Kaieteur News

Chevron fighting to get into lucrative Stabroek Block because of ‘sweet’ 2016 oil deal –VPJagdeo

Thecurrent‘battle’betweenoil giants ExxonMobil Corporation and Chevron Corporation over the Stabroek Block is because of the lucrative Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed onto, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday at his weeklypressconference.

ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block, and its block partner CNOOC have both moved to arbitration to assert their rights overGuyana’sgoldenoilfield,the Stabroek Block. This is as a result of Chevron’s US$53 billion takeover of Hess Corporation (the third-partner in the Stabroek Block).

Buying over Hess Corporation would give Chevron access to Hess’ most valuable asset in Guyana ExxonMobil Guyana holds a 45% interest, while Hess Guyana holds 30% interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited with 25% interest. The case was filed at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, arguing that Exxon and CNOOC hasarightoffirstrefusaloverHess’ stake.

The Vice President was on Thursdayaskedtocommentonthe battle between the oil giants over

Guyana’s oil block. Jagdeo first highlighted the profitability of the Stabroek Block. He said, “I don’t think Chevron has done this because of the need to know more about reserves. I think they have seen the discoveries; the discoveries keep coming. They know that the reserve will expand inthefuture.”

He said that the oil block’s current valuation and the anticipation of further discoveries forfutureearningsiswhatattracted Chevron. The Vice President even suggested that the US$53 billion pricetagChevronofferedHesswas mostly because of the Stabroek

Block.

“So, it is something that I believeisdrivenlargelybecauseof theneedtodiversifytheirportfolio Chevron, but also to get into a lucrative agreement and this is a lucrativeagreementbecauseofthat PSA,”Jagdeosaidtoo.

Production from the Stabroek Block developments sits above 600,000 barrels per day (bdp) –withExxonhavingtheLiza1,Liza 2 and the Payara projects online. The oil companies have embarked onanaggressivedrillingcampaign in the Stabroek Block targeting three other developments: Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail

projects. It should be noted that Yellowtail and Uaru have already been approved, while Whiptail is underreviewawaitinggovernment approvalanydaynow

The PSA the Vice President is referring to is one that is heavily criticized for benefitting the oil companies more than it does the country

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who served under the APNU + AFC Coalition government between 2015 and 2020, was the one who signed the heavily criticized lopsided PSA with Exxon. The 2016 deal gives Guyana an

industry-low2%royalty

Presently, Guyana shares revenue with ExxonMobil after the company deducts75percenttowardsthecost incurredtodeveloptheresourcesin theStabroekBlock.

Thisarrangement,withthelack of ring-fencing, sees Guyana paying for projects that are yet to commence production activities. Each month bills from future producingdevelopmentsareadded to the list of expenses to be cost recovered by Exxon. After the 75 percentisdeductedtopaybackthe oil company, Guyana then shares 50/50 of the 25 percent remaining with Exxon as profits This amounts to 12.5 percent of profits fromtheoperations.

Also, under the signed deal, Guyana has agreed to, under the taxation provisions, to pay ExxonMobil’sshareofCorporation and Income Tax As such it would mean, that Guyana foregoes each year, billions of US dollars On top ofthis,documentationtothiseffect is then provided to the US-based company allowing it to not have to payanytaxesinitshomecountryfor itsearningsoverseas

Sincethedealwasmadepublic, therehavebeenmanycallsbycivil

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Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo

Chevron Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Wirth

ExxonMobilChiefExecutive Officer(CEO),DarrenWoods

ExxonM partner reveals 746M barrels found in one of eight discoveries

...asVPJagdeopussyfootingonupdating nationontotalbarrelsaftertwoyears

One of the eight discoveries made by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) in the StabroekBlock,since2022,holdsanestimated reserveof746millionbarrelsofoil Thiswas disclosed by Exxon’s partner, China National OffshoreOilCorporation(CNOOC)Limited, inits2023AnnualResults.

ExxonMobilistheoperatoroftheStabroek with a 45% stake, with partners CNOOC Ltd and Hess holding interests of 25% and 30%, respectively

CNOOC said in the report that the Lancetfishdiscovery,whichwasmadeinApril 2023,averagedsome100milliontons,which isequivalentto746millionbarrels,according to the conversion formula of the Independent PetroleumAssociationofAmerica.

Despite making eight new successful discoveries in the Stabroek Block sinceApril 2022, the ExxonMobil-led joint venture has not provided an update of the total estimated recoverableresourcestothenation

The last resource count, dated April 26, 2022,declaredtherecoverableresourceforthe Stabroek Block at nearly 11 billion oilequivalent barrels Since then, Exxon announced eight subsequent discoveries, the Seabob-1 and Kiru-Kiru-1 wells, Sailfin-1, Yarrow-1, Fangtooth SE, Lancetfish-1, and Lancetfish-2 wells, along with the recently announcedBluefindiscovery

In an invited comment, Opposition Parliamentarian, David Patterson said the nationwasnotbeingupdatedonitsoilreserves as this would trigger massive countrywide protestsforabetterdeal

The previous Coalition government had accepted a 2% royalty and granted excessive tax holidays to the Contractor and its subcontractors Guyana merely receives 125 of profits,afterExxondeduct75%eachmonthto recoveritsinvestments.

Pattersonbelievesthattheblackoutof

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Ex-US Pres. Bill Clinton coming to scope out Oil and Gas opportunities in Guyana

-accompaniedbyDominicanRepublicChamberofCommerce

Former United States of America (U.S.) President William Jefferson Clinton (Bill Clinton)isscheduledtoarriveinGuyanathis week to scope out opportunities in the country’s rapidly developing Oil and Gas Sector

This is according to Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Guyana, Ernesto Torres Pereyra who said that members of the Dominican Chamber of Commerce will accompanytheformerAmericanPresident

At a press conference on Saturday at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, the Ambassadorsaid,“Ithinkthemostimportant driversofthewholeprocessofdevelopment ofthiscountrybesidesthegovernmentwhich has had an incredible role, (is) the private sector So, in the case of President Clinton he has very close relationship, (that is) to keep players in the private sector of the DominicanRepublic ”

He explained that Former President Clinton, “expressed his desire to understand moreoftheprocessthathasbeentakingplace hereinGuyana,andsincewehavepeoplelike RolandoGonzalezBunsterfromInterEnergy

andalltheothermembersofourChamberof Commerce are definitely coming to explore the opportunities. They decided to come together So,theycanalsopresentthatnotion oftheUnitedCaribbeanaltogether.”

The Ambassador added: “We are extremelyexcitedoftherecentdevelopments, the possibility through the Chamber of Commerceofbringingintheformerpresident William Jefferson Clinton to Guyana That showsthattrulyGuyanaisinthefocusofthe international community (and) for good reasons,soweareextremelyexcited.”

Commending both President Ali and President Abinader on their achievements so farhenoted,“theybothhavebeenveryvocal oftheimportanceofofferingthepeopleofthe Caribbeanasetofnewstrategiestobringthe Caribbeantogetherandtoshowtheworldthat with that determination they can continue to promote the idea that the Caribbean is the regionofpotential,aregionofpeace,(andit can)attractforeigninvestment.”

TheAmbassador boasted that, “The fact thatPresidentClintoncomesalsoisa

Continued on page 63

Map showing the location of the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana

Former U.S. President, Bill Clinton Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Guyana, Ernesto Torres Pereyra

Guyana – to be among most successful, yet

On most occasions when the people who count at ExxonMobil say something of importance, a word features prominently Guyanaisthatword. WhenCEOWoods,CFO Mikells, andExxonMobil’sGuyanaCountryHeadRoutledge speak,Guyana’sglitteringprospectsdripfromtheirlipsinarich stream of words Guyana is ‘the crown jewel’ and ‘unprecedented’ and ‘world class’ and more of such grand expressions Inarecentpublicutterance,CEOWoodstookthe brightbeautyofGuyanaintothestratosphere

“The Guyana development will go down as one of the most successful deepwater developments in the history of theindustryandthesuccessofthatdevelopmentis…driven by all the work to grow that value, to develop that resource effectivelyandexpeditiously”ThefirstquestionforMr Woods is“togrowthatvalueforwhom?” Forsure,itcannotbeforthe benefitoftheGuyanesepeoplebecauseithasnotbeenso Not when ExxonMobil has made a textbook case of pushing productionsafetylimits NotwhenExxonMobilhasconnived withtheGovernmentofGuyanatoconcealbillionsinexpenses from the local population Now when ExxonMobil has announcedeightnewoildiscoveriesbutisassilentasthedead abouthowmanybarrelsofoilhavebeenfoundineachofthose oilfinds ItshouldbeasourceofgreatcheerforpoorGuyaneseto read Mr Woods lavish words about Guyana’s oil giving strong indicationsofbeing“oneofthemostsuccessful inthehistoryof theindustry” Butotherthanthe2%royaltytrickle,andahalfand halfprofitsharing(thatisdisputedasnotbeingfullyso),whereand how has the success of Guyana’s oil, as recorded to this point, translated into the significance that it should have been for the citizensofthiscountry? Consideringthebrazenandongoinghigh seas robbery with the deepwater activity in Guyana’s offshore oilfieldsbyExxonMobil,thereisagrim subtitle to Mr.Woods sparkling picture about the success anticipated by his company Presentsuccessfromtheimmenseprofitabilityof Guyana’s cheap to produce oil, high quality oil, has meant nothingbutthepaltrinessofcrumbsforGuyanese. Itshould follow,therefore,thatthesameimpoverishingsituationwill continue no matter the dazzling, likely history making, successofGuyana’sdeepwateroilriches.

Mr Woodscouldnothavebeenclearerinhispublicstatement: muchworkisgoingon“todevelopthatresourceeffectivelyand expeditiously” It is the closest that any leading official at ExxonMobilhascometowhatcouldberegardedashavingtruth about it, and then only partially The Guyana resource is being developedaggressively,withfearsofsafetyenshroudingGuyanese, for“expeditiously”iswhatithasbeen Higherandhigherdaily, continuousproductionlevels,andwithmorenewprojectswaitingin theapprovalpipeline TheExxonMobilCEOhashisthinkingright withthatreality Ontheotherhand,thereisthecompanymystery surrounding the development of the Guyana resource “effectively” Inthemannerheldhighbycorporatechieftains, Mr.Woodsisallowedtofoolhimselfthat“effectively”isan unreadablecode,exceptthatitisn’t. FortodevelopGuyana great successful story in the making “effectively” has no meaningfortheGuyanesepeople.

To develop “effectively” this once in a century oil motherlodeisacommitmentmadetotheinvestors,stakeholders, and workers of ExxonMobil, and ExxonMobil first and foremost, and ExxonMobil only Guyanese are bystanders in thispotentiallyamongthegreatestofsuccessfulstories Darren Woodsthroughhismanonthegroundhere,AlistairRoutledge, hasmadeclearthattherewillbenorenegotiationoftheheinous 2016 oil contract that his company foisted on a backward country ExxonMobil has the best local partners to be found anywhere in the world There is President Ali and Chief Policymaker Jagdeo They are almost completely in the ExxonMobil camp Both have abandoned their own people, both have participated in the continuing condonement of the company’s repugnant handiwork, the 2016 oil contract that hemorrhages Guyanese hopes. Guyanese must see these people(foreignandlocal)forwhotheyreallyare,howthey ravage this wealth. Otherwise, this great waiting success willforeverbeintheirimaginationonly

Maduro’s end game

DEAREDITOR, Followingthe“Barbados Agreement” signed last October by the Venezuelan OppositionandGovernment representatives to facilitate “free and fair elections” and theUSeasing sanctionson oil,gas,andgold,Inotedthat “Maduro has raised the ante on their border controversy (with us) to counter the political challenge he faces nextyearaftertheeconomic andsocialimplosions.”

I then developed the thesis that Maduro was caughtinadilemmabetween trying to satisfy American pressures for elections that he knew would most likely remove him from office and the improvement in the economic sphere that their

carrotofremovingsanctions on oil, gas and gold could bring.

Towardsus,Madurowas following the very wellknown “diversionary theory ofwar”:generatingaforeign policy crisis to divert the public’sattentionawayfrom social and economic i m p l o s i o n s a n d simultaneously bolster his political fortunes through a “rally around the flag” effect.

The Venezuelan people hadbeensocialisedsincethe mid-20th century to accept they were robbed of EssequibobyBritain,andhe expected their emotional support.

But unlike the 1960s when the controversy was

firstraisedbytheBetancourt government,theUSnownot onlywantedMadurooutbut had strong interests in Guyana because of the massiveExxonoilfind.

Maduro decided to “gamble for resurrection”: seeing defeat staring him in the face of elections, he was willing to take high-risk actions that would be considered “irrational” in normal circumstance because the high costs of defeat “objectively” outweighed the low probabilityofvictory He decided to raise the ante on our border c o n t r o v e r s y a n d simultaneously take on the Americans by gaming the Barbados Agreement In

early December, he truculently dismissed the ICJ’s jurisdiction over the Border controversy - where wehadplaceditthroughthe Geneva Agreement - and raised the ante further by defyingtherulingoftheICJ with a referendum purporting to give him “authority” to annex our Essequibo.

In Mid-December, he met with Pres Ali and they issued the Argyll Declaration that “reiterated their commitment to Latin America and the Caribbean remainingaZoneofPeace”. But we reiterated that Maduro was simply lulling us into a sense of false securityandhisover-the-top

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Phagwa - Past, Present & Post

DEAREDITOR,

In the colonial days in Guyana, it was customary for Hindus on the sugar estates to build a huge bonfire with debris accumulated from the cane field. On the day of Vasant Panchami, a bamboo and castor oil tree were planted in the ground in an open area.

From the “planting of Holika,” singing of chowtal and Holi songs became a regular feature in the mandirs and religious gatherings Weekly radio programswouldfeaturelive performance of chowtal groups from various districts.

There were no TV stations during that period andGuyanahadonly2radio stations, Radio Demerara with Rafiq Khan, Rajkumarie Singh and Ishri Singh and BGBS with Sir RonSaunders.

Itwasnotuntilafterthe late 60’s, schools were allowed to have a Hindu YouthSocietyestablishedto caterfortheHinduboysand girls.

The Hindu Youth societies then began to organize cultural shows and concerts to celebrate Holi, Diwali and the other festivals Throughout the different counties, fairs, charity shows and concerts were held. During the last

weekbeforeHoli,travelling on the trains and boats used to be fun. School children took immense pleasure to play with each other with, powder,abrackandwater

BurningofHolika

Before Phagwa, a lot of preparation took place, especially by the mother of eachfamily

She ensured that everyone would have new, white clothes to wear.

During the 50’s to the 70’s, the more extravagant outfits were scarce because of limitedresourcesandpeople were satisfied with more modestfashions.

Powder, (the Yardley’s brand was the sweetest followed by My Fair Lady), abrack, perfume and abeer wereboughtandstockedup, alongwithalltheingredients for the different foods Special attention was paid towards cleansing the house and the yard itself and children were involved New curtains were bought, fenceswerewhitewashedor painted.Intheveryolddays, when yards were not concrete, the “bottom house” had to be “daubed” with cow-dung and freshly dugmud.

On the night of Holika Dahan, Ramayana goals, chowtalgroups,menandboys usedtogatherattheMandirin eachvillagefromsixo’clockin theafternoonuntil11:30PMto

engage in the singing of chowtal before proceeding to thesiteofthebonfire Hotbara withchutneyandcoffeewere served.

These days, the burning ofHolikatakesplacebefore 9PM After a Pooja ceremony, the fire was lit and the chowtal groups would continue singing Meanwhile, boys would walk with dry coconut, casavaandplantaintoroast, hooked on wire strings Most times, there was a trench in close proximity, and you bet, men and boys would be thrown in, includingthepandit.

Thesingingandchanting anddancingtothebeatofthe dholak continued until the fire was completely out beforeeveryonewenthome

Females were not allowedtowitnessthisevent because of the nature and significance of the occasion Overseas, this event usually takes place in the yards of mandirs

Phagwa Day

Early Phagwa morning, the craziness began Neighbors woke each other to douse them with buckets of water and syringes (pichakaree);girlshidinthe

bedrooms; boys jumped through the windows; hoses were connected to pipes to soak anyone passing in the streets;thewomenfolkwere busy preparing the delicacies and the delicious meals for the day, namely bara, polourie, potato ball, bhaiganee, channa, dhall, rice, dhallpourie, gulgula, gujiya, all the different vegetables, kheer and Mohanbog In the olden days,womenusedtocookon anoutsidefiresideandwould have to often change clothes because of the constant drenching.

Meanwhile, the males would visit the site of the HolikaDahanandcollectthe ashes from the bonfire and playwitheachothermaking itdifficulttorecognizeeach other

The chowtal groups would then walk around the village singing and dancing as villagers would throw buckets of water on them. This fun and frolic would continue until midday.Then the men and boys would head home to shower and change in their white outfit and most of the family members would head to the Mandir for a religious

service Devotees would enjoy themselves with the merriment,thistimewiththe powder, abeer, abrack and perfume.

Attheendoftheservice, as devotees return to their respective homes, the chowtalgroupswouldwalkin the streets and visit each member’s home where they would be entertained Neighbors, families and friends would visit each otherandexchangegoodies.

In Guyana, T&T and Suriname,it’sapublicholiday andsothisunitedspiritualand culturalintimacyprevailsina more dominating and domineering level, affording people to congregate and communicate in a more relaxedatmosphere

These days, celebrations are housed in parks and grounds to accommodate a large public gathering where fun and entertainment can be in galore with a program jam packed with artistes, performers, singing, dancing

andtassamusic

In the US, Canada and UK,Hindushavetotakeaday offfromworkiftheywantto participate in these activities orwaituntiltheyreachhome intheeveningtogatherwith friendsandfamiliestomark theoccasion.

It is unfortunate that for some,it’sjustanotherdayand thesagacityandgaietyofthis colorful festival is lost or diminished because of the cold, loneliness, constraint or justbeingoutoftouchwiththe culturalcommunity Day after Phagwa –Invitingfamiliesandfriends

In Guyana, Phagwa celebrationcancontinuefora week or two because of familiesandfriendswantingto celebratetogetherbasedonthe convenience of time and the reciprocation of visits Usually, the day after Holi, neighbors, friends and families are invited to extend the celebration, eating, imbibing,

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Kudos to the patrol ranks at B.V. Police Station

DEAREDITOR,

With the present escalationofcrime,whichis attemptingtoengulfourlawabiding citizens, we the residents living within the ambit of the BV Police Stationwillliketocompliment therankspatrollingtheareaon

a24hrsbasisintheirzest,zeal andenthusiasmincurbingand preventing the committal of any crime. Also, Kudos to them for their hard work in ensuringthatallmotorcyclists areequippedwiththeirsafety helmets when using our busy roadways which will ensure

minimal injuries incase of an unforeseenaccident Kudos again to them please continue the good works.

Sincerely,

Ronald Alexander Drakes Resident

Phagwa - Past, Present & Post...

Frompage05

singing,anddancing.GoingForward

Goingforward,whatdoesthefuturehold? Willtherebethiscontinuityofexhilarationand cheerfulnessandanxietytolookforwardforthis holiday?

WillthechildrenathomeandtheDiaspora applythisspiritedapproachandapplicationto observe and absorbthis excitement?Willthis

religiousandculturalhereditytransgresswithits significantpermeation?

Hopefully,fromconstantteaching,preaching andpracticingofHinduism,ourrichcustomsand traditions will influence and attract this embracement Wishing you and your family ShubhHoli!

Yoursrespectfully, JaiLall.

Work towards sustainable solutions that address the root causes of Haiti’s challenges in the 21st century

DEAREDITOR,

As a keen observer of history and current affairs, I cannot help but draw attention to the striking parallelsbetweenthecurrent state of Haiti and one of the most noteworthy events in Frenchhistory,thestorming oftheBastille.

Just as this pivotal moment marked the beginning of profound change in France - Haiti’s former colonizer, Haiti finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with deep-rooted issues and yearning for transformative reform.

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolized the uprising of the French people against oppression and tyranny, leading to the French Revolution and the collapse of the monarchy

Similarly,Haiti,anation born out of a historic slave revolt and the first successfulslaverebellion,is now facing a crisis of

governance, economic instability,andsocialunrest.

Muchlikethegrievances of the French populace against the monarchy, the people of Haiti are demanding accountability fromtheirleaders,anendto corruption, and the fulfillment of basic needs such as access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Moreover, in Haiti becauseofavacuumcaused by lack of political leadership,gangshavetaken to the streets looting and murdering citizens while demanding justice and equality for the oppressed citizenry, they alleged to represent.

Consequently,justasthe French Revolution was fueled by ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity for centuries,thesefundamental rights remain unattainable for the first independent black republic in the world.

Haiti has faced centuries of exploitation, political instability, and foreign

intervention, hindering its developmentandprogress.

Therefore, it is imperative for both the international community, especially CARICOM and the Haitian leaders to recognizetheurgencyofthe situation and work towards sustainable solutions that address the root causes of Haiti’schallengesinthe21st century

Moreover, history has shown us that ignoring the grievancesofthepeoplecan lead to further turmoil and unrest.

I n c o n c l u s i o n , CARICOM leaders need to genuinelystandinsolidarity with the people of Haiti as they strive for a brighter future.

By acknowledging the parallels between these two historical moments, all can gainadeeperunderstanding of the complexities of governance, power dynamics, and the quest for freedomandjustice.

Sincerely,

KeithBernard

Reject Venezuela’s illegal expansionism

There must be a strong rejection on all fronts of Venezuela’s illegal expansionism to include GUYANA’s Essequibo region which constitutes more than two-thirds of the country’s territory.

“This is in flagrant violation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is in breach of the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

It is also an egregious violation of the Order on provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice on December 1, 2023 and it is a violation of theArgyle Declaration of December 14, 2023 agreed to by the leaders of CARICOM and Brazil, the representative of the United Nations Secretary General and by the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela.

Guyana remains committed to peace on its borders and in the region. It will not allow its sovereignty and territorial territory to be usurped. Guyana will exert all of its efforts under international law to ensure that its sovereignty and territorial integrity remain intact.” – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

‘Journalists are being killed around the world’

- VP Jagdeo in response to Human Rights body raising concerns about incident with K/News journalists at Presidential press conference

In response to an article highlighting that the United Nations Human Rights Committee (CCPR) raised questions in relation to a presidentialpressconference where journalists were being harassedbysupportersofthe government, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo sought tominimizetheissue.

The Vice President contextualized the incident within a global framework, highlighting that in other parts of the world media workersarebeingkilled.

The incident in question occurred during a presidentialpressconference in April 2023, where journalists from Kaieteur Newsfacedharassmentfrom governmentsupporterswhile posing oil and gas questions

to President Irfaan Ali. This incident was brought to the fore on Wednesday during a session with the CCPR, which raised concerns about pressfreedominGuyana.

During his press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo addressed the incident, downplaying its significance by stating, "Nowthemediawasattacked at the president's press conference, now this is the same Kaieteur News, it's a stretch to call them media nowinthiscountrybutit'sthe same Kaieteur News, one incident they felt uncomfortable."

He continued, "You have people,mediaworkersbeing killed in Palestine all around theworld.Herepeoplecome, they can harass me at this

press conference same Kaieteur News people, and they talk about free media Kaieteur News is excited about their journalist gotmentioninsomereport,it was pure nonsense the core issues are that we have maintained freedom, democracy…”

On Wednesday, the CCPR raised concerns over harassmentofmediaworkers were raised, questioning the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ' s commitment to press freedom “The state party indicates in its report that its officialsdo not harass media workers critical of the government. However, the committee is aware of credible reports of such h a r a s s m e n t , ” s a i d Committee member

Laurence Helfer. Helfer made reference to an April 2023 incident involving two ofKaieteurNewsjournalists, which occurred during President Irfaan Ali press conference at the Leonora Track and Field Centre in WestCoastDemerara.Helfer said,“Thisincludesincidents involvingseniorgovernment officials For example, journalists affiliated with Kaieteur News…that were heckled by government supporters at an April 2023 presidential press conference.”

KN's journalists faced criticism from the People's Progressive Party/ Civic's (PPP/C) supporters when posingchallengingquestions to President Ali The Committee member cited reports which indicate that government officials are oftenintolerantofjournalists w h o q u e s t i o n t h e government's policies, especially in relation to the extractive sector The Committeeexpressedfurther concern over reports of surveillance of journalists and media workers, including the government's use of spyware to monitor them. “Will the state party, please comment on these reports. In addition, please indicate what measures the government is taking to prevent harassment against media workers and human rights defenders,” Helfer said.

In addition to the cases citedby HelferbackinApril 2023, the Guyana Press Association(GPA)hadcause toissueastrongstatementof condemnation against

attacks on Kaieteur News's Senior Journalist, Davina Bagot Handlers for the Facebook page, “Live in Guyana,”whichisassociated with officials including a ministerhadattackedBagot's professional integrity with wicked insinuations not worth repeating, all while demeaningherforthecritical reportageshehasdoneonthe oil industry and other matters.GPAsaidthenitwas not the first time the Facebook medium had attacked journalists and placed their safety in jeopardy It said, “This page is believed to be operated by political operatives associated with the governing People's Progressive Party and its content follows closely on the heels of questions that senior leaders of the incumbent administration findobjectionable.”

Meanwhile, in her response to the committee, Minister of Parliamentary AffairsandGovernance,Gail Teixeira, said these are matters that have caused a public outcry, including by thegovernment.However,in relation to the incident involving KN's journalists, she said, “the issue that has been raised here, about a press conference by the President, unfortunately doesn'treflectcorrectlywhat happened We have been asked by the IACHR (InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights) to answer and we have, and we are awaitingtheirresponsetoour answer.”

On April 2, 2023, Kaieteur News reported that

PresidentAlicalledanurgent press conference at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, where the government had hosted a two-day outreach There were several tents set up at the venue to address the concernsofcitizensfromthe respective government agencies, including the Central Housing and PlanningAuthority,Ministry of Public Works and the GuyanaPowerandLightInc.

Notably,thepersonswho were at the outreach joined the tent in which the President decided to host his media. This atmosphere was unwelcoming to members of thepresswhoweresubjected to heckling from the supporters of the ruling PPP party particularly when challenging questions were asked of the Head of State. While the journalists faced criticismsfrompersonsinthe crowd, President Ali's responsewaswelcomedwith a round of applause by the crowd.PublisherofKaieteur News, Glenn Lall had said it was utterly disrespectful for the President to invite the media to a press conference at a venue flocked by his supporters in his home village.

