Kaieteur News

Over 13,000 children killed in Gaza, others severely malnourished : UNICEF

Whilemajorityofoilproducingnations,including Surinamenotpayingexplorationcosts...

Guyana paid US$703M for 4 drillships in 2023

Double-murder suspect Akeem Wong shot dead by police

Opposition: Approving more

oil projects without knowing projected income can reduce

Guyana's profits

Haiti: The harrowing

journey out of gang territory

11 months after receiving Exxon’s audit reports…

Govt. and GRA still

silent on findings of

US$7.3B expenses

Govt. and GRA still silent on findings of US$7.3 billion expenses

Aapproaches since the Government of Guyana (GoG) received the audit report from VHE Consulting on the US$7.3B expensesincurredbyExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), during the period 2018 to 2020, the countryisyettoreceiveanupdate ontheprocess.

A previous audit of the oil c o m p a n y ' s U S $ 1 6 B expenditure, racked up between 1999 and 2017 flagged US$214M in questionable costs.Thatauditwasdonebya British firm, IHS- Markit and recommended that the GoG contestthissumbeingclaimed by the company Auditors discovered that Exxon had brazenly misused the country'soilrevenuetofund goods and services not providedforunderthe2016 PetroleumAgreement.

That report was never shared publicly by the government, however the administration has since signalled its intention to head to arbitration over the disputed sum, as Exxon is adamant over the legitimacy of the costs.

In the meantime, however politicians and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) alike remaintightlippedonthe findingsandwayforward regarding the second audit.Thisreporttoowas never made public by the GoG.

On April 14, 2023, Kaieteur News reported that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said the second audit report was h a n d e d o v e r t o government.

T h e c h i e f policymakerforthesector had also noted the document was being reviewedbythetechnical teamsatthetime.

“The report has been concluded and it's now with the technicalpeopleandI'mnotgoing to…they have to review it, the GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority),thetechnicalgroupand they have to then make a (pronouncement) I am not interfering,” the VP said at his weeklypressconference.

Jagdeo said there is a notion that the government wants to hide the reports to protect the oil companies but this is against the intentionoftheadministration.

He clarified, “We have a big team going through these audits because we want to see any area, we have auditors but we want to seeanyareaswherewebelievewe should strengthen and they are helping us now a lot in resolving the issues now with the new PSA (Production Sharing Agreement) andalsowiththenew(Petroleum) law.”

The silence of the authorities on the audit of the company's expenseistroublinggiventherate at which the government has been accelerating growth in the petroleumsector Guyananowhas three Floating Production Storage and Operating vessels (FPSOs) producing oil in the Stabroek Block.

The daily rate of production hasbeenpushedto600,000barrels perday(bpd).

With greater production, Exxon'scostpoolalsoenlarges,as the Contract allows for up to 75% of all earnings to be deducted towards cost recovery. The remaining is shared with Guyana equallyasprofits.

Thecountryisintheprocessof recruiting another firm to conduct athirdauditfortheperiod2021to 2023,whilethetwopriorauditsare yettobeclosed.

PSAandaudits

The Stabroek Block PSA allows for audits to be conducted within two years, from the end of eachcalendaryear

At the conclusion of the process, the Contractor must be furnished with the report and its findingswithin60daystoprovide

a response. The response from Exxon will detail its objection or acceptance of the audit claim, alongwithexplanationsthereof.

The contract also allows the subjectMinistertoconductfurther investigations within 60 days of receiving the Contractor's response.

It must be noted that the PSA makes it clear at Section 1.5 (b) that:“…Ifwithinsixty(60)daysof the Minister's further investigation, the Parties are unable to agree to the disposition of the Minister's audit claim, the claimshallbesubmittedtothesole expert in accordance with Article 26oftheAgreement.”

Article 26 of the contract sets out the conditions as it relates to arbitration.

The contract in the meantime allows for the Contractor to recover these costs until the disputeissettled.

The US$7.3 billion audit was awarded by the current administration back in May 2022. It was conducted by VHE Consulting which is a registered partnership between Ramdihal & HaynesInc,EclisarFinancial,and Vitality Accounting & ConsultancyInc.

The Local Consortium was supported by international firms –SGSandMartindaleConsultants.

Approving more oil projects without knowing projected income can reduce Guyana’s profits - Opposition

The Opposition is c a l l i n g o n government to release the projected cash flow from the five projects sanctioned to date in the Stabroek Block, saying that this information is vital to arm citizens with the knowledge of the extent and rate at which ExxonMobil is expected to recoup its investments.

“This has serious implications for the country getting more revenues not just from higher production, but through an increase in profit oil,” the Office of the LeaderoftheOppositionsaid inastatementonSaturday In keeping with the provisions of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), up to 75% of monthly revenues can be deducted by the operator to cover expenses The remaining 25% is split with Guyana as profits.

Atapressconferencelast month, the President of ExxonMobil Guyana

Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge indicated that his company spent US$29B on the Stabroek Block thus far Outofthatsum,henotedthat US$19Bhasbeenrecovered.

To this end, the Opposition explained that Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and Exxon have signaled that Guyana's share ofoilrevenuesisprojectedto increase substantially in the next few years as the company recoups more and moreofitsinvestments.

“To put this in technical terms:theprofitoiltocostoil ratio of 25 - 75% will shift towards greater profit oil,” theOppositionpointedout.

It said that while it w e l c o m e s t h i s announcement, the governmentmustensurethis projectionmaterialisestothe fullestextentpossible.

“It must therefore not rush to approve new oil

projects in the Stabroek Block,whichwoulddriveup cost-oil and thereby deny Guyanathechancetoacquire a greater share of revenues,” thepoliticalgroupurged.

The Opposition reasoned that both Exxon and government must have utilized the projected cash flow for the five projects sanctioned to date in determining the growth in profitsforthecountry

LocalContentconfab billedforApril16

Building upon the success of the inaugural Local Content Summit in 2023,theeagerlyanticipated 2024Summitisscheduledto takeplaceonApril16,2024, at the Pegasus Suites and CorporateCentre.

Under the theme:

“Creating Value Driving Economic Expansion,” this year's Summit reaffirms its commitment to bringing together key stakeholders from various sectors. In a press release, conference organizers said the Local Content Summit is a collaborative endeavour between MBW Energy Support Services Inc., Prestige Management Consultants, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Local Content Secretariat.

Together, these entities are dedicated to advancing the local content agenda and fostering sustainable development within Guyana's oil and gas industry

Enacted in Parliament in December 2021, the Local Content Legislation was crafted to oversee activities

within the burgeoning Oil and Gas sector, with the aim of propelling Guyana's economic growth and development.

It outlines strategies to foster more business, trade, andcommerceopportunities, cultivate a skilled and adaptable workforce, and forgestrategicallianceswith international companies to b o l s t e r G u y a n a ' s participation in the Oil and Gas sector, as well as in complementary and nontraditionalsectors.

"We are thrilled to continue the momentum of the Local Content Summit with our 2024 edition," says Abbigale Loncke-Watson, President of MBW Energy SupportServicesInc.

"This event serves as a crucial platform for advancing our collective understanding of how local content initiatives can drive economic expansion and create lasting value for Guyana "The upcoming Summit remains committed to its mission of convening Policy Makers, Regulatory and Support Agencies and Organizations, Educators,

experts, Vendors/Suppliers, Investors, and the Local Private Sector, alongside other key stakeholders and interested parties This inclusive approach ensures a comprehensive exchange of ideas and perspectives, fostering collaboration and driving progress within Guyana's oil and gas industry

Attendees can expect insights from a diverse array of speakers, featuring presentations, panel discussions,andtestimonials addressing crucial decisionmaking information relevant to the Local Content Legislation'skeyfocusareas. These include supply chain management, procurement strategies, employment policies, capacity development initiatives, and marketanalysis.

The comprehensive programme aims to provide attendees with a deeper understandingofthebenefits of achieving Local Content certificationandstrategiesto capitalize on available and forthcomingopportunities.

that the country must also target greater profit oil to extractalargerproportionof revenues. Such an approach, however, requires a more judicious oil extraction policy, one which is absent today, but one which we, as the next government, have pledged to finalize with the company

We,intheOpposition,are convinced that Guyana must andcangetabetteroildealin theStabroekBlock.”

To this end, it called for theinformationtobereleased immediately

According to the Opposition,“Whiledemands forabettercontractfocuson the royalty and ring-fencing aspects, we restate our view

The Opposition's call for the release of revenue forecast from the oil and gas sector finds its merit in the Extractive Industries and Transparency Initiative (EITI)Standards.Guyana,as an implementing country is required to abide by the guiding principles of the watchdoginstitution.

Notably, the 2023 EITI

Standards state at 5.3 (b):

“Implementing countries are expected to disclose any forecasts related to future revenues from the extractive sector, including the underlying assumptions related to projected production levels, projected project costs and projected commodity prices, where theyexist.

The government is encouraged to explain how energytransitionandclimate riskconsiderationshavebeen considered in revenue forecasting.”

Additionally,5.3(c)goes ontopointoutthatoilandgas companies are also encouraged to disclose projected project production levels, and estimated timelines related to cost recovery,uponrequestbythe multi-stakeholdergroup.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

Standingupforbetter

ItistimeforGuyanesetostandup. Standup,Guyana,or politicianswillstandontheheadofeachcitizen.

Standup,Guyanese,forrightsdenied,forprosperitythat isstolen,againstthedisdainthatforeigners,nonemorethan oil companies, hurl on the head of every citizen. Standup, Guyanese,andshowthesegreedyexploitersandthesecruel enslaverswhatwearemadeof,andthatweknowwhatisat stake,andthatwewillhunkerdownforashowdown. Letit be,foroilblocksgivenaway,foroilblocksduetobehanded back but extended, for new projects approved with scant benefit for Guyanese. Stand up Guyana, for the PPP/C Government (Jagdeo) is falling down on the job of doing right by Guyanese. Stop taking things for granted, stop turningablindeye,orelseboththePPP/CGovernmentand the APNU+AFC Opposition will allow ExxonMobil to trampleuponGuyanese. ToallGuyanese,weoweittoour enslavedforebears,toourmartyredindentured,tostandup forourbirthrightandourrights,andifitmeansashowdown withtheexploitativeforeigners,thensobeit. Ahundredand twentyoilblocksaremorethanaparcelofpreciousoilreal estate;theyareawholeoilcountrybythemselves.

This is what would make our forefathers most proud, includingCheddiJaganandForbesBurnham. Standingup for better, and taking the fight to the local schemers in bed with foreign exploiters, is what would wreathe the faces of ourancestorswithasmile:thattheirsonsanddaughterswill not surrender their birthright without a struggle ExxonMobil hasbeenallowedtogetawaywithmurderousnessandvileness, andthisarrogancemustbeattendedto,the‘eye-pass’bebrought toagrindinghalt Fortoolong,Guyanesehavetoedtheline, gonealongpassively,anditislongpastthetimeforthistocome toastop.

Forcertainty,theWhitemanwillcontinuetofetchaway the oil with every tanker load sailing away But, just as surely, the sharpness of the rage of every conscientious Guyanese man, hurting Guyanese woman, and shortchangedGuyanesechildmustsailrightintothefaceof theforeignoppressors Theforeignoppressorsandtheirlocal castofcravenpoliticalcharactersmustfeeltheheat Thosewho leavetheGuyanesepeoplestrandedandempty-handedmustbe made to feel the surging anger of citizens over the many injusticesthathaveplaguedthiscountrysincethediscoveryof oil Standing up can take different forms. Stop being impressed by the foreigners cheating Guyanese, stop looking with awe at locals betraying Guyanese, stop supportingthosewhosuffocatethepresentandfutureofall Guyanese. Standing up and showing scorn and anger must bethefirstshotacrossthebowofAmerica’sExxonMobil.If thiscountrycannotstartonapathofgenuineprosperitywith the genuine enhancement of all Guyanese, then Guyanese must stand up and stand in the way of exploiters and betrayers. No renegotiation means no welcoming, and no movetowardsGuyanesegettingmoremoneywhichmeans nomorefoolingaround,nomorelookingatExxonMobilas ourbenefactors.

StandupandagainstthePPP/CGovernmentandtheAPNU Opposition,whichbothstabintheback Theformerwoulddo anythingtostayinpower,evenitmeanssellingoutallofGuyana to ExxonMobil, while the Opposition has its eyes fixed on gettingbackintopowerbyanymeanspossible,includingthose favourabletoExxonMobil’sinterests Guyanese:getup,stand up,getreadytostruggleagainstthebrutalizers Guyanesemust ceasefoldingtheirhandsandzippingtheirlips,whileallowing themselvestobestarved,spatupon,thenkickedaround We have had enough of this kind of scorn by the foreign despoilers. Let ExxonMobil and its Guyanese political aiders and abettor sense that the times have changed, and change must come. Not standing up is joining with the governmentandtheoppositioninsellingoutthepresentand future generations. Not standing up for a piece of the nationalpatrimonyispermittingtheinternationalbanditsto standoverGuyana,andkickatwillallstrugglingGuyanese, whilemakingpuppetsofleaders.

Government needs to stop treating civic bodies as businesses

DEAREDITOR

On Saturday, March 9th an eight-page Notice of Default published in daily newspapers threatened over 100 named organizations, with being ‘Struck Off’ the Register of Companies unless they provide a range of information to the Registrywithin28days.The authority for this demand wasstatedtobeSection153 of the Companies Act of 1991andtheAMLCFTAntiMoney Laundering Act of 2023.

