Kaieteur News

Israel strikes eastern Rafah as ceasefire talks end with no deal

South Africa asks ICJ to order Israel to withdraw from Gaza's Rafah

-

...says ExxonMobil endangering Guyana underscores need

Ramping up oil production above safety limits for unlimited parent company guarantee

Another woman accuses Dharamlall of rape, cyberbullying …ex-minister denies allegations

-Norton

Essequibohomeowner awakenbygunmenwho demandedcash,jewellery

GTU ready to go to arbitration over stalled salary talks Guyana should be free of US Military base

Cutlass bandits break in H ’s office; walk out with $1700 after robbing security guard

Friendship man wanted for series of alleged robberies & rapes Exxon and broker appeared in court

Former Finance Minister sues State for millions

Nigel

Dharamlall

Sasenarine Sankar

Man remanded for attempted murder of ex-girlfriend

Sasenarine Sankar, the manaccusedoftheattempted murder of his ex-girlfriend

Sandy Persaud was charged onFriday

Sankar, who was deported from Suriname on Thursday made his first court appearance at the Albion Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plead to the indictable offence.

Bail was refused and the matter will be called on June 23, 2024 at the Springlands Magistrates' Court for statementsandfixtures.

S a n k a r, 4 7 , w a s

apprehended at a tyre shop in Suriname and handed over to law enforcement officials in Guyana on Thursday On April 5, 2023, it is alleged that Sankar, a barber, attackedPersaudwithasharp weapon, inflicting severe chops about her body leaving her with threatening injuries at No. 55Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Shortly after the chopping incident, he escaped to neighbouring Suriname.

Sankar fled Guyana after a wanted bulletin was issued for him in June 2023, in connection with the attemptedmurderofPersaud.

Ramping up oil production above safety limits underscores need for unlimited parent company guarantee - PNC/R

...says

The ramping up of oil production in the Stabroek Block by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) beyond the safe operating limits outlined in the Environmental Impact

Assessments (EIAs) underscores the need for the country to be furnished with an unlimited parent company guarantee to respond to the devastation likely to be caused by a massivespill. This is according to Leader of the People's National Congress Reform

ExxonMobil

(PNC/R), Aubrey Norton. The Opposition Leader during his weekly press conferenceonFridaymadeit clearthathedoesnotsupport therampupofoilproduction beyondthesafetylimits. In response to a question from Kaieteur News, he explained, “We said earlier that we are not supportive of that approach if I recall. Our position is we need to be very, very careful, look at every project separately and to space it out. There are dangers involved if you are goingabovethelimit-thatis

endangering Guyana

dangers for the people of Guyana because any mishap that occurs will impact the G u y a n e s e p e o p l e negatively.”

He added, “Like we said, while we want investment, we w

n

to see oil production, the interest of the people of Guyana must come

st and they (government) should not be encouraginganycompanyto go above the safety limits and endanger the people of Guyana.”

M

Opposition's spokesperson

Exxon hit with US$725.5 million verdict over mechanic’s leukemia diagnosis

Reuters-APennsylvania jury ordered ExxonMobil (XOM.N), opens new tab to pay US$725.5 million to a former mechanic who claimed toxic chemicals in the company's gasoline and solvents caused his cancer, according to attorneys for theplaintiff.

The 10-2 verdict came on Thursday, attorneys said, after a trial in a state court in Philadelphia, where former mechanic Paul Gill alleged he was exposed to benzene in ExxonMobil products while working at a gas station between 1975 and 1980.

Following the trial that lasted just over a week, the jury found Exxon liable for negligently failing to warn about the health risks of benzene, which the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency(EPA)hasclassified as a known carcinogen. The entire verdict was in

compensatory damages, accordingtoGill'sattorneys.

on oil and gas, Elson Low pointed out that the country is yet to be fully protected f

om the liabilities associated with a spill that may result from Exxon's operations.

To this end, he stressed, “Thisunderlinestheneedfor

a full parent company guarantee as well as appropriate oil spill insurance because if a company is going beyond nameplate capacity for the vessels that are producing oil,thatraisesthequestionof additionalrisk.” F

e accelerated production activities must be closely monitored by the respective oversightagencies.

On Tuesday, Kaieteur News reported that although Exxon is already producing above nameplate capacity at the second Floating Production Storage and

Offloading (FPSO) vessel, LizaUnity,thecompanywill be conducting further modifications to accelerate itsdailyoilproduction. Presently, Liza One and Liza Two are producing about 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) respectively The EIAs each specifically outline 120,000 and 220,000 bpd, as the safe operating limit for Liza One and Two, respectively Similarly, the third oil project – Payara - is also producing approximately 230,000bpdeventhoughthe vessel's nameplate capacity is220,000bpd.

Examinations Council

(CXC) on Friday said it is currently investigating an issue with one the

) examinationpapers. In a statement, the Council stated that it “has commenced investigations

surrounding an issue which

An Exxon spokesperson c a l l e d t h e v e r d i c t “irrational” and said the company would ask the court to reverse it, and that it planned to “exhaust all availableappeals.”

The 67-year-old former mechanic said in his 2020 lawsuit that he used petroleum products to clean carpartswithhisbarehands, which exposed him to benzene through direct skin contactandinhalation. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer, in 2019.

“ T h i s v e r d i c t i s important because it's a

finding that their gasoline causes cancer,” said Patrick Wigle, an attorney for Gill, inastatement.“ExxonMobil has known for decades that benzene causes cancer, yet they resisted warning the public and taking basic precautions to warn the publicandlimitexposure.”

GTU ready to go to arbitration over stalled salary talks -

Benzene is widely used in the United States in motor fuels, as a solvent for resins and plastics, and for other industrialpurposes.

The EPA, which limits theamountofbenzenethatis acceptable in fuels, says it also can be found in emissions from burning coal andoil,fromcarexhaustand from evaporation at gas stations,amongotherthings.

02,atspecificcentres.” The agency related that it

examinations can cause anxiety and wish to assure candidates and parents that these matters are treated with the highest urgency. “Once we have completed our

appropriate action will be taken,”CXCadded.

The Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) on Friday said that it is ready to go to arbitrationoverstalledsalary talks with the Ministry of Education This was disclosed by the Union's President, Dr Mark Lyte during a press conference held on Friday at the Union's Headquarters on Woolford Avenue.

Dr Lytewasaskedbythe media to tell them the extent of the Union's scope to pursue the grievance procedure; given that the government has refused to discuss the timeframe they requested the collective bargainingagreement.

“While the Union is ready and willing to submit itselftoarbitration,wedonot k n o w w h e t h e r t h e governmentispreparedtogo inthatdirection,becausethat process will allow for a neutral person to be selected and agreed on by both parties, who will decide on whether there is any ground for teachers to be given an increase salary and how much,” the GTU president said.

Further,Dr Lytesaidthat “Conciliation could have happened”.Heremindedthat the GTU wrote the Chief Labour Officer and copied the Minister of Labour “and

Dr. Lyte

President of the GTU, Dr. Mark Lyte.

a l l w e g o t w a s a correspondencesaying,there w a s n o n e e d f o r conciliation”.

“SoIamnotsurewhether theMinistryispreparedtogo that way and government I should say. But we are ready not to go to conciliation, we are ready to go to arbitration,”headded.

The GTU head said that the Union has shared its grievance memorandum with the public and there are steps to be taken to move from conciliation to arbitration.

“ T h e i s s u e w i t h conciliation is where we allow the Ministry of Labour through the Chief Labour

Officer to bring the two parties together to see what the issue is.We have seen no movement on the part of the Ministry of Labour through its Chief Labour Officer to bring some level of conciliation.”

Dr Lyte explained that the Union is far past the conciliation stage “Our memorandum also speaks to arbitrationbutincludedinthe memorandum is the fact that both parties would have to agreeontoarbitratorandthat there is a need for arbitration.”

Confidently, Dr Lyte assured reporters that the Union has the support of its teachers. “Verbal reports suggest60%ofteacherswere onstrikeonThursday.”

On Friday, the numbers received were reportedly higherandcontinuedsupport is expected in new week when teachers take to the streets.“In thenew week, we will have the strike accompanied by protest action We will be very strategic this time around to ensure that there is proper balance between the strike effort and the protest,” the GTUleadersaid.

Kaieteur News reported that the teachers will resume protestsnextweekinwhat (Continued on page 9)

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

How could the PPP be this way?

ThePeople’sProgressiveParty(PPP)asagroup,andthe maincomponentintheGuyanaGovernment,saysitisabout lawandorder Perhaps,partyleadersandeldersaresincere in their pronouncements. But then there is Nigel Dharamlall and how high he placed in the party’s just concluded Congress. The PPP insists that it is about clean governance,thebestpeoplethatGuyanahastooffer,andsetting anexample ButthenthereisformerministerNigelDharamlall andhowthepartyholdshiminhighregarddespitehislessthan stellarrecord ThePPP,includingfemalemembersinthegroup, loves to present a narrative about how much the women of Guyanaarerespected ButthenthereisNigelDharamlall,aPPP stalwartwhohasbeenrewardedwithoneofthemostpowerful endorsementsthatanypoliticalbodyhasinitshandstogive

Weatthispublicationareoftheviewthateventhemost irresponsible, brain dead, organisation would have put the most distance between itself and him, and not want such a person to be anywhere near its deliberations, its most watched gathering. The top influencers in the PPP could carelessofanysuchthings,orwhatGuyanesethink,orhow young and mature women of Guyana react. There is the probability that many women will be alarmed by the PPP CentralCommitteevoting,andhowwellNigelDharamlall didforhimself. Or,asismorebroadlybelieved,whatothers who occupy very senior positions in the party did for him. Nowthattheformeraccusedhassomuchmorepowerathis command, is well-ensconced in the PPP’s parlour, women may be more than alarmed. Many Guyanese women may have more reason to fear the resurrected and empowered Nigel Dharamlall, especially poor, weak, and vulnerable ones.

Whatelsecantheythink,howdifferentlyshouldtheyreact, considering that this PPP member, someone of such sullied reputation and believed to represent hidden menace? Especiallynowthathehas beenwelcomedwiththewarmest embrace in the party’s tightest circle Nigel Dharamlall is a relativelyyoungPPPoperator Whoknowswhetherintheshort spanofanothercoupleofCongresseshecouldturnouttobethe PPP’snumberonecandidatefornationalleader? Itisathought thatissofrighteningastobeparalyzing Thisshouldnotbe considered far-fetched, or the product of an overactive imagination The results of the balloting for the PPPCentral CommitteesawNigelDharamlallgainingahighertallyofvotes than eight ministers and a former president That is an achievementthattakesonadeepermeaning,whenamongthose left to trail him are several senior ministers, including Guyana’s attorney general. Anil Nandlall, is a senior counsel, and a tireless worker for the party at the highest levelsinthelocalandregionaljudicialsystems. Theirony shouldn’tbeoverlookedbyoutsidersthatGuyana’sleading man of the law is soundly thrashed by a comrade in the Central Committee voting, who had serious law-breaking accusationshangingoverhishead.

We ask a simple question. Which principled president of a country drawn from that same political party, which honest party leader, would be comfortable with the developmentofafigureofNigelDharamlall’shistorybeing held so close, elevated so high? There have been speculationsthatthePPPvotingwassetuptoensurecertain preordainedoutcomes. Whethersoornot,thatisamatterto beaddressedseparately TheconcernisthatwhereverNigel Dharamlallwent,heleftatrailofpoisonedairinhiscoming and going. This was the situation in parliament, the Guyanese people’s most august house. It was the same story in other places and other houses far from the capital cityGeorgetown.

What message could the PPP as a national group be sendingwithallthepowerinitshands? Isitallthatitwill defenditsown,nomatterwhatissaid,ortheappearanceof the matter? It could be that what the PPPis saying to the Guyanese people is that there is no standard to which it answers,andnooneandnothingtocontrolit.