Chevronfightingtogetintolucrative...

Frompage2 society for the administration to bring ExxonMobil Guyana back to the table to carve out a better or more even deal which willgarnermorebenefitsforthecountry

According to a Bloomberg report, commenting on the dispute with Chevron, CNOOC Board Secretary Xu Yugao, revealed that the company had filed for arbitration on March 15. CNOOC will do whateverittakestoprotecttheinterestsofthe firm and its shareholders by legal means, he saidatabriefinginHongKong.

“Wewillupholdthetermsofthepartners' agreement to safeguard our shareholders'

interests,”UpstreamOnlinequotesYugao.

On Monday, Exxon Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods told Reuters the company filed for arbitration because discussions were not happening with Chevron and Hess around the right of first refusalprovision.

“Thosediscussionsneededtohappenand hadn't been happening,” Woods said in a Reuters article. He said Exxon wanted to have its right of first refusal recognized before it could decide on its strategy for the Stabroekblock.

An Exxon executive has said the arbitrationcouldtakefivetosixmonths.

Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo

Jagdeo needs to avail himself of a better understanding of the UNHCR process

It is now more than obvious that Bharrat Jagdeo has not taken the time to familiarize himself with the process that took place recently between the Government of Guyana and the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC). Had he done so he would not have made certaincommentsaboutthat process.

For example, he was quoted as saying that the statements made by the USnominated representative, Laurence Helfer, did not reflectthepositionoftheUS government. He was also quoted as saying that he believes that US-nominated candidate was contaminated by political activists associated with the People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition “He is from New York and I think the contamination took place there… I can’t imagine how that would even surface thereforanyonewho’ddone proper research except as if he was given a brief by APNU.” (Guyana Times of March22nd2024).

Jagdeo believes that the information alleging corruption within his government originated from the main parliamentary opposition,APartnershipfor National Unity (APNU). He even went as far as asking

the UNHRC to make public its sources, an unthinkable proposition that further h i g h l i g h t s h i s misunderstanding of the UNHRCprocess.

The media has projected theimageofthesittingsthat took place last week as a formofinterrogation,bythe UNHRC,oftheGovernment of Guyana And judging from the tenor of Jagdeo’s response and that of other government officials concerning the line of questioning about corruption, it conveys the same impression: that this was a grilling that took place.The sittings are not interrogations They are intendedtobeadialogueand it was incumbent upon the Government of Guyana’s representative to insist on this mode which is in accordance with the mandateoftheUNHRC.

In this column, three issues will be addressed. Firstly,Jagdeo’sproposition that the questions posed by Helfer do not represent the views of the United States government Secondly, Jagdeo’s belief that the source of Helfer’s information came from the OppositionAPNU;andthird thenatureofthediscussions thattookplace.

To better appreciate all three of these issues, it is necessary to understand the UNHRC process. In 1966,

the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These two international agreements, collectively referred to as the International Covenants on HumanRights,establisheda framework for safeguarding fundamental rights. Guyana became a signatory to these covenants, obligating itself to allow the UNHCR to monitor its human rights practices.

The covenants establish a mechanism for enforcing these treaties among the participating states This mechanism involves independent monitoring bodies or committees, as outlined within the treaties themselves Comprising impartialexpertsinthefield of human rights, these committees oversee the implementation of the covenants by the state parties.

For the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Human Rights Committee fulfills thismonitoringrole.Among its responsibilities, the Human Rights Committee receives and scrutinizes reports from state parties regarding their efforts to upholdtherightsoutlinedin the Covenant. Additionally,

DEM BOYS SEH

Chicken Shortage in the Land of Plenty

Guyana is supposed to be de land flowing with food. But it now look as if we facing a shortage of chicken! Imagine dat! We boasting‘boutbecomingde food hub of de Caribbean, butitseemslikeweheading straight to becoming de comedycapitalinstead.

Demboysseh,demore you live in Guyana, de more you run de risk of dying from an overdose of belly ache from laughing. Wetellingdeworldhowwe gon’be swimming in food, how we gon’ produce so muchpoultry,wegon’have to start teaching de chickens how to count themselves before we fry ‘emup!Butguesswhat?De people suffering, dey bawling,anddeysearching high and low just to get a pieceofchicken!

Remember when yuh coulda buy a whole pumpkin fuh a lil change?

Now, yuh lucky if yuh can affordaslicewidouthaving to mortgage yuh house! One slice of pumpkin costing more than some people’s monthly salary! It’s like dey trying to turn pumpkin into gold! Even neck and back seems to scarce.

And de irony nah done yet! De government boasting ‘bout a man who reap 15,000 pounds of pumpkin, but where de pumpkindeh?Depricestill high and yuh gat to buy by de slice if yuh money nah reach - $300 a slice when lang ago yuh could buy a whole pumpkin fuh dat money

People complaining left, right, and center ‘bout

it considers individual complaints, termed “communications, ” submitted under the Optional Protocol These communications allege violations of Covenant rightsbyastateparty

The sittings of the Committee in relation to a State’s human rights practices usually take the form of a dialogue rather than an interrogation. The UNHRC does not possess coercive powers over State Parties. Though nominated by their respective states, committee members do not representtheirnationswhile serving on the committee Jagdeoiscorrectinclaiming that the US member sitting on the committee is not representing his home country He is there in an independent capacity as an expert. As such his views cannot be equated with that oftheUnitedStates.

Butitisonethingtosay thisanditisanotherthingto conclude that the United States government does not share Helfer’s views. This would not be a valid argumenteveniftheUShas never communicated its concerns to Jagdeo or to the PPPC government It is therefore conceivable that the views of the United States may or may not concur with that of the committee.

T h e Vi c e N e w s investigative report in Guyana,whichcreatedquite

a stir and whose contents found its way to the UNHRC, must not be viewed in isolation. It is quite possible that the United States would have been behind the decision of Vice News to dispatch its investigative reporters to Guyanaandwhofoundtheir way undercover into Jagdeo’shome.

During its recent dialogue with Guyana, the Committee raised the specific cases of uninvestigated allegations of corruption It is these allegations which Jagdeo contends were probably made by the APNU and which he described as contaminating. But he fails to appreciate that the very mandateoftheUNHRCisto receive such reports from individuals, organizations, andevenotherStateparties.

Whether or not such allegations were made by Opposition elements is irrelevant Jagdeo should instead answer whether during the term of the APNU+AFC coalition government, the PPPC, in which he is General Secretary, filed any complaints against the then government. If it did not, he wouldhavefailedtoholdthe t h e n g o v e r n m e n t accountable for the humanrights violations which the partyhadalleged.

Amongthoseallegations w e r e a t t e m p t s a t undermining the judiciary

and the discriminatory dismissals of hundreds of employers in the public service and in the state entitiesbasedontheirethnic and assumed political affiliation. There was also a botched intelligence operation which saw the military being used to conduct surveillance on civilians.

Jagdeo continues, up to this day, to hurl accusations of corruption at the former APNU+AFC government But did he avail himself of the opportunity to relay these concerns to the UNHCR during his time in Opposition?

In the meantime, it is hoped that those who are alleging abuse of press freedom during Jagdeo’s press conferences will file a complaint, along with evidence to back up such allegations, to the UNHCR so that the government will have to answer to these charges the next time it appears before the Human RightsCommittee.

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

de chicken shortage

Maybe dem chickens hidingindepumpkinpatch, scaredtocomeoutandface de music! How we gon’be self-sufficient in poultry production when de chickens playing hide and seek? Maybe dem fowl fuhget to set deir alarms to wakeupandlaysomeeggs!

Whoknows?

Here we are, living in dislandofplenty,wherede foodissupposetoflowlike water, but de chicken disappearing faster than money in a politician’s pocket! Dem boys seh, maybe we should start training de chickens to fly in straight lines to de marketsowecancatch‘em easier! Otherwise, we gon’ endupwithmorejokesthan chickendinners!

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

The Bharrat Jagdeo – Alistair Routledge orchestra

To ring-fence or not to ring-fence, is now more than the question. To renegotiate is out of sight and out of mind. Both are incendiary issuesofthehour Twomen of majestic proportions, Dr Bharat Jagdeo and Dr Alistair Routledge, have announced and pronounced on ring-fencing pros and cons, and in the end, it is not what Jagdeo could do for Guyana, but what Jagdeo must do for Exxon. Jagdeo said no to renegotiating the oil contract Routledge stated that there is no understanding of ringfencinginGuyana.

The more that is heard of thechutneyandCountryand Westernlyricscomingoutof Guyana's Oil Commissar Jagdeo and Exxon's Guyana President Routledge, the more one has to take in the notes that these two leading mendeliver Certainly,these two fine gentlemen, men of an incredibly immaculate ethos, perform in sweet harmony Irenamethemthe Righteous Brothers remade, i.e., the fusion of Blue-eyed and Brown-eyed soul on the

issues of ring-fencing and renegotiating which leave trusting Guyanese with a holeintheirhearts.

On the troublesome matter of ring-fencing upcoming oil projects, the sounds coming out of the Jagdeo-Routledge Combo have a big band volume to them. To call these two swingers, a combo cheapens theirwell-versed,well-timed works: it is more accurate to name them The Bharat Jagdeo-Alistair Routledge Orchestra. There they arevirtualidenticaltwins,atwoman band, a duet so fully in sync with each other's steps and moves, they can each readtheother'smind,without awordbeingsaid. Man,that is more than harmony; it is a ring-fencing symphony Lotsofmoneyispaidforthat kind of composing and conducting And tap dancing.

The essences crystallize to this: Exxon is looking out for Guyana (maximizing revenue), all for Guyana, with helpful, unselfish guidance, where ringfencingisconcerned. Thisis

ruthlesscapitalismturnedon itshead,showingitssmiling, sanctimonious face dripping with charity No ringfencing is good for Guyana. Thanks for caring, Mr. Routledge.Atthispoint,itis welltorepeatDr Routledge's ring-fencing prescription for Guyanese: cash flow timing is everything, and this is paramount for investors, mostsensitiveforthem. Itis why ring-fencing is a drag, and their oil money (revenue/income) to be maximized now, as in today, and not tomorrow As for Jagdeo, he has his own cash flowtimingpriorities.

According to Dr Jagdeo: moneyinthefutureisbetter, will be more, more to be savored. The present value ofadollarjustlostitssheen. What the no ring-fencing finance ringmaster Jagdeo did was to eradicate his economics education and dump present value into the rubbishheap. Adollartoday, or a billion, is no longer worthasmuchtoday

Thesongisnow“forego” today for 'massive income later'anditisasickly,syrupy

melody It is Guyana's Jagdeo perfectly echoing Exxon's Routledge words. Timing, remember that one?

Timing is everything, and as indoctrinated into the heads of Guyanese, with Mr Routledgetouting“cashflow timing” and Dr Jagdeo hustling with forgoing. It is twomensinginginonevoice for one objective: no ringfencing.

Inthisflawlessalignment Routledge is inseparable from Jagdeo, and Jagdeo is for nothing and no one, but Routledge.

Thinking of this, I remember Lethal Weapon 1, 2, 3, 4; then, I cringe at whatever sequel sare on the shelf for enhancing Guyanese quality of life. I tell everyone: these two hydra-headedcherubsarethe best, a tangoing duet that could untangle mating vipers, unknot the unknottable Gordian Knot. Theyaremorefinelyblended thanthebestDemeraraRum.

Onesaysnewoilprojects and no ring-fencing, and the othersayshowquickly,boss. Or the American says I was

thinking about so and so, and the local one says, 'don't worry, it's a donedeal,allsystemsongo, go, go ' Now, that is impeccable teamwork at its best, lip-synching like never seen before. The PNC and AFC have their political coalition Jagdeo and Routledge have their oil coalition. TheYank has one inviolablestandard:ifthereis any talk about money come back another day In fact, don'tcomebackatall. Inless than a second, peace and tranquility is restored in the valley of Exxon The Jagdeo-Routledgetabernacle choir settles back in its regular routines, rhythms R i n g - f e n c i n g a n d renegotiatingthehorrid2016 Exxon oil contract are not part of Jagdeo's and Routledge'slyrics.

This is how Bharrat Jagdeo represents Guyana's interests: in a scheming, collaborating, manner most helpfultoExxon. Guyanese should absorb the contrast, viz., how the man from the Alamo, Alistair Routledge, represents Exxon. Sure, his

is not one of those US Cavalry names of Howard Hawks lore, such as John WayneorJamesStewart,but Routledgewilldo.

For the enlightenment of the local political cognoscenti and riffraff, there was a Howard Hawks production called Sergeant Rutledge, but he simply wouldnotdo.

Not just the wrong spelling,butthewrongcolor, andwrongmentalitytoboot. Guyanese may have thought that they were getting ReverendBillyGraham,only for them to end up with a corporatepredatordevouring the country's assets and people.

Blessed Palm Sunday to all.

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

Guyana, India can deepen collaboration on existing, new ventures –ForeignSecretaryPersaud

DPI - Over the years, Guyana and India have cultivated strategic ties both bilaterally and within the multilateral framework across variousareas.

Withbothcountries'economies growing exponentially, there is ample opportunity for them to collaborate in emerging and establishedareas,therebyfostering socioeconomictransformation.

This was underscored by ForeignSecretaryattheMinistryof Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud during a panel discussion at the India-Guyana Business Forum at Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown,Thursdayevening.

Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud speaking at India-Guyana Business Forum

He elaborated that there was a time when India and Guyana were often overlooked However, this perception, the foreign secretary said,hasevolvedsignificantly Presently, both nations are regarded with seriousness and are actively engaged in substantive dialogues encompassing energy, climate, environment, food

Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc, Dr. Vishnu Doerga while speaking during the forum

security, and geopolitical dynamics “The growth of our economy offers us that grand occasionforustomoveforwardin taking the relationship between Guyana and India to another level. This has to be led by the private

India's High Commissioner to Guyana, DrAmit Telang while speaking at the forum

sector,”hehighlighted.Theforeign secretarystressedthecrucialroleof the private sector in seizing and m a x i m i s i n g t h e s e opportunities.India's contributions to Guyana's oil sector have been notable, and making waves on the

internationalstage.

Transactions between the two nations have already commenced, with India initially purchasing crudeoilfromGuyanaforrefining purposes,Persaudstated.

He highlighted an expanding partnership opportunity in the petrochemical sector, as Guyana progresses towards cheap energy solutionswhiletappingintoitsgas resources.

Meanwhile, India's High CommissionertoGuyana,DrAmit Telang, emphasised that both nations are actively working to translate the ideas and projects discussed during the visits by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice-President Dr Bharrat JagdeotoIndiaintotangible

(Continuedonpage15)

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

Opposition said it support calls for To this end, they concluded that the nation to be updated on the governmentwasconnivingwiththe SUNDAY amount of discovered oil reserves oil company to hide the nation’s oil and believes it is disrespectful that reserves.

ExxonMobil should the country is being kept in the They said, “Notwithstanding return disputed audit dark. being abetted by the Government, costs to Guyana pending

Itsaid,“Regardlesswhetheritis Exxon plays the Guyanese people legal outcome – Patterson the company that is keeping the for dummies to believe that this oil …GRAmust hold government in the dark or whether reserve calculation is so company to same standard it is the government keeping the c o m p l i c a t e d t o r e q u i r e as local businesses people in the dark, the lack of years…why, and what kind of transparencyistotallydisrespectful Government would want to Guyana’s first audit report and unacceptable The natural connive with a foreign company to flagged some US$214 million in resources of Guyana belong to the hide our god given wealth and the questionable costs racked up by the people of Guyana. In the Preamble amountinourbankaccount?” operator of the Stabroek Block, of our Constitution, we have ExxonMobil had said the ExxonMobil during the period declared our commitment “to company is no longer focused on 1999 to 2017. These disputed costs protect our natural environment providingupdatesonthenumberof amendments to the Petroleum calendar year At the conclusion of should be returned to Guyana, and endowment ” Citizens are barrels added to its resource base, ActivitiesBillwhenitwastabledin the process, the Contractor must be pending the legal outcome, impeded in performing this duty if butonmonetizingthoseresources. the National Assembly One of his furnished with the report and its according to former Minister of vital information on their oil The chief policy maker for the suggestions was for the timeline to findingswithin60daystoprovidea Public Infrastructure, David resourcesisdeniedthem.” sector, Vice President Bharrat audit the oil companies to be the response.TheresponsefromExxon Patterson.

The political body was keen to Jagdeo had agreed with the same timeline given to the Auditor will detail its objection or He made these comments point out that under the former A company’s position to hide the new General to assess the country’s acceptanceoftheauditclaim,along during a virtual Alliance For Partnership for National Unity and discoveryfiguresfromthepublic. nationalexpenditure. with explanations thereof. The Change (AFC) press conference on A l l i a n c e F o r C h a n g e During a press conference at His proposals were wholly contract also allows the subject Friday while responding to a (APNU+AFC) Coalition Office of the President, the Vice denied and thrown out by the Minister to conduct further questionfromKaieteurNews. government in 2017, Guyana was President said the question of government. investigations within 60 days of Patterson was keen to note that officially accepted as an Exxon’s update of the resources is

In the meantime, the former receiving the Contractor’s the first audit of some US$1.6B, implementing country under the not as serious an issue as it is being Minister argued, “This government response. conducted by the British firm, IHS Extractive Industry Transparency made out to be by some industry is giving special favours and It must be noted that the PSA Markit, flagged US$214M in Initiative (EITI) “One of the stakeholders He said Exxon’s specialconsiderationandtreatment makes it clear at Section 1.5 (b) questionable costs and advised that cornerstone principles of this body announcement,orlackthereof,will to Exxon and their affiliates. It’s that: “…If within sixty (60) days of these be removed from the cost speaks to “the importance of not change the fact that there is a abysmal…any person that has a theMinister’sfurtherinvestigation, bank. This means that the sum transparency by governments and discovery already there for the problem, and everybody here thePartiesareunabletoagreetothe should therefore be split as profits companies in the extractive benefitforthecountry. knows it, GRA if they assess you, disposition of the Minister’s audit with Guyana. In keeping with the you have to put your money up claim, the claim shall be submitted provisions of the 2016 Production before you can even appeal it, but to the sole expert in accordance SharingAgreement(PSA),Guyana notExxon.” with Article 26 of the Agreement.” receives 50% of all profits which The PSAand audits Article 26 of the contract sets out therefore entitles the country to It must be noted that the 2016 the conditions as it relates to US$107Mofthedisputedsum. PetroleumAgreementsignedbythe arbitration.

Patterson argued that the former government allows Withregardtothefirstaudit,the Guyana RevenueAuthority (GRA) ExxonMobil to deduct disputed Guyana Revenue Authority had should ensure Exxon adheres to the costs. In fact, the contract is given its approval of the US$214M same principles each local designed to allow the company to questionable sum flagged by the company is mandated to comply spendGuyana’soilmoneywhichis British auditors, however Exxon with. laterverifiedbyauditors. was adamant the costs should

He reasoned, “If GRA audits a Annex‘C’ofthePSAatSection remain. Government had signaled private Guyanese company and 1.5(b)outlinestheproceduresofan its intent to settle the dispute via says to us, that Guyanese company audit and rights of the government; arbitration, however there has been that you owe them (and) their it is explained: “…In the event no final announcement in this assessment is US$107M, the that an audit claim by the regard. private Guyanese company has to Minister is not settled to the lodge that money and then have an Minister’s satisfaction by the Disrespectful for Exxon appeal. Why is it different for Contractor’s reply as provided and Govt. to keep country Exxon?” forabove,theContractorshallbe in the dark on its oil

The former Minister said a entitled to recover any disputed reserves – Opposition industries and the need to enhance “It’s just a matter of timing Guyanese company would be amounts pending final resolution public financial management and when we increase our reserves or requiredtolodgeatleast75%ofthe oftheclaim…” The Office of the Leader of the accountability ” We therefore not…In fact, they (Exxon) have a sum and await the appeal. “Why is The same Section goes on to Oppositioniscallingfortherelease demand full compliance with our greater kind of need to do that it, if GRA has said that they note that upon resolution of the of the updated Stabroek Block constitution, relevant laws, and the because globally… they look at confirmed the audit is correct, why claim, the Minister shall be repaid reserves, following the principles of the EITI. We demand yourreserveandthathelpstomove hasn’t Exxon been forced to follow with interest. The contract states: announcement of an eight full respect of our expectations and stock prices for Exxon but they’ve the laws of Guyana, the Tax Laws “…any subsequent adjustments in discovery on Friday, since the rights,”theOppositionnoted. decided that they want to focus of Guyana to deposit this money the Minister’s share of Profit Oil country received its last resource The Oil and Gas Governance more on appraisals as to how many and then await the outcome of the following resolution of the claim estimatefromExxonMobilGuyana Network (OGGN), an overseas barrels are in these discoveries, arbitrationorwhateverprocess,”he shall be repaid with interest, at the Limited(EMGL). based advocacy group for etc,” said the Vice President questioned. AgreedInterestRateasafirstclaim

SinceApril2022,Exxonhasnot transparency and good governance Overall, he said Exxon’s move to

Meanwhile,onthesecondaudit from Contractor’s share of future provided the country with an had accused the government of focusonmonetizingthediscovered completedbyVHEConsulting,that Profit Oil. In the event that the update on the estimated resources Guyana of conniving with the oil resourcesisalogicalstep. hasnotbeenmadepublic,Patterson Contractor’s share of Profit Oil is discovered in the prolific Stabroek giant to hide the oil reserves from Senior Vice President of Exxon said the GRA has not yet insufficient to provide for the Block On Friday, Exxon the country OGGN had also called Mobil Corporation, Neil Chapman pronounced on whether it has Minister’s extra entitlement announced another successful for updates to be provided by the later disclosed during the Morgan accepted the report findings. Be including interest, the Contractor discovery, Bluefin, but was tight- company, within a month of new Stanley’s Energy and Power that as it may he pointed out, “we shall promptly make an equivalent lipped on how this increased the discoveries. Conference earlier this month that arenowgoingintothethirdauditat payment in United States dollars to country’s total recoverable It pointed out that its members appraisal works were being the moment and there is no time theMinister.” resources, from its last estimate of are well aware of the fact that conducted by the company to limitforit(tobecompleted).” Based on the agreement, 11 billion barrels- some eight calculating reserves is the simplest understand the resources Patterson reminded that he had Guyanacanconductanauditwithin discoveriesago. of tasks, performed soon after the discovered.Chapmansaid,“We submitted a list of proposed two years from the end of each In a statement yesterday, the exploratory well(s) is/ are drilled. (Continued on page 17)

Former Minister of the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

From page 16

Prison Officer Torres. The Prison have six drilling ships in the basin Servicereportedthatwhileonduty, inprettycloseproximity Andthese Wong had requested to use the drill ships are doing a combination washroom to which he was granted of what I call exploration drilling, permission by the officer It was appraisal drilling and development reported that about five minutes drilling.”

later Officer Torres decided to

In the realm of oil and gas, check onWong but discovered him companies undertake a process missing,andimmediatelyraisedan known to the industry as appraisal alarm. “Law enforcement officials to help the developer determine have widened the search perimeter whether or not a project is viable. around the general area,” GPS said This process helps to reduce the while noting an investigation is rangeofuncertaintyinthevolumes ongoing. ofhydrocarbonsinplace;definethe Kaieteur News was told that size and configuration of the Wong had planned his escape and reservoir and collect data for the had even attempted to get an prediction of the performance of accomplice to escape with him but the reservoir during the forecasted the individual reportedly turned productionlife. himdown.

