationship.

Somerelationshipsovergrowoneanotherthroughouttime, andthat'scompletelynormal.Asselfishitmaysound,your timeisjustasvaluable.

2.ListentotheWayYouConversewithOthers

Haveyouevertakenamomenttolistentohowyoucarry conversationswithyourfriends,family,partner,andmost importantly–yourself?Sometimeswegetcaughtupin storytelling,thatwedon'tpaymuchattentiontothelanguage thatwe'reusingorhowwe'reusingit.

*Areyoupresentandattentivewhenyou'rehaving dinnerwithyourfamily?

*Areyouonyourphonewhenyou'rehavingdate nightwithyourpartner?

*Doyouspendyourlunchbreakslisteningto workplacegossip?

Check-inwithhowyoufeelwhentheseconversationsare occurring.Partoffosteringpositiverelationshipsmeans makingsureyoufeelgoodwhenyouhavethembecauseit's theexperiencewefeelonadailybasisthatshapesourdays ahead.

Ifyounoticethatyou'resurroundedbynegativity,try distancingyourselfwiththoseortryshiftingtheconversation towardsadifferentdirection.Ifyou'renoticingyouareon yourphoneduringfamilytime,divealittledeeperandsee whatiscapturingyourattentionandwhy

Sometimestheanswerliesnotonlywhereyouareatthat specificmoment,butwhereyourmindis.

3.ListentoHowYouConversewithYourself

Thereareimportantconversationswehavedaily,butthe mostimportantonesaretheconversationswehavewith ourselves.Itmaysurpriseyouhowwespeaktoourselves comparedtohowwespeaktoothers.Oftentimeswe'reharder, moreunforgiving,andcritical,whichcanaffectthe relationshipswehavewiththosearoundus.

Everyonegoesthroughnegativeself-talk,butitcomes downtohowloudthatvoicebecomes.Therearegreat consequencesthatcomefromnegativeself-talkthatthen createsapoorself-imageofourselves.Thatimagealsoaffects ourrelationships.

HowBalancedisYourLife?

AssesshowbalancedyourlifeiswithourTime/LifeSelfAssessmentandgetacustomizedreportforfree.

Youwillfindoutyourtimemanagementstrengths, uncoverhiddenopportunities,andshapeyourlifeonyour terms.

4.DoWeShareCoreValues?

Theolderweget,itcangethardertomakefriends–good friends,too.Whenwewereyounger,thecommonbonding groundstemmedofffavoritetelevisionshowsandschool sports.Butaswecontinuetodevelopcareers,havefamilies, andexpandourgrowthbothmentallyandphysically,itmaybe hardtokeepupwithourinnercircle,letaloneourselves.

It'snotdistancethatkeepspeopleandrelationshipsapart, butthedifferencesincorevalues.Ashumans,weseekmental companyoverphysicalcompany,andthisbecomesmore prominentwhenwe'reolder

Sharingcorevaluesgobeyondhavingafriendwhoshares thecommonlikingofeatingataparticularrestaurantortaking aspinclassonceaweektogether;it'ssharingthatcorevalue ofwantingtoputfitnessandhealthasapriorityorenjoying thechallengeofcommittingtoanactivity

Keepinmindthatnotallcorevalueshavetooverlap. Havingdifferentvaluesandideasalsofosterpositive relationships.

5.

InvestinFriendshipsThatGrowThroughLife

Ihaveahealthylong-distancefriendshipwithmy roommatefromcollegebecausewemakeitapointto check-inoften.

Whetherit'saquickfiveminutesonFacetimeor sendingeachotherapicturethatremindedusofthat person,checkinginevenduringlife'sbusiestdayshelp bringburstsofenergythroughouttheday–especiallyfor longdistancerelationshipsfromoppositesidesofthe world.

Somuchhaschangedsincecollege,buthavingthat timelessrelationshiphascreatedastrongerbondwithout forcedcatch-upsessionsandguiltyapologizingfornot makingenoughtime.It'samutualunderstandingthattime haschangedandgrowingwithitratherthanresisitingit.

6.

LookintoHowYou'reFeelingatWork

Havinghealthyandpositiverelationshipswithwork colleaguesisalwaysideal,butweallknowthisisn'tthe case.Firstandforemost,askyourselfifyoulikewhatyou aredoing,betteryet,if“you'refeelinggoodat work.”Believeitornot,itallstemsdowntoyouremotions andtheenergyyougiveoffthatwilleitherattractyour coworkerstoyouorpushthemawayfromyou.Wouldyou wanttoinviteNegativeNancytocoffeeandlistentoher complainaboutallhercustomers?Probablynot.

Likeeveryotheraspectinlife,youhavetoenjoy

whereyouarespending40hoursofyourtimeandwith whom.Ifyou'refeelinggoodatwork,you'llfeelmore alignedandintunedwiththosearoundyouthatleadto healthierrelationships.

7.TreataRelationshipLikeaPartnership

Yourpartnerhasprobablyseentheworstandthebest partsofyou–everypartofyouthatmakesyouhuman.In allrelationships,therearehighsandlows.

Therearemomentswhentheromancemayfeelfizzled orbecaughtupinknottedtension,andmomentswhen euphoriatakesoverandthebothofyouareunstoppable.

Apartofhavingapositiverelationshipmeanshaving healthyarguments.

Ifyou'reabletohaveadisagreementwithoutyelling andscreaming,whiletakingtwostepsbacktofigureout theproblemtogether–thenyou'reontherighttrack.

Herearesomethingstokeepinmindduringaheated argument:

FinalThoughts

Thelessonswelearninourpersonalandprofessional livesreflectonhowwecommunicatewithothers.Ithelps usgrow,understand,andassessthevaluethatweare bringingintoallourrelationships,andinreturnaddvalue tothoserelationships.Allittakesisafewmomentsof checking-inwithothersaswellasyourself.

https://www.lifehack.org/816223/positive-relationship

Businessman gifts Bartica new hotel for Mashramani

FByDavinaBagot

orfouryears,thedreamofgiftinga

new hotel to his home town has been constantly recurring but on February 23, businessman, Sean Jacobs finally opened the doors of his new facility, offeringcomfortableandaffordableroomsto visitorsinBartica.

Located at 107 Fourth Avenue, Bartica Exclusive’sInn,wasofficiallycommissioned on Mashramani Day during a simple ceremony Situated within close proximity to the beach, Exclusive’s Inn offers guests an unforgettable stay with breathtaking views, relaxingroomsandfriendlycustomerservice.

Jacobs, a miner who grew up in Bartica toldTheWaterfalls,“Mydreamwastobuilda place that provides comfort and elegance for people to get away and rejuvenate their passion for relaxation. Whenever I conceive an idea, I am relentless in my pursuit. I prudentlyplan,sacrificeandexecutetoseemy projectscompletedinatimelymanner.”

The businessman said he was able to complete construction of the hotel within six months’time.

Exclusive’sInn,hesaid,offersroomsfrom aslowas$12,000pernight.Jacobsexplained Continued on page 72

Businessman, Sean Jacobs (second from left) with his wife, Shiann Jacobs and son cuts the ribbon to open the hotel.Also in the photo is Mayor of Bartica,Anthony Murray (far right).

Two separate fires leave nine homeless in Berbice

Nine persons are homeless following two separate fires in the ancientcountyofBerbice. OnFriday,afiresuspected to be an act of arson destroyed two houses and damaged another at St. John Street, New Amsterdam,Berbice.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the fire started at approximately 02:00h in an abandoned house that vagrants usually occupy and quickly spread to the nearbyhousethefamilyof fouroccupied.

Thefamilywasalerted to the fire and was able to escapeunharmed.

The Guyana Fire Service revealed that the fire was suspected to be t h a t o f a r s o n Investigations into the matterareongoing.

Meanwhile, fire of unknownorigindestroyed a Canefield Settlement, EastCanje,Berbicehouse leaving five persons homeless.

The Guyana Fire S e r v i c e i s a l s o investigatingthatfire.

Wildfires in Region 9 killing, chasing wildlife from habitat

AnupsurgeinwildfiresinRegionNineis affectingtheregion’swildlife,residentshave reportedtoKaieteurNews

AliciaSalvador,aresidentofMocoMoco Village, Region Nine said the sight of wildfiresisscary

“It’s so sad to see our mountains on fire causing some of our wildlife to flee their homes, some die and others are wounded,” shesaidwhilecautioningherfellowvillagers to try their best not to contribute to the ongoingfires.

“My people, please let us be cautious of how we are burning fires in this time of season.Itcausesdamagemorethanweknow Yes,weclearourfarmsbyburning,whichwe know as a traditional method done. But please let us monitor how we are burning,” shepleaded.

Salvadornotedthataspidermonkeyhad enteredherhomelookingforsafetyfromthe fires.

Fire at the Canefield Settlement, East Canje, Berbice house

“What about all the other wildlife. They all need a comfortable home just as we do. The damage a fire can cause will never be repairedtohowitwas,”shecontinued.

The passionate woman urged fellow villagers to monitor how they are burning their farmlands and savannahs. “It aches to see the damage we are causing to our home. Wedependonit,anditdependsonus”.

OnFebruary27, Kaieteur News reported that fueled by dry and windy conditions, wildfires are destroying farmlands in Nappi Village,CentralRupununi,RegionNine.

TheGuyanaFireService(GFS)saidthat it is continuing to monitor the situation. According to reports, the wildfires ravaged thesavannahsandfarmlandsinthearea. Residents were urged to avoid setting fires in the open savannah and farmlands withoutmonitoringthemasthesecanquickly spiral out of control during the current dry spells,puttingresidentsandwildlifeatrisk.

Fire in the mountains at Moco Moco Village, Region Nine

Wildfires ravaging the grasslands of Region Nine

By Shervin Belgrave

Entertainment

ALatin Artiste passionate about representing Guyana on world stage

Venezuelan born female artiste, Issibaby, draped herself in Guyana flaglastweekduringavideo shoot with an international star,JimenaAraya.

The video was filmed in Guyana at Durban Park along Homestretch Avenue and because of the star's influence globally, the video will p r e m i e r e o n t h e internationalstage.

Issibaby is a member of The Bad Family Music and one would believe that she would have used the opportunitytoshowcase a V chose flag s i th her a G c s

Waterfalls in a previous interview that she began pursuing her dreams at the age of 18 by writing songs and recording them, but migratingtoGuyanawasthe launchingpadforhercareer She was 23-years-old when she arrived in the country and within a

Localproducer,artistescollaborate...

mas cosas (They really have an incredible vibe, I lovedworkingwiththem,I hope we can do more things)”, the Venezuela Actressandartistesaid.

Frompage41 Georgetown where she hosted a number of shows with Carol productions, - a promoterinGuyanaanddid not turn down an opportunity to work with Richie Rich and The Bad FamilyMusic. With limited time before returning home to prepare for another tour, Jimena Araya along with TheBadFamilyMusicand Richie Rich managed to pull-off an Afro-house productionin48hours.

The production included a music video filmed at Durban Park, along HomestretchAvenue and an Afro-house beat/music featuring JimenaAraya andThe Bad FamilyMusic.

A t e n d o f t h e production, Jimena Araya said that she is grateful to collaborate with a talented Producer like Richie Rich andhisteam.

“De verdad tienen una vibraincreible,meencanto trabajar con ellos, Yo espero q podamos hacer

She described Richie Rich and The Bad Family Music as humble individuals who work very hard to produce quality entertainment content Araya said that she is willing to collaborate and work with them again and even assist the local producer and his group in whateverwayshecan.

Richie in response said that he too is very grateful fortheopportunitytowork with a renowned and international artiste like JimenaAraya.

He noted that he is very pleased that artistes of Jimena Araya caliber, are able to recognize that there is talent in Guyana a n d a r e w i l l i n g collaborate, not only to introduce local artistes on the international stage but to put the country on the entertainmentmap

Issibaby draped with The Guyana Flag during the video shoot with Venezuelan Star JimenaAraya.

Aphoto moment with JimenaAraya and her producer, Richie Rich.

Dr. Asha Kissoon refusing to give up parliamentary seat - ANUG

A New and United Guyana

(ANUG) on Saturday accused Dr Asha Kissoon of the New Liberty Movement (TNM) of refusing to give up her parliamentary seat as agreed to in a Memorandum of Understanding among ANUG, TNM and The Liberty and Justice Party(LJP)onMarch2,2020.

