Kaieteur News

Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

Exorbitant yearly repayment A Lesson for Guyana:

Approval granted without feasibility study

Numerous environmental concerns

UK extends windfall tax on oil and gas profits to 2029

...as Guyana continues to waive US billions in taxes to ExxonMobil

Security guard chops friend who refused to leave his work place

Belle West teen killed over old grievance

Man shot while fighting off bandits for his motorcycle

E-bike rider killed in East Bank accident

Teen electrocuted in Georgetown

Parliament takes 7 months to answer Opposition questions

Parliament takes 7 months to answer Opposition questions

TheOppositionhasoften lamented the extensive time taken for questions submitted to the National Assembly to receive responses by the respective Ministers.

During Friday’s Sitting of the NationalAssembly at

the Arthur Chung

Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Georgetown, Opposition Parliamentarian, Annette Ferguson was mocked as she stood up to question Public Works Minister,JuanEdghillonthe new government office complex design Her questions were submitted to Parliamentsome six months and19daysprior

Even her colleagues on the Opposition side of the House laughed as she ventured to question the Minister on the office complex After being permitted to proceed with the question, she told the House that her questions were overtaken by time but she would still ask for the sakeoftherecords.

Herfirstquestionwasfor the Minister to inform the National Assembly of what caused the delay in the erection of a billboard displaying the design of the Office Complex in the Houston Area. Her second

question which was eventually abandoned was for Edghill to inform the House when the billboard depicting the design of the Office complex would be erectedattheprojectsite. It would be apposite to note that Ferguson during the previous Sitting displayed the diagram herself.

Prior to Edghill standing to his feet to respond to the question, there was an

Opposition MP, Annette Ferguson

outburst of laughter across the dome of the ACCC, as pupils of the Marian

Academy watched in amazement.

Forhispart,Edghillsaid, “Every time we revisit this particularproject,itiswitha

greater level of amusement that accompanies it Mr Speaker, the honourable Memberlastweek,whilewe were answering questions that she posed, held a photograph with the billboard and then she returns to the House to ask m e ‘ w h e r e i s t h e billboard?’.”

Ferguson in response to the Minister made it clear thatshewasnottobeblamed for the question being asked belatedly and the accompanying answer Additionally, she pointed out, “If we were meeting regularly, these questions would have been answered sodon’tcomegrandstanding hereMinister!”

Edghillinresponsemade it clear that the government answers all questions on the OrderPaperwhenitappears “attheappropriatetime”.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir commented, “The issues raised by the honourable member Ms Ferguson has to do with the process and systems that we

have for getting these questionsontheorderPaper and having them answered so sometimes the Chief Whips need to talk with the ClerkandtheSpeaker.”

Another Opposition MP, David Patterson who recentlysubmittedquestions totheNationalAssemblyon a separate matter in an invited comment told Kaieteur News that questions are usually submitted based on the urgencyofinformation.

He explained, “This is the mechanism we have via theParliamenttoensurethat we can be updated and so o

ery Parliament that when you submitaMotion,aslongasit doesn’t offend any of the Standing Orders, it is approved immediately and thentheMinisterhas21days torespond.”

On the other hand, the former Minister of Public Infrastructure said that P a r l i a m e n t n o w acknowledges Motions and questions and then forwards the information to the Speaker Patterson noted that the matters are left on the Speaker’s desk “for quite sometimeandbythetimeit getsontheOrderPaper,itis dated.”

Accordingtohim,“What it allows the government to do,asinthecasewejustsaw, they allow them to go and hide, correct, change the informationthattheyhaveto provide so it obviously stymiestheworkfornotonly the Parliamentarians but deprive citizens of finding out exactly what is transpiring in important areas.”

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

CCJ ruling

Athree-memberpaneloftheCaribbeanCourtofJustice (CCJ) ruled that the Government of Guyana can join as a party with ExxonMobil in its fight against the Guyanese people for an unlimited parent company guarantee should an oil spill occur It could be for a huge one that quickly absorbs any existing insurance coverage and the like, or a series of other ones that add up to the same result. Either way, Guyana’s environment, the way of life for many Guyanese, or the national economy could all be severely impacted. This gravity of the impacts on any aspect of thingsGuyanadependsontheextentofanyspillthatoccurs. The CCJ laid out is reasoning and it has its merits. The government is a party to the 2016 Production Sharing AgreementwithExxonMobil,soitcanbeadded. Itismoot whether Guyanese agree with this ruling or not, for it has been handed down, and now go into effect. Without a doubt, using the same CCJ’s ruling, this clears the way for the government to join on the side of ExxonMobil against the Guyanese people with respect to all actions brought by Guyanese, as they relate to this oil wealth.To pursue this to itslogicalconclusion,thegovernmentisincentivizedtojoin with ExxonMobil on the one hand, and ExxonMobil is free toinsertitself,ontheother,inanyoilmatterescalatedtothe court for relief. As one example, the court was previously approached for a remedy to an unsatisfactory set of circumstances involving taxation (or its absence), and ExxonMobil almost immediately joined with the government in a defence of its interests. Now when any Guyanese challenges a Guyanese institution, such as the EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandExxonMobilendsup inthecontest,thegovernmentshouldbeexpectedtobejoin asapartywiththecompanyasamatterofreflexiveaction.It could be over the grave concerns involving a disastrous oil spill, and the need for the protection of an unlimited parent company guarantee, as was just ruled upon by the CCJ, or anyothermattersthatdevelopinthefuture.

Though, as a matter of public safety and public interest, the CCJ’s ruling just lengthened the odds against the citizensofthiscountry,thisfightisnowjustbeginning. The first thing that locals must learn to do is to accept the CCJ’s ruling with the right frame of mind. Just as they were all excited by the hope that Justice Sandil Kissoon’s decision gave them, they must now find it in themselves to react to the setback from the CCJ with sobriety Unlike Guyanese politicians who did not take too kindly to Justice Kissoon’s decision,Guyanesemustnotreactwitheithervehemenceor any reckless disrespect for the apex court. Now, it is imperativethatattorneysforthegenuinelyaggrievedrevisit their strategies and revise their points of attack. With the clearest understanding that the government and ExxonMobil are two heads on the same coin on not just oil, but on so many other issues in the local domain. The legal battlesmustgoon.

The unlimited parent company guarantee demanded of ExxonMobil must be fought for every step of the way, if only to succeed in having it memorialised and firmly in place. An oil spill of significant proportions may never materialise, but that company guarantee must still be in hand. It is better to have that protective armour close by in such circumstances, than to have what is the equivalent of nothingatall.

The Court ofAppeal in Guyana is the next battleground for a higher judicial determination on this existential issue. The American oil giant is ready, and so also is the Guyana Government withAttorney General only too happy to be in the forefront of the contest. It is almost a foregone conclusion that whatever the outcome is from the Court of Appeal, this unlimited parent company guarantee issue is headingbacktotheCCJ.

How the cookie crumbles at that vaunted judicial body is what keeps everyone, from the Guyana Government to ExxonMobil to Guyanese bringing cases, on their toes, and fullyengaged.

GUYANA NEEDS ‘FIT & PROPER’ PERSONS IN ALL SECTORS

DEAREDITOR, year‘allowingthelawtotake been

d bodies including business,

Where one might have itscourse’.“Wedidnotjump disjointed The Sexual religious, trade, sports, expected a troubled reaction the gun”, he commented. OffencesAct,forexample,is N G O s a n d o t h e r to the new rape allegation Since this casual approach imbued with a commitment organisations would all against one of its senior worked well for the ruling to protect women and young benefit from paying more leaders, the complacent party last time around, the people, but not seriously attention to fit and proper attitude of the ruling PPP upper echelon no doubt embracedbypoliticians. leadership. illustratestheextenttowhich looks forward to getting The first Dharamlall Agoodplacetostartisby power has vanquished themselves off the hook as incident prompted a storm of instituting fit and proper principle in that political smoothlyonceagain. social media comments, rules in their own sectors arena.

However, the legal followed later by similar thereby raising national

The Party General coursetakeninrespectofthe outpouring over crude standards and a culture of Secretary and First Vice first allegations did not go exhibitions of misogyny integrity and accountability President Bharrat Jagdeo down well, prompting from male members of the This is particularly the case concluded that “Dharamlall widespread public criticism ruling party against female also with respect to those has nothing to step down of the Director of Public P a r l i a m e n t a r i a n s politicians and persons on from the matter is an Prosecutions, the Police Unfortunately, periodic National Commissions allegation”. Force and the ruling party outbursts such as these are responsible for public funds.

He also stated that the Over the years, Guyanese insufficient to address the Such tests prevent corrupt or Dharamlall case will be have witnessed a variety of protection enjoyed by untrustworthy persons from handled by the Party in the wrong-doing by leaders and wrong-doers. attaining positions of same way as the first rape their associates who enjoy M o r e e f f e c t i v e authorityoverotherpeople. allegations against him by a politicalimmunity Effortsto mobilising of indignation Guyana Human Rights young Amerindian girl last correct this situation have seems necessary. Civic Association

DEAR

Expand the defence of Essequibo

EDITOR,

zones” – where all trampling on the Charter in final physical occupation – Essequibo to which the US notbelievethatispracticalfor

There is a stubborn instruments of national rejection of the UN Secretary as with Russia in Eastern would have access we us We still favour an refusal by Guyanese of all power are leveraged to General’s forwarding of the Ukraine – becomes a fait propose that we explicitly operationally elastic defence stripes to accept that Maduro achieve the aggressor’s Ve n e z u e l a n B o r d e r accompli. Our acceptance of openuptheregionbyrevising premised upon manoeuvre has already launched a war aims. Venezuela’s use of Controversy to the ICJ in Maduro’s serial acts of our land use policy to use warfare as we recommended againstus Arewewaitingfor PetroCaribe’s debt write- following the Geneva aggression against our incentivessuchaslongerterm earlier when we commended himto“declare”thisordowe offsmadesomeofourfellow Agreement

national interests as not leasestoencourageGuyanese the US 1st Security Forces believe that with all he has Caricom members not only Venezuela’s hybrid war

to settle near the Venezuelan Assistance Brigade (SFAB) doneoverthelastfewyears– undermine our diplomatic strives to avoid Clausewitz’s complicitinhisinternational Border workingwithourGDF up to presently annexing our strength, but give succour to kinetic war as “politics by brigandry We can expect WhileoverinEurope,the They are a US Army Essequiboandtakingthefirst M a d u r o i n a v e r y other means” and embrace such actions to continue to three Baltic states Latvia, innovation to deal with the step to a physical occupation personalised manner, that Sun Tzu’sArt of War, where escalate, until one day we Estonia and Lithuania reality of hybrid wars in the by militarizing our half of subverted decades-long the enemy can be conquered willwakeup,asUkrainedid, announced in January their grey zone that used to be Ankoko which they seized in institution building. This is without necessarily fighting. to have enemy forces intention to build a defensive handled by their Special 1966 – he is creating a “zone an instance of an initiative in Our strength is to be

linealongtheirborderswitha OperationsForces of peace” in our region? The ahybridwar gradually sapped in the grey beyondAnkoko. revanchist Russia that Sincerely, pointIhavebeenhighlighting After all the hullaballoo zone, as much energy is Our concerns should not Maduro is imitating, we do Ravi Dev is in the modern era, the old w e m a d e o v e r o u r wasted to keep the war from be confined to Maduro, even “absolute, kinetic wars” has CARICOM brother Ralph getting kinetic. Witness all if he is defeated in the been subsumed in the wider Gonsalves skinning his teeth the diplomatic and other up

notion of “hybrid wars” – the infrontofamapofVenezuela capital we have had to “Ownership”ofEssequibois use of a range of different “annexed” Essequibo, he expendrecently enshrined in the Venezuelan methods than physical force claimed he did not see the The premises of the constitution; the Disciplined toattackanenemy map But less than a week hybrid war-aggressor also Forces are mandated to These include political, ago, he was in Caracas still become normalised over protect that constitution, and diplomatic, economic, and skinning his teeth as the time, as we saw with because of the Venezuelan financial initiatives and the Venezuelan led “Group of Russia’s moves against Essequibo Defence law spreading of propaganda, Friends in Defense of the U k r a i n e a n d o t h e r passed by the Chavistacriminality, infiltration by United Nations Charter” neighbours, including controlled Nati

fifthcolumnists,orattacking condemned – without irony – GeorgiaandnowtheBaltics. Assembly, anyone who important computer “the systematic violation of Maduro’s appointment of a d

systems Technology has the principles of the said Governor of the region with s

opened up new ways to Charter by taking unilateral the “authority” to award or Essequibo is barred from conduct hybrid warfare coercive measures” against deny licences continues the runningforpublicoffice. Hybrid wars are conducted Venezuela Not a word from normalisation of Essequibo In addition to the creation in what are called “grey Gonsalves about Venezuela’s as Venezuela’s, so that the of a military base in

Region One Health and Wellbeing boost from Govt.

DEAR

EDITOR, but it still poses a significant health and the partnering stakeholders are be far away from where we’re can help by getting rid of mosquito Thisisindeedquiteremarkable. risk in Regions One, Seven, Eight, pledging to collaborate in targeting seeing cases for malaria and what breeding sites such as draining I am referring here to the news that and Nine By launching this vulnerable populations for malaria we’ve seen in surveys that we have marshes,swamps.Afterall,malaria “… the Government of Guyana, initiative, we are committing to elimination aiming to reduce done is that a lot of cases are in the isatreatableissue,andaccordingto through the Ministry of Health, intensify our efforts to control and cases of plasmodium falciparum miningandloggingcamps. the World Health Organisation, “A (just) launched the “Malaria eliminate malaria in all endemic (the parasite causing malaria) by So, what we decided to do, we shift in the global malaria response Elimination Initiative” in Region regions. The initiative will involve 2025 and achieving malaria-free want to work with mining camps is urgently needed across the entire One. This is significant because several activities, such as status by 2030, as determined by through the various associations malaria ecosystem to prevent despite continued efforts, malaria community education and the MoH, Vector Control Services and we want to teach you how to avoidable deaths and achieve the remains a significant public health awareness campaigns, distributing Department.” make the diagnoses for Malaria, targets of the said WHO global challenge, with both malaria insecticide-treated bed nets, and Since geographical challenges and we’re making it very simple malaria strategy “This shift incidenceandmortalityhighernow implementing vector-control exist and many need to access care becausewewillbegivingyourapid should seek to address the root than they were before the start of measures We will also work atthehealthfacilitiestheMinistry’s tests.” causesofthediseaseandbecentred the COVID-19 pandemic. This closelywithhealthcareprovidersto implementation herein also On the part of citizens, I hope around accessibility, efficiency, scenario is exacerbated by the ensure the early diagnosis and includes a programme to train that all will play their part and

PPP Govt’s

loan forgiveness as a prelude to free education is a giant step for Guyana

growing impact of climate change, prompttreatmentofmalariacases.” stakeholders in diagnosing and remain alert using preventative integration.” which, alongside other challenges, To the Minister’s words, I add treating malaria cases In his means such as screening of doors Guyana is definitely doing a threatens to reverse progress in the that malaria is a life-threatening charge, the Minister explained that and windows to keep out greatjob. fightagainstthedisease. disease caused by parasites that are “We recognise that where our mosquitoesfrombuildings.Also,in Yours truly, What is quite good to note is transmitted to people through the healthcentresarelocated,theymay terms of the environment, citizens H.B. Singh that this “Malaria Elimination bites of infected female Anopheles Initiative” is evidence, yet again of mosquitoes. It is preventable and the nation’s ongoing and ever- curable There are 5 parasite i m p r o v i n g h e a l t h c a r e species that cause malaria in infrastructure, which was alluded humans, and 2 of these species –to by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Plasmodium falciparum and Singh, when, in Budget 2024, he Plasmodium vivax – pose the had announced a substantial greatestthreat. injection of $129.8 billion into Editor,Iamverytouchedbythe Guyana’s health sector for the year concerted effort I am reading about this year. This allocation, now regarding this very important paying great dividends, is a mission. I see that “The Health noteworthy increase of $38.9 Ministry sealed the Memorandum billion compared to the previous of Cooperation (MoC) with the year’sbudget. Ministry of Natural Resources, the

Right off the bat, this Guyana Geology and Mines elimination drive represents a big Commission (GGMC), the Guyana boost in the fight against malaria in Gold and Diamond Miners the country, and forms part of the Association (GGDMA), the overall enhancing of the health and G u y a n a Wo m e n M i n e r s well-being of residents. According Organisation, the Ministry of to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Labour (OSH Department) and the Anthony, “ the essential US Embassy This is awesome. It endeavour is a significant step reflects the support that can be towards eradicating malaria from garnered when the government is Region One and improving the executing a worthy project in a health and well-being of the manner that is professional, ethical residents.” andtransparent.

Heinformedallthat“Malariais So, I am most pleased that a preventable and treatable disease, “Under this agreement, the MoH

DEAREDITOR, people in similar situations, is sad not give free university education. T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’ s and regrettable. The same way the For Guyana to embark on this announcement of forgiveness of Governmenthasallocatedfundsfor action is quite commendable education loans that will benefit an the UG students, they must allocate President Biden tried hard to do estimated 13,000 UG students and funds to solve the lingering loan forgiveness in the USAbut the costing $11 billion dollars is a huge problemsofthevictimsofNIS. Republicans opposed that. They investmentintheyouthsofGuyana. The sad thing about the managedtogetsomelimitedreliefs And the relaxation of the Government’s laudable action of inloanforgiveness. requirements to show employment forgiveness of loans is that some For our people to prosper, we and NIS contributions to make it peoplewouldnotseethisactionasa have to create an “opportunity easier for students to receive very good thing, as they think only culture” where we provide many forgiveness is also a wise decision. direct salary increases matter. But avenues for people to improve We celebrate this loan forgiveness $11 billion going to benefit 13,000 themselves. There are rapid, initiative. students is a huge transfer of ongoing socio-economic changes

TheGovernmentwilldowellto income and is a very substantial which are transforming our do something similar for those assistance to the recipients. Many economy and creating needs for an victimsofNISwaitingfortheirNIS teachers will benefit from this. educated populace that will take benefits. This includes my 88-year- Somemaysayincreasesforoldage advantage of emerging new higholdcousinwaitingforhispayments pensioners, NIS pensioners, and paying jobs. Universal access to for 28 years! The Government’s public assistance should have education and training are the appealing of the Shariff Zainul NIS gotten priority. Maybe the needs of gatewaystoabetterlife. case to not pay the man because it these groups will be addressed In the old colonial days, higher will become a class-action ruling soon. educationwasscarce,wasrationed, that will benefit working-class Eventherich,mightyUSAdoes (Continued on page 9)

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Parliament like pregnancy!

Thesedaystheattemptstostifleinformation from reaching the public is more blatant than ever!

From the removal of post-Cabinet Press Briefings to a weekly cuss out hosted by the Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, this country is deprived of information on key governance issues.

Efforts made by the Opposition in Parliament to seek answers from these elected officials are likewise a waste of time as the Speaker allows an elapse of time before they are allowed on to the Order Paper. Just last week, one Member of Parliament who was mockedintheHousehadtoexplainthatitwas no fault of hers that the questions appeared on the Order Paper some six months and 19 days afteritssubmissiontoParliament.

Where is the accountability???

Proxy advisor urges Hess to accept Chevron offer

(REUTERS)

Hess shareholders should vote in favor of Chevron's, $53 billion all-stock offer at the oil company's May 28 special meeting, proxy adviser Glass Lewis said on Thursday

The proposed deal terms provide a reasonable valuation and offer the potential for upside to Hess shareholders, while the strategicandfinancialmerits of the proposed merger "are sound and reasonable, on balance,"GlassLewissaid.

No. 2 U.S. oil producer Chevron last October

offered to acquire rival Hess in a move to gain a foothold inoil-richGuyana'slucrative offshore fields, where Hess holds a 30% stake in a joint venture.

Hess' partners in Guyana, Exxon Mobil and China's CNOOC, in March filed an arbitration case claiming a right of first refusal over Hess's Guyana assets. The arbitration has stalled the sale and surprised Chevron.

Whiletheoutcomeofthe arbitrationisunclear,thereis no guarantee Exxon and CNOOC would exercise

preemption rights to Hess's stake in Guyana's giant Stabroek offshore field if they win their case, Glass Lewissaid.

Exxon has said it would evaluate its options depending on the arbitration panel's decision, but would not rule out acquiring Hess's stakeintheblock.

Chevron could walk away from the purchase agreement without paying any compensation to Hess shareholders if Exxon and C N O O C w i n t h e i r arbitrationcase,GlassLewis said.

GIANTOILFIELD

The Exxon, Hess and CNOOC joint venture has discovered more than 11 billionbarrelsofrecoverable oil at Stabroek since 2015. The group has said it could install up to 10 production vesselsthisdecadetoexpand production.

TheStabroekconsortium is pumping about 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) and aimstoreach1.2millionbpd by2027.

The Exxon-led group overseesalloilproductionin thecountry ButGuyanaisin talks with a Petronas,

TotalEnergies (TTEF PA), andQatarEnergyconsortium over drilling in a separate block.

Exxon operates the Stabroek block and owns a 45% share, while Hess holds a 30% stake and CNOOC 25% A decision on the arbitration between the companies might not be reached this year, Exxon has said. Chevron's bid also is

pending regulatory approval by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Proxy advisory firms havesplitrecommendations. T o p U S a d v i s e r Institutional Shareholder Services on Monday urged shareholders to abstain from voting on the deal and to allow more time for details on the arbitration process withExxontoemerge.

A19-year-old labourer of Lot 105 Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was electrocuted on Friday As a result, he fell from a building he was working on at the time of the electrocution.

The dead man has been identified as Bryan Hardial, who was employed as a gutter installer (roof man) by Unitech Awning and Shutter Manufacturer. On Friday, at approximately 12:00h, while installing gutters on a buildinglocatedat27Norton Street,Georgetown(between Hardina and Haley Streets), Hardialwaselectrocuted.

Accordingtoinformation received, the 19-year-old, accompanied by a 53-yearoldco-worker,wassenttothe location by the company to install gutters on a threestorey building currently underconstruction.

Accordingtothe53-yearold man, at about 12:00h, he was on the ground floor, while Hardial was on the third floor The man disclosed that Hardial was lifting aluminum gutters, when the gutters came into contact with the electrical wiresonthelanternpost.

The contact between the gutters and the wires caused

Hardial to be electrocuted, resulting in him falling from the third floor to the ground floor

Additionally, the surroundingsatthetimewere wet, and Hardial was not wearing his boots or any protectivegear

The Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were summoned and the 19-yearold was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He was pronounced dead at about 13:00h on the same day.

The body of the deceased wasexaminedbypolice,who confirmed that there was swelling and bruises about theman'sbody

Investigations are ongoing.

Man shot while fighting off bandits for his motorcycle

A 23-year-old technician was shot on Friday while fighting off two bandits for his motorcycle, CL 9585 worth $500,000atCongressDrive,SouthRuimveldt,Georgetown. Police identified the victim as Jonathan Barker and said thatthebulletstruckhisfingersonhislefthand. Barker had just arrived home around 22:30hrs when two menarmedwithagunpouncedonhim. Theypointedthegunathimandtoldhimtogivethemthe motorcycle but he refused and they shot him. The wounded man let go of the motorcycle and the bandits took possession ofitandrodeaway Barker was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC)fortreatment. Investigationsareongoing.

Dead: Bryan Hardial

WasthePPP’s32ndCongressReducedtoaFarce?