One of the Noble drillships working offshore Guyana

This therefore means that He was reportedly telling Exxon has deliberately decided not fellow inmates that he wanted to to update the nation on the true escape to take revenge for his value of its offshore resources and mother’sdeath. Kaieteur News was also has the blessings of told that he claimed that someone tohisfatheraidbutthesuspectalso of Police, Clifton Hicken, has million from its operations in governmenttoinsteadrushtopump had assaulted his mother and dealt her several chops about her ordered a probe which is being Guyana Last year, it was thecountry’soil. causedherdeath. body conducted by the Office of announced that Exxon had Regarding the double-murder The boy told police that he was Professional Responsibility (OPR) extended its CEA with Noble for MONDAY at Saxacalli, police had linked hiding under the bed during the and supervised by the Chairman of the drillships from the fourth Wongtothecrime.Thevictims:49- entire ordeal. After killing the the Police Complaints Authority quarter of 2025 to the second Double-murder suspectAkeem year-old David Gomes and 75- mother and son, the suspect On Wednesday morning, Deputy quarter of 2027. The drill ships are Wong shot dead by police year-oldElizabethNellieGomesof attempted to wash away the blood Commissioner ‘Administration’ executing an aggressive drill D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, but ended up running away into Mr Calvin Brutus, Commander campaign in the Stabroek Block. In Prison escapee and convicted Georgetownwerebrutallychopped nearbybusheswhenheheardaboat Regional Police Division #3 and fact, ExxonMobil’s Upstream rapistAkeemWong who police say to death. In a press statement, approaching The boy then other high-ranking officials of the President, Liam Mallon recently slaughteredawomanandhersonat police had said that so far, their reportedly located his father’s cell Guyana Police Force along with stated during his address at the Saxacalli earlier this month was on investigations revealed that at phone and sent a voice note to one junior ranks, visited the mourning opening of the 2024 Guyana Sunday killed by members of the around 10:00hrs on March 9, 2024, of his father’s friends asking for relatives of the late Sergeant Energy Conference and Supply JointServicesduringamanhuntfor Gomes, his 6-year-old son and his help. Police were alerted and ranks Vaughn, at Tuschen, East Bank Chain Expo that: “six drilling rigs him. mother travelled to Saxacalli were sent to the location to conduct Essequibo, to offer words of and their crews are at work every Police have confirmed that he Mission for three days to clean up investigations. condolences and encouragement single day 24/7 throughout the was fatally shot in the vicinity of theirhouseandsurroundings. Only last week, a police during this difficult time. Reputed block, drilling and exploring,

Groete Creek Backdam, Region “According to David’s 6-year- sergeantwasshotdeadaccidentally wife of Vaughn, Jonnel Singh told preparing Yellowtail and Uaru for Seven around 13:40hrs. According old son, at around 15:00hrs on when he and others were on a this newspaper that, “he was very startup tirelessly developing the to a statement from the police, “he March 9, the suspect came to their search for Wong at Karrau Village, dedicated to his work. He put his existing resource base and seeking was sighted today (Sunday) at house at Saxacalli and asked for Region Seven. Dead is Sergeant, workbeforeanything.” tofindevennewdiscoveries.” Groete Creek Backdam, Essequibo something to eat and directions,” AlexVaughn.APoliceConstableis Exxonispresentlyconductinga River, by a team of Joint Services the police statement said. Gomes now under close arrest assisting Guyana paid US$703M 35-well drilling initiative The members under the command of gave the suspect something to eat with investigations, after he for four drillships in 2023 company has sought approval from Major Bridgelall. Upon seeing the andalsodrankVodkawithhim. allegedly accidentally shot his …majority of oil producing the Environmental Protection ranks, the escapee emerged from The child reportedly said that colleague, during the manhunt for nations, including Suriname Agency (EPA) to drill 12 wells in some bushes and charged towards the suspect spent some time at the Wong.According to the police, this do not pay exploration cost the Canje Block Beyond them whilst wielding a cutlass. He family’s property He told police action was taken “based on exploration and appraisal drilling, was fired upon and fatally thathelatersawthesuspectarming preliminary information, that the While several oil producing Exxon is engaged in development wounded. He fell to the ground and himselfwithacutlassandchopping consta

nd, nations including neighboring drilling for the Payara, Yellowtail, was relieved of his weapon,” the his father about his body His unintentionally fatally wounded Suriname, do not allow oil and Uaru projects, making 2024 a police said. The body was then grandmother, after observing what Sergeant Vaughn on Tuesday companies to recover exploration particularlyactiveyearforoffshore escortedtoBarticaHospital. was happening, reportedly rushed March 12th, 2024. Commissioner costs,itisallowedinGuyana. drilling in Guyana. This surge in

On processing the crime scene, such, the cost incurred for activity is supported by six ranks found a number of items on exploration activities offshore drillships contracted by Exxon for him. These items include: one Guyana, ExxonMobil Guyana and operations in offshore Guyana, cutlass, $4700 Guyana Currency, its partners in the Stabroek Block, with four provided by Noble and threeSimcards;oneflashdriveand willbeabletorecoverfromcostoil. the remaining two by Stena memory card; one pair of scissors; ExxonMobil Guyana has a Drilling. four cigarettes;oneflashlightwith Commercial Enabling Agreement Noble stated that a substantial batteries; one fishing hook; 100 (CEA) with American drilling portion of its business is dependent Canadian dollars; one cellular company, Noble Corporation for on several customers as well as phone and one lighter Wong was fourdrillshipsthatarebeingusedin dependent on several geographic serving a 15-year sentence at the the Stabroek Block. Under the areas It was noted that the Mazaruni Prison for rape but he CEA, they are four state-of-the-art disruption of business with any of escaped back in February This drillships operating namely the these customers or disruption of publication previously reported Noble Bob Douglas, Noble Sam business within these geographic that Wong escaped from the Croft, Noble Tom Madden, and areascouldhaveamaterialadverse Mazaruni Prison compound, NobleDonTaylor effect on our financial condition Region Seven. According to the Last year, Noble made some andresultsofoperations. GuyanaPrisonService(GPS)then, US$703millionfromitsoperations “Operations in Guyana, the the escape occurred around in Guyana. Notably, the company Gulf of Mexico, and the North Sea 07:20hrs. generated an income of US$2.589 accounted for approximately At the time, he along with billion in 2023, compared to 27 2%, 16 9%, and 17 0%, inmate Gilbert Gill was labouring US$1.413 billion in 2022 – that respectively,ofourconsolidated in the wood bush in the custody of year the company earned US$469 (Continued on page 18)

Akeem Wong was shot dead by police

From page 17

learnt of the corruption allegations anything of that nature with me,” operating revenues for the year against him, he threatened to sue Jagdeohadsaid. ended December 31, 2023,” the that same “good friend” for $50M Jagdeo had said too that he was companystated. for defaming his character but notconductingofficialgovernment

Moreover, Commenting on reportedly could not find him to business at his home but was rather Noble’s outlook, Robert Eifler, serve the lawsuit. One year and meetingwithaninvestorofSu.“Su President and Chief Executive months later, Jagdeo revealed that did not get anything special here Officer,ofNobleCorporation,“We he had found Su. At one of his and it was not a government expect to realize improving weekly press conferences he told project, it was his investor he financial results in 2024 compared KaieteurNews,“I-Iyeah,yesitwas wanted me to meet.” Notably Su, to 2023, with mid-year contract filed and I think it should be heard themanJagdeohaddescribedinthe start-ups for several floaters and very soon in court… I am hoping documentary as a “friend” has jackups expected to drive stronger for an early (Court) date” before amassed a significant portion of financial performance in the adding,“Yeshewasserved”. mineral-rich land under the secondhalfoftheyear Meanwhile,

According to legal documents People’s Progressive Party/Civic commercial visibility for 2025 and seen by this publication, Jagdeo (PPP/C) administration. Su holds 2026 is highly encouraging based through his attorneys, Manoj some 12,000 acres of precious on recent months’ step-change Narayan and C.V. Satram, outlined stonesandgold-richlandsunderhis increaseinopendemand,whichisa that the statements made by Mr. Su name.This informationis provided positive indicator for future that were contained in the news intheGuyanaExtractiveIndustries backlog development. Against this broadcast clearly imputed criminal Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) favorable backdrop, we look agreement,includingcostsowedto Committee from 2023 to 2026. In andunlawfulconductonthepartof documents. forward to growing our return of ExxonMobil. Section 3 of the posing questions about alleged the Vice President. The attorneys capital to shareholders as free cash Accounting Procedure of the corruption in Guyana Helfer said had described the statements made Exxon CEO says: “We only flow improves over the course of Stabroek Block agreement lists that the human rights committee by Mr Su as “defamatory and want the shares in Stabroek thecycle.” many expenses recoverable by the understands that the current slanderous.” The lawsuit outlined Block, not Hess Corp”

Furthermore, this publication contractor These costs include Guyana Government had that the said words were calculated recently reported that Noble said it “contract costs, exploration costs, dismantled the State Assets to disparage Mr Jagdeo personally ExxonMobil Corporation will fight vigorously over audit operating costs, service costs and RecoveryAgency (SARA) when it andintheofficehenowholds. (XOM) has no interest in claims amounting to US$172.1 general and administrative costs tookofficeand in2020inresponse Accordingtothelawsuit,owing purchasing Hess Corporation, but million as of December 31, 2023. and annual overhead charge as to concerns about its effectiveness to the statements that were aired in instead has its eyes on the real Some of the claims is in relation to those terms are defined in the 1999 and asked which agency is now the documentary, Jagdeo has treasure chest, Guyana’s Stabroek what was discovered by auditors in Petroleum Agreement,” according responsible for recovering stolen suffered public condemnation, Block. Guyana, who checked Exxon’s to the 2016 contract.There are pre- stateassets. humiliation, ridicule, and Exxon said on Monday that it spendingbetween2018to2020. contract costs under several other He then followed up by embarrassment. Additionally, the was not looking to purchase the Guyana/Suriname contracts Unlike the Stabroek pointing out that the Human Rights legal document noted the company but to acquire its stake in

Notably, owing to the 2016 Block agreement, a number of Committee reiterates its “request statements have caused serious theresourcerichoilblock. Production Sharing Agreement these agreements don’t even define for information on measures to injury to the Vice President’s ExxonMobil is the operator of (PSA) Guyana signed onto with pre-contract costs, leaving the ensure prompt and effective reputation and his political the Stabroek Block with a 45% Exxon – all of the company’s public to wonder what it is paying investigations into allegations of s t a n d i n g l o c a l l y a n d expense will be recovered. Under oil companies millions of dollars corruption and the prosecution of internationally the deal, Exxon receives profits for perpetrators” before stating “The In Vice News undercover after 75 percent is withdrawn to committee is aware of public investigation, the Chinese cover its expenses, which includes TUESDAY frustration regarding for example businessmanwasrecordedalleging monies paid to its contractors. This the failure to investigate reports of thatbribeswouldhavetobepaidto publication had reported that U.N. questions Govt’s failure to corruption by Vice President the Vice President for them to be Guyana’sleadersaresodetermined investigate reports of corruption Bharratjagdeo”. guaranteedcontractsinGuyana.He to grant extremely generous fiscal against VPJagdeo Helfer did not say what alleged could be heard on the recordingtoo terms to oil companies, that they corrupt practices Jagdeo is accused telling the team that Jagdeo only have agreed to forfeit billions of The United Nations (UN) of but Teixeira in her response accepts“cash.” United States dollars. Two of those Human Rights Committee CCPR spoke of a Vice News article that The documentary also showed th generous concessions include an on Monday during its 140 session accused him of using a Chinese that Su took the “fake Chinese agreement to pay oil companies questioned the reason why the businessman, , Zhi Rong Su to investors to Jagdeo’s home to meet uncapped interest rates on loans Government had failed to “cash bribes for government him. The documentary was viewed they (the oil companies) take to investigate reports alleging that contracts”. She said, “…there was by thousands of Guyanese in fundpetroleumoperationsoffshore Guyana Vice President, Bharrat no follow-up because there was no Guyana and the diaspora Guyana and an agreement to repay Jagdeoiscorrupt. policereportmadebyViceNewsor Additionally, the extended these companies for “pre-contract The UN Human Rights anybody else and so police cannot YouTube edition of the report has costs.” Committee plays an essential role investigate without some form of attracted more than two million

Meanwhile, Guyana’s in protecting the civil and political report or complaint.” ”However, viewstodate. neighbour to the east, Suriname, rights of individuals in all States the VP has answered this issue Jagdeo’s defence is that he had has done a much better job of parties to the International publicly several times in the same repeatedlydeniedtheallegationsin interest, while Hess Guyana securing the value in the prolific Convention on Civil and Political media that has carried these the extended news report which ExplorationLtd.holds30%interest basin that these two countries Rights(ICCPR). reports”,Teixeiraadded. was aired on the US television and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana share Suriname’s model

On Monday US Candidate to In 2022, Jagdeo’s former friend network Showtime and posted on Limitedholds25%interest. ProductionSharingContract(PSC) the Human Rights Committee for andtenant,ZhiRongSuimplicated YouTube The allegations had According to a Reuters’article, explicitly states that pre-contract the years 2023- 2026, Professor him (Jagdeo) in bribery and triggered calls by a number of civil Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of costs and interests on loans are not Laurence Helfer grilled the corruption. Su had disclosed to society groups and the Opposition XOM, Darren Woods said on recoverable. In the Accounting government’s representative, Gail VICE News reporters posing as for there to be a full independent Monday that his company is trying Procedure of the Suriname model Teixeira, the country’s Minister of Chinese investors that Jagdeo took investigation of the serious to secure preemption rights over PSC,itisstatedthat“costsincurred Parliamentary Affairs, for answers “cash bribes” for multimillion corruption allegations, which have Hess Corporation’s Guyana assets before the Signing Date including on its shortcomings when it comes dollar contracts and that he (Su) all been denied by Vice President in its dispute with Chevron. He the purchase of seismic data” and to transparency and investigating was his middle man. VICE News Jagdeo. clarified that Exxon was not trying “Interest incurred on loans raised allegations of corrupt practices. on July 7, 2022 premiered a “Vice News came into my tobuyoverHessCorporation. by the Contractor” do not qualify Helfer was nominated by the documentary with its findings. In house to catch me doing something In October last year, Chevron forcostrecovery United States as a candidate for the the documentary, Jagdeo called Su illegal and taking a bribe…and you announceditsagreementwithHess There are pre-contract costs UN Human Rights Committee. He “a good friend of ours” and his couldn’t do that in my most Corporation to acquire all of the under several agreements with oil was elected by the states parties to tenantduringaninterviewwithone unguarded moment…They have company’s shares, through a companies operating offshore theInternationalCovenantonCivil of the VICE News’ reporters done this around the world with US$53B transaction In a Guyana. The heftiest pre-contract and Political Rights in 2022 and is How

leaders they got taking bribes… statement,thecompanypointedto cost is for the Stabroek Block serving as a member of the documentary was aired and Jagdeo they are never going to find (Continued on page 56)

Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

United States-nominated candidate for the UN Human Rights Committee, Laurence Helfer

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil Corporation, Darren Woods

Former EPA Head demands apology, compensation for defamation from Minister Teixeira

Former Executive D i r e c t o r o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams is demanding a public apology and withdrawal of statements made by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, regarding his involvement in the signing of the lopsided 2016 Production SharingAgreement(PSA).

In a letter addressed to the government official, dated March 22, 2024, Attorney-at-Law, Khemraj Ramjattanexplainedthathe was retained by Dr Adams to communicate the notice of intention to file legal actionfordefamation.

Heexplainedthatduring the United Nations Human RightsCommissionhearing onMarch19andMarch20, 2024, the Minister made statements regarding him that were false and defamatory, including that he “oversaw the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement which was widely criticized”; and that he was involved in the hiding of the “Signature Bonus” until the media disclosed the hidden account.

Teixeira, on March 19, was responding to a UN Commissioner, who questioned the competence of the present Executive DirectoroftheEPA,Kemraj P a r s r a m T h e Commissioner noted that the Committee was informed that when the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) took office in 2020, the former Director who was“extremelycompetent” had been removed, while

concerns remain that the new director is not well versed in environmental standards and “allow therefore, companies to comeintoyourcountryand exploit the oil resources, without respecting the environmental standards thatareveryhighindeed.”

The Minister who was theofficialrepresentativeof thestatesaidDr Adamswas responsible for overseeing the signing of the Exxon deal.

Ramjattan said the Minister compounded the gravity of the defamation when confronted on the falsehood of the statements claiming falsely again that “He (Dr Adams) did not appear to have a problem when he was there from 2019onwardstoimplement thePSAwhichweallknow was flawed and which we cannot change at this point because it is contract law and so that was my referencemade.”

The Lawyer said,

“These statements have caused my client embarrassment, pain, suffering, humiliation, contempt and ridicule and havedonegreatharmtohis reputation as a former seniorofficialintheUnited States and his standing and professionalism in Guyana.”

To this end, he demanded that the Minister make an open apology, withdraw the statements and offer monetary compensation for damages. Teixeira has been given seven days to respond, failure in which will result in the initiation of legal proceedings.

Former Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. VincentAdams

Minister of ParliamentaryAffairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira appearing before the United Nations Human Rights Commission

Exxon says too early to discuss compensation for mishaps on Gas-to-Energy pipeline

As the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) pipeline, being constructed by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) moves closer to completion, key issues regarding the controversial venture is still to beaddressed.

The most hazardous risk associated with the project is a leaking pipeline that can threaten health and even result in an explosion The pipeline passes through a number of residential communities, farmlands, waterways and roadways in proximity to public facilities such asschoolsandbusinesses;however thequestionofcompensationinthe event of a disaster is still to be addressed.

Exxon hosted an Open House discussion on Tuesday at Aracari Resort, Versailles, West Bank Demerara where the public had an opportunity to ask questions and sharetheirconcernsontheproject. A number of citizens seized the opportunity to engage Exxon and the company’s subcontractors, hired to complete the offshore and onshorestructures.

Thisnewspapercaughtupwith the GTE Project Manager, FriedrichKrispinwhoprovidedan update on the construction of the

pipeline. He was also asked how the company would handle compensation for residents affected by an explosion or any unfortunate incident that occurs duringtheoperationofthepipeline. Krispin said that while these are matters discussed by the oil company,hewasunabletoaddress theissue.

He explained, “I can tell you that by principle, the most importantthingthatwecandoisto build this pipeline to the highest standards and operate it to the higheststandardsotherewillnever be a leak of any kind.Whether we sit down and talk about different scenarios, yes we do, we’re contemplating.CanItellyouwhat

exactly we’re gonna do with compensation, I don’t think I can tellyouthattoday.”

EMGL had submitted an EnvironmentalImpactAssessment (EIA) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighting the risks associated with the project, as well as measures to mitigate those potentialscenarios.

Itwasstatedthatgasleaks,and worse yet explosions are likely to occur as a result of corrosion, objects striking the pipeline, and a buildup of stress in the pipe wall, causingbuckling.Eventhoughthis hazard was identified, Exxon’s Consultant did not see it fit to also attach a detailed response plan,

accompanied by the various scenarios in which such an event canoccur

The operator is now in the processofcompletingthatstudy

In the meantime, there is no word on insurance or liability coverage for the pipeline aspect of theGTEproject.

Thisisparticularlyconcerning, ascitizensarenowbeforetheCourt fightingforExxonMobiltoprovide full protection for the state and its neighbours in the event of an oil spill that occurs at the Stabroek Block, where over 600,000 barrels of oil per day is now being produced.

TheGTEprojectwillutilizegas from the Liza One and Liza Two

fieldsintheStabroekBlock.Exxon is responsible for the pipeline that will be used to transport the gas to the Wales development site to be utilized for power generation and thesaleofremainingliquids.

Government is building a NaturalGasLiquids(NGL)facility to treat and separate the gas in addition to a 300 megawatt power plant.

ExxonMobil told this newspaper on Tuesday that the pipeline is already 50% complete and will be handed over to government by year end, in accordancewithitsinitialtimeline.

Thepipelinewilltransportupto approximately 50 million standard cubicfeetperday(MMscfd)ofdry gastotheNGLPlant,accordingto theEIAsubmittedbyExxon.

GTE Project Manager, Friedrich Krispin

Mrs. Jewel Babb

Ouresteemed beautyoftheweek, Mrs. Jewel Babb hailsfrom LindenRegion10. Anaspirantentrepreneur,attheageof27,Jewel hastakenontheroleofadevotedwifeandmother Thisweek’sbeautyis adventurous.Herleisureactivitiesencompassswimming,exploringnewdestinations,and engaginginsocialinteractions. Jewelcherishesmomentsspentwithherfamilyandactively participatesinchurchactivities.Hermessagetoothersis“tomaintainanoptimisticoutlook, cultivatepositivethinking,setboundlessgoals,andworkdiligentlytoachievethem.”

THIRSTY FUTURE? URGENT ACTION FOR CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICA

BySirRonaldSanders

In the face of escalating global environmental challenges, water scarcity and water stress have emerged as critical issues that threaten the livelihoods andwell-beingofmillionsof people.

Nowhere are these challenges more acute than in the Caribbean and Latin American regions, where countries grapple with the harsh realities of limited freshwater resources

Among these, Antigua and Barbudastandsasapoignant example of struggle in the face of severe droughts and thepressingneedforpotable water

AntiguaandBarbudaisa drought-ridden country, surroundedbytheCaribbean Sea. The line in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem of theAncientMariner,“Water, water, everywhere; nor any droptodrink”,hasappliedto the country before when it has experienced periods as long as seven years without rainfall to fill reservoirs. That situation could still existtodayifitwerenotfora deliberatepolicypositionby the present government to i n v e s t h e a v i l y i n desalination and reverse osmosisplants,asapriority, to satisfy the need for water by the local population and the tourism industry on which the country’s economydepends.

The Antigua and Barbuda government and its publicutilitiessupplierhave spent large sums of money on desalination and Reverse Osmosis plants to convert seawater into a lifeline. Yet, thissolutioncomesatasteep price, making the cost of water in Antigua and Barbuda per head of population amongst the highest in the world Recently, in order to continue to manufacture water to satisfy the needs of the country, the utilities provider has had to raise water rates. This decision has escalated expenses at a time when disruption of global supply chains, resulting from the aftermath

of the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts, such as the Russian war against Ukraine,havealreadyraised thecostofliving.

The gravity of the situation in the Caribbean is underscored by the World Resources Institute, which identifies several Caribbean nations as experiencing “extremely high” levels of waterstress.Thesecountries include Dominica, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St. Kitts-Nevis, with the latter three also being designated aswaterscarce.

L a t i n A m e r i c a n countries are not immune. According to the World Bank, over the last two decades, Latin America has experienced 74 droughts, causing more than US$ 13 billionindamage.TheBank says that this phenomenon impacts agricultural and livestock production and farmers’ livelihoods, especially those living in vulnerable conditions. For example, more than 50 percentof1.9millionsmallscale farmers live under these conditions in the Dry Corridor, an ecological region on the Central American Pacific coast affectedbydroughtandfood insecurity

While the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have acknowledged the crisis highlighting the need for investment in nonconventional water sources and advocating for integrated water resources management—their actions fall short. The crux of the i s s u e l i e s i n t h e misalignment of their concessional financing lending policies with the urgent needs of the most affected countries. This gap between recognition and responseleavesnations,like Antigua and Barbuda, to bear the brunt of securing water for their people and economies.

Therepercussionsofthis financing misalignment extend beyond economic

strains, touching the very core of societal health and foodsecurity

The global water crisis, withover703millionpeople lacking access to clean water, is not just a statistic butadailyrealityformanyin the Caribbean and Latin America.

The time spent by women and girls fetching water and the deaths of children from water-related diseasesareheart-wrenching remindersofthehumancost ofinaction.

In the case of Antigua and Barbuda, its policy decision to invest in manufacturingwatertofulfil the needs of the population, undoubtedly results in higher costs now However, it also puts the country in a better position to alleviate the water scarcity and stress problemwhichwillintensify through factors, such as population and tourism growth and the impacts of climate change. The strain now will considerably ease the pressure in the future, contributing to both tourism development and public safety

Thisbringsustoapivotal moment where the urgency to act cannot be overstated.

WhileAntigua and Barbuda and similar nations undertake significant financial burdens to address water scarcity, the role of international financial institutions to support these efforts is indispensable. It is imperative that these institutions realign their lendingpoliciestoofferlowcost financing for urgent waterinfrastructureprojects, enabling equitable access to waterforall.

With the global investmentneedinthewater sector surpassing $1 37 trillion and a six fold increase required to meet U N S u s t a i n a b l e Development Goals by 2030,thetimeforrealaction on water issues is overdue. The cost of inaction will be measured in human suffering and lost opportunitiesforsustainable development.

Criticaltothisisachange

in policy by the Boards of DirectorsoftheWorldBank and the IDB. That change must come from the major governmentsthatcontrolthe policiesoftheseinstitutions.

They must ensure that lending policies match real development needs and provide financing on terms that will allow vulnerable countries to purchase the desalination and reverse osmosis plants they require, through affordable repaymentschemes.

Today,with2.2 billion people globally lacking safely managed drinking water, 3.5 billion lacking access to safely managed sanitation, and 2 billion lacking accesstobasichandhygiene facilities, the importance of urgent and aligned action is great.

Sir Ronald Sanders

The time for action on addressing the real water issue, rather than talking a boutit,haslongpast.

The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador totheUSandtheOAS. The views expressed are entirely h i s o w n

Attorney for dancehall artiste

Vybz Kartel, Isat Buchanan

Kartel’s lawyer says he may not need to seek bail for his client

‘Lizard’Williams.

However, the JCPC on Thursday overturned the c o n v i c t i o n s d u e t o allegations of jury misconduct, where a juror reportedlyattemptedtobribe other members of the jury in the2014murdertrial.

T h e a t t o r n e y was to seek bail for his client Buchanan said his client representing dancehall following a ruling by the is in good spirits following artiste Vybz Kartel, Isat Judicial Committee of the the Privy Council ruling and Buchanan, says he may not Privy Council (JCPC) on is eagerly anticipating need to seek bail for his Thursday, March 14, that the becomingafreeman. client due to the expedited convictions against Kartel “Yesterday, I went to natureofthecase. and his three co-accused be visit Vybz Kartel, he is

“The perfected order quashed, due to juror excited, he is elated, he no fromthePrivyCouncilisnot misconduct and that the case longer have that 35 years yet there, we do know that be sent back to the Court of above his head or life this is an expedited matter Appealtodecideonaretrial. sentence or the conviction, and we expect that the court Kartel, whose given so he is now just anticipating will treat with it with high name is Adidja Palmer, and his day so he can deal with priority and expedition and his three co-accused; Shawn his health and get back to we may not need to do bail,” Campbell, more popularly freedom,”Buchanansaid. “Defencelawyersdefend adversarial environment of P r o s e c u t i o n s P a u l a Buchanan said during an known as Shawn Storm, On the matter of retrial, and prosecutors prosecute, the criminal, so we are of the Llewellyn has indicated that interview with Konnect Kahira Jones and Andre St Buchanan said he is of the her position [Director of view that a retrial is not her office will seek a retrial Media. Buchanan signalled John,wereconvictedin2014 view that a retrial is not Public Prosecutions] is needed,”hesaid. for Vybz Kartel and his colast week that his next move for the murder of Clive neededonthematter co

e Director of Public accused.

Adidja Palmer known as Vybz Kartel heading to court in August 2014. (Photo: dancehallmag)

Shannen Doherty, Catherine Zeta-Jones and More React to Kate Middleton’s Cancer Reveal

( T h e H o l l y w o o d hugeshock,andWilliamand thruillnessorlifeprivately.” young children, and clearly reporter) - Maria Shriver, Ihavebeendoingeverything Couric, who had some sort of a health issue. MiaFarrowandfirstladyJill we can to process and revealed her breast cancer That is a private matter Do Biden were among those manage this privately for the diagnosis in September we not have better things to sending support to the sake of our young family,” 2022, honored Middleton on do and more important Britishprincess. Middleton said in the video. social media writing, things to think about and be

After Kate Middleton “As you can imagine, this “Catherine, Princess of concerned about than this? revealed she is battling has taken time. It has taken Wales, revealed Friday that It’s a really low point in our cancer following heightened us time for me to recover she has been diagnosed with society when there are SO speculation about her from major surgery in order cancer and is being treated MANY crucial issues that whereabouts and health, to start my treatment. But w i t h p r e v e n t a t i v e needourattention.” many took to social media to most importantly, it has chemotherapy As someone

During his March 21 reacttothenews. taken us time to explain who has experienced cancer, monologue on Jimmy In a video shared on everything to George, I was deeply moved by her Kimmel Live!, the host social media Friday, the Charlotte and Louis in a way comments. Sending her and questioned why everyone Princess of Wales detailed, that’s appropriate for them h e r f a m i l y h e a l i n g was so eager to know her “In January I underwent and to reassure them I’m thoughts.” whereabouts: “Maybe it’s major abdominal surgery in goingtobeOK.”