In a statement issued to the media,ANUGsaidthatDr Kissoon shouldhaverelinquishedherseatin Parliament on behalf of her party since November 2023 in keeping withtheMoUshesigned.

“Dr Asha Kissoon duly assumed the seat in Parliament on behalf of TNM. If she intended to honour the commitment made by her in the Memorandum of

Understanding,Dr Kissoonshould have resigned that seat in November2023.”

ANUG reminded that the three parties agreed to merge the votes earned by them which was sufficient to take a seat in Parliamentandtoshareoccupation ofthesaidseatinproportiontothe votestheyeachsecured.

“The result of the election was that LJP and ANUG, each with more than 2200 votes, would occupy the single seat won by the mergerforthemajorityofthetime, while TNM, with 244 votes, was entitled to occupy the seat for 91 days,”thestatementsaid.

When contacted on Saturday, Dr Kissoon, who also serves as

Deputy Speaker, told Kaieteur News that she has no comment to offer “I have no official comment my dear,” she told the Kaieteur Newsreporter

Meanwhile,ANUGsaidthatthe Constitution of Guyana provides for the removal of a Member of Parliament only by resignation or by the persons removal by the representativeofhisparty'slist,“it was clearly understood that the Memorandum of Understanding was based on trust and integrity, since it would not be enforced in Court.”

“The three parties would have to trust each other,” the statement said while reminding that after the 2020 General and Regional

Elections, Lennox Shuman of the LJPoccupiedthesinglemergerseat for two and a half years before resigning.

“Because TNM was allocated only a few months by virtue of the Memorandum of Understanding, andwasatriskofbeingkeptoutof Parliament altogether, in the event that an early election was called in 2025, ANUG offered to permit TNM to take the seat for their allotted period immediately when Mr Schumandemitted.”

ANUGsaidthatDr.Kissoonhas occupiedtheparliamentaryseatfor more than twice of her permitted allocation under the signed agreement.

Describing her as an imposter,

ANUGsaidD.Kissoonhas“sofar refused to relinquish her seat… againstthewilloftheelectorateasa resultofherbreachoftrust,andhas notcommittedinwritingtoANUG toanytimelinewhatsoevertodemit office.

Her single verbal and informal promise to vacate office on 29th February 2024, three months late, has now apparently also been breachedbyDr Kissoon.”

ANUGcalledonDr Kissoonto “do the right thing” while noting that the situation is regrettable and undermines the confidence of the Guyanesepeopleinthirdparties.

“ANUG reaffirms its commitment to integrity and transparency,”thestatementsaid.

Victim of armed robbery at Chinese restaurant has sleepless nights, unable to eat

hours on Hadfield Street and LousiaRow,Georgetown.

and is having troubleeatingandsleeping.

“I'mverytraumatizedandI haven't eaten or slept since,” the overseas based Guyanese toldKaieteurNews

Peters explained that she was at the restaurant waiting for her order to be completed between 14:00h and 14:15

The suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Matthew Sylvain, police said noting that the man was captured on Closed Circuit Television(CCTV)footage.

CCTVfootageseenbythis publication showed that at the timeoftherobbery,theChinese restaurant consisted of six individuals,twomalesandfour females.Sylvainisobserved (Continunedonpage72)

…says will not return to Guyana in the near future

Shelly Ann Peters, the womanwhoisthevictimofan armed robbery which occurred at a Chinese restaurant on Tuesday said she is very traumatized

The gold chain that was stolen from the woman

Matthew Sylvian (Red jersey) whilst robbing victims at the Chinese restaurant

Frompage18 with.” Telling the teachers theyneedtounderstandtheir value, Lall explained “when you do not understand your worthasaGuyanesecitizen, you are not just failing yourself but also your children and future generations.

Thisisourproblemwhen we don’t understand our value, when we don’t understand what we’re worth as a citizen of this countrylivinginthiscountry with this type of wealth, we arefailingourselves.

We are failing our childrenwearefailingfuture generations.”Lallsaid: “As I hear the teachers talking about a livable wage, my blood is boiling my soul is bleeding.

When I hear teachers bawling out, protesting 15 days now for a livable wage inacountrythatissoblessed with resources (It is) unbelievable.

I heard the teacher talking about God please bless our leaders with knowledge and wisdom. I also want to add that may God bless you teachers with knowledge and wisdom too.”

“Thisiswhatyoupeople asteachersaseducatorsneed to understand first and foremost you need to understand the wealth you haveinthisland.

My heart burns when I watchyoupeoplestruggling and begging, when I watch the headlines of the newspapers daily, I feel like cry…you have to use this wisdomgointothechurches, the mandirs and the masjids youneedtobegGodtogive you the wisdom and knowledge to understand to stand up and speak up for whatyouown,”headded.

Thecrowdyesterdayhad tripled in number in comparisontolastThursday.

Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte has said that teachers across Guyanawillremainresolute intheirstruggleforalivable wage.

Lytenotedthat“overthe lastthreeweeksourfaithhas beentested.

Iwanttocommendthose persons who have stood s o l i d l y w i t h t h e union…therearesome,who becameafraidbecauseofthe threats made by the government and returned to theclassroom.”

The GTU President noted nonetheless that the union will continue its efforts to get the Government to engage with

themontheissueofpayhike forteachers.

“You who stood with us and those who continue to stand with us I commend you…” he said, adding that the recent court ruling has given teachers a glimmer of hopethattheireffortsarenot vain.

“So this week, we will expect some more support because we must not allow this administration or any government to intimidate us,”hestated.

SimonaBroomessues ‘GuyaneseCritic’for $450Moverlibel, defamation

Former Government Minister under the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC)

Simona Broomes has filed a $450 Million libel and defamation lawsuit against social media personality, Mikhail Rodrigues popularly known as the “GuyaneseCritic”.

Broomes is suing Rodrigues over several libelous statements he made

against her on his morning programme, ‘They Break News’.

Shehasaskedthecourtto award her $450 Million in damages.

InCourtdocumentsseen by this newspaper, the former Minister lists 14 times that the social media commentator made statements defaming her on his January 24, 2024 programme.

In the document drafted by attorney Dexter Todd, Broomes noted that Rodrigues accused her of engaging in revolting activities — from claiming that she operated a ‘whore house’, to allegations that she was involved in ‘human trafficking,’ with the intent ofdamaginghercharacter Rodrigues also claimed that Broomes who once occupied the portfolios of Minister of Natural Resources and Minister of Human Services received a US$225,000 scholarship from Government and was involvedinscamsinshutting down various mining operations in the interior regiontoherownbenefitand

rights activist who is highly respected nationally and internationally as a leader, businesswomanandminer Broomes was awarded bytheU.S.StateDepartment in 2013 as an International Hero in the fight against human trafficking in Guyana.

Atallmaterialtimes,she noted Rodrigues falsely and maliciously published boldly and sensationally untrue allegations and statements about her on his widely viewed Facebook programme ‘They Break News.’

Wednesday

Exxon,Chevroninfight overGuyana’soil …Chevronsayspurchase ofHessGlobalisbecause ofbigpaydayfrom StabroekBlock

United States (U.S.) Oil majors Chevron and ExxonMobil Corp. are at loggerheads over Chevron’s acquisitionofa30%stakein the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana – the centrepiece of its deal for Hess Corporation, Reuters reported.

stake, which forms a crucial component of its deal with Hess.

The disagreement centersonExxon’sassertion of a right to first refusal regarding any sale of the Stabroek block, a vast oil fieldoffthecoastofGuyana estimated to contain at least 11billionbarrelsofoil.

Chevron, in a securities filing, cautioned that the dispute could jeopardize its US$53billiondealforHess. Shouldthedealcollapse, Hess might face a breakup fee of US$1 7 billion.Hesssharesfellmore than 3% in late trading. Chevron fell almost 1% –Reutersreported.

Exxonsaidinastatement thatitwantstoensureitwill “preserveourrighttorealize the significant value we’ve createdandareentitledtoin the Guyana asset,” adding it is “working closely with the Guyanese government to ensure their rights and privileges.”

sheincitedpublicterror

The lawsuit details that on his January 24, 2024 programme which was broadcast on Facebook, Rodriguesmadethelibelous statementsagainstBroomes.

Aspartofthelawsuit,the claimant [Broomes] is seeking an injunction that would restrain Rodrigues, his servants and or his agents, from further publishing or causing to be publish, any statement by him that would convey the impression that she was involved.

She is also seeking an order to have Rodrigues remove the offending programme from all social media platforms, to retract his statements and issue an apologytoher

The lawsuit covers severalpartsofthebroadcast that was done by Rodrigues and the many statements he made at various points in relationtoBroomes.

Inhergroundstosupport the claim Broomes noted that she was a politician, MemberofParliamentunder t h e A P N U + A F C Government, and a human

Chevron’sUS$53billion acquisition of Hess gives it access to Hess’ stake in the Stabroek Block and positions the oil major to profit from Guyana’s emergence as an oil powerhouse,boastingoneof the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Exxon operates all productioninGuyanawitha 45%stakeintheconsortium with Hess and China’s CNOOC as its minority partners Last October, Chevron proposed to buy Hess largely to obtain the Guyanastake.

ExxonMobil stated on Monday its intention to potentially pre-empt Chevron’s acquisition of the

Dan Pickering, Chief Investment Officer at Pickering Energy Partners, told Reuters, “You have to assumethatChevronmadea businessdecisionthatExxon wouldn’t try to pre-empt.” The two companies are partners in projects elsewhere and the dispute signals how valuable the Guyana projects are to Exxon,hesaid.

“It obviously means that 30% of Guyana is really valuable and maybe they thinkthatChevronisgetting in too cheaply, Pickering said, adding “Right now, it feelslikeafoodfight.”

Moreover, Chevron said it believes the talks “will resultinanoutcomethatwill notdelay,impedeorprevent the consummation of the merger.” However, it also said the dispute could wind upinarbitrationifthetwo

(Continuedonpage67)

GTU President, Mark Lyte

Publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall on the protest line

Frompage66 sides cannot reach a settlement.

“Therightoffirstrefusal provisionisnotapplicableto the merger We are fully committedtothetransaction anddonotbelievetheROFR or these discussions will prevent its successful completion,” Chevron and Hesssaid.

Notably, Reuters reported also that a disruption of the deal terms wouldbeamajorblowtothe U S second largest oil producer, which has been trying to expand production into lower cost fields in the Americas.

Chevronwant-in

T h e E x x o n - l e d consortium anticipates a substantial increase in Guyana’s oil output to over 1.2millionbarrelsperdayby 2027.

In a press release on October 23, 2023, Chevron stated that the acquisition of Hess upgrades and diversifies the company’s already advantaged portfolio, adding that the StabroekblockinGuyanais an extraordinary asset with industry leading cash margins and low carbon intensity that is expected to deliver production growth intothenextdecade.

The company listed Guyana – stating that Hess 30%ownershipinmorethan 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent discovered recoverable resource with highcashmarginsperbarrel, strong production growth outlook and potential exploration upside – as one ofthetransactionsbenefits.

Exxon’sstoryof successGuyana

Last year, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, told the Financial Times, “It is a jewel in ExxonMobil’s crown It’s a significant resource. It fits very well withtheexecutioncapability ofExxonMobil.”

When asked for his thoughts on Chevron’s takeover of Hess, Routledge emphasized,“Clearlywhat’s attractive to Chevron is that ExxonMobilisoperatingata very high level… From first discoveryin2015tofirstoil in 2019. I mean, [it’s] just unheard of really to develop a new resource in a brand new basin with no existing infrastructure in that short a timeframe.”

A l s o l a s t y e a r, ExxonMobil Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods, during a discussion held in

Houston, Texas, boasted about “the story of success” Guyana. Woods was also proud to highlight the company’s rapid pace of developmentinthecountry

Speaking about Exxon success in Guyana, Woods sharedthatthecompanywas able to move from first discovery to first oil within five years, beating industry record.“Webroughtthatlike from discovery to first production in five years which is, if not industry record is pretty close to it. When you think about what typically the timeframe (is), (it) typically (takes) the industry about 10 years,” Exxon’sCEOsaid.