Among the ‘companies’ listed are every kind of organization in Guyana –religious, sporting, cultural, and business, including the likes of Jesus Rescue Mission, Mercy Hospital, theGuyanaMuslimMission Limited and the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA).

The information,

requiredfrom2012includes audited accounts, profit & loss statements and a range ofinformationonBeneficial Ownership.Theideathatthe international Anti-Money Laundering authorities require this range of information from such organisations is not only absurd, it reveals the contempt in which the conceptofcorruptionisheld inGuyana.

TheGHRAwillconform with the request for information, our issue is not complying with the requirementsofthelaw,itis that as a non-profit organization, we should not have to be automatically attuned with changes taking place in the commercial world. The GHRA is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 1979 has and produced audited accounts for all the

forty-odd years between thenandnow

The GHRA has no difficulty with the Commercial & Deeds Registry reviewing its lists for commercial companies thatmaybedefunctorremiss in submitting required information Nor do we object to non-profit organizations having to conform with regulations designed for them We staunchly object, however, to commercial requirements

being automatically extended to non-profit organizations.

Any objective observer wouldaskwhy,forexample, the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC), which handles billions of dollars of public fundsandwaslastauditedin 2012 is not under scrutiny Moreover, respected local and overseas professional

auditorshavechallengedthe Auditor-General for signing offonverydefectiveofficial audits of the Natural Resources Fund – again handling billions. Surely this chaos in Government financesmeritsmuchgreater attentionfromtheAMLCTF than the likes of the Georgetown Pony Club!, whichisalsoontheRegistry List.

Themind-setofdrawing no distinction among the organizations it monitors is not peculiar to the Commercial Registry It is a hold-over from the days when Marxism-Leninism ruled the day in the ruling party, and continues to intrudes wherever this party intersects with civil society. Maybe removing the Marxist-Leninist tag from the Party’s Constitution wouldbethefirststepin

(Continuedonpage06)

Why the Trade Union Congress joined the Teachers’Union in its Court Battle?

DEAREDITOR, The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has a moral and legal obligation to stand by the nation’s public-school teachers and all society.The refusal by the Bharrat Jagdeo/IrfaanAli regime to respect the decision, arising from the court-ordered mediation by Justice Sandil Kissoon,makestheGTUC’s stance stronger We are a nation of laws and the right of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) to engage in collective bargaining is enshrinedintheConstitution and Laws of Guyana, which makesitsacrosanct.

The regime’s decision last Tuesday to walk away from negotiating the 20192023 Proposal on Wages/SalariesandWorking Conditions submitted in August 2020, which subsequentlyledtothestrike in 2024, demonstrated the absence of intent to respect the rule of law The court, having used its authority to redirect the parties to the bargaining table, is now being undermined by a regime that thrives on lawlessness.

Thecourtisnotmerelya third and equal branch of government; it is a vital pillar of society because it adjudicates the nation’s law and dispenses justice. When the judiciary upholds these

sacred principles without fear, favour or ill will the court furthers the real interest of all. This interest the regime has moved to undermine The act of disregarding the court, and other decisions binding on the Government and other parties such as the 1999 Arbitration Award to Guyana Public Service Union, demonstrates lawlessness and bad faith, whichareunacceptable.The People’s Progressive Party Government’s noncompliance is not only evident in arbitration and court’s award, but in nearly every decision arrived at withthetradeunions.

The refusal of the MinistryofLabour,whichis supposed to be acting independentoftheemployer to conciliate and establish arbitration tribunal for grievances between the Guyana Bauxite & General W o r k e r s U n i o n (GB&GWU) and Bauxite Company Guyana Inc (BCGI) are too issues of concern The above reasons, along with the regime’s arbitrary decision toterminatethecheckofffor union dues, while constructively putting in place a mechanism forcing teachers to take strike to announcetherewillbealoss of pay are manifestations of acts that contravene modern

industrial relations principlesandpractices.

The GTUC, while not vested with the authority to negotiate collective labour agreements, has among its objectives the responsibility topursuelegal,politicaland economic practices that impact the wellbeing of organised and un-organised labour The GTU is an affiliateoftheGTUCandin timesofneed,thefederation will stand by its affiliates. It is a moral and legal responsibility we take seriously and shall not shirk from.

Behind this backdrop, the GTUC is standing alongside the GTU as they take their fight to the court. The hearing is scheduled to begin Wednesday 20th March. This opportunity is taken to publicly expressed gratitude to Mr Roysdale Forde S C, M P for representing yours truly on behalfoftheGTUC.

Workers/Citizens of Guyana must remain vigilant The Jagdeo/Ali regime’s open contempt for the rule of law and rights of citizens poses clear and presentdangertonurturinga democratic society Labour will not stand for it. We encourage others to be similarly intolerant Lawlessness and violation disrupt society and hinders the desire of the ordinary

man and woman, across race, class and other diversity,toliveinpeaceand harmony

This nation bears daily witness to the exclusion of the political opposition in representing their constituentseventhoughthe political objective of this society mandates forging an inclusionary democracy, explicitly outlined inArticle 13 of the Constitution of Guyana Similarly, the Jagdeo/Ali regime seeks to trample the rights of labour to collective bargaining as outlined in Article 147 and participate in national decision-making that impacts the workers’ wellbeing as outlined in Article 149C of the Constitution of Guyana.

Guyanamustnotsitback and allow the Court’s decision of 4th March that both Government and Teachers signed to be trampled on today The court’s ruling must be respected as much as the rights of workers The GTUCiscommittedtogoing the distance, using all legitimate means at its disposal to protect, defend and advance the rights of workers, organised or not, past,presentandpotential.

LincolnLewis GeneralSecretary

Guyana Trades Union Congress

Edward Burrowes letter on ‘Autocratization’of Guyana reminds me of a Balgobin story

DEAREDITOR

In reading Edward Burrowes “Increasing ‘Autocratization’ of Guyana,”(KN3/14/24),Iam reminded of the Balgobin stories, which I used to hear growinguponthesugarcane plantation.As legend would have it, Balgobin – the fictitious protagonist –was sometimes portrayed as a clever fabricator, or an exaggerator

In one of the stories, Balgobin’s classroom teacher asked everyone in the class to draw an a e r o p l a n e U p o n examination of the students’ drawings, the teacher found that Balgobin had just two straight lines on his drawing sheet.

When she asked Balgobinwhyhedidn’tdraw aplane,Balgobinresponded thathedid,butthattheplane took off before the teacher graded his paper, and that what remained was just the runway This brings my focus of attention to Burrowes’letter

In his letter, Burrowes mentioned that he utilized informationpublishedbythe V-Dem Institute located within the Department of Political Science at the UniversityofGothenburg.

A review of the March 2024 report suggests that Burrows seemingly examined the analytical findings, but that he selectively utilized titbits of information to support his claim of increasing autocratization of Guyana.

Herearethereasonswhy

Burrowes states that, “since 2018 under the APNU+AFC coalition to now, Guyana has been downgraded from the status ofan“electoraldemocracy”.

“What Burrows appears to conveniently omit is that V-

Demidentifiedtheyear2018 asthestartofautocratization in Guyana, a time when the APNU+AFC–notthePPP/C -wasinoffice,andforwhich dataareavailable.

V-Dem publishers also acknowledged that their 2023 analytical results of Electoral Democracy (ED)are based on limited data, and that their classification schema rests primarily on the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI) theyestablished.

AccordingtotheV-Dem, the LDI indices are:(a) Whether ‘Requirements of Electoral Democracy’; (b) ‘Judicial and legislative constraints on the executive’; and (c) ‘Protection of civil liberties, and equality before the law’ are met within a country. Based on the LDI, the VDemadmittedthatonly32of the countries around the worldsatisfiedtheidentified criteria.

An examination of the above three criteria quickly reveal flaws in the V-Dem classification of Guyana Unlessthereportanalystsare magicians, I can’t see how they could have assessed whether,ornot,Guyanamet the “Requirements of ElectoralDemocracy”inthe year2023.

Since the PPP/C government assumed office in2020,andelectionsarenot due until 2025, how can someone undertake a valid analysis of this criterion? In addition, satisfying the remainingtwocriteriaarein full display within the country under PPP/C governance.

Let’s now turn attention to another of Burrowes’ claim which he stated this way: “Guyana is shaded between grey and orange, meaning an electoral

democracy but with elementsofautocracy.”

Itshouldbenotedthatthe V-Dem identified a Grey Zone, not a “grey and orange”zone.

In explaining countries withintheGreyZone-which includes Guyana - the VDem publishers said: “We use the plus/minus sign to indicate the possible uncertainty of the classification, and to underline that some countries are placed in the “greyzone”betweenregime types.

This is based on the VDem’s confidence intervals and accounts for potential measurementerrorsthatmay ariseduetothenatureofthe data… Countries belong in this category if confidence intervalsoverlapmakingthe classification more uncertain.”

From the above quote, theV-Dempublishersappear cognizant of flaws in their data analysis, which signals that the information should beusedwithcaution.

This then begs the question why the learned Burrowes failed to make note of the report’s weaknesses in his letter Coulditbethatomissionsin his letter are similar to Balgobin’s aeroplane gaffe? Onewonders.

Regards

NarayanPersaud

The Horizons of History

DEAREDITOR

Over the last few months, the letters pages of ournewspapershavebareda heated debate on the role of ideology and Dr Cheddi J a g a n d u r i n g o u r independence era Inevitably, these accounts invoke historicalclaimsthat are hotly contested because the interlocutors refuse to acknowledge they are speaking from personal perspectives or to use Kosellek’sphrase,“spaceof experience”. Meaning that historical accounts are always oriented from the writer’s present to the past and simultaneously to his future. In other words, the way the past is remembered inthepresentiscolouredby the writer’s “horizon of expectation” – the anticipation of the non-yetknown future beyond the horizon.These,expectations project a future – as was the case with Dr Jagan - that is the product of the configuration of both individual and collective e x p e r i e n c e s “ N o expectations without experience; no experience without expectation”, said Kosellek.

Ahistory of our present, in the words of Caribbean anthropologist David Scott demandsthenthat“histories of the past ought to be interventions in the present, strategic interrogations of thepresent’snormsasaway of helping us to glimpse the possibilities for an

alternative future ” The present debate on Dr Jagan must be elevated out of the unfortunate name-calling We must concede that Dr Jagan’s interventions in the 1950s and 1960s were coloured by his Marxist ideology, which he felt would address the incipient ethnic cleavages and simultaneously, the c o n t r a d i c t i o n s o f colonialisminhishorizonof expectation But most importantly for us, we have to ask what can we learn fromhisexperiencethatcan assist us to deal with our horizon of expectations in 2024. We are once again confronted with a Cold War – this time between the US and China - in which we havetochartacoursethatis bestforournation.

To analyse and evaluate Dr Jagan’s experience shouldnotinanywayseekto eitherdeifyordemonizehim sincehumansystemsarenot ergodic – where we can know all the variables so as to predict absolutely future outcomes.Butour“problem space” – the threats and opportunities that confront us in our present sociohistorical conjuncture – is unfortunately not completely different For one, while the “us” and “them” within the old narrative is not the unified 1953“us”versustheBritish, who we hoped to kick out, thedivisionsinour“us”still exist. But the future can be significantly different if

nothing else because the possibilities opened up with oil.Iamsuggestingthatwith the privilege of hindsight, we should recognise that while we cannot change the past, we can certainly change the future Our horizon of expectation must generate strategies that simultaneously speak to our internal and external challenges.

Fortuitously, also our problem space is different from our post-independence era in that internally, our demographicsnowdenyany built-in ethnic majority and so open up the possibilities of a working democracy. One in which either of the two major parties can win elections by running on platforms that reach across theethnicdivides.Assucha constructive narrative in our problemspacecannotfreeze our opposing groups locked forever in mortal combat as exemplified in some narratives that set “us” against “them” into periodic frenzies of nihilistic Fanonian violence. On the other hand, we cannot teleologically promise futures that can never be delivered through utopian theories.

Externally, while the geopolitical system in moving from unipolarity to multipolarity we must consider the implications of our actions within the premises of the Monroe Doctrinethatstillmotivates

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Governmentneedstostoptreating...

Frompage04

Government getting a modern mind-set on how societyiscomposed. The GHRA’s complaint with the persistent unwillingness of the Government to recognize a fundamental difference between non-profit civil society organizations and commercial companies is widely shared among civic organizationsinGuyana.

C o u n t r i e s t h a t genuinely prioritize t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability reflect this primarily in their laws In contrast, Guyana seeks to project a concern for abiding by the AMLCTF notinitslawsbutbychasing every charitable body in the country

Moreover, Section 153 of the Companies Act of 1991 contains a Form on Beneficial Ownership which all the listed organizationsareorderedto

complete but which contains not a single question relevant to nonprofitorganizations.

Asanaside,itshouldbe pointed out that Beneficial Ownershipisanewconcept for Guyana, being promoted as a result, not from conviction, but from international concern over corruption

T h e G u y a n a Government, has recently contracted international consultants to devise a p a t h w a y f o r c o m p r e h e n s i v e implementation of

Beneficial Ownership which also involves educating the population, business and Government entities on how it will be implemented However, without waiting for the c o n s u l t a n t s ’ recommendations, or providingasinglepieceof guidance,theRegistryhas l a u n c h e d i t s o w n

demands

Asanasidethequestion mightberaisedwhetherthe Deeds & Commercial Registry exempt from the normal courtesies of writing to defaulting companies and civic bodies?