Shriver expressed hope because I’m American, but I note that “it’s disheartening mortified today I’m sorry Londonandatthetimeitwas After the announcement, that everyone will now leave don’t understand the to see the speculation that Sending love and well thought that my condition Shannen Doherty, Katie Middleton alone and “allow craziness around this. Why has surrounded her, wishes to all, always,” was non-cancerous The Couric, Maria Shriver and the privacy she and her do we have to know where particularly during a time Lively wrote on her surgery was successful; Olivia Munn were among familyneed.” she is? It’s not like she’s the when support and kindness InstagramStory however, tests after the those taking to social media Munn, who recently bus driver,” he said. He then aremostneeded.” Prior to Middleton’s operation found cancer had toreacttothenews. revealed her breast cancer urged everyone to leave her

Meanwhile, Blake reveal, some in Hollywood been present,” the Princess Doherty, who has stage diagnosis,commentedonthe alone L i v e l y s e e m i n g l y voiced their opinions on the of Wales said in a video four breast cancer, took to Prince and Princess of “She had an operation, apologized for making light speculation surrounding update shared on social Instagram Friday evening, Wales’ Instagram post she had abdominal surgery,” of the “manipulated” image Middleton, with Jamie Lee media. She said that she has noting that she admires “Thank you for showing he added. “Maybe she has a released by the royal family Curtis among those b e g u n a c o u r s e o f Middleton’s strength what it’s like to fight with colostomy bag and doesn’t ontheU.K.’sMother’sDay condemning the public preventative chemotherapy through “the endless grace and determination for want everybody to see it. I

“I’m sure no one cares scrutiny treatment. Prince Harry and onslaughtyou’vebeenunder yourself and for your family mean, really People are today but I feel like I have to “Can we please just Meghan Markle React to while going thru cancer.” Wishingyouallthebest.” demanding she get dressed acknowledge this. I made a STOP with this bullshit Kate Middleton’s Cancer She wrote, in part, “Being a Ivanka Trump wrote that up and march through silly post around the conspiracy theory?” Curtis Reveal: “We Wish Health public figure does not mean she was “deeply saddened to London so we can have a ‘photoshop fails’frenzy, and wrote on her Instagram andHealing” the public owns that person. hear about Princess Kate’s look at her Leave this oh man, that post has me “This is a human being with “Thisofcoursecameasa WeALL have the right to go diagnosis.” She went on to womanalone!”

Kate Middleton; Princess of Wales

MAY THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF EASTER BE SHOWERED UPON US ALL!

PAT DIAL

Among many Guyanese, especially children, Easter is regardedasEasterMonday Easter is in fact the Sunday before the MondayforitisonSundaythatthe ResurrectionofLordJesusfromthe deadoccurs,theeventwhichgives the Christian religion its existence and validity Easter therefore commemoratestheResurrectionof LordJesusandthisstrongbeliefin the Truth and actuality of the mystery and divinity of that event prevailed over the centuries until the19thcenturywhenvariousnew sciences such as anthropology, sociology,history,archaeologyand others emerged and began to be appliedtoeventsandbeliefsofthe past.

When some of these new sciences were applied to Easter, they came to several strange conclusions such as Easter was derived from a fertility Cult, manifestingdeathandrebirth; that EasterwasaTeutonicreligiouscult with its eggs and rabbits and the name “Easter” being “Eoster”, a Teutonicgoddess,andsoon. These conclusions which attempted to show that Easter was a pagan cult arehoweverdeflatedbyhardfacts. For example, the Resurrection is only named Easter in the Teutonic languages while in the Latin languages such as French and Spanish,itiscalledPascal,aname

which is related to the Jewish “Pesach” or Passover We could therefore confidently dismiss all suggestions that Easter is a pagan cult.

In addition to the proven historical milieu of Roman Palestine and the emergence of Christianity,theauthenticityofthe Faith and its core event, the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus, is given strengthened validity when its basic theological assumptions andethicalteachingsareseentobe congruent with those of older nonAbrahamic Faiths such as Hinduism and Buddhism. For instance, in Christian teaching, God takes the form of a Human Being-Jesus-while in Hinduism godhasdonesothroughouthistory whenever human life and conduct have so deteriorated as to necessitate the intercession of the divine in the world. When god takes Human form, it is known as an “Outar” and Lord Krishna, an Outar, actually reiterates this propensity of god in the Bhagwad Gita. To Hindus, therefore, Lord Jesus is an Outar The characterizationofGodasaTrinity ofFather,SonandHolySpiritdoes notnegatetheOnenessofGodand HinduismalsohasasimilarTrinity whichlikewisedoesnotnegatethe Oneness of God. Or in Ethics; Jesusrejectedthe“eye-for-an-eye” for “turning the other cheek” ethic

andthisisseenwhen,dyingonthe cross, he asks God to forgive his murderers and tormentors rather thantopunishthem.Thisissimilar to the Hindu teaching of compassion for all living beings, evenanimals. ThebeliefthatJesus wastheSonofGod,hadconquered deathandthathislifeandteachings are divine is now known and accepteduniversally Easter, the triumphal arising of Jesusfromthedead,cannotbefully understood without its linkage to HolyWeek.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday when Jesus, riding a donkey, makes a triumphal entry into Jerusalem where he is greeted with crowds waving palm fronds and proclaiming him ‘King of the Jews’.OnTuesday,Jesusvisitsthe Temple and drives out the money changers and business groups, reestablishing it as a place of God. The priestly class, the Sadducees andPharisees,feltthatJesuswasa revolutionary who was bent on upsetting Society and so planned his death. On Wednesday, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’disciples, is subornedtobetrayhim.

OnHolyThursday,Jesusknew he was going to die the next day Hewashesthefeetofhisdisciples, has his last or farewell meal with themandthengoestotheGardenof Gethsemane to pray As he completedhisprayerandduringthe

hours of darkness, he was arrested and taken to the Priests who tried him and sentenced him to death. Death sentences could however only be carried out by the Roman courtssohehadtobesentthere.In the morning of Friday, Good Friday, he was taken to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, for trial. Pilate found him not guilty of any crime and was about to free him when he realized that the Priesthood was about to stir up widespreaddisorderandPilatewas forcedtocondemnhimtodeath.He was then taken over by the Priesthood,madetocarrytheheavy cross on which he was to be crucified and as he kept falling down under its weight , he was whipped. All the time he was mocked and a crown of thorns placed on his head with the words “Jesus Nazarethi, rex Judaicum”Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. Hewasthencrucifiedandas he was about to expire, he prayed God to forgive his murderers and tormentorswiththewords“Father, forgive them for they know not whattheydo”.

His family was permitted to take down his body and place it in the tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. Thebodywasprepared forproperburialonSaturdaywhich was a time of anxious waiting for thebelievers.OnSunday,whenhis familywentbacktothetomb,they

found the heavy stone covering it had been removed and the tomb wasempty

Jesus was seen walking about and he visited his disciples when Thomas insisted on touching his wounds to ascertain it was indeed Jesus. Other people saw him and knewhehadconqueredDeath. The Christian Religion was now justifiedandestablished.

InGuyana,Easteriscelebrated on Sunday and Monday On Sunday, there are church services by various Churches with the Catholics andAnglicans being the most elaborate and colourful with thejoyousmessageof“Heisrisen” resonatingcontrastingwiththesad and sorrowful Good Friday services where the Stations of the Crossareenacted. EasterMonday, asecularholiday,isatimeofpublic rejoicing.

There is ubiquitous kite-flying and picnicking, cake baking, family lunches and dinners, exchange of gifts and Easter greetings and Easter music on the airwaves and there is widespread feeling of the freshness of a new dayofferingpeaceandcreativityto all Mankind. Adherents of all the various religious Faiths in Guyana vigorously participate in this celebratory aspect of Easter and many may have even attended the Good Friday and Easter Sunday Churchservices.

NATIONAL STANDARD AIDS CERTIFICATION AND TESTING OF GOLD JEWELLERY – PROVIDING CONFIDENCE TO CONSUMERS

Worldwide, people continue to adorn themselves with the shiny metal – gold Wherever precious pieces are displayedforsale,hardpure gold jewellery continues to attract consumers with their stylish designs, lighter weights and significantly highervaluewhencompared tootherconsumerproducts.

Locally, gold miners continue to yield good returns on their investments while making the precious commodity available to Goldsmiths and Jewellers who make the finest pieces for sale to consumers. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has been promoting the standard for gold, its certification programme and testing services offered to increase consumer confidence in the quality of gold and gold jewelleryofferedforsale.

The GNBS, through the Technical Committee –Jewellery, in 2022 further revised the National Standard for Gold Articles (Specification for Gold Articles) which offers requirements crucial for the certification of gold jewellerysoldtoconsumers. The standard specifies requirements for the manufacturing, alloying and testingofgoldarticlesof23, 22,20,18,15,14,12,10and 9karatgold.

This National Standard, which is also a CARICOM Standard, outlines

requirements for gold, alloying metals, solder, settings, base metal parts, alloyed gold, manufacture, sampling, tolerance and marking.Adherencetothese requirements is crucial if jewellersaretoproducegold articles to the specific karat content desired by consumers Conformance also prevents fraud and deception arising from misleading labels as the standard gives guidance to manufacturers and helps them to provide adequate labellinginformation.

The GNBS welcomes more goldsmiths and jewellery establishments to joinitsProductCertification Scheme. Under the scheme, thirdpartyassuranceisgiven tothesebusinessesvouching thatitemsmanufacturedand offered for sale were tested and conform to quality and other requirements Consumers can recognise certified jewellery by the National Standards Mark which is usually affixed to theseitems.

Certification not only benefits consumers, but it also allows goldsmiths and jewellers to garner some worthwhile benefits including permission to use theNationalStandardsMark on gold articles as a marketingtool.Certification also provides a competitive edge on the local and overseas markets and ensures consistency in the manufacturing process

through the monitoring and implementation of quality controlprocedures,reducing the risk of producing substandard products Ultimately, this creates a positive impact on the Tourism and Manufacturing sectors.

Finally, the GNBS provides testing of gold articles to determine the karat content or purity This affordable service is available to manufacturers trying to determine the purity of gold they are putting into the process GNBSgoldtestingserviceis alsoaccessibletoconsumers who are desirous of

determining the quality of gold jewellery they have acquired.

T h e G N B S i s encouraging more goldsmiths and jewellers to acquire the National Standard and to participate in its Product Certification Scheme, which is voluntary andaffordable.

By far, when it comes to gold,itisbettertobeassured of its quality, than to be doubtful.

F o r f u r t h e r information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065 or 2190066 or visit the GNBS website:www.gnbsgy.org

By Shervin Belgrave

Entertainment

is coming to GuyanaBurna Boy

were this hyped for a concert releasing his hit single Like was when Vybz kartel was to Party, which became the scheduled to perform in the lead single of his debut countrybackin2011. album, L.I.F.E. His other He did not show-up and popular songs include Last left thousands of fans Last, Tonight and Run My extremely disappointed. On Race.

Friday ENET revealed at the Burna Boy is one of the Tribe Gastronomic Lounge most successful Nigerian locatedonChurchStreetthat musicians of all time. With “Burna Boy” will be his fusion of Dancehall, headlining the Labour Day Reggae, Afrobeat, and Pop, c o n c e r t c a l l e d hehaswonnumerousawards “Unforgettable”. and accolades, including a Unforgettable is being Grammy Award in 2021. He hosted via collaboration is currently signed to an betweenENet,HitsandJams Americanrecordlabelcalled Entertainment, and One Atlantic Records. He is also Guyana. the founder and CEO of Hits and Jams in a Spaceship Records, a statement said that “Super Nigerian-basedrecordlabel. earlybirdtickets”areoutand The popular singer was available at all ENet borninPortHarcourt,Rivers locations countrywide and at State, Nigeria and describes theHitsandJamsboxoffice. his music as Afro-fusion,

For general admission which blends the genres of the price is $6000 while VIP R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, released his first record popularity in Nigeria, and it issetat$40,000(US$200). andreggae. Shobeedo in 2011. On 12th was nominated for Best The announcement has Burna Boy started August 2013, he released his Album of the Year at the taken the social media creating music at just ten debut studio album, L.I.F.E, 2014 Nigeria Entertainment News that Burna Boy, a Providence, East Bank platformsbystorm. years old using FruityLoops, under the Aristokrat record Awards. Nigerian Singer, songwriter Demerara (EBD) on Burna Boy’s real name is a production software that label.The album featured hit It also peaked at number and record producer will be Wednesday May 1, 2024 has Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu his fellow classmate gave singles like, Like to Party seven on the Billboard performing live at the takenGuyanabystorm. and he first gained public him.The singer launched his and Tonight The album ReggaeAlbumschartin N a t i o n a l S t a d i u m , The last time Guyanese recognition in 2012 after music career in 2010 and gained Burna Boy immense (Continued on page 66)

Nigerian Singer, song writer and record producer, Burna Boy

Guyanesewoman

in ‘ADifferentEnergy'

‘A Different Energy’ takes readers on a journey of eight Caribbean women who have boldly stepped into a maledominated oil and gas sector, fiercely navigating it and making theirmarkalongtheway

In this book, Trinidad-born author Celeste Mohammed chroniclesthestoriesofthewomen interviewed, highlights the similarities of their experiences and extracts some lessons on how femalescanthriveintheindustry

It is within this collective that Grace Hutson represents Guyana admirably, sharing without reserve, her experiences—being employed as anAccount Manager atHalliburton—oneoftheworld’s largest providers of products and servicescateringtotheneedsofthe energyindustry

Hutson stands as a shining exampleofwhathappenswhenone takesaleapoffaith. Unlikemany, who pursue a career in this field, throughtraditionalavenuessuchas studyingpetroleumengineeringor geology,Huston’sentranceintothe petroleum sector, is as she describesit“quiteunorthodox.”

“My academic focus was initially in International Relations and extensive experience in Business Administration, which might seem far removed from the oil and gas industry,” explained Hutson.

However, she said her interest in energy security and food security for Guyana, combined with her understanding of international business dynamics, ledhertoseethepotentialoftheoil andgasindustryasagame-changer forGuyana.

“Whentheoilandgasindustry arrived in Guyana, I saw it as an

opportunitytoleveragemyskillsin businessandinternationalrelations and diplomacy. I knew that with dedication, perseverance and a healthy appetite for learning, I couldmakeameaningfulimpactin thisdynamicandvitalindustry.”

“So I took a leap of faith and transitioned into the petroleum sector, leveraging my unique skill settocarveoutanicheformyself. Ithasbeenachallengingbut immensely rewarding journey, and I continue to learn and grow with each new experience,” the Halliburton Account Managerdisclosed.

Hutson noted that while oil and gas is quite a technicalsector,hergrowth hasbeenafascinatingblend of strategy, client relationship management, and a good dose of aggression.

“With over a decade of experience, I’ve come to realize that business principles are like Swiss Army knives—they can be adapted to fit various contexts with just a few tweaks,”sheassertsboldly

In her current role, Hutsonhashadtheprivilege ofworkingcloselywithregulatory agencies, national oil companies, and international oil companies to enhancethevalueoftheirassets.

A book chronicling the female experience in the oil and gas sector

“While I don’t often find myself in coveralls or working in support functions like HR or Marketing, my role demands a different kind of hands-on approach…,”sheshared.

Hutsonadded“Oneofthekeys to my success has been my ability to adapt and apply my existing skills while remaining open to learningnewtechnicalaspects.”

somethingelsegoforit!Findyour niche and own it like a boss lady…Next, keep learning like your career depends on it—because it does! The energy sector is always buzzing with new techandregulations.Stayaheadof the curve with certifications, and degrees,andstayintheknow.”

“Buildthoseconnections;geta mentor (or two!) from both men and women and learn from the pros They’ve been there, done that, and can helpyounavigatethetwists and turns of this dynamic industry,”shesaid.

She revealed her job often involves thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions, whether it’s implementing new software,andhardware,leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning or providing consulting services.

Emphasizing that her experience has been incredibly rewarding and propelled much personal and professional growth, Hutson challenges other professional Guyanese women to takeadiveintotheenergysector

She advised that women desirous in working in the field shouldfollowtheirpassion.

“Whether you’re into en

environmental management, or

Speaking about her contribution to the book, Hutsonnotesthatthetitleof the book, “A Different Energy, ” perfectly encapsulates the essence of what women bring to the table in the oil and gas sector

She said “It’s not about suggesting that one gender is better than the other, but rather acknowledging that women offer a unique perspective and approach that can complement and enhance the industry as a whole.”

In essence, she noted that women bring a different energy that is beneficial and necessaryforthecontinuedgrowth and success of the oil and gas sector

Hutsonnoted,“Womenbringa different energy, a way of doing things distinctively our own. It’s the way we lead—with empathy, collaboration, and a focus on buildingrelationships.Itishowwe inspire by encouraging creativity, innovation, and

inclusivity in decision-making processes.”

To this end, the Guyanese woman in oil and gas hopes her journey inspires other women and young girls to pursue their passions, especially in maledominatedindustries.

“With determination and the rightskills,there’snolimittowhat wecanachieve,”sheadded.

Meanwhile, for her part, the book’s author praises Hutson for her bold take of the sector Mohammed explained that the book takes a close look at the role women have played in the oil and gas industry of the Southern Caribbean, from historic times to presentday

Shenotedthebookfeaturesfour women from Trinidad and Tobago, threefromSurinameandHutson thesolerepresentativeofGuyana

“For the Guyana chapter, I approached several women; however,exceptforGraceHutson, theyalldeclinedtobeinterviewed. IwishmoreGuyanesewomenhad saidyes..,”shesaid.

Mohammed continued “My objective in crafting this book the way I have and saying the things I’vesaidinit,istomakesurethatas long as it is in print, women in the Caribbeanoilandgasindustrywill betakenseriously.”

Those desirous of getting their hands on ‘ADifferent Energy’can v i s i t t h e w e b s i t e wwwcelestemohammedwritercom for links to all purchasing options The book is also available internationally from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and it is also possible to order from the p u b l i s h e r ’ s w e b s i t e wwwwordsmattercommunications org

Guyanese Grace Huston's bold dive into the oil and gas sector captured in new book 'ADifferent Energy'

featured

AccountManagerforHalliburton,GraceHutson

THE NATIONAL MILLING COMPANY – CERTIFIED

FOR QUALITY AND STANDARDS

Amanufacturing flour for fiftyfive (55) years, the National MillingCompany(NAMILCO)hasbecome a household name. Starting with just fortyfive (45) workers in May 1969 under its parent company Seaboard Corporation, the companynowprovidesemploymentforone hundredandforty-five(145)peopleandhas successfully been certified to meet quality requirementsandinternationalstandards.

FlourisastapleintheGuyanesedietand NAMILCO owns the only flour mill in Guyanawithacapacitytoproduce9.8tonnes per hour/235 tonnes per day Using wheat importedfromtheUnitedStatesofAmerica, Canada and other countries, the company currently manufactures eighteen (18) different products under the popular brands ThunderboltandMaidMarian.Thecompany also manufactures Whole Wheat Mix and HarvestHighFiberWholewheat.

Todemonstratethatitsproductsarebeing madeunderstricthygienicandothersuitable conditions, the company pursued certification to the International Standard ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems and more recently, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards’ (GNBS) Made in GuyanaCertificationMarkProgramme.

On May 01, 2009, the company was certified under the 9001 Standard which according to Marketing Supervisor, Alicia Anderson, helped NAMILCO with the promotionofitsbrandnamesbothinGuyana and abroad. The certification she added, “helpedwithgivingassurancetoconsumers that our productsare quality assured following the requirements of the internationallyrecognizedqualitystandard.”

Made in Guyana certified products manufactured by NAMILCO

Fast forward to June 15, 2022, the company was certified to use the GNBS approved Made in Guyana Certification Mark on all of its products. Ms. Anderson commended the GNBS team noting that the processwas“smoothandhasslefree.”

Despite the flour mill being in operation for fifty-five (55) years, she noted that the GNBSprogrammecontributedtoheightened brandrecognitionwithmanypersonsvisibly impressedwiththenumberofproductsmade bytheGuyanesecompany

“Many have been impressed with our offeringsandtakeprideinseeingaGuyanese

company performing at internationally competitive levels This translates into loyaltyandothermarketingandpromotional benefits,”theMarketingSupervisorsaid.

TheMadeinGuyanaCertificationMark Programme aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on the local and international markets and is a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese Products.To become certified, companies must meet stringent quality and other requirements. The certification is valid for one year after which businesses can pursue renewal.

Shortly, NAMILCO will be adding its Thunderbolt Unbleached All-Purpose flour andMaidMarian00'PizzaFlourtothescope ofcertification.

The NAMILCO team encourages other companies to join the GNBS Certification programme to show their commitment to high standardsandquality

Finance Controller, Fitzroy Mcleod noted that “the external validation of your processesandqualityisgood.”Headdedthat the increased responses from the public on social media and at local and international exposhavebeenencouraging.

In addition to its local consumers, the NAMILCO’s largest export markets are Suriname, USA and Canada and the company is keen on meeting its customers’ needs. Emphasizing that consumers are the purpose of the company’s operations, the Marketing Supervisor and Finance Controllerbothoutlinedthattheimportance of good customer service cannot be overstated.

Asconsumerprotectionbodiesjoinedin observing World Consumer Rights Day in March,Mr Mcleodassuredthat“consumers are the reason why [NAMILCO is] in business and to the extent that we satisfy them,that’sagreatsuccessfactor So,itisa primary goal to work closely with the consumer to satisfy their needs and exceed theirexpectations.”

Overtheyears,NAMILCOhasre-tooled itsflourmillinstallingstateoftheartBuhler packagingmachines,scales,rollermillsand storage silos. These upgrades are aimed at producing a consistent quality product and becoming a significant milling operation in theregion.

...premiere creates major buzz in Jamaica

Anal Fissures: It’s painful and often mistaken for hemorrhoids

Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist

A couple days ago, a patient came to my clinic who was frustrated because of his pains that he thought were coming from hemorrhoids He wanted reliefasitwassopainfulthat he was unable to pass stool. It was hard to convince him that hemorrhoids usually do not cause that significant amount of pain. It was not the first time I have had patients who were either being mistreated, or weren’t aware that their significant analpainswereasaresultof anal fissure and not hemorrhoids.Ananalfissure occurswhenthereisatearin the lining of the anal canal and it is one of the most common causes of anal pains. Today, I will discuss thisextremelydiscomforting conditionandhopefullyhelp thosethatmaybeunawareof itspresentations.

Whatarethesymptoms ofanalfissures?

The most common symptom of anal fissures is pain during or after passing stool.

Pain from anal fissure cancauseanalmusclespasm and tightness, which worsenstheproblem.

Othersymptomsinclude:

*Bloodontoiletpaper

*tearingsensationduring bowelmovements

*irritation or itching aroundthetear

*Asmalllumporskintag aroundyouranus.

Whatarethecauses ofanalfissures?

Damage to the skin aroundyouranusfromoverstretching is the most commonreasonwhyananal fissure develops. They can becausedbyvariousfactors suchas:

*constipation or straining during bowel movements

*repeateddiarrhea

*pregnancy, childbirth andafterdelivery

*sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly HIV, syphilis, andherpessimplex

*analintercourse

*Crohn’s disease, anal cancer, tuberculosis and chemotherapy When a fissure develops, the muscles inside the anus go into spasm which can cause further tearing and cutting off of blood flow making healingmoredifficult.

Howareanal fissuresdiagnosed?

If you have any of the

symptoms above, you need tovisityourdoctorwhowill assess your symptoms and look at the skin around your anustomakeadiagnosis.

If there is an obvious fissure then usually a rectal exam is not required. If a fissure isn’t visible but you have bleeding, and there is no obvious haemorrhoid to explain the bleeding, then theymayarrangesometests suchasacolonoscopy

Howareanal fissurestreated?

Most fissures can be treated simply and heal within a few weeks. Many fissures will heal on their own without medical treatment.Howevermedical treatment increases the successrate.

*Ease and prevent constipation- Soft stools willbelesslikelytoopenthe fissureandcausepain.Using some fiber in your diet, drinkingplentyofwater,and astoolsofteneroralaxative, willbeofsignificantbenefit.

*Avoid straining during bowel movementsYoucanplaceyourlegsona shortstoolwhileonthetoilet to help relax the muscles around the anus. You can also take regular sitz baths (sitting in warm water up to thehips)toeasethepainand relaxthesemuscles.

*Maintain good hygiene- It’s important to keepyouranalareacleanby washing gently with water after passing a bowel motion.

Makesuretowipegently aftergoingtothetoilet.

*Creams or ointmentsPain relieving ointments or creamssuchaslidocainewill helpnumbtheareaandease thepain.

Creams or ointments suchasGlyceryltrinitrateor diltiazem, relaxes the anal

muscles will help relieve painandhelphealing.

*Botox and surgery-A surgeon could either give youaninjectionofBotox to relaxyourtightanalmuscles oroffersurgery

Surgery has the highest successrateofalltreatments buthasthehighestrisksand soisdoneasalastresort.The surgical options include making a small cut in your anal sphincter muscle (sphincterotomy), a skin flap, and cutting out the fissure. The sphincterotomy istheprocedureofchoicefor most people needing

surgery

Are there risks if anal fissuresareleftuntreated?

Anal fissures are not usually harmful or dangerous.

However, some people, including children, may avoid having bowel movements due to fear of pain.

This avoidance can lead to worsening constipation and increased straining during bowel movements, which makes the fissure worse or creates new fissures.To prevent this, it’s important to address the underlying issues and encourage regular, pain-free bowel movements. Otherwise, the fissure can become chronic and recurrent. In rare cases, an infection or fistula can developasacomplicationof ananalfissure.

A fistula is an abnormal connection that forms between the inside of the rectumandtheskin,creating anewchannel.

If you or someone you know is suffering from anal pains, do not assume its hemorrhoids, get checked outtoensureyoupreventan avoidablecomplication.

Anal Fissures: It’s painful and often mistaken for hemorrhoids

Ways to help remove dark circles under eyes permanently

ByMedicalNewsToday

Ways to reduce or hide dark circles under the eyes include raising the head while sleeping, using retinoid creams, and applying a concealer However, permanent removalmaybedifficult.

Some people may think that dark circles under their eyes make them look tired and older, so they search for ho me remedies and treatmentsthatcanminimize theirappearance.

Keep reading to learn moreabouthowtoremoveor improve the appearance of darkcirclesundertheeyes.

How to remove dark eyecircles

O n c e a p e r s o n understandswhydarkcircles develop under their eyes, they can select an appropriatetreatment.

Some people change their lifestyle habits, while othersturntotreatmentsand products that they find in beauty stores. While these arelikelysafe,mostofthese home treatments may be ineffective.

Peoplemaynotbeableto remove dark eye circles altogether, but several techniquesandremediescan help minimize their appearance.

1. Getting adequate sleep

Some people notice dark eye circles when they experience periods of lowqualitysleep.

Lack of sleep may aggravate dark eye circles. Limited studies Trusted Source have shown that rest and good general health lessens the dark of eye circles.