Last Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo wasaskedaboutsomeofthe economic and social recommendations emerging from the 32nd Congress of the People’s Progressive Party In his post-Congress addressof5thMay2024,the Vice President had mentioned that various recommendations and resolutions had emerged out of the Congress but at the time he did not detail what were the main economic recommendations.

Asked last Thursday about some of these

recommendations, he

mentioned localized regional issues such as concerns over access to planting materials, jobcreating economic ventures and alleged bullying of Indigenous persons on the ferry It is strange that no mention was made of the criticalissuesfacingGuyana today: the burgeoning oil andgassector,theescalating cost of living, and the persistentblackouts.

Are we to assume, that no recommendations came outoftheCongressonthese issues?Ifthisisthecasethen the failure to address the nation’s most pressing economic challenges would have reduced the 32nd Congresstoafarce.

The oil and gas sector is arguablythemostsignificant development in Guyana’s recent history Since the discoveryofvastoffshoreoil reserves, the country has b e e n p o i s e d f o r unprecedented economic growth.Themanagementof these resources will determine whether the benefits reach the broader population or remain confinedtoafew.

If the Congress did not make any recommendation aboutthissectorandtheuses of the resources that will emanatefromit,thenitmust be a sure case that the Congress missed an opportunity to outline a vision for the country’s future Critical questions about transparency,

environmental impacts, revenue sharing, and infrastructure development remainunanswered.

One would have assumed that for such an important gathering this issue would have taken centerstage.Youcanbetthat at both the forthcoming congressesofthePNC/Rand the AFC, the oil and gas sector will be the subject of recommendations and resolutions.

The Vice President also did not indicate that there wasanyrecommendationor resolutionontheissueofthe cost of living. Guyanese citizens are feeling the pinch. The delegates themselves would not be immunefromtherisingcost of living. From groceries to fruits and vegetables, the cost of everyday necessities has skyrocketed. Are we to b

resolution emanated from theCongressonthisissue?

Ifthisisindeedthecase, then the PPP Congress

PPP Govt’s loan forgiveness...

Frompage6 and reserved for the academicallygiftedwhodid well at the Common Entrance Exam, now called the NGSA (National Grade Six Assessment). Guyana is moving away from that old

colonia

del that restricted access to educational opportunities

We are now creating an opportunity culture to

promote greater equity and parityacrossallregions. Theloanforgiveness,on t o p o f t h e G O A L scholarships benefitting thousands, are to be immeasurably applauded

This is a giant step for Guyana. The Government said it is keeping its campaign promises. It’s up toourpeopleinallregionsto takeadvantageofalltraining

a n d e d u c a t i o n a l opportunities available in our high schools, Technical Institutes,TVET(Technical, Vocational, Education Training centres), Teachers Training College (CPCE), UG, GOAL, and numerous trainingsprovidedbytheOil andGascompanies,etc.

Sincerely, Dr J.Jailall

CivilSocietyAdvocate

DEM BOYS SEH

The rich getting richer

Dem boys seh the gap between the government and de people getting wider thantheEssequiboRiver Isliketheleaders living in one world and de rest ah we strugglinginanother

Justtekalookatthepriceofahouselot. Depoorman,whoneedapieceoflandthe most, can’t even afford it. Imagine dem have to tek a loan just to buy the land. So where dem gon find money to build a house, especially with the high cost of constructionthesedays?

Is like the government forget how people does live. Dem boys seh, the big shots walking ‘round like everything alright, while poor people can’t even find moneytobuyalilzincandwoodtobuilda shed. The housing drive that suppose to helpdepoormanonlyhelpingtowidenthe gapbetweentherichandthepoor Therich buying up de land and building big, fancy houseswhilethepoormanstuckinacycle ofdebtanddespair

Whiledepoormanwaitingfuhmoney fuh build, dem rich man scouting out dem

appeared disconnected from the daily struggles of the people Was there no recognition of the need for the formulation of actionable and effective planstoalleviatetheburdens which are being faced daily bytheworkingclass?

These burdens are not simply a function of global inflation. The rising cost of living is directly related to the emergence of the oil economy

Blackouts remain a chronic issue in Guyana, disrupting businesses and dailyactivities.Modernising theenergygridandensuring a reliable power supply should be at the forefront of anygovernmentalagenda.

disturbingscale.

Vice President Jagdeo’s focus on localized issues, such as the Amerindians’ experience on ferries, while important, seemed to sidestepthebroadernational challenges.Addressinglocal grievances is vital, but it should not come at the

problems.

The Congress seeming inability to tackle these larger issues suggests a misalignmentinpriorities.It iscrucialfortherulingparty to have balanced attention between local and national issues.Theseeminglackofa broad, national focus

thefirstweekendinMay

If the Congress did not addressthevitalissuesofthe oilandgassector,thecostof living, and energy stability, thenitrunstheriskofbeing accusedofbeingoutoftouch with reality and further to beingdeemedafarce.

landandbuyingitonirrevocablepowerof attorney, paying as much as ten times the originalcost.Datishowdeminvestingdem moneybyspeculatingonhouselots. Meanwhile, the government patting demself on the back, talking ‘bout how much they doing for housing. Dem boys seh,ifthisishelp,webetteroffwithoutit.

Dem leaders need to tek off dem rosetinted glasses and see the reality on the ground. People struggling to mek ends meet, and the dream of owning a home slipping further and further away But no, the big shots too busy cutting ribbons and makinggrandspeechestonotice.

So while the poor man praying for a miracle,therichmangettingricher Ishigh timethegovernmentwakeupandsmellthe coffee,causethewaythingsgoing,onlythe rich gon have a roof over dem head. Dem boys seh, it look like the government building castles in the air while the rest of we struggling to build a lil hut on the ground.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Are we to assume there was silence on this issue duringtheCongress?Ifso,it raises questions about whether the delegates are attuned to what is taking place in the country The powership is supposed to be supplying electricity, but consumers are still facing power outag

seriousnessoftheCongress.

a

resolutions, concerning the oil and gas sector, the rising costoflivingandblackouts, did not emerge from the 32ndCongressofthePPP,it does raise concerns about what really took place over

Perhapsintheinterestof transparency, the General Secretary would wish to make public the main economic recommendations andresolutionsthatemerged from the Congress. Surely this cannot be asking too much!

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

AubreyNortononprotests

Opposition Leader, Mr Aubrey Bharat Jagdeo. Apublic servant is call the Office of the President and believed a word that he said. To Norton hit the nail right in the oustedbythePPPforbeinganopen askforBharratJagdeo[thetitleand ram this point home, the irony is middle of the head in his recent PNC supporter, or not being themanareoneandthesame],who that PPP sponsored goons and statementonpublicprotests. There energetic [responsive] enough to is the best person to share all the terrorists are transformed into were a couple of things left out, the PPP’s side of politics and related components. Be assured agents and property of the PNC, likely for purposes of civility governance, and there is no spot in that all this is presented in the andthereisnoseparatingofthetwo say that “the form of protest has to There was one thing that just had to the private sector for them. In the context of street protests, which is sets. Remember that skin colour is change…” I am with him there. be included but wasn’t, possibly expanding and prospering private addressednow Streetprotests,that everything in Guyana. Guyanese But it would have been helpful, strategy sector,anoustedPNCpublicservant oldGuyanacoldwarthatgothoton do well to let what Norton said and without letting the cat out of the The PPP government has more is as welcomed as a naked, wild- occasion has run its course because what I asserted earlier penetrate bag,ifGuyaneseweregivenasense money than its leaders know what eyedstreetbumwithapickaxeinhis many things can happen, and they deeply: money is plenty, money of what and how he was thinking. to do with: either in spending or or her hand Mr Norton has all that are all bad for the PNC. The buys many, money facilitates many Perhaps, small dedicated and with themselves. They have more right Moneyismagicalandmakes GuyanaPoliceForceiswaitingand a felony For further information, disciplined crews of silent than they can burn or toss all manner of things possible. In a due to “accentuated politicization” the interested can check with protestors,standinginplace,before overboard; and I don’t think that is soundbite, the PPP has it by the it is capable of anything, including Aubrey Norton first, then the sensitive places Perhaps, going too far PPP chiefs can dole truckload in $5,000 bills, while the rejecting applications for marches Guyana Police Force. Now if both unmoving groups of protestors out, or withhold, as they please. PNChasbutafewdimes. andassemblies;comingupwiththe are tightlipped, there is the astute lying in front of high value They have There are sugar Regarding protests, the innovative and resourceful Attorney General Anil Nandlall, locations. Perhaps, the media workers on the right side of oil and OppositionLeaderalsohasthatone (trumped up charges) to deal with S.C., who is always good for words smartly utilised for maximum budget, and government right. People come out and the anti-PPP government protestors; of enlightenment. How I love this value. In digressing, I suggest that enthusiastic generosity Then there result is ‘dat de geh’kick out. It is and generally sucking the vibrancy town! more excitable and combustible are teachers and public servants the way of the PPP machinery out of them. For starters, there Inpreparingtoleave,Iwouldbe social media party participants forced to walk on a path of fiery Marxism-Leninism may be out (at weretwothingsthatMr Nortonleft doing the Leader of the Opposition conduct themselves in more coals. Barefooted. The Beatles least on paper), but Jagdeo was out, perhaps out of decency It is a disfavour if I refrained from tempered language Perhaps sang “Money can’t buy me love”, smart enough not to say anything that protests can be (have been) pointing out where he sold himself sustained solidarity with vendors but it can buy a whole lot of faces about the fate of the Stalinism that infiltrated by paid PPPgoons (their short, and his supporters hanging be considered in more than word. for rank PPP purposes, and it can the PPP practices, and of which he skin colour should not surprise) to by what he left out. To some The PNC may not have money, but remind those favored with a has many known affiliations. For beat up a few Indians, and harass degree, it could be said with it must have heart. Cheddi Jagan $40,000howthegameisplayed. In the unknowing in Guyana, a quick storeowners and travelers, if not certainty, it is not only his did. Martin Luther King Jr did. Guyana, a bright and big segment tutorialisofferedfreeofcharge. In worse. And, regardless of how supporters. Since Mr Norton has Jawaharlal and Jinnah did. Look of the private sector could be my terse homemade definition, much either the PNC or Mr Norton come to admit that the high howwelltheyalldid. accurately considered an extension Stalinism can be summarised as were to vehemently object that the intensity, heavy voltage, protests of (The views expressed in this of Freedom House, of having the follows: stand in line, speak the goons are not of his group, nobody old must be declared dead in the article are those of the author and same mind of a character straight same line, and toe the line. Or is listening, nobody cares, and incubator, then what is being do not necessarily reflect the out of Machiavelli by the name of else… Those with questions can whoever does, neither heard nor substituted in that place? He did opinions of this newspaper.)

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

Sunday

ALessonforoil-rich Guyana…

TrinidadturnstoUK Fundforhelpinoilspill cleanupexpectedtocost US$20M

Lacking the requisite expertise and financial stature to tackle the cleanup ofanenvironmentaldisaster caused by an overturned

barge transporting hydrocarbons, Trinidad and Tobago has successfully managed to secure the assistance of a United Kingdom(UK)basedFund.

This was revealed by T&T’s Minister of Energy andEnergyIndustries,Stuart Young, during a press conferencelastweek.

ItwasonFebruary7this year that the twin island learnt of the overturned marinevessel,notfaroffthe shoreline, leaking hydrocarbons.

Young told reporters, “It very quickly became apparent to us that unfortunately the expertise thatwasneededtodealwith thistypeofoilspill,avessel that was overturned, no one knew the exact specifics of thisvessel.Weweretryingto determineitetcetera.”

Tothisend,hesaid,“We had immediately started to look for the right international expertise to assistus.”

Within two weeks of the spill,theMinistryofEnergy with the approval of the Cabinet retained two internationally recognized experts in containing, cleaning up and removing these types of substances fromvesselsandtowageand salvage from the United States.

The Energy Minister reportedthattheteamwasin the process of removing the hydrocarbons that will be taken to containers on land for transportation to be stored.

Cost

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the Tobago Emergency Management (TEMA) will beconductingtheon-landoil spillcleanupofthefuel.

Meanwhile,theMinistry of Energy and Energy Industries is working with the experts to focus on the vesselandtheremovalofthe leaked substances Young saidheexpectstheprocessto be completed by the end of thismonth.

Accordingtohim,“What

Icansayisthatthecostthat we have estimated at this stage from the central government side and certainlywhatwehavebeen managing at the Ministry of Energy along with Heritage and other service providers we can be looking at anywhere from US$14MtoUS$20M.That’s our best estimate at this stage.”

Young was keen to note that the THA too have been incurring certain costs that will be the responsibility of central government which willbeassessed.

Goodnews

Inrelatingthegoodnews to islanders of the Republican state, Young revealed that in 2001, T&T signedontotheInternational Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1992), as well as theInternationalConvention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil PollutionDamage(1992).

The Minister explained that these bodies take responsibility where the owners of vessels who are liable, don’t have sufficient insurance or coverage.They can apply for coverage to handlethe“reasonablecosts ofoilspillcleanup”.

After becoming a member of these bodies, Trinidad, like other signatories, contributed to theFunds;howeverin2018, after the shutdown of the PetroTrinRefinery,Trinidad restructured the facility and was no longer making contributionstothebodies.

The Minister explained, “Fortunatelywejoinedthese bodies in 2001, we made all of our contributions which weremonetarycontributions on an annual basis up to 2018.Since2018tonowwe continuedtofulfillallofour obligations in terms of

reportingonanannualbasis, the types of activities taking place in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Trinidad therefore capitalizedonthepossibility ofaccessingassistancefrom the Fund “immediately” afteritlearntofthespill.

“So immediately the Ministry of Energy in February identified that theremaybeapossibilityfor Trinidad and Tobago to access the benefit of this fund which is basically like an insurance or fund that wouldpayforthereasonable costs of an oil spill and we immediately reached out to them in a number of weekswithinatwo-weekperiodof the oil spill taking place we had filed with them the documentation to say that theremaybeapossibilityof us claiming from this fund,” theMinistersaid.

A delegation led by the Minister of Energy in Trinidad then went to Londonwhereapresentation was made to the IOPC Following submissions on April 24, 2024 to theBoard, andasubsequentappearance beforetheBoardonApril29, 2024 Trinidad’s request for cleanup assistance was approved.

According to the Minister, “The news is that we have succeeded in persuading the executive committee that for the Tobago oil spill incident all reasonable claims that are made will be compensated bythisfund.”

Guyana’s oil spill preparedness

The recent incident in Tobagohassparkedconcern locally about Guyana’s preparedness to respond to suchanevent.

Whileitisestimatedthat some 35,000 barrels of fuel leakedintothebluewatersof Tobago due to the capsized vessel, Guyana has ramped

upitsdailyoilproductionto approximately 645,000 barrels of per day Not only thatbutthecountrydoesnot have an unlimited parent company guarantee to protect itself and Caribbean neighbours that could be hit byamassivespillthatoccurs from ExxonMobil’s operations.

Guyana has only managed to put in place a US$600Moilspillinsurance coverage per event and a US$2B guarantee from the operator.

Thecountry’spoliticians haveinsteaddecidedtocraft an Oil Spill Legislation that should be tabled in the National Assembly soon to govern the transportation of hydrocarbons.

Inabsenceofunlimited parentcompany guarantee… JagdeodefendsExxon pumpingabovesafety limitonoilprojects

Despite Guyana is at the mercy of ExxonMobil should a massive oil spill occur during production activities in the Stabroek Block, in the absence of an unlimited parent company guarantee, the Chief Policymaker for the sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has defended the acceleration of production beyondthesafelimitsofthe threeoperationalprojects.

Currently ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block has three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating beyond the designedrates.

It was reported that the Liza One and Liza Two are producing about 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) respectively The Environmental Impact

Assessments (EIAs) each specifically outline 120,000 and220,000bpd,asthesafe 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.

During his weekly Party Press Conference at Freedom House, the Vice President noted that the accelerated production activities have caused concern. By his calculation, Jagdeo pointed out that the oil giant has breached the

vessels’ initial capacity by almost 100,000 bpd cumulatively

Tothisend,hereasoned, “So the question has been if you’re producing more than what the initial announced capacity of these FPSOs whether you are doing so safely and so the Ministry has assured me that before this is done, they have reviewedthis.”

Additionally, the VP explained that the watchdog for the sector, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed the optimization plans

submitted by Exxon to increase daily oil production Consequently, Jagdeo pointed out, “They havesaidthatthisissafe,so it’s safe and it was on the basisofoptimization.”

He continued, “So was there an independent check or approval by the government and was this s u b m i t t e d t o t h e government, they have assuredme,theMinistrythat this was done and they had theirtechnicalpeoplereview theseplans.”

On Friday, the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton stated his disapproval with the rampingupofoilproduction beyond the safe operating limits.

“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 dangers for the people of Guyanabecauseanymishap that occurs will impact the G u y a n e s e p e o p l e negatively.”

The Opposition Leader explained that while there is needforinvestmentintheoil and gas industry, “The interest of the people of Guyana must come first and they (government) should not be encouraging any company to go above the safety limits and endanger thepeopleofGuyana.”

M e a n w h i l e , t h e Opposition’s spokesperson on oil and gas, Elson Low pointed out that the country is yet to be fully protected from the liabilities associated with a spill that may result from Exxon’s operations.

To this end, he stressed, “Thisunderlinestheneedfor (Continuedonpage13)

T&T’s Minister of Energy, StuartYoung speaking an event

The capsized vessel off the shores of Tobago leaking fuel (Photo credit: Global Voices)

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Frompage12 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.”

Both ExxonMobil and the government of Guyana are fighting against the provisionofanunlimitedoil spillguaranteetoprotectthis country from footing costs beyondthelimitedinsurance and US$2B guarantee reportedly lodged at the EPA.

The High Court in May last year ordered Exxon to providetheunlimitedparent company guarantee, followingalegalsuitbytwo Guyanese men, Godfrey Whyte and Frederick Collins.The ruling has been appealed and is presently ongoing.

Monday

Roguevesselswithout insurance,proper documentationoperating inmaritimeindustry–T&TEnergyMinister

Therecentoilspillwhich took place off the shores of Tobago has led to a fullfledged investigation by the government of the twin island Republic of Trinidad andTobago.

Withtheassistanceofthe United States and Canada, thecountryhasbeendigging

d e e p e r i n t o t h e circumstancesthatledtothe overturned vessel in Tobago which resulted in at least 35,000 barrels of fuel polluting the environment.

Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young during a press conference last week in Trinidad said he recently visited London to convince t h e B o a r d o f t h e International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund to provide assistance to Tobago for cleaning up the leaked fuel from the mysteriousbarge.

According to the Minister, “It became apparent that there is an industry that is taking place out there globally in the maritimeindustrywhereyou havetheseroguevesselsand these rogue owners who are doing exactly what the ownersoftheSoloCreedand theGulfStreamdid,whichis they are not submitting proper documentation, they are not submitting proper ownership, may or may not

have insurance, may or may not be transporting legal or illegalfuel.”

Furthermore, the TT Energy Minister said the capsized vessel in Tobago mayhavereceivedfuelfrom Venezuela which was destined to Guyana

According to him, “The

America’ – Routledge tells int’loilconference

the stage next, shifting the conversation into more specifics of production and upcoming projects offshore Guyana on the part of ExxonMobil one of the earliest majors offshore Guyana. Routledge has high hopes for the future of Guyana’s industry, predicting that the country couldbethelargestproducer in South America—second only to Brazil—within the next decade Even so, ExxonMobil’s focus has beenontheYellowtail,Uaru andWhiptailprojectsforthe present, the latter two of which mark the company’s fifthandsixthprojectsinthe region The Yellowtail project includes a new FPSO, which is expected to come online in 2025, and joins the existing

operational.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil Corporation, Darren Woods recently statedthathebelievestheoil and gas developments in Guyana can go down as one of the best deepwater developments in industry history During a CNBC interview, Woods spoke about ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyana. “If you look at Guyana and the developmentthere,Ithinkit will go down as one of the b e s t d e e p w a t e r developments in the history of the industry,” he said.

Block with a 45% interest, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30% interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25% interest. Hess Corporation has agreed to sell all of the company’s shares to Chevron Corporation, through a US$53B transaction. This deal affects Hess’ global assets, including its share in the Stabroek Block ExxonMobil filed for arbitrationsincetheoilgiant believes it has preemptive rights, which allow shareholders access to stock beforeitisofferedtoothers.

FPSOs—Liza Destiny, Liza

ExxonMobil Guyana announced the discovery of oil in 2015 and swiftly moved to commence production activities by 2019 The company had received an award last year

Financial strategy: Following Routledge, Peter Ramsaroop shifted the conversation to Guyana’s strategy for the country’s recent influx of revenue. He was emphatic that “the

vessels were on the way to Guyana and we have from the authorities in Guyana a requestbytheSoloCreedfor pilots to come and assist themintoGuyanaduringthe period where it actually turned up on the shores in Tobago so we are pursuing alloftheleadsthatwehave.”

This new development and discovery by Trinidad’s Energy Minister, regarding the operation of rogue vessels could spell further trouble for this oil-rich nation, now producing over 645,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd).WhileGuyanaisnow producingalargequantityof crude oil, the hydrocarbons are all exported to other destinations for refinery as the country has not yet established a downstream industry

This means that Guyana isnotonlyalargeexporterof oil, but also imports all the fuel it needs, thereby bringing into question the inspections being conducted by the local Maritime Administration (MARAD) and associated regulatory bodiestoensuretheshipsare insured, properly inspected and certified to meet all the necessarystandards.

ExxonMobil says Guyana could be the largest oil producer in South

Discussions of Guyana’s future as a regional and global powerhouse took center stage in a discussion panel at Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2024 – World Oil reported.

Featu

ed speakers included Kester Hutson and Richard Rambarran of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); Alistair Routledge of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL); and Deodat Indar and Peter Ramsaroop Minister withintheMinistryofPublic Works and the head of the GuyanaOfficeofInvestment (Go-Invest),respectively. Fromtheprivatesectorto government involvement, the panel delved into the opticsofGuyana’s“outsized role”toplayintheglobaloil and gas industry, despite the country’s small geographic size Massive resources: Kester Hutson opened the panel, describing the initial 2015 discovery of Guyana’s reserves as a “monumental shift in economic fortunes” for the country The pace of progresshasbeenswift,with efforts underway to achieve 1.2-MMbopd production by 2030.Thecountryalsoaims toestablisha“monumental” gasprojecttomakeuseofthe naturalgasresourcesandcut domesticelectricitycosts—a move that would pave the way for other projects and industryactivity

Developmentdetails

Alistair Routledge took

UnityandProsperity—asthe company’s fourth vessel in the region.While Routledge only touched briefly on the details of the Uaru project, he had a prospective start date for the more recently announcedWhiptailproject: end-2027. The cumulative productionofallsixprojects isestimatedat1.3MMbopd, once they are operational. Routledge also noted the addition of 500 km of new flowlines on the seabed and over 250 new wells by the time all six projects are

fortherapidpaceitsaffiliate; ExxonMobil Guyana Limitedwasabletodevelop thecountry’sfirstoilproject, Liza One. The success did not end there however, as more than 11 billion barrels of oil have since been discovered in the Stabroek Block.Therapiddiscoveries havetransformedGuyanato the world’s fastest growing economy, boasting the world’s largest discoveries inadecade.