Inlightoftheabove,the G H R A s t r o n g l y r e c o m m e n d s t h e Commercial & Deeds Registry: Replace its illconsidered demand with separate requirements from profit and non-profit bodies; Set aside BO requirementsuntilthework of the consultants is available, Make the necessary legal and administrative changes to treat routinely with profit a n d n o n - p r o f i t organizations as distinct in nature

Sincerely

ExecutiveCommittee

Guyana Human Rights Association

ProjectSyndicateArticleinStabroekNews

Saturday16thEditionTitledZombificationof PoliticalPartiesReferencetoPMModiofIndia

DEAREDITOR

I write to express my disagreement and actually disgust over Professor Jan –Werner Mueller’s article where he dealt with the current Takeover of the RepublicanPartybyDonald Trump and his supporters, howeverhehasmentionedin an obtuse manner the name of Prime Minister Modi lumping him with the Likes of Victor Orban of Hungary andKaczynskiformerPrime MinisterofPoland.

Maybe the Professor should include the likes of Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey who clearly fits into the categoryherefersto.

Editor Mr Narendra ModihasbeenelectedPrime Minister two times already bythePeopleofIndiaandis poised to be elected for a record third time in the World’sLargestDemocracy, no objective thinker can describe Prime Minister Modi as a far right populist andthereisnodoubtthathe hasastrongconnectionwith the Grass root people of India ,further, whatever the writerreferstoorimpliesas Zombification cannot be properly associated with PrimeMinisterModiandhis BJP party and nor can his party be described as far right ,those nomenclatures

are largely of European originandapplication.

Mr Modi is on his way to becoming India’s most consequential and Successful Prime Minister to date as India is now the fifth Largest Economy in the world and if given another term of five years by the electorate India may rise to position of third largest economy making strides in all spheres of Scientific, E c o n o m i c , S p a c e E x p l o r a t i o n a n d upliftment of the condition ofhispeople.

Yourssincerely

ChristopherPersaud

The Horizons of History...

Frompage05 the US. We cannot equate our personal morality based on our notions of “good and bad”withthemoralityofstatesinwhichtheir interestsarealwaysparamount:Thereareno permanent friends or enemies – simply permanentinterests.

What then should be our “horizon of expectation”? Criticism is always strategic. What is it that our interlocutors in the Jagan debate want as a consequence of their criticisms, narratives, actions and

exhortations?Whatisthe“good”?Whilethere willneverbe–forthesimplereasonthatitjust cannotbe–asinglehorizonofendsforallof us, one would hope that there is some consensus that with the simultaneous threat from Venezuela and the economic and strategicinterestsoftheUS,wecannotafford to antagonise the latter as we pursue our strategicinteresttocreateamoreprosperous, equitableandharmonioussociety.

Sincerely,

RaviDev

Takeastand

Stand up Guyana, for the PPP/C Government (Jagdeo) is falling down on the job of doing right by Guyanese.

Stop taking things for granted, stop turning a blind eye, or else both the PPP/C Government and the APNU+AFC Opposition will allow ExxonMobil to trample upon Guyanese.

To all Guyanese, we owe it to our enslaved forebearers, to our martyred indentured, to stand up for our birthright and our rights, and if it means a showdown with the exploitative foreigners, then so be it.

A hundred and twenty oil blocks are more than a parcel of precious oil real estate; they are a whole oil country by themselves.

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SkyHighDominicanaopenscommercial officeinGuyana

Sky High Aviation Services Dominicana on Saturdayofficiallyopenedits Commercial Office in David Street Kitty, almost a month after its inaugural flight connecting Guyana and the DominicanRepublic.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism Industry and CommerceOneidgeWalrond notedthattheintroductionof the new service is a materialisation of bilateral engagements between the twocountriesafteravisitled by President Dr. Mohamed IrfaanAliwhereconnectivity was one of the issues discussed.

“Wearereallyhappyas

a government that the Sky HighDominicanateamhas been the opportunity, answered the call so quickly, and been able to cement this inaugural flight.

It tells us as a government that the investors are seeing the vision for the development of the tourism product and the tourism sector here in Guyana,” Minister Walrond noted.

She noted that the opening of the office is an indication of care for customers and it augurs well forvisitors.TheMinisteralso noted other relationship highlights such as the

establishmentofanEmbassy, aChamberofCommerceand otherinterests.

She noted that the government will continue to build aspects of the tourism sector that support airlift to ensure that the venture as an airlineisviable.

Also, new hotel rooms, meetings, conferences, sporting activities and other events will be supported by the government to make investmentslessrisky

“Our vision and strategy for government is that the tourism product is so diversified that visitors are always coming to Guyana. The strategy is that by 2027, we should be

having over 2 million visitors coming to Guyana, experiencing Guyana, coming to and forth, not necessarily living in Guyana but coming to and forth for different reasons fordifferentmeetings,”she noted.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Ernesto Torres Pereyra also lauded the initiative.Hestatedthatwith SkyHighservingasabridge, the dream of the dream of

developing a multi destination tourism strategy easilyachievable.

“Theopeningofadirect flight between Georgetown and Santo Domingo is one of the most significant moments in the history of our bilateral relations and precisely because of the potential to foster a more dynamic exchange in trade andtourismaswellasinall a r e a s o f o f f i c i a l cooperation It is once again a time for discovery for Guyanese to discover why the DR is the most

visited destination in the entire Caribbean region and for Dominicans to fall in love just like we have done, with this amazing country full of natural wonders, cultural diversity and some of the warmest and coolest people in the entireworld,”hestated.

The airline offers weekly direct flights between Las Américas International Airport Santo Domingo and t h e C h e d d i J a g a n International Airport The office is located at Lot 58 DavidStreetKitty (DPI)

UG and ChildLink to host social work conference this week

In observance of

World Social Work Week 2024 being observed from March 1822, the University of Guyana's Faculty of Social Sciences and ChildLink GuyanawillhosttheGuyana Social Work Education and Practice Conference from March19th–20th.

The conference will be hosted at the university's George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT), Turkeyen Campus under the theme; “Respecting diversity

through joint social action: Aligning social work education and practice to globalstandards”.

According to a press releasebyUG,WorldSocial Work Week is celebrated annually and aims to highlight social work's achievements, raise social services' visibility, and defend social justice and humanrights.

Twobroadsub-themesof the conference are Social Work Education and Social Work Policy and Practice.

Under the Social Work Education sub-theme, the conference will consider the state of social work education, social work field education, social work professional identity, and new pedagogies in social work education. Under the Social Work Policy & Practice sub-theme the conference will examine all forms of violence, migrant familiesandchildren,access to social services, public healthandmentalhealth

(Continuedonpage16)

Cutting of the ribbon to the new Sky-High Aviation Services Dominicana

Road construction frenzy is frightening

The government has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development spree. It has initiated major road projects across the nation. While the intention behind these endeavours is undoubtedly to enhance connectivity and improve overall infrastructure, the currentpaceofdevelopment has raised concerns regarding its sustainability and the potential for economicoverheating.

The frenzy of road construction, including projects like the Schoonord to Crane bypass, the Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam link, and the Diamond to East Coast bypass, signifies asignificantcommitmentby the government towards modernizing the country’s roadtransportinfrastructure.

However, the rapid execution of multiple larges c a l e p r o j e c t s simultaneouslyhasstretched the construction sector beyonditscapacity.

One of the most glaring consequences of this overextension is the strain it places on vital resources, such as sand, cement, and stone – essential materials for road construction. The skyrocketing prices of these materials have had a ripple effect across various sectors o f t h e e c o n o m y , exacerbating costs in industries like home and commercial construction This inflationary pressure not only increases the financial burden on businesses and homeowners but also undermines the competitiveness of Guyana’seconomy

Theresultingheightened competition

for resources has led to delays in project timelines. Contractorsarestrugglingto procurematerialsandskilled labour in a timely manner When materials are obtained, the labour force is not there and when the labour force is in place, materials take days and weekstobedeliveredonsite.

Despite facing these challenges, the government hasbeenresistanttocallsfor a slowdown in the pace of road construction. Instead, it continues to push forward with the awarding of new contracts, ignoring the underlyingconstraintsfaced by contractors. The result is that existing construction works are further delays by the added competition for material and human resources.

The government has failed to recognize the limitations of the construction sector and acknowledge the adverse consequences of its current approach. By ignoring the supply and labour constraints, the government risks exacerbating delays, compromising project quality, and ultimately failing to deliver on its infrastructurepromises.

M u l t i l a t e r a l organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the InterAmerican Development Bank(IDB)havewarnedthe government about the possibility of the overheatingoftheeconomy But the government appears tobeconfidentintheability of the construction sector to execute the several projects th at constitute the Public S ector Investment

Programme It appears oblivioustotherealconcern as to the effect of the construction bonanza on pricesandtheavailabilityof materials. Butthereisaway out A key consideration should be the prioritization of projects.Whileeach road developmentinitiativeholds significance,itisessentialto allocateresourcesefficiently and focus on completing critical projects before embarking on new ones. Prioritization should be based on factors such as strategic importance, economic impact, and feasibility This targeted approach ensures that limitedresourcesareutilized effectively to maximize the benefitsforthenation.

The government should consider,forexamplegiving priority to completing the Schoonord to Crane bypass since this will alleviate major traffic woes on the West Side. Similarly, the Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam roadwillhelpeasethetraffic problems along the Grove, East Bank Public Road, and theOgletoDiamondbypass will allow for East bank traffic to be able transit to EastCoastwithouthavingto travelthroughthecity These should be three priority projectswhiletheotherroad projects including the widening of the East Coast PublicRoadandtheRailway Embankment can be deferredtolater

The government must consider the broader implications of its infrastructure program on the economy as a whole. Overheating, characterized byexcessivegrowthleading toinflationarypressuresand e c o n o m i c

DEM BOYS SEH Is wah we do?

It look like we deh pon a merry-goround with our leaders and ExxonMobil. Dem boys been scratching dey head, wondering what kinda spell Exxon cast got pon our leaders that dem refusing to even holler at demforabetterdeal.

But what dem boys reallywanttoknowiswhat wrongwedotodeseleaders of ours? Perhaps we’ve failed in our duties of adulation, not showering our leaders with enough praise and adoration Maybe we forget to kiss demfeeteverymorning,or we ain’t clapping loud

enoughwhendeypass?

Orcoulditbeweforget to read de fine print in de democracy manual, where itsaywejustsupposedtosit quiet while dem do all de talking and mekkin all de decisions? Or perhaps, in our ignorance, we’ve overlookedthefineprintin oursocialcontract,whereit states that we, the people, are merely pawns in the grand chess game of international business, and our leaders are the noble knightssworntoprotectthe interests of... well, not us, apparently We want to know what we do that we deserve this

imbalances, poses a significant risk that cannot be ignored. By overheating the economy through unsustainable infrastructure d e v e l o p m e n t , t h e government jeopardizes long-term stability and growthprospects. A more prudent strategy would involve phasing the infrastructure programme to alignwiththecapacityofthe construction sector This phased approach allows for betterresourcemanagement, smoother project execution, and mitigates the risk of

overheating.Additionally, it provides breathing room for contractors to fulfill their obligations without being overwhelmed by concurrent projects.

While infrastructure development is crucial for Guyana’s socio-economic advancement, it must be pursuedjudiciouslytoavoid the pitfalls of overheating and resource depletion. The g o v e r n m e n t m u s t demonstrate prudence and foresight in managing its infrastructure programme, prioritizing critical projects,

and pacing development in line with the capacity of the constructionsector

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

fate. Tell, we man! Tell we how we can make amends fuhwhatwedo!

And what bout Exxon, huh?

Dem boys pondering what kinda witchcraft dem pull pon our leaders to make dem so scared of change?WhatExxonMobil dotoweleaders,pleasetell we!

Please ease we stress, endwefrustrationandletus know what sin we commit that we deserve this fate of seeing our wealth plunder frombeneathusandthereis littlewhichisbeingdoneto reversethis.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Cybercrime challenge: look upward and closer Commissioner, Hicken

ThePoliceChiefsaidthat oneofthebiggestchallenges faced by the Guyana Police Force is cybercrime. Isn't that the gospel truth. Being inagenerousframeofmind, ahelpinghandisextendedto Top Cop, Clifton Hicken. Mr Hickenforlesserlightsin thisshakysociety

All that Commissioner Hicken has to do is cast his eyes at majestic Freedom House, shift his gaze to the secretive Office of the Prime Minister, and then concentratehisglare(suchas it is) on the rodent-infested Cabinet. His uphill battles, his institution's exercises in futility, would be halved at a minimum,fortherearemore than a few cybercriminals in thosedensofiniquity Allthe commissioner has to do is look, and no acting position orskillsarerequired. Byway ofclarification,itismybelief thatthebattlesandexercises, asmentionedinasentenceor two ago, are part of a long running farce, a standing

joke, in this country Commissioner Hicken knows what I mean, and so does the rest of Guyana.

ThoughIfocusthehighbeam on PPP Government cyber criminals, let no one forget that the PNC also has its fat share of covert cyber criminals. Now back to the main contenders for cyber criminals of the decade, maybethestillnewcentury

Many Guyanese have more than a fair idea of who are among the cybercrime bullies, cyber criminals, and cyber lowlifes (a word of gratitude is owed and repaid toVPJagdeo)inthissociety They hide behind the veil of Parliament,operateatwillin the clearest light of day Untouched and uncollared. Now that is power, that is protection.

To flaunt themselves without fear, to commit cybercrimes (and more) and be confident of getting away with them. Is Mr Mohabir Anil Nandlall, Esq , still

Attorney General, Guyana's chief lawman, among its leadingenforcersofthelaw?