2. Elevating the head duringsleep

People who experience darkening of the skin under

theireyesinthemorningthat fadesslightlythroughoutthe day may have increased blood vessels or vasculature aroundtheireyes.Thedarker colorcanalsobetheresultof swelling.

By elevating the head during sleep, blood will travel away from the head and face and may reduce swelling and lessen the dark colorundertheeyes.

3 Applying cold compresses

People with increased vasculature under their eyes may benefit from applying coldcompresses.

Cold compresses can constrict the blood vessels around the eyes, which can reduce their appearance at the skin’s surface Compresses can also reduce swellingaroundtheeyesand lessenthedarkcolor

4 Minimizing sun exposure

People can reduce dark eye circles by protecting their skin from the sun Ultraviolet radiation can worsen dark eye circles in somepeopleTrustedSource.

Protection with sunglasses, moisturizers withsunscreens,andhatscan protecttheskinfromthesun and prevent worsening of darkeyecircles.

5. Cucumber slices and teabags

Sometimes.peopleapply cucumberslicestotheireyes to reduce the appearance of darkeyecircles.

Althoughthemechanism of its effect is unknown, the cold temperature of the cucumber slices may improve swelling due to sleeping, eczema, or allergies.

Somepeoplealsousetea bags.

Letting them cool off in the fridge and then placing them on the eyes might

produce the same effect as cold compresses or cold cucumber slices Some suggestusingcaffeinatedtea bagsTrustedSourcebecause caffeine can also constrict blood vessels and reduce their appearance on the skin surface.

Caffeine can also speed up blood flow across blood vessels around the eyes and cangiveayouthfulandfresh appearancetotheskin.

Itisimportanttonotethat researchers have not studied the effects of applying cucumber slices or cold tea bagstotheeyestopreventor treatdarkeyecircles.

6.VitaminC

Vi t a m i n C c a n increaseTrusted Source collagen production Increasing collagen production under the eyes can reduce blood stasis, w h i c h m a y c a u s e discoloration.

Blood stasis refers to blood that pools in blood vessels.

People may notice an improvedappearanceofdark circlesundertheireyeswhen using beauty products with high concentrations of vitaminC.

Causes

To remove dark eye circles permanently, people needtofigureouttheircause. Peoplecandevelopdarkeye circles for multiple reasons

TrustedSource,including:

Genetic factors; presence of melanin in the dermal layer of the skin; post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation; secondary to eczemaorallergies;anemia; lifestyle habits; swelling of the eyes; presence of blood vessels at the skin surface and shadowing due to thin skin Some lifestyle factors Trusted Source that may influence the appearance of darkeyecirclesinclude.

Therewasonceademon king by the name of Hiranyakashyap who won over the kingdom of earth. He was so egoistic that he commanded everybody in hiskingdomtoworshiponly him But to his great disappointment, his son, Prahlad became an ardent devotee of Lord Naarayana and refused to worship his father.

Hiranyakashyap tried several ways to kill his son Prahlad but Lord Vishnu saved him every time Finally, he asked his sister, Holikatoenterablazingfire withPrahladinherlap.For, Hiranyakashyap knew that Holikahadaboon,whereby, she could enter the fire unscathed.

Treacherously, Holika coaxed young Prahlad to sit in her lap and she herself took her seat in a blazing fire. The legend has it that

Holikahadtopaytheprice ofhersinisterdesirebyher life. Holika was not aware that the boon worked only when she entered the fire alone.

Prahlad, who kept chanting the name of Lord Naarayana all this while, came out unharmed, as the lord blessed him for his extremedevotion.

Thus, Holi derives its name from Holika. And, is celebrated as a festival of victoryofgoodoverevil.

Holiisalsocelebratedas thetriumphofadevotee.As the legend depicts that anybody, howsoever strong, cannot harm a true devotee. And, those who dare torture atruedevoteeofgodshallbe reducedtoashes.

Celebration of the Legend

Eventoday,peopleenact the scene of 'Holika's burning to ashes' every year

to mark the victory of good overevil.Inseveralstatesof India,speciallyinthenorth, effigies of Holika are burnt inthehugebonfiresthatare lit. There is even a practice of hurling cow dungs into the fire and shouting obscenities at it as if at Holika. Then everywhere one hears shouts of 'Holihai!Holi-hai!'.

The tradition of burning 'Holika' is religiously followed in Gujarat and Orissa also. Here, people render their gratitude to Agni, the god of fire by offering gram and stalks

from the harvest with all humility

Further,onthelastdayof Holi,peopletakealittlefire from the bonfire to their homes.Itisbelievedthatby following this custom their homeswillberenderedpure andtheirbodieswillbefree from disease. At several places there is also a traditionofcleaninghomes, removing all dirty articles from around the house and burning them Diseasebreeding bacteria are thereby destroyed and the sanitary condition of the localityisimproved.

Why the Sea is Salt

FromlastSundayedition in the morning he bade the old woman go out and spread the hay after the mowers, and he would attend to the house himself thatday,hesaid.

So, when dinner-time drewnear,hesetthemillon the kitchen-table, and said: “Grind herrings and milk pottage, and do it both quicklyandwell.”

So the mill began to grind herrings and milk pottage, and first all the dishes and tubs were filled, andthenitcameoutallover thekitchen-floor

The man twisted and turnedit,anddidallhecould to make the mill stop, but, howsoever he turned it and screwed it, the mill went on grinding,andinashorttime thepottagerosesohighthat the man was like to be drowned.

So he threw open the parlor door, but it was not long before the mill had ground the parlor full too, and it was with difficulty and danger that the man couldgothroughthestream ofpottageandgetholdofthe door-latch.

When he got the door open,hedidnotstaylongin the room, but ran out, and the herrings and pottage came after him, and it streamedoutoverbothfarm andfield.

Now the old woman, who was out spreading the hay, began to think dinner waslongincoming,andsaid to the women and the

Junior page a

mowers: “Though the master does not call us home,wemayaswellgo.It may be that he finds he is notgoodatmakingpottage andIshoulddowelltohelp him.”

So they began to straggle homeward, but when they had got a little wayupthehilltheymetthe herrings and pottage and bread,allpouringforthand windingaboutoneoverthe other, and the man himself infrontoftheflood.

“Would to heaven that each of you had a hundred stomachs!

Take care that you are notdrownedinthepottage!” hecriedashewentbythem as if Mischief were at his heels, down to where his brotherdwelt.

Thenhebeggedhim,for God's sake, to take the mill back again, and that in an instant, for, said he: “If it grind one hour more the whole district will be destroyed by herrings and pottage.”

But the brother would not take it until the other paid him three hundred dollars, and that he was obligedtodo.Nowthepoor brother had both the money andthemillagain.Soitwas not long before he had a farmhouse much finer than that in which his brother lived, but the mill ground him so much money that he covered it with plates of gold; and the farmhouse lay close by the sea-shore, so it shoneandglitteredfaroutto

sea.Everyonewhosailedby therenowhadtobeputinto visittherichmaninthegold farmhouse, and everyone wantedtoseethewonderful mill, for the report of it spread far and wide, and there was no one who had not heard tell of it. After a long, long time came also a skipper who wished to see themill.

Heaskedifitcouldmake salt. “Yes, it could make salt,” said he who owned it, and when the skipper heard that, he wished with all his might and main to have the mill,letitcostwhatitmight, for, he thought, if he had it, he would get off having to sail far away over the perilous sea for freights of salt.

At first the man would not hear of parting with it, but the skipper begged and prayed, and at last the man soldittohim,andgotmany, manythousanddollarsforit.

When the skipper had got the mill on his back he didnotstaytherelong,forhe was so afraid that the man wouldchangehismind,and hehadnotimetoaskhowhe was to stop it grinding but gotonboardhisshipasfast ashecould.

Whenhehadgonealittle way out to sea he took the millondeck.

“Grind salt, and grind bothquicklyandwell,”said theskipper

So, the mill began to grind salt, till it spouted out like water, and when the skipper had got the ship filled he wanted to stop the mill, but whichsoever way he turned it, and how much soever he tried, it went on grinding,andtheheapofsalt grewhigherandhigher,until atlasttheshipsank.

Thereliesthemillatthe bottom of the sea, and still, daybyday,itgrindson;and thatiswhytheseaissalt.

Supplies:

Cardboard/cardstock

Colouredpaper

Scissors

Cottonyarn

Acrylicpaint

Scissors

Papercords

Sequins/glitter

Rhinestones

GetreadytoaddasplashofcolourtoyourHoli celebrationswithourDIYtraydecorationcraft!In thisstep-by-stepguide,we'llshowyouhowtomakea vibrantandfestivetrayusingsimplematerials. Perfectforservingsweets,snacks,andcolourful delights,thisHolifestivalcraftwillsurelyelevatethe occasion.

1. TocreateaHolitray,drawthediagramand elephantwiththehelpofcolouredchartpapers. Bordertheedgesofthehexagonwithcardboard piecesusinggluetokeepattachthem.

2. Fordecorationusecolouredsequinsand papercords.Youcanalsousecottonyarntodo designs.

3. UsingAcryliccolourstopaintthetraywith thehelpoffineartbrushes.

4. Stickelephantcutoutsontothetrayand decoratethemusingsequins,rhinestonesand colouredpapercordsbycreatingpatternsontothe elephant.

5. YourhandmadeHolitrayisready!

FUN WITH POETRY

By Uncle Roy

ThebestpeopleIknowbesidesmyfamily Arethefriendsthatmakemefeelsogood; Theyarethechildrenwhohelpmeout, AndkeepmeashappyasIcould.

MyfriendsandIlovetobetogether, Whetheratschool,workorplay; Ifeelthatthesespecialpeople Arewhatmakemylifeokay

MyfatherisgladIhavesuchnicefriends; Heoftenletsmebringthemalong, ButhesaysthatIshouldbecareful Thattheydonotmakemedowrong.

Whenwetrytokeepeachotherhappy, Andhelponeanothertoalwaysdoright, ThenIknowwewouldalwaysbefriends, Andneverhavetoquarrelorfight.

Improve your interaction with all others to ensure proper cooperation

We always need to cooperate with those with whom we interact at the variouslevelsofourlivesso as to get the most out of our relationships with them, as well as in the efforts we make every day to move forwardefficiently

Simply put, we need to strive always to be a great teammate.

Whether you are interacting with others at home, at school or at a workplace, you should always see that it is important for you to realise that you are part of a team. Make sure you do your part

of the work at home, which includes keeping the place clean and in good order, along with all the other things that are needed. In your class, you should cooperate with your teacher

and classmates so that everyonegetsthemostoutof thetimespentthere.

If you are working, it would be much appreciated byyouremployerifyoucan see yourself as part of the whole group, and work with all others to get the goods and services you deal with produced and delivered efficiently

A basic part of this interaction is in our communicationwithothers.

One way of being efficient in this is to realise that we need to speak less andlistenmore.

People have a natural habit of wanting others to listentoandaccepttheirown views,andsotheylistenless towhatothershavetosay

In fact, many times people are so anxious to get

theirownperspectiveacross to others that they hardly ever listen. This of course lessens their chances of learning from others, which canservetokeepthemfrom much information and opinion that would have enriched their own fund of knowledge.

Form a habit of really listening to others, and you will be surprised at how much you can learn, by whichyoucanhelpyourself aswellasseetheopportunity tohelpothers. Inthiseffort, it is true that there are times when you can help people with some problem simply by listening to them. This happens because people can find their own solutions when they get the opportunitytoreallyexpress whatisintheirminds.

Also, when they have someone who is willing to listen to them, they feel worthy and appreciated, which helps them in this search for the solutions to theirproblems..

We all should be aware, by its very name. that our countryhasbeenfoundedon principles that embrace cooperation, and we as a people should be examples ofthismodeofbehaviour.

A Friend F

Afriend is one who reaches for your hand, One who shares his ideas and together you expand, When you are in trouble or pain, One who lends assistance and together you gain.

Afriend is not selfish, cruel or heartless, He is not unmindful or helpless;

Afriend does not watch another in sorrow, But is always there today and tomorrow

Afriend is caring, loving and kind, He is there with a wise and pure mind, He is not vulgar, rude or immature, But is there to solve, assist and cure.

Afriend is always there to land a hand, He is not vain, proud or playing grand, He is there to ever offer a smile, And keep you happy through all life's trials.

So, just as you value a good friend, Be there for others with a helping hand to lend; Always be known for the good you do, And you will benefit from friendship too.

The finished puzzle will contain a loop made of horizontal/vertical line segments that connects all the white andblackcircles.Thelinegoingthrua whitecirclemustbestraight.

However,theremustbeatleastone corner made on the dot immediate preceding or immediately following thewhitecircle(oronbothdots).

The line going thru a black circle

mustturnacornerontheblackcircle. Both of the lines emanating from thiscornerneedtogostraightthrough the next dot before making any more turns.

Solutions to last week’s

Make cooperation the basis of your life, and you will reap tremendous benefits from this practice. BINOX

InterestingCreatures...

ByShervinBelgrave

TMost sought after bird in the Amazonia found in Guyana

he Black-Chested Tyrant, one of the most sought after birds in the Amazonia by bird experts and biologistsaroundtheworld,hasbeen discovered here in Guyana for the veryfirsttime.

This unique creature is a striking smallflycatcherwithablackcrest,a chestnut head, a black breast band and gray underpants has reportedly made its home in the Barima Mora Passage-one of the largest intact Mangrove Forests remaining in the country-located in Region One, Guyana The bird was found followingtwoornithology(scientific studyofbirds)surveysand20daysof field work conducted in the area by American Ornithologist (bird expert), Dr Brian O’Shea and his team, in collaboration with the Guyana Marine Conservation Society(GMCS).

During a presentation of his findings at Moray House, Camp Street,Georgetown,Dr.O’Sheasaid, “We found it on the first day and we were pretty happy about that and on the second survey we found even more” while adding that the BlackChested Tyrant was completely unrecorded in Guyana prior to the recentdiscovery

NOTE: REHASHED FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2023

Brazil and Venezuela. One of the reasons why it is considered one of the most sought after birds in the Amazoniaandprobablyintheworld, is because they are rarely seen, difficulttofindandhardtospot”.

“It’saveryhardbirdtofind,it’sa very hard bird to pinpoint. It’s my knowledgethatthereisnowhereyou can go, to be reasonably assured of seeing this bird”, O’Shea explained ashemarveledatthefactthattheyare very common in the Barima-Mora Passageandcanbeseenalmostevery dayinthearea.

“WellIgotnewsforyou,thisbird is very common in the Barima-Mora Passage,anditisallovertheplace.I would bet you that if you spend two days and there in good weather, you are going to find this bird. We saw a lotofthem.Weevensawoneofthem in front of a primary school”, the Ornithologist related during his surveypresentation.

“ Only record was that somebody caught one in a mist net,

“It was a pretty big deal to find this bird” he continued as he explainedthattheonlyothersighting of the Black-Chested Tyrant ever recordedintheGuianaShieldForest wasinneighbouringSurinameduring the year 1986 and it was never seen againsincethen.

that is in 1986 but the bird has never been seen in Suriname since, it is unknownforFrenchGuianaanduntil our survey it was unknown for Guyana”,O’Sheasaid.

Other sightings of the bird recordedinSouthAmericawereonly

In a brief interview with the Waterfalls, O’Shea said that the bird isveryhardtofindbecauseitisvery smallinsize,inhabitsswampylands, keeps a low profile, has a low range (area where a particular species can be found during its lifetime), and a call that sounds like that of a frog or an insect making it difficult for someonetoknowit’sabird.

When asked if the Black-Chest Tyrant can live in captivity, Dr O’Sheasaidthatitwillneversurvive becauseitfeedsonlyoninsects.

Photo of a Black-Chested Tyrant taken in the Barima-Mora Passage (GMSC photo)

‘Guyanese Critic’ given 7 days to repay money borrowed to follow Jagdeo to India

SocialMediaPersonality and Government contractor, Mikhail Rodrigues better known as the ‘Guyanese Critic’has been given seven days to repay US$3000 he borrowed to follow Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo to India last year, a lawyer’s letterseenbyKaieteurNews said.

Additionally, healsohas seven days to repay G$10M he borrowed to set up his construction company and anotherG$7.5Mtobuildhis ‘They Break News’ (TBN) studio.

The lawyer’s letter was penned by POONAI & POONAI’s law firm on behalfofitsclient,Azruddin Mohamed.

“I am instructed that my client has, over the last few years, loaned you various

sums of money at your request”, the law firm stated in the letter before adding

“Despite your obligations to repay these sums, I am instructedthat,uptopresent,

you are still indebted to my clientinthesumoftotalsum of GYD$17,500,000 (seventeen million five hundred thousand Guyana dollars) and USD$3,000 (three thousand United Statesdollars)”.

POONAI & POONAI

continued, “In the circumstances, I am instructedtodemand,which Iherebydo,thatyoupaythe s a i d s u m s o f GYD$17,500,000 and USD$3,000 to my client within seven days from the datehereof,thatis,on/before 27thMarch,2024”.

“Failing to do so” said the law firm will result in Mohamed initiating legal proceedingsagainstCriticto

recover the said sums togetherwithlegalcostsand interest.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Saturday, prominent businessman, Azruddin Mohamed said “Critic did not have any money to follow the Vice PresidentonhistriptoIndia lastyearandhadrequesteda US$3000loan”.

He lent him the money but to date has never paid it back.

The ‘Guyanese Critic’ had travelled to India for an official visit that Jagdeo made to the country in February2023.

Jagdeowasaccompanied by a high-level delegation including Dr Ashni Singh –

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, top representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture and a high-level business delegationfromGuyana.

Mohamed said too that CriticoweshimGYD$75Mmoney he (Critic) borrowed to build his studio-and an additional GYD$10M he borrowed to set up his constructioncompany Critic is part of a constructioncompanycalled Tepui Group Inc. that was awarded a $865 Million government contract to construct a pump station at Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara(WBD).

The Lawyer’s letter sent to the ‘Guyanese Critic’

Mikhail Rodrigues known as ‘The Guyanese Critic’

ByAllyiah

H o w often do you find a customized rug business in Guyana? If your answer is not that often, then be sure to check out 'RAAD's CustomRugs'.

It is a business founded on March 14, 2023 by two talented individuals, 24-year-old Ameera Ali who graduated from the University of Guyana in the field of Associate of Science Biology and 25-year-old Romeo De Freitas, who is a Protective SpeciesObserver

Inanexclusiveinterviewwith The Waterfalls, Ali said this businessventurewasinspiredone day; her partner Romeo came across anime custom rug videos on YouTube where he became fascinatedwithit.

“He then began to expand his knowledge of making these rugs by watching countless videos online and learning the entire process,”sherecalled.Shesaidhe then informed her of his plans to gathermaterialstogivetherugsa try “Sincehewasveryexcitedto makerugsforhimself,Igavehim the idea, why not turn it into a business?Becauseatthetime,no onetoourknowledgewasmaking customrugsinGuyana,”shetold thismagazine.

After the idea came to them, they eventually decided to invest in all necessary materials which

“By showcasing our creativity, achievements, and journeys, we instill a sense of possibility and resilience, encouraging others to take risks and pursue their dreams no matter what the outcome will be, it can be as simple as just taking the first step and if it's meant to be, everything will fall into place.”

includedatuftinggun,acrylic yarns, a frame, tufting monk cloth, non-slip backing cloth justtonameafew

She related that at RAAD's Custom Rugs which is an online business, they specialize in making personalized rugs, in which they use the cut pile techniquetogiveitadetailedand neat finish. “At RAAD's our tufting ability is only limited by your imagination,” she said. Ali addedthatthroughtheirbusiness, they want to allow everyone to create a special rug to suit their personalityandstyle,whetherit's an anime, portrait, or even a business logo. It should be noted that all rugs are neatly handmade bythetalentedduo.

Having celebrated their oneyear anniversary in business just recently, the young woman expressed that their support system has been really amazing.

“My mom has been very supportive throughout this process and even volunteers to help out when we have a lot of orders,”shementioned.

Speaking on the challenging sideofthings,shestatedthatthere

wereafewthatRAADhasfaced. Similar to other businesses in their beginning stages, it was the sales.

She recalled at first, customers used to ask for quotations and never actually purchased, but after a while, the few persons who realized the worth of RAAD's Custom Rugs, started to order, and since then sales have been great in most monthsbutinothersnotasmuch, naturally there were ups and downs, she recalled Another major challenge they went through was getting materials.

“And since Guyana is such a remote country, it's very difficult togetallthedifferentvariationsof colors and types of yarn along withothermaterials,”sherelated. Despitethehiccupsalongtheway theywereabletoovercomeitand is still improving and developing their business.When asked what isthelongtermplanforRAAD's, she said they want to see their business be extremely successful in the long run. “A part of our visionistoattainapositionwhere we can hire like-minded persons to expand the team and further

organize the business and our services,”shepointedout.

In doing so, she mentioned thattheyareplanningoncreating awebsitewherepersonsfromthe USA,Canada,andGuyanacanbe able to order their rugs at affordable prices and eventually make RAAD's Custom Rugs a worldwidebusiness.

Meanwhile,whenaskedwhat role young entrepreneurs have in our society, Ali related that they serve as role models for the next generation, and through their businessideastheyinspireothers to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. “By showcasing our creativity, achievements, and journeys, we instill a sense of possibility and resilience, encouraging others to take risks andpursuetheirdreamsnomatter whattheoutcomewillbe,itcanbe as simple as just taking the first step and if it's meant to be, everything will fall into place,” sheexpressed.Additionally,sheis of the view that to help small businesses grow and get that exposure.Ali believes the Small Business Bureau should organize more events like pop up shops,

seminars, farmers market and many other ways that can boost the small business community Evenonsocialmedia,sheadded, asimplelike,followorsharewill contribute in a big way “Most importantly, the customers who supported the business should leave reviews and rating on the business page so it will give assurancetothenewcustomers,” shesaid.

Anyoneinterestedinordering can contact RAAD's Custom RugsviaWhatsAppontelephone number (592)641-5710, or via E m a i l : raadscustomrugs@gmail.com, I n s t a g r a m a t raads custom rugs gy, or on Facebook at RAAD's Custom

Allicock Y oung Entrepreneur , Ameera Ali

Some the personalized rugs RAAD's Custom Rugs have created.

Y oung Entrepreneur , Romeo De Freitas

Mahdia residents to benefit from $70M play park and outdoor gym

The residents of Mahdia, Region 8 will soon benefit from a $70M project aimed at providing recreation to the communityCabana Marketing and FantasyGamingLoungearepartnering to provide a luxury play park and outdoorgymtotheresidentsofMahdia. Theturningofthesodeventoccurredon Thursday at the Oval Community GroundatMahdia.

It is expected that construction for the project will begin on Monday and will be completed within five days.Marketing Manager of Cabana

Marketing, Ashana Validum said her entity hopes to provide the recreational space for the residents of Mahdia, not only for fun but to improve the community'ssportandculture.

Meanwhile, at the sod turning ceremony, Mayor of Mahdia, Eslyn HussainthankedCabanaMarketingand Fantasy Gaming Lounge for the provisionoftherecreationalfacilityand theequipment.

“I know the kids of Mahdia will benefitfromthisgreatinitiativeandwe are very grateful for it. We don't have

anyrecreationalgroundforthemorplay park,soIthinktheywouldreallybenefit from it,” Hussain said.Deputy Mayor Akita John said, “As a resident of Mahdia,Ifeelverygreat,it'saprivilege. I think this is a great initiative for the people and children of Mahdia. I must say a special thanks to Cabana Marketing.”

Like the Deputy Mayor, Radio broadcasterLisaLeesaidshewaselated while noting the many benefits the project will bring to the people of Mahdia.

Members of Cabana Marketing, along with residents of Mahdia at the sod turning ceremony

From page 18 colleague, a 29-year-old security the importance of the resources officer Atthetimeofthisarrivalhe discovered in Guyana’s Stabroek reportedly had an AR-15 rifle with Block. six live matching rounds of

The oil company noted, “The ammunition in his possession. The Stabroek block in Guyana is an suspectaskedhiscolleagueforhelp extraordinary asset with industry to clear the rifle because one was leading cash margins and low stuckinthefirearm. carbon intensity that is expected to The colleague reportedly deliver production growth into the collected the rifle from the suspect nextdecade.” and attempted to clear it outside of

To this end, it signaled, “The the Supermarket He left the combined company is expected to firearm assigned to him inside of growproductionandfreecashflow the supermarket where the suspect faster and for longer than was. Chevron’s current five-year

While clearing the suspect’s guidance.” AR-15 rifle, the colleague heard a

ExxonMobil has since filed for loud explosion from inside the arbitration since the oil giant Supermarket. Upon checking, he believes it has preemptive rights, noticed the suspect on the ground which allow shareholders access to and immediately went to his aid. It stockbeforeitisofferedtoothers. wasthenhesawbloodcomingfrom

Inhisfirstpublicremarksonthe the left side of the suspect’s chest company’s pursuit of an arbitration andthefirearmbesidehim. case that could block Chevron’s whogoesdowninthehistorybooks Block.