He continued: “If you then look at what we have delivered since that timeframe, we are bringing in those ships [Floating production storage and offloading vessels] and that production ahead of schedule, we’ve beaten schedule for the two ships [Liza Destiny and Liza Unity]thatwe’vegotandthe third one [Prosperity] that we are working on, that is expecttobeatschedule.”

Woods bragged about ExxonMobil Guyana being able to run production, “at a higher level than we have anticipated when we made those investments and stayingfocused,”addingthat the company is also focused on, “helping reducing emissions.”

Sweet-Deal

Guyana signed onto a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the oil major, which has been heavily criticised for being lopsided and benefiting the oil company more than the country.

The 2016 deal gives Guyana an industry-low 2% royalty Presently, Guyana shares revenue with ExxonMobil after the companydeducts75percent

towards the cost incurred to develop the resources in the Stabroek Block.

This arrangement, with thelackofring-fencing,sees Guyana paying for projects that are yet to commence production activities. Each month bills from future producing developments are added to the list of expenses to be cost recovered by Exxon. After the 75 percent is deducted to pay back the oil company, Guyana then shares 50/50 of the 25 percent remaining with Exxon as profits This amounts to 12.5 percent of profitsfromtheoperations.

Also, under the signed deal, Guyana has agreed to, under the taxation provisions, to pay ExxonMobil’s share of Corporation and Income Tax.Assuchitwouldmean, that Guyana foregoes each year, billions of US dollars. O n t o p o f t h i s , documentation to this effect is then provided to the US based company allowing it to not have to pay any taxes in its home country for its earningsoverseas.

Farmeradmitsto burningbodyofman foundonhiselectricfence

A59-year-oldfarmerhas confessed to burning the body of a man he had found dead on his electric fence at La Grange, West Bank Demerara(WBD).

The dead man who has been identified as 22-yearold Shaquille Jones called ‘Botha’of Bagotville,WBD has been missing for three months.

“I come home ah afternoon from wuk and see one a dem hook up on the fence like he get electrocute,” the farmer told police while relating that he erected the electric fence at his farm to keep thieves out

cutlassandtheyrantoanext farm fenced with mesh to escape.

They jumped over the meshed fence and while the two of them made it over safely, Jones was left stuck and reportedly screamed, “Ahh!!”.

That was when they reportedly realized that Joneswasbeing“shockedby some sort of electricity on thefence.”

The boy claimed that they tried to remove him with a wood but were unsuccessful in their attempts and Jones was electrocuted.

fromstealinghisfruits.

“I tek he off and I recognizeisBotha.Idraghe pon de next land and I use some tire fuh burn he, I tell youdetruthIdidn’tkillthis man he done dead,” the farmer reportedly told police.

It was a secret he has been keeping since November last year and it might have remained that

Instead of leaving the area, the two of them hid behind a mango tree and spenttheentirenightthere.

The following morning, they saw the owner of that farm picking some fruits. It waswhilepickingthefruits, that the farmer stumbled on Jones’body

The teen alleged that the farmer left and returned shortly thereafter with a sheet.

They saw him wrap

way, if Jones’ two friends hadnotseenhim[thefarmer] dragging his [Jones] body while they were hiding behindamangotree.

Jones’ friends were keepinghisdeathasecrettoo but one of them, a sixteenyear-old boy, decided that it was time for police to know the truth behind Jones’ disappearance.

OnSunday,theteenwent to the La Grange Police Station and told ranks there that Jones was electrocuted while they were running away from another farmer whocaughtthemstealinghis citrusfruits.

The child said that they had gone to that farmer’s farm located in Cone Street, LaGrange,WBDtostealbut ended up bumping into him. Thatmanchasedthemwitha

farmer demolished the electricfenceandreplacedit withabarbedwireone.

It did not take the ranks long to find the skeletal remains among a fire heap. They also saw pieces of burntclothingandtireswith the remains on the man’s farm.

The farmer was arrested and remains in custody as investigationscontinue.

Thursday

Chevroneyeinghigher returnsforshareholders from“world-class”assets inGuyana

United States oil major, Chevron Corporation is eyeing higher returns for its shareholders from the “world-class” assets in Guyana, through its deal to acquireHessCorporation.

Hess Corporation through its subsidiary, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 percent interest in Guyana’s lucrative Stabroek Block,whereover11billion barrels of oil has been discoveredsince2015.

On October 23, 2023

Chevron announced that it entered into a definitive agreement with Hess Corporationtoacquireallof the outstanding shares of Hess in an all-stock transaction valued at $53 billion, or $171 per share based on Chevron’s closing price on October 20, 2023.

Under the terms of the a g r e e m e n t , H e s s shareholders will receive 1.0250sharesofChevronfor each Hess share. The total enterprise value, including debt,ofthetransactionis$60 billion.

Jones’body inside and drag itaway

He recalled that they waited a bit longer to see if the farmer would return before emerging from their hidingplace.

He said that while leaving the area he was threatenedbyhisfriend,who is older and who was with him, not tell anyone about what they saw because he wouldkillhim.

After listening to the boy’s story, police went to the farm with him and upon arrival found the farmer there After stating the reasonfortheirvisit,theteen was asked to take the police to the area where Jones was electrocuted.

It was observed that the fence was altered. Kaieteur News understands that the

In a statement, Chevron said the acquisition of Hess upgrades and diversifies Chevron’s already advantagedportfolio.Theoil company noted, “The StabroekblockinGuyanais an extraordinary asset with industry leading cash margins and low carbon intensity that is expected to deliver production growth intothenextdecade.”

To this end, it signaled, “The combined company is expectedtogrowproduction andfreecashflowfasterand for longer than Chevron’s currentfive-yearguidance.”

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chevron, Mike Wirth said the company is now positioned to strengthen its long-term performance and further enhance its “advantaged portfolio by (Continuedonpage68)

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chevron, Mike Wirth

Mikhail Rodrigues known as the “Guyanese Critic” and Former Government Minister, Simona Broomes

Frompage67

addingworld-classassets.”

Meanwhile, Chevron’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Pierre Breber highlighted that the addition ofHessisexpectedtofurther extend the company’s free cash flow growth. “With greater confidence in projected long-term cash generation, Chevron intends to return more cash to shareholders with higher dividend per share growth

the operator of the Stabroek Blockwitha45%stake.

The two American c o m p a n i e s a r e a t loggerheads over the Hess deal which may head to arbitration.

ExxonMobil stated on Monday its intention to potentially pre-empt Chevron’s acquisition of the stake, which forms a crucial component of its deal with Hess. The disagreement centersonExxon’sassertion

privileges.”

Meanwhile, Hess and Chevron said, “The right of first refusal provision is not applicabletothemerger We are fully committed to the transaction and do not believe the ROFR or these discussions will prevent its successfulcompletion.”

Chevron has since indicated that the dispute could wind up in arbitration ifthetwosidescannotreach asettlement.

Monday said that, “. They n e e d t o m a k e u s comfortable; we too have families, how can I worry aboutotherpeople’schildren and mine are in shambles? I don’tknowhowtofullytake care of mine because of the meagre salary I am receiving. I have to stress thatthishastodoformyself, my family, my kids, and by extension the kids under my control.”

The educator explained,

what the higher ups are enjoying.“Thelittlepittance that we get from the governmentthattheythinkis so mammoth, is nothing in comparisontowhattheyare enjoying. They are enjoying the good life but we as teachers are not.”Anumber of other teachers shared the same sentiments. Sir Abiva Cort, the Head of Department for Social Studies at President’s College explained to this

“The Caribbean and the world at large clamor for teachers of Guyana they reach out and try to get measures to get the teachers from Guyana to go further afield to deliver the curriculum so teachers have beenworkingovertheyears and over the months so the students are not at a disadvantage,”Cortadded.

Another educator who has been in the system for decades, Sir Marcelle

a n d h i g h e r s h a r e repurchases, ” Breber remarked.

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. The company, headquartered in the United States, produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation f u e l s , l u b r i c a n t s , petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry

Whiletheoilcompanyis optimistic about the Hess deal, it must now iron out differences with its major competitor, ExxonMobil,

of a right to first refusal regarding any sale of the Stabroekblock.

Kaieteur News reported yesterday that Chevron, in a securities filing, cautioned that the dispute could jeopardize its US$53 billion deal for Hess. Should the deal collapse, Hess might faceabreakupfeeofUS$1.7 billion.

Exxonsaidinastatement thatitwantstoensureitwill “preserveourrighttorealize the significant value we’ve createdandareentitledtoin the Guyana asset,” adding it is “working closely with the Guyanese government to ensure their rights and

‘HowcanIworryabout otherpeople’schildren andminearein shambles?–striking teacherstellsGovt. Day17ofstriking Teachers…

On Wednesday at the Ministry of Education on Brickdam striking teachers cried out that, it is almost impossibleforthemtoworry about other people’s children, when the pittance the government is giving them as a salary, can barely coverexpensesfortheirown families.

Sir Randy Mingo on

thatasateachertheyarethe second parents to the students,andonadailybasis they are approached by children under their care who have a vast number of challenges or needs. “We as teachers are second parents for these children, and so most of our kids or a lot of our kids come to us with various needs- some physical that we have to attendtoandweliterallyuse ourmoniestohelpoutthese children.”

Mingo noted that the pittancethatteachersreceive as a salary, which the government thinks is mammoth ,is just a speck to

publication that the one month absence away from schoolwon’thaveanymajor impactonstudentespecially thosewhoarepreparingtosit the upcoming CXC and CommonEntranceExams. He said, “I don’t think it wouldhaveanyeffectonthe studentsbecauseyoucannot measure this one month periodthatthestudentsorthe teachers would have exited the classrooms to say that it would put pressure on the education system. (Simply) because our teachers, the teachers of Guyana are known to be teachers that work. We are about the best teachers in the Caribbean.”

Leonard told Kaieteur News that, “Well the government hastomeetatthebargaining tablefordiscussionforbetter salariesforteachers.

The teachers over the years have been going throughtremendousstressin terms of weak salary and in these circumstances, I think thegovernmenthastheright to meet with the union to discussbetterwageswiththe teachers and I feel the teacherswillhavetocarryon the struggle until the government comes to the bargainingtable.”

As the crowd built up, parentsandstudentsalso (Continuedonpage69)

Frompage68 joined the teachers showing their full support. Roxanne (only name given) who is also a teacher noted that, “Thegovernmentshouldjust pay the teachers so that the strike could end. They need tobereasonableandpaythe teachers what they are askingfor,evenifitisnotthe amount they are asking for Give teachers a reasonable percentage that will satisfy them because it is unfair what teachers are getting in thiscountry.”

Another parent, Faye LaRose said that, “They can pay the teachers they just don’tcare,butwearehoping that Jagdeo will come to his senses take shame out of his face,hisheartwillsoftenand he will give the teachers whattheydeserve.Thecane cutterswentouttheotherday and he done pay them what happen with the teachers. This man don’t care a damn aboutus.”

As the strike continued across Guyana, teachers in RegionTwowerealsointhe streetsprotestingforabetter salary InalivestreamonSir Martin Samaroo’s page, FormerTeacherandLecturer attheCyrilPotterCollegeof Education, Alex Kelley Georgeduringhisaddressto theteacherssaidthat,“Ihave beenateacherfor38years,I retired2018soIknowofall the fights.” Giving a little history he told them, that it wasn’t always Guyana Teacher’s Union. A while back it was the Guyana Teacher’s Association. The nationalising of schools is what sparked the changing ofnametoaunion.

“The President could have never been the President if there wasn’t a teacher The funny thing is that the President’s father and mother were teachers. I worked with the father at CorneliaIdaPrimarySchool from 1980-1984 and he was a GTA representative,” he disclosed.Inlightofthisthe veteran feels that the President should have some understanding of the teacher’s plight and what they go through on a daily b a s i s E d u c a t i o n International (EI)– the global union federation which represents 32.5 million teachers and education workers in 178 countrieshasindicatedthatit will be raising the complaints of Guyanese teachers with the UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) disclosed on

Tuesday President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mark Lyte during a Facebook live recorded on theUnion’spagesaidthatthe international organisation has written a letter which is yettobesenttotheMinister of Education. Lyte said that EI had initially dispatched a letter to Education Minister, Priya Manickchand on February 16, 2024 expressing its concerns about the teachers’ challenges Thus far, the organisationhasreceivedno acknowledgement from the government and has e x p r e s s e d i t s “disappointment and concern”. The GTU leader disclosed that in the second letter,thatistobesenttothe Minister,theEIsaidithasno choicebuttotaketheissueto theILOiftheGovernmentof Guyana continues to ignore calls for negotiations for better pay through the collective bargaining process.