I suppose the law pales into insignificance before this man of the warrior caste, when the cyber criminals in the PPP Government are doingenforcerworkforparty andthepowerswithinit.

Teach the obnoxious a lesson Intimidate the dissenters into fearful silence Bring the disagreeable in line. One PPPleaderurgesit. Another PPP leader lives it. One of the two, with an able assist from willing others, overflowswithit.

The world of cyberspace providestheperfectcoverfor PPPGovernmentthugs.

Theetherofsocialmedia hasbeentransformedintothe playground (the knowing would say the political killingfield)ofthegoonsand hit-men of some of the government'sleaders.

These would be those faithful fanatics who know

what it takes to please the venomous boss men, especially the ones of rare distinction.

Nomemoisneeded,nor secret meeting either No longer any nod is called for thatpointsinthedirectionof thosewhoqualifyforthetitle of enemies of the party, or government,orleaders. Just to meet the categorization of deviationist or contrarian is enough to unleash the next cybercrime out of OP or OPM or OVP They are one and the same in my way of interpreting how matters operatehere.

But Commissioner Hicken didn't get to be Top Copbybeingaslouchathow the game works in Guyana. Heisfullyfamiliarwithallof this. Plus, who the primary players are. They are like a schoolofbuzzardsparkedon branch and always ready to pounce,strike,andstrip. The COPknows,buthehastogo through with his production about the challenges posed by cybercrime and cyber criminals Look on the

inside, chief - more than a few of the big hitters, the serial offenders are right there.

There are the intellectual authors of cybercrimes, and the financial sponsors, and always remember the politicalgodfathers.

To give Commission Hicken some much-needed assistance, the following is put in the public domain for the first time. There is an unconfirmed report circulatingofanappealfrom Russia's Vladimir Putin to thechiefdirtytricks'leaderin the PPP Government to release some ranking officialsinOPandOPMand the State media. They are needed to help him deal forcefully and finally with those found objectionable in hispartofthehood.

Things are plenty hot in Moscow, and there are some cold-eyed, coldblooded hoodlums(somerealbadand dirty dudes) in high government offices here They would work their extraordinary brand of

cybercrime magic and mayhemwelloverthere.

Since I am in an expansivestateonthisday,I have a gift for the Commissioner Some Guyanese look at some PPP Government functionariesthe criminal ones-and say, my Gawd, what has become of Guyana! I look at them, Mr COP, and say this: why are they not behind bars, sir, with a ball and chain around their ankle? Both of those extensionsoffleshandbone, justtobeclear

Atinywordofcautionis also timely and proper in these circumstances. It is said that the hottest place in hellisreservedforthosewho in times of moral crisis turn their faces, pretend not to know That was from Dante Alighieri,notI,sire.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)

UGDepartmentofLawbeatsout UWIcampusesinrecentvirtual regionalmootingcompetition

Students from the University of Guyana's (UG) Law Department clinched victory at the "Battle of the Titans Mooting Competition," a virtual regional mooting event organised by the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Law Society's Legal Education CommitteeinJamaica.

The competition, which unfolded on March 7th and 8th, 2024, featured participation from three students each from UG, UWIMonainJamaica,UWI St. Augustine in Trinidad andTobago, and UWI Cave HillinBarbados.

Inapressrelease,theUG Department of Law says, UG's representation comprised Donlee Castello, King's Counsel, Marisha Kissoon, Junior Counsel, and Ariana Ramdharie, Researcher Notably, while Castellobroughtawealthof experience from winning m u l t i p l e m o o t i n g competitions, for Kissoon

and Ramdharie, this competition marked their inauguralmoot.

Spanning two rounds — a preliminary and a final — UG's team outperformed UWI St. Augustine in the preliminaryroundonMarch 7th, before securing a win against UWI Mona in the finals on March 8th, clinching the competition title Preparation for the final round was particularly intense, as the moot was released the after the competition on March 7th, thereleaseadded.

Mr Castello was adjudged the best advocate in the first round, which concerned areas if criminal andtortlaw

Mr Castello also adjudged best advocate in the final round, although he sharedthisaccoladewiththe Junior Counsel from UWI, Mona. Reflecting on the competition, Castello, a participant in the 13th Annual CCJ International Moot in 2023, remarked on

the intensity of the competition and its value in h o n i n g a r g u m e n t preparationandpresentation skills.

Ramdharie highlighted the comprehensive learning experience, praising the insightsgainedfromjudges, advisors, opponents, and teammatesalike.

She emphasised the practical experience affordedbythecompetition, which extends beyond classroomlearning.Kissoon echoed this sentiment, underlining the opportunity to apply classroom principles in a practical setting and to enhance advocacyskills.

S u p p o r t i n g t h e victorious team was Moot Court Guyana (MCG), a student-led organisation w i t h i n U G ' s L a w Department dedicated to fosteringtheadvocacyskills of its LLB students. Chevy Devonish, a lecturer in the Department of Law, served astheteam'sadvisor

Gaza mum’s fight to feed her baby

(BBC NEWS) On the morning of 7 October, AmalAlabadlawasheavily pregnant and snuggled up in bed with 18-month-old Noah when they were wokenbyawallofsound.

Hamas had launched its attack on Israel, firing thousandsofrocketsoverthe border Israeli jet fighters launched retaliatory attacks soonafter

In Khan Younis, Amal had no idea what was going on. She was anxious and terrified and, eight months pregnant, she started bleeding heavily She had to get to hospital but her husband was working outside Gaza, in the occupiedWestBank,andshe wasalone.

After a three-hour wait, the first taxi driver could onlytakeherpartoftheway The streets were full of peoplewhodidn'tknowwhat todoorwheretogo.

All the time, she was bleeding.

WhenAmal,anarchitect, got to the hospital she was sent for a caesarean section immediately Mohamed was bornintoaworldirrevocably changed Since then his mother has been in a daily battle to keep him and his two-year-old brother alive.

As with 90% of people in Gaza, Amal and her family haven't had a healthy, balanceddietinmonths.The problemisparticularlyacute in the north, where 90% of children and 95% of pregnant and breastfeeding women face severe food

shortages.Earlierthismonth t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization said children were dying of starvation in northern Gaza after visiting hospitalsthere.

But even in the south finding baby formula is a struggle.

Thefightforformula

In many of the emergencies the UN responds to, the rate of breastfeeding is high. But in Gaza, as in the UK, only about half of women breastfeed beyond six weeks.

"As soon as the conflict started we knew this was going to be a challenge," says Anu Nayaran, Unicef's senior adviser on child nutrition in emergencies. "If you are not breastfeeding your child, you're in the middle of a conflict, you are notgoingtosuddenlybeable to start feeding your infant," she says. "You are wholly reliantonbabyformula."

Amal managed to breastfeed Mohamed for a month but then found she wasn't producing enough milk "I was afraid and nervousallthetime.Iwasn't focusing on good food for me.SoIdidn'thavemilkfor him,"shesays."ButItried." As the war progressed it got harder Gaza's water system is barely functioning. Most newmothersaredehydrated, which hampers their ability toproducemilk.

"People are getting less thantwolitresofwateraday and that's barely enough to drink, let alone wash," says

MsNayaran.

Not enough baby formulaisgettingintoGaza. There is little left on the market.AlthoughtheUNhas respondedbysendingitinas aid, the number of trucks enteringGazaismuchlower than before the outbreak of war Meanwhile the fighting and the breakdown of social order mean convoys inside Gazahavebeenattackedand looted.

Israel denies impeding the entry of aid to Gaza and blames aid agencies on the ground for failing to distribute what does get in.

But on Friday Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said there were large stocks of food waiting to go in to Gaza, "but there is no way to move it across the borderintoGazaanddeliver itatscalewithoutIsrael'scooperation, and we implore Israel to allow more aid into

Gazanow".

Because of the lack of clean water, Unicef is sending pre-mixed baby formulatoGaza.Itissaferto usebuthardertotransportin large quantities. Three days into recovery from her csection,Amal was displaced for the first time, forced to evacuatehermother'shome. The fourth time they were displaced they left in the night, two hours before the placewasbombed.

"I couldn't take the milk anddiaperswithmebecause they destroyed the whole building to the ground," she said.

Amal initially took her childrentoRafah,thinkingit would be safer, but returned totheKhanYounisarea.She couldn't find the things she needed in Rafah. Mohamed has a dairy allergy; ordinary formulamakeshimsick.She found one tub of non-dairy

formulabutitwas$40(£31), tentimesthepricebeforethe war

By mid-January the familywerelivingonapatch of scrubland outside Khan Younis and Amal had only two days of baby formula left. At three months old, Mohamed could eat nothing else. "I'll dig the mountains to provide it," she texted. "Mybabyneedsit."Shesent her brothers to search in the rubble of buildings but they camebackempty-handed.

She decided to go to Rafah to search the shops andmarketsagain.

That journey would usually take just 20 minutes bycar,butIsraeliforceswere now active on the route. On the way they encountered threetanks;onefiredintheir direction with the shot landing near the car The driver reversed and they escaped Panicked and desperate to get back to her children, she didn't manage tofindanyformula.

Littlefood,lesswater

Fighting in KhanYounis intensified in February and thenoisefromtheexplosions was especially difficult for Noah. He has epilepsy and the bombing makes his seizuresworse. His epilepsy medication has run out and Amal can't finditanywhere.Thefamily have little food and less water.Amalhasbeenboiling itoverthefiretotrytogetit clean. "It's still dirty but I'm doingmybest,"shesaid.

Thefamilywereinatent intheal-Mawasicoastalarea

- but last weekend the area was shelled and they have hadtomoveagain

About 24,000 children have been born since the beginning of this war, accordingtoestimatesbythe WHO Gaza's entire population is facing crisis levels of hunger but the risk isespeciallyacuteforyoung children.

"Children can get sick veryfast,"saysAnuNayaran at Unicef. They have fewer stores of fat and muscle and can slip quickly into acute malnutrition."

Even when they are treated there are long-term consequences. Malnutrition can lead to higher rates of diabetes, heart disease and evenobesityinlaterlife.

A study of adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo,whoweretreatedfor severe acute malnutrition as children,foundithadalongtermeffectontheircognitive development, negatively affecting educational achievement and selfesteem.

Amal has given up on findingformulafornow But Mohamed would not go hungry, yet. She found a motherinthesameareawho is breastfeeding him alongside her own baby Amal was paying her with somebabyclothesandalittle money

They were camping on a patch of sand in the coastal area of al-Mawasi in tents madefromplanksandrubber sheets,eatingcannedfood

(Continuedonpage15)

Amal Alabadla and her son Noah

Double-murder suspect Akeem Wong shot dead by police

Prison escapee and convicted rapist Akeem Wong who police say slaughteredawomanandher son at Saxacalli earlier this month was on Sunday killed by members of the Joint Services during a manhunt forhim.

Police have confirmed thathewasfatallyshotinthe vicinity of Groete Creek Backdam, Region Seven around 13:40hrs. According to a statement from the police,"hewassightedtoday (Sunday) at Groete Creek Backdam, Essequibo River, by a team of Joint Services members under the command of Major Bridgelall. Upon seeing the ranks, the escapee emerged from some bushes and charged towards them whilst wielding a cutlass. He was fired upon and fatally wounded.

He fell to the ground and wasrelievedofhisweapon," the police said. The body was then escorted to Bartica Hospital.

On processing the crime scene, ranks found a number ofitemsonhim. Theseitems include: one cutlass, $4700 Guyana Currency, three Sim cards; one flash drive and memory card; one pair of scissors;four cigarettes;one flashlightwithbatteries;one fishing hook; 100 Canadian dollars; one cellular phone and one lighter. Wong was servinga15-yearsentenceat the Mazaruni Prison for rape

but he escaped back in February This publication previously reported that Wong escaped from the Mazaruni Prison compound, Region Seven. According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) then, the escape occurredaround07:20hrs.At the time, he along with inmate Gilbert Gill was labouringinthewoodbushin thecustodyofPrisonOfficer Torres.

The Prison Service reported that while on duty, Wong had requested to use the washroom to which he was granted permission by the officer It was reported that about five minutes later Officer Torres decided to check on Wong but discovered him missing, and immediatelyraisedanalarm.

“Law enforcement officials have widened the search perimeteraroundthegeneral area,”GPSsaidwhilenoting aninvestigationisongoing.

Kaieteur News was told that Wong had planned his escape and had even attempted to get an accomplice to escape with him but the individual reportedly turned him down. He was reportedly telling fellow inmates that he wanted to escape to take revenge for his mother's death.

Kaieteur News was told thatheclaimedthatsomeone hadassaultedhismotherand causedherdeath.

Regarding the double-

murder at Saxacalli, police had linked Wong to the crime. The victims: 49-yearold David Gomes and 75year-old Elizabeth Nellie Gomes of D'Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown were brutally chopped to death. In a press statement, police had said that so far,

their investigations revealed that at around 10:00hrs on March9,2024,Gomes,his6year-old son and his mother travelled to Saxacalli Mission for three days to clean up their house and

surroundings.

“According to David's 6year-old son, at around 15:00hrs on March 9, the suspectcametotheirhouseat Saxacalli and asked for something to eat and

directions,” the police statement said. Gomes gave the suspect something to eat and also drank Vodka with him. The child reportedly saidthatthesuspectspent

(Continuedonpage17)

Akeem Wong was shot dead by police on Sunday

Sergeant, Alex Vaughn was accidentally shot dead during a search for Aeem Wong last week

Murdered Elizabeth Gomes (left) and her son David Gomes (right)

Some of the items found on murder suspect and prison escapee, Akeem Wong

While

Guyana paid US$703M for 4 drillships in 2023

Whileseveraloil producing n a t i o n s including neighboring Suriname, do not allow oil companies to recover exploration costs, it is allowedinGuyana.