ExxonMobil is the operator of the Stabroek

Dutch disease doesn’t apply to Guyana, ” and he displayed strong optimism for the country’s current “tiger economy” GDP growth seems to support the tiger economy labelling, with 60% growth in 2023 and a projected 43% growth or 2024—11% of which, Ramsaroop pointed out, is non-oil growth He emphasized that in future conversationsaboutclimate, food and energy security, Guyanawould“haveaseat (Continuedonpage40)

T&T Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, StuartYoung during a recent press conference

The accident scene at Long Creek where five people died

GEA's case against petroleum dealer dismissed due to insufficient evidence

Th e f u e l importation case w i t h o u t authorisation brought against the President of SBF Petroleum Dorwain Bess, by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) was dismissed on Friday due to the lack of evidence to link the accused totheoffence.

The case was heard at the Diamond Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

Bess was accused of importing approximately 155,000 litres of diesel at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD), without proper authorisation on November 3, 2020 and November4,2020.

Notably,itisreportedthat after the legal proceedings and detailed submissions from both the defence and prosecution, Magistrate Scarce concluded that there was insufficient evidence to

connect Bess to the alleged offence.

Whilst delivering his ruling, Magistrate Scarce said that his decision hinged on the evidence provided by the prosecution's key witness, Mohanram Persaud of the GEA The court highlighted that the primary evidence against Bess was a telephone conversation in which Bess mentioned having a pending application for an import licence; however, there was no specific reference in this exchange to the vessel carryingthefuelinquestion.

Magistrate Scare said, “The exchange in and of itself does not point to any specific allegations ” He added that Bess was neither cautioned nor informed of specific allegations during theconversation.

Importantly,intherealms of insufficient evidence, the Magistrate noted that the

GEA Head, Dr. Mahender Sharma

conversation was the only evidence connecting Bess to the alleged offence. Notably, there was no direct link established between Bess and the specific vessel carryingthediesel.

The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of Persaud, who recounted a telephone

SBF International Inc.'s Principal, Dorwain

conversation with Bess, where the latter mentioned a pending application for an import licence. Additionally, the court observed that Bess was not informed of specific allegations during the exchangewithPersaud.

It is highlighted that the conversation did not indicate any knowledge of or connection to the particular vessel mentioned in the charges. As such, given the absence of concrete evidence, Magistrate Scarce c o n c l u d e d t h a t t h e prosecution's case was tenuous and could not support a prima facie case

against Bess. Therefore, the chargesweredismissed.

To this end, Magistrate Scarce commended Persaud for his honest testimony, notingthathedidnotaddany incriminating details that could unjustly implicate Bess.Nevertheless, a pleased Besssaid,“Iampleasedwith the court's ruling, which reaffirms my compliance with the law; This decision, I believe, will now pave the way for myself to regain my company's licence for SBF Petroleum, to continue with our operations with a clear focusonintegrityandservice excellence."

He added, “I am happy [that] it's finally over The Magistrate is a very professional person, a very fair person, and was always v

pectful and accommodating.IprayGod's blessingsoverhim.”

Security guard chops friend who refused to leave his work place

A security guard on Friday chopped his friend to the head after he (the friend) refused to stop drinking at his (the security guard) workplace and vacate the premises.

The victim was identified as 50-yearold Ronald Deen, of Lot 2 Water Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Police said that the victim was choppedaround17:40hrs.

Deen was reportedly consuming alcohol with several persons at the security guard's workplace, located at the 'Fishery'Eccles,EBDwhenhewasasked toleavebutrefusedtodoso.

According to police, the security

guard asked Deen to leave because he wanted to secure the building. Instead of complying, Deen held onto the security guard's leg. The security reportedly asked him to let go but he continuedtoholdon.Hisactionsledtoaheated argumentbetweenthem.

Things escalated even further when the security pulled out a short cutlass from his pants waist and chopped Deen across the forehead.

The police and an ambulance were summoned.The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted in a critical condition.

The security guard has since been arrested andisassistingpolicewiththeirinvestigation.

UK extends windfall tax on oil and gas profits to 2029

Oil companies operating in the United Kingdom (UK) will continue to face taxes on the massive windfall of revenue they are poised to receive, even as the government of Guyana (GoG) is opposedtotheintroductionofsuch fiscalpolicieslocallyandcontinue to waive billions in taxes from US oilgiant,ExxonMobil.

Itwasrecentlyrevealedthatthe Chancellor has extended the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), the windfall tax on UK oil and gas profits,byayearto31March2029.

The EPL was announced in May 2022 as a new tax on the profits of oil and gas companies operating in the UK and the UK C

S

When announcedtheratewas25percent, taking the headline rate of corporation tax on oil and gas sector UK profits from 40 percent to 65 percent It was always intendedtobeatemporarymeasure that would be phased out when oil andgaspricesreturntohistorically more normal levels. It also had an original sunset clause of 31 December2025.

At the Autumn Statement in November2022,itwasannounced thattherewouldbea10percentrise intheEPLrateto35percentfrom1 January 2023 (taking the headline

rateto75percent)andanextension ofthreeyearsto31March2028.

KPMG, a global network that provides tax, audit and advisory services reported that during the Spring Budget 2024, the Chancellor announced that the sunset clause for EPL would be extended by a year to 31 March 2029.

According to the BBC, the UK’s Revenue Authority received £2.6Bbetween2022and2023from theintroductionofwindfalltaxes.

In 2022, when the windfall tax wasinitiallyannouncedintheUK, thepoliticalOppositionhadthrown its support for oil companies operating in Guyana to face taxes ontheexcessiveprofitsbeingmade onthecountry’resources.

The Opposition’s spokesman onOilandGas,ElsonLowtoldthis newspaper that the political group holds the view that the PPP Government should specifically achievethisobjectivebyincreasing its royalty rate when Brent Crude (the benchmark prices for oil) movespassthedeterminedrate.He said, “Guyana must move to a variable royalty regime which increasesroyaltylevelswhenBrent Crudeisaboveadeterminedprice. This should apply both to the existing Production Sharing

Agreement (PSA) and the new modelPSA.”

Previously, the Opposition madeitclearthattheybelieveinthe “sanctity of contracts”. However, when questioned about its new position, Low explained, “It’s essentially a windfall tax…this change will only be due if we see abnormal circumstances in the oil market, which no one could have reasonably predicted when the contractwassigned.”

Meanwhile,VicePresidentand Chief Policymaker for Guyana’s petroleum sector, Bharrat Jagdeo argued that such a requirement could not be applied here as it would be a breach to the ExxonMobiloilcontract,signedin 2016.

The Vice President told members of the local media corps that the windfall tax that some countries are exploring only came after intense pressure from their populations.

He quipped that in some cases this was not being done willingly butwas thegovernmentbowing to thedemandsofitscitizenry

The Vice President went on to explain, however, why this could not be replicated in Guyana since, “we are bound by a PSA (Production Sharing Agreement)

with very specific terms on the taxationside.”

To this end, he suggested “if you change the taxation here, it’s considered a breach of the contract.”

Seeking to draw a distinction between Guyana and the ABC countries, Jagdeo suggested that those companies would have been operating for decades in those jurisdictions and as such would have come under the standard tax regimefortherespectivecountries withinwhichtheyoperate.

According to the Vice President, under such a situation the parliaments of those countries could by way of legislation easily make the changes to institute for exampleawindfalltax.

Hewasadamant,thisisthekey reason the same cannot be done in Guyanaiftheadministrationdidin fact go ahead and make the legislative changes; it would be consideredabreachofthecontract, “we would run afoul of the agreement.”

TheExxoncontract andtaxation

Guyana has been the driving force of the record profits registeredbyExxonMobil,butdue to the lopsided PSA it signed in 2016 with the Government of

Guyana (GoG), the company and its sub-contractors are exempted fromtaxpayments.

Infact,theoildealprovidesfor taxes owed by the company to be paid by Guyana.The PSAstates at Article 15.1 that the Contractor as well as its affiliates shall not be subjected to tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge or impostinrespectofincomederived from petroleum operations, property held or transactions except as specified under the agreement.

ItgoesontostateatArticle15.4 thatthesumequivalenttothetaxes owed by the company will be paid by the Minister responsible for Petroleum to the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA).

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

CAIRO/JERUSALEM,

May 18 (Reuters) - Israeli troops and tanks pushed on Saturday into parts of a congested northern Gaza Strip district that they had previously skirted in the more than seven-month-old war, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians, medicsandresidentssaid.

Israel’s forces also took oversomegroundinRafah,a southern city by the Egyptian border that is packed with displaced peopleandwherethelaunch this month of a longthreatenedincursiontocrush hold-outs of Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas has alarmed Cairo andWashington.

Exposing further cracks in Israeli Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu’s government,BennyGantz,a centrist member of the war cabinet, threatened to resign iftheright-wingleaderdoes notagreebyJune8toadayafterplanthatwouldinclude how Gaza might be ruled afterthewarwithHamas.

In what Israeli media said was the result of intelligence gleaned during the latest incursions, the military announced the recovery of the body of a man who was among more than 250 hostages seized by Hamas in a cross-border rampage on Oct 7 that triggeredthewar

RonBinyamin’sremains were located along with those of three other slain hostages whose repatriation was announced on Friday, the military said without providingfurtherdetails.

There was no immediate commentfromHamas.

Israel has conducted renewedmilitarysweepsthis month of parts of northern Gaza where it had declared

the end of major operations inJanuary Atthetime,italso predicted its forces would

Palestinian Islamist group thatrulesGaza.

OnesitehasbeenJabalia, the largest of Gaza’s eight

refugee camps. On Saturday, troops and tanks edged into streets so far sparedthegroundoffensive, residents said. In one strike, medics said 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded.

TheGazahealthministry

and the Civil Emergency Service said teams received dozens of calls about possible casualties but were unable to carry out any searches because of the ongoing ground offensive andaerialbombardment.

“Today is the most

Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza, May 18, 2024. REUTERS/Rami Zohod

achatapp.

“Weknowofdozensof

Continuedonpage56

historic

difficult in terms of the occupation bombardment, air strikes and tank shelling have going on almost nonstop,” said one resident in Jabalia, Ibrahim Khaled, via

Reshma Basdeo-Rameshwar

Sharingasmilethatcouldbrightenyourdayis thegorgeousReshmaBasdeo-Rameshwar The23-year-old beautyhailsfromEccles,EastBankDemeraraandisasoontobemomwho enjoysreadingnovelsandgivingbacktothelessfortunate.Reshma’smaingoalis self-improvementandherfavouritequoteisfromAmericanwriter,SuzyKassem, “BeYourself,anOriginalIsAlwaysworthMoreThanaCopy.”

(Makeup By Tiffany Arakhan) (Photography credit Saajid Husani)

After 13 years CARICOM Aligns in Unified Stand for Palestine and Peace

BySirRonaldSanders

After 13 years, the 14 independent member states

o f t h e C a r i b b e a n Community (CARICOM) have finally aligned their individual positions on recognising Palestine as a State.AsofMay7,2024,all 14 CARICOM states now recognise Palestine as a State The most recent countries to do so were Barbados on April 19, Jamaica on April 22, TrinidadandTobagoonMay 2,andTheBahamasonMay 7. The 13-year delay in CARICOM countries reachingacommonposition on Palestine was largely influenced by the United States Successive US

administrations have opposedtheUnitedNations’ recognition of Palestine as a State and have consistently pressured countries worldwidetofollowsuit.

Indeed, when six CARICOM countries chose to recognise Palestine in 2011, the US was notably displeased.

Although the US has long advocated for a twostate solution to the IsraeliPalestinianconflict,itinsists that Palestinian statehood should emerge from a negotiated agreement with Israel.

In 2011, as remains true today, the absence of ongoing dialogue and a viable agreement between Israel and the Palestinians led the US to withhold support for unilateral recognitionofPalestine.

Partly in response to the US pressuring the Palestinian Authority to withdraw its 2011 UN membership application, six CARICOM member states chose to recognize Palestine asastateatthattime.TheUS stance, threatening to veto any Palestinian application, was widely perceived as inequitable.

Motivated by empathy for the historical struggles

and quest for selfdetermination of the Palestinians, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname

decided to recognise Palestine as a State. Within thenextfouryears,Grenada and Haiti joined them in 2013, followed by St. Lucia in 2015, and St. Kitts and Nevisin2019.

To be clear, the decision of the 10 CARICOM

countries to recognise Palestinewasnotantisemitic then,norisitnow

All 14 CARICOM countries have maintained continuous diplomatic relations with Israel. For instance, Haiti recognised the State of Israel in 1949 after supporting the UN’s 1947partitionplanthatledto thecreationofIsrael.

Regarding diplomatic tieswithIsrael,severalofthe l o n g e s t - s t a n d i n g

CARICOM members established connections shortly after their independence: Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago in 1962,Barbadosin1967,and TheBahamasin1974.

This pattern continued with Grenada in 1975, Dominicain1978,St.Lucia in 1979, St. Vincent and the Grenadinesin1981,Antigua and Barbuda in 1983, St. KittsandNevisin1984,and Belize in 1985. Guyana was the last to establish diplomatic relations, doing soin1992.

Before recognising Palestine as a State, these Caribbean nations not only maintained diplomatic relationswithIsraelbutalso consistently supported a two-statesolution.

They advocated for Israel and Palestine to exist as neighbouring states within mutually agreed boundaries. Until 2011, all CARICOM countries remained neutral in the Israel-Palestine conflict They engaged with Israel as a UN member state and developedvariouseconomic cooperation and technical assistance programmes with it Meanwhile, Israel maintained a strong diplomatic presence in the Caribbean, in its quest to keep Caribbean countries at leastneutralintheUN.

The recent recognitions of Palestine by CARICOM countriesrepresentanotable shift in their stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Undoubtedly, humanitarian considerations influenced thedecisionoftheremaining fourCARICOMcountriesto join their peers in recognising Palestine. The response of Israel to the October 2023 attack by Hamas, which resulted in 1,139 deaths and 248 hostages,waswidelyviewed as disproportionate and inhumane.

As reported by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as of April

22,over34,000Palestinians, including 14,685 children and 9,670 women, had been killedinGaza.

Additionally, 77,084 people have been injured, and more than 7,000 are believed to be under the rubble, according to Gaza’s Healthauthorities.

The horror of these events, broadcast live on global television, made it nearly impossible for CARICOM governments to remain unaffected In response to the Israeli actions in Gaza, the Belize government suspended diplomatic relations with Israel. The insistence of the US on vetoing a second attempt by Palestine to seek UN membership in April 2024 likely also influenced

CARICOM countries to recognise Palestine as a State. Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Palestine had resubmitted its 2011 membership request to the UN Secretary-General on April 2. However, during a Security Council vote - 2 in favour,oneagainst,withtwo abstentions - the US veto on April 18 prevented the adoptionofadraftresolution t h a t w o u l d h a v e recommended the General Assembly vote on allowing Palestine full UN Member Statestatus.

Equityinpursuingatwostate solution cannot possibly be served by preventing Palestine from operating as a state within the United Nations on equal termswithIsrael. Moreover, the Israeli government’s continued aggression in Gaza resulting in the displacementofhundredsof thousands, the deaths of several thousand, and the

assistance—swayed the last fourCARICOMcountries.

CARICOM countries understand that recognising Palestineasastateiscrucial for several reasons. This recognition provides a framework for Palestinian representatives to discuss vital issues such as borders, security,andrefugees.

It reinforces Palestine’s territorialclaimstotheWest Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Additionally, it enables the use of international legal mechanisms for settling land-related disputes, and it sends a clear message to neighbouring countries,

especially Israel, that the international community acknowledges and supports Palestine’srights.

B y r e c o g n i s i n g

Palestine, CARICOM countries not only advocate for the rights of Palestinians but also affirm their commitmenttointernational law and peace processes.

This includes supporting Palestine’sinclusionasafull member-state in the UN, r e i n f o r c i n g t h e i r endorsement of a peaceful resolution and coexistence betweenIsraelandPalestine.

The harmonization of all CARICOM

positions on recognising

Palestine after years of individual

represents

blend

awareness, and a s

commitment to justice andpeace.

This unified stance by CARICOM

strengthens support for

, emphasizing the region’s principled approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

JustasIsraelhastherightto exist as a state and as a homelandforIsraelis,sotoo does P

Palestinians.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador totheUSandtheOAS.

Theviewsexpressedare entirelyhisown. Responses a n d p r e v i o u s commentaries:www.sirronal dsanders.com)

Sir Ronald Sanders

Country Profile Trinidad and Tobago

Geography

Thebeautifultwinisland Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is located in the southeastern West Indies. It consists of two main islands Trinidad and Tobago and several smallerislands.

Forming the two southernmost links in the Caribbean chain, Trinidad and Tobago lie close to the continent of SouthAmerica, northeast of Venezuela and northwest of Guyana

Trinidad is best known for its carnival

lies about a mile off Tobago’snortheasterncoast. Also called Bird of Paradise Island, Little Tobago was once noted as the only wild habitat of the greater bird of paradise outside of New Guinea;however,thebirdis nolongerfoundthere.

Culture

Trinidad and Tobago is well known for its African and Indian cultures, reflected in its large and famous Carnival, Diwali, and Hosay celebrations, as

outstanding physical feature oftheislandofTrinidadisits Northern Range, a continuation of the coastal ranges of the Andes Mountains in Venezuela

The range runs east-west at an average elevation of about 1,500 feet (460 metres), rising to 3,084 feet (940metres)atMountAripo (El Cerro del Aripo), the country’shighestpeak.

Running across the centre of the island, from southwesttonortheast,isthe

Trinidad,byfarthelargerof the two main islands, has an area of about 1,850 square miles(4,800squarekm).

Itis7miles(11km)from the Venezuelan coast at its nearest point and is separatedfromitbytheGulf of Paria and two narrow channels, where there are several small islands and rocks.

well as being the birthplace of steelpan, the limbo, and music styles such as Calypso, Soca, Rapso, Parang, Chutney, And ChutneySoca.

History

An oil-bearing belt occupies the southern onefourth of the island, extendingwestintotheGulf of Paria and east into the AtlanticOcean.

Gas and water seepages giverisetomudvolcanoesof various types, the bestknownofwhichiscalledthe Devil’s Woodyard. In the southwestoftheislandisthe deep asphalt deposit known asPitchLake.

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The island of Tobago is physiographically

Venezuelan coastal range and the Northern Range of Trinidad Its dominant feature is the Main Ridge, which runs from northeast to southwest, rising to heights of about 1,800 feet (550metres)

The ridge slopes more gently to the southwest ontoacoralplain

Matura Beach, Trinidad, TrinidadandTobago.

Vegetation zones are welldefinedonbothislands.

In general, the highest areas coincide with the most luxuriant tropical rainforest vegetation.

Cultivated estates or small settlements are established in clearings on thehills.

Sugarcane, the

The Caroni Swamp, a birdsanctuary,isfrequented byflocksofwhiteflamingos and egrets as well as populations of scarlet ibis a national bird

Central Range, the highest point of which is Mount Tamana (1,009 feet [308 metres]). A third row of mainly low hills, the Southern Range, adds further variety to the mostly flat or undulating surface of Trinidad.

Tobago, much smaller, with an area of about 115 square miles (300 square km),lies20miles(30km)to thenortheastofTrinidad.

Extending diagonally fromsouthwesttonortheast, Tobagoisabout30miles(50 km) long and more than 10 miles (16 km) across at its widest point. Little Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago achievedindependencefrom theUnitedKingdomin1962 andobtainedmembershipin the Commonwealth and the United Nations that same year Itbecamearepublicin 1976.ThecapitalofTrinidad andTobagoisPortofSpain, located on the northwestern coastofTrinidad.

Physicalfeatures

Physiographically, the islands represent an extension of the South American mainland The

The three mountain rangesdeterminetheisland’s drainagepattern.

Riversarenumerousbut short, the longest being the Ortoire in the south and the Caroni in the north. In lowlying areas swamps can be found; among them are the Caroni Swamp in the northwestandclustersalong the eastern (notably the Nariva Swamp) and southerncoasts.

Thecoralformationhas given rise to a number of reefs, one of which, Buccoo Coral Reef, is known for its marine life and is popular for scuba diving and snorkeling Overtheyears,thereefand its marine life h

e suffered serious damage from pollution and tourist activity Tobago has only a fewshortstreams

Conservation

Conservation workers monitoring the leatherback sea turtle population at

Inthedryseasonthehills are dotted with the orange flowers of the mountain immortelle, a large floweringtreethatgrowstoa height of about 80 feet (25 metres), and the flowers of

Despite its protected status, the sanctuary’s bird population,includingthatof the scarlet ibis, has declined markedly since the 1970s, the result of illegal hunting andofpollution.

the pink poui and yellow pouitrees.

main agricultural crop, is grown onTrinidad’sCentralPlain. Scarletibis

Some of the tasty dishes that are well known in Trinidad and Tobago

Aflamingo from the Caroni bird sanctuary in Trinidad

The Coat ofArms of Trinidad and Trinidad

The national flag of Trinidad and Tobago

GNBS – PROMOTING ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW

Hcommenced the verification citizens are encouraged to o f N e t C o n t e n t o f play their role by understand prepackagedgoodstoensure a n d

ow often do you Units (SI), or the Metric the metric units and careers including scales, masses, consumers receive value for measurements Consumers check the time System, as the international inMetrology measures, thermometers, money must demand accurate you take to do standard for measurement in Thisactivitycommenced test measures, and calipers, It is crucial for all measurements in the metric

something or the speed at industrial, commercial and at the New Amsterdam which are verified and stakeholders to understand units. which you drive? Do you societalapplications. Technical Institute on calibratedbytheGNBS.The t h

f TheGNBSisavailableto measurethelengthofobjects The original aim of the Wednesday, May 15 and knowledge garnered by the Metrology Metrology, provide the guidance and or the weight of groceries Metre Convention - the concludes on Monday, May future technicians will be through standardised and services necessary to ensure you purchase? Whether you worldwide uniformity of 20. beneficial in their work and traceable measurements, is

are a teacher, construction measurement - remains as

During the roadshow, professionallives. critical to sustainability in sustainability of reliable worker or a housewife, important today as it was in InspectorsfromtheBureau’s Accurate measurements Guyana, the Caribbean measurements across all metrologyplaysakeyrolein 1875. L e g a l M e t r o l o g y promote safety and health, region and the globe. The sectors of the economy everyone’s daily activities. TheSI,whichismadeup Department and Laboratory

continuous development of Finally, the GNBS lauds the Defined as the science of of 7 base units, plays an Technicians from the consumer protection while the National Measurement work of professionals in the measurement, metrology essentialroleininternational Industrial, metrology and reducing wastage of Infrastructure in Guyana is area of Metrology or also provides the foundation trade and is commonly used Testing Department visited resources The GNBS is done based on the growing measurement. for data-driven decision- i n s c i e n t i f i c a n d the tertiary educational committedtoalloftheabove needs of stakeholders, with For more information, m a k i n g a n d p o l i c y technological research and institutions including NATI, by verifying all measuring support from government, contact the Bureau’s development, helping development. GTI and LTI to interact with instrumentsusedintradeand and through collaboration Metrology Department on organisations, governments This year’s WMD theme students During these calibrating measuring with NMIs regionally and telephone numbers: 219and individuals make is “Sustainability – We engagements, students were instruments used in the internationally 0064 or 219-0065 or visit informed choices that measure today for a allowed to see and use manufacturing and other As we commemorate the GNBS website: contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow ” It measuring instruments sectors. Recently, the GNBS World Metrology Day 2024, www.gnbsgy.org sustainablefuture.

m a r k s t h e o f f i c i a l

Tomorrow (May 20, recognition by UNESCO 2024), the Guyana National ( U n i t e d N a t i o n s Bureau of Standards Educational, Scientific and (GNBS) as the National Cultural Organization) of Measurement Institute, will May 20 each year as join the rest of the world to UNESCO International Day observe World Metrology which opens new avenues to Day (WMD). This is an promote metrology through annual celebration of the scienceandeducation. signature of the Metre In keeping with the Convention onMay20,1875 theme, the GNBS has by representatives of embarked on a roadshow to seventeen nations The Technical Institutes across Convention introduced the the country to teach students International System of about Metrology, the use of

Head Injury: Knowing when it's serious and when it's not

Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist

Traumatic brain injury

· Sensitivity to light or attention sound

·Changeinsleephabits

Moderate to severe ·Sadordepressedmood traumatic brain injuries

Loss of interest in

Moderate to severe favoritetoysoractivities (TBI) as a global public- traumatic brain injuries can

Intoxicated persons health problem, which include any of the signs and This is a special group afflicts 55 million people symptoms of mild injury, as since they are more prone to worldwide, costs over well as the following injuring their head and when US$400 billion (£350 symptoms that may appear they do, it's more difficult to billion) per year, and is a within the first hours to days determine their level of head leading cause of injury- afteraheadinjury: injury Anintoxicatedperson related death and disability · Loss of consciousness can mimic signs/symptoms You should see your assessment The terms ourselves and others from When someone suffers from from several minutes to of head injury without doctor if you or a child has "mild," "moderate" and sustaining brain injury It a head trauma, it is vital that hours injuring their head. It is received a blow to the head "severe" are used to describe often happens in times of they know when there is a · Persistent headache or therefore recommended that or body that concerns you or the effect of the injury on negligence. risk of it being serious headachethatworsens if an intoxicated person causes behavioral changes. brain function.Amild injury A world with less Today, I will shed some light · Repeated vomiting or sustainstraumatotheirhead, Once there is a person to the brain is still a serious violence, no drug abuse, no on signs and symptoms of nausea they should be brought for exhibiting any of the above injury that requires prompt drinking and driving and head injury to help ·Convulsionsorseizures medical assessment once the listed symptoms/signs after attention and an accurate more thoughtful thinking differentiatebetweenwhenit · Clear fluids draining mechanism of injury is injuring their head, they diagnosis. would mean a world with far may be serious and when it fromthenoseorears deemedtobeserious. should be brought for We should all make less head injuries; food for maynotbe. Inability to awaken When to see a doctor

Mild traumatic fromsleep brain injury ·Lossofcoordination

The signs and symptoms Appearing very of mild traumatic brain confused injurymayinclude: · The patient is behaving

· Loss of consciousness unusually for a few seconds to a few ·Slurredspeech minutes ·Unconsciousness

N o l o s s o f Are the symptoms consciousness, but a state of different in children? being dazed, confused or Infants and young disoriented children with brain injuries

·Headache maylackthecommunication

·Nauseaorvomiting skills to report headaches,

·Fatigueordrowsiness sensory problems, confusion

·Difficultysleeping and similar symptoms. In a Sleeping more than child with traumatic brain usual injury,youmayobserve:

· Dizziness or loss of · Change in eating or balance nursinghabits

· Sensory problems, such · Persistent crying and as blurred vision, ringing in inabilitytobeconsoled the ears, a bad taste in the Unusual or easy mouth or changes in the irritability abilitytosmell · Change in ability to pay

l strong efforts to protect thought!