GuyanaElectionFraudcasedelay“notcricket”

DEAREDITOR

, Further procrastinations of the egregious Guyana Election Fraud trial is as shocking as is its incorporation of dirty bed sheets and contrived spreadsheets are, and continues to be a source of b e w i l d e r m e n t a n d frustration, not least among Guyanese living in the Diaspora.Itcouldwellbethe object of comedy skits, except that this is no laughing or trivial matter. These delays denigrate the heart of our criminal justice system and shake the very foundations of our democracy in Guyana. The unprecedented villainous acts, grounded in the evidence, procedures and reports, must be ventilated andbrooknoforgiveness.

The Magistrate should not have given yet another postponement It was an obvious tactic calculated to delay the case. She should have noted the defence’s request, as she did with the prosecution’s,andmovedon with the case. The right to discovery is not an endless, timeless, nor limitless right. Nor should it be allowed to abusethejudicialsanctityof ourlegalsystem. Moreover, when it is arguedthatsection140(2)of the Representation of the People Act which provides

that, “No evidence of any deliberations of the Elections Commission or communications between membersoftheCommission regarding its business shall be admissible in any court” somehow clashes with the constitutional right to a fair trialasoutlinedinarticle144 of the Guyana Constitution, it wreaks of desperation. Indeed, the prosecution should argue that the same article of the Constitution nullifies that argument, “If anypersonischargedwitha criminal offence…the case shall be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court established bylaw.”[144(1)].

J u d g e s i n m o r e developed countries do not allow such overbroad challenges to waste judicial resources. They allow the defendants to appeal their decisions, after the trial Interlocutory disruptions like these are not allowed to stymie the judicial process.

Even if the learned Magistrate reasoned that, in her opinion, the question raised by defence counsel is neither “frivolous or vexatious” and is worthy of consideration by the High Court, then it should be raisedonappealaftertrial. The “right to defend themselves” should not be

expanded to a right to abuse theflowofjustice,especially when, as the prosecution argued, the defence should have raised this matter two years ago during the period for disclosures, and had summoned his witnesses, including the 93-year-old, Mr Kit Nascimento, in accordance with the Court’s schedule to commence the case. Justice is a two-lane highway.VPBharratJagdeo is right when he asserted, “thereisadeliberateattempt tostallthecase,andfrustrate the will of the people.” AG Anil Nandlall, a dedicated and exemplary jurist committed to improving the administration of justice in Guyana, must be rightly indignant with the flagrant, continued non-compliance of his counsel and example tootherjudicialofficers.

This is a trial, where the evidence will determine the outcome, all things being equal.

The defence must stop injecting red herrings and gamesmanship into the proceedings. Deal with the putrid substance of the case. Indeed,theymustbecareful what they wish for The minutes sought may sink theirdefence,ifany,further I must agree with those frustrated voices that no Magistrateshouldallowhim or herself to be constrained

by these legal manoeuvres clearly designed to thwart the election fraud case from beingtried.Afterthreeyears, the Defence should not be allowed to recycle or manipulate legal methods calculatedtofrustratejustice inthiscase,especiallywhen thoseargumentsshouldhave been raised earlier With everypostponement,therisk of this case being mooted and trivialised by another election cycle looms larger, andthepeopleofGuyanaare collectively deprived of justice.

TheMagistratemustrise to the occasion, if only to satisfy the international concernsthattheruleoflaw is alive and well in Guyana, andconfirmtoallthatweare deserving of our global ascendancy, and world standing,asanationproudof its basic institutions-like the delivery of justice. Judicial functionaries are reminded of the words of the famous Judge, Lord Mansfield, who posited,“Letjusticebedone, though the heavens fall.” Comedy hour has its time andplace.

This is not its place, nor time!

Sincerely, AlbertBaldeo Former Magistrate, SeniorStateProsecutorand Police Legal Advisor in Guyana

Dr. Phil’s interview with Prime Minister Netanyahu missed the mark and failed journalism’s duty

DEAREDITOR

, I am writing to express m y p r o f o u n d disappointment with the recent interview conducted by Dr Phil with Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu of Israel. As a viewerdeeplyinvestedinthe pursuit of insightful journalism and responsible discourse, I found the interview to be a disheartening display of missed opportunities, softball questions, and a failure to hold power to account.

First and foremost, it is imperative to recognise the gravityoftheissuesatstake when interviewing a world leader, especially one as polarizingandconsequential as Prime Minister Netanyahu.Israel’spolicies, actions, and international relations have profound implications not only for its own citizens but for the entire region and indeed the world. With such weighty matters in play, one would expect an interviewer of Dr

Phil’sstaturetoapproachthe conversation with rigorous preparation, incisive questioning, and a commitment to truthseeking.

Regrettably, what unfolded was a spectacle moreakintocelebritygossip than a serious discussion of political leadership and policy decisions. Dr Phil’s q u e s t i o n s w e r e disappointingly superficial, failing to delve into the complexities of the issues facing Israel and its neighbours Instead of holding Prime Minister Netanyahu accountable for his government’s actions, the interview seemed contenttoprovideaplatform for self-promotion and imagemanagement.

Moreover, Dr Phil’s failure to challenge Prime Minister Netanyahu on his controversial policies and actions represents a dereliction of journalistic duty Israel’s treatment of Palestinians,itsexpansionof settlements in the West

Bank, and its military actions in Gaza are deeply divisive issues that demand scrutiny and debate. Yet, these topics were conspicuously absent from the conversation, leaving viewers with a sanitized versionofrealitythatdoesa disservice to those directly impactedbyIsraelipolicies.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most protracted and complex conflicts in modern history, with deep historical roots and competing narratives. Any serious attempt to address this conflict must engage with its underlying causesandconsequences,as wellastheperspectivesofall p a r t i e s i n v o l v e d

Unfortunately, Dr Phil’s interview failed to provide this much-needed depth and nuance, instead opting for surface-level questions and uncritical acceptance of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s talkingpoints.

Furthermore, the interview’s lack of balance and perspective only serves to perpetuate a one-sided narrative that obscures the complexities of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict By allowing Prime Minister Netanyahu to present his viewsunchallenged,Dr Phil effectively silenced alternative voices and m a r g i n a l i s e d t h e experiences of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Such a biased approach not only fails the basic principles of journalism but also undermines the possibility of genuine dialogue and reconciliationintheregion. In addition to its substantive shortcomings, the interview also raised troubling questions about the ethics of Dr Phil’s journalisticpractices.Itisno secret that he is primarily known for his work in the fieldofpsychologyandselfhelp, rather than political journalism. While there is certainly value in exploring the psychological dimensionsofleadership (Continuedonpage05)

Fire Prevention in our schools

DEAREDITOR

,

The leadership of the Ministry of Education has recentlypostedonFacebook the progress being made in theconstructionofoneofthe new high school labs. It looked great, and the ceiling wasalsocompleted.Giventhe high level of risk associated with the use of Bunsen burners,itisnecessarytohave anoverheadsprinklersystem, fire extinguishers and a fire alarm system with a pull station in the labs Other

locationsintheschoolswhere such a system would be necessary are the home economics and industrial arts departments.

The Ministry of Home Affairs must update the building code to ensure that such a system is required in the construction of these facilities at our schools

Given the recent increase in fires, especially the fire at the Christ Church High School,itisexpectedthatall new schools will reflect this

change.Wemuststayontop of these critical safety issues. CRG looks forward to seeing these changes expected and implemented before the new schools are used. Current schools must alsoberetrofittedwiththese systems to ensure that all of our students are in a safer learningenvironment. Withconcern, Mr JamilChanglee Chairman

RepublicansofGuyana

Dr.Phil’sinterviewwithPrimeMinister...

Frompage04 and decision-making, there is a danger in allowing individuals with limited expertise in geopolitics to shape public discourse on suchcriticalissues.

Moreover, the timing and context of the interview must also be called into question. Given the recent escalation of violence in the region,withclashesbetween Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters, the interview presented an opportunitytoaddressthese

pressing concerns and explore avenues for dee s c a l a t i o n a n d peacebuilding. Instead, Dr Phil’s interview seemed disconnected from the reality on the ground, focusing more on surfacelevel platitudes than substantive engagement withtheissuesathand.

In conclusion, the interview conducted by Dr Phil with Prime Minister Netanyahu fell far short of the standards expected of serious journalism Its

failure to engage with the complexities of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, its lack ofaccountability,anditsbias infavourofpowerconstitute adisservicetoviewersandto the principles of truth, integrity, and justice As consumersofmedia,wemust demand better from those who claim to inform and educate us, holding them accountablewhentheyfailto meettheirobligations.

Sincerely,

WayneLyttle Journalist

Essequibo homeowner awaken by gunmen who demanded cash, jewellery

Two gunmen who invaded a Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast, RegionTwo home wokethehomeownerandhersontorobthem of$490,000,jewelleryandthreecellphones, theGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)reported.The robberyoccurredatabout02:05honFriday. Police in a report said that the gunmen invadedtheone-flatconcreteGoldenFleece homeof45-year-oldPrampattieMawaram. Mawaram,anofficeassistant,toldpolice

that she and her son retired to bed around 21:00hrsonThursday Afewhourslater,the womansaidshewasawakenedbytwomen, one of whom was holding a gun. The men demanded she handed over all money and jewellery.

Fearful of being shot, Mawaram gave themallthattheyrequested.

Thementhenmadegoodtheirescape. Investigationsareongoing.

Golden Fleece Essequibo Coast

Former Finance Minister sues State for millions millions

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordanthroughhis lawyer, has initiated legal proceedings against the State in relation to the MisconductinPublicOffice chargehewasprosecutedfor andlaterfreed.

Jordan is being represented by Senior Counsel, Roysdale Forde.

Thelawyerfiledtwomatters with the damages claim being fixed for hearing on May20,2024beforeJustice Navindra Singh and the Constitutional claim fixed forhearingonJune21,2024 before acting Chief Justice RoxaneGeorge-Wiltshire. Both matters were filed onMay9,2024.

The respondents listed

are Attorney General, Anil

N a n d l a l l , S C ; S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , Commander of Regional Division 4C, Krishnadat

Ramana; Assistant Superintendent, Mahendra Singh and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) ShalimarAli-Hack,S.C.

According to the damages claim document

seen by this publication, Jordan is seeking over $300 million for malicious prosecutionforachargethat was read and in excess of $300 million for a charge that was intentionally and wrongfully instituted. Also, damages over $300 million for wrongly pursuing legal action and damages over $300 million for false imprisonment.

Jordan is also seeking a public apology for the malicious prosecution and falseimprisonment.

The former finance minister is also seeking exemplary, aggravated and vindicatorydamages,aswell asaninterestatarateof6% per annum from the date of filingtothedateofjudgment andthereafteratarateof4% per annum from the date of Judgmentuntilfullypaid.

According to the grounds of the application, Jordan had been diagnosed asadiabeticatleast10years earlier, and during the investigation period back in 2021, when Jordan was arrested, his condition deteriorated while in custody

Hewasrushedtoahealth centre which was ill-

equippedandhadtobetaken to a private hospital. The former minister was prescribed sick leave and medication, and after his health condition was still deemed to be unstable, he was granted an additional sickleave.

It was further stated that Jordan was later summoned to court and on December 28, 2021, Jordan made his firstcourtappearancebefore Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was placed on $3 million bail. He was charged with Misconduct in PublicOfficebysellingstate property way below market value to BK Marines Limited at a price that was grosslyundervalued.

The matter was dismissedonMay16,2023.