Friday

Jagdeochallenges

Norton’soilandgas teamtodraftplan forrenegotiation

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo onThursday challenged Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton and his ‘secret’ oil and gas advisorstodrafta“sensible” renegotiation plan for the lopsided Stabroek Block oil contract.

Inresponsetoaquestion posedbyKaieteurNews,the Vice President said that Norton’srefusaltorevealthe identity of his oil and gas committee is “nonsense” Nortoninapressconference, held earlier Thursday, refused to name his oil and gasadvisors.

Jagdeo labeled oil and gas issues as “serious developmental matters” and

said“It’sutternonsenseyou have to compete with your ideas, you have to compete with people, not on racism allthetime.”

Kaieteur News later askedtheVicePresidentifhe willsupportNorton’soiland gas advisors if they devise a strategy to renegotiate the StabroekBlockdeal.

Jagdeo responded, “Let himcomewithastrategyand then I will speak about it” while noting that such a strategy would receive his support if the plan is sensible. “If it is a clownish strategy don’t expect me to supportit,ifit’ssensibleand it takes all the variables into consideration ” Jagdeo said his support would be forthcoming before listing variables Norton and his team must consider should they decide to take up the challengeanddrafttheplan.

The first variable is that “Net Zero” can be a “constraining factor” for the futureofoilandgas.

Net zero refers to the balancebetweentheamount of greenhouse gas (GHG) that’s produced and the

amountthat’sremovedfrom theatmosphere.

AccordingtoJagdeo,Net Zero is a global reality “ Every country speaks aboutit,everycountryinthe world speaks about it, Saudi Arabia speaks about it UAE Qatar and we in Guyana behave as though that doesn’t exist, that variable, which is a constraining factorforthefuture”theVice President told Kaieteur News.Thegovernmentisof the view that with the world moving away from fossil fuels to net zero carbon or green-house gas emissions, the demand for oil will significantlydecline.

As a result, its current policy allows ExxonMobil to operate with a contract that favours it and to pump Guyana’s oil at an accelerated pace since it believes that demand for oil willdeclineinthefuture.

Many experts in the sector believe that this will not happen and the demand foroilwillcontinue.

At the recently concluded, Guyana Energy Conference and Supply

Chain Expo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Nigerian oil and gas company, Adewale Tinubu agreed that fossil fuels will still be needed even as the world seeks to transition to cleanerenergy

Jagdeo’ssecondvariable is a decline in funding for fossil fuels related investmentsglobally

“In fact some countries are banning investments in fossil fuels or banks for financing those. So you are competing for scarce funds now That is the second point,”Jagdeosaid.

He continued: “Norton’s team will have to consider whether a renegotiation will killthemomentumforfuture oil and gas development in Guyana leaving it stranded with resources that it cannot develop.”

“I just give you an example of Suriname,” Jagdeosaidwhileadding,“If those three variables are lookedatinconjunctionwith what will bring more to our countrythenthatwouldbea greatStrategy”.

He noted that his government has already examinedallofthevariables he listed and has a keener understandingofthem.

Both the Vice President and President Mohamed Irfaan Ali have repeatedly said the oil contract will not be renegotiated because of the principle of sanctity of contract and the possibility of losing investment in Guyana.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e Opposition Leader has been evading the renegotiation of the contract but says he wants more from the lopsided Stabroek Block deal.

Kaieteur News Reported

on February 23, 2024 that Norton said he believes the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil can be amended for Guyana to benefit more, however he is unwilling to engage in a “renegotiation”ofthedeal.

Nortonsaid,“Ihavesaid from the inception that we believe the law the contract provides for us to engage Exxontogetabetterdealfor the Guyanese people. We havenoproblemwiththat.I have also said that no one willchooseourlanguage;we are not compelled to say renegotiate It has connotations way past its appearance and so I want to make it very clear, no one is goingtochoosethelanguage weuseonthisquestion.”

TeamMohamedclaims ‘Critic’collected$5Mto settlewithfamilyofdead craneoperatorbutonly gavethem$460,000

–Criticsaysnottrue

Socialmediapersonality, Mikhail Rodrigues popularly known as “the Guyanese Critic” on Thursday denied claims that hecollected$5MfromTeam Mohamed to settle with the family of the dead crane operator but only gave them $460,000.

Thedeadcraneoperator, 44-year-old Shon Anthony Joseph, of Number 76 Village, Corentyne, Berbice Region Six was employed with Tepui Group Construction, a company that‘Critic’isapartofwhen he died in a workplace accident.

Joseph was killed in October,2023afterthecrane hewasoperatingtoppledand

(Continuedonpage70)

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader,Aubrey Norton

Nazar Mohamed and his SonAzruddin Mohamed with Joseph’s relatives on Thursday

Frompage69

crushed him at the company’s worksite at Parker Street, Providence, EastBankDemerara(EBD).

In response to Team Mohamed’s allegations, ‘Critic’ said, “Mohamed can’tgivememoneyfuhme contract fuh settle anything withanybody”.

He claimed that since Joseph’sdeathhehasbeenin contact with his wife and does not know or has never met with any of the family members that told Team Mohamedheonlygavethem $460,000.

“Me ain’t know any of them people that gone deh today,”heclaimed.

‘Critic’ did not disclose the amount of money he gave to Joseph’s wife but said that he took care of the funeral expenses and paid theman’slastsalary

He noted that the workplace death is still under investigation by the Ministry of Labour and cannot be settled until it is over

According to Team Mohamed, ‘Critic’ had collected $5M dollars to ‘settle’withthefamily

In a statement on its Facebook Page, Team Mohamed said, “During the encounter with the family, Mr. Mohamed learned that all Critic did for the family was to extend his sympathy, gave them a mere $460,000 andattendedthefuneral”

Te a m M o h a m e d continued, “Mr Nazar Mohamed was shocked whenheheardthisnewsand felt compelled to intervene” before adding “It is worthy to note that on October 7, 2023 ‘Critic’ visited his officeatLombardStreetand collected $5 million under thepretextof“settling”with thefamilyofMr.Josephbut thisneverhappened.”

The Senior Mohamed reportedly said, “This is unbelievable, I cannot understand that human beings could be so cruel, lookatthisfamily,theirmain breadwinnerisgone,lookat these children, who will nurture and take care of them,myGod”.

Saturday

Jagdeodeceivingnation with52%profitsfrom Exxon–VincentAdams

The nation is being deceived through billboards planted countrywide by US oil major, ExxonMobil, purporting that Guyana is receiving 52% profits from

the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement(PSA).

This is according to former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams.

During an Alliance For Change (AFC) press conference on Friday, the Petroleum Engineer explainedthatcontrarytothe explanation provided by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, in defense of Exxon’s misleading billboards, Guyana will never benefit from 52% of the monthly revenues, even after the oil company’s investments have been recovered.

The chief policymaker for the petroleum sector duringhisFebruary22,2024 media engagement told reporters that Guyana will

conference of February 22, 2024, and thought our ears must be failing us with the disbelief of what was being spoutedbythisself-anointed oil guru from whom the peopleareexpectingtruthful information about our god givenpatrimony.”

The former EPA boss contends that there have been several letters penned by learned professionals explaining Exxon’s billboardhoaxofthe52%oil revenues being received by Guyana, which the VPmust haveseen.

“The VPembarrassingly went on to expose the toxic mixture of his dutifulness to Exxonandthelimitationsof his honorary degree, when he once again prattled on with his selling of Exxon’s farcical billboard touting that Guyana is getting 52% of the oil revenues. Let us

enjoy 52% of the total proceedsfromoilproduction after the costs have been repaid.

VP Jagdeo pointed out that presently 75% of the earnings are deducted to cover cost, with the remaining 25% shared with Guyana.

Hesaidhowever,“When those costs are amortized fully,thenweget50%ofthe totalproceeds,alltheprofits.

Sosay100%nowgoesto profit oil, all the revenue goestoprofitoilbecauseyou finish amortizing the investments,payingbackfor the investments, so now 100% of your revenue is available for distribution, not25%.”

He said this means Guyana will receive 50% with an additional 2% royalty, taking the country’s share to 52% while Exxon wouldreceive48%.

To this end, Dr Adams said, “We watched and listened with dismay, the second VP’s press

billboards.”

‘Wewillnotbebullied’–Strikingteacherstell Government

Striking teachers on Thursday made it clear that they will not be bullied by the Government of Guyana ontheissueofbettersalaries andworkingconditions.

“We teach against bullyism, we will not be bullied,” was among the cries of teachers who protested the Ministry of Education’sBrickdamoffice on Friday Friday’s protest marked the 20th day of countrywide strike and protests.

The teachers who gathered in their numbers outside of the government office are of the firm belief that the government’s posture is tantamount to

readandspellfortheVPthat it is impossible for Guyana to ever get 52% of the revenues, without the impossibilityofzerocostfor production operations,” Dr Adamsargued.

He pointed out however thattheVPcompletelyfailed to inform the nation that even after costs associated with the Stabroek Block projects have been repaid, Guyana’s oil will still be deducted for operational expenses.

P r e s e n t l y , t h e operational cost is an unknown factor, but at an estimated 30%, Dr Adams said profit oil will then be 70% This means that Guyana’s share will be 37% –halfofthe70%plusthe2% royalty

The former EPA head therefore noted, “If Jagdeo wants to be seen as a real Guyanese and leader representing Guyana’s interest, he must demand that Exxon immediately remove those hocus-pocus

d i s g u s t i n g , v e r y disrespectful to teachers

Overtheyearsteachershave beenspokendownto[and]it istimethatweberespected. It is time that we be recognized for the invaluable job that we do as teachers.

We need to be not only respected but also appreciated.”

Head of Department Social Studies at President’s College,Abiva Cort chimed inadding,“Istronglybelieve thatithasbeenintheDNAof administrations over the years to showcase bullyisminallforms.

This is just another setting where the PPP [government] has pushed its evilheadwhereitshowsit’s actually a bullying government.”

Cort added that everything the government doesshowsthattheybelieve inthebullyingofthemasses.

“Theydon’tcomecleanand saythisisthecase,let’swork onit.

They don’t govern for the masses of the people. They just speak down because they think the working class are uneducated so that’s how theytreatus,”shesaid.

Similarly, Robinson George told Kaieteur News thatithasbeenawhilesince collective bargaining occurred.

“It’s a long time now since they did have the collective bargaining issues, Iunderstandsince2020.

bullyism, an act that contradicts that which is instilled in the nation’s children.

Kemone Gentle told Kaieteur News that, “We as teachers, we have been teaching against bullysim yet we are being bullied by government hence the reason why the case is in court.

We are in the court because this government believes in bullyism. This should have been addressed outofcourt.”

The educator, who has been in the profession for over a decade described the government’spostureasthat ofa“dictator”.

“Iseethegovernmentas being aggressive. It is very difficult for us to survive on 6.5. While the matter is in court, I would have thought by now our government, Dr Irfaan Ali would have intervened but instead he said we have to wait,” the angryteachersaid.

Shecontinued:“Itisvery

Government and Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) beganonFridaymorning.

Justice Sandil Kissoon on Thursday invoked the Civil Procedures Rules 2016, Part 26 for Court Ordered Mediation to resolve the ongoing industrial action that has impacted the education systemforclosetoamonth.

Justice Kissoon announced that Senior Counsel, Edward Luckoo and Robin Stoby have agreedtoserveasmediators inthenationalinterest.

The orders were made despite repeated objections from Attorney General Anil (AG)NandlallSC.

I n v o i c i n g h i s reservation, theAG told the Court that the two parties have had a track record of consistentdialogue.

He noted that nothing is stoppingtheGovernmentvia the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union(GTU)fromspeaking again.

“There is already a framework in place, let the partiesbeallowedtoresume talks under the same a r r a n g e m e n t T h e government has never reneged from meeting with the union, and I don’t think that the mediation is necessary because the union can come back and begin negotiations,” the Attorney Generalsaid.