The dead woman has been Police from the Sparendaam $53 billion deal for Hess, Woods as a participant in the one of the ExxonMobil filed for identified as 24-year-old Ashanti Police Station was summoned, and said Exxon would not have waited industry’s most successful arbitration since the oil giant Liverpool, a security officer of the suspect was picked up in an for Chevron to announce its Hess deepwaterdevelopments. believes it has preemptive rights, Dazzel Housing Scheme, East unconscious state and taken to the dealifithadwantedtobuyHess. Pointing to the significance of which allow shareholders access to Coast Demerara (ECD) while the Georgetown Public Hospital

“We’re basically standing up the country’s success in the stockbeforeitisofferedtoothers. shooter has been identified as a 31- Corporation(GPHC). for what we believe is a industry was Chief Executive Woods reiterated in the Yahoo year-old security officer of On his arrival, he was admitted fundamental right,” Woods told Officer (CEO) of Exxon Mobil Finance interview, “The contract Haslington,ECD. nursing a single gunshot wound to Reuters. Exxon is trying to “secure Corporation, Darren Woods on that we signed with those partners Reports are that the incident the chest His condition is and confirm the rights in that Tuesday give us a right that if any one occurred at about 01:00h at considered critical. He is presently contract gives the existing Woodsduringaninterviewwith partnerchoosestoleavetheventure Liverpool’s home after she underguardatthehospital. partners.” Yahoo Finance, released yesterday, (or) there’s a change in control that attempted to run away from him. Meanwhile, Minister of Home Exxon wants to “evaluate that wasaskedabouttheoutcomeofthe the existing partners have the right Kaieteur News understands that Affairs Robeson Benn told value and do what is in the best arbitration process it filed for, in to preempt and have an option to around 00:20h, the suspect KaieteurNewsthathehasaskedthe interest of ExxonMobil relation to Chevron Corporation’s participate in that change. We’re reportedly visited the Hong Kong police to take hold of all firearms shareholders, given the acquisition of American oil major, trying to preserve that, that we Chinese Supermarket located at belonging to the security company investments that we’ve made and HessCorporation. maintain and confirm our Good Hope, ECD where he met his thesuspectworksfor. all the work we’ve done to make To this end, he explained, “The preemption rights, the right of first co-worker, a 23-year-old security “I requested this morning at the thatsuccessful,”headded. Guyana development will go down refusal on the deal, that’s kind of officer, who at the time was armed scene, after hearing the issues with Hess and Chevron have said as one of the most successful objectivenumberone.” withoneAR-15Rifleandeightlive thefirearm,whichhe(suspect)took they disagree with Exxon’s deepwater developments in the He added, “As part of that roundsofammunition. from another guard at another interpretation of the Joint history of the industry and the process then in sustaining that right The suspect reportedly told the place, that all firearms with the Operating Agreement (JOA) that success of that development is in or confirming that right is to security officer that the supervisor company, is to be held by the governs the Exxon, Hess and largepartdrivenbyalltheworkthat understand what is, take the sent him to collect the rifle. The police,” the Minister said noting CNOOC Ltd consortium we have been doing to grow that Chevron- Hess transaction, what is security officer reportedly made that the security firm does not have responsible for all of Guyana’s oil value, to develop that resource the value of the Guyana assets several calls to his supervisor, apropersysteminplace production. effectivelyandexpeditiously.” withinthattransaction,sothatgives which went unanswered The minister considers the firm Chevron’s acquisition of Hess ExxonMobil announced the usanunderstandingofthevaluefor Subsequently, the suspect collected to be “completely dysfunctional” hasbeenstalledbytheU.S.Federal discoveryofoilin2015andswiftly the asset and then the third step the firearm with ammunition and addingthatthesuspectdidnothave Trade Commission’s request for moved to commence production would be for us as a company to wentaway aprecept. additional information on the activities by 2019. The company understand the value of that Reports are that the suspect had merger That request pushed back had received an award last year for preemption right and what’s in the visited his girlfriend’s home earlier THURSDAY any closing to at least the middle of the rapid pace its affiliate; best interest of the corporation and and saw her sitting in a car outside thisyear ExxonMobil Guyana Limited was for our shareholders and so those of the house. He left and went to Govt. lied to U.N. Human Rights

The fight over Guyana’s able to develop the country’s first are the three objectives that we Good Hope and returned 30- Committee about former EPA Stabroek Block resources finds its oil project, Liza One. The success have.” minutes later, armed with the AR- boss’involvement in Exxon deal genesis in the lopsided oil deal did not end there however, as more Despite the rumble between oil 15Rifle. …complaint filed to Committee signed by the APNU+AFC than 11 billion barrels of oil have companies to cash in on the vast ThesuspectenteredLiverpool’s Coalition administration back in since been discovered in the resources discovered in Guyana’s home and found her in bed. He F o r m e r H e a d o f t h e 2016. This deal extends favourable Stabroek Block The rapid Stabroek Block, the government asked about her sister’s [who had Environmental Protection Agency terms to the oil companies, discoveries have transformed has refused to engage the left the home shortly before the (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams has extending unlimited tax waivers, Guyana to the world’s fastest Contractor for a better deal. The suspectarrived]whereabouts. written to the United Nations uncappedinterestratesandperhaps growing economy, boasting the government argues that seeking Liverpool reportedly left her Human Rights Commission, the lowest royalty rates known to world’s largest discoveries in a better terms can chase investors bedroom and made her way out of regarding misleading information the industry, at a meager two decade. away from the Guyana basin and the yard and headed east along the presented to that body by percent.

ExxonMobil is the operator of stagnate the country’s growth access road when the suspect government in relation to his the Stabroek Block with a 45% potential, in the rapidly developing opened fire on her with the AR-15 involvement in the signing of the WEDNESDAY interest, while Hess Guyana sector Rifle. The woman was reportedly lopsidedExxonMobiloilcontract. ExplorationLtd.holds30%interest running and despite being shot, she The government appeared Guyana’s oil development and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Man gunned con

beforetheCommissiononTuesday will go down as one of Limitedholds25%interest. down ex-girlfriend’s sister, collapsinginanearbyyard. for a second hearing, where it was the most successful in the Hess Corporation has agreed to shoots self in chest The suspect then hopped onto questioned on the competence of history of oil and gas – Darren sell all of the company’s shares to hismotorcycleandfledthescene. the present Executive Director of Woods tells Yahoo News Chevron Corporation, through a Ajilted man shot and killed his Reports are that the suspect the EPA, Kemraj Parsram. The US$53B transaction This deal ex-girlfriend’s twin sister early went to the Hong Xing Committee explained concerns Thebattleofoilgiantscurrently affects Hess’ global assets, Tuesday morning before shooting Supermarket at Industry Railway havebeenraisedregarding unfoldingisonethatwilldetermine including its share in the Stabroek himselfinthechest. Embankment, ECD where he met a (Continued on page 57)

From page 57 Minister underscored that Guyana Parsram’s competency, compared was a new oil producer and is with the former Head of the currently utilizing a US$20M loan Agency,Dr.Adams. from the World Bank to boost its Commissioner H. Tigroudja in capacityinthesector. a brief comment explained that oil “I mentioned already that a producing states are prone to US$20MloanfromtheWorldBank the PSA, for that would be an expressed further concern over The GPA also publicly sought corruption,asinfluencerscancome ishelpingustosetuptheregulatory obvious conflict of interest. It was reports of surveillance of the solidarity of women’s to deviate benefits of those framework of the EPA because the crafted, and is managed by the journalists and media workers, organizations in condemning this resources. She therefore pointed to act that was passed in 1994/ 1995 Ministry of Natural Resources.” including the government’s use of mostrecentdastardlyattackagainst the critical role of the had no concept of oil and gas. We The former Head of the EPA told spywaretomonitorthem.“Willthe a female member of the media Environmental Protection Agency only discovered oil in 2015 and theCommissioninhisletterthatthe state party, please comment on corps. The GPA said too that it in ensuring that oil companies started producing in 2019 and so Minister’s response to other these reports. In addition, please regards such acts as not only an respect environmental standards theAct also have to be brought into questionsarelikelytobeconsistent indicate what measures the attempt to harass the media from and guarantee prudent exploration line and this is where the system’s withthePPP’slackoftransparency, government is taking to prevent asking searching questions, but andproductionactivities. technical assistance of the world competence,andtruth. harassment against media workers also a form of intimidation that

The UN Commissioner noted bank is critical and 70 percent of and human rights defenders,” ultimately endangers the lives of that the Committee was informed that project is completed and it Govt. harassment of Helfersaid. mediaoperativesbythosewhomay that when the People’s Progressive should be finished by 2025 journalists raised at U.N. In addition to the cases cited by feel emboldened by such posts. Party(PPP)tookofficein2020,the December,” Teixeira told the Helfer back in April 2023, the With a significant majority of former Director who was United Nations Human Rights During the Government of Guyana Press Association (GPA) media workers being women, the “extremely competent” had been Commission. Guyana’s appearance before the had cause to issue a strong GPA urged all media workers to removed, while concerns remain Dr Adams subsequently wrote United Nations (UN) Human statement of condemnation against ensure that the leadership of their that the new director is not well a letter to the Commission, Rights Committee (CCPR) on attacks on Kaieteur News’s Senior bodies is always in a position to versed in environmental standards exposing the misleading Wednesday, concerns over Journalist, Davina Bagot. Handlers defend their collective rights and “allow therefore, companies to information presented by the harassment of media workers were for the Facebook page, “Live in l o c a l l y, r e g i o n a l l y a n d come into your country and exploit government. raised, questioning the Guyana,” which is associated with internationally the oil resources, without In the document seen by this administration’s commitment to officials including a minister had Meanwhile, in her response to respecting the environmental publication, dated March 19, 2024, pressfreedom. attacked Bagot’s professional the committee, Minister of standards that are very high the former EPA Head explained “The state party indicates in its integrity with wicked insinuations Parliamentary Affairs and indeed.” that when the 2016 oil deal was reportthatitsofficialsdonotharass not worth repeating, all while Governance, Gail Teixeira, leading

To this end, her question to the signed, he was employed as a media workers critical of the demeaning her for the critical the Guyanese delegation stated government was, ‘who selects the Senior Executive in the United government However, the reportage she has done on the oil government’s inability and Director’ and how is his States Department of Energy He committee is aware of credible industry and other matters. GPA unwillingnesstorespondtomatters independence guaranteed explained, “It would have been a reports of such harassment,” said saidthenitwasnotthefirsttimethe concerning private businesses, Representing government was very serious violation of the US Committee member Laurence Facebook medium had attacked such as media houses. She said the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs laws,nationalsecurity,andmyoath Helfer Helfer made reference to an journalists and placed their safety issues being raised here about and Governance, Gail Teixeira, of office to be working for another April 2023 incident involving two in jeopardy It said, “This page is matters that relate to private who blamed Dr. Adams for Government ” Dr. Adams, a of Kaieteur News journalists, believed to be operated by political business such as the media houses, overseeing the Production Sharing Petroleum and Environmental which occurred during President operatives associated with the the government is unable and Agreement (PSA) signed between Engineer therefore noted, “Not Irfaan Ali press conference at the governing People’s Progressive unwilling just to respond on issues theformerCoalitionadministration only is this Minister’s accusation Leonora Track and Field Centre in Party and its content follows thatrelatetoprivatecompaniesand and ExxonMobil. The Minister false and disrespectful to the West Coast Demerara. Helfer said, closely on the heels of questions the business of those private told the UN body, “The former Committee, but it also puts me at “This includes incidents involving thatseniorleadersoftheincumbent companiesatthisforum.” Commissioner or Director of the riskofbeingbrandedasconducting senior government officials. For administrationfindobjectionable.” Regarding press harassment, EPA oversaw the 2016 PSA which illegal and unpatriotic acts against example, journalists affiliated with The GPA said it remains in Teixeira said these are matters that hasbeencriticizedbyall,including theUSA.” Kaieteur News…that were heckled contact with several regional and have caused a public outcry, my government, and so I think Hewaskeentopointoutthathe by government supporters at an international organisations and has including by the government sometimes that these issues retiredfromtheUSGovernmenton April 2023 presidential press placed its concerns for the safety of However,inrelationtotheincident becomeverypartisan.” December 31, 2016, and did not conference ” KN’s journalists journalists in Guyana as a major involving KN’s journalists, she She continued, “The issue of take up employment as Head of the faced criticism from the People’s concern. The association further said, “the issue that has been raised the former Director, he oversaw, he EPA until October 1, 2018, some Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) urgedforinternationalassistanceto here, about a press conference by was part of the secret Production years and 3 months after the PSA party supporters when posing “fight this harassment of media the President, unfortunately Sharing Agreement of 2016 and was signed. Dr Adams told the UN challenging questions to President operatives in Guyana ” The doesn’t reflect correctly what nobody knew about it… (and) the Human Rights Commission that he Ali. association also stated that it will happened. We have been asked by signaturebonus.” Teixeirasaidthe was one of the first to publicly The Committee member cited endorse any effort by media the IACHR (Inter-American government had a right to replace criticize the PSA and continued to reports which indicate that operatives to have the Guyana Commission on Human Rights) to the Director, as she went on to note do so, even while serving as government officials are often Police Force investigate the answer and we have and we are that the EPA Board had reviewed DirectoroftheAgency intolerant of journalists who violation of the Cyber Crime Act, awaiting their response to our the application of Mr Parsram and Moreover, he explained, “The questionthegovernment’spolicies, as well as the violation of the rights answer.” On April 2, 2023, appointed him Director On the EPA has absolutely nothing to do especially in relation to the of women by the Women and Kaieteur News reportedthat question of competence, the with the crafting and/or managing extractive sector The Committee GenderEqualityCommission. (Continued on page 58)

Former Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira appearing before the United Nations Human Rights Commission on Tuesday.

From page 57

the government is unable and PresidentAli called an urgent press unwilling just to respond on issues conference at the Leonora Track thatrelatetoprivatecompaniesand and Field Centre, where the the business of those private government had hosted a two-day companiesatthisforum.” outreach. There were several tents set up at the venue to address the Patentia boy stabbed concerns of citizens from the to death by teen gang respective government agencies, including the Central Housing and

A 17-year-old resident of Planning Authority, Ministry of Patentia, West Bank Demerara Public Works and the Guyana (WBD) on Wednesday night lost PowerandLightInc. his life after he came under attack

Notably, the persons who were by a group of teenagers who at the outreach joined the tent in reportedly lashed and stabbed him which the President decided to host severaltimesabouthisbody his media. This atmosphere was Dead is Aron Bess, of Lot 234 unwelcoming to members of the Patentia. According to police, press who were subjected to around 21:30hrs on Wednesday, heckling from the supporters of the Bess was walking from Two Field PPP administration which you led harassmentofmediaworkersbythe industry and other matters. GPA ruling PPP party particularly when in Patentia and was heading to a for 12 years literally outdoing in governmentwereraised.“Thestate saidthenitwasnotthefirsttimethe challenging questions were asked nearby shop to make a purchase. three years” before adding “Given party indicates in its report that its Facebook medium had attacked of the Head of State. While the While on his way, Bess came under your past with the media, you have officials do not harass media journalistsandplacedtheirsafetyin journalists faced criticisms from attack by the suspects who began blocked media operatives from workers critical of the government. jeopardy It said, “This page is persons in the crowd, President pelting him with bottles and bricks. yourpressconferencesforlessthan However,thecommitteeisawareof believed to be operated by political Ali’s response was welcomed with The attack, police stated stemmed what Kaieteur (a media entity) is credible reports of such operatives associated with the a round of applause by the crowd. from an old misunderstanding. “As doing presently Given the fact that harassment,” said Committee governing People’s Progressive Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Bess continued his journey, the you do not really benefit no matter member Laurence Helfer Helfer Party and its content follows Lall had said it was utterly suspects approached him, and one whether what yuh say, it is twisted made reference to an April 2023 closely on the heels of questions disrespectful for the President to of the teens dealt him two lashes by Kaieteur given the fact that the incident involving two of Kaieteur thatseniorleadersoftheincumbent invite the media to a press with a piece of steel while the other citizenry in what the spat between News journalists, which occurred administrationfindobjectionable.” conference at a venue flocked by teen took out a knife from his waist yourselfandKaieteuris.Whydon’t during President Irfaan Ali press The GPA said it remains in hissupportersinhishomevillage. and dealt him several stabs about you block Kaieteur News conference at the Leonora Track contact with several regional and hisbody,”thepolicereported.After reporters?Areyougettingsoft?Isit and Field Centre in West Coast international organisations and has

FRIDAY committing the attack, the suspects timeforretirementforyou?Whatis Demerara Helfer said, “This placed its concerns for the safety of fledthescene. goingon?”

includes incidents involving senior journalists in Guyana as a major

KNews reporters forced to walk Kaieteur News was told that

Later on during the press government officials. For example, concern. The association further out of Jagdeo press conference beforetragedystruck,Besshadjust conference, when it was a Kaieteur journalists affiliated with Kaieteur urgedforinternationalassistanceto after he allowed ‘Guyanese leftarelative’sbirthdaytopurchase News’ reporters’ turn to ask News that were heckled by “fight this harassment of media Critic’to decide who asks a drink at a shop. OnThursday, one questions, Rodrigues expressed his government supporters at an April operatives in Guyana ” The questions of Bess’ aunts, Natasha related to displeasure even further by 2023 presidential press association also stated that it will Kaieteur News that she received a hecklingandevenstompinghisfeet conference.”KN’sjournalistsfaced endorse any effort by media Despite concerns raised by callaround22:00hrsfromarelative on the floor, purportedly signaling criticism from the People’s operatives to have the Guyana reporters, Social media personality informing her that Bess was killed. that the time for questions is over Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Police Force investigate the and Government Contractor, “Igotaphonecallafter10becauseI The reporter was forced to respond party supporters when posing violationoftheCyberCrimeAct,as Mikhail Rodrigues better known as wassleepingandIheardArondead. by saying “You (Critic) asked for challenging questions to President well as the violation of the rights of the “Guyanese Critic” is still being

So when my cousin tell me Aron more time just now”. The VP and Ali. women by the Women and Gender allowed to moderate who asks and dead, I say what, she say yea, come the Minister within Office of the The Committee member cited EqualityCommission. when they ask questions at Vice now So when I get there at the Prime Minister with responsibility reports which indicate that The GPA also publicly sought President Bharrat Jagdeo’s weekly scene, I see the crowd of people,” for Public Information, Kwame government officials are often the solidarity of women’s pressconferences. sherecalled. McCoy intervened and allowed the intolerant of journalists who organizations in condemning this Thursday’s press-conference She said when she saw her reporter to go ahead with his questionthegovernment’spolicies, mostrecentdastardlyattackagainst was the third consecutive one nephew,itwasagruesomescene,as question. Yesterday Rodrigues did especially in relation to the a female member of the media where the question segment began he was lying in a pool of blood. not change his approach and took extractive sector. The Committee corps. The GPA said too that it with the microphone in Critic’s Natasha said she is unclear what control of moderating the VP’s expressed further concern over regards such acts as not only an hands despite reporters indicating transpired on the night of the press conference by passing the reports of surveillance of attempt to harass the media from by raise of their hands that they incidentbutwhatwasrelatedtoher microphone to who wanted to ask journalists and media workers, askingsearchingquestions,butalso have questions. Rodrigues began was that two to three weeks ago, thenextquestion.Reportershavein including the government’s use of a form of intimidation that by asking leading inflammatory Bess was reportedly robbed by the the past confronted Rodrigues spyware to monitor them. “Will the ultimately endangers the lives of questions, which Jagdeo often suspects. “They robbed him like about his unprofessional behaviour state party, please comment on mediaoperativesbythosewhomay allows Even after asking his two to three weeks back and he run and also raised their concerns with these reports. In addition, please feel emboldened by such posts. questions instead of allowing the them down with a next cousin of theVicePresident. indicate what measures the With a significant majority of VP’sstafftomoderatethesegment, mine,andsotheysawhimlastnight

On one occasion last year, a government is taking to prevent media workers being women, the hetakesitonhisowntochoosewho when he go to buy the drink he reporter made it clear to Rodrigues harassment against media workers GPA urged all media workers to shouldaskthenextquestion. alone, they decide to attack him,” that it was not his press conference and human rights defenders,” ensure that the leadership of their

The social media personality is sherelated. and it is Jagdeo or his moderator Helfersaid. bodies is always in a position to also being granted the privilege to It was reported by the police who has the right to decide who In addition to the cases cited by defend their collective rights openly express his displeasure with that Bess after he was attacked was should ask questions. On another Helfer back in April 2023, the l o c a l l y, r e g i o n a l l y a n d certain media houses attending picked up by residents in the area occasion, the reporter told the Vice Guyana Press Association (GPA) internationally Jagdeo’spressconference,whichis and rushed to the West Demerara President that it appears as if had cause to issue a strong Meanwhile, in her response to also allowed. On Thursday, March Regional Hospital, where he was Rodrigues wants to be his statement of condemnation against the committee, Minister of 14, 2024, Rodrigues while on the pronounced dead on arrival. Police moderator and that he should hire attacks on Kaieteur News’s Senior Parliamentary Affairs and floor asked the Vice-President why said upon examination of his body, him for the job and make it official. Journalist, Davina Bagot. Handlers Governance, Gail Teixeira, leading he is not banning Kaieteur News wounds were discovered to his left The VP laughed it off and to date for the Facebook page, “Live in the Guyanese delegation stated from coming to his press upperchest,leftlowerstomacharea has not taken any steps to address Guyana,” which is associated with government’s inability and conferences. He said, “Dr Jagdeo and right-side neck (jugular vein). theissue. officials including a minister had unwillingnesstorespondtomatters thefactsofthematterasitrelatesto His body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Only this week during the attacked Bagot’s professional concerning private businesses, the development of this country is Home where a post mortem will be

Government of Guyana’s integrity with wicked insinuations such as media houses. She said the clear, it is so clear that within three conducted. This publication was appearance before the United not worth repeating, all while issues being raised here about years, the PPP (government) informedthata17-year-oldschool Nations (UN) Human Rights demeaning her for the critical matters that relate to private administration is outdoing a former (Continued on page 59) Committee (CCPR) concerns over reportage she has done on the oil business such as the media houses,

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Mikhail ‘Guyanese Critic’ Rodrigues

From page 58 reserves and production officially make the violation of the Order on remains committed to peace rule of law by rejecting dropout and another teen Looking ahead, CNOOC Essequibo region part of provisional measures issued on its borders and in the “Venezuela’s illegal h a v e s i n c e b e e n Limited will continue to Venezuela. In a statement, by the international Court of region. expansionism and by apprehended and is assisting enhance our energy supply the Ministry of Foreign JusticeonDecember1,2023 “It will not allow its insisting that Venezuela police with the ongoing capacity, technological Affairs said the move by the and it is a violation of the sovereignty and territorial revert to the International investigations Another innovation and value Venezuelan National Argyle Declaration of territory to be usurped Court of Justice which has suspect, a 16-year-old creation capabilities, and Assembly is a “flagrant December 14, 2023 agreed Guyana will exert all of its before it the case for a full student from Skull City strive for high-quality violation of Guyana’s to by the leaders of efforts under international and final resolution of the Patentia is still in hiding. development. With our best sovereignty and territorial CARICOM and Brazil, the law to ensure that its controversy over the land Kaieteur News wasinformed efforts, we will set new integrity and is in breach of representative of the United sovereignty and territorial border between the two that Bess was residing with milestones on our way to the fundamental principles Nations Secretary General integrity remain intact,” the countries.” hisgrandfatherbeforehemet build a world-class energy of international law and by the Presidents of statementsaid. Venezuela has been his demise and leaves to company.” enshrined in the United GuyanaandVenezuela.” Further, Guyana called increasing its military mourn a sibling and other ExxonMobil Guyana NationsCharter.” The Ministry of Foreign on the international presence on its border with relatives. announced the discovery of “It is also an egregious Affairs assured that Guyana community to uphold the Guyana.

oil in 2015 and swiftly

SATURDAY moved to commence production activities by Guyana’s oil helped D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9

CNOOC to bag US$17.2B Production from the profits last year S t a b r o e k B l o c k developments sits above

C h i n a ’s C N O O C 600,000 barrels per day Limited had recorded (bdp) – with Exxon having US$17.2 billion (124 billion the Liza 1, Liza 2 and the Yuan) in net income 2023, a Payaraprojectsonline dip in profits compared to The oil companies have 142 billion Yuan in 2022 – embarked on an aggressive with earnings included from drilling campaign in the profits made from Guyana’s Stabroek Block targeting StabroekBlock. three other developments:

ExxonMobil Guyana is Yellowtail, Uaru and the operator of the Stabroek Whiptail projects. It should Block with a 45% interest, be noted that Yellowtail and while Hess Guyana Uaru have already been Exploration Ltd. holds 30% approved, while Whiptail is interest and CNOOC under review awaiting Petroleum Guyana Limited government approval any holds25%interest. daynow

On Thursday, CNOOC said, “In 2023, despite the Guyana gravely slowdown in global concerned over new law economic growth and the declaring Essequibo decline in international region part of Venezuela crude oil prices, CNOOC …calls on the Limited pressed ahead with international community high-quality development, to reject Venezuela’s set new records in both illegal expansionism reserves and production and generatedbountifulprofit.” The Government of T h e C h i n e s e Guyana on Friday said it is G o v e r n m e n t - b a c k e d “gravely concerned over the company reported total adoption of a law by the annual revenue of 416.6 Venezuelan National billion Yuan, slightly lower Assembly declaring the than the 422.23 billion Yuan EssequiboregionofGuyana, in 2022. Despite the dip, the which constitutes more than company noted, “Profit- two thirds of its national making capabilities remain territory, to be a constituent strong.” CNOOC disclosed partofVenezuela.” that the Bohai oilfields On Thursday, lawmakers offshore China remained the in Venezuela approved the largest crude oil production creation of a new state in base in China, while Guyana Guyana’sEssequiboRegion, andBrazilcontinuedtoserve an area that has been the as the main drivers of the subject of an age-old company’s overseas controversy, despite an productiongrowth. ongoing international court

In his remark, CNOOC case and the Argyle Chairman Wang Dongjin, Declaration signed on said, “In 2023, we worked December14. diligently to meet our The move by the t a r g e t s W e h a v e Venezuelan National successfully completed all Assembly comes three the tasks for the year and months after Venezuelans achieved new highs on voted in a referendum to

Fishermen arrested after raiding tomb

Two fishermen were arrested by police on Thursday after they allegedly broke into a tomb at Murphy Dam Cemetery, Rosignol, Berbice and stole $28,000invaluables.

The two arrested were identified as Khalil Madramootoo, also known as 'Prito',a31-year-oldfishermanofLot41 McKenzie Street, Murphy Dam, RosignolVillage,WestBankBerbiceand LindonDavis,alsoknownas'MamaG',a 38-year-old fisherman also of McKenzie Street, Murphy Dam, Rosignol Village, Berbice.

Madramootoo and Davis are accused of breaking into the tomb of 52-year-old Muneshwar Jawahir, between March 17 and March 19, 2024 at the Murphy Dam Cemetery It is alleged that the duo vandalized and stole valuables that were inthetombwiththeJawahir'scorpse.

According to a police report, on Thursdayatabout12:30hrs,policeacting on information proceeded to lot 41 McKenzie Street, Murphy Dam, Rosignol Village. Upon police arrival, Madramootoo was contacted. He was arrested and questioned about the incident.

Whilst being questioned by ranks, Madramootoo reportedly admitted to being involved in the desecration of the tomb. The suspect then disclosed that Daviswasthepersonwhobrokeintothe tomb and together they stole about $28,000cashfromthecoffin.

Acting on the information provided by Madramootoo, police visited McKenzie Street, Murphy Dam where Daviswasarrested.

Davis denied any involvement in the incident.Investigationsareongoing.