Jordan’s lawyer contended that during the trial period, his client’s health condition persisted which resulted in receipt of medical bills, and sickleave.Itwasalsostated that Jordan had to find money to transport him to theSpecialOrganisedCrime Unit (S.O.C.U) every last Fridayofthemonthuntilthe determination of the case in May,2023.

Theeventsthatfollowed

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

the dismissal of the case werealsolistedasaground. It was stated that the Attorney General had applied for an Order issuing aWarrantforJordan’sarrest andcommittalforthetrialto theHighCourt.

The Chief Justice later ruledthattherewasalackof evidence to support the claim as well as to have the formerministerarrestedand committedtotrial.

According to reports, a paper committal was c o n d u c t e d a t t h e Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for Jordan. Jordan’s lawyers contended that the prosecutionfailedtoprovea keyelementofthecharge,to show that their client was a public officer at the time. Their argument said that Jordan did not meet the criteriaofapublicofficer,as

(Continuedonpage17)

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Gutter press conference

Frankly put, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo press gatherings can no longer be described as press conferences. No self-respecting Guyanese, no principled citizen, would declare these as meeting with the press and sharing with the media for dissemination with the rest of Guyana.

We at this paper identify the Bharrat Jagdeo press conferences for what they have degraded to: press obscenities, press wars and press cuss downs.

They are virtual crimes against the independent media establishment in Guyana.

It is now a standing repugnance that this is what this former head of state now presides over shamelessly and without batting an eyelid.

Guyana should be free of US Military Base

Amidst an ongoing border dispute between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela, Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton believes there should be no establishment of a military base here by the Unites StatesofAmerica(USA).

Norton during his weekly engagement with the media was asked by this publication to give his views on the establishment of a US Military Base here as Guyana and the US work towards deeper “defence cooperation”. Guyana has been increasing its defence capabilities through its allies, in the face of renewed threats from Venezuela which claims ownership of Essequibo- some two thirds ofthiscountry

Only yesterday it was reported that two U.S. Navy aircraft on Thursday made a flyover Guyana's coast. The US F/A-18F Super Hornets, embarked on the USS

George Washington conducted the Guyana Defence Force-coordinated and approved flyover of Georgetown and its surrounding areas The flyover commenced at 2:00 pm, with collaboration and a p p r o v a l f r o m t h e Government of Guyana, the

US Embassy said in a press r e l e a s e

- Norton

Members of the public were advised that the exercise was built upon routine security cooperation and bilateral defense partnership between theUSandGuyana.

Norton told reporters Friday that he was unaware of the planned flyover by the American military jets. He was keen to note however that the government should be mindful that its actions have implications in the realmofforeignpolicy

“Like every other Guyanese, I read it in the news and so I don't know what factor determines it. What I do know is that in foreign policy, every act that you would have taken has implications and while there might be some elements to them flying over, there are negative elements which we also have to look at,” the OppositionLeaderstressed. In fact, he said was he in the position of government, the activity would have been dealt with “slightly different”.

It would be important to note that shortly after the US Military exercise in Guyana, Venezuela's Foreign Affairs

Minister, Yvan Gil said it was “further proof of the provocations to Venezuela by the US Southern Command” and a breach of the December 14, 2023 Argyle agreement between the two countries The Leader of the Opposition then pointed out that while there are pros and cons to having a U.S. Military Base in-country, Guyana should steer clear from such an operation at this time. “I believethattherearedangers in having a base, there are positivesinhavingabase. We have to also cater for our neighbours Brazil who I know have concerns about military bases in this Region and they are critical to the support for Venezuela so I would prefer to get all the data at my disposal and to

addressitandekeoutwhatis Guyana's best interest,” Nortonposited.

Although the Opposition Leader opted to carefully study the subject before makingapronouncement,he noted, “Generally, I would be inclined to have Guyana free of those activities, if only because we have a controversy with Venezuela and we prefer all of these

thingstobedealtwithwithin the realms of diplomacy rather than any form of military(involvement).”

Nortonexplainedthatthe Oppositionisnotprivytothe military exercises being c a r r i e d o u t b y t h e Government of Guyana (GoG) to boost the country's defence capabilities, although the two sides have agreed to cooperate on the borderdispute.

“Thegovernmenthasnot engaged me on the Guyana/ Venezuela territorial controversy or on any other issuesincewemetjusttotalk b e f o r e t h e A r g y l e Declaration when I made certain positions clear,” Norton said. In January this year, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Western Hemisphere at the U.S. Department of Defense,

Daniel P Erikson was asked abouttheplansoftheU.S.to set up a military base in the Caribbeanregion.

Erikson was at the time engaging with local members of the print media at the U S Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana when he explained, “The United States views the challenges posed by transnational organisations that are not just military challenges but are also legal and law enforcement challenges and therefore require the whole of government response working with our partners in theregion.”

He continued, “So at this juncture, we are not foreseeing any changes in terms of what our overall posture is in this region but you know we continue to assess the situation as it evolves.”

CDB'sAnnual Meeting to focus on collaboration for stronger Caribbean economies

Identifying practical measures for leveraging regional and international collaboration to achieve sustainable development is the focus of the 54thAnnual Meeting of the Board of Governors (BOG) of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), scheduled for June17-20,2024,inOttawa, Canada.

Themed "Partnerships for Resilient Prosperity," the hybrid event reflects the Bank's drive to catalyse cooperative approaches to bolstergrowthandresilience across its Borrowing Member Countries (BMC), CDB said in a press release. The Meeting will provide a platform for consultation and interaction between the Bank's highest levels of leadership and critical s t a k e h o l d e r g r o u p s including donor entities, sector experts, public sector leaders, and development partners.

The agenda will facilitate collaborative exchanges and knowledge sharing to address the Region's most pressing development challenges

The dialogue will explore avenues for reshaping the international financing paradigm to prioritise resilient, inclusive prosperity. Priority issues will include practical approaches to stimulating e c o n o m i c a c t i v i t y,

mitigating the Region's vulnerabilities, enhancing implementation capacity in BMCs, and confronting common threats such as climatechangeimpacts.

C D B ' s A c t i n g

President, Mr. Isaac Solomonsaid, “This Annual Meeting provides a vital opportunity to strengthen partnerships that can unlock transformative solutions for sustainable development across CDB's Borrowing Member Countries By promoting collaborative approaches and exchange of expertise, we can identify practical strategies to catalyse economic growth, build resilience to overcome our vulnerabilities, and p r i o r i t i s e i n c l u s i v e prosperity for all Caribbean people and communities."

With the Government of Canada serving as host, the 2024 Annual Meeting also presents an opportunity for regional stakeholders to deepen engagement with the international development community Canada's Minister of International Development,Hon.Ahmed Hussen, the current Chairman of CDB's BOG, said, “Canada and the Caribbean region share a close relationship. Together, we've worked to reduce poverty, take action on climate change, and invest in renewable energy Canada is a founding member of the

Caribbean Development Bank and the largest contributor to the Bank's Special Development Fund for tackling the biggest challenges.

As the 2024 Chair of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank, I look forward to strengthening our ties and welcoming members of the Caribbean Region to Ottawa. The Annual Meeting will serve as an opportunity for our two regions to come together, discuss current issues and chart a course for future action.”

In keeping with CDB's k n o w l e d g e - s h a r i n g objectives, the event schedule includes a seminar series to unveil research findings and facilitate solution-driven dialogue on pivotal matters including improving connectivity and logistics to bolster regional trade, promoting gender equity in Caribbean Labour Markets, mobilising private c a p i t a

o a d v a n c e sustainable development, and utilising the region's creative industries in development strategies. The agenda also features the esteemedWilliam G. Demas Memorial Lecture, which will explore the enabling factors and environment needed to foster greater private sector engagement and investment in driving developmentinitiatives.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

Three bandits armed with knives and cutlasseson

Mistress's

Jagdeoneedshelpinunderstandingdemocraticcentralism

Bharrat Jagdeo is confusing himself when he equates democratic centralism with majority rule. The two are not the same, and before the PPP reforms Accrabe College, it should run a special session for the benefit of Jagdeo so that he can have an understanding of what exactly is democratic centralism and how having suchasystemisatoddswith the removal of MarxismLeninism from the party’s constitution.

Jagdeo also needs to disabuse himself of the idea thatdemocraticcentralismis the same as what exists in organisations in which the members, for example, of a Board are bound by a decisionofthemajority

This is known as collective co-responsibility Inasystemofcollectivecoresponsibility, decisions are made collectively through consensus-building and democratic processes, with every member having a voiceinthedecision-making process. Once a decision is reached, all members are expected to uphold and

implement it, thereby sharing responsibility for its outcomes. If someone does not agree with that decision and does not intend to be bound by it, that person is expectedtoresign. Democratic centralism sharessomesimilaritieswith collective co-responsibility but it is not the same.At its core, democratic centralism embodies the fusion of democratic principles with centralised decision-making processes. It operates on the premise that decisions are centralised and made through democratic discussion and debate, but onceadecisionisreachedby the majority, it must be adheredtobyallmembersof theorganisation.

However, democratic centralism should not be conflated with mere majority rule. Majority rule iswhatitsnamesuggests. It is just a way in which a decision is carried: by the majority of those present or eligibletovote

Democratic centralism is a concept often associated with Marxist ideology Its roots however are in

Leninism rather than Marxism While Marxism laid the groundwork for socialist theory and the idea of collective decisionmaking, it was Vladimir Lenin who articulated and implemented the concept of democratic centralism withintheBolshevikParty Leninist democratic centralismintroducedseveral keyelementsthatdistinguish it from generic Marxist principles Firstly, Lenin emphasizedthenecessityofa strong,centralizedleadership to guide the revolutionary movement

Cheddi Jagan in declaring the PPP/C’s as Marxist-Leninist party entrenched centralised decision-making within the party ThePPPontothisday has a communist decisionmaking structure in which theCongresselectsaCentral Committee which in turn devolvesdecision-makingto an all-powerful Executive Committee, in between meetings of the Central Committee. Lenin would have been proud of this decision-makingstructureof thePPP/C.Jaganentrenched

GTUreadytogotoarbitrationover...

Frompage3

hasbeendescribedbyDr Lyteasa“strategic strike”. Teachers’ resumed strike action on Thursdayalbeitnotintheformofprotests.

“There is no protest today (Thursday). The strike begins today but teachers will be staying away from work today and tomorrow,”Dr Lytesaidaddingthat“Come nextweek,wemayverywellhavetotaketo thestreets,becauseasyouknow,astrikecan be accompanied by a protest. Next week, somedaystherewillbeprotestsanditwillbe countrywide.

This time around we have to be more strategic with it,” Dr Lyte told Kaieteur

News on Thursday On Tuesday, the GTU announced its intended strike while disclosing that it has informed both the Ministries of Education and Labour, via letter,ofitsintentiontoresumestrikeaction.

During a virtual press conference, Dr Lytesaidthatsincethe29-daystrikeheldin February, the Union was unable to have discussions with the government on the multi-yearproposalsforincreasesinsalaries. It was reported that the multi-year proposal covers a period of five years, 2019 to 2023. TheUnionhadproposeda25percentsalary increasein2019anda20percentincreasefor 2020-2023.

DEM BOYS SEH

Guyana gone in de Guinness Book of World Records

InGuyana,wedon’tjust break records. We shatter ‘em like a glass bottle in a rumshopbrawl!

Remember dat time when dis fella decided to launch he own political party? Yeah, nobody showed up ‘cept him and one poor reporter who probablyjustwantedagood laugh.Was a case of a oneman party, one-reporter press conference now dat’s what we call a Guinness-worthy moment!