We are looking forward to that [collective bargaining.

We want a favorable response from the government that is why we are here. As we know the cost of living is very high and so we try to depend on thelittle.”

George explained that his family is being affected as his salary isn’t enough. His children are in school and when it comes to transportation and food it is difficulttomanage.

“It is affecting my family I am a teacher, and I am not getting enough. I have children studying The transportation and food are affectingus.

So,Iamonlyhopingthat based on the decision from the judge, let’s see how forwardtheywillmovebutI am hoping things will be better,”Robinsonstated.

The High Court appointedmediationprocess which is intended to end the standoff between the

However, Attorney-atLaw Darren Wade told the court that despite several attempts, the government has refused to engage in collective bargaining as it relatestoteachers’salaries.

“ T h e A G w a s misinformed,andasaresult of his misinformation, he misguidedtheCourt.

The talks have been ongoing since 2018, there was an agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union in 2018, when they went on strike, and those talksdealtwithpolicyissues andclassroomissues.

The issues about collective bargaining, the government has been refusing over the last three plus years to meet with the Union to deal with those hardissues,”Wadesaid.

For his part, Justice Kissoonnotedthattherewas a breakdown in talks which led to the Union initiating industrialaction.

The Judge pointed out that for 25 days, the two sides did not meet much to the detriment of the nation’s children.

Former EPAHead, Dr. VincentAdams and Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Govt. to spend $482M on new SOCU building

The Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing to spend some $482 million to construct a new office building for the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana PoliceForce.

Theprojectwasrevealed at the recent reading of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTAB)whereatotalof24 contractors have applied for

the contract. Notably, the ministry is also planning to build a new fire station at Wisroc in Region 10 at an estimated cost of $149,967,897, and another fire station at Charity on the Essequibo Coast which is estimated to cost $$149,967,897

These projects will form part of the $44.8 billion the Home Affairs Ministry was allocated in this year’s budget.

Below are the companies and their bids:

MinistryofHomeAffairs ConstructionofWisrocFireStation,Region10.

ConstructionofCharityFireStation,RegionTwo. ConstructionofSOCUbuilding,GuyanaPoliceForce.

GuyanaNationalBureauofStandards (GNBS)RenovationofGNBS Sub-officeatLethem,RegionNine.

GuyanaSugarCorporation(GuySuCo) Supplyanddeliveryofone5.0

MVAinterbuspadmounteddistribution transformerforAlbionEstatePower.

WANTED

Wanted Carpenters and Labourers in Linden and Georgetown. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385 or 625-7642.

Vacancy for Sales Clerk. Call: 661-1000.

Interested in renting space for restaurants in Georgetown. Call: 712-8070.

Nanny needed 11 am- 7pm (Monday to Friday) and (Saturday) 10am-2pm. Contact : 678-5764 / 600-407

Workers needed to work on Cash Crop Farm, $6000 per day. Call: 679-7552.

Office assistant to work in Campbellville.Must be a licenced motorcycle rider. telephone: 621-5140

One filling clerk to work in office. Telephone: 621-5140

To purchase Antique or Vintage collectable souvenir Call or whatsapp 674-6452.

One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $13,000 daily. Call: 611-7088/ 639-6106.

Experienced Mechanic and Technician wanted for mining operation. Call: 6962102.

Experienced male Cooks and Camp attendant wanted for mining operation. Call:6962102.

Dredge workers wanted for mining operation. Call: 6883844

PEN PAL

Single male seeks a live in domestic partner, Light housework. Salary;-60,000. Call; 603-9085

FOR RENT

2 fully furnished apts East Bank, 4 bedroom semi-furnished Bel Air Park. Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.

VACANCY

One clerk for TSI Eccles office.English & Math, grade 1 or 2.Email application: techserigy @yahoo.com or call 615-9132.

Male Cleaner for Eccles. Call: 645-8443/ 615-9132.

One industrial Electrician needed. Call: 645-8443/ 6159132.

One Handy man & one night Watchman needed. Call: 6122125.

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

Sales clerk and vehicle driver with licence for canter (truck licence) apply @ mikeswholesaledepot@yahoo.com or at their location.

One House-keeper, Must know to cook. Preferably from West coast Demerara. Contact: 680-4718

Aulicio Mining Inc is hiring Dredgemen, Porter &Truck Drive. Email: shebika@officegy.com or Call: 658-9158/ 619-5886.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

1 Toyota Allion, Pioneer DVD, CD & USB deck, reverse camera, alarm, low milage. Excellect condition. Call: 649-0956.

Nissan X-Trail 2008 $2.3 Neg and Mitsubishi 3 stage Crone canter 4m51 Engine Manual $3.5 Neg. Call 671-8845 or 6384755

SERVICES

Business/ residential PFSGYD$58M, Visa Application, advertisements, graphics design, passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 626-7040.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. For more information Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

Victim of armed robbery at Chinese restaurant...

From page 65

entering the restaurant, dressed in a red jersey, a pair of long black pants, and a black hat. The suspect scanned the restaurant, and then approached a woman clad in a black jersey [Peters].

As the man approached the woman, he aggressively snatched the gold chain Peters was wearing and then proceeded to relieve her of her other values while pointing a firearm towards her.

The man avoided the two males who were in the restaurant at the time the robbery was occurring and demanded valuables from the other women in the restaurant.

All of the victims complied, Sylvain then made good his escape on a motorcycle with his accomplice.

“Not sure if I’ll visit Guyana again anytime soon, honestly, I was there from Saturday night. Went there (Guyana) because my mom isn’t well, and she was very upset to see what took place,” Peters told Kaieteur News.

The woman explained that she willingly gave the robber her valuables and refrained from running to the waiting car because her pregnant relative and their son, were inside the vehicle.

“At the time I was just like if I give him what he wants

me and my sister will be okay and I didn’t wanna run to the car because my cousin was in the car and she’s pregnant and her son was with her also,” Peters said.

She continued: “As you can see from the video when he came to me for my bag, I just dropped it on the chair and told him take whatever he wants just leave my Identification Card (ID). He took everything in there, including my chain, overall value is about $470,000.”

Ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department’s special patrol, received information that Sylvain was hiding out at a house, located at

Lot 14 Melanie, East Coast Demerara (ECD). He was contacted, and he admitted to the robbery.

Upon arrival, the accused was found and taken into custody at the Cove and John Police Station.

Sylvain appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he was charged with several robberies including that of the Chinese restaurant which were committed between February 21, 2024 and February 27, 2024.

He admitted to all crimes and was sentenced to four years in jail for the Chinese restaurant’s robbery.

Childcare monitoring and services to advance...

From page 12

Commissioner also revealed that Canada has announced a CAD$9.5-million-dollar collaboration with the government of Guyana to train two thousand students in the technology sphere. “These students’ successful entry into this programme is a useful part during the quality of early childhood development and

LAND FOR SALE

44X80 located at Policeman Street, Dairy. 2 minutes away from Harbour Bridge, $11 mil neg. Call: 677-4286.

20 Acres of vacant land in La grange West Bank Demerara. Contact: 622-7446 /416-9513995

Recycles, Friendship, East Bank 85x213, Better Hope, Someday Highway 10 Acres Lenten commercial zone. Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.

TO LET TO LET

Salon / Barbershop space available. Call: 623-7840

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Modern home under construction at Annadale, ECD. Land size 54X100, building 30X45. Call: 675-1510/ 6137964.

3 Bedroom flat concrete house 57x34, Landsize 100x53 in Herstelling.Call 610-6869

Canada is proud to support both ends of the learning spectrum,” he said.

Officers attending the trainings have touted the sessions as informative since they have learned many new techniques to enhance their service delivery when interacting with children and parents.

Orette Francois, Child Protection and Senior Probation and Social Services Officer said, “The sessions have given me knowledge that I didn’t have before. I know early childhood is critical in the development of children, however, I did not know the techniques to bring out certain things. In my capacity, this will now help me to in-

corporate what I would have learnt here in my ordinary parental training to assist parents to get their children at a better level.”

Duanne Mc Farlane, Registration and Licensing Officer in Region 10 said, “It was a refresher for me because I am early childhood trained, but with the added information I will go out to my Daycare Centres and share my knowledge and engage more with the supervisors so they can enhance the knowledge and skills better in their facilities.” Huette Moore, Senior Childcare Officer said, “The session brought new light to what is happening in our community today and some of the challenges that

daycare and caregivers face along with how they deal with the children. Being a part of the training brought the knowledge to know what is expected to happen in the daycare to stimulate learning and helping the children meet their utmost development as they grow.” To further promote early childhood development in the regions, UNICEF handed over 300 banners to the MOHSSS that depict Positive Early Childhood Development messages for parents and primary caregivers. The messages written in English, Spanish and Warrau languages are expected to be placed in childcare facilities across the country.

Are we men or mice?...

From page 05

President Ali to the CARICOM Heads of State on the question of Haitians. Is the Government treatment of Haitians different to the treatment of people from Venezuela, even as his Minister of Home Affairs expresses a concern that Venezuelan Immigrants are causing overcrowding in our prisons. MP Amanza Walton’s letter exposing this hypocrisy is crystal clear, but are we men or mice?

I refer to a letter published in the media where I debunked this nonsense about the sanctity of Contracts by the very people who before

2020 publicly stated that they were horrified by the Contracts signed by the Coalition in 2016 and would renegotiate. Reminding ourselves that if or when circumstances arise, one or both of the contracting parties can seek to examine to make changes or to annul as happens with marriages. . Are we men or mice?

In 2018, before the oil bonanza, the PPP said Teachers ‘salary should be increased by 50%. Today, thanks to short memories, tells the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) that they must be patient, forgetting or never hearing of this truism, that while the grass is growing, the

horse is starving. Are we men or mice?

As we celebrate Ghana Day on the 6th March, let us remember why and how Nkrumah was deposed in 1966. There are lessons for us that we should be men not mice and anchor the construction of our nation state on faith in ourselves, ancestral piety, hard work and fair sense of independence, so that our children and our children’s children will be proud of us that we did not yield to temptation and make a reality that Massa Day done.

Hamilton Green Elder

Businessman gifts Bartica new hotel...

From page 61

that while there is no inhouse kitchen, the hotel offers a unique approach that makes the community’s finest cuisines available to guests to enjoy from the comfort of their air conditioned rooms.

“Our unique approach is to have Bartica’s finest cuisines and all the reputable restaurants provide their daily menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner so our guests can have a variety to choose from and it would be delivered to

their rooms,” the businessman explained.

For special occasions, such as honeymoons, birthdays or anniversaries, Jacobs said getaway couples can enjoy selected wines that can be delivered to their rooms.

Exclusive’s Inn presently provides employment for six residents of Bartica. Jacobs, a quad racing enthusiast and 2023 champion said, “My hope for the future is that I hire the right staff that reflects my

commitment to quality service, to maintain a very high standard, also to make Bartica proud of our efforts.”

The businessman added that if these qualities inspire growth, a few more rooms will be included. In the meantime, he also hopes to add an exercise and recreational games room for visitors.

Persons can contact Exclusive’s Inn in Bartica on contact numbers 669-5190 or 730-2167.

US says Israel ‘more or less’ accepts framework deal for Gaza ceasefire

Aljazeera - The United States says Israel has essentially endorsed a framework for a proposed Gaza ceasefire and captive releasedeal,anditisnowup to the Palestinian group Hamas to agree to it.

“There’s a framework deal. The Israelis have more or lessacceptedit,”aseniorUS official in the Biden administrationtoldreporters on a conference call on Saturday

“Rightnow,theballisin the camp of Hamas,” the official said, speaking on conditionofanonymity

The announcement comes a day before talks to reach a truce agreement are expectedtoresumeinEgypt.

International mediators havebeenworkingforweeks to broker a deal to pause the fighting before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan beginsaroundMarch10. The framework proposal includes a six-week

ceasefire, as well as the releasebyHamasofcaptives considered vulnerable, which includes the sick, the wounded, the elderly and women,theUSofficialsaid. Adeal would also likely allow aid to reach hundreds of thousands of desperate Palestinians in northern Gaza, which humanitarian officialssayareunderthreat offamine.

Israel has severely restricted the entry of food, water, medicine and other supplies into the Gaza Strip since its war began on October7.