Interesting Creatures...DumboOctopus

The name dumbo Dumbo octopuses are Dumbo octopuses move octopus refers not just to one naturally rare, and the deep by slowly flapping their earspeciesbuttoanentiregenus sea is enormous, so these like fins, and they use their of deep-sea umbrella species have specialized arms to steer They are octopuses, noted for their behaviors to increase the foraging predators and eat fins that resemble Dumbo likelihood that they can pelagic invertebrates that the elephant’s ears (of successfully reproduce swim above the sea floor As Disney fame). There are at anytime that they find a there are few large predators least 15 species of dumbo mate Females apparently in the deep sea, dumbo octopuses, and like all always carry eggs in o c t o p u s e s ’ p r i m a r y umbrella octopuses, their different stages of predators are diving fishes arms are connected by a web development, and they are and marine mammals, of skin, causing them to able to store sperm for long including tunas, sharks, and resemble umbrellas when periods of time after mating dolphins Due to their theirarmsarespreadapart. with a male. Using these preference for extreme named after Disney’s encounters predators in the atleast13,100feet(4,000m) Dumbo octopuses live in advantages, female dumbo depths, they are only very Dumbo the elephant deepsea. belowthesurface. thedeepopenoceandownto octopusescantransfersperm rarely captured in fishing

3. The Dumbo octopus 5. The largest Dumbo depths of at least 13,100 feet to their most developed eggs nets and are probably not eponymous movie, that was usesitsear-likefinstopropel octopus ever recorded was 5 (4000 m) and perhaps much any time the environmental threatened by human famousforitsbigears. through the water and steers feet 10 inches (1.8 m) long deeper, making this group conditions are right for activities.

DUMBO OCTOPUSES octopus doesn’t have an ink the deepest-living genus of average size of 7.9 to 12

usingitswebbedarms.1 and weighed 13 pounds (5.9 the deepest living of all reproducing. Though they FUN FACTSABOUT octopuses, the Dumbo 4. The Dumbo octopus is kg), but most species are an knownoctopuses. spend much of their lives

Life at these extreme suspended above the 1. The Dumbo octopus is sac because it rarely all known octopuses. It lives inches(20-30cm)long.2 depths requires the ability to seafloor, dumbo octopuses liveinverycoldwaterandin lay their eggs on the bottom, the complete absence of attached to rocks or other sunlight. hardsurfaces.

Dumbo Octopuses use their fin-like ears to propel them through the water

Dumbo octopuses live in the deep open ocean

How to Keep Eyeliner from Smudging:

Best Tips for Smear-Free Makeup

Written byAlina Gonzalez getting liner to stay in place your skin type and your all day long, including a eyeliner may be to blame for There’s nothing we hate mind-blowing beauty hack constantsmudging. more than taking the time to you’ll use from now until Ifyouhaveoilyskinthen painstakingly perfect our forever. you’ll want to avoid softer cat-eye, only for it to go How toApply Eyeliner formulatedeyeliners. haywire on us within a few Here’s how you can These are more prone to hours. apply eyeliner for a running when combined

Evenwiththeclevertape flawless look: withoilyskin. tricks or business cards as a Shakeyoureyelinerifit’s

Instead,reachforaliquid guide to a precise wing, it a liquid; begin in the middle or felt-tip option to nix never seems to last. Whether ofyoureyeandmovetoward smudgingforgood. it smudges like we’ve been the outer corner, following Curl Your Lashes First, crying, or the once-crisp line theupperlashlineascloseto Then Apply Eyeliner starts to separate and fade, your eyelashes as possible; Always, always, always Apply Concealer running eyeliner The For Smooth Application, it’s an annoying beauty line from the inner corner of curlyourlashesfirst.There’s to Your Undereyes concealer will create a Always Use an Eye Primer problem that we don’t your upper lash line to the nothing worse than spending Try applying concealer barrier to help the eyeliner Ifyourlidsareoily, recognize until the day is middle of your eye to close time on your eyeliner and to your undereyes to prevent appearfreshforlonger (Continued on page 29) over and the mirror shows the gap; add wings by getting it just right then whatwe’vebeenmissing. movinginatanangletoward smudging it while curling

This is why we’re on yourlowerlashline. yourlashes. cloud nine to have learned Consider Your Skin If you save lash curling from top makeup artists Type When Selecting forlast,tryswappingitoutas Kathy Jeung and Toby Your Eyeliner the first thing you do when it Fleischman, their tricks for A mismatch between comestoyoureyes.

How to Keep Eyeliner from Smudging: Best Tips for Smear-Free...

From page 27 Jeung also recommends l o n g e v i t y , ” s h e but it will be worth it in the Don’t Apply g

primer is a necessary barrier using powder before the first recommends. long run when your flick is to Your Waterline eyeliner will start smudging. from natural oils. A primer swipe of liner, for additional Use Dusting Powder in stillonpointbytheendofthe Notonlyisitbadforyour Even if you like the look of creates a smooth canvas for protection. “Before applying Between Liner Layers night.”Withgentlesweeping eyes (potentially obstructing ey

makeupapplication.Without eyeliner, you want to make Dusting powder in motions, brush off the glands within the waterline) waterline, you’re better off an even base, the liner may sure the eye area along the between layers of a liner is powder so your lids don’t but it leads to watery eyes. If avoiding this technique if skip across your eyelid as lashesisfreeofexcessoil.To also the secret weapon of feelheavy. your eyes are watering, it’s youwanttoavoidsmudging. you apply, especially if your dothis,lightlydustalongthe Fleischman, to Anna skin is on the dry side. Matte lash line with a very small Kendrick’s precise feline concealer is a helpful dupe if amount of translucent flicks. “The key to making you don’t have an eye powder to absorb excess sure your eyeliner stays put primer. Apply a small dot of moisture and oil, and then is to layer, layer, layer,” says the primer with your finger apply your long-wear Fleischman, specifically in andpatitintotheeyelid. eyeliner and powder for theliner,powder,linerorder Powder First, Line Second m a x i m u m e y e l i n e r “It may take a bit more time

UG’s Got Talent promises dazzling showcase

ByShaniaWilliams

University of Guyana

G o t T a l e n t Competition (UGGT) 2024promisesadazzlingshowcase of extraordinary talent from enchanting songs to spellbinding poems, and a performance from a brilliantsaxophonist.

The talent hosed by University of Guyana’s 60th Anniversary Commemoration Committee held its preliminary rounds on May 8 and 9, 2024 at Theatre Guild on

D’Ornellasm, Jaivon Weeks, Tirishatta Semple, Romana Richmond, Serena Hope, Shaneel English,KeziaNunes,LilianRege, Zamani Collins, Rani Goberdhan, Althrenor Bovell, Stracy Stewart, Nathania Samad, Asiyah Kayum, JoelWeeks,andRoshaunaFraser

The competition consists of three more rounds; Quarter finals, Semifinals, and Final All contestantswereeagertobeelected intothenextround.

Expressing their excitement some contestants shared their

Parade Street in Georgetown, kicked off the event in spectacular fashion, drawing in audiences to witnessthecaptivatingdisplays.

Among the contestants vying forthewinningtitleandtheroleof UGTalentAmbassador are Onelly Holder, Cherise Roberts, Joshua

thoughts on participating in this prestigious competition with The Waterfalls

Jaivon Weeks, a talented 19year-old young lady hailing from NorthRuimveldt,enteredthisyear contest because she participated last year and only made it to

semifinals.

“I want to make a comeback this year and keep the judges on theirtoeswithmyperformanceand to take home the title. I’m a very multitalented person; I like to try new things.” He explained his choice of dancing, saying, “Dance was a part of me from the age of nine,Ihaveapassionfordancing.It tellsalot;ittellsastoryandforme what words can’t say, I show it through dance and it helps you to embraceoneself.”

He further described his performance saying, “most of my dances are based on Christian like genreandoneofthechallengesasa dancer in that case is that you get caught up by the world and there arenotmuchChristiansongsthatI would have known and I would have tried to find out that could have given the message, I want to relate to my dances.The mistake I made last year was falling short if themessageitself,sothisyearIam goingtobeonpointonthemessage I am trying to deliver and execute thattothebestofmyabilities.”

Nathania Olivia HamiltonSamad, a 22-year-old from Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, shared her motivation for joining thetalentcontest.

Hamilton-Samad said, “I entered the competition because God has blessed me with many talents playing instruments, composing songs, learning languagesandIenjoysharingthem with my fellow Guyanese to encourageandmakethemproud”

She plans to surprise the audience with her performances, stating,“Ididthealtosaxophonein thefirstround,andI’mplanningto use another instrument in the second. However, for the third, I wantittobeasurprise.”

She explained that she has

received as unwavering amount of support,“Myentirefamilyandmy friends are supporting me all the way, and especially my parents who worked really hard to get me the instruments believing that I couldplaythemthoughnoneofus had any experience with the majority.”

“Therearemanyothertalented competitors in UGGT and sometimes it can be intimidating, butIdobelievethatifIworkhard, be confident and gain enough supporters,Iwilltakehomethe

Continued on page 56

Jaivon Weeks’performance

Olivia Hamilton-Samad playing the saxophone

Jaivon Weeks during her talent piece

Guyanese author cops prize for most books entered at Bookfest USA

For his continuous strides in the area of writing, Guyanese author Geary

givenhonourablementions.

Reid has gained notable recognition from BookFest, USA. The literary festival, based in the US awarded the author for having the most books entered in the BookFest2024—Springedition.

Through The BookFest, Reid whohaswrittenandself-published overa100bookswonsecondplace awards for his books: Building g r o u p s a n d t e a m s f o r organizational success and Can Children repay their parents? He received third place awards for his writingsinconvertingenemiesinto friends, maximising schooling opportunities His faith-based books Way Maker, Miracle Worker and Divorce and Remarriage were

Sincehisfirstsubmissiontothe BookFest in February 2024, Reid received praise for his welldesigned, simple to read, and comprehensivebookcontent.

Because of his knowledge and writing,theauthor,GearyReidhas gained the attention and recognition of many reputable and international book-awarding institutions.Asaself-publisherand financer for his nonfiction books, he has published books in several categories, which has captivated theattentionofreadersofallages.

Reid’s literary impact was also felt in the United Kingdom, at the Global Business and Authors’ Award Through the Global Business and Authors’ Award, he gained speaker of the year award

2023, Business Consultant of the year award 2023, Christian Leadership Award 2023 and the GlobalAuthor’sAwardfortheyear 2022

The Guyanese writer is also a VIP member of the nonfiction AuthorsAssociation(NFAA)USA, a group established to guide and supportnonfictionauthors.

Many authors sometimes have many challenges to generate more than one book within a year They may not publish all of their manuscriptsinashorttimeandthey may utilise the services of many publishing houses, including selfpublishingandtraditional.

However, after much research, Reid has found comfort in the professional service of ProofreadingServices.com. He has

used this company to proofread and edit his 104nonfictionbooks.In addition, this company has also done the covers of his entire collection of books, converted the manuscripts into eBooks and Paperbackbooks,andpreparedhis marketingpackages.

The international proofreading and editing company has done work for many authors around the world. They have recognised and awardedGearyReidforhisvolume and variety of books completed through them, within an extremely short duration. The company, in recognition of Reid as an author copped certificate of high achievement;

To their knowledge, the writer haspublishedthemostbooks(104)

ofanyoftheauthorswe’veworked with–that’s across the 25,000+ clients in 100+ countries that have used the professional services of ProofreadingServices com”, were the words of Luke Palder; CEO of ProofreadingServices.com.

With all of his books being made available in eBooks and in paperback format, readers have an opportunity to select an option of reading that best suits their lifestyle.

The books are available on his A m a z o n p a g e amazon.com/author/gearyreid, and further reading about the categories of his books are available on his website; www.reidnlearn.com

Guyanese author, Geary Reid

L.A. DistrictAttorney Explains Why Diddy Can’t Be Prosecuted Over Cassie Ventura Hotel Video

Sean “Diddy” Combs

settled lawsuit she filed won’t be prosecuted over a against Diddy in November, 2016 video that appears to inwhichshealsoallegedone show him assaulting then- instance of rape and another girlfriendCassieVenturaina instance of Combs forcing hotel, according to the Los hertohavesexwithmalesex Angeles County District w o r k e r s w h i l e h e Attorney’soffice. masturbated.

A 2016 surveillance “The gut-wrenching video appears to show the video has only further hip-hop mogul attacking his confirmedthedisturbingand then-girlfriend. predatory behavior of Mr

“We find the images Combs,” said Ventura’s extremely disturbing and attorney, DouglasWigdor, in difficulttowatch,”theoffice astatementsenttoBillboard. of L.A. District Attorney

“Words cannot express the relationship in which he conducted raids of Combs’ George Gascón wrote in a courage and fortitude that “asserted complete control” L.A. and Miami homes “in statement on Instagram Ms. Ventura has shown in overherlife. connection” with a federal Friday(May17). coming forward to bring this Since Ventura filed her sex trafficking investigation,

“If the conduct depicted tolight.” lawsuit late last year, Combs accordingtoCNN. o

r e d i n 2 0 1 6 , Ventura had an on-again, has been hit with four Combs has strongly unfortunately we would be off-again relationship with a d d i t i o n a l s e x u a l denied all allegations of unable to charge as the Combsfor11yearsuntilthey misconduct lawsuits In sexual assault made against her several times while she anyone who has been a conduct would have split in 2018. In the lawsuit, November, the mogul him. “Let me be absolutely lies on the ground and drag victim or witness to a crime occurredbeyondthetimeline she said she met Combs in steppeddownaschairmanof clear: I did not do any of the herdownahallway to report it to law where a crime of assault can 2005whenshewas19andhe his digital media company awful things being alleged,” The statement added that enforcement or reach out to beprosecuted.” was 37. After signing to his Revolt before reportedly he said in a statement posted law enforcement has not our office for support from In the video, obtained by Bad Boy Records label, selling his stake in the to social media on Dec. 6. “I presented the L.A. County our Bureau of Victims CNN and dated March 5, Ventura claimed that Combs company in March. Also in will fight for my name, my DA’s office with “a case Services.” 2016, Combs appears to “lured” her into a romantic March, federal agents familyandforthetruth.” related to the attack depicted Thecontentsofthevideo shove Ventura to the ground in the video against Mr mirror an assault allegation near an elevator bank, kick Combs, but we encourage Ventura made in a now-

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck

headed for splitsville

BenAffleck and Jennifer Lopez spotted together for first time in 47 days - the couple appeared together in LosAngeles for an event for theirchildren.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were spotted togetherinpublicforthefirst time in over a month amid promoted her new Netflix coach Lenna Marsak shared speculation about their film Atlas, and worked as a on her Instagram Stories on marriage. co-chair for the 2024 Met May 16 that Lopez “liked” a Lopez, 54, and Affleck, Gala, which she attended March 19 post from her 51, were photographed in withoutAffleck.

account that details Los Angeles together on Affleck has been filming personality traits unhealthy Thursday, May 16, as they TheAccountant2,asequelto forromanticrelationships. attended an event to support his 2016 movie, on the west Jennifer Lopez and Ben theirkids. coast; he recently appeared Affleck’s Wedding Officiant

A source said the pair solo at May 5’s live Roast of Jay Shetty Calls Their arrived separately, but they Tom Brady, where he Ceremony a ‘Surreal’ were both seen wearing their performedaset. Experience weddingringsastheyleftthe Jennifer Lopez and Ben

The relationship coach event. Photos from May 16 Affleck’s Relationship later posted a video asking show Affleck picking up Timeline her followers to “please be Lopez and child Emme, 16, Jennifer Lopez poses on kind to Jennifer Lopez aftertheevent. the red carpet at the One & because she’s a human

The sighting comes as Only One Za’abeel Grand being.” “I do not know if rumors of issues in their Opening at Aelia on they’re getting divorced,” marriage continue to swirl. February 10, 2024 in Dubai, she said. “I hope not, but They had last been United Arab Emirates.; Ben yeah,please.” photographed together Affleck is seen on May 02, Lopez shares twins Max publiclyinNewYorkCityon 2024 in Los Angeles, and Emme with ex-husband March30. California. Marc Anthony. Affleck Lopez has spent time in L o p e z r e c e n t l y shares three children with New York in recent months interacted with social media ex-wife Jennifer Garner: as she filmed the movie Kiss content regarding unhealthy Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, of the Spiderwoman, relationships Relationship andSamuel,12.

American Rapper: Puff Diddy

Singer Cassie Ventura

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez

Frompagepage13 atthetable,”andRamsaroop cited various investments i n t o infrastructure including hotels, scholarships and hospitals—as evidence of the country’s dedication to create a stable environment

for investment As Routledge touched on earlier, Ramsaroop also mentioned the country’s future plans to make use of natural gas resources to cut powercostsby50%,assoon asend-2025.

Maintaining the swift pace:DeodatIndar,Minister withintheMinistryofPublic Works, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the pace of accelerated growth that Guyana is undertaking in the pursuit of oil and gas and other infrastructure projects. He mentioned the recent approval of Whiptail as one example, and he referenced future drilling prospects that had garnered interest from such companiesasQatarEnergies, among others. The swift pace, he said, was akin to cramming “30 years of development into three.” In closing, Indar made a point to mention briefly recent claims by Venezuela on Guyanese offshore territories. Though he did not go into great detail, he mentioned prior agreements in place and did not indicate that the claims would affect currentprojects.

The panel was, on the whole, focused on a largely positive outlook for Guyana’s future oil and gas industry Routledge, in particular, seemed to indicatethatGuyana’sfuture would begin expanding into thegassectorassoonasnext year, with an existing oil industry that has the potential to continue expanding operations Guyana’s government, meanwhile, seems optimistic on turning this revenue into infrastructure that could support industry operationsforyearstocome.

Tuesday

FivedieinHighway smash-up

Five persons have been confirmed dead and several others seriously injured, following a head-on collision Monday morning in the vicinity of Long Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway

The dead victims have been identified as: Dwalon Farrel, a Graduate Head of

Department Industrial Technologyteacherattached to the New Silver City Secondary School; Ms RushellLeacock,aGraduate Senior Mistress attached to the Kwakwani Primary School, her brother Eddo Leacock who is a father of two, Urani Hall, a retired nurse residing in Kwakwani and pensioner Clinton Patterson.

Meanwhile,accordingto eyewitnesses Farrel was driving a motorcar heading to Linden while Eddo Leacockwastravellinginthe oppositedirectionheadingto Georgetown when they collided head-on. “We were inanothercargoingtotown, whenweheartheloudcrash and lil bit more we drive up and see the scene, it was horrible,” one passenger of another vehicle said. While Leacock and her brother were presumed dead on the scene,Farrelwasmotionless but was still breathing. It took some time before him along with the injured were transported to the Linden Hospital Complex. He was pronounced dead on arrival. TheLeacocksiblingsandthe rest of the passengers were heading to Georgetown Another passenger of the vehicle Asheer Grannum was transferred to the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation with head injuries.Uptopresstime,his condition was listed as seriousbutstable.

Other passengers of the motorcar heading to Linden included a child and her grandmother and two other men. They are yet to be identified but were all transferred to GPHC

Eyewitnesses made fresh calls for a better response system for victims of accidents that occur on the Linden Soesdyke Highway

“I know that if the ambulancehadcomeintime, with the necessary tools especially oxygen, Farrel would have lived,” one person on the scene commented “After the ambulance took so long persons started volunteering theirvehiclestotakethemto thehospitalandthatwasbad, withnopropertraining,they would have lived if we had better response time and an ambulance with oxygen,” the concerned eyewitness said.

Callswerealsomadefor the reopening of the Health Post at Long Creek, which would also reduce the wait t i m e f o r m e d i c a l emergenciestoLinden. Plungedintomourning

The deaths of Leacock and Farrel plunged the education community in Region10intomourning.In astatementfromtheRegion 10DepartmentofEducation, Sir Farrel was described as, “more than an educator; he was a mentor, guiding countless students through the intricacies of industrial technology and inspiring them to pursue their passions.Hisdedicationand expertise left an indelible markontheNewSilverCity Secondary community.” Ms Leacock was also given a moving tribute “Ms Leacock, a pillar of strength at Kwakwani Primary, was r e n o w n e d f o r h e r unwavering commitment to the holistic development of her pupils. Her infectious enthusiasm and nurturing spiritenrichedthelivesofall who crossed her path Parents and students of Kwakwani on social media described her as one of the best teachers at the KwakwaniPrimarySchool.