Assuch,thecostincurred for exploration activities o f f s h o r e G u y a n a , ExxonMobil Guyana and its partners in the Stabroek Block,willbeabletorecover from cost oil. ExxonMobil Guyana has a Commercial Enabling Agreement (CEA) with American drilling company,NobleCorporation for four drillships that are being used in the Stabroek Block. UndertheCEA,they are four state-of-the-art drillships operating namely the Noble Bob Douglas, NobleSamCroft,NobleTom Madden, and Noble Don Taylor.

Last year, Noble made some US$703 million from its operations in Guyana. Notably, the company generated an income of US$2.589 billion in 2023, compared to US$1 413 billionin2022–thatyearthe company earned US$469 millionfromitsoperationsin Guyana. Last year, it was announced that Exxon had extendeditsCEAwithNoble for the drillships from the fourth quarter of 2025 to the second quarter of 2027. The drill ships are executing an aggressive drill campaign in the Stabroek Block. In fact, ExxonMobil's Upstream President, Liam Mallon recently stated during his address at the opening of the 2024 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply ChainExpothat:“sixdrilling rigs and their crews are at work every single day 24/7 throughouttheblock,drilling and exploring, preparing Yellowtail and Uaru for startup tirelessly developing the existing resource base andseekingtofindevennew discoveries.”

Exxon is presently conductinga35-welldrilling initiative. The company has sought approval from the Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) to drill 12 wells in the Canje Block. Beyond exploration and appraisal drilling, Exxon is engaged in development drilling for the Payara, Yellowtail, and Uaru projects, making 2024 a particularly active year for offshore drilling in Guyana. This surge in activity is supported by six drillships contracted by Exxon for operations in offshore Guyana, with four provided by Noble and the remaining twobyStenaDrilling.

Noble stated that a substantial portion of its business is dependent on several customers as well as dependent on several geographic areas It was noted that the disruption of business with any of these customers or disruption of business within these geographic areas could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and resultsofoperations.

“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,” the companystated.

Moreover, Commenting on Noble's outlook, Robert Eifler, President and Chief Executive Officer, of Noble Corporation, “We expect to realize improving financial results in 2024 compared to 2023,withmid-yearcontract start-ups for several floaters andjackupsexpectedtodrive stronger financial performance in the second halfoftheyear

Meanwhile, commercial visibility for 2025 and 2026 is highly encouraging based on recent months' stepchange increase in open demand, which is a positive indicator for future backlog development. Against this favorable backdrop, we look forward to growing our return of capital to shareholders as free cash flow improves over the courseofthecycle.”

Furthermore, this publicationrecentlyreported that Noble said it will fight vigorously over audit claims amounting to US$172 1 million as of December 31, 2023. Some of the claims is in relation to what was discovered by auditors in Guyana, who checked Exxon's spending between 2018to2020.

Guyana/Suriname

Notably, owing to the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signedontowithExxon–all of the company's expense will be recovered. Under the deal, Exxon receives profits after75percentiswithdrawn to cover its expenses, which includes monies paid to its contractors.

This publication had reported that Guyana's leaders are so determined to grant extremely generous fiscaltermstooilcompanies, that they have agreed to forfeit billions of United States dollars. Two of those generous concessions include an agreement to pay oil companies uncapped interest rates on loans they (the oil companies) take to fund petroleum operations offshore Guyana and an agreement to repay these companies for “pre-contract

costs.”

One of the Noble drillships working offshore Guyana

Meanwhile, Guyana's neighbour to the east, Suriname, has done a much better job of securing the valueintheprolificbasinthat these two countries share.

S u r i n a m e ' s m o d e l Production Sharing Contract (PSC) explicitly states that pre-contract costs and interests on loans are not recoverable.

In the Accounting Procedure of the Suriname model PSC, it is stated that “costs incurred before the Signing Date including the purchase of seismic data” and “Interest incurred on loans raised by the Contractor” do not qualify forcostrecovery

There are pre-contract costs under several agreements with

offshoreGuyana.

Theheftiestpre-contract costisfortheStabroekBlock agreement, including costs owed to ExxonMobil Section 3 of the Accounting Procedure of the Stabroek Block agreement lists many expenses recoverable by the contractor

These costs include “contract costs, exploration costs, operating costs, servicecostsandgeneraland

administrative costs and annual overhead charge as thosetermsaredefinedinthe 1999PetroleumAgreement,” according to the 2016 contract

. There are pre-contract costs under several other

contracts

Unlike the StabroekBlockagreement,a number of these agreements don't even define precontract costs, leaving the public to wonder what it is paying oil companies millionsofdollarsfor.

QC wins UG Law Society inaugural Inter-School Mooting Competition

Students of Queen's College were the victors of the inaugural UGLS-MCG Inter-School Mooting Competition, held on March th14 ,2024.

This competition, conceived by the University of Guyana Law Society (UGLS), was coordinated

jointly with Moot Court Guyana (MCG). In a press release,theUGLawSociety said invitations were extended to Queen's College, The Bishops' High School, McKenzie High School, New Amsterdam Secondary, President's College,andSt.Rose'sHigh

to participate in this p i o n e e r i n g e v e n t Unfortunately, The Bishops High School, initially accepted, but could not participate due to a scheduling conflict with mockexaminationsresulting from a change in the competitiondate.

This selective invitation aimed to assess the event's feasibility The positive feedback and exemplary performance by all participants have paved the way for more schools to be invited in subsequent competitions starting in 2025.Eachschoolsubmitted a team of three students, assumingtherolesofSenior Counsel, Junior Counsel, andResearcher Withanodd number of teams, Queen's Collegepresenteddirectlyto the judges, while the others competedagainsteachother Themootaddressedissuesin tortlaw

The Queen's College team, comprising Chanelsia Cameron, Tevin Nedd, and NathaliaHenry,claimedfirst place after a rigorous contest The President's College team, featuring Judah Ferreira, Keniviha Gooding, and Shonjay Mendonca, and the St Rose's High School team, withCarolitaWarner,Darren Fraser, and Maharani Ferdinand, secured second a n d t h i r d p l a c e s , respectively Although Queen's College emerged as thecompetitionwinners,the

Best Advocate Prize was awarded jointly to President's College and St. Rose's High School Additionally, the Best Researcher Prize went to N e w A m s t e r d a m Multilateral, highlighting the formidable nature of all participating schools regardless of their final standings.

The panel of judges includedChiefJustice(ret'd) Kenneth Benjamin, former Chief Justice of Belize and nowHeadoftheDepartment of Law at the University of Guyana, alongside Ms Excellence Dazzel, an attorney-at-law and lecturer in the same department UGLSrepresentsstudentsof UG's Department of Law, while MCG is a student-led organization dedicated to enhancing LL.B. students' advocacyskills.

Judges, Chief Justice (ret’d) Justice Benjamin, and Excellence Dazzel,(centre), flanked by the competing schools

The winning team, Queen's College, with Chief Justice (ret’d) Justice Kenneth Benjamin (centre), and Mia Barker, Treasurer for UGLS (far right).

Man wanted by Interpol nabbed in Georgetown ...operated boutique at a city mall

A man identified as Vitesh Jamnapersad Guptar who is wanted by Interpol waslivingintheDukeStreet Kington,Georgetownarea.

Police confirmed that, Guptar who is on Interpol's Red Notice was arrested by ranks of the Guyana Police Force on Thursday at a popular night spot on Main Street Georgetown The Netherlands national is a business man here and operates a boutique in at a mallinGeorgetown.

According the reports Guptarisallegedtobepartof the"Ndrangheta,"oneofthe largest and most powerful mafia organizations in the world, operating out of Italy and would visit Guyana and Surinameregularly

This mafia organization reportedly has a multimillion-euro business that smuggled shipments of cocaine as large as 200 kilograms from Brazil, Guyana, and Colombia to Rotterdam and Antwerp

Reportedlyduringtheperiod January 2015–June 2018, Guptar was wanted for his alleged participation in the Transnational Mafia, a type ofcriminalconspiracyaimed at international drug trafficking.

It is alleged that the suspect, along with others, imported, transported, illegally possessed, and sold considerable quantities of cocaine in Italy.The drugs originated in Columbia, Guyana, Brazil, and Suriname It reportedly passed through the NetherlandsandBelgium.

According to Interpol,

thesuspectwasasupplierof the drugs who had a close relationship with a lumber dealer (name withheld) in Georgetown back in 2017. The lumber dealer is also a person of interest in a 2023 drug raid in Italy He is said tobeintricatelyconnectedto themafia.

Italian police discovered that'soneofthedealersisthe cousin of the lumber here in Guyana and also a freelance real estate agent in Wesseling. The media was made to understand that efforts are being made to have Guptar extradited to facecharges.

Gaza mum’s fight to feed her baby

Frompage11 and bread from donated flour if they could get it and cooking with foraged wood. AlMawasi had been designated as a "humanitarian area" by the Israeli military earlieroninthewar.

Eventhatset-upwouldnotlastlong.Last Sundaytheyweredisplacedyetagainwhen theircampcameunderattack.Thetentnext toAmal's was shelled and four people were killed. "It's a miracle we are alive," she texted.

Like many other Gazans she has now resorted to online crowdfunding to try to raisethethousandsofdollarsherfamilywill

needtopaybrokerstogetonalistofpeople approvedtoleaveGazaforEgyptandsafety

One evening Amal sent the last picture shetookofherlifebeforethewar,datedthe night of 6 October. Noah was lying on the soft carpet, propped up on a big cushion, watchingcartoonsonTVandswiggingmilk from his bottle. He's kicking his legs in the airunderthesoftglowoffairylightsonthe living room wall. He fell asleep tucked up withhismotherthatnightinaworldfaraway from the dust, dirt and brutality that mark their life now "I'm trying to do what is possible," saidAmal. "I just need to rescue mykidsfromthishorrificwar."

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Male & female needed to work in the Interior, ages 18 years and older. Call: 6998486.

Experienced able-bodied Canter Driver needed, flexible hours. Call: 699-8486.

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Aracari Resort weekend: pool, family fun, DJ, Sunday breakfast. Adult $3000, kids $1000. Call: 264-2946-9.

38 persons now certified as Biomedical Technicians

Atotal of 38 Guyanese men and women have successfully completed the first installment of the Biomedical Technicians Training Course.

These persons have each

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Minister of Health Dr.Frank-Anthony poses with-graduates of the- irst batch of theBiomedical- echnicians Trainingaa

received a City of Guild Certificate, which enables them to provide much needed biomedical support within the public health sector.

The graduation ceremony for this batch was held at the Pegasus Corporate Suites, Georgetown, on Friday evening.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who delivered the feature remarks, said that the programme saw its origin during the COVID-19 pandemic, when members of the UK diaspora expressed a keen interest in boosting capacity in Guyana’s health sector.

He said that this area of biomedical technology is a sorely underserved field in Guyana, and often, technicians would have to be brought here to lend their skills.

According to the health minister, this first batch has set the pace for a new era of healthcare development,

where Guyana builds the inhouse capacity to sustain new and advanced pieces of equipment.

“The way that we are developing right now, you will have a lot of opportunities. Very soon we will have in at least 10 locations, CT scans, and MRIs in at least two locations.

This is the direction we are going in, and of course we will need people to help us make sure these equipment are functioning,” the health minister noted.

Additionally, Minister Anthony pointed out that the initiative allows for the expansion of healthcare in the various regions, since in the past it was difficult to dispatch technicians from Georgetown to the regions to undertake maintenance of equipment.

“Right now we depend a lot on experts from Cuba, and other countries to help us, but we must be able to develop our own set of people here in

Guyana capable of doing all of this.

You have a long and very fruitful career with the Ministry of Health,” he said.

He encouraged the graduates to further their education in this field, emphasising that the government remains a willing partner in creating opportunities for further education and training.

Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy congratulated the newly minted Biomedical Technicians, saying that they will form a vital element of the health sector’s transformation.

The programme is funded by the government and is provided by Medical Aid International, a UK-based healthcare solutions. It represents the government’s unwavering dedication to building out a world class health sector, while building the human capacity to sustain it.

(DPI)

26-y-o gunned down in Westmoreland

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — A man was shot dead along the Hertford Main Road in the vicinity of Petersfield, Westmoreland on Saturday night. The deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Romario Grant, otherwise called “Duds”, a labourer

from the community.

Reports from the police are that citizens reportedly heard loud explosions and summoned the police. Upon their arrival, the now-deceased was seen lying in a pool of blood suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds to his upper body.

He was assisted to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigations are ongoing. According to the police’s crime statistics, the parish has recorded 20 murders as at March 16.

(JAMAICAOBSERVER)

UG and ChildLink to host social work conference...

From page 8 among other issues. The Opening Ceremony of the conference will be held on Tuesday, 19th March at 9:00hrs in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT), Turkeyen Campus, and will see several high-profile persons making presentations, including, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr Vindhya Persaud, University of Guyana’s ViceChancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, European Union Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Rene van Nes and University of the West Indies Social Work expert Dr.

Tarcie Rogers, among others.