Arrested: Khalil Madramootoo also known as 'Prito'

Arrested: Lindon Davis

CopsposingasSOCUranksarrestedfor attemptingtoextortmoneyfromofficial

Two policemen attached to the Brickdam Police Station have landed in hot water after they allegedly posedasranksoftheSpecial organized Crime Unit (SOCU) in an attempt to extort a Government official ofmoney Police identified the men as a Police Sergeant Imman Wilson and detective Constable, Akeimo Simon. The men were charged on Friday by SOCU for demanding money by menace with intent to steal and conspiracy to commit a felony

They appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty and both pleaded not guilty The court reportedly released them on $75,000baileach.

Reports are that around 19:00hrsonMarch9,2024,a Civil Engineer, employed by theMinistryofPublicWorks, reported to the Head of S O C U A s s i s t a n t Commissioner, Mr Fazil Karimbaksh, that one of his ranksdemandedmoneyfrom him for an ongoing

investigation. The Head of SOCU then secured CCTV footage which supported the allegation but did not implicate any officers from SOCU.Aninvestigationwas then ordered by Mr Karimbaksh.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the two persons posing to be officers from SOCU, whom the Engineer was referring to, werethesaidPoliceSergeant Imman Wilson and Police Constable Akeimo Simon from Brickdam Police Station.

Further investigations revealed that on March 9, 2024 at about 19:00hrs ConstableSimonsecuredthe assistance of Sergeant Wilson's mobile patrol and went to a Government Engineer's residence at Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to enquire abouthiswhereabouts.

Theywereallegedlyable to locate him and identified themselves to him as SOCU ranks The policemen allegedly cautioned the governmentofficialthatthey were investigating a money

launderingallegationagainst him.Accordingtopolice,one of the policemen told the engineer that he was needed at SOCU's for questioning and entered his (the Engineer's vehicle) The engineer reportedly maintained that he did nothing wrong but complied withthelawmen.

It was while heading to the SOCU headquarters that the policeman allegedly placed a gun on his lap and began to extort the governmentofficial.

The cop allegedly demanded$1Mtolethimgo. Reportedly fearful for his life,thegovernmentengineer handedover$100,000thathe hadonhimatthetime.

Police said that the cop allegedly accepted the cash and let the engineer go. The victim reported the matter, and an investigation was launched.SOCUwasableto source camera footage corroborating the victim's story and soon discovered that policemen were indeed posingasSOCUranks.

They were subsequently arrestedandcharged.

The two policemen out on bail

G$400McontracttosuperviseconstructionofnewWismarBridge

An international consultancy firm out of Italy has been contracted to supervise the construction of the new Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Region 10 to the tune of US$2,200,000(GY$400million).

According to information released on the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board's (NPTAB) website, the contract was awarded to Politecnica Ingegneria, the company that partnered with local firmSRKN'gineeringAssociates.

Politecnica Ingegneria was among four firms who submitted bids to supervise the construction of the bridge. Those bidders were

Al-habshiEngineeringConsultants Office , a company from Kuwait that joined venture with local company CB & Associates Inc.; Rites Limited from India that partnered with local company Kalitech Inc ; and Beston ConsultingInc.(local).

It was reported that in January thegovernmentandChinaRailway Construction Corporation Limited inked a US$35M contract for the construction of the new four-lane Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge in the UpperDemerara-Berbiceregion.

The four-lane bridge is expected to be completed in two years. It will be pre-cast and will measure220meters.Itwillcarryall

roadsafetysigns,lightingandhave a32-meterhorizontalclearageand 11.5metersverticalclearage.Itwill be constructed in the vicinity of WestWatooka,Wismar

At the signing of the contract, PresidentDr IrfaanAlisaidthatthe construction of the bridge is not a stand-alone infrastructure but is linked to the many other infrastructural projects bridging Georgetown to Brazil Upon completion, it is expected that the bridgewillalleviateexistingtraffic woes facing commuters in the mining town of Linden which has worsened significantly with the ongoingconstructionoftheLinden toMaburaHighway

The current Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Region 10.

Chicken-pox outbreak under control - Guyana Prison Service

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) on Fridaysaidthatchickenpoxoutbreakatthe Lusignan Prison, East Coast of Demerara (ECD)isundercontrol.

KaieteurNewshadpreviouslyreported on its Facebook page that over 70 inmates wereaffectedbytheoutbreak.

The GPS on Friday said that prompt actionwastakenafteritreceivedreportsof itchy rashes among inmates. Affected inmates were immediately examined by a medical team and quarantined after being

diagnosed.

“As of the latest update, there are 25 activecasesofchickenpoxand28casesin therecoveryphase,”theGPSsaid. Steps are currently being taken to identify the source of contact that might havecausedtheoutbreak.

To prevent the virus from spreading further, the GPS has implemented some preventative measures and these include; administration of medication such as Acyclovir and Calamine Lotion, increased

Exxon partner reveals 746M barrels...

Frompage3 information on the recoverable resources could beastrategicmovebytheoil majortoavoidanintensified public pressure for renegotiationofthelopsided Production Sharing Agreement(PSA).

“If Guyanese are clamouringeverysingleday for a renegotiation when we only have 11 billion barrels provenreserves,imaginethe clamourandtheoutcrywhen they (Exxon) actually finish appraisingthesewellsandit jumpsfrom11billionbarrels to say something like 40 billion barrels and the true magnitude of what Exxon has already discovered becomesknown,”theformer Ministersaid.

ExxonMobil at a press conference in February this

year told reporters that the companywasnotfocusedon updatingthereserves,buton monetizing the resources found, a position that is s u p p o r t e d b y t h e GovernmentofGuyana.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who is the chief policymaker for the sector said at his Thursday press conference that government receives quarterly reports from the operator of the Block, containing updates on the reserves. He was however reluctant to share the updated numbers and told reporters he would check whether the reports received from Exxon contained any “proprietary information” Notably, while the President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge said the

company was no longer focused on updating the numbers, the Senior Vice President of Exxon Mobil Corporation, Neil Chapman revealed that appraisal activities are ongoing to help the company understand the resources This process helps to reduce the range of uncertainty in the volumes of hydrocarbons in place; define the size and configuration of the reservoir and collect data for the prediction of the performance of the reservoir during the forecasted production life Chapman said, “We have six drilling ships in the basin in pretty close proximity And these drill ships are doing a combination of what I call exploration drilling, appraisal drilling and developmentdrilling.”

sanitationfrequency,carriedoutthreetimes daily, sunning out of mattresses and clothing,sterilizationofeatingutensilsand personal items, vaccination protocols and dailymedicalassessments.

Meanwhile,DirectorofPrisons,Niclon Elliot emphasized the overarching objective of safeguarding the health and well-beingofbothinmatesandprisonstaff andurgedagainstpanic.

One of the affected prisoners

Ex-US Pres. Bill Clinton coming to scope...

Frompage3 simulative station of that notion. The fact that he decides to come to participate in the forum shows that we all trust the process that is taking place here and trust is essential when it comes to investment.”

THEFORUM

Themediawasinformed that the forum at which the Former U.S. President will be speaking, will take place onTuesday,March26atthe Arthur Chung Conference Centre. “I believe Former President and current Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo who will also participate in

the forum Rolando GonzalezBunsterfromInter Energy will also be participating. I think Peter Ramsaroop from GoInvest too will also offer some remarks and after the panel discussion there will be some further discussions by President Clinton and a coupleofotherinvitees,”he said. Ambassador Pereyra added that this is the first edition of the United Caribbean Panel, where discussions surrounding, “what we referred (to) before that notions of how strongwecanbeasaregion if we unite our efforts, to developthestructures,(and)

to ensure our security in many key areas like energy, foodandalsotobringallthe private sectors of all the countries together, to continue enhancing and developing the capabilities and capacities The key players honestly, they are really, really excited with thispossibility.”

He told the media that being able to host, “a personality of this calibre p e r s o n a l l y a n d professionallyitmeansalot. But when it comes to Guyana, I believe it sends the message that for good reasons,Guyanaisattracting attention.”

UN chief says blocked Gaza aid is a ‘moral outrage’, calls for war to end

The line of blocked aid trucks stuck on Egypt’s side of the border with the Gaza StripwhilePalestiniansface starvationontheothersideis a “moral outrage”, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said on a visittotheRafahcrossing.

“IhavecometoRafahto shine a spotlight on the pain ofPalestiniansinGaza,”the UN chief said on Saturday, addressing a news conference in El Arish, in Egypt’s northern Sinai, where much of the international relief for Gaza is stockpiled as Israel continues to block aid from entering. “Here, from this crossing, we see the heartbreakandheartlessness of it all. A long line of blocked relief trucks on one side of the gates, the long shadow of starvation on the other,”hesaid.

“Thatismorethantragic.

It is a moral outrage. Any further onslaught will make things even worse – worse for Palestinian civilians, worse for hostages and worse for all people in the region.”

The visit by Guterres, which is a part of his annual “solidarity trip” to Muslim countries during Ramadan, comes as Israel faces global pressure to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been devastated bymorethanfivemonthsof war “You cannot see so many people being killed, you cannot see so much suffering without feeling hugely frustrated,” Guterres said while taking questions from reporters. “We don’t have the power to stop [the war in Gaza], I appeal to thosewhohavethepowerto stopittodoit,”headded.

‘Flood Gaza with lifesaving aid’ Several NGOs

and rights organisation have accused Israel of deliberately blocking aid to Gaza as warnings of famine inthebesiegedstriprise.

ReceivingGuterresatthe airport in El Arish, regional governor Mohamed Shusha saidsome7,000truckswere waiting in North Sinai to deliver aid to Gaza, but that inspection procedures demandedbyIsraelhadheld uptheflowofrelief.

The UN chief stressed that it was time for Israel to give an “ironclad commitment” for unfettered access to humanitarian goods throughout Gaza and said that the UN would also continuetoworkwithEgypt to “streamline” the flow of aid into Gaza. “It’s time to truly flood Gaza with lifesaving aid. The choice is clear: either surge or starvation,”Guterressaid.

Thisweek,aglobalfood

monitor warned that famine was imminent in northern Gaza and could spread to otherpartsoftheterritoryifa ceasefireisnotagreed.

In a post on the social media platform X, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), said a food convoy had been denied access to northern Gazaforthesecondtimethis week. Lazzarini noted the last time the UNRWA was able to deliver aid to the northern part of the enclave, where starvation is spreading, was two months ago. “This is a man-made hunger & looming famine which can still be averted,” he said “The Israeli authorities must allow delivering food aid at scale to the north including via UNRWA, the largest humanitarianorganisationin

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said it is ‘time to truly flood Gaza with life-saving aid’ [MohamedAbd El Ghany/Reuters]

Gaza.”Israelhaskeptallbut oneofitslandcrossingsinto theenclaveclosed.Itopened the Karem Abu Salem crossing (which Israel calls Kerem Shalom) close to Rafah in late December and deniesaccusationsbyEgypt, rights groups and UN agencies that it has delayed deliveries of humanitarian r e l i e f . W o u n d e d Palestinians, including children,aretakenbyhorsedrawn carriage to al-Ahli Baptist Hospital after Israel hit Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid at Kuwait Junction in Gaza on March 23, 2024 [Dawoud Abo Alkas/AnadoluAgency]

‘Aid distribution with a humanitarianceasefire’

SinceOctober,morethan 32,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, most of them women and children, according to local healthauthorities.

Guterreshighlightedthat the continuing war has

become an obstacle for delivering aid in the region with continuous violence and bombardments killing people and humanitarian workers at aid distribution points. On Saturday, shortly before Guterres’s news conference, at least seven people were killed in Israeli shelling as aid was being distributed at the Kuwait RoundaboutinGazaCity,Al Jazeera correspondents reported. This attack at a food distribution point, a primary location for delivering assistance to the northern part of the strip, comes days after at least 21 Palestinian people were killed by Israeli troops in GazaCity,whilewaitingfor aid.“Thereisnowaytohave an effective aid distribution in Gaza without a humanitarian ceasefire,” the UN chief told reporters, adding that it was also time forallcaptivesbeingheldby Hamas in Gaza to be released.

Man killed after car drives over him at Zeeburg

A 20-year-old man was onFridaynightkilledaftera cardroveoverhimalongthe Zeeburg Public Road, West CoastDemerara(WCD).

Dead is Warren Junior Thomas, a resident of Area ‘G’DeWillemPublicRoad, WCD.Accordingtoareport issued by police, the accident occurred at about 22:10hrs on Zeeburg Public Road, WCD. The report related that the accident involved motorcar # PZZ 4005, owned by Sheriff SecurityServicesanddriven at the time by 29-year-old Okassie Rodwel Stewart, andThomas(Deceased).

Investigations disclosed thatThomaswaslyingonthe southernparapetofZeeburg Public Road, WCD, when the motorcar, which was proceeding east along the northern drive lane of the road, drove over to the southern drive lane and stoppedinfrontofaChinese Supermarket, to collect something from a Sheriff

SecurityGuard.

Intheprocess,thedriver allegedly drove over the pedestrian, who was still lying on the southern parapet.The driver stopped, exitedthevehicle,andspoke to another driver whose vehicle was stationed in front of the supermarket. The driver then went back into his motorcar and drove offinaneasterndirection.

Thomaswaspickedupin anunconsciousstateandtaken to the Lenora Cottage Hospital, where he was examinedbyadoctor Hedied while receiving medical attentionatabout02:10hrson Saturday Meanwhile, police said that Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage wasviewed,andcheckswere madeforthedriverinvolvedin the incident The driver was arrestedwhenhereturnedto the scene of the incident at 08:00h on Saturday He remains in police custody and is assisting with the investigation.

T&T health minister urges PANCAP to help Caribbean cure HIV

Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister, Terrence Dyalsingh, at the recently concluded meeting for the National AIDS Programme (NAPS) Managers and key partners urged The Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) to position the Caribbean to develop a cure fortheHIVvirus.

The meeting was organized by PANCAP and was held in Trinidad from March19-20,2024.

Delivering the feature address at the meeting’s opening ceremony last Wednesday, the T&T m i n i s t e r c h a r g e d participants to look towards thefutureforacureforHIV, particularly through gene editing.

“Ifwewanttohit95-9595by2025,weneedtothink exponentially We need to think of geometric progression, not linear progression,” the Minister reportedlysaid.

He further highlighted that “There are several opportunities presented across the region over these past few years to explore socialcontractingandtouse social contracting or whatever variation of that modality we want to use to ensure that civil society continuestohaveapresence inour nationalresponse and supportnationalprogramme managers.”

In referencing a study from North Western University titled “CRISPR and HIV: New technique in human blood unveils potentialpathstowardcureKey to possible HIV cure may lie in mechanisms behind how it replicates,” theHealthMinisterbelieves that the Caribbean should strategically position itself towards contributing to a cureforHIV

“Ithinkitistimeforusto look as a region to join with one of those research universitiessothatwearein the door In so doing, we would have contributed towardfindingacure,sothat when that cure comes, we wouldhaveaccesstoit.Iam challengingPANCAPtofind a way to get on to the bandwagonofCRISPRgene editing to find a cure so that when that cure is found we can say that PANCAP was there;thatwehadskininthe game.”

CRISPR is an acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short PalindromicRepeatsandisa technology that research

scientists use to selectively modify the DNA of living organisms.

Meanwhile, Dr Ayanna Sebro,Representativeofthe Network of National AIDS Programme Managers, and TechnicalAdvisor, National AIDS Commission, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in her remarks, addressed the need for decisive action to address some of the lingering challenges related to accessing HIV medications withintheregion.

“Aswecontextualisethe implementation of activities and regional access to sustainability, funding, monitoring resources, qualitypreventiontreatment and care across the Caribbeannetwork,wemust be intentional in our efforts around procurement and timely access to supplies to remainup-to-dateintermsof our access for essential supplies and to mitigate stockouts.Wemustactively pursue agreements to facilitate access to newer supplies for diseases of public health concern are especially important where patents create obstacles.”, shesaid.

Also addressing the participants at the meeting, Executive Director of Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition, IvanCruikshank,recognised the many achievements made within the region as it relates to HIV; central to whichhementionedtherole o f C i v i l S o c i e t y Organisations(CSOs).

However, he lamented the shrinking presence of CSOssinceCOVID-19.

“Wehavetofindwaysof getting communities and civil society to be much more engaged in the treatmentandcaresideofthe pillars. Since COVID-19, there has been a decline in thepresenceandactivismof civil society across the regional response, ” Cruikshanksaid.

“Thismeetinghastobea clarion call to governments to ensure that civil society remains vibrant and has sustainable resources to be able to support national programmes to deliver on thesepreventiontargets.”,he added.

TheAssistant SecretaryGeneralfromtheDirectorate of Human and Social Development CARICOM Secretariat, Alison Drayton joined Ivan Cruikshank, r e c o g n i s i n g t h e commendable progress

achieved in HIV prevention andtreatmentthroughoutthe region but noted the many challengesthatarestillbeing endured.

S h e u r g e d t h a t innovative initiatives to address those challenges commencewithalacrity

“The UNAIDS 2022

Global AIDS Update furnishes us with a comprehensive snapshot of the HIV landscape in the Caribbean. The region has committed to ambitious targets, aiming for 95-95-95 by2025andtheendofAIDS by 2030. As of 2022, we stand at 83% awareness, 68% on antiretroviral therapy, and 57% virally suppressed. To bridge this gap, we must expedite the adoption of innovative, e v i d e n c e - b a s e d interventions such as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV selftesting.”,shesaid.

Thetwodaysofmeeting ended on Thursday March 20 with participants exploring various strategies to be utilised in scaling up theirworkonHIVandother STIs in their respective countries.

Discussions also revolved around scaling up HIV self-testing throughout the region, so that countries can reach their prevention targets with greater efficiency HIV self-testing (HIVST) has shifted the paradigm for HIV testing, the first step in the care continuum.

Through concerted regionalefforts,thescale-up of HIVST will result in substantial progress in HIV testing,prevention,andcare, and can result in countries conqueringthefirst95inthe prevention targets, in which people living with HIV (PLHIV)knowtheirstatus.

The meeting further spotlighted the urgent need for the examination of the various national and regional policies and programme responses as it relatestoHIVtreatmentand care, to reflect a personcentreddifferentiatedmodel ofcare.

Utilising the personcentred approach that simplifies and adapts HIV services across the cascade in ways that both serve the needs of people living with or vulnerable to HIV, can reduce unnecessary burdens on the health system within theregion.Greateremphasis on person-centred care wheretheindividualmatters and not their designation

must be paramount. There were discussions on the strengthening of efforts to shift diagnostics away from healthcare facilities. It was also proffered that sustainable systems for community-based delivery and expanding access to person-centred treatment

and prevention services must be developed more broadly

There were also discussions on the need for majoremphasistobeplaced on how children are treated within the general HIV response.Moreover,there

(Continuedonpage66)

T&T health Minister, PANCAP, NAPS, Managers, Terrence Dyalsingh

WANTED

One live-in Caretaker to take care of plants and keep surroundings clean. Call: 2332053,705-6937, 233-2923.

Handyboy needed. Must be willing to work and be a team player. Call: 661-1000.

Lorry driver needed. Must be experience and have a valid lorry licence. Call: 661-1000.

Porter needed for truck. Call: 661-1000.

Workers to work on cash crop farm. Salary $ 6500 per day. Call: 679-7552.

1 Truck Driver and 2 Porters needed. 5 day, Mon- Fri. Call: 223-9677.

Sales Representative, canter Drivers & Porters to work in warehouse. Call: 673-7373.

Urgently want to purchase at least half acres land, commercial plot. Call: +1(868) 620-5742.

One excavator Operator and Handy boy needed. Living accommodation and meals provided. Call: 627-5043/ 639-1315.

One Typist/ Clerical Assistant. Apply at St John Association, 110 Cowan Street Kingston, Georgetown. Call: 225-9082.

Urgently needed dried carilla bush (any quantity). Call: 609-8281/ 693-3003.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

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Nissan X-Trail 2008 $2.3 Neg and Mitsubishi 3 stage Crone canter 4m51 Engine Manual $3.5 Neg. Call 6718845 or 638-4755.

Toyota Hiace van panel for sale, price $ 2.7 mil neg. Call: 609-8281.

VACANCY

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

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.

Vacancy for Carpenter & Masons, $7,000 - $8,000 per day. Call: 650-1394.

One Painter needed. Call: 615-9132/ 645-8443.

One Plumber needed for Eccles. Call: 645-8443/ 6159132.

Plumber needed, knowledge of installation for heat exchanger & pool equipment will be an asset. Call MEP Consulting: 625-8764.

Waitress/ Room Attendant to work shift in bar at Soesdyke, EBD. Call: 6446551/ 661-3608.

Receptionist, Deskstaff, Room & Laundry Attendant & Security Guard needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

Vacancy for domestic maid includes cooking in Georgetown and a evening man for cleaning yard & wash cars.“Call: 653-4537.

FOR SALE/ RENT

All sizes loaders, excavators & rollers, concrete pump & mixer trucks, mobile crane and Howo 30 ton dump trucks. Call: 650-0402/6520251.

1 Lexus SUV, forklifts 3.5 tons diesel truck weigh scales (60 tons,40 ft) . (new installed at your site) Low bed trailers-60 tons,triple axle. Call: 665-3880.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Prestige realty , One three bedroom for sale in Republic Gardens gated community. Call: 655-7405 / 694-7817.

Modern home under construction at Annadale, ECD. Land size 54X100, building 30X45. Call: 675-1510/ 6137964.

FOR RENT

Place to rent at Vreed-enhoop junction, for lessons, church, office, storage bond, other. Call: 603-6400.

One Luxurious furnished, 4 bedroom apartment fully AC, hot and cold water etc in Campbellville, G/town. Price US$2000. Call: 6167351/624-7436.

Lodge studio apartments at Vlissengen/ Durban: bathroom, veranda, parking, close to facilities & transportation. Call: 662-4836/ 652-9325/ 687-8716.

2 bedroom apartment in Georgetown. Call: 649-0761.

FOR SALE

House lots & commercial plot for sale available at blankenburg W.C.D. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.

One Rav4, 4 wheel drive, fully Ac etc ideal for interior (Bush) work. Price$2.2M. Call: 621-5140.

For sale- Condemn oxygen cylinders 5ft length x 9 inches diameter Call: 6210416 Mon-Fri (8am-5pm).

For sale -Small helium cylinders with gas, fills 40-50 balloons Call: 621-0416 MonFri (8am-5pm).

LAND FOR SALE

Prestige realty, 1Land 50 x100 for sale in gated community in Republic Gardens. Call: 655-7405 / 694-7817.

SERVICES

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We repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer, AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/ Call Omar: 683-8734/ 6549711.

Burna Boy is coming to Guyana...

From page 35

August 2013. Burna Boy has since released other songs and albums, including On a Spaceship and outside. He has also collaborated with some of the most prominent and influential artists in the Nigerian music industry, such as Reminisce, Wizkid, Timaya, and Olamide.

The Nigerian singer has an alleged net worth of $17 million. His wealth is attributed to his music career, endorsements, and investments. The Grammy awardwinning singer is currently presumed single.

The musician has, however, been in a romantic relationship with Stefflon Don, a

British singer, and songwriter. The two began dating in 2018 and broke up in 2022. The rapper has also been romantically linked with Princess Shyngle and Jo Pearl.

Source of info: (https:// www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1530440-burna-boysbiography-age-family-stateorigin-net-worth/)

Guyana, India can deepen collaboration...

From page 15 outcomes. Additionally, the Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc, Dr Vishnu Doerga, said another crucial area of collaboration between the two countries is agriculture, which seeks to advance food security.

India’s expertise in climate-smart technology can be incorporated into Guyana’s agriculture and food systems.

Guyana is already strate-

gically located globally, boasting favourable climate conditions, fertile soils, and a wealth of expertise in agriculture.

India is globally recognised for its thriving service sector, including finance, information technology, and communication.

India has financed significant projects in Guyana, including the Solar Home Electrification System and the MV

MA Lisha. Other specialists in the panel discussion were Treasurer of the Private Sector Commission and Vice President of Region Three’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Haimwant Persaud, Chief Education Officer of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Renata Chuck-A-Sang, and Founder and President of Texila University, Saju Bhaskar.

Maduro’s end game...

From page 04 reaction to the visit of the British patrol boat Trent, proved us right. In January, the Venezuelan Supreme Court allied to Maduro ruled that Machado was ineligible to run in the elections because of “anti-national activities”. The US then revoked its waiver of the sanctions tied to the Barbados Agreement. However, this applied only to transactions involving Venezuelan gold mining and not to the critical oil sector where Chevron continued operating and shipping oil to the US. The US said that waiver would continue until April 18 as per the original terms and Venezuela’s actions towards democratic elections would be monitored. Maduro clearly read this disparate treatment by the US as waffling to satisfy their oil interests. Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez snorted derisively,

“The Barbados agreement is part of the policy of blackmail and extortion against Venezuela. The truth is that we are prepared to live without licenses from the United States and to continue defeating the criminal blockade.”

Not surprisingly, the Maduro government continued violating the Barbados Agreement and threaten our sovereignty. They issued arrests warrants for eleven allies of Opposition Leader Machado and four were arrested immediately. Up to then, the US had not asked her to step aside for a replacement candidate to meet the March 25 nomination date.

Machado had insisted she would not do so since her ban was contrived, and she was not afforded her due process. The US publicly supported her stance. However, on Friday, she suddenly reversed her stance and announced

that she had nominated historian Corina Yoris Villasana as her successor.

This will be interpreted by Maduro as another sign that the US is more concerned about their oil supplies in the face of imposed sanctions on Russia. We will have to see what they do on April 18 on Oil sanctions. Then, clearly dismissing our military capabilities, came the bombshell of Maduro enacting legislation to annex Essequibo.

We have proposed that to counter the war being waged by Venezuela in the grey zone – economic, diplomatic, threats etc. - we establish a military base in Essequibo to which the US forces would have access. The US will have to step up to the plate: there is the demonstrator effect on other possible allies in this new Cold War.

Sincerely,

Ravi Dev

T&T health minister urges...

From page 65 must be more strategic efforts at anchoring the treatment of children into the various Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programmes available. Increased use of ICTs must form part of the overarching regional HIV response, enabling advocacy, mobilization, and em-

powerment of people living with HIV (PLWHA), women, and other vulnerable groups. The use of certain ICT platforms reduces costs and can potentially reach people on a more targeted level.

The use of telemedicine was also discussed as a means of accessing hard-toreach communities that may pose a challenge to other forms of ICTs.

The need for strong, cohesive community responses was also ventilated during the

meeting.