Guyana is always de trailblaza’. Dat record still stands. But wait, it gets better

Just last Thursday, we had another gem of a record being set, and lemme tell ya, dis one had de whole world scratchin’ dey heads indisbelief.Disblokeplops himselfdownatyetanodda press conference and proceeds to talk non-stop for a whole hour plus. I mean, we’re talkin’ more chatterdanaparrot! Whenhefinallydecides to take a breather and toss de mic to de press, what happens? Not a single question! Not even a “hey buddy,what’syourfavorite colour?” Talk ‘bout a press conference where de

democratic centralism within the PPP This was requirement that had been laid down for communist parties a mere three years after the Russian Revolution.

Lenin had argued that in the face of capitalist oppression and external threats, a centralised l e a d e r s h i p w a s indispensable for effective decision-making and coordinated action This emphasis on centralisation allowed for swift and decisive responses to changing circumstances, enabling the Bolsheviks to seize power during the OctoberRevolutionof1917.

Secondly, Leninist democratic centralism prioritised the principle of disciplined unity within the party While democratic debate and discussion were encouraged, once a decision was made through democratic procedures, it wasbindingonallmembers. This ensured that the party couldpresentaunifiedfront tobothinternalandexternal challenges.

Democratic centralism can be contrasted with democraticdecentralismand collective co-responsibility Democratic decentralism, while sharing similarities with democratic centralism initsemphasisondemocratic

decision-making,differsinits approach to centralised authority In a decentralised model, decision-making authorityisdispersedamong v a r i o u s l e v e l s o f organisation, allowing for greater autonomy and flexibilityatthelocallevel.

The PPP/C has not moved to this sort of model despite expunging references to MarxismLeninism from the party

Persons have pointed out that there is an inherent contradiction with the PPP expung

ng MarxismLeninism from its constitution while retaining democratic centralism

Jagdeohassoughttoexplain thisisnotsobutheendedup inakerfuffle.

On the other hand, collective co-responsibility

focuses on shared accountability and decisionmaking without necessarily requiring c

ed authority Collective coresponsibility promotes collective decision-making and consensus-building but it lacks the centralised leadership characteristic of democraticcentralism.

While democratic centralism theoretically aims to balance democratic decision-making with centralised leadership, its application in practice has often been at odds with

making. One critique is that it can lead

he concentration of power in the hands of a selected few This can potentially stifle dissentandlimitdiversityof perspectives.Thistop-down approach to decisionmaking may also result in a disconnect between the leadership of the party and its broader membership.We have read narratives, for example, where within the PPP allegations were made of persons being disallowed tospeakatcertainforumsof the party It therefore is disingenuous for the PPP leadership to now redefine democratic centralism as majority rule The PPPin its mad rush to fully transform the party into a bourgeois outfit did not cover all the bases;intheend,itespousesa liberal ideology but operates withauthoritarianorgans (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

silence was so loud, you could hear a mosquito sneeze!

Guyana mekking history again. Fuss was de one-party hosting a onereporter press conference. Then we had a press conferencewithoutasingle question being asked. De manwasprattlingalongfor so long dat de reporters present forget what the event was about. It was the only press conference in history where no question wasasked.

Only in Guyana dem boysseh!OnlyinGuyana! Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

PPP Congress – a study in funny and fantasy

The word from SN on Sunday, May

th5 was that PPP

General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo,cameoutswingingin the party's Congress against isms. Me, too; finally, there is something with which Dr Jagdeo and I are of one head. I have always been against socialism and communism, sotheVicePresidentandIare one. The irony that should not be lost on citizens is that thoseismsareaboutone-man rule, at the core. Hence, this is particularly amusing comingfromMr Jagdeo. On the other hand, I am against cronyism and nepotism and gangsterism and paganism, and it would be helpful to knowwhereJagdeostandson those four isms. It cannot be via lip service or on paper only, but in the irrefutable proofofreality

To make myself clear, I

am for the ism of criticism, aboutwhichitisobviousthat Jagdeo cannot fathom or stomach in any amount and fromanyperson.

Matters are only made worse when they have some element of truth in them. He goes bonkers every time, withthewhitepartofhiseyes showing. To balance the scales, and before the rage of the rabbit descends on my head, I am with Guyana's brightest light, President Ali, when he incorporated that other ism-multiculturalismin his Indian Arrival Day message.

Thank God for at least one ism finding favour Incidentally, the same brightly self-haloed president is on record that he is for constructive criticisms, but on one condition only

Hegetsthefirstandlastword about what is constructive

and what is not, and he reserves the right to determine how far such criticismscango. Thisisone tuffcountry

Nonetheless, I must be in good standing with the PPP, since I am with the president and the vice president on what they are for and against relative to some of theisms thateitherenrageorputthem to sleep. It is why nobody wants to posture, talk, or write about ideology today Even Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have separated from theirrootsintheoldismsand are now about money in this exciting new era of capitalism having the world at its feet, like some conquering Miss Universe diva.

Speaking about money, I was at the PPP Congress and absorbed the redshirted President Ali flashing

effervescently about how VP Jagdeo sacrificed personal riches.

The things that people say and do in this country are justincredible.

ThiswasaccordingtoKN th also from Sunday May 5 Only an incomparably astute practitioner of a certain kind ofethicsandpersonalfinance as Guyana's President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali is capable of saying something like that, and then be allowed to get away with it Presidential immunity does come in handy lots of times. It is when he says things like thesethatPresidentAli'sown peoplestartthinkinglesserof him.

Meanwhile, the next time thatIrunintoVPBarry,Iplan to have a word with this man ofmagictofindoutthesecret ofhowhesacrificedpersonal riches,andstillendedupwith apalaceinPradovilleII.

I would like to know since I could find some use foronelikethatformyself. It should be noticed that I stuck to real estate holdings in Pradoville and didn't cast my eyes to other sections of town.

Also, this can be told to my fellow Guyanese straight off the bat. They didn't teach thetypeofpersonalsacrifices

thatBharratJagdeomade inthehandfulofAmerican schools that I attended, or in my very rigid home growing up.

Noristhatspecialkindof mystery sacrifice and the mentalitythatsupportsitpart of the makeup of the people with whom I break bread. I exhort fellow citizens to pause for a minute and do something to improve their u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f a politician's life in Guyana. Look at the people who Jagdeo surrounds himself with, those who are his bosompals.

If they are the kind of characters (along with Jagdeo himself) that make personal sacrifices, then there must be rethinking of my whole relationship with God.

For here I am, making all these personal sacrifices (livinginthiscountryisone), and I can't even afford a cheap second house, or an expensivetopofthelinedog.

L a s t , i t w a s t h e honourable VP himself who told his captive Congress audience that only the PPP is equipped, experienced enough to lead Guyana forward. Of course, there can be no denying that only the PPP is equipped with a

special kind of people who knowexactlywhattodowith taxpayers' budget and oil money Equipped on how to convert it for their own prosperity

Equippedwiththeunique skills to read tender rules and bids documents in a certain way, so that contract awards end up in certain hands. E q u i p p e d w i t h t h e extraordinary vocabulary of oneleaderwholivesonsome fantasy island, and whose idea of transparency is whenever he says something i s s o [ p o s s e s s i n g transparency], then it can onlybeso.

After four years of g a i n i n g i n v a l u a b l e experience of that kind in those areas, the PPP is, indeed, equipped to lead Guyanaintothenewera. Itis the era that started in August 2020: one that is heading straight to hell. Remember I saidso.

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

Exxon and broker appeared in court

Representatives from

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and Ramps Logistics Guyana Limited (RGLI) appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday, in relation to the US$12.192 billion inflated invoice that was submitted to the Guyana RevenueAuthority(GRA).

Steve Gentry, a manager at EMGL and Mariska Jordan, a manager at Ramps Logistics appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where they werereadtheirindividualcharges.

Late April, it came to light that Ramps, contracted by Exxon to import oil well equipment, had allegedly submitted an inflated invoice. This discrepancy caught theattentionofGRA,promptingan investigation.

Gentrypleadednotguiltytothe chargewhichstatedthatonthe16th day of November, 2023 at Lot 200201 Camp Street, Georgetown, Exxon caused to be made and subscribedafalsedeclarationtothe Revenue Authority, to wit the defendant caused the value declared on invoice number for a quantity of oil well equipment and supplies to be valued at US$12,192,103,923.91.

Jordan also denied the charge thatwasreadtoher Itisallegedthat on the same date and location,

Ramps made an untrue declaration totheRevenueAuthority,towitthe defendantuntrulydeclaredasumof US$12,192,103,923.91 for a quantity of oil well equipment and supplieslistedonaninvoice.

It is alleged that Ramps submitted an invoice for oil well equipmentvaluedatUS$4,467,662 but the declared value to Customs w a s a s t a g g e r i n g US$12,192,103,923.91.

ExxonMobil was represented by a battery of lawyers led by Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo, while Ramps legal team consists of Senior Counsel Sophia Chote from TrinidadandTobago.

Senior Magistrate Daly placed bothGentryandJordanonself-bail and also granted permission for them to leave the jurisdiction when needed. The matter was adjourned toJune28,2024.

The matter is being prosecuted by Deputy Commissioner-General of the GRA, Attorney-at-Law, Jason Moore The prosecutor informed the court that the investigation into the matter is still incomplete.

It should be noted that if convicted for making a false declaration to the GRA, Exxon and Ramps face a mere GYD$25,000 fine, together with imprisonment forthreeyears.

Kaieteur News hasreportedthat

Exxonwasinformedthatduringthe investigation, Ramps submitted a missive to the Revenue Authority stating that it was contracted by Exxon to provide brokerage and freight forward service and attributedtheerroneousdeclaration to information obtained from Exxon'sKABALsystem.

On December 11, 2023, Exxon representatives visited GRA to assist with the investigation, where enquiries were made in relation to Exxon's conduct Further, in response, Exxon in a letter dated December 13, 2023 claimed that it learned that Ramps, “incorrectly inputtedUSDasthecurrencyofthe commercial invoice on the referenced Customs declaration, in place of GYD; and the error resulted in an overstatement of the

value of the items listed on the commercial invoice and consequently on the Customs declaration submitted by your broker.”

Inresponsetothis,theRevenue Authority indicated that Exxon's claims/explanation cannot be deemed as accepted in law, particularlysinceastatutorydutyis imposed on Exxon to verify and ensurethatallinformationdeclared to GRA by its broker is true and correct.

“In addition, evidence was obtained to prove that the untrue declaration was caused to be made and subscribed to the Revenue Authority by your company As such, be guided accordingly that this act constitutes a breach of Section 217 (1) (a) of the Customs

Act, Chapter 82:01,” GRAtold the company.

E x x o n w a s g i v e n a n opportunity to show cause why proceedings should not be instituted against them in accordance with the Customs Act. The company in response to the Revenue Authority made several claims: that it was not the declarant and has not made any false declaration, that the declaration was made by Ramps, that it (Exxon) has not made and subscribed or caused to be made and su

scribed any

lse declaration, that any error made by Ramps was a typographical error which did not injure to the detrimentoforcauseanylosstothe Revenue Authority, that to the best of EMGL's knowledge, all information that was available to Ramps from the KABAL platform was accurate and any error was not causedbyExxon.

Moreover,theoilcompanyalso told GRA that under its contract, Ramps had an obligation to review and verify all inbound shipping documentation (such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc ) and was contractually obligated to review and verify all relevant shipping information before preparing and submitting thedeclaration.

Steve Gentry, a manager at EMGL

Mariska Jordan, a manager at RGLI

Another woman accuses Dharamlall of rape, cyberbullying …ex-ministerdeniesallegations

A28-year-old woman held a press conference on Friday detailing her alleged rape by former M i n i s t e r o f L o c a l Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

The woman, Sarah Hakh, a former employee of the same ministry, shared harrowing details about how she was allegedly raped, and sexually exploited by the former government official. She disclosed that she filed a police report and is hoping thatjusticeprevails.

Hakh reportedly met the former official back in 2020. She shared that during her first time meeting the accused, it was over dinner wheretheyhadaprofessional interaction, but added that some of his actions that evening“wasjuststrange.”