For their part, the MinistryofEducationsaidit is deeply saddened to learn ofthetragicdeathsofthetwo teachers. “Our hearts go out to their families, friends, colleagues, and the entire community during this difficult time These educators dedicated their lives to shaping the minds and futures of our youth. Their passion for teaching andcommitmenthaveleftan indeliblemarkonthelivesof countless students As a ministry, we extend our sincerest condolences and stand ready to offer any support and assistance needed to those affected by thistragedy.”

Exxoncaughtusing Guyana’soilprofitsto monitornewspapers …auditorsinstruct companytoreturn

ExxonMobil was caught by auditors spending Guyana’s oil profits to pay for the monitoring of newspapers and media betweentheperiod2018and 2020.

A review of the company’s expenses during the period found that a total of US$2,465,061 62 was claimed by Exxon for its Public Affairs Program Thesecosts,accordingtothe auditors are not related to petroleum operations and shouldthereforenotbebilled tothecountry’soil.

According to the audit report, Exxon used the sum stated above on media messaging; stakeholder r e l a t i o n s , i s s u e s management; recording, editing, and voice talent for public service messages on Guyana’s Sovereign Wealth Fund; hosting visit for Shell Beach Outreach Program including catering and boat and ground transportation; Liza Destiny Arrival Commemoratory Event; branded drawstring sports packs and bottles; media monitoring services and newspapers as well as brochuresforExxon.

Additionally, the oil company used Guyana’s profits to pay for support given to the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) and Public and Governmental Affairs (P&GA) employee / expatriate labor and associatedexpenses.

The auditors however noted, “A cost must be carried out for, or in connection with, production operations for the cost to be recoverable These costs were not directly for production operations. The Contractor acknowledged that the costs are not recoverable because it reversed more than one million dollars charged into the Cost Object, such as a report on Guyana emigration, sponsorships, advertising, goodwill, media, and other similar costs. The remaining costs mustalsobereversed.”

Notably,Exxonagreedto return US$2,373,712 credit to the Cost Recovery Statement for “Public Affairs” costs not chargeable, but denied the remaining $91,349 credit. For its part, the company

said, “The remaining exception is in conflict with the generally accepted customsandpracticesofthe international petroleum industry…Employee related expenses including periodic staff events, staff salary and business cards are typical in any organization and common practice in the international oil and gas industry in connection with the exploration and productionofpetroleum.”

The audit team however maintained that the costs submitted by the contractor werenotrelatedtopetroleum operations as outlined in the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) and therefore requested that the costsbereturned.

The Government of Guyana (GoG) contracted Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & ConsultancyInc.,alongwith the international firm Martindale Consultants to review the company’s US$7.3B expenses incurred between the period 2018 to 2020 during which Exxon was caught using Guyana’s oilmoneytocoverexpenses related to two other blocks Kaieteur and Canje.

In the first instance, the reportstatesthatExxonused Stabroek Block revenues to cover a permit fee for a Kaieteur Geotechnical and Geophysical Survey It also included its cost recovery statement for the Stabroek Block, 100% of the costs associated with an Emergency Response Study for oil spills from Guyana wells Auditors said the Stabroek Block revenues shouldnothavebeenusedto cover 100 percent of this activity since the study looked at wells in the KaieteurandCanjeblocks.

Inthethirdcase,auditors said Exxon charged the Stabroek Block’s producing projects, 100 percent of the cost for various vehicles to support its operations not limitedtoStabroek.

ExxonMobil also used Stabroek Block profits to paydrillshipstostandbyfor KaieteurandCanjeBlocks.

Duringtheperiod,theoil company was also flagged by the auditors for sporting Guyana’s profits on staff parties,socialmediaadsand trips for ex-government officials and paying some US$10 3M for private drivers as well as US$2.2M in school fees for expats’ children.

Auditors also found that

Guyana’s oil profits were usedbetween2018and2020 to make films and documentaries about Exxon’s unprecedented successhere;payforpuppet showsandgo-kartrentalsfor expats and

milies, Christmas cook-out, Zumba and Yoga classes for expats andholidaygiftvouchersfor security guards, escorts for Executives and security for expats’familyfunday

Wednesday

CCJrulesGuyanaGovt. canjoinExxonMinfight againstunlimitedparent companyguaranteeforoil spills

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has overruled the decision of Guyana’s Court of Appeal, allowing the Government of Guyana (GoG) to join the fight with ExxonMobil and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) against an unlimited parent company guaranteeforoilspills.

Thedecisionwashanded downonTuesdayafterbeing hea

e W Anderson and Justice M. Rajnauth-Lee Guyana’s High Court had ruled in

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall S.C.

favour of public interest litigants,GodfreyWhyteand Frederick Collins on May 3, 2023 for ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) formerly Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited(EEPGL)toprovide an unlimited parent company guarantee to protectthenationfromcosts ofanoilspill.

In his judgment, Justice Kissoon was very clear and had castigated the EPA for abdicating its statutory responsibilities stating that theEPAhad“relegateditself to state of laxity of enforcementand (Continuedonpage41)

Frompage40 condonation compounded byalackofvigilancethereby putting this nation and its people in grave potential danger of calamitous disaster.”

BoththeEPAandtheoil company had appealed the ruling of High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon, while the AG, who was not initially a party to the case, appliedtojointheappealon May 12, 2023 He was subsequently denied on December 19, 2023. On January 31, 2024, the AG movedtheCCJtoappealthe CourtofAppeal’sdecision.

During his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday evening, the AG explained, “after hearingsubmissionsfromall partiesonthe13May,2024, not surprisingly, the CCJ reversed and overruled the decision of the Court of Appeal by allowing the Appeal and ordering the Attorney General to be added as a party to the Appealwhichisstillpending intheCourtofAppeal.”

According to the written rulingoftheCCJ,ithasbeen orderedthattheAppellantbe added as a party to Civil the Appeal No. 67 of 2023.The AG argued that since the GoG is a party to the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil,theoperatorof Guyana’s Stabroek Block, the State should have been addedtotheappeal.

“We also explained in greatdetailthattheAttorney General represents the publicgoodandthepublic’s interest.

This is one of the most important contracts ever executedinthehistoryofthis country to which the government is a party and from which the government is getting hundreds of millions of dollars annually which the government is using to finance its budget a n d t o e x e c u t e transformationalprojectsfor the benefit of the citizens of this country and that the Attorney General protects the public’s interest in law,” Nandlall posited following theruling.

He pointed out that the government will now apply to the Appeal Court to be addedtothematter

Dharamlallarrested, placedon500kbail …aspoliceprobefresh sexualassaultallegations againsthim

FormerMinisterofLocal

Government and Regional

Development, Nigel

Dharamlall was on Tuesday questioned by police at the Cove and John Police

Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD) about allegationsofsexualassault.

Dharamlall,anexecutive member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), presented himself to police in the company of his attorney, Bernard DaSilva justafter09:00h.

Heisaccusedofsexually assaulting28-year-oldSarah Hakh, a former female employee of the ministry he headed in 2020 and 2021. The former Minister left the police station until Tuesday afternoon.

M e a n w h i l e , Dharamlall’s lead attorney DaSilva told reporters that his client was being processed by the police. He described it as “a normal procedure.” DaSilva was at the time leaving the police station.

He disclosed that the accused was interviewed by police and denied all the allegations.

“He is cooperating with the police…the police will have to take it from there,” the lawyer said noting that his junior attorneys remained with Dharamlall during the process. Further, he said, “Bail cannot be decided at this stage, primarily because the OC (Officer-in-Charge)doesnot havejurisdictiontoconsider bailatthisstage…”

The attorney added: “I haveeveryconfidenceinthe police to do their work, I do not want to interfere and therefore, I would not want toremainwithhim.

I have given him instructions, and he is matured enough to follow myinstructions…”

On Monday, Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum disclosed that the sexual

assault allegations levelled against the former minister a r e u n d e r a c t i v e investigation.

Last Friday, Hakh held a press conference detailing herallegedsexualassaultby Dharamlall.

She had disclosed that she filed a police report and is hoping that justice prevails.

According to reports, Hakh reportedly met Dharamlall back in 2020. She shared that during her first time meeting the accused, it was over dinner where they had a professional interaction, but added that some of his actions that evening “was juststrange.”

In an initial statement to the media last year, the woman had shared that the officialcalledheraboutajob offer On the day of the supposed meeting with the official and his team, the womansaidthatshedroveto State House, Anna Regina, Region Two, where the official said a meeting will be held. She also shared detailsofthesecondalleged incident which occurred at theofficial’shomesometime in2021.

Shortly after Hakh’s p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e , Dharamlall issued a press release accusing her of embarkingonacampaignto “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 Hakh therein.

For some while hitherto, I was privy to rumours that Hakh was making unsavory comments in relation to me, butImadeadeliberateeffort toignorethem…”

He continued, “Her demeanour towards me changedfundamentallyafter I rebuffed her advances and spurned her attempts to engage in an intimate relationship.”

Last year, Dharamlall resigned amidst an investigationintotherapeof aminor

Recently, he was reelected to the 35-member Central Executive of the PPP Dharamlall secured the sixth highest number of votes among those nominated for the 40member Central Executive Body and five non-voting members.

Friday

ExxonMobilwantsto recovermoneyforITgear butunabletoaccountfor spending–Auditors

A perusal of the audits

c o n d u c t e d b y t h e Government of Guyana in relation to the expenses of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has revealed scores of charges being claimed by the operator as recoverable, but which cannot even be accountedfor

One such instance obtained, when auditors checkedintotheaccountsof EMGLasitrelatestoaclaim for $1,381,000 but when askedtoverify,thecompany could only account for US$68,000 The audit conducted by Martindale Consultants, Inc. and VHE C o n s u l t i n g , w a s commissioned by the government to review cost recovery statements submitted by Exxon Mobil Guyana Limited (EMGPL) for the period between 2018 and2020.

According to the auditors,EMGLincludedon theCostRecoveryStatement allocated costs for EMIT (ExxonMobil Information Technology) and Telephone but when requested to provideinvoicesandjournal entry detail for selected sample charges, the company only provided requested expense reports butnoneofthethird-partyor other documents were provided to support the charges As such, the auditors concluded that the validity and propriety of the EMIT/IT costs cannot be ascertained without the supporting invoices and further documentation and explanation.

Under the Production Sharing Agreement signed

between the Guyana Government and EMGL the operator is allowed to recover technology costs suchascomputers,software, etc.,butthecostsmustbefor Petroleum Operations and the Contractor must adequately support that the costs were billed at actual costs.

With this in mind, the auditorsoutlinedaninstance where “of the $1,381,000 in requested documents, the Contractor only provided $68,000 of expense report detail.” It was noted that the remaining costs, and those not included in the sample, could not be determined to be proper and valid costs without the requested

supportingdocuments.

“Exceptionistakentothe costs until the Contractor supports these costs as specific to Stabroek Petroleum Operations and werebilledatactualcostsby providing the requested invoicesandfullysupported journal vouchers” and as such, EMGL was requested tocredit“theCostRecovery Statement for these unsupported EMIT / IT costs.”

The Auditors found too that EMGL included on the CostRecoveryStatementan allocated share of ExxonMobil Information Technology and IT costs billed by EEPGL’s Affiliate ESSOExplorationInc. This the auditors, found was charged through various Cost Object Orders and when EMGL was requested to provide invoices and journal entry detail for selected sample charges, onlyprovidedgeneralledger line-item detail and a broad description for what the chargesincluded.

The general ledger lineitem, the auditors said detailed and broad descriptions do not provide any additional relevant information than what was initiallyprovided.

Assuch,thevalidityand propriety costs “cannot be ascertained without the supporting invoices and further documentation and explanations.”

EMGL was further requested to clarify why expenses, such as those invoiced to Cost Object Orders, until January 2020, were entirely attributed to Stabroek, rather than being distributed among various other Cost Objects in accordance with their respective allocation criteria.

To this end, the auditors reported that the Contractor failed to “justify why these costs were exclusively designated for Stabroek operations.”

The auditors were adamant, “without question otherdepartmentssupported operations other than Stabroek prior to January 2020, so those other operations should have shared in the pre-January 2020 costs unless the Operator can fully explain and support that no other operations utilised any of thisequipment.”Withthisin mind, it was noted that exception is taken to the costs until EMGL supports thatthecostsareforspecific Petroleum Operations, were billed at actual costs, are supported by invoices are supported journal vouchers, advises how and where the applications are used, and that 100 percent of the costs that were directly billed to Stabroek are solely for Stabroek Petroleum Operations.

Jagdeo:PPPwillnotact againstDharamlallbefore Policeprobe

General Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday stated that the party will not act against Nigel Dharamlall, an executive member of the party until the police investigation into the sexual assault allegations is completed.

“This is a sensitive matter, as you correctly pointed out and the least I speakaboutit,Ithinkwecan allowthecourseofjusticeto proceed in a fashion where people would not deem it as interference,”Jagdeosaidin

(Continuedonpage42)

Former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

FILE – The logo for ExxonMobil appears above a trading post on the floor of the NewYork Stock Exchange,April 23, 2018. ExxonMobil says it is boosting its spending on greenhouse gas emissionreduction projects to $15 billion over the next six years and anticipates meeting its 2025 greenhouse gas emission-reduction plans by the end of this year. (APPhoto/Richard Drew, File)

Frompage41 responding to a question at hisweeklypressconference.

OnTuesday,Dharamlallwas releasedon$500,000station bail after he was questioned at the Cove and John Police Station.Hedeniedthesexual assault allegations Last year, Dharamlall stepped down from his ministerial positionfromtheMinistryof Local Government and Regional Development amidstallegationsofrapeof a minor He is now being accused of sexually assaulting28-year-oldSarah Hakh, a former female employee of the ministry he headedin2020and2021.

Jagdeo told reporters at his press conference that women are highly respected inthePPPparty

He stated, “But I believe inafairprocess,it’sgottobe fairtotheallegedvictimand to Nigel Dharamlall too because often when you’re in politics, people try to run you down too, they run you downandIwanttheprocess

that the police have embarked on to reach its conclusionandmaybeatthe end when the findings are known to the public then I will speak my mind on this matter.”

Recently, Dharamlall was re-elected to the 35member Central Executive of the PPP Dharamlall secured the sixth highest number of votes among those nominated for the 40member Central Executive Body and five non-voting members.

As such, Jagdeo was askedwhatactionstheparty would take in light of the new allegations In his response, the General Secretaryclarifiedthatthere are only three positions in the party that have already been appointed: the general secretary, the executive secretary and the finance secretary He continued, “There’s nothing to step down from. So those are the three positions at this point intime,untilthenextcentral committee where we will appoint additional secretaries.”

Jagdeoremindedthatit’s an allegation that is being investigated by the relevant authorities. He noted that a determination will be made on the basis of the investigation. “So as like in thefirstsetofallegations,we did not jump the gun as a party of a government. We said let the laws be applied uniformlytoeveryoneandin this case, it is being done Nigel Dharamlall was elec

d

y the membership, so that is a different matter,” the General Secretary said. He noted that the investigation has nothing to do with party business, until the investigation is completed, thenadecisionwillbemade onthewayforward.

Saturday

JagdeosaysExxon’s rampingupofoil production“safe”

ExxonMobil Guyana’s further ramping up of oil production in the Stabroek block is “safe”, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday at his weekly press conference held at Freedom House, RobbStreet.

The Vice President was at the time responding to a question posed by Kaieteur about the safety of increasingoilproduction.

“ I n l i g h t o f ExxonMobil’s further ramping up production, we would like to know ….Can you say whether the EPA is fullyequippedtodetermine, if by looking at whatever document they would have submitted, if they submitted any…canyousayiftheEPA is equipped to determine whether this is being safely done and if not have they reached out to international experts to contract them to have their assistance in this?” the reporter asked Jagdeo.

In response, he said that “Last week I dealt with that issue and I said that my briefing is that before they ramped up production beyond rated capacity, that this was cleared with the Ministry The Ministry assured me their technical

On the same issue of Exxon ramping up its production past safe limits o u t l i n e d i n t h e Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) said at a recent press conference that it 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.

officersexaminedit,Ispoke withtheEPA,theysaidthey hadexamineditcarefullytoo so they are aware and it was donewiththeirapproval.

Both agencies the Ministry of Natural Resources and the EPA and theybelieveitwasdoneand it’ssafe.”

Earlier this month, Kaieteur News reported that E

y breached the safe operating limits outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its second deep water project, Liza Two; however, the companywillbeconducting further modifications to the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)

vessel- Unity- to accelerate itsdailyoilproduction.

Exxon’s Country Manager,Alistair Routledge had told reporters during a mediaconferenceatitshead office in Kingston, Georgetown that when the FPSO goes offline in the third quarter of the year to facilitatethetie-inworksfor the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, the company will take advantage of the downtime to conduct maintenance and further debottleneckingactivities.

Routledge reported that the company had a “very strong” production start in the beginning of the year, resulting from the “industry leading ramp up of the Payaraproject”andthevery s t r o n g r e l i a b i l i t y performanceintheLizaOne andTwoassets.Althoughall three of the FPSOs are currently producing above the respective design capacity, the Liza Unity is

Presently,LizaOneandLiza Two are producing about 150,000 bpd and 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) respectively The EIAs each specifically outline 120,000 and220,000bpd,asthesafe operating limit for Liza One andTwo,respectively Similarly, the third oil project - Payara- is also producing approximately 230,000bpdeventhoughthe vessel’s nameplate capacity is220,000bpd.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton in response to the KaieteurNewsarticleonthe rampingupofoilproduction said,“Wesaidearlierthatwe are not supportive of that approachifIrecall. Our position is we need tobevery,verycareful,look at every project separately andtospaceitout.Thereare dangers involved if you are goingabovethelimit–thatis dangers for the people of Guyanabecauseanymishap that occurs will impact the G u y a n e s e p e o p l e negatively.”Headded,“Like we said, while we want investment, we want to see oilproduction,theinterestof the people of Guyana must come first and they (government) should not be encouraginganycompanyto go above the safety limits and endanger the people of Guyana.”

Notwithstanding, the VicePresidentathisMay9, (Continuedonpage43)

General Secretary (GS) of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference

PPPExecutive Member and former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

Frompage42 2024 press conference said that the government has “independent satellite monitoring now to detect anysheeninthewatersothat even small quantities of oil leaks can be detected because of high resolution satellite imaging and monitoring.” He has also explained that the technology allowed them to monitor the amount of oil extracted by the oil company and its partners fromtheStabroekBlock.

‘GuyaneseCritic’to completeBelleVue pumpstationbyAugust

kely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socioeconomic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficialandadverse.

“ T h e E P A h a s determined that this project will not significantly affect the environment, and is therefore exempt from the requirement to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),” the agencyrevealed.Bethatasit may,EPAmentionedthatitis stillallowingthepublica30day period to lodge any objectionsorconcernsabout the project Appeals and objections can be submitted to the Environmental Assessment Board at the EPA’s Sophia, Georgetown office.

The $865M Belle Vue pump station contract that was awarded to TEPUI Group Inc. – the company closely linked to Mikhail Rodrigues also known as ‘GuyaneseCritic’issettobe completed by August this year This is according to information shared in a project summary which was submittedbythecompanyto the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just recently The EPA in a public notice also disclosed that no Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA) is requiredfortheproject. An EIA is usually conducted by the EPA to evaluat

In the summary it was stated that the works would be supervised by consultant Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants –CEMCO The document states also that the proposed project site is located at the drainage trench separating Belle Vue and Good Intent VillagesontheWestBankof

the Demerara River, Region Three. Some of the works listedare:theerectionofthe Steel Pump House and erection of the sluice columns and other components, installation of pumps and appurtenances, discharge pipe, exhaust pipes, construction of pump attendants’ house, access

road, fuel bond and test run of the pumps, structural foundation works just to nameafew Meanwhile, this publicationhadreportedthat the $865 million contract was awarded to TEPUI earlier last year which saw works slated to be started then. But the project did not

beginthenduetodelaysand only started in January this year It was reported too that the contract was the subject ofaninvestigationbyPublic Procurement Commission (PPC)aftercomplaintswere raised that the contractor failed to meet the technical requirementsoftheproject.

When the princess goes missing, the king asks the greatest hero in the land to save her But what help is a hero who's afraid of butterflies? Follow this tale of a tooth-brushing dragon, a cookie-baking villain, and a misfit princess, who stumble their way to a most atrocious ending you have to read to believe.

I must warn you… this bookisATROCIOUS!

Our story begins with an atrociousKing, None of his laws ever madeanysense.

“Tuesday?” he laughed, “Thereisnosuchday,andI'll hearnomoreofitaslongasI amking.”Fromthatdayonin the kingdom, Monday was followed by second Monday orfirstWednesday

His daughter was an atrociousPrincess.

She was not fancy and polite like most princesses, despite the princess lessons she took each day.She never brushedherhair Shesmelled of month- old bananas, and shewasverydevious.

She even set traps throughout this story [Illustrations throughout the story will indicate the Princess'traps]

One day the Princess wentmissing.

In her place there was a notethatread:

“I've takenthePrincess. Youmecatchneverwill.”

After reading the note twice to understand it, the King commanded the greatest hero in the land to findhisdaughter

The greatest hero in the

FUN WITH POETRY

land happened to be an atrocioushero.

He was often too frightened to leave his home, and he was also scared by butterflies.

However, he had once defeated two caterpillars and a moth in a single battle, and this made him the greatest of alltheheroesintheland.

The hero rode to the castle of the meanest villain in the kingdom, but the villain,toowasatrocious.

Hebroughtflowerstoold ladieswheneverhecould.

And out of the kindness of his heart, he once built a house for someone who neededit.[Thehero]

The hero stormed the gate and charged into the dungeon of the villain's castle “Surrender the Princess!” he yelled while shakinginhisarmor

“I don't have a Princess,” said the villain, “I use this dungeontobakecookies,but watch your step because there's a leak down here.” [An example of a Princess trap with words floating in water.]

The hero was more confusedthanusual.

“If you didn't take the Princess, then who did?” asked the hero. “We should go ask the dragon what he thinks.”Mind you, this was anatrociousdragon.

He was known for being tidy and wise, not fierce and ferocious like dragons are supposedtobe.

He brushed his teeth every night, and when he breathed, there was no fire, justmintyfreshness.

Of all the things I have to do, I love to go to school; I learn so many things each day That make me happy and cool.

I have so many good friends there, They always make me glad; We laugh and play at break time, I never can be sad.

My teachers are so nice to me, They make learning so much fun; I cannot wait for each new day, day When off to school I run

The dragon was very upsetwhentheyfoundhim.

“Someone's stolen my gold,andtheyleftthisnotein itsplace!”hecried.

Itread:

“Your gold is with the Princess!

Minenowisit!”

“This is odd,” said the hero.

“Very odd,” said the villain.

“Frmph,” said the dragon who always flossed his teeth whenhewasupset.

“Perhaps the Queen knowssomething.”

The Queen was running around the castle when they arrived.

She, actually, was not so atrocious (for it was she who hired the royal scribe who wrotethisverybook).

“My treasures are missing” she cried “My books and jewels, and my finesilk.”

“Someone has taken them and left this atrocious note.”

Itread:

“Yourtreasureismine!