The international theme for 2024 is ‘BuenVivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change’, emphasises the need for social workers to adopt innovative, communityled approaches that are grounded in indigenous wisdom and harmonious coexistence with nature. The conference will provide the opportunity for social work educators and practitioners from the University of Guyana and other institutions, researchers, students, policymakers, and social planners to share results of their academic research, pursuits, and experi-

ences, and engage in policy discussions. The overall goal of the conference is to stimulate academic discourse on social issues related to the conference themes and to address practitioners’ role in addressing social issues in society. Registration is now open for the conference. Persons can register by using the following the link https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLSdqww0S3qtOzCkb4445g4a b3cdA9ttM4xyy Q0fd1RKVXTtgg viewform?usp=pp_url or by calling Ms. Gopi Rampersaud on 693-6497.

Haiti: The harrowing journey out of gang territory

(BBC NEWS) - As the passengers from Port-auPrince disembark at the bus terminal in Cap-Haitien, the harrowingjourneyisevident ontheirfaces.

The trip out of the beleaguered Haitian capital city involves running the gauntlet along risky and dangerous roads, trying to avoid gunmen and sporadic violencealongtheway

“It took us several hours longer than it should as we hadtoreroutefromthegang checkpoints along the way and there was gunfire”, says one passenger, who didn’t give his name and was clearly shaken by the experience.

H a i t i ’s a l r e a d y precarious situation has quicklydeterioratedoverthe past weeks as gangs launched co-ordinated attacks on key facilities, forcingtheresignationofthe country’s prime minister In total, more than 360,000 people have been internally displaced.

To seek refuge from the chaos, many have come to Cap-Haitien,acoastalcityin the north of Haiti. In truth, Cap-Haitien suffers from almost all of Haiti’s deepest problems: grinding poverty, chaos, disorder and corruption.Butcrucially,not gang violence. As such, it’s fast becoming the country’s main safe haven for people forced to leave their homes.

PhanelPierremadethesame treacherous bus journey six months ago It’s almost

impossible to pull yourself from poverty in Haiti Somehow, through years of hardgraftcreatinganimport business for construction materials, Phanel managed it. But becoming a middleclassbusinessmanalsomade him a target for the gangs. Theydestroyedhisbusiness, ransacked his house and triedtokidnaphim.Indoing so,theyplungedhimandhis familybackintopoverty

The 53-year-old shows us the tiny breezeblock shack he shares with his wife, his two youngest children and his mother-inlaw. It is a far cry from the seven-roomhomehebuiltin Port-au-Prince. “This is just 2%ofthelifeIusedtolive,” helaments.“Infact,I’mnot living,I’mjustexisting.”He

pulls up a photograph of a younger, healthier-looking version of himself from a few years ago on his phone. The stress has affected his health, he says, and his childrenhaven’tbeenableto enrol in school in their new city

After the gangs took so muchfromhim,Phanelisan advocate for an extreme solution to the country’s security problem. “We need a long-term intervention Notjustoneortwothousand police”, he says, referring theplanneddeploymentofa 1,000-strong Kenyan-led security force in Haiti. Rather,hethinksthesolution will involve tens of thousands of personnel over a period of years He heralded the hard-line anti-

gang strategy of El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, as a blueprint for Haiti. Still, even if Phanel got his wish, the task to restabiliseHaitiisdaunting.

One of Haiti’s most powerful gangs, Unite VillagedeDieu,hasreleased a slickly produced but terrifying video, currently circulatingonline.Itshowsa well-armed militia, dressed in black combat gear, prepared to take on the Haitian state and any international force which might be deployed here. Little wonderthe number of the internally displaced peopleisrising.

Acountryincrisis

While Haiti’s security situation is that of a failed state,soareitspolitics.Youri

Double-murder suspect Akeem Wong shot dead...

Frompage12 some time at the family’s property

He told police that he later saw the suspect arming himself with a cutlass and choppinghisfatherabouthis body

His grandmother, after observing what was happening, reportedly rushed to his father aid but the suspect also dealt her several chops about her body

The boy told police that hewashidingunderthebed during the entire ordeal Afterkillingthemotherand son,thesuspectattemptedto wash away the blood but

ended up running away into nearby bushes when he heardaboatapproaching.

The boy then reportedly located his father’s cell phone and sent a voice note tooneofhisfather’sfriends asking for help. Police were alerted and ranks were sent to the location to conduct investigations.

Only last week, a police sergeant was shot dead accidentally when he and others were on a search for Wong at Karrau Village, RegionSeven. Dead is Sergeant, Alex Vaughn.APolice Constable is now under close arrest a s s i s t i n g w i t h

investigations, after he allegedly accidentally shot his colleague, during the manhunt for Wong Accordingtothepolice,this action was taken “based on preliminary information, that the constable allegedly and, unintentionally fatally wounded Sergeant Vaughn on Tuesday March 12th, 2024. CommissionerofPolice, Clifton Hicken, has ordered a probe which is being conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)andsupervisedbythe Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority. On Wednesday morning,

Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’Mr Calvin Brutus, Commander

RegionalPoliceDivision#3 and other high-ranking officials of the Guyana Police Force along with junior ranks, visited the mourning relatives of the late Sergeant Vaughn, at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo,toofferwordsof c o n d o l e n c e s a n d encouragement during this difficulttime.

ReputedwifeofVaughn, Jonnel Singh told this newspaper that, “he was very dedicated to his work. He put his work before anything.”

three or four years, the government has always, always worked with the gangs.So,thepolicecan’tdo anything.”

I put it to him that he is accused of the same thing. Indeed,ofworse:trafficking cocaine from Colombia to Haiti He shrugged the allegation off and instead issued a warning to Washington. “Don’t come andtrytodoeverything,”he says, recalling the mishandled global response to the devastating 2010 earthquake. “We need help from outside, from the international community But Haitians themselves must do the big effort. Let’s worktogether.”

Latortuewastheheadofthe Senateandiscurrentlyunder US sanctions for alleged links to drug trafficking and armedcriminalgangs.

In a leaked cable from the US ambassador some years ago, Mr Latortue was describedas“oneofthemost brazenly corrupt leading Haitian politicians” - an ignominious title which he robustlydenies.

Rather, he points the finger of blame at the outgoing administration of the recently deposed prime minister, Ariel Henry. “We have anarchy because the gangs have become another institution of the state,” he says “The government works with the gangs”, he adds bluntly “This is the problem. During the past

However, a route out of themessismoreelusivethan ever In the face of Haiti’s biggest humanitarian emergency in years, aid is onlytricklingin.

Getting into a country mired in crisis, whose main internationalairportandland crossings remain closed, is presenting huge challenges for those who would help. Hunger is worsening. Hundreds of thousands are facing famine-like conditions unless there is a massive and co-ordinated responsesoon.Attheborder with the Dominican Republic, there are huge tailbacks of traders who can cross into the neighbouring nation for the day to buy urgently needed supplies, even if they must physically carrythemintoHaiti.

Phanel and his family once lived in a seven-room home in Port-au-Prince

Over 13,000 children killed in Gaza, others severely malnourished: UNICEF

(ALJAZEERA) - Israel

has killed more than 13,000 children in Gaza since October 7 while others are suffering from severe malnutrition and do not “even have the energy to cry”,saystheUnitedNations Children’sFund(UNICEF).

“Thousands more have been injured or we can’t even determine where they are They may be stuck underrubble Wehaven’t seen that rate of death among children in almost any other conflict in the w o r l d , ” U N I C E F Executive Director Catherine Russell told the CBS News network on Sunday

“Ihavebeeninwardsof children who are suffering from severe anaemia

malnutrition,thewholeward is absolutely quiet. Because the children, the babies don’t even have the energy tocry” Russell said there were “very great bureaucratic challenges” moving trucks into Gaza for aid and assistance as famine stalks more than two million Palestinians since Israel’s “genocidal”warbegan Moreover, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), one in three children under the age of two in northern Gaza is now acutely malnourished. Theagencyalsowarnedthat famine is looming in the besieged enclave facing relentless Israeli bombing for more than five months.

- UN agency says surviving children do not ‘even have the energy to cry’ as famine looms in the besieged enclave being bombarded for months.

International criticism has mountedonIsraelduetothe death toll of the war, the starvationcrisisinGaza,and allegations of blocking aid deliveries into the enclave.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his threatofagroundassaulton Rafah, the town bordering Egypt where more than a million Palestinians have takenrefuge.

“No amount of international pressure will stop us from realising all the goals of the war: eliminating Hamas, releasing all our hostages andensuringthatGazawill no longer pose a threat against Israel,” Netanyahu said in a video released by hisoffice.

“To do this, we will also operate in Rafah,” he said

Since October 7, Israel’s military campaign has killed at least 31,645 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’shealthministry,and displaced nearly two millionofitsresidents.

The Israeli operation has also led to accusations of genocide, being probed at theUN’sInternationalCourt of Justice Israel has repeatedly denied the genocide charges and stressed that it is acting in self-defence after the October 7 attack by Hamas that it says killed more than 1,130 people and took more than200ascaptives.

‘He’s lost my vote’: Many Irish Americans turn against Biden over Gaza war

(ALJAZEERA) One

eveningin2004,whenJohn Francis Mulligan, a USbornIrishcitizen,wasinthe WestBank,astrangerasked himtowalkhertoafuneral.

It was after curfew in Nablus, and Palestinians weren’t allowed out on the streets. A young man had been killed earlier that day, and because of religious beliefs,hisfamilyneededto bury him within 24 hours, Mulliganrecalls.

Butiftheywentoutside, the Israel armed forces “would open fire on them forviolatingcurfew”.

The dead man’s mother asked Mulligan: “Can you march with us? Can you stand at the front with our family?Becausethey’renot gonna shoot you, you’re white I just need someone, literally, to stand withme.’”

This moment – the struggle to bury the dead in peace – hit home for Mulligan, 54, who went to primary school in Northern Ireland during the Troubles inthelate1970s.

“Itfelt,tome,verymuch like going into political funerals in the north of Ireland, where helicopters wouldbeoverhead–inthat

case, it was the British Army And here it was the Israeli army,” he says. “It reallyresonated.”

Mulliganpointstothese parallels as part of the reason he is rallying with otherIrishAmericansinthe UStosupportGaza.

Leaders from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are meeting Biden this weekend.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill met Biden on Friday, telling him “the world watches on in horror at the genocide of the Palestinian people,” and urginghimtoworktowards an immediate ceasefire and sovereignPalestinianstate.

But only Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar will attend the St Patrick’s Day White House ceremony on March 17, where he will present PresidentBidenwithabowl of shamrocks, in a token of friendship, as per the decades-long tradition. But the annual ceremony and meeting between the taoiseach and Biden promises to be unusually tensethisyear,asagrowing chorus of voters – both within Ireland, and among

the IrishAmerican diaspora

–voiceoutrageoverBiden’s supportforthewaronGaza.

“Icanrecognisecolonial oppression, colonial state violence,” because of a childhood in Ireland, says Mulligan.

Now, in Palestine, “they’re dehumanising p e o p l e T h e y ’ r e criminalising resistance, criminalising the complete population,” and using “starvationasatactic”asthe BritishdidinIrelandduring theGreatHunger

“It’s the same exact playbook happening in Palestine.”

A ‘jaw-dropping’ networkforms

Cuán McCann, an Irish stick fighting coach in Baltimore whose family emigrated through Ellis Island, New York, generations ago, says he’s been stunned by how rapidly a network of Irish Americans has connected around support for Palestine.

“Some folks are in touch with organisers in Ireland, others are chatting throughsocialmedia,many are talking to friends and siblings, ” explains McCann,whohasalmost20

years of experience organisingforadvocacyand protests. He calls the rapid and organic nature of the network-building “jawdropping”, adding that “every time I have a conversation, it leads to three more with three other people.”

Ireland has long been one of Palestine’s foremost Western supporters: The country was the first EU member to endorse a Palestinian state, and after October 7, Irish lawmakers were among the first in the West to call for a ceasefire. TheIrishpublic’ssupportis even more robust than their politicians: About 80 percent of Irish people believeIsraeliscommitting genocideinGaza,andmany have called for a boycott of theWhiteHousemeeting.In light of this fierce support, an Israeli minister recently told Palestinians to “go to Irelandorthedesert”.

And so as Biden continuestosupportIsrael’s militarycampaign,theIrish publichaslargelyturnedon him. In November, a mural of Biden in his ancestor’s hometown was spattered over with red paint along with the words “Genocide

iament (MEP) Clare Daly addressed recent remarks directly to “Butcher Biden” in a fiery speech, thundering, “The ancestors oftheIrelandthatyouclaim to be from disown you. Keep our country out of yourmouth.”

Now,AlisonO’Connell, a lead organiser with Irish Americans for Palestine, sayshergrouphasachance to be effective “because Biden talks so much about hisIrishheritage”.

Last week, O’Connell delivered a letter in person to the Irish embassy, asking them not to meet Biden as usual.

“Theenergythatcomes up to St Patrick’s Day –people know this is our moment to at least make some kind of statement,” O’Connelladds.

This week, protests against the White House meeting are planned in at least seven states and in multiple cities, including New York, St Louis, Wa s h i n g t o n - D C , M i n n e a p o l i s a n d Albuquerque.

Troubleatthepolls

On March 3, Mike

Doyle, a teacher in Brooklyn who is fourthgenerationIrish,marchedin the“StPat’sforAllParade” in Queens, New York, a long-running alternative to the official New York City parade, the oldest and largestStPatrick’sParadein the world. Some groups hoisted signs and banners for a ceasefire in Gaza, and Doyle recalls that as they walked through the historically Irish neighbourhood of Sunnyside neighbourhood, “pretty much the whole street was cheering for us andshouting,‘Ceasefire’!” As the election approaches, Irish Americans who object to Biden’s support of Israel havesaidtheplanistomake their voices heard not only at protests, but also at the polls.