To provide much-needed support to national HIV responses, there must be a heightened role for communities to play.

These communities must have a more defining role not only in HIV but also in health generally.

Policymakers, programme managers, representatives of civil society organisations, the community of people living with HIV and those at highest risk for HIV, attended the two-day meeting.

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

decided to borrow and borrowandborrow

FRIDAY–MARCH 22,2024

S UNDAY–MARCH17,2024

Jagdeo:Abrokenrecord

Every week, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo repeatsthesamethingsathis newsconferencewhetherhe holdsitatFreedomHouseor Office of the President, it is thesameboorishdiatribe.

What is unfortunate is that valuable state resources are being wasted on the weeklybilecomingfromhis mouth.

Like a broken record, he regurgitates the propaganda that Guyanese have set their faces against. It must be a good thing from the standpointofanyopposition to see that government’s top leaderboggeddownsomuch that since 2020- he has not saidanythingnew

We as ordinary citizens howeveraredisgusted.

MONDAY–MARCH18,2024

Takeastand

StandupGuyana,forthe PPP/CGovernment(Jagdeo) isfallingdownonthejobof doingrightbyGuyanese.

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 trampleuponGuyanese.

ToallGuyanese,weowe it to our enslaved forebearers, to our martyred indentured, to stand up for ourbirthrightandourrights, and if it means a showdown with the exploitative foreigners, then so be it. A hundred and twenty oil blocksaremorethanaparcel of precious oil real estate; they are a whole oil country bythemselves.

TUESDAY–MARCH19,2024

Stophidingourreserves!

This government does notwanttotakeadvicefrom anyone on the management of the country’s oil and gas sector but has left a selfappointed guru, an all-

knowing genius to control theindustryhoweverhesees fit.

He has not only allowed thepilferingofouroilprofits through uncapped interest ratesbutisnowcomplicitin allowing Exxon to hide the Stabroek Block reserves fromthenation.

Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana deserves to know the amount of oil that has been found in the Stabroek BlocksinceApril2022.

ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President, Neil Chapman disclosed that works are simultaneously ongoing with exploration in the Stabroek Block to understand the volumes discovered.Whythenarewe beingkeptinthedark???

WEDNESDAY–MARCH20,2024

TheOilReserves

How many proven barrels of oil reserves do we reallyhaveasoftoday?

How much oil has the Exxon-led consortium discovered, but of which Guyana only knows a portion, as told to this nation?

How much more do the seismic studies indicate could be present, but which are still secrets to the Guyanesepeople?

We have been informed about11billionbarrelsofoil equivalents, with more projects approved and being lined up for production. But an earlier question is now refined: is 11 billion barrels the total discoveries r e s u l t i n g f r o m ExxonMobil’ssophisticated, race against the clock, efforts?

THURSDAY–MARCH21,2024

Guyana:Theloanboss

Under the PPP/C Government, Guyana has become among the best customers of banks across theworld.

When the word loan comesup,Guyana’snameis frequentlywrittenalloverit.

The PPP/C Government isonaborrowingbinge,and

very proud of it. Bankers, who must be recognized for their utility, are also nothing i f n o t s u c c e s s f u l pawnbrokers.

They can always be approached for a loan, once the collateral presented possessesrichappealforthe recovery of monies lent, should there be a problem with honouring repayment obligationsinthefuture.

Guyana has the best collateralforthedebtsthatit has been incurring recently, itsrichnaturalresourcesand their seeming abundance So, the Government has

Renegotiationand sanctityofcontract

If the APNU+AFC was able to renegotiate the PPPC’s 1%, royalty of the ExxonMobil contract without any objection about thesanctityofcontracts,why cannot Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo renegotiate the Production Sharing Agreement which he had promisedtodo.

ThefactthatGuyanahas a PSA is indicative that the terms of engagement with the oil companies can and wererenegotiated.

But do not dare mention

this to Jagdeo, before he hastily calls another press conferenceandfindsanother excuse why the contract cannotberenegotiated.

SATURDAY–MARCH23,2024

RejectVenezuela’sillegal expansionism

There must be a strong rejection on all fronts of Venezuela’s illegal expansionism to include GUYANA’s Essequibo region which constitutes more than two-thirds of the country’sterritory

“This is in flagrant violation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is in breach of the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United

NationsCharter

It is also an egregious violation of the Order on provisional measures issued bytheInternationalCourtof JusticeonDecember1,2023 and it is a violation of the Argyle Declaration of December14,2023agreedto bytheleadersofCARICOM a n d B r a z i l , t h e representative of the United Nations Secretary General and by the Presidents of GuyanaandVenezuela.

Guyana remains committed to peace on its borders and in the region. It willnotallowitssovereignty and territorial territory to be usurped. Guyana will exert all of its efforts under international law to ensure that its sovereignty and territorial integrity remain intact ” – Ministry of

Verstappen takes Australian Grand Prix pole position; Lewis Hamilton 11th

(BBC Sport) - Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fought off a challenge from Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz to take pole position for the Australian Grand Prix.

Sainz was quickest in the first two parts of qualifying but the world champion bounced back in the top 10 shootout to take pole by 0.27 seconds.

Lando Norris will start third ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc after a grid penalty for Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. Mercedes’ George Russell was seventh while Lewis Hamilton only 11th.

Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri made it a four-six for McLaren while RB’s Yuki Tsunoda and the Aston Martins of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso completed the top 10. A Red Bull comeback Verstappen and Red Bull had looked comparatively out of sorts for most of the weekend, there or thereabouts but not topping any of the practice sessions on the way to qualifying. And when Sainz was fastest in both first and second qualifying, the Spaniard looked a favourite for pole, just 15 days after

Sunday March 24, 2024

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

People are apt to try to hit you square on the head with their ideas and thoughts today, Aries, so be ready for the onslaught of information that may come your way. There's a distinct advantage.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Anchor yourself in practical matters before you try to prove your point to others. There's a great deal of primal energy rising within you today and searching for some sort of outlet.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't take no for an answer today, Gemini. Know what you believe in and stick with it. There's a distinct advantage to holding true to your inner nature.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Be a pioneer thinker today, Cancer. There's a noble courage in your thoughts, so don't let this quality go to waste. You will be surprised at how cutting edge you can be when you put your mind to it.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Be aggressive and forceful when it comes to exerting your will, Leo. Let others know that you won't be a pushover. Your opinions are extremely important,

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

having an operation for appendicitis that forced him to miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. But two exquisite laps from Verstappen in the final session were too good for the Ferraris and the Dutchman took his third pole position in a row this season, one he has started in even more dominant style than his record-breaking 2023.

“A bit unexpected in qualifying today but very happy with Q3,” Verstappen said. “Both of those laps felt very nice. Bit of a tricky weekend but we managed to be there at the end.”

Today may be one of those days in which you come to a four-way stop and no one knows whose turn it is. Don't sit and wait for everyone else to go first, Virgo.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

People would be foolish to challenge your thinking now, Libra. The power behind your words is volatile, and you may find yourself going to extremes in order to get your point across.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Your old ways of thinking have carried you quite far, Scorpio, but you may now find that it's time to seek a new platform for your ideas. Look for more adventurous ways to express yourself.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

One quick phone call to a friend may turn into a long discussion about the meaning of life, Sagittarius. Be conscious of the fact that there's a great deal of momentum building in your mind now.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

It could be that you feel a bit of pressure today to start or create something that you aren't quite ready for, Capricorn. There is hesitation on your part that indicates you should take it slowly .

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Move forward with your plan of attack today, Aquarius. There's an anxious rumble within you that's urging you to get going with a current plan. You have all the facts you need,

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Add spark to your life today, Pisces. It could be that things are getting stale and boring. If so, consider the possibility that you simply aren't challenging yourself.

Hamilton was eliminated in the second session. (Getty Images)

Red Bull typically have an even greater advantage in the race than in qualifying but Ferrari’s long run in second practice looked strong and Verstappen said he was expecting a challenge in the race. “They seem very quick also in the long runs so a bit of a question mark also for tomorrow but that makes it interesting,” he said.

It was a momentous performance from Sainz, in remarkable form considering he was just two weeks out from abdominal surgery.

He said: “It has ben a tough couple of weeks, a lot of days in bed, waiting to see if I could be here today. To make it this weekend and put it on the front row after leading all the way through qualifying, I almost could not believe it. “Very happy to be

Practice game was geared...

From page 73 Raushan Ritch, Ryan Khedoo and Kadel Daniel.

Khedoo, whose parents are Berbicians who migrated to Canada during their teenaged days, said he it is a pleasure to be part of the national team programme and benefitting from the exposure that comes with playing in Saudi Arabia.

“I’m super grateful, super blessed to be here with the team and represent my roots and my country,” Khedoo said.

“It’s a fantastic and unbelievable opportunity for everyone to be here and for everyone to see Guyana on a bigger platform. You never who’s watching and this is a good opportunity for us in Guyana to showcase our talent.”

The practice game was initially not on the schedule for the Golden Jaguars, who are one of two teams (Bermuda being the other) from Concacaf selected to participate in friendly matches in the first-ever FIFA Series.

The Golden Jaguars will play their final game of the Series against Cambodia on March 26 at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah. The match will kick off at 15:00h Guyana time.

here. I was a bit rusty yesterday but I got up to speed and feeling good with the car. “I am not going to lie, I am not in my most comfortable state when I am driving out there but I can get it done. A lot of discomfort and weird feelings but no pain so it allowed me to push flat out.”

Perez took third in qualifying, 0.359secs slower than team-mate Verstappen,

but was later given a threeplace grid drop for impeding the Haas of Nico Hulkenberg in the first part of qualifying. Leclerc had looked competitive on Friday but he said he felt the car had gone away from him on Saturday, developing understeer, and he had a “messy” qualifying as a result, adding too much front wing for the final run and generating oversteer instead.

2024 Learn to Swim Programme...

From page 70 investment required from both the government and parents to unlock the full potential of these future athletes. He emphasized that the investments made today are crucial for nurturing the talents of tomorrow. Following the opening

ceremony on Saturday, the event will run from Tuesday, March 26, through to April 6. The schedule for this year’s event includes dates from March 26 to 28, and April 2 to 5, concluding with a closing ceremony on April 6 at the NAC.

Milo U18 Schools C/ship witnesses

33 goals on opening day …Bartica, Chase’s, Dolphin among winners

The anticipation was palpable as the 2024 Milo

Under-18 Schools Football tournament commenced in thrilling fashion on

Saturday With the Ministry of Education and Queen’s College grounds set as the battleground, football enthusiasts were treated to an exhilarating lineup of six matches that showcased the raw talent and competitive spiritofyoungathletes.

In an action-packed tripleheader spanning two venues, fans were treated to a spectacle asAbramAzuil, Dolphin, Chase’s Academic Foundation, Bartica,

Yarrowkabra, and West Ruimveldt Secondary Schools all secured opening wins, setting the tone for what promises to be an enthrallingtournament.

Match #1: Abram Azuil vs.BushlotSecondary(2-1)

Abram Azuil kicked off their campaign with a hardfought victory against Bushlot Secondary Despite Quancy Fraser’s valiant effort for Bush Lot Secondarywithagoalinthe 66thminute,itwasLaeraldo Culpepper and Lester Noel who sealed the win for Abram Azuil with goals in the 38th and 47th minutes,

respectively Shamar Harry’s early yellow card added to the intensity of the match.

Match #2: Dolphin Secondary vs New AmsterdamSecondary(3-2)

Dolphin Secondary emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against NewAmsterdamSecondary Jamal Williams, Gerry Burnette, and Cadwell Peters found the back of the net for Dolphin, while Kymani Sandy and Telon Williamsprovidedaspirited response for New Amsterdam.

Match #3: Chase

Academy vs North

Ruimveldt(6-0)

Chase’s Academic Foundation showcased their dominance with a resounding 6-0 victory over North Ruimveldt Goals from Omar Sam (hat-trick hero with strikes in the 5th,

Chase’sAcademic Foundation’s goal scorers (L-R) were Kevlin Dewar, Isaiah Ifill, Omar Sam and Bryan Wharton

7th, and 19th minutes), Bryon Wharton, Isaiah Ifill, and Kelvin Dewar highlighted Chase Academy’s commanding performance, with Shaquan Davids receiving a yellow cardinthe56thminute.

Match #4: Bartica

Secondary vs Laventure Secondary(5-1)

Bartica Secondary displayed their prowess on thefieldwithaconvincing51 win over Laventure Secondary Dishawn Stephen,BillySmith,Reizer Reid (who netted a brace), andEzeikelBaldeowerethe architects of Bartica’s triumph, while Shawn Griffith notched a consolation goal for Laventure. Match #5: Yarrowkabra

Secondary vs The New CentralHigh(5-3)

Yarrowkabra Secondary emerged victorious in a

high-scoring affair against The New Central High ChristianMedinaandLeroy Evans led the charge for Yarowkabrawithimpressive performances, countered by Trevor Gordon, Jomaine Favorite, and an own goal from Yarowkabra’s ChristianMedina.

Match #6: West Ruimveldt vs Queen’s College(4-1)

In the final match of the day,WestRuimveldtsecured a convincing 4-1 win over Queen’s College Elijah Sattaurstoletheshowwitha sensational hat-trick, while Owen Hooper and an own goal from Allan Patterson addedtothescoreline.

Astheteamspreparefor Day two action today, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey towards glory in the 2024 Milo Under-18 Schools FootballTournament.

2024 Learn to Swim Programme underway

The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports launched its flagship event, the ‘One Guyana’ Learn to Swim programme,yesterdayatthe National Aquatic Centre (NAC) The opening ceremony was attended by hundreds of children, accompanied by their parents and guardians, markingthebeginningofthe 2024programmes.

Building on the substantial participation from last year, Minister of Sports, Charles Ramson Jr., along with the Director of Sports (DoS) Steve Ninvalle, has introduced some enhancements to the programme. This year, the programme has been expanded to accommodate individuals with disabilities, following the successful inclusion of the Adult programmelastyear

The Learn to Swim programme has been in existence for over two decades, and last year’s event recorded the highest participation since its inception, with over seven thousand registrants filling the seats. In his opening address, Ninvalle emphasized the paramount importance of safety for the participants, reassuring parents and guardians that their children are in good hands with some of the nation’s finest coaches. He alsoannouncedthatcoaches will soon have the opportunity for overseas scholarships, extending this initiativetofiveothersports disciplines.

Minister Ramson, in his customary display of strength with the children, highlightedthedual (Continuedonpage69)

Reggae Boyz hunt Panama in third-place fixture to end Nations League outing on high

(SportsMax) - Jamaica and Panama will each try to finish their respective 2023/24 Concacaf Nations Leaguecampaignsonahigh note when they meet in the third-place contest atAT&T Stadium inArlington,Texas onSunday

T h e H e i m i r

Hallgrimsson-coached Jamaicans delivered an excellent performance in their semi-final clash with United States, leading from theveryfirstminuteuntilthe final seconds of second half stoppagetimewhenanowngoalresultedinanequalizer United States then completeda3-1victorywith twogoalsinextra-time.

Nevertheless, the Reggae Boyz defence stood tall in keeping a dangerous United States attack at bay, after Gregory Leigh’s goal just 31 seconds into the match.

Captain and goalkeeper AndreBlakewasathisusual

best between the sticks, makingfoursaves,whileasa collective the Jamaican defence had 12 steals, with Damion Lowe one of the standoutperformers.

Attacker Bobby Reid wasatirelessworkeraswell, as he supplied the assist on theLeighgoalinadditionto being a threat on the counterattack.

Panama suffered a 0-3 defeat to Mexico in their semi-final encounter, in which they had control of

things for a large part of the first half, but they conceded two goals shortly before the interval.

The Canaleros will be eager to claim a victory in this one and achieve their best finish ever in a Nations League Finals outing after finishingfourthin2022-23.

Midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla was a central figure in midfield against Mexico, with 40 passes completed and two steals. Anibal Godoy also offered plenty of punch with three steals and 77 percent of passescompleted.

Still, the matter of scoring remains the key component to deciding an outcome and both Jamaica and Panama will be very much aware of that. These two sides last met in Concacaf Qualifying for

FIFA World Cup 2022, during which Panama won both meetings, 3-0 and 3-2. Prior to that, they were opponents in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, which saw Jamaica register a 1-0 victory Regardless of the outcome, Jamaica has alreadyrewrittenthehistory books, as this represents theirfirsttimecontestingthe businessendoftheConcacaf NationsLeague.

However, a win would certainly boost their morale ahead of the prestigious C O N M E B O L C o p a AmericatournamentinJune, aswellastheConcacafGold Cupqualifiers.

Guyana des

oyed defending champions Barbados by 42-runs yesterday, thanks to a halfcentury from Shabika Gajnabi backed by their spinners led by Ashmini Munisar and Plaffiana Millington.

Taking first strike, Guyana finished on 108-6 and were indebted to Gajnabi who led with 52 from53ballswithfivefours, strikingatalmost100.00.

Outside of Schultz who hadanunbeaten15,onlythe skipper Shemaine Campbell (12)gotgoingforGuyana.

Erin Dean (2-18), Allison Gordon (2-16) and Aaliyah Alleyne (2-22) bowled exceptionally well for the champs, as they kept Guyanatoamoderatescore.

The champs were then mistreated by the Guyanese bowlers, resulting in an embarrassing 66 all out in 19.5overs.

In-form spinners Munisar (3-8) and Millington (2-6) spun webs

around their victims, while Schultz, who completed an impressive game (2-13) and Niya Latchman (1-24), did additionaldamage.

Barbados top-scores; Kycia Knight (17), sister Kyshona (12) and NaJanni Cumberbatch (14) never got a chance to make an impression, as they eventually joined their teammatesbackinthelocker room; as Guyana completed a commanding victory in a lopsidedlow-scoringmatch.

These two sides last met in Concacaf Qualifying for FIFAWorld Cup 2022

West Indies Championships 2024… Hurricanes blow away Scorpions to move top of the standings

(SportsMax) - A wellplayed94byWestIndiesallrounder Justin Greaves propelled Leeward Islands Hurricanestoaseven-wicket win over Jamaica Scorpions in their fifth round West Indies Championships encounter at Sabina Park on Saturday

The Hurricanes, who have enjoyed decent form sincethestartofthefour-day tournament, assumed control of this encounter fromdayoneandexpectedly completed victory courtesy ofGreaves’unbeatenknock.

The right-handed Greaves, who resumed on 62,added32tohisovernight score to end on 94 off 183 balls, including five boundaries.

He got support from wicketkeeper/batsman Jahmar Hamilton, who finished unbeaten on 21 off 55ballsinthe74-runfourthwicketstand. Withthewin,theirfourth oftheseason,theHurricanes assumedpolepositiononthe standing on 80 6 points, while the Scorpions, who

Resumingon145-3,with only 42 runs to get, Hurricaneseasilygottotheir target without any further lossofwickets.

were suffering their third defeat, slipped to fifth on 53.4points.

Meanwhile, Windward Islands are in second with 67.4 points, Barbados sit in third with 61 8 points, Guyana are fourth with 58.4 andTrinidadandTobagoare fifthwith52.2points.

The other two teams in the tournament, West Indies Academy and Combined CampusesandCollege,have played four matches each andaccumulated30.8points and19.8points,respectively

Scores: Jamaica Scorpions 221 (Carlos Brown 68, Romaine Morris

42,DervalGreen20notout; Jeremiah Louis 3-34, Rahkeem Cornwall 3-69, ColinArchibald2-23,Daniel Doram 2-27) and 196 (Abhijai Mansingh 52, Kirk McKenzie33,RamaalLewis 30, Peat Salmon 22; Jeremiah Louis 3-24, Rahkeem Cornwall 3-56, OshaneThomas2-48).

Leeward Islands Hurricanes 231 (Justin Greaves62,KeacyCarty53, Kieran Powell 41, Jewel Andrew 32; Peat Salmon 520,RamaalLewis4-80)and 189-3(JustinGreaves94not out, Mikyle Louis 57; Peat Salmon2-69).

Reunion Gold lends solid support...

Frompage71

the community and the role itplaysinmarketingBartica as the destination to be for Easter in Guyana and in the Diaspora. Therefore,ReunionGooldis very pleased to partner with youtoensurethatthisyear’s activitiesaresuccessful.”

Ms. Tilbury expressed gratitude to Mr Juene and Reunion Gold for the confidence that they have placed in the Bartica Easter Regatta Committee in their substantialfinancialsupport.

“On behalf of our Chairman, Mr. Kenneth Williams and the people of Bartica,wesayahugethank you to you and your company for making this journey with us and look forward to your support, beyond2024.”

Regattaactivitiessawthe kick off of the ExxonMobil Football Cup last evening at the Bartica Community

Centre with two matches.

Some10maleteamsandtwo femaleteamswillbebattling for supremacy, ExxonMobil pumping some 2.9 million dollarsintothetournament.

The lone female teams areRiversViewandPotaron Strikers and will be battling on the final night for a winner’s purse of $70,000 while the loser will collect $30,000.

Male teams lining up to contest for the first to fourth place prizes of $400,000, $250,000, $100,000, and $60,000 are Rising Stars, Beacons, Potaro Strikers, Lazio, RiversView,WolvesUnited, AKGalaxy,AgatashUnited, Middle Mazaruni and EteringbangFC.

D o m i n o e s a l s o commenced yesterday and will conclude today at the Regatta Beach Front, over one million in cash and prizesareatstake

Justin Greaves produced an unbeaten performance of 94 to guide his team to victory. (Getty Images)

Guinness Greatest of the Streets – Georgetown…

Unstoppable upsets Back Circle

…Day six unfolds tonight

Ne w c o m e r Unstoppable defeated Back Circle by a 1-0 score when theGuinness‘Greatestofthe Streets’ Georgetown Championship continued on Friday evening at the National Park tarmac, ThomasLands.

Anthony Allen scored the only goal in the fifth minutetosecuretheunlikely win against the former champion.

Meanwhile, two-time defending champions Gold is Money, Lodge All-Stars, and Sophia recorded

contrastingwins. LodgeAll-Starsdefeated theAlbouystownWarriors32. Carl Higgins, Antonio MacArthur, and Chai Williamsscoredinthesixth, 11th, and 15th minutes, respectively For the loser, TimothyThomas recorded a ‘Guinness Goal’ (GG) [a goalscoredinthefinalthree minutes of normal time counts as two] in the 18th minute.

Similarly, Sophia B edgedtheYoungGunners10. Osric Barrow found the backofthenetintheseventh minute.

Action between Tucville (green) and Stabroek Ballers in the group stage of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championship

Gold is Money sent a stern warning to the field, dismissing LaingAvenue 20.ShemarKoulenandJamal Pedro netted in the seventh and 14th minutes, respectively

Up to press time, matches in the group stage were underway The tournament continues today at the same venue with the finalroundofgroupstages.

CompleteResults

Guinness Goal-(GG)-2

Goals

Game-1

Lodge All-Stars-3 vs AlbouystownWarriors-2

CarlHiggins-6th

AntonioMacArthur-11th

ChaiWilliams-15th

Albouystown Warriors scorer

Timothy Thomas-GG18th Game-2

North Ruimveldt-0 vs MakeitHappen-0 Game-3

North East-3 vs Rising Stars-3

RisingStars

DanielRoss-6thand13th

JamaalWilliams-3rd

NorthEastscorers

Lennox Cort-4th and 16th

Part of the action in the North Ruimveldt (red) and Make It Happen clash in the group stage of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’Georgetown Championship

AkilPlass-8th Game-4

Stabroek Ballers-0 vs Tucville-0 Game-5

Albouystown-0 vs

MiddleRoad-0 Game-6

Young Gunners-0 vs SophiaB-1

OsricBarrow-7th Game-7

Gold is Money-2 vs LaingAvenue-0

ShemarKoulen-7th

JamalPedro-14th Game-8

Back Circle-0 vs

Unstoppable-1

AnthonyAllen-5th Day-6-March24th

19:00hrs:RisingStarsvs MakeitHappen

19:30hrs: Unstoppable vsMiddleRoad

20:00hrs: Tucville vs LaingAvenue

20:30hrs: Lodge AllStarsvsSophiaB

21:00hrs: North East vs NorthRuimveldt

21:30hrs:GoldisMoney vsStabroekBallers

22:00hrs: Young Gunners vs Albouystown Warriors

22:30hrs:BackCirclevs Albouystown

R e u n i o n G o l d Corporation, a leading gold explorer in the Guiana Shieldhaslentsolidsupport to the organisers of the annual Bartica Easter Regatta.

Recently, their commitment was solidified when Administrative Manager of the Company, Bjorn Juene handed over a cheque to Regatta Committee Treasurer, Ms. NatalieTilburyBobb.

I n m a k i n g t h e presentation, Juene stated that while their company is very pleased to be contributing towards an event that has become the main staple of the Bartica community.

“We are well aware of the positive impact this multi-eventactivityhason (Continuedonpage70)

A 60-minute practice game against Jeddah Club was geared to test the depth oftheGoldenJaguarssquad, Assistant Coach Wayne Dover asserted on Friday nightafterthecontestended 1-1.

Substitutes from Guyana’s1-0defeattoCabo Verde in the opening match of the FIFA Series on Thursdaynightweregivena chance to showcase their prowess in Saudi Arabia as the first-choice players watched the action from the sidelines.

At the sound of the final whistle, nothing could separate the sides at one of severaltrainingpitchesatthe KingAbdullahSportsCity Forward Ryan Khedoo of Sigma FC (Canada) secured a place in history,

Wayne Dover

becoming the first player of Guyanese ancestry to score onSaudisoilashefinisheda pass from defender Quincy Adamsatthetopofthebox, placingittothebottomright ofgoal.

Jeddah Club, which was founded in 1968 and competes in the First DivisionLeague,thesecond t i e r o f S a u d i football,equalised soon after “This game provided

uswithagoodopportunityto seemanyoftheplayerswho are not on the first team. Of course we make our notes and we go back to the drawing board and implement the things we think need improving,” Doverexplained.

The Assistant Coach added that it augers well for the national team programme when young players likeKhedoo, Darron Niles of Slingerz FC and others are showing an appetite and desire to excel atthehighestlevel.

The starting XI read:Akel Clarke (Captain and Goalkeeper), Marcus Simmons,NathanFerguson, Ryan Hackett, Jalen Jones, Quincy Adams, Amos Ramsay,DarronNiles, (Continuedonpage

…Bartica, Chase’s, Dolphin among winners

Participants demonstrate the Butterfly technique at the opening of the 2024 Learn to Swim programme

Some

the action at the MoE ground between