Do not trying to bother findit.”

“Whoever has stolen your treasure has the Princess,”saidthehero.

“Here are some flowers,” said the villain.“Look!” said the dragon, “there are footprints of dirt on the floor.”

They followed the footprints all the way up to the tallest tower in the tallest partofthecastle.

When they looked inside they found all the gold, books, jewels, and silk, coveredindirt.Andsittingon a throne on top of the pile, was the Princess.“Why did you steal these things and makeuslookforyou?”asked theQueen.

“I didn't want to go to my writing lessons!” said the Princess, “Who needs writing?”

“You do,” said the Queen. The villain, knight, and dragon all nodded in agreement.The Queen made the Princess return what she hadstolenandapologize.

From that day on, the KingmadethePrincessgoto herlessonssixdaysaweek.

She was an atrocious studentwhentheybegan,but shegotbettereachday

It took the dragon hours to brush all the dirt off his coins.The villain developed atasteforsoggycookies,and hebakedthemallthetime.

The hero decided it was finally time to battle a butterfly…andhelost.

As for the Queen, she insisted that the entire atrocious tale be written inside of one of her muddy books.Iwarnedyouthisbook was atrocious, and now it is over!Perhaps, one day you couldwriteabetterone…

Junior page

Unicorn Toilet Paper Roll Craft

Supplies

· Black marker

· Scissors

· glue gun & Glue sticks

· Toilet Paper Roll

· Construction paper white & pink

· Gold glitter cardstock or foam

· Curling ribbon 3-4 different colors

· Paper flowers

Sudoku

Fill in the blank squares so that each row,eachcolumnand each

3-by-3 block contain all of the digits1thru9. If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

1. Start by cutting a piece of white construction paper large enough to cover your toilet paper roll. Use a hot glue gun and glue it on the roll to make the unicorn's body

2. Cut a unicorn horn from the glitter paper and use the white and pink construction paper to make two ears. I just cut triangles, shaped them a little with the scissors and hot glued the pink to the white.

3. From the inside, glue the unicorn's horn to the middle of the toilet paper roll. Next, glue the bottom of the ears on either side.

4. I found that the best way to draw eyes was to start with a pencil. Then when you're happy with how they look, the next step is to trace over them with the black marker. (You can also use googly eyes and add eyelashes)

5. Cut 8 pieces of curling ribbon. You can make them whatever length, just remember that they'll get shorter when you curl them. Run them along the sharp edge of your scissors to make them curl (adults can help younger kids with this part). The harder you press the ribbon on the scissors, the curlier it will be. I gave mine a medium curl.

6. Gather the ribbon at one end and add a little bit of glue to hold them together

7. Glue the ribbon to the inside of the toilet paper roll, just below the horn.

8. Use hot glue to add flowers to the top of the paper tube, just in front of the horn.

9. Now you've just made the cutest ever unicorn toilet paper roll craft!

Make definite Plans to succeed in your Studies

Success in your studies,atthistime of the year near to your final examinations, can be most assured when you take the time and effort to make specific plans and followthesefaithfully

First of all, apart from the time at school and when you have to do the homeworkthatissetbyyour

teachers, mark out chunks of time, maybe on a calendar, that you can devote to your studies at home. You should aim to schedule some study time each day, but other c o m m i t m e n t s m a y necessitate that some sessions are longer than others. Harder classes require morestudytime,soyouneed

Uncle Roy is again appealing to our readers to make a contributiontothiscolumnbyeithergivingafeedback on what is published, asking for some help with some personal problem, offering some advice to fellow teenagers, or sharing the news of what is happening in his/her community Please send your contribution to roypaul2002@yahoo.com

to consider this when determining the time for studying it. You should know the time you need for each subject so that you can studyatyourownpace. Do you digest content quickly, or do you need time to let the material sink in? Onlyyou knowwhatpaceis

bestforyou. There'snoright or wrong study pace. So, don't try matching someone else'sspeed.

Instead, through trial and error, find what works for you. Just remember that slower studying will require that you devote more time to yourschoolwork.

The Cell-phone Craze

by Oswald Gunraj

I am a cellular phone, Coming in various sizes, shapes and tones, I'm a modern top-class invention, Made for personal wireless communication; But I'm very expensive, you see, Check it out and you'll surely agree.

I am a fancy cell-phone, Making different sounds and overtones; You will be cool and exquisite, Placing me at your neck, waist or pocket; So get hungry, talk like you mad, As for me, I will eat up your phone card.

I am a cell – a real attraction, Geared for your amusement and satisfaction, I am sure to make you happy, If you could only afford to own me; But remember, I like to be useful, And not just to make you look fanciful.

I am a handy cell-phone, Use me in and out of your home; Go! Talk to some faces, Or let us together go places; Up, down, in or out, Whisper to me softly, don't you shout.

I am a fussy cellular, And I can be very peculiar, I need for you to keep me full of money, Or I will behave very funny; So keep me topped up all the time, And I will serve you rain or shine; Yes, I am a great cell-phone, But only if and when you keep control.

Your studies will be more successful our when you plan when, what and how you will pursue them.

Is Vaseline Good for Chapped Lips?

Vaseline may help keep moisture from escaping the lips. However, it's not useful on its own if your lips are already chapped.Apply Vaseline on your lips after moistening them first with a humectant like aloe.Just as Kleenex and Q-tips are commonly used brand names for tissues and cotton swabs, Vaseline is a brand name for 100 percent white refined petroleum jelly.Vaseline is an affordable, easy-to-find option in most grocery stores and pharmacies, and it's said to relieve dry skin, help heal wounds, and even help moisturize chapped lips.Because there are no oil glands to protect the exposed pink mucosal surface of the lips, the lips are very prone to drying out, especially in cold, dry climates with little moisture in the air This article will discuss whether or not Vaseline is a recommended product for dry, chapped lips.

Drawbacks - Vaseline is known as an occlusive, which means it can hold in moisture. If you use Vaseline on your lips before they're dry and chapped, you may be able to stave off dryness. However, petroleum jelly isn't all that effective at restoring moisture once it's been lost.

On the other hand, humectants can actually pull moisture from the air into the skin and lips. Examples of humectants include:

* honey

* aloe

* shea butter

* calendula

Vaseline can be helpful for dry, chapped lips when used along with a humectant.Apply the humectant to your lips first, then seal it with Vaseline.

Side effects

Side effects of using Vaseline for chapped lips may include the following:

Vaseline can feel heavy and slippery on the lips. If you sleep in Vaseline, the oil may stain your pillowcases. Vaseline is a by-product of petroleum, a fossil fuel, so it's not very eco-friendly Allergic reactions to Vaseline are rare, though they can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the lips and a burning or stinging sensation. If your lips are chapped to the point of bleeding, Vaseline that's been contaminated with bacteria from your fingers could cause an allergic reaction.

Vaseline may clog pores around the mouth. Other options for chapped lips

If you're not allergic, Vaseline isn't likely to cause harm or make your lips drier — it just may not be the best option for hydrating lips and preventing the delicate skin from becoming chapped.

Other things to try for dry lips include:

Try lip balms that contain:

* argan oil

* coconut oil

* cocoa butter

* shea butter

How to prevent chapped lips

The best thing for chapped lips is to prevent them from getting chapped in the first place. You can prevent dry, chapped lips by doing the following:

Avoid breathing out of your mouth constantly. Mouth breathing releases warm air on the lips that can cause them to dry out. Don't lick your lips. When they're dry, it's tempting to add moisture from your tongue, but once the saliva dries, it actually leaves your lips drier

Drink water. It may help if you're very dehydrated.

Put a humidifier in your bedroom. The water vapor released into the air can help add moisture not only to the air, but to your skin and lips.

Avoid known allergens like fragrance and dyes in certain lip products that can be drying.

Wear sunscreen on your lips. You may already wear it on your face, but your lips need it too.

Gently exfoliate your lips using a texture product or even a warm, damp towel once a week.

Avoid irritating ingredients that can cause dryness, like cinnamon, menthol, and salicylic acid, which can actually make the lips drier

The bottom line

Vaseline is a brand name for petroleum jelly, and it's an affordable, widely available product often used to help heal dry skin and lips. It's known as an occlusive, so while it can help trap moisture into the lips, it can't add moisture that isn't there.

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vaseline-on-lips#takeaway

A Lesson for Guyana:

A Lesson for Guyana: U.S. abandons gas pipeline with concerns mirroring Wales project

An artist’s impression of the natural gas facility to be constructed at Wales

A proposed gas pipeline project in the United States, with concerns mirroring Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, has been abandoned in the United States.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) in a research article last week chronicled the failed gas project that lacked proper analysis to determine its feasibility

Transco, a subsidiary of pipeline industry giant Williams Corp., sought to buildasystemof26-and42inch diameter natural gas pipeline stretching from Pennsylvania, through New Jersey, to a transfer point about three miles offshore

from the Rockaway PeninsulainQueens,N.Y.,to serviceagasutility,National Grid.

Although the utility’s system was meeting regular daily needs, Williams claimed the pipeline was necessary to meet projected peak demand levels. The Federal Energy Regulatory

Commission (FERC)

reportedly granted a certificate of approval with littleanalysisofneed.

Showing unusual foresight for an energy regulator, the New York

State Public Service Commission ordered National Grid to produce a study evaluating long-term energy needs and potential alternatives to the Northeast

Supply Enhancement (NESE)pipeline.

IEEFA contributed comments to the process in the form of an April 2020 report that found the gap between National Grid’s peak demand projection and

actual record highs of peak demand was substantial This was important because theutilityacknowledgedthe primary purpose of the project was to meet peak demand needs that occurred only a few days out of the year

Moreover,thereportalso highlightedthattheNational Gridutility’scontractforthe pipeline would have required ratepayers in Long Island, Brooklyn, Staten IslandandmostofQueensto pay $193 million a year for 15years.

IEEFA also argued the pipeline developer and the utility would profit from overbuilding because they wouldhavebenefitedfroma highrateofreturnoncapital costs even while requiring ratepayers to pay gas rates inflated by the rate of return for construction of an unnecessary pipeline and distributionlines.

The utility’s new analysis, issued in May

2020, identified an alternative for natural gas services that did not require construction of a new pipeline. A week later, the NewYork State Department

o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l Conservationdeniedawater quality certificate for the NESE pipeline on environmentalgrounds,also noting that the utility’s new analysis had identified an alternativetotheprojectthat w o u l d i n c l u d e enhancements to existing infrastructure combined with incremental energy efficiency and demand managementmeasures.New Jersey’s environmental agency issued a similar water quality certificate denialthesameday

- Approval granted without feasibility study - Numerous environmental concerns - Exorbitant yearly repayment

Transco did not appeal the water quality denials or attempt to redesign the projecttoavoidtheproblems identified by the two agencies Even so, the company showed an unwillingnesstoletgoofthe project It requested and received from FERC a twoyearextensioninMay2021.

During the process, media scrutiny of the pipelinefocusednotonlyon environmental matters but alsoonfinancialandenergyplanning issues. The New York City Comptroller’s Office and other officials challenged the project. In September 2020, Moody’s highlightedthefailureofthe project to gain acceptance. The credit agency cited the pipeline and seven other fossil fuel infrastructure projects as part of a trend in w h i c h f o s s i l f u e l infrastructure projects had lostmarketvalidity

Citizen organisations like the Sierra Club, 350 Brooklyn, Food and Water Watch,SaneEnergyProject, Clean Ocean Action and more mounted a multi-year effort mobilising people, resourcesandpublicinterest voices raising substantive critiques of the proposed pipeline, including financial arguments The proposed pipeline posed numerous environmental and climate risks,butfundamentally,the project was a bad investment, the IEEFA analysissaid.

The Institute opined that FERC should have rejected the NESE project in 2019; instead, five years of state agency time and resources, as well as public advocacy, hadtobesunkintotheeffort toachievethatgoal.

Several major pipeline projects approved by FERC including the Constitution Pipeline, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, the PennEast pipeline and now the Williams NESE pipeline—have failed to go forward. Each time, state, local and community resources were expended challenging the need for these projects—needs that FERCshouldhaveanalyzed thoroughlybutdidnot.

Guyana’sGTEproject

Theprojectinitscurrent format was never subjected to a feasibility study, although it remains the single largest financial venturetoeverbepursuedby thecountry

Initially this project, inclusive of a pipeline to transport the gas, a Natural GasLiquid(NGL)plantand the gas-fired power plant was pegged at US$478M; however,theprojectcosthas nowclimbedtoUS$1.8Bfor the three listed components above.

In the meantime, government is already pursuing compensation for

The failed gas project in the US due to the lack of stringentanalysiscomesata time when Guyana is pushing ahead with a US$2 billion Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, intended to provide some 300 megawatts of electricity to thenationalgrid.

landowners affected by the

supervisorycostsforthegas plants and transmission and distributionexpenses.

Similar to the failed US gas pipeline, Guyana’s plannedgasprojectwillalso indebt this country for a period of 20 years at an annualcostofUS$106M.

WhiletheUSgasproject failed to achieve necessary water quality certificates, concerns raised locally by environmental activist, Simone Mangal-Joly about possible impacts to the country’s water supply were also dismissed as the government pushes ahead with the controversial initiative.

ByAllyiahAllicock

Treat your skin and body with ‘Lady Vicky’s Natural Products’

Created to treat and care

your skin and body with only naturally madeproductsisabusinesscalled ‘LadyVicky’sNaturalProducts’.

This business was founded by Fonda Vickerie, a Registered Nurse back in July 2020.Vickerie who is also an Occupational Health and Safety Nurse and Medic who holds an Associate Degree in Social Work from the UniversityofGuyana.

In a recent interview, Vickerie told The Waterfalls, that the idea forherbusinessstemmedfromher passion for helping and healing people.Shenoteditwasoneofthe main reasons why she became a RegisteredNurse.

Having parents who are fulltime farmers and growing up around organic and natural producesonlyaidedherinterestin

usingnaturalproductstocreateher lineofskincareproducts.

“Idevelopedaloveforholistic and herbal healing using mothernature and anything natural and organic.Ibelievedthatwecanheal ourselvesusingnatureandwithout the harmful side effects of pharmacological medications,” sheexplained.

With this understanding, Vickerie said, she started to do research and educate herself on holistic and herbal remedies for innerandouterbodyhealing.

The young entrepreneur recalled that when she started out, shesourcedandsoldproductssuch as turmeric soaps, lemon soaps, charcoal soaps, body butter, body buffer, turmeric lip balm, hair oil, bodyscrub,lemondeodorant,yoni detoxsteamjusttonameafew

The next phase was preparing

“Young entrepreneurs do play an important role in society because they are the ones who created and/or introduce new ways to make money and start businesses.”

brandingfortheproductshecame up with the name: ‘Lady Vicky’s Natural Products’ offers natural and organic products for the yoni, skin,faceandbody

She related too that having been in the natural beauty care products business for almost four years now, the support has been reallygreat.

“I have customers who have beenwithmesincetheinitialstage of my business. And I have new and recurring customers. Family support has been really great especially from my mom,” she expressed.

She remembered that during the course of the years, one of the main challenges she faced was sourcingherowninstorelocation.

really bad I overcame this challenge by never giving up and never losing hope.And I searched formyownin-storelocationuntilI finallygotone,”sherelated.

Not stopping there, Vickerie revealed that her long-term goal for her business is to expand on a larger scale, having her products be sold in supermarkets and by other companies. Also, she said shewantstointroducesomenewer products to the market and to her customers.

newwaystomakemoneyandstart businesses,”shesaid.

To see small businesses like hers grow in society, she suggests thatentrepreneursmakeuseofthe differentsocialmediaplatformsto exposetheirproductsandservices. “Now a days young entrepreneurs can make money basically doing and selling anything. With social mediaasoneofthemainsourcesof entertainment and means of communication,”shecommented.

“WhenIstartedmybusiness,Iwas doing deliveries only and selling fromhome.Iwantedmyownstore

With more to expect from this thriving venture, our featured entrepreneur is of the view that small business owners contribute significantly to society since they help to introduce newer products to the market “Young entrepreneursdoplayanimportant roleinsocietybecausetheyarethe oneswhocreatedand/orintroduce

For persons desirous intrying the products Fonda Vickerie has to offer, you can contact her via telephone number (592) 6726123, or on Facebook and Instagram at Lady Vicky’s Natural Products. You can also visit her store front at New Vendor’s Mall – Lane 4 on Water Street.

Young Entrepreneur, Fonda Vickerie

Guyanese-American family’s Caribbean-infused beef patty racking up rave reviews in New York

ByRehannaRamsay

No matter which corner of the globe you trod, Guyanese are known for a couple of things including their hospitality, enterprising spirit and great food. Perhaps, it’s a combination of all these qualities that has launched one GuyaneseAmericanfamilyinthespotlight.

Within just 18 months, the owners of Datz Deli located in Hollis Ave, Queens, NY and Clinton Street, Manhattan NY, went from obscurity to become possibly the most talked new Deli inNewYork.

But how did that happen, Joshua Dat, the visionary behind the popular city eatery explained thatittookalittlefaith,lotsofhard work and dedication to get the businessofftheground.

The 32-year-old entrepreneur told this publication that he has been dreaming of opening the eatery,sincehewasateenager

He explained, “The reason I started Datz Deli is because of my father Ever since, he came to this country from Guyana, he has been working for other people, helping them build their brand and empire and they would promise him stuff butnevercomethrough.”

As a result of watching his hardworking dad get betrayed repeatedly, the young restaurateur saidhesavedasmuchashecouldto raisethecapitaltoopenthefamily’s first’sDeliinQueens,NY

He told the newspaper that “It

took me 15 years to raise the capital, I lost it, then raised it back again. I couldn’t give up on the dream because I knew my dad is a great cook and our family had something special to offer the world.”

Dat said when it was time to opentherestaurant,hisparentsand other close family members quit their jobs and came to work for him.

“It’s a family business; everyone working here is family,” he said about the eatery And

although he was born in New York, the businessman is Guyanesebyheart.

“I had to do something for Guyana because even though I was born in New York. I love my culture I love being Guyanese. My father has been talkingaboutGuyanaforaslong asIcanremember Hewouldtell mestoriesthatmademefallinlove withtheculture.So,theconceptfor Datz Deli is inspired by Guyanese and Caribbean cultures,” he posited.

such a beautiful flag. I just wanted tomakesurethatpeopleknewthat weareGuyaneseandthatthisisnot justaregularCaribbeaneatery,it’s Guyanese.”

‘The famous Mac Patty’ With his unique GuyaneseCaribbean culture on full display, the businessman knew he had something special to offer customers.Hesearchedformonths tofind“thatthing”thatwouldgive the business an edge over his competitors.

“I just knew we needed somethingonthemenutostandout because there are so many other CaribbeanstoresinQueens.”

continued “Being

Guyanese, I wanted to make sure that people knew when they came here to the store, it was Guyaneseownedbyhavingthecoloursofour flag shine bright. I mean, we have

Dat said he was handed a million-dollar idea on an ordinary day when a customer walked into his corner store in Hollis, Queens, andaskedforitssignature dish — a Jamaican beef patty filled with macaroni and cheese Butcouldsheaddoxtail gravy to that? “I hadn’t thought of it that way,” Dat says. Neither had the person who was next in line; he overheard that conversation and orderedone,too.

Thebusinessmantooktosocial media to share the popular patty and within six months, the “mac patty” is on talk shows, popular social media pages, and racked millionsofviewsonTikTokvideos

Continued on page 57

Owner of Datz Deli, Joshua Dat (2nd left) is joined by his entire family on the Kelly Clarkson Show, Manhattan, NewYork

Owner of Datz Deli, Guyanese-American Joshua Dat appears on the Kelly Clarkson Show, Manhattan, NewYork February 14, 2024

Entertainment

By Shervin Belgrave

Grow your business at ‘Pastels and Soca’ while partying in elite style

Dubbed “The Ultimate

S o c a - B r u n c h Experience”, “Pastels and Soca” Part Two will be the perfect event for you to network, growyourbusinessandpartyinelite stylewithoutbreakingthebank

The second edition of Pastels and Soca will be held on Sunday, June30,2024atBooklandGardens located at the corner of Woolford Avenue and Albert Street. This year’s event promises to be bigger andbetterthantheinauguralevent.

Speaking with The Waterfalls, the promoter/Organiser of Pastels andSoca,QuincyWilliamssaid,“It is a concept party designed to attractallagesofpeople”.

HeaddedthatSocais“musicof vibrance” that uplifts your mood and spirit. Blend that with pastel colours (light colours), and there will be a perfect combination to wineanddinewhileindulgingina vibrant party atmosphere that will be etched in your memory and leaveyouwantingmore.

costs only $5000 and includes a complimentaryglassofMimosaora cocktailofyourchoice Thesecond entrance package is all inclusive worth $15,000 Apart from a complimentary glass of cocktail or Mimosauponentry,itgrantsaccess to buffet styled food and shots of top–shelfliquorfortheentireparty

branded cups, and one hookah. There is also the El Dorado Rum package for $25,000 that includes one bottle of 12-Year-Old El Dorado Rum, three chasers, branded cups, entrance passes for fourpersons,apersonaltableanda hookah.

P&S

A number of sponsors have since jumped on board to provide patrons with a breathtaking experience. The sponsors include, Skyn Essence Organic Skin Care, The Wine Vault, The Wax Bar, Luxury Wigs by Tree, TORE-The Off-Road Experience, Cornbread Hangout Spot, GEN TEE, Chip’s Man Entertainment, Finesse Styles, Pressy’s Gift Store, Savannah Tours, Sexy Me Sexy YouBoutiqueandLadyK’sSpa.

While it is expected to be an elite event with class and style where patrons will have the opportunity network with businessesanditsrepsoveraglass of wine or cocktail, Williams and theeventsponsors,havecateredfor everyone’sbudget.

Accordingtohim,therearefour entrance packages available to have an unforgettable experience onJune30.

GeneralAdmission to the event

Then comes the cabana package for only $135,000 and include entrance passes for 10, persons, meals, a private cabana, two tables, three bottles of premium liquor, two bottles wine, two hookahs, branded cups and a personal waitress. If a $135,000 dollars is a little over budget then patrons can purchase one of the table packages that ranges from $25,000to$45,000.

For $25,000, you can get the wine package which includes a table,entrancepassesfor4persons, three bottles of wine with three different choices to choose fromPergola, Barefoot or Yellow tail-

The Bel Air Champagne Packagecosts$30,000andincludes entrancepassesforfourpersons,one bottle Bel Air Champagne, a hookah,brandedcups,andatable

For$35,000,patronscangetthe Johnnie Walker Package which includes, one bottle Johnnie Walker, three chasers, a table, a hookah, entrance bands for four personsandbrandedcups.

Last but not least, there is the Hennessypackage,whichincludes aonelitrebottleofHennessy,three chasers,atable,ahookah,entrance passes for four persons, and brandedcups.

Thebuffetstylediningalsohas 24 menus to choose from and

Pastel and Soca Packages

includes both international and local cuisines. Williams also said that patrons will not leave empty handedbecausetherewillbelotsof giveawaysattheevent.

Gates will be opened at 13:00hrs and the party will continue until midnight. Upon arrival,youwillbeescortedtoyour tablesbythehostsanddon’tforget totakeadvantageofthephotoOps. Tablescanbereservedearlyby visiting www.potsalt.events For those unable to make reservations online event passes and packages canbecollectedfromPressy’sGift Store on Regent Street or its Mandela Avenue location, The WineVault and the Sexy Me Sexy YouBoutiquebetweenGeorgeand Camp Streets, Georgetown, Cornbread Hangout Spot at Lime Street, Georgetown For more information, persons can contact the organiser on mobile number (+592)649-4142.