In an initial statement to the media last year, the woman had shared that the official called her about a job offer On the day of the supposed meeting with the

Former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

official and his team, the woman shared that she drove toStateHouse,AnnaRegina, Region Two where the officialsaidameetingwillbe held.“... I couldn't believe this is happening and I stare at the ceiling and look at a clock to the left of me. My dignity and sanity went out the window and I was crushed”,thewoman'ssaid.

She also shared details from the second alleged incident which occurred at

the official's home sometime in2021.

During the press conference, the woman expressed her dissatisfaction with the fact that the former government official is still in the limelight of the People's ProgressiveParty(PPP).

Meanwhile, Dharamlall inapressstatementonFriday evening accused Hakh of embarking on a campaign to “tarnishmyreputation.”

He first acknowledged

the press conference stating that he is aware of certain malicious allegations being levelledagainsthim.

“From the outset, I wish to categorically and most vehemently deny each and every one of the allegations made by the said (name mentioned)therein.Forsome while hitherto, I was privy to rumours that (name mentioned) was making unsavory comments in relation to me, but I made a

deliberate effort to ignore them. I have known (name mentioned) personally for several years and have always maintained a most civil and cordial relationship with her, including so

ialising on many occasions,”Dharamlallsaid. He continued, “Her demeanour towards me changed fundamentally after I rebuffed her advances and spurnedherattemptsto (Continued on page 20)

Fisherman sentenced to 13 years jail for attempted murder

A 26-year-old fisherman was on Friday sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for theattemptedmurderofFizul Mohamed when he appeared virtually at the Demerara HighCourtonFriday

The fisherman, Shawn Williams appeared before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry Williams tried to kill Fizul Mohamed at a shop at Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on January 31,2015.

The facts related that on January 31, 2015 around 21:30hrs, Mohamed was imbibing at a shop with his friend John (only name provided). Mohamed left to

purchase cigarettes at the counter and while doing so

John and Williams had an argument over a gambling game The argument escalated and Williams pulled a knife on John and threatenedhim.

Upon his return, Mohamed asked Williams why he pulled the knife on John. This enraged Williams who then stabbed Mohamed in the region of his left abdomen. He made good his escape on a bicycle shortly thereafter

The victim was rushed to the Leonora Cottage

Hospital, where he was seen by a doctor on duty, who patched his wound. He was then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC).

Meanwhile, during the court proceedings, Williams toldthecourtthattheincident wasamistake.

In his plea of mitigation, Williams' lawyer, Kezia Williams asked the court to consider that her client is very remorseful on how the incident took place The attorney highlighted that Williams has learnt from his mistakes She further requestedofthecourttobeas lenient as possible for her c l i e n t M e a n w h i l e , Prosecutor Caressa Henry, in heraddressaskedthecourtto consider the aggravating factors that a dangerous weapon was used to injure the victim. Henry also noted

theseriousnessoftheoffence whilst citing that the victim sustained a stab wound to his left abdomen which was deemedaslifethreatening.

The prosecutor added that due to the injuries the victim has sustained, it affected him economically, given the fact that he was the sole breadwinner for his home, and as a result of the injury,hewasbedriddenfora year which made him unable to work. The court was also reminded that Williams fled thescene–providingnohelp and no apology.Importantly, the prosecutor highlighted thatthesentencetobe (Continued on page 17)

Shawn Williams

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LEGAL NOTICE (1)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULAR JURISDICTION NO. 2023-HC-DEM-CIVFDA-839

BETWEEN:

1.CLAIREa O’GARR0

2.GLORIA MATTHEWS, represented by her duly constituted attorney, STANLEY WILLS agreeable with Power of Attorney executed on the 6th day of July, 2010 and numbered 5004 of 2010

3.MAXINE CHARLES represented by her duly constituted attorney STANLEY WILLS agreeable with power attorney executed on the 5th

LEGAL NOTICE (2)

Petitioner/ Applicant –and-

(HOOPER)GARFIELD ANTHONY

Respondent

day of October, 1990 and recorded in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 5th day of October 1990 and recorded in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 5th day of October 1990 and numbered 4357 of 1990.

4.STANLEY WILLS in his capacity as the administrator Ad Litem of the Estate of NORMA GITTENS, deceased by virtue of Court Order date the 24th day of October, 2023.

5WILFRED SOLOMON in her capacity as the Administrator Ad Litem of the Estate of PHILMA SOLOMON, deceased, by virtue of Court Order dated the 24th day of October, 2023.Added Claimants-andEDWARD HARRY JR. Defendant NOTICE OF DEFENCE AND COUNTERCLAIM TAKE DEFENCE that EDWARD HARRY JR., of Sublot ‘A’, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, intends to defend this said Application. Any person intending to oppose the Notice of Defence and Counterclaim must file a defence to counterclaim within one (1) month after the date of the first publication of the notice and shall include that the matter is adjourned to 19th August 2024 at 3:00 p.m

before Honourable Justice Corbin Lincoln in Court 8 for case management.

AT GEORGETOWN, DEMERARA

This Notice was filed by Mr. Donavon A. Rangiah, Attorney-at-Law for the Respondent, whose address for service and place of business are at Lot 156 Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana.

2024-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-34 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION. FAMILY DIVISION Application No. FD-34 Between:(HOOPER) LAUREN ALETHEA nee DUNCAN

TO: GARFIELD ANTHONY HOOPER

Formerly of 219 Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown

TAKE NOTICE that on the 5th day of January, 2024 a petition for divorce and Application relating to children was filed against you by LAUREN ALETHEA HOOPER nee DUNCAN, the petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 19th day of April, 2024, the petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her petition and Application on you by publication of the notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issue of the Kaieteur Newspaper, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the registry of Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the petition together with related documents.

LEGAL NOTICE (2)

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce and Application related to children, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgment of service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the registry, Answer and / or Cross petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (Thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for directions hearing on FRIDAY the 21st day of June, 2024 at 9:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris Ramlall via Zoom Meeting ID: 461 884 5616 and Password:court6 IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of service. Notice of Intention to defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your

absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts (Georgetown, Demerara). The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 23rd day of April, 2024.

FOR REGISTRAR

LEGAL NOTICE (3)

Filing Attorney:Ms. Tonza Sarrabo GUYANA LEGAL AID CLINIC “Maraj Building”185 Charlotte & King Streets Georgetown, GuyanaTel: 225-9238/2259246Email: legalaid@networksgy.com 2024-HC-DEM-CIV-FD205IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-205

LEGAL NOTICE (3) BETWEEN:(ALEXANDER) MARK ANDREA Petitioner/Applicant -and(ALEXANDER) ROSEANN nee BLAIR Respondent TO: ROSEANN ALEXANDER nee BLAIR Lot 232 Middle Road La Penitence Georgetown TAKE NOTICE that on the 9th day of February, 2024 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by MARK ANDREA ALEXANDER the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 26th day of April, 2024 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and

LEGAL NOTICE (1)

LEGAL NOTICE (1)

circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

\TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 28th day of June, 2024 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramall via Zoom Meeting ID: 461 884 5616 and Password: court6

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in

your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara].

LEGAL NOTICE (3)

The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 30 day of April, 2024.

20 Region One residents to undergo small-engine technician training

For the first time, 20 residents from Sebai and Canal Bank, in the Matarkai sub-district in Region One will soon possess the required skills to become licensed small engine technicians, following the launch of the skill training programme.

The four-month training programme is being undertaken by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

It will see the participation of 10 residents from each village.

Upon completion, a certificate will be provided to the participants who can then venture into various entrepreneurial opportunities, to earn an income. The execution of the programme fulfils a request made by the residents during a recent community outreach. The government is ensuring that everyone, regardless of geography, has equitable access to opportunities to further their academic pursuits, to ensure that they are equipped with the requisite knowledge to be employable in Guyana’s evolving workforce.

“What we are doing is extending to you the same opportunities that other people were getting for years that you were never exposed to. [As a] government, we have a responsibility to take care of the citizens of the country. That is our work,” affirmed Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton during the launch at Sebai Primary School.

In 2023, alone, 187 persons from the region were certified in several training programmes.

Over the last three years, several skills training programmes have been executed in the region totalling $53.5 million benefitting 544 persons thus far.

These beneficiaries have been skilled in plumbing, block making, catering, cake decoration, information technology, refrigeration and air-

conditioning repairs.

On a similar note, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Richard Maughn, charged the trainees to complete the programme despite any challenges they may encounter.

According to Maughn,

the programme ought to be considered as a stepping stone for the participants’ future aspirations.

BIT programmes, that are offered free of cost, align with the government’s pledge in promoting skills training by

expanding technical and vocational training and apprenticeship programmes countrywide.

So far, 11,439 persons from across the country have been skilled by BIT.

Prime Minister Repre-

Fisherman sentenced to 13 years jail for attempted...

From page 14 imposed on Williams should be a reflection to society of the severity of committing such offences. She suggested that sentencing considerations should include rehabilitating, anger management and behavioral change interventions.

Justice Sewnarine-

Beharry in handing down the sentence pointed to several aggravating factors. She noted that the victim was wounded which could have potentially caused his death. The judge also highlighted the fact that a knife was used and William fled the scene.

Furthermore, the judge noted that Williams offered no

assistance to the victim and also the fact that due to the incident, Mohamed has suffered economically.

Nevertheless, she said despite Williams’ apparent remorse, he was considered a menace by those who know him.

The judge also considered poor parental guidance

and supervision that Williams endured. As such, he was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment, which would involve behavioral change programmes.

Further, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry noted that time will also be deducted for the time he spent on remand.

Former Finance Minister sues State for millions...

From page 06 he was appointed to serve as a minister of the former government.

Jordan was not required to plead to the indictable charge. He was slapped with a charge which alleges that while being and performing duties of Minister of Finance and being the concerned Minister for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a company owned by the Government of Guyana, between February 26, 2020 and July 31,

2020 at Main Street, Georgetown, he willfully misconducted himself.

It was alleged that the former minister acted recklessly when he signed NICIL Order, No. 50 of 2020, transferring to and vesting in BK Marines Inc., Mud lots situated at North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, being over 2.553 acres, by paying $20,260,276, for a property valued over $5B and being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public trust

and without reasonable excuse or justification.

Last May, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly up-held a nocase submission made by Jordan’s attorney and this resulted in the matter being dismissed. The magistrate said that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence that Jordan was classified as a public officer.

Meanwhile, in relation to the constitutional matter, Jordan is seeking a declaration that his constitutional right to protection from inhumane

treatment and or degrading treatment as guaranteed by Articles 40 and or 141 of the Constitution of Guyana was violated. Further, he seeks a declaration that his constitutional right to protection of freedom of movement as guaranteed by Articles 40 and or 148 of the Constitution of Guyana was contravened by his unlawful detention by Officers of the Guyana Police Force.

He is also seeking damages and any other order the court seems just.

Israel strikes eastern Rafah as ceasefire talks end...

From page 14 Cairo, having reaffirmed its approval of the mediators’ ceasefire proposal. The plan entails the release of Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza and a number of Palestinians jailed by Israel. Hamas blames Israel for the lack of agreement, and its Al-Aqsa TV’s Telegram account said the group would not make any concessions beyond those in the proposal it had accepted. Israel has said it is open to a truce, but has rejected demands for an end to the war.U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Washington con-

tinued to engage with Israel on amendments to a ceasefire proposal, adding work to finalize the text of an agreement was “incredibly difficult”.