McCann voted for Biden in 2020, but says he willvotefor“uncommitted” in Maryland’s primary, a vote held in May to choose the state’s Democratic presidential candidate. O’Connell notes that her father, once a Republican, votedforBidenin2020,but isnowundecided.

APalestinian girl holds a bowl of beans before an iftar meal in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip [File: Mohammed Abed/AFP]

WPL final: RCB beat Delhi Capitals to win title

(BBC Sport) - Royal Challengers Bangalore claimed their first Women’s Premier League title with an eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in the final in Delhi.

Delhi crumbled from 64-0 to 87-7 and were bowled out for 113 in the 19th over, with Shreyanka Patil taking 4-12.

RCB laboured slightly in their chase of 114 but Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry’s unbeaten 35 helped them reach their target with three balls to spare.

Delhi have lost both finals of the first two WPL tournaments.

The Capitals, led by former Australia captain Meg Lanning, also finished top of last year’s table, before being beaten by Mumbai Indians in the inaugural showpiece.

RCB players celebrate their maiden WPL title win (BCCI)

Diallo scores winner deep in extra...

From page 24 important moment,” Diallo said.

“You need to believe in every single moment, this is football.”

Diallo was then sent off after receiving a second yellow card for his celebrations.

“We always have belief, the problem is we have not been consistent with our performances,” United captain Bruno Fernandes told ITV. “We give 100% we always

give everything but at this club we always have to have high standards.

It’s a part of the game to be criticised, that’s why you play for Manchester United.

“This season has not been at the level we want but we want to improve.

We have always said our goal was to get into the top four and try to win the FA Cup, we will do all we can for those goals. The FA Cup is a big trophy for this club.”

Inaugural One Guyana Inter-Regiona...

From page 23

Bowler and Best in the playoffs $10,000 each and trophy and other prizes for most sixes and wickets in the final will also be up for grabs.

RCB, who beat Mumbai in Friday’s eliminator, have secured a first title for the

franchise owners, with the men’s team yet to win the Indian Premier League,

Monday March 18, 2024

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today you're unstoppable! You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

having finished runners-up three times.

RCB put Delhi in a spin

Delhi made an imperious start after winning the toss at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with India opener Shafali Verma striking three mighty sixes down the ground as they reached 61-0 off the powerplay. But Australia slow left-armer Sophie Molineux turned the game by taking three wickets in four balls in the eighth over.

Verma holed out to deep mid-wicket for 44 off 27 balls, Jemimah Rodrigues swiped too early to be bowled two balls later and England allrounder Alice Capsey also fell for a duck to the next delivery as she missed with a paddle sweep.

RCB’s other spinners prevented any rebuild. Offspinner Patil trapped Lanning lbw, leg-spinner Asha Sobhana claimed two wickets in three balls when Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen skied catches, and the returning Patil removed Minnu Mani as Delhi lost seven wickets for 23 runs.

Radha Yadav was run out by Molineux’s direct hit to deepen Delhi’s woe before Patil struck twice in two deliveries to end the innings, RCB’s spinners taking nine of the 10 wickets to fall.

Delhi’s spinners failed to have the same impact, with RCB also able to see off their seam attack with relative ease.

Lanning’s side forced a potential way back into the game when Devine fell lbw to Shikha Pandey for 32 off 27, but the experienced Perry continued her superb WPL form to calmly accumulate alongside captain Smriti Mandhana, who made 31 off 39.

RCB stalled after Mandhana was caught off Mani, and still needed five from the final over, but Richa Ghosh smashed a drive over extra cover for four to seal victory.

According to RCD, they see this tournament as a grassroots one and in bringing back softball to the village level. Its aim and objectives are to bring our people together.

RDC said the playoffs are set to be an entertaining one as plans are being put in place for live entertainment, steel pan music, dancers, drumming and more for all to enjoy the togetherness.

Supporting the tournament are West Central Mall,

Singh Brothers Contracting Services, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, U. Balgobin Electrical and Construction Services, Blue Spring Water, TermineX Pest Control, Money Tree Trading, Amaya Milk Company and Khan’s Transportation and Construction Svs.

The organisers are hoping for full cooperation from the public as they are encouraged to go out and support their teams in the regional competitions. They said that this tournament is being used as a stepping stone in bringing our people together in unity through sports in building “ONE GUYANA”. (Press release)

KFC Elite League Season Six... Santos secures maiden victory

- Western Tigers suffer first defeat

Western Tigers FC suffered their first defeat againstGuyanaPoliceForce FC,whileSantosFCnotched theirfirstthreepointswitha win over Fruta Conquerors FC in the KFC Elite League SeasonSix.

Both March 16 games took place at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Guyana Police Force’s Jemar Harrigan opened the scoring in the 4th minute, endingthefirsthalfaheadof WesternTigersFC.

In second half, Guyana Police Force FC extended their lead with another goal by striker Neron Barrow in the61stminute.

Western Tigers’ Trayon Bobb provided some hope forhisteamwithagoalinthe 71st minute However, Barrow’s 61st minute goal securedabrilliantvictoryfor GuyanaPoliceForce.

Heading into the weekend fixtures, Western Tigers, Slingerz, Guyana Police Force, and Guyana Defence Force maintained their unbeaten record from

two games since the start of season six on February 25, with Western Tigers leading thetableongoaldifference. With Saturday’s win, Guyana Police Force has surged ahead to lead the pack.

In Saturday night’s opening match, Santos clinched a 2-1 victory over Fruta Conquerors, marking theirdebutwinoftheseason.

Fruta Conquerors’ ShamarBarnesstruckfirstin the 17th minute, only to be swiftly answered by Santos’

RandyRoberts,wholevelled the scoreline in the 33rd minute.

After the break, Santos’ MichaelOiefoundthenetin the 81st minute, solidifying his team’s first three points ontheleaguetable.

Currently, Ann’s Grove United, Den Amstel, Fruta Conquerors and Santos each boastthreepoints.

On the flip side, Monedderlust and Buxton United are yet to notch a singlepoint,failingtosecure avictorysofar

Traditional giants

Back Circle, Albouystown, and North Ruimveldt advancedtothegroupround whentheGuinness‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown edition continued at the National Park Tarmac, Thomas Lands, on Saturday evening.

Back Circle edged Stabroek Ballers 1-0 via a Ravin Naughton strike Albouystown g r o u n d e d A i r p o r t Ballers 3-1

S h a k a J o n e s recorded a ‘Guinness Goal’ [a goal scored in the final three minutes of normal time or the final two minutes of extra time counts as two], while Devon Dooker also found the back of the net On target in the loss was JonathanBailey Ontheotherhand,North Ruimveldt dismissed Street

Ballers2-0.TravisGrantand Jaleel Hamilton netted one goalapiece.

In other results, Make It Happen defeated Broad Street 1-0. Daniel Haynes recorded the only conversion. Also, Sophia B defeated California Square 3-2 on penalty kicks after regulation and extra time endedscoreless.

CompleteResults

Game-1

Broad Street-0 vs Make itHappen-1

DanielHaynes

Game-2

California Square-0 vs SophiaB-0

Sophia B won 3-2 on penaltykicks Game-3

North Ruimveldt-2 vs StreetBallers-0

TravisGrant

JaleelHamilton

Game-4

Albouystown-3 vs

AirportBallers-1

Albouystownscorers

CWI CG United Women’s T20 Blaze… Millington bowls Guyana to 7-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago

Aclassyspellofspinbowlingfrom Plaffiana Millington gave Guyana commanding 7- wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force DivasyesterdayatWarnerPark,St.Kitts.

Guyana, despite missing out on the 50 over title won by Jamaica, maintained their dangerousform,specificallywiththeballas theysteamrolledT&Tforjust66runsin18.3 overs.

Millington’s magic proved too much for theTrinis,astheoff-spinnerbaggedarecord 4-5 from 3.3 overs. Ashmini Munisar, Cherry-Ann Fraser and Sheneta Grimmond

eachreturnedawicketforGuyana. Trinidad’s batting was dismal and led to Shunelle Shaw (15), Steffi Soogrim (14) and Samara Ramnauth (12) who were the only double digit scorers

Guyana opener Shabika Gajnabi hit two fours in her top-score of 24, while Realeanna Grimmond (13) and captain, Shemaine Campbell, who spanked 19 off 9 balls with a pair of sixes andafour, sawGuyanato67-3in11overs.

TheGuyanesewillplayLeewardIslands onThursdaywhenRound2bowlsoff.

ShakaJones-(GG)

DevonDooker

Airportscorer JonathonBailey Game-5

StabroekBallersB-0

RavinNaughton

Part of the action between Western Tigers and Guyana Police Force on Saturday evening at the GFF National Training Centre

Opener Shabika Gajnabi led Guyana’s batting with 24

Spinner Plaffiana Millington starred with 4 wickets for Guyana

at

National Novices C/ship

Inanelectrifyingdisplay of talent and dedication, the Guyana Bodybuilding and FitnessFederation(GBBFF) showcased its annual N a t i o n a l N o v i c e s championship at the esteemed Lichas Hall in LindenthispastSaturday

The evening unfolded with a surge of fresh faces, each vying for victory and showcasing their sculpted physiques to an intimate audienceinLinden.

Among the standout performers were Jublani Dehnart, who claimed the prestigious title of overall Mr Bodybuilder and Antwoyn Bayley, who emerged triumphant in the fiercely contested Men’s Physique category

Additionally, Sabita Stephenson, representing Space Gym, dazzled the audience and clinched the top spot in the Miss Bikini division.

Notably, Grayson FordLambert was recognised for his exceptional definition and claimed the title of Mr Linden,furtheraddingtothe excitementoftheevening.

Antwoyn Bayley, representing KB Fitness gym,showcasedremarkable poise and emerged victorious in the highly competitive Junior Bodybuilder category,

crowned Mr. Linden

As teams from regions 2,3,4,5,6andgearedtogetin action this morning in the inaugural “ONE GUYANA Inter Region Ten10 Softball Cricket Cup” so is Panko Steel Fabrication as the entity has maintained their promise towards the tournament and officially came on board as the title sponsor

Thetournamentwhichis organised by Roraima CommunityDeveloperswill beplayedacrosstheregions mentionedfrom17thMarch to 31st March and will now be branded as the Panko Steel Fabrication One Guyana Inter-Region Ten10 SoftballCricketCup.

CEOofthecompanyMr Panko said that he sees this tournament as a grassroots

Jublani Dehnart celebrates after winning Mr Bodybuilder awards

solidifyinghisdominancein the Men’s Physique division Grayson FordLambert showcased his prowess once again, securing a commendable second place, while Shemar Barrow rounded out the top threepositions.

The event witnessed outstanding performances across various weight categories, with Sweet Sugar,TristonWilliams,and Orlando Valenzuela clinching top honours in theirrespectivedivisions.

Ultimately, Jublani

Dehnart stood tall as Mr Bodybuilding, with Sweet Baby and Shemar Barrow securing commendable placements.

In the Miss Bikini d i v i s i o n , S a b i t a Stephenson’s captivating presence and strength propelled her to first-place, leavingChristelleMervinto settle for second position afteracaptivatingdisplay

Theeventwasorganised by GBBFF with support fromtheMinistryofCulture, Youth, and Sport, Fitness Express,andNewGPCInc.

onethatwillhelpinbringing our people together through sports. He went on to say that he loves to see people put their differences aside and come together, and this isatournamentforsuch.

He lamented that the company sees it fitting to support this tournament because it brings the young and old together into the games and not into playing the games alone but also goingoutatthevillagelevel and blending in having a good time by supporting eachother

The CEO said they are very pleased to see the numberofteamsthatwillbe taking part and implore the organisers to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly and within the confines of

the rules that govern local cricket,especiallyinsoftball cricket.

In closing the CEO t h a n k e d R o r a i m a Community Developers for reaching out to their entity and allowing it to be part of this historic moment as the regionscometogetherasone throughsportsandpromised that as long the tournament is run successfully the company is going to continue its support in the 2ndedition.

He said thatPanko Steel Fabrication wishes the teams well and encourages themtoplaythegametothe bestoftheirabilities.

On the other hand, Roraima Community Developers thanked the company for keeping its

Golden Jaguars unveil FIFA Series Squad

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has revealedthe24-playersquad for the upcoming FIFA Series in SaudiArabia, with notable forwards Omari Glasgow and Stephen Duke McKenna among the selections.

Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Team set off from Guyana on Saturday, March 16, heading to the Middle East nation for two international friendlies They are scheduled to face CaboVerde(CapeVerde)on March 21 in their first encounter, followed by a clash against Cambodia on March26,bothatthePrince AbdullahAl-Faisal Stadium inJedda.Theteamhasthree goalkeepers, eleven defenders, six midfielders and four forwards, and according to Head Coach Shabazz they are “focused on executing the game plan and fully committed to bringingpridetoGuyana.” Squad – Goalkeepers; Quillan Roberts, Akel Clarke and Jamaine Cumberbatch, Defenders; Jalen Jones, QuincyAdams, Colin Nelson, Curtez Kellman, Jeremy Garrett, Kevin Layne, Amos Ramsey, Liam Gordon, Marcus Simmons, Leo Lovell and Rashuan Ritch, Midfielders; Darron Niles, Daniel Wilson, Ryan

promisetobeonboard.RCD said that although the tournament was put off two weeks back, they have all confident that the company wouldmaintaintheirpledge and today they publicly made it known that Panko Steel Fabrication upholds theirpromise.