‘Impasses’

News of the framework deal “sounds like a significant development fromtheAmericansbecause they want it to sound like a significant development,” said Al Jazeera’s Bernard Smith, reporting from Ramallah in the occupied WestBankonSaturday

“But it clearly looks like

an attempt to pile on the pressure on Hamas before theMuslimfastingmonthof Ramadanbeginsinjustover aweekfromnow,”headded, saying that the proposal is presenting them with a sixweek pause in fighting and the promise of more aid deliveries at a desperate time.

Earlier this week, senior Hamas official Basem Naim toldAl Jazeera that “the gap is still wide” in reaching an agreementwithIsrael,asthe Palestinian group is calling for a total ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops fromGaza.

Naim’s comments followed remarks from Joe Biden on Monday that a truce was a week away –comments the US president laterwalkedbackon.

Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Tel Aviv,saidtherehadnotbeen anyIsraeliresponsetothe

(Continuedonpage74)

Airmanwhosetselfonfiregrewuponreligious...

Frompage15 violence Bushnell had considered leaving the militaryearly,Pierpontsaid, but he had decided he was close enough to the end of his required service to stick it out Bushnell was scheduled to leave the military in May, Pierpont said.

At the January lunch, Bushnell told Pierpont that heplannedtofindajobthat would let him make enough money to support himself while engaging in political activism on the side Pierpontsaidheencouraged his friend to go to college and get a degree in something related to his beliefs.

Self-immolations are rare, but a number are connected to antiwar protests. For example, in 1965, during the Vietnam War, Norman Morrison, an American Quaker, selfimmolated outside the Pentagon, near the office windows of then-Defense Secretary Robert S McNamara.

During the Iraq War, an antiwar protester selfimmolatedneartheKennedy Expressway in Chicago. In 2010, a street vendor selfimmolatedinTunisia,anact of defiance that served as a sparkfortheArabSpring,in which numerous heads of state were forced out in uprisings In 2022, a Colorado man died after setting himself on fire

outside the Supreme Court in what his father believed was a climate change protest In December, a woman self-immolated outsidetheIsraeliConsulate in Atlanta She had a Palestinian flag with her, authoritiessaidatthetime.

In 1963, Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc famously sethimselfonfireinSaigon to protest official antiBuddhistdiscriminationand violence by the then-South Vietnamese government Graphic photos of his selfimmolation were viewed worldwide.

U.S. service members are prohibited from acts of political protest, under the Pentagon’s long-standing policy of remaining nonpartisan while civilian leaders oversee policy decisions.

While no one else in uniform has stepped out against the war in Gaza as stridentlyasBushnell,some service members do have misgivings about it and frustration that critics of the war blame U S military support for Israeli military actions.

Since the Israel-Gaza war began in October, at least 29,782 people have beenkilledintheGazaStrip, accordingtotheGazaHealth Ministry Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack and says 240 soldiers have been killed since the

There is an agreement in place for a potential six-week truce in Gaza, a US official says, and Hamas must now decide.

Ademonstrator holds a sign during a protest for Gaza, in NewYork City, US, on March 2, 2024 [David Dee Delgado/Reuters]

startofitsmilitaryoperation inGaza.

Hamas and allied fighters took more than 250 people hostage during the attack. More than 100 were freed in exchange for more than 200 Palestinian detainees during a Novemberpauseinfighting. Israeli authorities believe that more than 100 hostages remaininGaza.

On Monday afternoon, about 80 demonstrators showed up at the Israeli Embassy to support Bushnell and condemn Israel for the war Among themwasSamOsta,playing an audio recording of Bushnell setting himself on fire.

“I wish I would have known I would have stoppedhim,”saidOsta,55, who first met Bushnell at a protest at the Lincoln Memorial in 2022. “His life means a lot, and it’s horrifyingwhathappened.”

Some of Bushnell’s friends, including Barboza, said they last saw him in January at his going-away party in SanAntonio. It was atakaraokebar

He belted out song after song, many of which were from “Les Misérables,” whichhewasknowntolove. And one was Mandy Moore’s“WindinMyHair” fromtheTVseriesbasedon themovie“Tangled.”

“I got a smile on my face,” Bushnell sang, “and I’mwalkingonair.”

US airdrops food into Gaza in move criticised by aid groups

A photo released on March 2, 2024, by the Jordanian Armed Forces, shows what it said was food aidtobeair-droppedtoGaza in an operation with the UnitedStates[JordanArmed Forces/HandoutviaReuters]

Aljazeera-UnitedStates military cargo planes have air-dropped food into Gaza, in the first of series of aid drops as humanitarian groups criticise Israel for blocking access to the

besieged and bombarded strip.

The US, together with Jordan’s air force, “conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict”, US Central Command said in a statementonSaturday

The C-130 planes “droppedover38,000meals along the coastline of Gaza

allowing for civilian access to the critical aid”, it added, as the enclave faces a humanitarian crisis after almostfivemonthsofwar

US President Joe Biden had announced a day earlier that the US would airdrop aidthereaftermorethan100 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in northern Gaza whilequeuingforaid.

US National Security Council spokesman John KirbysaidonFridaythatthe

US plan has been criticised as inefficient while Israel continues blocking most aid trucks from entering Gaza by land.

Aphoto released on March 2, 2024, by the Jordanian Armed Forces, shows what it said was food aid to be air-dropped to Gaza in an operation with the United States [JordanArmed Forces/Handout via Reuters]

US will carry out multiple airdrops in the next few weeks, which will be coordinatedwithJordan.

Kirby said the airdrops have an advantage over trucks because planes can moveaidtoaparticulararea quickly However, in terms of volume, the airdrops will be “a supplement to, not a replacement for moving things in by ground”, he added.

T h e B i d e n administration is also considering shipping aid by sea from Cyprus, according toaUSofficial.

Since Israel’s war began on October 7 following Hamas’s attack, Israel has barred the entry of food, water, medicine and other supplies, except for a tiny trickle of aid entering the south from Egypt at the Rafah crossing and Israel’s Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom)crossing.

TopofForm

‘TheUSisweak’

TheUS’smovehasbeen criticised as inefficient and simply a public relations move by members of i n t e r n a t i o n a l a i d organisations.

“The airdrops are symbolic and designed in

ways to appease the domestic base,” Dave Harden, former USAID director to the West Bank, toldAlJazeera.“Reallywhat needs to happen is more crossings [opening] and more trucks going in every day.”

“IthinktheUnitedStates is weak and that’s really disappointing to me,” Harden added. “The US has theabilitytocompelIsraelto openupmoreaidandbynot doing that we’re putting our assetsandourpeopleatrisks and potentially creating morechaosinGaza.”

UK-based charity MedicalAidforPalestinians (MAP) echoed Harden’s statement,tellingAl Jazeera in a statement that the US, the UK and others should instead work to “ensure that Israelimmediatelyopensall crossingsintoGazaforaid.”

Oxfam also blasted the Biden administration’s plans, labelling the effort an attempttoassuagetheguilty consciencesofUSofficials.

“While Palestinians in Gaza have been pushed to theabsolutebrink,dropping apaltry,symbolicamountof aid into Gaza with no plan for its safe distribution wouldnothelpandbedeeply

degrading to Palestinians,” Scott Paul, who leads Oxfam’s US government advocacy work, said in a statementonX.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also criticised the US for acting as a “weak, marginal state” unable to secureaidtoPalestinians.

US Senator Bernie Sanders, however, welcomedtheUS’smove.

“I applaud President Bidenforunderstandingthat there is a dire humanitarian crisisinGaza,”Sanderssaid onX.

Mahjoob Zweiri, the director of the Gulf Study Centre in Doha, told Al Jazeera the international community is not putting enoughpressureonIsraelto allow the waiting aid trucks toenterGazabyland.

“Why not send food in through Karem Abu Salem?”Zweirisaid.“There are 2,000 trucks waiting to get into Gaza” at border crossings, he said, while food and medicines pile up for months past their expiry dates.

“Whyistheinternational community not putting enougheffortintodelivering aidinanorganisedmanner?” heasked.

USsaysIsrael‘moreorless’accepts...

Frompage73

Biden administration official’s comments abouttheceasefireframework.

“Over the last week, the only thing we’ve beenhearingaboutareimpasseswhenitcomes tothisdeal,andconflictingreportsaboutwhere delegationsareorarenotbeingsent,”shesaid Inrecentdays,severalIsraelimediaoutletshave reported that there will not be an Israeli delegationgoingtothenextroundoftrucetalks A senior Egyptian official said mediators Egypt and Qatar are expected to receive a responsefromHamasduringtheCairotalks reportedlyscheduledtostartonSunday The official also spoke on condition of

anonymity because he was not publicly authorisedtodiscussthesensitivetalks.

Hamashasnotbackedawayfromitsposition that a temporary truce must be the start of a process towards ending the war altogether, EgyptiansourcesandaHamasofficial told the Reutersnewsagency

However, the Egyptian sources also said assurances had been offered to Hamas that the termsofapermanentceasefirewouldbeworked outinthesecondandthirdphasesof the deal. DuringaQatari-mediatedweeklongtrucein November, 105 captives were released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and childrenheldinIsraeliprisons.

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

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, Mr. 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.

UNDAY–

FEBRUARY25,2024

Theoilspill guaranteesaga

A US$2 billion oil spill guarantee,reportedlylodged by ExxonMobil remains hiddenfromthepublic.

Thislimitedguaranteeis a meager sum, enough to takecareoflittleornothing, should a massive spill occur offshoreGuyana.

Instead of fighting with the Guyanese people for an unlimited parent guarantee from ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, our government is setting the nation up for bankruptcybyacceptingthis paltrysum.

Whatisperhapsworseis that the government and the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)havecolluded to hide the terms of this guarantee which creates further unease in concerned Guyanese.

What is so sensitive about this guarantee that prevents it from coming to light? And why would any government that boast of transparency continue to keep this document in its bosom?

MONDAY–FEBRUARY26,2024

Howmanymore…?

How many Palestinian deaths are needed to satiate the bloodlust of the embarrassed and humiliated Israelis?

With defenses breached onOctober7,andsome1200 Israelis dead, and over 30,000 Palestinians dead, doesitrequiretheroundtotal of 120,000 Gazans to be k i l l e d b e f o r e t h e bloodthirstiness of the rampagingIsraeliscools?

It seems that killing Palestinians at the rate of over 25 for every Israeli life lost is not enough, and that 100 of them for each Israeli victim may be the ultimate objective in the continuing human wreckage. (GHK LallKNFebruary26,2024)

THURSDAY–FEBRUARY29,2024

PPP/CGovt.picked ExxonoverGuyanese

ThePPP/CGovernment, with Vice President Jagdeo in the lead, is unmoving: no taxes on ExxonMobil’s earnings from the Stabroek Block.

The government finalized a new Production Sharing Agreement, but Jagdeo digs in his heels, whichmeans,ExxonMobil’s operations and escalating production levels in the rich Stabroek Block are exempted.

No one should have any doubts whose side he is on, andferociouslyso.

This newspaper’s publisherbroughtataxfiling in court, only for the Government of Guyana astonishingly to rush out immediately to stand by the sideoftheoilcompanies.

If there were any Guyanese who still harbouredsomeslightbelief that this country and its citizens came before the interests of oil companies, with ExxonMobil at the top of the list, the PPP/C Government’s smashed any suchbelief.

FRIDAY–MARCH01,2024

Renegotiation:Itcanbe done-TTOilMinister

“We in Trinidad and Tobago have spent the last

seven years, after dealing with decades of contracts, renegotiating almost all of our contracts in the gas industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

In fact in December of last year we achieved the significant milestone of beingthefirstcountryeverin the world to restructure our LNG facilities by sitting acrossthetableforfiveyears with BP and Shell and renegotiatingandcomingup with a restructured LNG facilitythataugursbetterfor the people of Trinidad and Tobago...

It can be done very often I hear those who have no access to the information whatsoevertalkingaboutthe energy sector and what should be done, similar to what Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was speaking about thismorning...

I can say here without fear of contradiction, every contract that we negotiated augurs better in direct revenue for the people of TrinidadandTobagoandthe multinational oil and gas companies have not got up andrunoff.

They continue to invest becauseitisallaboutrespect and fairness of relationships and I offer that here to GuyanaandtoSurinameina collaborative approach ”Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Trinidad

andTobago,StuartYoung.