MEDICAL SECTOR

COLLAPSING

Israeli residents set fire twice to the perimeter of the headquarters of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem, causing extensive damage to the outdoor areas but no casualties, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X. There was no immediate comment from Israeli police. “Once again, the lives of U.N. staff were at a serious risk,”

Lazzarini wrote, adding he had decided to close the compound until security is restored. On Tuesday, Israeli tanks seized the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, cutting off a vital aid route and forcing 80,000 people to flee the city this week, according to the United Nations. Israel kept up tank and aerial strikes across Gaza and tanks advanced in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City in the north, forcing hundreds of families to flee, residents said. The Israeli military said it was securing Zeitoun, starting with a series of intelligence-based aerial

strikes on approximately 25 militant targets. Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza was packed with people who had fled Rafah in recent days. Palestinian medics said two people, including a woman, were killed when a drone fired a missile at a group of people there.

The closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt has prevented the evacuation of the wounded and sick and the entry of medical supplies, food trucks and fuel needed to operate hospitals, the Gaza health ministry said on Thursday. The only kidney dialysis centre in the Rafah area had

stopped operating due to the shelling. “The entire medical sector has collapsed,” said Ali Abu Khurma, a Jordanian surgeon volunteering at Al Aqsa hospital in Deir alBalah.

United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths said that for three consecutive days, “nothing and no one has been allowed in or out of Gaza.” “It means no aid. Our supplies are stuck. Our teams are stuck. Civilians in Gaza are being starved and killed, and we are prevented from helping them. This is Gaza today, even after 7 months of horrors,” Griffiths posted on X.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton alongside officials and some of the beneficiaries

sentative for Region One, Margaret Lambert, Regional Vice Chairperson, Annasha Peters, Toshao of Sebai, Compton Thompson, among other officials were all present at the event. (DPI)

South Africa asks ICJ to order Israel to withdraw from Gaza’s

Aljazeera-SouthAfrica has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order Israel to withdraw from Rafah as part of additional emergency measures over the war in Gaza, the United Nations’s topcourtsaid.

In the ongoing case brought by South Africa, which accuses Israel of acts of genocide against Palestinians, the ICJ in January ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts against Palestinians.

Israel has repeatedly

said it is acting in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h international law in Gaza, and has called South Africa’s genocide case baseless and accused Pretoria of acting as “the legalarmofHamas”

In filings published on Friday, South Africa is seeking additional emergency measures in light of the continuing military action in Rafah, which it calls the “last refuge” for Palestinians in Gaza

The city in the south of Gaza is crammed with hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians living in dire conditions

Rafah

and there have been warnings that an Israeli ground offensive would trigger a humanitarian catastropheforcivilians.

S o u t h A f r i c a ’s application said Israel’s operation against Rafah poses an “extreme risk” to “humanitarian supplies and basic services into Gaza, to the survival of the Palestinian medical system, and to the very survival of Palestinians in Gaza as a group,”theUNcourtsaidin astatement.

“Those who have survived so far are facing imminent death now, and an order from the Court is needed to ensure their survival,” South Africa’s filingsaid.

SouthAfrica also asked thecourttoorderthatIsrael allow unimpeded access to Gaza for UN officials, organisations providing humanitarian aid, and journalistsandinvestigators.

Israel’s 401st Brigade entered the Rafah crossing onTuesday morning, a day after the Palestinian group governing Gaza said it accepted an EgyptianQatari mediated ceasefire proposal.

Israel, meanwhile, insisted the proposal did not meetitscoredemands.

Tanks and planes pounded several areas and

South Africa seeks new emergency measures over Israel’s latest offensive against the southern city in Gaza.

at least four houses in Rafah overnight, killing 20 Palestinians and wounding several others, accordingto Palestinianhealthofficials.

S o m e 1 1 0 , 0 0 0

Palestinians have fled Rafah in recent days, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

The UN also noted that the Israeli army’s takeover of the Rafah border crossing has shut down the entry of aid into Gaza for thepastthreedays.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the Rafah offensive was needed to defeat Hamas

At least 34,943 people have been killed and 78,572 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October7

The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139, with dozens of people still held captiveinGaza.

South Africa brought a case against Israel to the ICJ in January, accusing the country of committing g e n o c i d e a g a i n s t PalestiniansinGaza

The top UN court has ruled that there was a plausibleriskofgenocidein the enclave and ordered Israel to take a series of

An ongoing case brought by South Africa accuses Israel of acts of genocide against Palestinians

[File: Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters]

provisional measures, including preventing any genocidal acts from taking place.

The court rejected a second South African application for emergency measures made in March over Israel’s threat to attack Rafah.

The ICJ, also known as the World Court, generally rules within a few weeks on requests for emergency measures.

It will likely take years before the court will rule on themeritsofthecase.While theICJ’srulingsarebinding andwithoutappealthecourt hasnowaytoenforcethem.

UN General Assembly backs Palestinian bid for membership

UNITED NATIONS, May 10 (Reuters) - The United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly backed a Palestinianbidtobecomea full U N member by recognizing it as qualified to join and recommending the U.N. Security Council “reconsider the matter favorably.”

The vote by the 193member GeneralAssembly was a global survey of support for the Palestinian bid to become a full U.N. member - a move that wouldeffectivelyrecognize aPalestinianstate-afterthe United States vetoed it in the U.N. Security Council lastmonth.

Theassemblyadopteda resolutionwith143votesin favor and nine againstincluding the U S and Israel - while 25 countries abstained. It does not give the Palestinians full U.N. membership, but simply recognizes them as qualifiedtojoin.

T h e r e s o l u t i o n “determines that the State of Palestine should therefore be admitted to membership” and it “recommends that the SecurityCouncilreconsider thematterfavorably.”

ThePalestinianpushfor full U.N. membership comes seven months into a war between Israel and PalestinianmilitantsHamas in the Gaza Strip, and as Israel is expanding settlements in the occupied

WestBank,whichtheU.N. considerstobeillegal.

“We want peace, we w a n t f r e e d o m , ” P a l e s t i n i a

ado

Riyad Mansour told the assembly beforethevote.

“A yes vote is a vote for Palestinianexistence,it isnotagainstanystate. It isaninvestmentinpeace.”

“Voting yes is the right thing to do,” he said in remarks that drew applause.

Under the founding U N Charter,membership is open to “peace-loving states” that accept the obligations in that document and are able and willingtocarrythemout.

“As long as so many of you are ‘Jew-hating,’ you don’t really care that the Palestinians are not ‘peace-loving’,” U N Ambassador Gilad Erdan, who spoke after Mansour, toldhisfellowdiplomats.

He accused the assembly of shreddingthe U.N. Charter - as he used a small shredder to destroy a copyoftheCharterwhileat thelectern.

“Shame on you, ” Erdansaid

An application to becomeafullU.N.member first needs to be approved by the 15-member Security Council and then the General Assembly If the measure is again voted on bythecouncilitislikelyto face the same fate: a U.S. veto.

Israel strikes eastern Rafah as ceasefire talks end with no deal

CAIRO/RAFAH, Gaza Strip/WASHINGTON, May 9 (Reuters) - Israeli forces bombarded areas of Rafah on Thursday, Palestinian residents said, as Prime M i n i s t e r B e n j a m i n Netanyahu dismissed U.S. President Joe Biden's threat to withhold weapons from Israel if it assaults the southernGazacity

A senior Israeli official saidlateonThursdaythatthe latest round of indirect negotiations in Cairo to halt hostilitiesinGazahadended and Israel would proceed with its operation in Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Stripasplanned.

Israel has submitted to mediators its reservations aboutaHamasproposalfora hostage release deal, the officialsaid.

"If we must, we shall fight with our fingernails," Netanyahu said in a video statement "But we have much more than our fingernails."

In Gaza, Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad said their fighters fired anti-tank

rocketsandmortarsatIsraeli tanks massed on the eastern outskirtsofthecity

Residents and medics in Rafah,thebiggesturbanarea in Gaza not yet overrun by Israeligroundforces,saidan Israeli attack near a mosque killed at least three people and wounded others in the e a s t e r n B r a z i l neighbourhood.

Video footage from the scene showed the minaret lying in the rubble and two bodieswrappedinblankets.

An Israeli air strike on two houses in the Sabra neighbourhood of Rafah killed at least 12 people including women and children.

Among the dead was a senior commander of the militant Al-Mujahedeen Brigades,andhisfamily,and the family of another group leader, medics, relatives and thegroupsaid.

Israel says Hamas militantsarehidinginRafah, where the population has been swelled by hundreds of thousandsofGazansseeking r e f u g e f r o m t h e bombardments that have

Palestinian woman Buthayna Abu Jazar reacts as she holds the hand of her son Hazma, who was killed in an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip May9,2024.REUTERS/Hatem Khaled

reduced most of the coastal enclavetoruins.

In the United States, the White House repeated its hope that Israel would not launch a full operation in Rafah, saying it did not believe that would advance Israel's aim of defeating Hamas.

"SmashingintoRafah,in [President Biden's] view, will not advance that objective," spokesperson JohnKirbysaid.

Kirby said Hamas had been pressured significantly by Israel and there were better options to hunt down what remains of the group's leadership than an operation with significant risk to civilians.

Israel's assault on Gaza has killed nearly 35,000

alestinians and wounded nearly 80,000, most of them civilians, the health ministry inHamas-runGazasaid.

It launched its offensive in response to a cross-border attackbyHamasmilitantson IsraelonOct.7inwhichthey killed about 1,200 people andabducted252.Some128 hostages remain in Gaza and 36 have been declared dead, accordingtothelatestIsraeli figures.

Biden on Wednesday issued his starkest warning yet against a full ground invasion in Rafah, telling CNN that: "I made it clear that if they go into Rafah...I'mnotsupplyingthe weapons."

Israel's ambassador to the United States said the decis

n to withhold weapons from Israel over Rafah sends the "wrong message" to Hamas and the country'sfoes.

"It puts us in a corner becausewehavetodealwith Rafah one way or the other,"

Herzog told a Carnegie E n d o w m e n t f o r InternationalPeacewebinar

The Israeli military has the munitions it requires for operations in Rafah and other planned operations, chief armed fo

s spokesperson Rear Admiral DanielHagarisaid.

Israeliarmedforceshave already killed 50 Palestinian gunmen in east Rafah and uncovered several tunnels, Hagari said. Hamas had no immediatecomment.

TALKS END

In Cairo, delegations fromHamas,Israel,theU.S., Egypt and Qatar had been meeting since Tuesday The talks in Egypt's capital made some headway but no deal was reached, according to two Egyptian security sources.

Izzat El-Risheq, a member of Hamas' political office in Qatar, said the Hamasdelegationhadleft

(Continued on page 17)

Baracara man remanded for 2013 murder

Timothy Charles, the 63-year-old logger ofBaracaraVillage,CanjeRiverwascharged on Wednesday with the murder when he appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the NewAmsterdam's Magistrate Court.

Charles, also called Timothy Charles Dejonge or 'Leon De Young' was charged with the murder of Titus Sutton. Sutton, also known as 'Franky' or 'Preso' was killed on November 8, 2013 at Baracara Village, locatedsome60milesuptheCanjeRiver

Dejonge was arrested on April 20, 2024. He was not required to enter a plea to the indictableoffence.

Dejonge was remanded to prison and the casewasadjourneduntilJune18,2024.

Awanted bulletin was issued for Dejonge in 2014, and he was captured on April 20, 2024, following an intelligence-led operation.Sutton,whowas53yearsoldatthe time and his colleague, Sherwin McAlmont, alsoknownas'Shut,'bothengagedinfarming inthearea.TheyvisitedDejonge'shomeafter a dispute had developed between them. The dispute escalated at Dejonge's home in Baracara,resultinginSuttonbeingshotinthe faceatcloserange,reportedlywithashotgun. Sutton fell on the steps of the house, and his body remained there until it was taken by the policeandaccompanyingrelatives.