RCD assured the company that the competitions will be played to standard and all the rules will be in place during the tournament.

RCD thanked the CEO for his support and assured him that this inaugural tournament would be a success and wished his companyallthebest.

Thetournamentissaidto be the first of its kind and will be played in an open

…Glasgow and Duke-Mckenna included

Omari Glasgow

Hackett, Elliot Bonds, NathanFerguson,andKadel Daniel, Forwards; Ryan Kheedoo, Omari Glasgow, Deon Moore and Stephen Duke-McKenna. Guyana is in a group alongside Cabo Verde, Cambodia and Equatorial Guinea for the FIFA Series. The series features twenty FIFA member associations competing across venues in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka from March 18 to 26 In the most recent FIFA rankings, Cabo Verde occupies the 65th

position, with Guyana at 157th place and Cambodia standingat179th.

TheFIFASeriesinvolves hosting international friendlies every evennumberedyearacrossthesix confederations, giving national players a chance to playonaglobalstage.

After earning promotion to League A in the

CONCACAF National League in November 2023, the Golden Jaguars are keen to leave their mark in the debut edition of the FIFA Series

category (age group) with roundarmbowlingandonegameknockformat.

According to the organisers the RCD has teamed up with the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) in running off this Inaugural tournament and will see basic softball cricket rules applied.

Some sixty-four (64) teamsacrossregions2,3,4, 5, 6 and 10 will be participating in the and the regional winners going to battle in the playoffs on the 31st of March at a venue to benamed.

The tournament will bowl off this morning in Region2andRegion3atthe Zeeburg andWales Ground, in Region 4 at the Better

Hope Community Centre Ground, in Region 5 at the Bath Community Centre Ground and in Region 6 at t h e P o r t M o u r a n t CommunityCentreGround.

TheRegion10gameswillbe playedonMarch24.

The tournament will see regional winners pocketing acashprizeof$80,000anda trophy

Trophieswillbegoingto the runner-up, best bowler/batsman and man of thefinal.

According to RCD, at the playoffs the winner will pocket $300,000 and a trophy, Runner Up $80,000 and a trophy, 3rd place $30,000 and a trophy, Man of Series $20,000 and a trophy,ManofFinal,Best

(Continuedonpage21)

From GT to New Jersey... Bully Bad is the New Dancehall Sensation

There have been many pugilists w h o h a v e excelled in the fistic sport, retired, and subsequently successfully ventured into other meaningful vocations.

Hendrick Pelswijk AKA ‘Bullybad’ is a proud Guyanese who developed a love for the fistic sport just over a decade ago. During his illustrious tenure in the amateur ranks, Pelswijk represented Guyana at championships in several other countries including St Lucia,StKitts&Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago, where he won a Gold medal at the Caribbean Senior BoxingChampionships.

“WhileIstillnurturedan ambitiontoprocurelucrative boxing accolades, my mind was diverted to another o c c u p a t i o n I h a d developed,” “Bullybad” revealed. That ‘occupation’ was the love of music. “I have always loved music with an initial affinity for dance hall music,” he

revealed As such, he commenced a career in this field in the Agricola community where he was born and bred. “I became a disc jockey (DJ) and started to appreciate various genres of music I eventually meandered into the music field with boxing becoming archival in nature, he disclosed.

Then in 2015, Bullybad migrated to the USA where he had heard so much about themanyopportunitiesinthe USA that he could hardly wait to experience them. Consequently, he landed at the JFK International Airport, USA, as a former boxer but an aspiring musician He said that f o l l o w i n g t h e acclimatization process, and thereafterstartedassociating with other musicians to appreciate the various genres. He noted that every singer possessed a nationalistic verve; the Trinidadiansflaunted CalypsoandSocamusic,

the Grenadians were into whattheyreferredtoas‘Jab Jab’musicwhilethe Jamaicans belted out reggae music. Bully Bad aspired to be an ambassador of his country, this time on the musical platform. He said that he was concerned that there was nothing that identifiedwiththeGuyanese culture. He did note that there were a few renditions from ‘Natural Black’ a Guyanese icon, but they were‘fewandinbetween.’

Subsequently, under the pseudonym, ‘Bully Bad’ Pelswijk launched several tunes,amonghisfirstefforts were ‘Real G, Trend Setta, and Mama among others. His renditions can be accessed on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music among other musical platforms.Severalmonthsof intense sacrifice and application finally began to bear fruit and his music has begun to enjoy an appreciable level of popularity “I’ve received

Adams enjoys a fruitful stint in T&T

Essequibo all-rounder Ricardo Adamsishavingafruitfulseason inTrinidadandTobagowherehe is representing Endeavours CC in the Premier 2 Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board 2-daychampionship.

Adamshassofaramassed471runsfrom seven innings and has taken 39 wickets, helping his team to four wins from five matches. Adams, who also plays for Zeelandia SC in Wakenaam, struck an unbeaten 243 against Woodland and grabbed 4-73 and 5-40 as he delivered his team a comfortable win. Against MYO, Adams who represented Guyana at both thejuniorandseniorlevels,managedonly sixinthefirstinningsbutpickedup4-29.In his team’s second turn at the crease, he topscoredwith75andthenreturnedwiththe ball to bag 6-92, earning his team another win. Adamsmadesixintheirfirstinnings versus Comets but showed his all-round abilitybypickingup8-49.

Whenhisteambattedasecondtimehe struck51whiletaking2-67inyetanother victory

The left-handed Adams who has a centuryattheU19levelforGuyana,scored 38andgrabbed6-138inthefirstinningsof their game against Cosmos, while in the secondinningshemade51andsnared4-28, earningthissideanothercrucialwin.

Over the years, the 29-year old Adams has represented Essequibo with distinction scoring several centuries and picking up severalfive-wickethauls.

Hecontinuestoexcelonthefieldandis determinedtoreturntonationalcolours.

quite a few offers from potential managers but am carefully considering my options,”said

“Bullybad” when quizzed on his journey forward. He said that he has produced over 15 visual tracks complemented by 3 new videos so far for this year “This is highly commendableinanindustry that is very competitive,” stated the young musician. He is now in the process of formalizing his talent with the proper connections. He feels that the discipline accrued from boxing has enabled a smooth transition into the music field. “My discipline from boxing has enhanced my dedication to beingrelevantinthefieldof music,heasserts.

Bully Bad has recently participated in the local dancehall monarch competition under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport. However, despite placing among the top ten contenders, he failed

toclinchthetopprize.“Iwas disappointed but certainly not discouraged, ” he revealed when quizzed on his reaction to the judge’s decision. He said that to his

Ricardo Adams

mindhehadproducedoneof the most memorable performances of that night.

To his many fans, he says, “Clear the way ‘Bullybad’ comingthrough!

Diallo scores winner deep in extra time to send Man United into FA Cup semis

(Reuters) - Amad Diallo scored deep in extra time after Marcus Rashford madeamendsforabadmiss toliftManchesterUnitedto abreathless4-3victoryover north west rivals Liverpool and into the FA Cup semifinalsonSunday

United’s victory at Old Trafford kept alive their onlyhopeofsilverwarethis season and spoiled Liverpool’s dreams of hoisting four trophies in manager Juergen Klopp’s final campaign with the team.

Advertisement · Scroll tocontinue

Erik ten Hag’s side will face Championship (second-tier) outfit Coventry City in the semis a f t e r t h e y u p s e t Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2onSaturday

“Listentothenoise,you cantellwhatabiggameitis, a huge occasion,” Rashford told ITV “I haven’t had the season I wanted but nights like this at OldTrafford are whatit’sallabout.

“We have to get something out of this season...it’samassivegame

inthehistoryofManchester United.” Scott McTominay gave United a 10th-minute lead but Liverpool turned the game on its head with goals three minutes apart from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah before halftime.

Liverpool dominated the second half and should have put the game to bed, but United poured on the pressurelateinnormaltime andAntony spun in the box before slotting home past twoLiverpoolplayersinthe 87th minute the Brazilian’s first goal at Old Traffordinoverayear—to forceextratime.

Harvey Elliott brought the 9,000 travelling Liverpool fans to their feet in the 105th minute when his long-range rocket deflected off Christian Eriksen’s foot and between Harry Maguire’s legs into thebottomcorner

Butonceagain12-times FA Cup winners United — who are four places below Liverpool in a Premier League season to forget for TenHag’sside—kepttheir foot on the gas. “Super

intense,” Klopp said. “We used the time and adapted well. We were outstanding but we had to finish the gameoffandwedidn’t.”

Rashford, who had missedasitterlateinnormal time, made it 3-3 in the 112th minute, calmly slotting a picture-perfect pass from McTominay into the bottom corner before running to United’s fans, wherehewasmobbed.

“Rashfordisresilient,he keeps going, normally he finishes those moments but he kept going for another chance. That inspired the other players,” Ten Hag said Then Alejandro Garnacho and Diallo charged up the field on a breakawayafteraLiverpool corner with Diallo firing home the winner in the 120thminutetoadeafening roar from the Old Trafford faithful, leaving Klopp looking stunned on the sideline.

“We deserved this win, weplayedverygood,itwas oneofthebestgamesofthe season. It’s the best goal of mylifeit’sareally (Continuedon

Bully Bad during one of his performances (Photo: Newsroom)

Nicholas Verwey takes U19 title Ver

After a week of i n t e n s e competition, the curtains have closed on the E-Net poweredWoodpecker Products National Juniors Squash Championship. The finalsonSaturdaywitnessed some electrifying matches, leaving spectators at the edgeoftheirseats.

Caribbeanchampionand Under-19 Boy’s champion, NicholasVerweyshowcased his dominance yet again as he clinched another U19 title,defeatingthepromising Louis DaSilva in a thrilling final. The match concluded withascorelineof13-15,911, 11-7, 11-6, and 11-7, highlighting Verwey’s skill anddeterminationatthisage level Emily Fung-a-Fat, another standout young female athlete emerged as theMostImprovedPlayerof the championship, displaying remarkable grit across multiple categories. Despite securing a welldeservedsecondplaceinthe Girls U15 division, Fung-aFat’sperformanceacrossthe U17andU19categorieswas

commendable which place her among the top performers at this year’s championship.

The battle for the Most Outstanding Player awards was intense, with Kaylee Lowe and Louis DaSilva emerging victorious in the Boys’ and Girls’ categories, respectively. Their exceptional performances t h r o u g h o u t t h e championship earned them thisprestigiousrecognition.

Matthew Daby was honouredwiththeHeartofa Champion award for his tenacious spirit and unwavering determination displayed throughout the sevendaysofcompetition.

Meanwhile, in the Boys’ U19 division, Michael AlphonsoandLouisDaSilva exhibited promising performances, securing the second and third positions, respectively,behindVerwey Safirah Sumner proved herprowessintheGirls’U17

and U19 categories, claiming first place in both divisions. Rylee Rodrigues and Kaylee Lowe put up

strong performances but settled for second and third place,respectively

However, it was Kaylee Lowe and Justin Ten Pow who dominated the U15 division, clinching the top spots in their respective

categories with stellar performances.

The U13 category witnessed Zoey McDonald and Ethan Bulkan continuing their winning streak from last year’s championship, securing the

top positions once again. Meanwhile, Zion Hickerson emerged victorious in the Boys’ U11 race, displaying exceptionaltalentatayoung age.

Overall,theWoodpecker Products National Juniors

Squash Championship provided a platform for youngtalentstoshine,asthe associationgearsuptoselect a team to compete at this y e a r ’s C a r i b b e a n Championship which is scheduledforJune.

Panthers lead the points table in John Lewis Memorial Sevens tourney

The National Park’s Rugby field became a battleground on Saturday as the John Lewis Memorial Sevens Rugby tournament c o m m e n c e d w i t h electrifyingfervor

The two-day event promised a spectacle of athleticism, and the opening day didn’t disappoint, featuring a gripping lineup of nine matches that kept spectators intrigued throughouttheopeningday

Among the standout performers were Panthers, Police, Hornets, and GDF, who showcased their prowess on the field, securing valuable points in theprocess.

Inascintillatingopening match, Panthers dominated

the Army men (Guyana Defence Force), clinching victoriesof41-5and12-5in twoseparateclashes.

Their momentum didn’t waneastheytriumphedover Police with a commanding score line of 26-10 in their third match, ending the day withanimpressivetallyof6 points.

GDF, despite facing early setbacks with two l o s s e s , s t a g e d a remarkable comeback against Police in a closely c o n t e s t e d m a t c h , emerging triumphant with afinalscoreof19-15.

Police demonstrated their resilience in match # 8 , d e l i v e r i n g a resounding 20-0 victory over Hornets This victory followed a narrow 10-14

defeat against GDF and a convincing 24-12 win against the Hornets Meanwhile, the Hornets found their stride with a solitary victory against Panthers, securing a 21-7 triumph.

As the first day of the event drew to a close, Police stood strong with four points, matched closely by GDF and the Hornets, each with 2 pointsapiece

T h e e x c i t e m e n t continues unabated as the action resumes today at the samevenue,promisingmore thrills and adrenalinepumpingmoments.

Rugby enthusiasts are urged to catch the action, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00pm.

Participants along with GSA’s Competitons Chairman, Deje Dias pose for a photo-op at Georgetown Club for the closing of the 2024 Woodpecker Junior Championship (Newsroom)

Some of the action between Police and the Hornets

Miss Bikini Novice champion, Sabita Stephenson (left) and runner-up Christelle Mervin

Ford-Lambert crownedMr.Linden

Stephen Duke-McKenna maintains possession during Guyana’s match against Bermuda in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League