SATURDAY–MARCH02,2024

Wemustmaintainazone ofpeace-PresidentAli

“Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a ZoneofPeace.

The never-ending war in Ukraine and the unceasing bombing of Gaza are senseless acts of aggression and inhumanity which have consumed the efforts of the international community to find ways in which the citizens of Ukraine and Palestine can be relieved of theirsuffering. But so far – to no avail. We must never allow the peoples of this region to be subjected to such actions. The genocide in Palestine

must come to an end and hostages held must be returned.”

“The aspect relating to Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo is before the International Court of Justice and the Joint Declaration of Argyle on Dialogue and Peace acknowledges that Guyana is committed to the process and procedures of the International Court of Justice for the resolution of the border controversy We are prepared to accept the judgement of the Court on thismatter

I can assure you that Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to the international judicial process, as well as, to maintaining our region as a ‘Zone of Peace’. We want

Leguan Island youths benefit from Project ‘Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana’

Several young and p r o m i s i n g cricketersfromthe IslandofLeguan,Essequibo

have benefited from this joint initiative of Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.

They have received two pairs of batting pads, two pairs of cricket shoes, two bat rubbers, one box of red

Young cricketers proudly display their cricket gear.

balls, one thigh pad, one helmet,eightpairsofbatting gloves and one gear bag. Zaman Mustapha, executive of Leguan Cricket Committee and Essequibo Cricket Board reached out for assistance and the gears weremadereadilyavailable. He expressed gratitude toward this initiative and promised to promote youth cricketontheIsland.

This project is impressed with the recent development of cricket in Essequibo in general and is happy to help in its developmentprocess

Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $370,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, nineteen pairs of cricket shoes, 32 pairs of batting pads, 34 cricket bats, thirty pairs of batting gloves, 24 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest guards, two boxes, eleven cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one softball cricket bat and ten boxes ofwhiteballs

In addition to the above, over$600,000worthofgear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket-keeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and is not availableatthetime.

To date, 72 young players from all three counties of Guyana have directly benefited from seven gear bags, two trophies,fourarmguards,31 bats, three boxes, six helmets, 27 pairs of cricket shoes, eighteen pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat rubber, 31 pairs of

batting gloves and three pairs of wicketkeeping gloves.

Many youths would have benefited indirectly too In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wa k e n a m C r i c k e t Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicketkeepingglovesand asetofstumpsandbails

Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youth coach, Travis Persaud, softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65YoungTitans,JustTry

CC, Wakenaam Cricket Academy, National fast bowler Shemar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple and Leguan Cricket Committee, Essequibo.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist in identifying talent. Progressive and wellmanagedcricketclubswitha youth program, will also benefit.

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of

West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish PandayofPandPInsurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, LeannaBachanandImran S a c c o o r , D e v o n Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, R a v i n H a r k i s h u n , Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies, Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter R a m k i s s o o n , Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, Davo Naraine of UK, Dr Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir and family, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses Nagamootoo, Regal Sports Store, Omkar Singh, Parmanand Dhaniram,Denanauti S i n g h , K r i s h n a Rengensamy, Ishwar Singh, Ricky Deonarain of 4RBearings,TerryMathura, Kennard Verapen and NY Pioneer Cricket Club and A n i t a a n d D e r e k Kallicharran. We thank the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture. Distribution will continue.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact AnilBeharryon6236875or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

GBA’s ‘National Academy and Learn to Box’ Programme start March 25

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will implement its ‘National Academy and Learn to Box’ programme from March 25th, with the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis gym in Albouystown serving as the starting point of the initiative.

The programme, which will last for 12 days and feature a cadre of technical officers, inclusive of coaches and officials, will be staged in several jurisdictions throughout the country as the association continues its mandate to promote and decentralise the discipline.

The project will also encompass the introduction of a refereeing and judging element for individuals who are interested in this aspect of the sport.

Overall, the initiative serves as an introduction to the discipline and all its rules and regulations.

A detailed timetable will be forthcoming on the areas and dates for the initiative.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle said, “The implementation of this novel programme comes on the heels of the staging of the ‘developmental championship’ which was a tremendous success and has opened the door for the introduction of this academy project.”

According to Ninvalle, “The GBA is taking a proactive approach to this process of expansion, and the resulting success of the New Amsterdam Academy at the recently concluded ‘developmental championship’ is in-

Sunday March 03, 2024

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

If you've been investing, look for it to pay off big. Or you could execute a new contract, settle a claim, or even win something. Expect the unexpected where money is concerned.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Plans for a social event that you were going to host in your home may have to be changed at the last minute. Even so, it should go very well.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

An unexpected letter or call could totally turn your working situation in a new direction. This can be disconcerting, Gemini, but it's a very positive and fortunate development.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

For you, Cancer, relationships with other people should be going so well that you feel more loved than ever.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

An unexpected opportunity could temporarily throw your life into disorder, Leo, but you will see from the start that this is a definite stroke of good luck that you shouldn't let pass.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

dicative that a massive interest exists in the respective communities and regions. Programmes of this nature are at the forefront of the sport’s future growth and sustenance.”

He further said, “Given the expected success that is envisioned by the association, this project has all the markings of being a permanent staple on the association’s annual calendar of events, which unquestionably and unequivocally will provide long-term benefits both inside and outside the squared circle.

After all, while the acquisition of new fighters is important, of equal value is the realisation of new technical officers such as judges and referees.

A lot of letters, calls, and other communications could skyrocket you into a new and unexpected space, Virgo.

Mohamed

impress with 4 goals as Kelloggs U14 Indoor Hockey continues

…Payne and King also register hat-tricks play, finding the net in the 2nd, 10th, 11th, and 14th minutes. Jaron Isadore (4’) and Ezekiel Moses (14’) added to the goal tally, securing a convincing win.

The GHB/Kelloggs Boys and Girls Under-14 Indoor Developmental Hockey Leagues witnessed victories for HHC Junior Jets, HHC Hatchets, SHC Minnions, SHC Sensations, and OFHC Divas in their recent matchups at the Queen’s College Authorium on Camp Road.

The second play-day of the competition featured an exciting lineup of five matches, comprising two in the Boys category and three in the Girls category.

In the Boys Group-A division, SHC Minnions delivered an impressive performance, defeating OFHC Dominators 6-0. Fayed Mohamed led the charge with a remarkable four-goal dis-

Meanwhile, in Group-B, HHC Hatchets dominated Queens College with an 8-0 victory. Michael Payne and Shawn King each scored hattricks, while Trevon McLean opened the scoring in the second minute. Payne continued his impressive form, adding two more goals, and King contributed another, sealing a comprehensive win for The Hatchets.

Switching to the Girls League, HHC Junior Jets showcased their dominance by thrashing Queens College 7-0. Ariel Adamas scored twice

(5th and 10th minute), Trinity Greaves also added a double (11th and 12th minute), and goals from Amya Norville, Veronica Paul, and Ciara Leslie secured a resounding victory over QC.

While in another two matchup, SHC Sensations humbled OFHC Divas 2-0, with Kaiyra Scott and Carenza Copeland each contributing a goal. OFHC Divas, however, bounced back with a well-deserved victory against QC, scoring twice in the first half with goals from Keitanna Percial (1’) and Tinashe Henry (4’ and 11’).

The 2024 leagues are set to continue on March 15 at the Queen’s College Authorium, with matches kicking off at 4:30 pm.

West Indies clinch Plate Finals glory...

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Good fortune continues to come your way, Libra, and your life may finally seem to be moving in the direction you wanted. Today, however, you may feel frustrated by a lot of minor.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

All the planets are very fortunately aligned for you, and the coming weeks should be great, Scorpio. Minor irritations today could make you wonder, though.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

You may wonder why increased intuition has seemed to replace your usual logical self. An unexpected intellectual, spiritual.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

You should feel especially sociable today, Capricorn. You might attend one or more events, or perhaps you will choose another type of group activity.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Today an important goal might reach a point you've been aiming at for a long time. All those in your entourage have new respect for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

our focus today is likely to be on learning. Something you've wanted to study for a long time may finally be within your grasp. Perhaps money makes this possible,

From page 81 half century on tour to finish with 53* and 6 sweetly timed boundaries off 62 balls. Deonarine Deyal also went unbeaten on 41 off 43 balls with 5 boundaries. Jordan was named the man of the match and Seale the Fighter of the Match for WI.

Friday’s encounter had Windies again taking on Wales for a second time this week. For the first time, Windies won the toss and opted to bat and racked up 255 for 7 in their 45 overs. Quite obviously, they were aiming for 300 but fell well short due to some accurate bowling and fielding by the Welshmen, Keith Seale and Mike Heeralall got Windies off to a rollicking start of 96 runs in 17.5 overs before Mike again firstly departed for 59 off 57 balls with 9 boundaries.

Seale followed up his half century from a few days ago with 40 off 68 balls but got bogged down with the spinner and soon departed at 123 for 2. Roy Singh came & went quickly (10 runs in 8 balls).

Skipper Zamin Amin did not last long either. They both fell LBW to the Welsh spinners. Richard Sieuchan then joined Deyal and they repaired the innings whilst hitting some lusty blows whilst adding 88 in 12 overs before Sieuchan departed for 49 off 41 balls (5 @ 4s and 2 @ 6s) in the 42nd over. The big hitters could only add a few more to close WI off at 255 for 7.

Windies seamers then came to the porty again with some quick strikes to leave Wales tottering at 38 for 2. Thereafter Zamin Amin and Keith Seale combined to take 6 wickets and broke the back of the Wales innings bar a

hopeful partnership of 65 runs in between by T Smith & G Edwards. Wales eventually folded for 173 in 37 overs as

the West Indies exacted revenge in a convincing fashion on their nemesis to lay claim on the Plate final.

Leguan Island youths benefit from Project ‘Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana’

Several young and p r o m i s i n g cricketersfromthe IslandofLeguan,Essequibo

have benefited from this joint initiative of Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.

They have received two pairs of batting pads, two pairs of cricket shoes, two bat rubbers, one box of red

Young cricketers proudly display their cricket gear.

balls, one thigh pad, one helmet,eightpairsofbatting gloves and one gear bag. Zaman Mustapha, executive of Leguan Cricket Committee and Essequibo Cricket Board reached out for assistance and the gears weremadereadilyavailable. He expressed gratitude toward this initiative and promised to promote youth cricketontheIsland.

This project is impressed with the recent development of cricket in Essequibo in general and is happy to help in its developmentprocess

Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $370,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, nineteen pairs of cricket shoes, 32 pairs of batting pads, 34 cricket bats, thirty pairs of batting gloves, 24 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest guards, two boxes, eleven cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one softball cricket bat and ten boxes ofwhiteballs

In addition to the above, over$600,000worthofgear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket-keeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and is not availableatthetime.

To date, 72 young players from all three counties of Guyana have directly benefited from seven gear bags, two trophies,fourarmguards,31 bats, three boxes, six helmets, 27 pairs of cricket shoes, eighteen pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat rubber, 31 pairs of

batting gloves and three pairs of wicketkeeping gloves.

Many youths would have benefited indirectly too In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wa k e n a m C r i c k e t Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicketkeepingglovesand asetofstumpsandbails

Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youth coach, Travis Persaud, softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65YoungTitans,JustTry

CC, Wakenaam Cricket Academy, National fast bowler Shemar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple and Leguan Cricket Committee, Essequibo.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist in identifying talent. Progressive and wellmanagedcricketclubswitha youth program, will also benefit.

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of

West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish PandayofPandPInsurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, LeannaBachanandImran S a c c o o r , D e v o n Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, R a v i n H a r k i s h u n , Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies, Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter R a m k i s s o o n , Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, Davo Naraine of UK, Dr Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir and family, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses Nagamootoo, Regal Sports Store, Omkar Singh, Parmanand Dhaniram,Denanauti S i n g h , K r i s h n a Rengensamy, Ishwar Singh, Ricky Deonarain of 4RBearings,TerryMathura, Kennard Verapen and NY Pioneer Cricket Club and A n i t a a n d D e r e k Kallicharran. We thank the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture. Distribution will continue.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact AnilBeharryon6236875or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

Rose Hall Town, Albion to contest U-23 finale at Bush Lot West Berbice today

(Cricnation592)-Archrivals Rose Hall Town and Albionwilllockhornsatthe Bush Lot cricket ground in West Coast Berbice on SundayMarch3.