Sherwin McAlmont was also shot in the right thigh by the suspect, but managed to escape. The shooter and the victims were acquaintances.

Dejonge had worked for Sutton on his

Timothy

farm and was entrusted with running the business when Sutton and his colleague were away Displeased with Dejonge's performance, Sutton demanded the return of their engine and asked him to leave the farm. The dispute escalated over payment and money owed. Before leaving, it is believed that Dejonge went to the farm and destroyed somecrops.

Upon returning to the Canje River area, the men went to Dejonge's home in Baracara, where an argument ensued, leading to Sutton's close-range shooting with an improvisedshotgun.

During the operation that led to his arrest, a search of Dejonge's home uncovered a suspected twelve-gauge cartridge hanging on the bedroom wall in a bag. The cartridge was marked, sealed, and taken into custody along withDejonge.

Friendship man wanted for series of alleged robberies and rapes

The Guyana Police Force on Friday issued a wanted bulletin for 25-year-old Keshawn Nero known as 'Killa' of Lot 72 Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD) for a series of robberies and rapes committed throughout RegionalDivision4C.

Anyone with information about Nero's whereabouts is being asked to contact the nearestpolicestation.

Meanwhile, another wanted bulletin was issued for 22-year-old Keron Randy Boyer Boyer is wanted for questioning in relation to the murderofateenager

Boyer's last known addressisLot65PublicRoad Kitty,Georgetown.

T h e t e e n a g e w a s identified as 16-year-old Benjamin Seaford of Lot 12

PublicRoad,Kitty Seaford was allegedly stabbed to death on Monday by Boyer on Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown. Reports are that the teen and the wanted man had an argument which quickly escalated to a scuffle During the fight, Boyer allegedly retrieved a knife from his left-side pants waist and inflicted multiple stabwoundsonSeaford. Thevictimdiedasaresult ofhisinjuries.

Persons with information r e g a r d i n g B o y e r ' s whereabouts are being asked to contact the nearest police station.

Another woman accuses Dharamlall...

From page 13 engage in an intimate relationship.” The former minister stated that, thereafter, through several fake profiles, the alleged victim embarked on the campaign to tarnish hisreputation.“Itreallybegsthequestionas to what has reignited this quest by (name mentioned) to sully my good name, particularly at this time. Her latest attempt bears testimony to this. I have already engaged and instructed Attorneys-at-Law who are reviewing the statements made by

(namementioned),withaviewofinstituting legal proceedings against her and other persons associated with propagating these falsehoods, as may be necessary,” Dharamlall said. Last year, Dharamlall resigned amidst an investigation into the rape of a minor Recently, he was re-elected to the 35-member Central Executive of the PPP Dharamlall secured the sixth highest numberofvotesamongthosenominatedfor the 40-member Central Executive Body and fivenon-votingmembers.

Charles Dejonge

Wanted: Keron Randy Boyer

Wanted: Keshawn Nero known as 'Killa'

GFF 3rd Vice President Dion Inniss represents Guyana at inaugural FIFA integrity summit in Singapore

Guyana

Federation(GFF)ThirdVice President Dion Inniss in AprilattendedthefirstFIFA

Singapore organised to u

r Associations on global integrity trends and best practices.

The April 4 and 5 conference was held in

collaboration with theAsian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and attended by representatives from FIFA’s 211 member associations andthesixconfederations. This is part of FIFA’s ongoing initiatives to tackle match manipulation, corruption, and other

unethicalorillegalactivities by providing education and training to players, referees andintegrityofficers.

Since his return, Inniss hasbeendirectinghisefforts towards preparing the GFF for FIFA’s comprehensive

materials rollout in June whichwillbeusedtoinform Guy

Federationpreparesfortrainingwith stakeholdersonmatchmanipulation

stakeholders about match manipulation.

The GFF will also be implementing an anti-match fixing policy in accordance withFIFA’sguidelines.

“We discussed strategies on how to combat match f i x i n g , i n c l u d i n g investigative methods. But thebiggestthingwashowdo weeducateourstakeholders, the players, match officials, coaches, and our external stakeholders like law enforcement, to deal with this ever-increasing phenomenon.”

Saturday May 11, 2024

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

A challenging day is in store foryou,Aries.Ifyou'repartof a group or team or simply among friends, you may feel somewhatillatease.Couldit be that you instill jealousy in others? There's only one way tofindout.

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

Sometimes dreams seem like just that - dreams. Travel, a project, or a new home could be a few of the things you've beentryingto accomplishfor sometimenow

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You'll go one of two ways today, Gemini. Either you'll turn inward and meditate in a corner or you'll find a good friend and confide your dissatisfaction.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Today is going to be an excellent day for meeting interesting people, Cancer And there will be nothing superficial about these encounters. On the contrary, the people you are going to meet will touch you profoundly

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You can expect today to be kind of intense, Leo. Even if you've made a conscious decision not to let anything get you down, you may still harbor some negative emotions from the last few days.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

The little fighter that you are makesitverydifficultforyou to join us in the great communal river that we're all tryingtonavigate,Virgo.You prefertotravelsolo.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Be disciplined about all areas ofyourbody,Libra.Takeextra care to eat healthful, balanced meals. Make sure you get enough sleep And even thoughyougripeabouthaving no time, get out there and exercise.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

If you've been feeling deep anger,todayisn'tthedaytolet it out but rather the day to consider its source. Any large gatheringsoffamilyorfriends shouldbeavoidedatallcosts.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

If by chance you still harbor some resentment toward someone, Sagittarius, it will probably come out today.You might be uncompromising or evenvengeful.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You don't suffer fools gladly, and superficial fools even less so. You have a mind to teach those around you a lesson. You'reuncompromisingtoday, and you can't understand why others don't have your same highstandards.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Hereisadayofchallenges, Aquarius You're a pro at questioning yourself, as you'll prove today when you take a h a r d l o o k a t y o u r accomplishments What have youcreatedofapersonalnature inthelasttenyears.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Ifyougivetheimpressionthat you're in a reserved and introspective mood (even if you aren't), you'll succeed in avoiding confrontation Today there is no such thing as a simpleexchangewithsomeone

matchmanipulation.

They were presented with the new FIFAIntegrity Handbook. Inniss said that the summit gave him an opportunity to interact with other representatives and deliberate on the challenges they also encounter in ensuring the integrity of the game.

Underlining the urgency for proactive measures in Guyanatopreservefairplay in football, the GFF official shared that only fifteen countries globally possess

Participantsalsocovered global integrity trends and the exchange of best practices and significant decisions by FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding

manipulation.

A presentation he found particularly impactful was givenbyformerprofessional footballer from England,

MosesSwaibu. Swaibu shared his personal journey, revealing how his involvement in

ultimately transformed his life Since then, he has

Governmental Organisation (NG

educatingplayersandothers about the dangers of matchfixing.

Also present at the summitwererepresentatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (F

Council (ICC) and the I

Tenn

s Federation(ITF).

Shabazzgives‘fringeplayers’...

Frompage25 Trinidadian and my Mom is Guyanese. Coach Shabazz approached me two years agoandIamconvincedthat Guyanaistheplaceforme,” statedMohammed.

The goalkeeping department may be perceived as the local squad’s weakest link heading to Trinidad and Tobago.

With veteran keeper Akel Clarke side-lined due to injury, GDF’s Jamine Cumberbatchhasbeengiven the chance to step up after serving as the third choice during two previous trips withthenationalteam.

However, the surprise inclusions are Santos custodian Simon Emmanuel and US-based Amari Thompson.

Despite this, Shabazz d o e s n ’ t v i e w t h e goalkeeping situation as a weakness, stating, “I see three young men with tremendous ability getting theopportunityofalifetime. If they embrace the challenge and have faith in themselves, then we will be competitive.”

Nowinhisfourthstintas Guyana’s National Coach, Shabazz continues to demonstrate his ability to construct a squad that balances both locally and overseas-basedplayers.

When questioned about the key to achieving this harmony despite criticism fromnaysayersonplatforms like Facebook, who advocate solely for a homebased team, Shabazz emphasized, “Guyana belongs to Guyanese, whether they reside at home or abroad. As long as the roots are Guyanese, the tree will flourish, bearing fruits forGuyana.”

He continued, “Those who debate over a Guyanese’s place of birth fail to grasp the global reality. They overlook why Guyanese born overseas return home for events like Mashramani, Linden Town Week, or cricket carnivals,” Shabazzasserted.

Celebrating Tradition, Skill, and Unity as Archery Guyana commemorate National Archery Day

Archery Guyana is commemorating National ArcheryDayheretoday Ina message the national body stated, “As we Guyanese embrace One Guyana, the entire nation proudly embraces its rich cultural heritageandtraditions.May 11thmarksasignificantday on the calendar - National Archery Day This day serves as a tribute to the ancient art of archery, showcasing its profound historical significance and its continued relevance in contemporarysociety.”

“National Archery Day in Guyana is not merely a

celebration of sport, but a recognition of the skill, discipline, and unity that archeryembodies.

For generations, archery has been ingrained in the fabric of Guyanese culture, with its roots deeply embedded in indigenous communities Today, it stands as a symbol of national pride, resilience, andcamaraderie.”

The release continued, “In commemorating this special day, the Board of Directors announces that it willbeencouragingamonth oftryingthesportofArchery session to foster a sense of

inclusivity, encouraging participation from all ages andbackgrounds.

Aswegathertocelebrate this cherished tradition, let us reflect on the values of focus, determination, and sportsmanship that archery imparts.

The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana extends its warmest wishes to all citizensonNationalArchery Day Letuscometogetherto honour our heritage, celebrate our diversity, and embracethespiritofarchery as a symbol of our shared identityandstrength.”

Government of Guyana roars with Golden Jaguars

ByRawleToney

The Golden Jaguars’ friendly matches against TrinidadandTobagoonMay 13 and 15 have received the backing of the Government of Guyana, as stated by Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr

Prime Minister Mark Phillips, alongside Minister Ramson, met with members of the Golden Jaguars yesterday during recess at the National Assembly, where they commended the players for their selection and reiterated the government’s commitment to the development and support of the national programme and the sport locally

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has named a 24man squad that will participate in two friendlies as part of the Golden Jaguars’preparationfortheir 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifierscampaign.

“The investment we are making now in the National Football Team, we have never made this level of investmentbefore,andthat’s a reality,” Minister Ramson told reporters after meeting the players at the Arthur ChungConventionCentre.

According to Ramson, the Government of Guyana hasbeenastaunchsupporter oftheNationalteam,adding, “We are also making that commitment in a very sensible way too, which is aboutmakingsure,thatifwe

- Support for Soca Warriors friendlies and WC Qualifiers campaign

want to give ourselves a distinct opportunity to succeed at the World Cup level, then they have to play better teams and that’s something we have been organising.”

Ramson, discussing the team’s composition, expressed satisfaction with the blend of local and overseas-based talent, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young and upcomingtalentinGuyana.

He emphasized the GoldenJaguars’urgentneed for international friendlies againsttop-tieropponents,a need that the Soca Warriors willundoubtedlyfulfil.

The journey for the Golden Jaguars in their quest for qualification for the 2026 World Cup begins withanawayfixtureagainst Panama in Panama City on June6

However, Guyana’s nationalfootballteamfaces a considerable challenge in securing a suitable venue fortheirhomematches Guyana’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Belize on June 11 will be relocated to Barbados, owing to the state of the country’s only venue that c a n a c c o m m o d a t e Internationalfootball

However, Minister Ramson stated that his Ministry is diligently workingtoaddresstheissues at the National Track and FieldCentreinEdinburgh.

He explained that the prolonged dry spell had

impacted most grounds across the country but expressed satisfaction in updating that, with recent rain and efforts undertaken at the facility, the Golden Jaguars’ subsequent home g a m e s w i l l b e accommodated at the Edinburghfacility

Guyana’s upcoming fixtures in the World Cup Qualifiers include an away trip to Nicaragua on June 6, 2025,andascheduledhome game against Montserrat on June10,2025.