See you there!

By Shervin Belgrave

PMelo Entertainment, DJ Garwin to create history with ‘One Guyana Concert’ at Port Kaituma

romoters, Melo

Entertainment and DJ Garwin,aresettocreate history this Independence weekend at Port Kaituma by hosting the first ever ‘One Guyana’ Independence Super Concert in the Region One village.

The concert will be held this Saturday, May 25 at Quincy’s Place, Port Kaituma with

international recording Jamaican Dancehall Artiste, Demarco headlining the concert. Singing alongside him for the very first time in Port Kaituma, will be our very own Timeka Marshall, “Miss Winie Winie”, Trinidadian Chutney Artiste the “Hitman” famousforhishitsong,“Bringthe FireWater” andthenewestLatin Artiste on the block, the Bad Family’s Issibaby from Venezuela.

While Port Kaituma has had music shows in the past, it has never witnessed anything of this magnitude. Super concerts are usuallylimitedtotheCapitalCity, Georgetown and persons from hinterland communities spend thousands of dollars to get to the citytoattendtheconcerts.

While Georgetown has a packed line-up and shows for the

Independence weekend, Melo Entertainment and DJ Garwin decidedthatitwastimetoinclude PortKaitumainyear’sfestivities. Music will be provided by Power King and Bullet Sound, SeenUp,DJGarwinandSelector Big Papa. Persons desirous of attending the show are being asked to purchase their tickets early Early bird tickets cost $3,000 for generaladmission and

$10,000 for VIP admission

Patrons will pay more for tickets atthegate. TicketsareonsaleatQuincy’s BarandChilcottandSonsinPort Kaituma. T h e ‘ O n e G u y a n a ’ Indepe

sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Titan IndustriesInc.andLegacyGlobal Entertainment.

Baramita’s Mother’s Day party was “literally” on fire

Agenerator caught fire at last Sunday’s Mother’s Day fete held in Baramita, Region One,threateningtoabruptlyend he party prematurely but patronsrefusedtoleavetheparty.

Thepartywasheldby“Young Boss and Randy (Red Dragon) tertainment” It featured a packed line up of both local and onal entertainers such as, rinidadian female artiste, Tempa, Bad Family Music’s Issibaby Venezuela, the Jaray Boss AW , five- time Soca King of Guyana, Jumo Primo, Granny IV, the BrothersandDJMagnum.

Just two hours into the party, the generator caught fire. AW Lyrical was performing on stage when the incident threatenedtoendtheshow Standing in the dark, patrons shoutedforAWLyrical,theJarayboss “Jaraythegenerator”. Power was restored within half hour and the show continued until mid-morning.

Attendeesdescribedthepartyas “onewithadifference”. Meanwhile, most of the artistes remained at the location and enjoyed the vibes partying ‘til morning. This proved to be beneficial to fans who were elatedtotakeselfieswiththeir favouriteartistes.

Jumo’senergeticperformanceelectrifiedthecrowd

GrannyIVdemonstratedthatshecandancebetterthanaSpanishgirl TheJarayBoss‘jaraying’thecrowd TrinidadianArtisteTempaStepsintothecrowdduringherperformance.

Issibabytreatingthepatronstosomesalsa CastroBrothersentertainingthepatrons

Visually impaired Dancehall artiste graduates with Double Major from Stony Brook University

DancehallartistNigyBoy is officially an honours graduate of the Stony Brook University in New York with a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in political scienceandhistory

The singer, whose real name is Nigel Hector, shared a clip from the momentous occasion which saw him crossing the stage at the graduationceremony

The caption was simple, but captured the essence of the occasion. “I made it!,” he wrote.

Nigy Boy's DJ Tony Stir who was in attendance,

shared congratulatory greetingstothefastrisingstar after the ceremony earlier today “I'm so honored to present to you Stony Brook University's newest

graduate,” he wrote on Instagram.“ One bachelor's degree today, AND ONE MORE TOMORROW! I'm so happy for you my brother Oh, did I mention he graduated with HONORS? Yes indeed!!! Dancehall reggae'snewestgraduate.”

The Jamaican-born New York-based artist, who became blind at birth, shot to fameearlierthisyearwiththe release of Continent, one of the first songs on Rvssian's popular Dutty Money riddim. He's since followed up with Judgement, another song produced by Rvssian on the PaymentPlanriddim.

On May 7, the singer received a standing ovation during a session of the New York State Assembly, where he was invited as a special

guest.

During the sitting, House Speaker Carl Heastie hailed Nigy Boy for his contribution to the music and creative industry

“Thank you for your incredible contribution to musicandtheartsandsuchan incredible following. Also, we look forward to hearing you at the UBS. Continue your great work and know you're always welcome here,” Heastie said in part, at thetime.

In February, Nigy Boy returnedtoJamaicaforatwoshow appearance and a visit to his alma mater, the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Heissettogracethestage atReggaeSumfestinJuly

Nigy Boy with his mother Claudette Hill

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

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

SUNDAY – MAY 12, 2024 reportersderogatorynames.

of this promise with key written about the PPP has to offer, and setting an deficiencies in the contract ditching Marxism from its example. still hampering the free flow constitution at the just But then

o f r e v e n u e t o t h i s concluded Congress. What Dharamlall and how the impoverishedcountry the party did was effectively party holds him in high dismiss the relevance of regard despite his less than

WEDNESDAY – Marxism-Leninism as stellarrecord. Whosoever will can be Back in office, after a exceedingly challenging due MAY 15, 2024 applicabletoGuyanatoday The PPP, including elected- even rape accused five-year in opposition, the to a pervasive atmosphere of Government gets its wish Italsodispensedwiththe female members in the We had made some PPP has returned to its old, fear and apprehension The Caribbean Court of ideology as not being group, loves to present a predictions about the just dirty tricks. In fact, of among public officials, Justice (CCJ) handed the relevanttothisera. narrative about how much concluded congress of a recent, things have gotten

GuyanaGovernmentamajor TheleadershipofthePPP the women of Guyana are particularpoliticalparty worse with certain media engaging with the press victory on Tuesday allowing and its delegates certainly respected. We did not see coming, houses and reporters facing openly Many officials opt to it to join the new slave did not benefit from the

theelectionofarapeaccused weeklyattacksandabuse.

master ExxonMobil in insightsofthelateDr Walter Dharamlall, a PPP stalwart to that party’s August- But even prior to the communicate off-the-record fightingagainstaHighCourt Rodney on the relevance in who has been rewarded with C

rulingthattheoilmajormust time and place of Marxism. one of the most powerful Committee. independent media outlets,

provide unlimited parent RodneyarguedthatMarxism endorsements that any What we also did not such as Kaieteur News and victimisation. company guarantee to this can be viewed as both a political body has in its predict was that the rape Stabroek News, have faced country in the event of an oil m e t h o d o l o g y f o r handstogive. accused would get more targeted attacks under TUESDAY – spill. understanding societies and v o t e s t h a n s e v e r a l Jagdeo when he was MAY 14, 2023

Among other things, the as a revolutionary ideology SATURDAY –government ministers; a president. PPPelection gimmicks Guyana Government led by Rodney concluded that as a MAY 18, 2024 former President and the Under him, the attacks With the time drawing Vice President Bharrat methodology, Marxism was Teachers, we attorney general- the keeper took various forms, near to the next General Jagdeo has argued that there independent of time and stand with you! ofthelaw. including: the withholding Elections, slated for 2025, is nothing like an unlimited place and thus applicable to Teachers are again on the We had said that the of State advertisements, the People’s Progressive parentcompanyguarantee. different eras and different streets shouting for better congresswasafarceandthat pressure to dismiss editors Party Civic (PPP/C) is The entire population societies. wagesinanoilrichcountry it was about one man and attempts to even rushing to meet its 2020 was aghast when the Ourleadersshoulddothe cementing his stranglehold e n c o u r a g e p r i v a t e Manifestopromises. government had instructed FRIDAY – MAY 17, 2024 honourable thing and meet onthepartyofCheddiJagan. advertisers to withhold ads While the government the EPA to appeal the court The PPPand Dharamlall teachers half-way on their It ended up being about that from media houses. Under justyesterdayannouncedthe ruling and was further Weatthispublicationare proposals, rather than issue same man and another him, the State media had write off of student debt for flabbergasted when it made of the view that even the threats and mock teachers at accused of raping and become increasingly some 13,000 Guyanese, the moves to join the case to most irresponsible, brain theirclosed-doorevents. sodomising an Amerindian partisan, echoing a troubling fact is this measure will not fightagainstitscitizens. dead, organisation would The General Secretary of girl. trend reminiscent of the affect the majority of the TheCCJhasnowgivenit have put the most distance the People’s Progressive authoritarian regime of the population that are still the freedom to continue to between itself and Nigel Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo,

MONDAY – past. struggling to make ends put its knee on the necks of Dharamlall and not want whoisanall-knowinggenius

MAY 13, 2024 A television station was meet. citizens in its alliance with suchapersontobeanywhere seems to be shying away Attacking the press taken off the air for one Why is the PPP now ExxonMobil. Guyanese now near its deliberations, its from the fact that elections The PPP in government month and a journalist was duckingandrunningfromits know who is for them and most watched gathering are soon approaching and has been notorious for banned from covering Manifesto promise to whoisagainstthem. But instead, the PPP teachers represent a sizable attacking the press. Led by p r e s i d e n t i a l p r e s s ”engage oil and gas rewarded him with a high votingpopulation.

Bharrat Jagdeo, that party conference–a ban that was companies in better contract

THURSDAY – seat at the party’s just Needless to say, our has even used its supporters eventuallyremoved. a

MAY 16, 2024 concludedCongress. teachers deserve better to throw faeces on a former The media faces

s PPP‘dissing’ The PPPhas insisted that salaries and working columnist of this newspaper number of challenges administration has even the working class it is about clean governance, conditions, elections or no Jagdeo himself has called presently Access to senior failed to keep the latter part Much has been said and the best people that Guyana electionsMr Jagdeo.

Magistrate bemoans distance travelled by Sand Creek residents to attend Lethem Court

A magistrate attached to Secondly, an arrest warrant

that persons can have in affecting you, you will have from your home, from your the Lethem Magistrates’ could be issued and they access to justice,” the help.” community and you can be Court is bemoaning the could be sentenced which is Magistratesaid. Chancellor of the senttoinstitutionswhichyou distance residents from the quite serious. Of course, I

Meanwhile, during the Judiciary, Justice Yonette wouldnotliketobein.” village of Sand Creek and indicatedtothemthatevenif same outreach, the team also Cummings-Edwards, who S

neighbouring communities they came late to court of visited the Sand Creek presented on sentencing and encouraged to ask questions have to travel to attend court course most of the matters SecondarySchool. how the justice works, said and share concerns during sessions. when I see persons don’t

The purpose of the visit that, “Our institution, the

Magistrate Omadatt come to court, I would stand was to educate students courts will come in, in terms informative sessions of the Chandanduringaninterview down the matter. On that about sexual offences and of sentencing a person if that outreach. aired on Radio Eve Leary outreach, we had the the processes of seeking person is found guilty after a They were assured that and posted on Facebook said GuyanaPoliceForceaswell assistancewhennecessary. trial. You know sentences any information received thatduringanoutreachtothe as the DPP’s Chambers R e g i o n N i n e can be very long, it can be would be kept in confidence community, re

ts because we see the office of

hard, you can be sent away asitwasasafespace. questioned what would the DPP as a very important Superintendent of Police, occur if they do not attend stakeholder Since matters Raphael Rose told the court. have to go before her for students that, “Sometimes

Magistrate Omadatt Chandan

“We went to Sand Creek advice and then they would you don’t know where the andwewouldhavenotedthe come back to the prosecutor of sensitising persons about help is going to come from distance needed to travel to as to how they should thevariousoffencesandalso but I want to assure you get the Magistrate’s Court proceed with the matter,” the services that the court today, there is help in all might be a difficulty… Of Chandanexplained. provides. areas and once you give us course, the matter could be The outreach was “ we also took into thatinformationandallowus done in their absence conducted with the objective consideration the challenges to be a part of whatever is

Belle West teen killed over

old grievance

A19-year-old male of BelleWest,West Bank Demerara (WBD),diedonFridayafterhewasstabbedseveraltimesby amineronThursday

ThedeadmanhasbeenidentifiedasOrlandoSamarooof Lot439BelleWest,WBD.

The incident happened between Thursday and Friday at BelleWest(Phase#2).

According to the police, at around 14:00h on Thursday, Samaroo was sitting under a bus shed at Phase #2, Belle West.Hewasinthecompanyofothermenwhenthesuspect, a31-year-oldminerapproachedhim.

Theaccusedwasarmedwithaknife.Policesaidthatthe suspect held onto Samaroo’s jersey and stabbed him several times to his abdomen, making good his escape on foot thereafter

Samaroo was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient. He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbedtohisinjuriesonFridaymorning.

Samaroo’s body is being held at the GPHC’s mortuary whereitawaitsapost-mortemexamination.

Police are looking for the suspect as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understands that Samaroo and the suspect had a previous conflict where it is alleged thatSamaroobeatandrobbedthesuspectweeksago.

Thepolicelearntthroughenquiriesmadethatthesuspect and deceased had several misunderstandings after that incident.

Dead: Orlando Samaroo

New teaching block for Mahaicony TVET Center to cost $91M

The Ministry of Education is preparing to spend approximately $91milliontoconstructateaching block at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Center in RegionFive.

This is according to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) officeduringtherecentopeningof tenders. Nine contractors have bid forproject.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

GeorgetownPublicHospitalCorporation Procurementofdietarysuppliesphase2for2024.

Supplyandinstallationofshatterproof automatedslidingdoors.

Supply,installationandcommissioningof medicalandlaboratoryequipmentfor2024.

MinistryofEducation

ConstructionofNewCampbelleAnnex.

Notably, the ministry will be constructingatshedanddrainatthe North Ruimveldt Secondary Schoolandrehabilitatetheschool’s canteen.Workswouldalsobedone at the Diamond Secondary School and the Diamond Special Needs School.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand at a recent press conference said that the government is repairing and

Constructionofteachingblock–Mahaicony TechnicalandVocationalTrainingCenter

ConstructionofshedatNorth RuimveldtSecondarySchool.

ConstructionofDiamondSecondarySchool.

upgrading educational facilities across the country so as to make them safer and comfortable for learners.Asumof$74.4billionwas allocated for the ministry this year torolloutitsagenda.

ConstructionofdrainatNorth RuimveldtSecondarySchool.

RepairsandMaintenanceto theDiamondEducationNeeds.

Rehabilitationofcanteenat NorthRuimveldtSecondary

WANTED VACANCY

Porter needed for truck. For more information Call: 6611000.

Caricom Insurance is now hiring Sales Agents/Representatives. Attractive Commission and Training provided. Call (592) 610-6650.

Wanted! Workers for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100-$5000 per day. Workers paid weekly. Call: 6117839.

One general cleaner, Must be able to assist in the preparation of vegetables. $4000 per day. Call: 696-2520

One arc Welder, Handy boy and lorry drivers needed. Living accommodation provided. Call: 627-5043/ 639-1315.

One male driver to do personal and business chores, Ages 25-50 years residing on W.C.D or W.B.D Call:6240239

One male able- bodied Staff. Call: 231-2029, 616-5954.

One female able-bodied Staff. Call: 225-2313, 658-8559.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

1 Toyota Allion, Pioneer DVD, CD & USB deck, reverse camera, alarm, low milage. Call: 649-0956.

Vehicle for sale 1-Modlem Truck $2.5 Million Contact: 650-0402 / 652-0251

EDUCATION FOR RENT

Place to rent at Vreed-enhoop junction for Lessons, Church, Office,Storage Bond, other.. Call: 603-6400

4 bedroom, fully furnished apartment at 21 Seafort street, Campbellville. For more information call: 621-5140.

Living and Business Quarter for rent at James and Hunter Street. Visit Location for more information Call: 674 0614.

Hiring spray Painter, Joiner & Carpenters, experience would be an asset, Interested persons can Call: 667-0859.

Vacancy for professional or trainee Welder. Call: 6981267/ 657-9121.

Live-in housekeeper needed to cook, clean and do laundry in Virginia, USA. Free room & boarding offered. Call: 845-325-8241.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office.English & Mathematics,grade 2.Email application:techserigy@yahoo.com or call 615-9132.

Maid to cook & clean for East Bank area call: 615-9132

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

Auto electrician and Mechanics needed send your CV To: omaransarimi@ gmail.com contact :618-7066

Part-time Graphic Artist -Contact:233-2725 / 601-7580

Vacancy exist for one labourer. Call: 677-8104.

Vacancies for cooks, Salesgirls, Cashiers & porter boys. Contact GK Variety store, Robb & King street, 653-0475.

We are hiring an inventory clerk. contact : +592 700-1196 for more information

SERVICES

Visa Application and consultation, advertisements publishing, graphics design, local & USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 626-7040.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. For more information Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

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

For low cost repairs for AC units, refrigerators, freezers, gas stoves, washing machine, dryers, etc. Call: 6294946, 225-4822.

FOR SALE

German shepherd mix with Husky available. Call : 6480111.

2- SUV Lexus Contact: 6500402 / 652-0251.

Prime business spot 1/2 Acres land located at parika E.B.E.Contact : 650-0402/6520251.

4th Annual Energy Conference and Supply Chain

The fourth annual Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo will be held from February 18 to 21, 2025 under the theme, ‘Connecting the Dots: Integrating the Future.’

This flagship event is anticipated to attract over 5,000 delegates, feature more than 180 booths, and host over 70 distinguished speakers at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

The theme emphasises the interconnected nature of various elements within the energy sector and the wider supply chain ecosystem. It highlights the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders – including government bodies, industry players, academia, and civil society –to address common challenges and seize shared opportunities.

Expo billed for February 18-21

Given Guyana’s strategic location within the Caribbean region, the theme for this fourday event also highlights the importance of regional integration and fostering closer ties with neighbouring countries in areas such as trade, energy, and infrastructure development.

‘Connecting the Dots: Integrating the Future’ therefore serves as a unifying theme that brings together diverse stakeholders with a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for Guyana’s energy sector and supply chain ecosystem.

The conference, poised for its fourth installment, will continue its leadership on discussions pertaining to a just energy transition and balancing economic growth

with environmental sustainability. Other focus areas include financing sustainable development initiatives, developing a workforce for the future, building resilient supply chains, and promoting the advancement of women in the industry. Given the expanded focus of the conference, panel discussions will also identify investment opportunities in agriculture, tourism and infrastructure projects locally and regionally.

Since its 2021 debut, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo has established itself as a meaningful platform for connecting industry professionals, government officials, investors, and experts in the energy sector. Participants have benefitted from invaluable engage-

ments with policymakers and regulatory authorities, leading to a deeper understanding of the legal framework, as well as, key development plans.

For exhibitors and participating business professionals, this platform has allowed for products, services, and solutions to be showcased to a targeted audience with opportunities to connect with potential partners for joint ventures, strategic alliances, and project collaborations.

For further details regarding the conference and securing your booth at the 2025 event, please reach out to Fareeza Haniff, Media and Operations Director at fareezah@guyanaenergy.gy or Kiana Wilburg, Chief Executive Officer at kianah@guyanaenergy.gy.

Another cop struck down at roadblock

Another police of ficer was struck down at a road block at the Houston Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) early Saturday morning.

The victim was identified as police constable, Nicholas Romain who is stationed at the Tactical Services Unit. The incident occurred at 02:05h.

According to a statement from the police, “Inquiries disclosed that the police were conducting a ‘stop and

search’ exercise under the command of a gazetted officer when the driver of motorcycle CL 6778 failed to adhere to the direction of the police and a collision occurred.”

The motorcycle was driven by 22-year-old Oneasi Jevon.

Jevon and the policeman were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where they were examined. Their injuries were not considered to be lifethreatening. Both men were treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, Jevon’s motorcycle has been lodged as he remains in police custody assisting with investigations.

Last November, a female constable died after being struck at a road block. Another police inspector, Castello was injured during the ordeal as well.

Constable Abel lost her leg after an errant driver drove through a roadblock in front of the Beterverwagting Police Station on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). He was rushed to the

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a critical condition.

According to reports, the two officers were performing traffic duties in front of the police station, when they were struck by the car. The driver drove through the red traffic light. After running over the police officers, the car collided with two other vehicles which the police had pulled over. Reports are that the errant driver was drunk; he was promptly detained by the police.

Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza...

From page 16 people, martyrs (killed) and wounded, but no ambulance vehicle can get into the area,” he told Reuters.

The Israeli military said its forces have continued to operate in areas across Gaza including Jabalia and Rafah, carrying out what it called “precise operations against terrorists and infrastructure”.

“The IAF (air force) continues to operate in the Gaza Strip, and struck over 70 terror targets during the past day, including weapons storage facilities, military infrastructure sites, terrorists who posed a threat to IDF troops, and military compounds,” the military said in a statement.

STRAINS IN ISRAELI

COALITION

Netanyahu has faced criticism at home and abroad for failing to articulate an endgame more than seven months into the war.

In a news conference, Gantz said he wanted the war cabinet to form a six-point plan in the next three weeks and that if his expectations are not met he would withdraw his centrist party from Netanyahu’s emergency coalition. Gantz said his proposal

would include creating a temporary U.S.-European-ArabPalestinian system of civil administration for Gaza while Israel retains security control.

Though Gantz is Netanyahu’s most formidable rival in opinion polls, were he to leave the government that would not be enough to bring about its collapse, as remaining parties would still give the premier a comfortable parliamentary majority.

Yet Gantz’s challenge shows increased strain on Israel’s coalition, which is dominated by far-right parties. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday demanded clarity on post-war plans and for Netanyahu to forswear any military reoccupation of Gaza.

Armed wings of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and Fatah said fighters attacked Israeli forces in Jabalia and Rafah with anti-tank rockets, mortar bombs, and explosive devices already planted in some of the roads, killing and wounding many soldiers.

Israel’s military said 281 soldiers have been killed in fighting since the first ground incursions in Gaza on Oct 20.

At least 35,386 Palestin-

ians have been killed in Israeli strikes since Oct. 7, according to the enclave’s health ministry, while aid agencies have warned repeatedly of widespread hunger and dire shortages of fuel and medical supplies.

In the Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 1,200 people were killed, according to Israeli tallies. About 125 people are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza.

In Rafah, where Israeli tanks thrust into some of the eastern suburbs and clashed

with Palestinian fighters, residents said Israeli bombing from the air and ground persisted through the night into Saturday morning. Rafah had been sheltering more than one million displaced Gazans. UNRWA, the main U.N. aid agency for Palestinians, said on Saturday that nearly 800,000 Palestinians have fled the city since Israel launched its ground operation there on May 6. Israel says it must capture Rafah to destroy Hamas and ensure the country’s security.

UG’s Got Talent promises dazzling...

From page 32

win”, she added. Similarly, the multitalented Tirishatha Semple, of 2256 Ozama Street, North Ruimveldt, explained that she was aware of the competition last year.

“It was very interesting to me since then but now that I’m a university student I can take part... I tried my luck … I believe this platform would be great for me to showcase my talent and garner exposure and to be a voice for the voiceless.”

She said “I am not over confident but humbly confident, knowing that true talent

cannot be ignored and Guyana does have talent. Anything can happen, I’ve heard the other contestants, they are very good and talented, but I believe what’s for you will be for you. So, in terms of winning, it’s a possibility, but making finals is important and getting my voice and lyrics heard. That’s important.”