The match is expected to be a thriller with several of the county’s top player being involved The venue w a s c h o s e n a f t e r discussion with the sponsor

The tournament started last year with over 20 teams drawn from across the county Albion defeated Tucber Park Cricket Club by four wickets in the first semifinals while Rose Hall Town got past Blairmont Community Center by 75 runsintheothertoadvance tothefinals.

Over the years the two cricket clubs have dominated the game in the ancientcountyandthefinals

on Sunday is expected to be anothercloseencounter

Rose HallTown Pepsi is expected to be led by senior national player Kevlon Anderson in his final match atthislevelandhewould be supported by Junior Sinclair, Jonathan

Rampersaud, the inform Romesh Bharat, Tyrese Sealey, Ramzan Koobir, Lucas Arthur and

Matthew Pottaya with the bat

The Rose Hall team bowling attack would be spearheaded by Pacers Raj Tika and Anderson who recently claimed his maiden 5 wicket haul versus the Leeward Islands in the cricket West Indies 4 day tournament.

Thespinnersintheattack would be off spinners:

Sandia, Sealey, Pottaya, Kulmalchan Ramnaris, Bharrat while left arm

spinner Arthur and Jeremy Sandiaarealsovitalmember ofastrongbowlingattack.

Albion is expected to play as one unit their main strength over the years and theywouldbeledbyformer national under-19 left arm spinner and senior in the county player Kelvin Umrao.

Theirbathingwouldbe led by Umroa, Leon Cecil, Damien Cecil, Ari Arizal Kadir, Devin Lalbehari, Afraz Budhoo and

Tameshwar Mangal The Albion bowling is based mainly on spin with Arvin Jawarhir supporting with peace.

Off spinners Leon Cecil, Afraz Budhoo would receive support from left arm spinners

Kumar Deopersaud, Umroa, Gaurav Ramesh and leg spinners Lalbehari andFeazBaksh.

RoseHallTown:Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Romesh Bharrat, Jonathan Rampersaud, Matthew Pottaya, Jermy Sandia, LucasArthur,TyreseSealey, Sohil Mohamed, Ramzan

Koobir, Kulmalchan Ramnaris, Deeraj Ramjit, Raj Tika andRafael

McKenzie.

Manager: Robby

Kissoonlall

Assistant Managers: Keith Hicks and Tyrone

Pottaya

Albion: Kevin Umroa, Leon Cecil, Damien Cecil, Ari Arizal Kadir, Afraz Budhoo, Arvin Jawahier, Gaurav Ramesh, Kumar

Deopersaud, Devin Lalbehari, Tameshwar

Mangal, Nathaniel Rammsammy and Feaz Baksh.

Manager:SimonNaidu

Coach: Sewnarine Chattergoon

FIDEDeputyPresidenttoattend...

Frompage80

opportunitiesthatariseinthe discipline of competitive chess.

The Federation extends itsdeepestappreciationtoits generous sponsors who cameonboardtosupportthe event. Without their invaluable support,thisinauguralevent would not have been possible.

Thanks to the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel for their support and sponsorship Furthermore, theGCFalsowishestothank the Confederation of Chess

fortheAmericas(CCA)and theInternational Chess Federation (FIDE) for their kind support.

The Guyana Chess Federation wholeheartedly welcomes GM Anand to Guyana.

Hispresencepromisesto be perhaps a once-in-alifetime opportunity for our enthusiasticchessplayersto meetandinteractwithafivetimeworldchampion.

We wish GMAnand an enjoyablestaywithusinthe Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Plans moving apace for RCD...

Frompage80 CommunityDeveloperssaid that the contact numbers for each regional coordinator will be made public in the next press release. While R.C.D can be contacted by telephone on 657-5612 or v i a e m a i l

developersroraima@gmail com

The officials are hoping for full cooperation from all as they are using this tournament to bring our people together in unity through sports in building a OneGuyana.

“Playing with passion and pride, is what the generations before us did” - Minister Ramson

-Guyana’sstalwartshailedat40thanniversaryDinnerandGalafor ShellShieldFirst-ClassandGeddesGrant/HarrisonLine83’teams

It was a legendary eventfittingforsome of Guyana/West Indies most iconic players, who were recognized for their historic run during the 1983 Shell Shield 1st-Class and Geddes Grant/Harrison Line50-Oversseason,witha 40thanniversaryDinnerand Gala held at the Ramada (Princess)Hotel.

In attendance former Guyana 80’s Skipper Sir Clive Lloyd, former West Indies Test batsman Faoud Bacchus, West Indies allrounder Roger Harper, wicket-keeper Milton Pydana, Monty Lynch and

others who donned the legendary Maroon back in the glory days. Other class acts and members of the Championship were teammatesGarfieldCharles, DerrickKallicharran,Komal Singh, Ray Joseph, William Whiteandothers. Special guests included Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Secretary Ronald WilliamsandexecutiveAnil Beharry along with Senior Cricket Journalists Sean Devers, Clifton Ross and CharwayneWalker Delivering the feature address,MinisterofCulture, Youth and Sports Charles

Ramson Jr, welcomed the star-studded cast of players, alongwiththeirfamiliesand friends. “Guyana is a countrybuiltoncricket.Itis who we are. We wanted to outdotheEnglishandforthe period when Sir Clive was among the best in the world and he won the cup in 1975 and what it did was inject a levelofconfidenceandpride intousasGuyanese”.

“We are all distinctly West Indian but the one essential ingredient is cricket It’s our most successful sport and it’s a way of life”, Said the Minister “Playing with

O60sCricketWorldCup… West Indies clinch Plate Finals glory

On Monday, Windies narrowly lost to Wales by 10 runs and thus lost their spot in the top 4 semifinalists’ contenders for the WorldCup.

InWednesday’s matchup in the qualifier against USA, Windies made light work of them defeating them by 9 wickets with 23 overstospare.

WestIndieswonthetossandopttofield inveryhotandhumidconditionsandquickly had USA3 wickets down in the first power play for just 44 runs. There were 2 brief partnerships with skipper Jeevaka & Wayne Copeland (35 runs) and Jeevaka &Pri De Silva (29 runs) after which wicket fell at regular intervals. The skipper, Jeevaka Weerasinghe eventually was last out for a well-played 75 in 124 balls with 7 boundaries.SeamerEmmersonJordanmade his mark on this match by taking a 5 fer 35, whilst leggieChanderpaul Singh grabbed 2 for23.

MikeHeeralallhadyetanotheropenerin Keith Seale and they enjoyed their best

Keith Seale won the Man-of-the-match award against Wales

openingpartnershipof76in9.2oversbefore Mikedepartedfor49lacedwith9boundaries and a maximum. Deonarine Deyal then joinedSealeandtheytookWestIndiessafely homein22.2overs.Sealeregisteredhisfirst (Continuedonpage75)

passion and pride the generations before us did that. We want to thank the players and former GCB pres ident N orman McCLean.

Also, on the behalf of HisExcellencyPresidentAli (currentlyoutofthecountry) , he asked to give his best regards. Sir Clive, during his speech spoke on the team’s journey during the 80’s, as he reminisced on their historic run during the 1983 season where Lloyd andhismenbecamethefirst nationtocaptureboth4-Day and 50-Overs titles. The legendary West Indies

Skipperpokedafewjokesat his old teammates, further adding to the joyous occasion.

He hailed his teammates for their works back then which helped to create the foundationofGuyana’sstrong cricketlegacy

Sir Lloyd also took some time to reflect and remember his fallen comrades, Roy Fredricks,Andrew Lyght and Clyde Butts, the latest to transition back in December 2023. Despite the absence, their teammates recognized theireffortsandtheirplaces intheteamwhichwillnever be filled GCB Secretary

Ronald Williams gave detailed breakdown of the 80’s series, highlighting the top performers such as Lyght, Butts, Monty Lynch, Sir Clive and others who were among the top performers of the two respectiveseries.

Williams also introduced West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph, who was a special guestatthedinnerGala

Meanwhile, Joseph, West Indies cricket’s newestsensation,soakedup knowledge and tricks from the old school gang of stalwarts, as he mixed and mingledwiththebunch

Members of the historic 1983 Shell Shield First-Class and Geddes Grant/Harrison Line 83’teams during their 40th anniversary Dinner at Princess Hotel

Plans moving apace for RCD inaugural Inter-Region Ten10 Softball Cricket Tourney

The Inaugural

Inter Region

Ten10 Softball Cricket Tournament is slated to take place from March3-17,2024,andplans are moving positively forward according to Roraima Community Developers.

According to the national coordinator of the tournament, R. C. D has already identified its regional coordinators and theyareworkingonputting systems in place as to the venues, team registration andtheotherthingsthatwill beneededatvariousvenues intheregionstakingpart.

According to the coordinator, teams from regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 have already indicated that they will be participating. He said that they are workingtohaveteamsfrom theotherregionsparticipate in this inter-region tournament.

The R C D official lamented that the

tournamentwillbeplayedin an open category because over the years softball

cricket has seen a tremendous decline nationally and that is because of the categorizing of the local cricket, where manycouldnotgetinvolved in the games regionally and nationally because of age range According to the official, they see this tournament as a grassroots one and in bringing back softball to the village level. While its aim and objective is to bring our people togetherasone.

They further said that sport plays a very integral part in binding our people and mounding our youths towardsapositivefuture.

Thetournamentwillsee all age groups participating withintheteamsthatwillbe taking part and each region will have its competition to crownitschampion.

According to Roraima Community Developers the teamscompetingregionally

will be vying also for trophies and cash incentives.

The winning team in each region will battle against each other for the same but most importantly f o r t h e n a t i o n a l championship bragging rights.

According to R C D officials, the tournament will see cash prizes and trophiesupforgrabsandata later release going to make public the regional and national prizes to be awardedduringandafterthe tournament.

The tournament will be played on a ten overs aside, roundarmbowlingandina one-gameknockoutformat.

Softball teams around Guyanathatareinterestedin takingpartareaskedtostart preparations for the Inter Region Tournament which is expected to bowl off on Sunday 3rd March at various venues across the country Roraima

(Continuedonpage79)

FIDE Deputy President to attend CARICOM Classic Chess Tournament Opening

FIDE Deputy President

a n d G r a n d m a s t e r Viswanathan Anand will visit Guyana for the first time on Saturday, March

2nd, 2024 Grandmaster Anand, a five time World Chess Champion, will be presentfortheopeningofthe inauguralCARICOM Chess Team Tournament set for March 4 to March 9 at the Ramada Georgetown PrincessHotel,Guyana.

The CARICOM Classic Chess tournament, the first ofitskind,willbehostedby the Guyana Chess Federation, in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat. The much awaited tournament is sponsoredbytheMinistryof Culture, Youth and Sport, TexilaAmerican University, ENet, Exxon Mobil, Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd., Guyoil, KFC, Topco, New GPC Inc. Rouge Salon and Spa, Platinum Investments, Optique Vision Care, Sterling Products Ltd , Marics&Co.Ltd.,Regency

competitions. His presence will be the highlight of this weekend’s opening c e r e m o n y f o r t h e

CARICOM tournament, a SchoolChessFestival,anda ChessLecture.

FIDE Deputy President, ViswanathanAnand

M a l l , S e m e k i a h Supercentre, GSK Inc

GuyCan Inc and Icon Investments.

GrandmasterAnandisan Indian chess grandmaster who won the World Chess Championshiptitlesin2000, 2007,2008,2010,and2012. Anandbecamethefirstchess grandmaster from India in 1988 at 19 and has the eighth-highest peak FIDE ratingofalltime.In2022,he was elected the deputy president of FIDE, the International Chess Federation. FIDE is the governing body of the sport of chess, and it regulates all international chess

OnSaturday,March2nd, the Guyana Chess FederationwillhostaSchool Chess Festival at the Texila American University for students from invited schools to meet and interact with the grand master The event will also allow prospective students the opportunity to tour the university campus. Students from Texila will also have a chance to interact with GM Anand.

On Sunday, March 3rd, the University of Guyana will host a lecture by GM Anand at its Turkeyen campus in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre The estimated 2 hours event will include an interactive portion where members in attendance can ask about gametips,challenges,and

(Continuedonpage79)