GOLDEN JAGUARS SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Jamaine Cumberbatch (GDF),Amari Thompson (USA), Simon Emmanuel(SantosFC).

Defenders: Jeremy Garrett (Slingerz FC), Curtez Kellman (Slingerz FC), Quincy Adams (Slingerz FC), Colin Nelson (GDF),KevinLayne(Police FC) and Cedric Osborn (GDF).

Midfielders: Leo Lovell (Slingerz FC), Bevan Baker (USA), Terique Mohammed (Canada), Amos Ramsay (GDF), Nicolai Andrews (GDF), Ryan Hackett (GDF), Simeon Moore (Slingerz FC), Daniel Wilson (Western Tigers), ChrisMacey(GDF),Darron Niles (Slingerz FC), and Solomon Austin (Caledonia AIA).

Forwards: Kelsey Benjamin (GDF), Marcus Tudor (Slingerz FC), Anthony Smith (France), StephenMcDonald(GDF).

Appadu extends lead as Guyana’s top jockey for 2024

Jockey Ronaldo Appadu piloted Stolen Money to victory in theRace of Champions last month.

Jockey Ronaldo

Appadu extended hisleadasGuyana’s leading jockey for 2024. Appadu is fresh from three first places at the Jumbo Jet Race of Champions, where hepilotedStolenMoneytoa remarkable victory in the featureevent. The young jock, Appadu has 74 points, and earned G$879,375 Herecordednine first place positions, seven seconds, three thirds and two fourth places in 24 starts VeteranjockeyColinRosssits in second with 58 points,

earning G$717,950. Ross, whowasthejockeyoftheyear in2023,hassevenfirstplace, six second places, and two third,alongwithonefourthin 24 starts this season

TrinidadianjockKiranRazack has 38 points while Yovin Kissonchand has 31 points. Nicholas Patrick (26), Quinton Kellman (24), Kevin Paul (16) and Rico Hernandez(14)aretheother jocks trailing in terms of pointsthisseason.

Thenextracedayissetfor July 1 at Port Mourant, after the May 26 meet was cancelled earlier this week. Organizers cited horse ownersrequiremoretimefor horsestoprepare.

GuyanaCup204issetfor August11atRising Sun Turf Club. That grand meet will be organized by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committeeandthetophorses are expected to feature Importantly, the importation

CWI confirms action packed 2024 home schedule for West Indies Men

West Indies to host South Africa, England and Bangladesh in busy year of cricket

ST JOHN’S, AntiguaCricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday announced an action-packed schedule for the West Indies Men, featuring three international home tours against South Africa, England, and Bangladesh, from May to December2024.

The home tours begin with a visit from South Africa, featuring three (3) T20Internationals(T20Is)at SabinaPark,priortothestart oftheICCMen’sT20World Cup.TheProteasthenreturn to the region after the West Indies Test Tour to England in July, with a two (2)-Test MatchSeriestobeplayedin Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana, followed by a secondthree(3)-matchT20I Series at the Brian Lara

Cricket Academy in Trinidad, ahead of the Republic Bank Caribbean PremierLeague(CPL).

Following a white-ball tour away to Sri Lanka in October,theWestIndieswill welcome England to the Caribbean for a white-ball tour consisting of three (3)

CG United One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five(5)T20Is.

process for new horses has alreadybegun

The promoters and the relevant authorities are working towards the horse racing legislation All systemsshouldbeinplacefor thegreatlyanticipatedGuyana Cupraceday Thisimpending legislation is aimed at establishing a recognized Guyana Horse Racing Authority, tasked with

regulating major stables, officials, jockeys, and handlers.

T h e l e g i s l a t i v e initiative comes after previous attempts in 2014, and key elements include provisions to address violations, expand the Authority’s membership, introduce term limits, and implement licensing for owners,jockeys,andtrainers

This development is expected to bring clarity, structure, and oversight to the horse racing industry in Guyana, marking a significant step toward its formal recognition and regulation.

The likes of jockey Appadu, and Ross will also havetoadjusttonewsettings when the legislation takes shape.

Bangladesh then completestheaction-packed year with an all-format tour before Christmas with two (2) Test Matches inAntigua & Barbuda and Jamaica, three(3)CGUnitedODIsin St. Kitts & Nevis, and three (3)T20IsinSaintVincent& theGrenadines.

CWI Chief Executive, JohnnyGrave,expressedhis excitement: “We are delighted to announce our West Indies Men’s Home Series for the remainder of the year, which will welcome South Africa, England, and Bangladesh to eightofourhostcountriesin the West Indies, including Saint Vincent & the Grenadinesforthefirsttime since2012.

While significant improvementsweremadeto the National Stadium in Grenada and Windsor Park in Dominica, we were unable to host International cricket there this year However, we are already lookingforwardtoreturning tobothvenuesin2025.Fans can purchase tickets online today for the first Series

Theserieswillbeplayed across Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, and Saint Lucia, withtravelpackagesonsale from yesterday from CWI’s OfficialTourOperators.

against South Africa in Jamaica and through our official travel partners for the England Tour later this year

All other tickets are expectedtogoonsaleinJuly after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. We urge fans to rally behind our Men in Maroon as we strive for a historicthirdT20WorldCup title and seek to secure all important points in the ICC WorldTestChampionship.”

Tickets for the T20I Series against South Africa at Sabina Park, Jamaica are available now to buy online from the Windies Tickets

s e r v i c e , a t tickets windiescricket com

Fans who purchase online will benefit from a 20% discount compared to the box office prices, with tickets ranging from the mostpremiumseatswiththe bestandshadedviewsinthe stadium through to affordable standard seats or mounds/grounds entry Tickets for the rest of the year will go on sale in July after the ICC Men’s T20 WorldCup.

(Allthematchschedules are dependent on final agreement with host governments)

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ kicks off in Linden tonight kicks

The Guinness

‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden

Championship will commence this evening (11th May) at the Amelia’s Ward/Wisroc Car Park tarmac.

In the opening match at 19:00hrs, three-time defending champion Swag Entertainment will lock horns with ABG, while the second match will pit Coomacka against Fearless at 19:40hrs. In the third fixture, Hi-Flyers will take aim at the Spaniards at 20:20hrs, with Excuse the RushtacklingTidalWavein the fourth fixture at 21:00hrs.

The final two matches will pit Hardball against the

Universal Ballers at 21:40hrs, and the Super Strikers against the Young Gunnersat22:20hrs.

The event will continue on May 17th at the Silver City Hard Court with anotherroundofmatches.

V-Side and High Rollers will battle in the opening match at 19:00hrs, while the BB Ballers and Turf President will take centre stage at 19:40hrs.

The third encounter of the evening will pit Top Strikers against Double 6 at 22:20hrs, while One SidewilllockhornswithDC Ballersat21:00hrs.

In the fifth fixture, Amoria will match skills with the Silver Bullets at

21:40hrswhileYMCAwill face off against Assassa Ballers in the final match of theeveningat22:20hrs.

The winner of the tournament will walk away with $500,000 and the championship trophy They will also earn an automatic berth to the national championship, whichispenciledforAugust inGeorgetown.

Meanwhile, the second, third, and fourthplacefinisherswillpocket $400,000, $300,000, and $250,000 apiece and the correspondingaccolade.

Thetournamentisalso sponsored by Colours Boutique, who has provided the playing kits fortheentiretyoftheseason.

Entertainment will aim to secure an unprecedented fourth championship after winning a historic treble of consecutive titles.

Swag

Shabazz gives ‘fringe players’ a taste of International football

- Golden Jaguars depart today for Trinidad and Tobago

ByRawleToney

“Achancetoexpandour talent pool and provide fringeplayerswithatasteof international football,” –that’s how Golden Jaguars HeadCoachJamaalShabazz sums up the selection of the 24-mansquadfortwowarmup matches againstTrinidad andTobago.

Today, the Golden Jaguars set off for Trinidad and Tobago, gearing up to face the Soca Warriors on

b o t h M o n d a y a n d Wednesday at the Hasely CrawfordStadium.Kick-off

for both matches is scheduledfor7:00pm.

Among the selected playersisMarcusTudor,the standout striker from SlingerzFootballClub.

Tudor, who leads the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League in scoring with 12 goals from ninematches,hasearnedhis place alongside Francebased Antonio Smith, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) striker Stephen McDonald,andtheseasoned regular, Kelsey Benjamin, making his return to the

squad after a three-month layoffduetoinjury.

“Tudor literally picked himself from his league performances and he’s also beensharpintraining,stated Shabazz.

“This is what the league provides,” Shabazz stated, while adding, “It gives us peoplewhoperform,andwe now give them the opportunity So friendly matchesfornopointsagainst Trinidad and Tobago, gives usthatluxury.”

Also included in the squad is Chris Macey, who was named Player of the Year last season while playingfortheGDF

Despitebeingfrequently overlooked by Shabazz; the Jaguars’ Head Coach maintains that he is a supporter of the stylish midfielder

“I like Macey; he has improved, showing more desireandintensity Plus,he is adapting to our tactical patterns,”assuredShabazz.

The squad comprises players who are considered mainstays under the guidanceofShabazzandhis

long-time assistant, Wayne Dover.

Western Tigers’ Daniel Wilson, Colin Nelson from GDF, and the Slingerz FC trio of Curtez Kellman, Jeremy Garrett, and Leo Lovell all bear the unmistakable stamp of approval from Shabazz and Dover

“ T h e s e a r e t h e individuals who truly make the Guyana national team feel like home They’ve demonstrated immense commitment to Guyana’s football and serve as the backbone of our national squad,”explainedShabazz.

The Trinidadian-born, self-proclaimed Guyanese coachisalsokeentoprovide international exposure to three players who have consistently performed at theclublevel.

“Ryan Hackett (GDF), Darron Niles (Slingerz FC) and Amos Ramsey (GDF) will definitely get playing time in Trinidad,” he insisted.

However,Shabazznoted that this trio often finds themselves on the periphery when overseas-based players like Elliot Bonds, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Stephen Duke-McKenna, and Liam Gordon are available for international matches.

“Thereisapeckingorder in this squad. Sometimes guys are doing well but the players selected ahead of them are either more experienced,ingreatformor simply a better player,” he added.

Also joining the squad are newcomers GDF defenderCedricOsbornand Canadian-born Terique Mohammed.

Osborn has been a consistent presence in G D F ’s b a c k - f o u r, contributingtoadefencethat hasconcededonlyfourgoals sofarthisseason.

M e a n w h i l e , M o h a m m e d , w h o previously represented CanadaattheU20level,has opted to switch his allegiance to Guyana, his mother’sbirthcountry

Shabazzhasorchestrated asignificantachievementby securing the services of the

speedy left wingback, especially considering Mohammed’s eligibility to play for Trinidad & Tobago aswell.“MyDadis (Continuedonpage21)

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz (right) and his assistant, Wayne Dover, during a recent Golden Jaguars training session at the GFF National Training Centre.

Marcus Tudor has been having an outstanding season with Slingerz FC, leading the GFF Elite League in scoring with 12 goals from nine matches.

Government of Guyana roars with Golden Jaguars

- Support for Soca Warriors friendlies and WC Qualifiers campaign

CWI confirms action packed 2024 home schedule for West Indies Men home

WestIndiestohostSouthAfrica,England andBangladeshinbusyyearofcricket

Flashback!Action from last year’s final between Swag Entertainment (yellow) and Universal Ballers

Prime Minister Mark Phillips, joined by Minister Charles Ramson and other members of the National Sports Commission, convened a meeting with select members of the Golden Jaguars players and staff. (Rawle Toney photo)