With the preliminary round voting concluded, contestants await the results eagerly as they continue their journey towards claiming victory. The next round is scheduled for May 22, 2024.

NGO launched in Linden to honour murdered nurse, Schenise Apple

Five years after the death of Linden nurse Schenise Apple while performing her duties in Mahdia, Region Eight,aNot-for-Profit,NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) was launched in her memory

The organisation, Apple Foundation Inc. (AFI) was launched on Friday in

aims to bring awareness to the challenges faced by nursesdailywhileproviding thenecessarysupport.

Nurse Schenise Apple was murdered in 2019 in Mahdia where she provided her services to the Ministry ofHealth.

Wismar, Linden by the late nurse’srelatives.

OnJuly2,2019,Apple’s body was found by her colleagues hanging from a window in her room at the nurses’ hostel in Mahdia Initially,thecasewastreated as a suicide but following further investigations, the Guyana Police Force has listedthecaseasahomicide.

Thewoman’sfamilywas informed of this via a correspondencein2022.

Meanwhile, at the launching ceremony, Apple’s father, Dexton Copeland, said the NGO

Frompage49 with fans from around the world bookmarking Datz Deli to visit and indulge in the scrumptious looking beefydelight.

Dat explained that to make the dish, a Jamaican beefpattyiscutopenonone end and piles American cheese,bakedmacaroni,and meatslikebraisedoxtailand curried goat are added It becomes a sandwich when he puts the stuffed patty inside of a butter-flap or what Americans call a coco bread.

He said customers can put curries, goat meat or whatever they want instead ofbeef. “Itistailoredtotheir

AFIwillbecomprisedof pastandpresentnursesalong with leaders of the co

stakeholders,whowillassist with the delivery of its mandate.

Inadditiontosupporting nurses, especially those servinginremoteterritories, the organisation will also provide support for abused women, senior citizens and shut-insresidinginLinden.

“The mission of the organisationistofullyattend to nurses and fulfill their needs but what we ask the nurses to do in return, is to g i v e b a c k t o t h e community,”Copelandsaid.

Several nurses from the

community of Linden have alrea

organisation including

a Reynolds, a nurse who worked for several years at

H

spital Complex(LHC).

Reynolds will be in the organisation’sofficetoassist with data entry and to coordinate when, where and how the work will be executed since the other nurses on the team are employed.

API’s office is located at Burnham Drive, Wismar, Linden Medical kits were also provided to the nurses who will be doing home visits, caring for shut-ins and collecting d a t a , d u r i n g t h e commissioningceremony Meanwhile, Kenard

Copeland, Apple’s

relative gave an overview of the organisation and noted that the initiative is one that will benefit the mining town of Linden

while noting that its

family‘s Caribbean...

liking and it’s basically Guyanese–Caribbean cuisine wrapped in an American package,” he asserted.

Datz Deli has only been openforjustover18months, butitsviralsandwichisonits way to becoming a milliondollardish.

Theshophasopenedtwo locations within the short space of time - the 1st in Queens and the other in Manhattan And with its popularity, it is still spreading, with Dat and his familyatthehelm,it’slikely thatthemacpatty’swinning streak will continue for a long time Given his success, Dat advises those

now starting out to keep fightingfortheirdreams.

“You may fall down but don’tstaydown.Getbackup and try again that’s important,” he said The young businessman has another dream he hopes to fulfillsoon.

Hesaid,“Myparentsare from Guyana... Both of my p a r e n t s a r e f r o m

Georgetown My dad is from Albouystown and shares a history with Windsor Forest but I have never been to Guyana I really want to go; I am planning on something now to go out there always w a n t e d t o v i s i t Guyana…soonthough.”

success requires lots of research, money, support, p a r t n e r s h i p , a n d volunteering

PastorMarkGeorgewho did the feature address referenced the words of the late Martin Luther King, who said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question should be what are youdoingforothers.”

George encouraged the

partners to run with the organisation’s cause and give a listening ear to the vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Odetta Hyderkhan,amidwifeofthe Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), encouraged her colleagues to continue to p

of p l e a s a n t n e s s , confidentiality,empathyand tobeobservantalways.

Trained persons who are desirous of volunteering with the organisation can visit the office for further information.

Mayor of Linden, Sharma Solomon; Town Clerk, Lennox Gasper; Former Regional Chairman, Rennis Morian; and other regional and religious officialswerealsopresentat thelaunch.

E-bike rider killed in East Bank accident

Anelectricbike(E-bike) riderwaskilledonSaturday night in an accident at McDoom, East Coast Demerara(EBD).

The deceased was identified as ‘Uncle Danny’ reportedlyfromAgricola.

According to reports, ‘Uncle Danny’ was struck down by a car while reportedly heading to a nearbyshop.

It’s unclear if he was making a turn at the time or attemptingtocrosstheroad.

However, the car was reportedly heading north in thedirectionofGeorgetown whenitcollidedwithhim.

Eyewitnesses said ‘UncleDanny’landedonthe car’s windscreen before fallingontotheroad.HisEbikewasflungafardistance awayfromhim.

When Kaieteur News arrivedonthescene,theman was already pronounced dead by a medical team on boardanambulancethatwas summoned.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the driver hasbeentakenintocustody Investigations are ongoing.

Uncle Danny’s body on the road way.

The dead man’s electric bike.

The volunteers and relatives of ScheniseApple

The late nurse ScheniseApple

Russian court seizes two European banks’assets amid Western sanctions

Aljazeera - Freezing hundreds of billions of dollarsinlenders’assetswas part of dispute over gas projecthaltedbysanctions.

A Russian court has ordered the seizure of the assets, accounts, property andsharesofDeutscheBank and Commerzbank in the country as part of a lawsuit involving the German banks, court documents showed.

The banks are among the guarantor lenders under a contract for the construction of a gas processing plant in Russia with the German company Linde The project was terminated due to Western sanctions.

European banks have largely exited Russia after Moscow launched its offensive on Ukraine in 2022.

The headquarters of Deutsche Bank is pictured in Frankfurt, Germany [File: Michael Probst/AP]

UniCredit said it “has been made aware” of the decision and was “ r e v i e w i n g ” t h e situation in detail The bank was one of the most exposed European banks when Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine, with a large local subsidiary operating in Russia

It began preliminary discussions on a sale last year, but the talks have not advanced. Chief executive AndreaOrcelsaidUniCredit wants to leave Russia, but added that gifting an operationworththreebillion euros ($3.3bn) was not a good way to respect the spirit of Western sanctions on Moscow over the conflict.

“Wewillneedtoseehow thisclaimisimplementedby

Acourt in St Petersburg ruled in favour of seizing 239 million euros ($260m) from Deutsche Bank, documents dated May 16 showed Deutsche Bank in Frankfurtsaidithadalready provisioned about 260 million euros ($283m) for thecase.

the Russian courts and assess the immediate operational impact in Russia,”thebankaddedina statement.

Thecourtalsoseizedthe assets of Commerzbank, another German financial

institution, worth 93 7 millioneuros($101.85m)as well as securities and the bank’s building in central Moscow

The bank is yet to commentonthecase.

In a parallel lawsuit on

Friday, the Russian court also ordered UniCredit’s assets, accounts and property,aswellassharesin two subsidiaries, to be seized. The ruling covered 462.7millioneuros($503m) inassets.

Russia has faced heavy Western sanctions, including on its banking sector, since the start of the war in Ukraine. Dozens of USandEuropeancompanies have also stopped doing businessinthecountry

New Chief Justice of Barbados sworn in

Chief Justice Leslie Francis Haynes, SC

Nation News: Barbados has a new Chief Justice.HeisLeslieFrancis Haynes,SC.

Chief Justice Haynes was sworn in on May 17, 2024asthe6thChiefJustice of post-Independent BarbadosbyHerExcellency The President of Barbados, TheMostHonourableDame SandraMason,FB,GCMG, D.A., SC., LLD, at State House.

Mr Haynes has over 44 years of experience as a legal practitioner //He

attended The University of the West Indies and earned his Legal Education CertificateoftheCouncilof LegalEducationin1980.He was admitted to the Bar of Barbados and Trinidad and TobagoinOctober1980and throughout the years, in several islands of the Eastern Caribbean. He was admitted to the Inner Bar in 2001.

Three Justices will also beappointedtotheOfficeof the Justice of Appeal in the Supreme Court Madam JusticeJacquelineCornelius

Thorne and Mr Justice William Chandler are expectedtotakeupofficeon June 1, 2024, while Madam Justice Victoria CharlesClarke will do so on July 1, 2024.

There will also be an appointmentofJudgeofthe High Court Mr Bryan Weekes will assume that officeonJuly1,2024. Along with the Chief Justice, this brings the complement of Court of Appeal Judges to six and High Court judges to 16. (CabinetOffice)

Within 5 months, 237 drivers fined for drunk driving – Traffic Chief

Two hundred and thirty- March 2024, that nine-year-old seven drunk drivers Terensha Pierre died days before have been fined her birthday after a drunken driver

approximately $18M so struck her with his car along the far this year, Traffic Chief Senior “Rubber Walkway” at Mabaruma

Superintendent of Police, Compound, North West District Mahendra Singh disclosed on (NWD),RegionOne. Wednesday

It is alleged that the vehicle had

The Traffic Chief was at the stopped and the driver was time speaking during an speaking to someone before information session on Radio Eve suddenly speeding off again Leary Eyewitnesses suspect that he was “For this year so far, I will want not paying attention and drove into to tell the public that as a result of Pierre. The child’s mother recalled alcohol consumption, which is hearing a loud impact from her above the legally prescribed limit home located not too far from more than $18 million has been wheretheaccidenttookplace. contributed to the Government The distraught woman and financial system by drunk drivers,” other relatives rushed out only to Singhsaid. find an unconscious Pierre lying on

He further disclosed that 237 the roadway, bleeding from drivers were successfully injuries. prosecuted out of a total of 510 T h e w o m a n r e c a l l e d

Traffic Chief: Senior Superintendent of Police, Mahendra Singh

Shortlythereafter,thechildwas was seen drinking beers with a his motorcycle went up in flames. drivers. Singh highlighted that the eyewitnesses saying, that because pronounceddeadonarrival. friend. Lewis was picked up by the police fines for Drinking Under the oftheimpact,Pierrewastossedinto The driver of the vehicle was Thedeadmanwasidentifiedas, and public-spirited citizens in an Influence (DUI) ranges from the air and upon landing on the arrested and a breathalyzer test Karl Lewis, the Deputy Toshao of unconscious condition and taken to $30,000to$200,000. road, she was run over and dragged confirmed that he was under the Shulinub Village, South Central the Lethem Regional Hospital

“You will have your time and bythecar influence of alcohol and above the Rupununi. Police stated that the where he was pronounced dead on socialise but do so at home or The child was rushed to the legallimit. motorcyclist was proceeding south arrival. someplace where you know if you Mabaruma Hospital where a Similarly, in February 2024, a along the eastern side of Quarrie The driver was arrested and have to move, someone is there to surgerywasdonebutbecauseofher driver of a Guyana Water Access Trail, when the speeding investigators learnt that he was take you back to your place of critical condition, she was air Incorporated (GWI) pick-up, pick-up travelling the opposition imbibing alcoholic beverages at residence without any implication dashed to the city hospital. Doctors reportedly struck a motorcyclist direction drove into Lewis’ path Katoonarib Village with a friend of public safety,” the Traffic Chief were unable to locate a pulse on and killed him along the Quarrie andstruckhimdown. before leaving for Lethem but advised. Pierre and her oxygen level had Access Trail, Central Rupununi, The impact flung Lewis some ended up knocking down Lewis Kaieteur News reported in dropped. RegionNine,justmomentsafterhe distance away along the road while alongtheway

Chelsea crowned WSL champions after crushing Man United

(Reuters) - A virtuoso performance from striker Mayra Ramirez set Chelsea on course for a 6-0 rout of Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday to secure a record fifth successive Women’s Super League title in coach Emma Hayes’slastgameincharge.

Chelsea finished the season on 55 points, level

with Manchester City but sevenaheadofthemongoal difference, and the final whistle prompted an outpouring of joy from the travelling fans as Hayes got thesend-offshedeserved.

“It’sextraspecialtogetit for Emma and the players whoareleavingus,”Chelsea captain Millie Bright, who returnedfrominjurytoplaya

key part in the run-in, told SkySports.

“We’ve got the monster mentality, we’ve shown it season after season,” she added.

Ramirez grabbed the opening goal for Chelsea after 89 seconds, heading home a brilliant cross from Guro Reiten, and she set up JohannaRyttingKanerydfor

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes and Millie Bright lift the trophy as they celebrate after winning the Women’s Super League (Reuters)

Sunday May 19, 2024

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Ithasbeenfairlyeasyforyou to detect the truth behind the situationsyou'veencountered lately However, beginning today,youranalyticalabilities won'tbesoreliable.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Howintensethepastfewdays have been! You could spend months just reflecting on these recent experiences. But the mood isn't conducive to introspectionrightnow

GEMINI(May21–June20)

The day ahead may help you break away from the surroundinggloomanddoom. A more playful influence is trying to make its way into your relationships, especially y o u r e m o t i o n a l commitments.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Sometimes you feel like you're navigating through a thick fog, but the obscurity will finally lift today The skies ahead are sunny and clear! You can expect an invitationtotakealittletripor anoffertobelongtoaspecial group.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Was someone close to you r u d e w i t h o u t a n y provocation? Were you the targetofunpleasantcriticism? Youtaketheseslightstoheart. Beginning today, and throughoutthedaystocome.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Havingapersonalopinionon any question isn't the most difficult thing in the world to do, Virgo. More difficult is confronting with some objectivity the opinions of others.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Enough of thinking about yourself, Libra! The hour has now arrived to draw some conclusions. You're at the end of the lengthy volume you werewritingonyourinnerlife.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Seduction through words is your real power, Scorpio.You haveagreattalentforanything involving words. So you're goingtobeabletoattracteven more admirers around you today

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

With today's celestial energy, you'regoingtofeellikeyou're on vacation, Sagittarius. This planetary configuration often gives people the feeling of having a fresh mind and calm disposition.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Do you say yes every time someone asks for a favor, Capricorn? Is it sometimes hard to find time for yourself becauseyou'resobusycoming to the rescue of a friend or family member? Today's celestial energy asks you to thinkaboutyou.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20–Feb 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)

Hasitbeendifficultthesepast fewdaystocommunicatewith those close to you?Are you a little skeptical about your charm? In fact, have you been feelingsomewhatunsure.

asecondsixminuteslateras the hosts struggled a week after their FACup final win overTottenhamHotspur

Colombian international Ramirez continued to dominate, teeing up Sjoeke Nusken for the third in the 44th minute before slamming home her second infirst-halfstoppagetime.

Any chance of Chelsea b e i n g c a u g h t b y M a n c h e s t e r C i t y effectively ended when Melanie Leupolz added a fifth two minutes after the interval to turn the remainder of the game into avictoryparade

United’s players never got to grips with their rampant opponents, failing to register a shot on target against the team they beat in the FA Cup semi-finals as they slumped to their heaviest ever league defeat

Playing her final game fortheclub,substituteFran Kirby came off the bench in the 72nd minute and added the sixth to secure a seventh league title for Hayes, who after 14 years in charge is leaving to become coach of the U S women’snationalteam

Hayeshadconcededthe title to Manchester City after a shock 4-3 loss at Liverpool on May 1, but City’s defeat by Arsenal four days later put the Blues back in the title chase “We were given a second chance, they don’t come around often but you have to take them, and we did We beat Bristol City, beat Tottenham and we’ve come here and put on a five-star performance to take this title,” a beaming Bright said before running off to raise the trophy togetherwithHayes.

Knicks look to hold home court vs. Pacers in Game 7

(Reuters) - The biggest trends of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks continued in Game 6 Friday night.

Whether the script remainsthesameforGame7 maydependonthehealthof KnicksforwardJoshHart.

TheKnickswillhostthe Pacersinthewinner-take-all Game 7 Sunday afternoon, whenthetwoteamsbattleto advance to the conference finals against the Boston Celtics.

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The Pacers forced the decisive clash Friday night with a 116-103 victory in Indianapolis.

With the win by the Pacers, the home team improvedto6-0intheseries.

The past three games have beendecidedbyacombined 75pointsafterthefirstthree games were decided by a combined18points.

For the undermanned Knicks,themostalarmingly

familiar sign of all was Hart beinglimitedtojustunder31 minutesduetoanabdominal injury Hart, who had five points, eight rebounds and three assists before exiting for good with 9:53 remaining in the fourth quarter, entered Friday averagingalmost44minutes per game through New York's first 11 playoff contests He has played everyminuteinthreegames, includingaGame5overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ersinthefirstround.

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"I would assume he's going to play," said Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson.

"It'sGame7."

The Knicks are already without former All-Star JuliusRandle,whoisoutfor the season with a right shoulderinjury,andMitchell Robinson, who is expected to be out until at least midJune after aggravating a left ankle injury in Game 1 againstthePacersonMay6. OG Anunoby has also missed the last four games withalefthamstringinjury

"You're going to get tested physically, mentally, emotionally and you've got to be able to get through that," Knicks head coach

TomThibodeau said Friday "And so whatever it is that we're facing, we can overcome Just keep battling."

The Pacers' task Sunday will be to produce the defensive effort they've displayedintheirthreehome games. Indiana limited the Knicks to 43 9 percent shooting (36-of-82) Friday, including 38.2 percent (13of-34) from 3-point range, while out-rebounding the visitors47-35.

Advertisement·Scrollto continue New York is

shooting 41 4 percent in three road games, including 34.7 percent from 3-point territory The Knicks are shooting52percentathome, including 42 percent from beyond the arc, and outrebounded Indiana 53-29 in a121-91wininGame5.

"We needed to do better in the aggression department," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. "Game5inNewYorkwas,I would have to say, our lowest-aggression game of theentireplayoffs.Wedidn't have a very fun-filled film session(Thursday)watching it.You go through these ups anddownsandyoungteams aregoingtogrow."

The Knicks are trying to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000. The Pacers haven't advanced to the conference finals since 2014.

"It's going to take everything," said Pacers power forward Pascal Siakam, who won the NBA championship in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors. "A lot of crazy stuff is going to happen.”

TSC to host Independence Draughts Competition today

TransportSportsClubis geared

o host an Independence Draughts competition at the club’s pavilion, Thomas Lands, Georgetown. This is the first competition since the club became registered with the National Draughts Association.

A good turnout is expectedforthisweekend’s game.PlayersfromLinden, East Bank Essequibo, LindenHighway,EastBank Demerara, Georgetown and Grenada-based Guyanese RaviParasramareexpected toparticipateinthisevent.

The games start at 10:00am and players are askedtobepunctual. Registration fee is $1000 per person inclusive ofamealanddrinkor$500 for registration only. The games will be contested on the 8x8 and 10x10 boards. For further information please contact telephone 614-7671.

Draught players countrywide are invited to participate.

Dr Ivor English will lead the transport team while also taking up the mantleasthecoordinatorof the event. He will have assistance from the President of the National Draughts Association, Mr Jiaram.

NewYork Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guardAndrew Nembhard (2) defends during game six (USATODAYSports)

Very special to equal Senna pole record - Verstappen

(BBC Sport) - Max Verstappensaiditwas“very special” to equal Ayrton Senna’s all-time record of eight consecutive pole positions at the Emilia RomagnaGrandPrix.

The Red Bull driver pipped both McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to take pole, his seventh in seven races this season, by less than 0.1 seconds.

V e r s t a p p e n ’ s achievementcomes30years after Senna’s death on the same Imola circuit, following an accident in the SanMarinoGrandPrixon1 May1994.

Verstappen said: “It’s 30 years since he passed away at this track. So, of course, verypleasedtogetpolehere.

“Andinaway,it’sanice memory to him. He was an incredible Formula 1 driver, especially in qualifying laps as well. So, yeah, great day for me, great day for the team.”

Verstappen was just 0.074 seconds quicker than Piastri, who pipped Norris by 0.017secs with the final lapofthesession.

Piastri was later given a three-place grid penalty for impedingHaasdriverKevin

Magnussen and the Australianwillstarttherace fifth, behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

The runs of Verstappen and Senna both span two seasons-theBrazilian’swas across the end of 1988 and start of 1989; Verstappen’s datesbacktothefinalraceof lastseasoninAbuDhabi.

Butdespitesuchastrong run,Verstappensaidhispole was unexpected as Red Bull hadbeenstrugglingtomake theircarbehavetohisliking in all three practice sessions

beforequalifying.

Verstappen said: “I honestly went into qualifying and I was like: ‘Well, if we can get a top five, I would be happy,’ because this weekend has beenreallydifficult.

“In the last couple of years, this has definitely been one of the best (turnarounds), I would say It’sbeenawhilethatI’vefelt likewe’vebeenthatfaroff.”

His struggles leading up to qualifying make it difficult to predict form in Sunday’s race, which starts at 14:00 BST In Friday practice, Leclerc was the fastest driver in the racesimulationruns,followedby the McLarens, and Verstappen was a long way offthepace.

Verstappen said: “Yesterday was terrible in long run and short run Naturally, I think with the balance that I had in qualifying, it will be better But I have no clue against McLaren. They looked very strongyesterdayintheirlong run. So hopefully, yeah, we candosomethingsimilar.”

Norris and Piastri both warned about the difficulty of overtaking around Imola, a fact exacerbated by the decision of governing body theFIAtoshortenthezonein whichdriverscanusethethe DRS overtaking aid by 100 metresthisyear

Norris-whowonthelast raceinMiami,wherehewas quicker than Verstappensaid: “To overtake here is pretty much impossible. So that’sourfirsttask.Butatthe sametime,ifwecanpressure them and kind of keep on their toes throughout the whole race and have a performance like Miami, then I think we can be optimistic,ofcourse.

world

Four-time

champion Sebastian Vettel joined the drivers for the Senna and Ratzenberger tributes. On Sunday, Vettel will be taking to the Imola track to drive Senna’s McLaren MP4/8 from 1993 (PAMedia)

Briton John smashes record to win GCF

As the Guyana Cycling Federationkickedoffits41st edition of Three Stage Road Race event yesterday in Berbice, senior champion BritonJohntriumphedinthe opening legs of the race, clocking two hours, 21 minutes, and five seconds (2:21:05)inthefirstStage.

The race began in New Amsterdam, with a large group of cyclists embarking on a 40-mile route to Everton. From there, they turned to proceed toAlbion, returned to Albion, and headed back to New Amsterdamforthefinish.

3-Stage opening

leg

Part of the action in the National 3-Stage Road Race

Canadian-based Guyanese hits century (104*) for Island Boys in CPSCL T20

Veteran softball player and Canadabased Bobby Parasnauth began the 2024 season in Canada with a bang hitting a pivotal,unbeaten104forIslandBoysagainst OfficeLineinthelatestroundoftheBronze Conference zone in the Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL) T20 tournament.

The right-handed Parasnauth slammed tensixesandsixfourshelpingIslandBoysto surpass Office Line’s challenging 178-6 fromthe20-overs.

John delivered an outstanding performance, clinching first place in the first leg with a recordbreaking time of 2:21:05. Joryn Simpson of Suriname secured second place, while Enrique De Cameron of Trinidad and Tobago, and Curtis Dey of Team Evolution took third and fourth place spots, respectively In the Female category, Trinidad and Tobago’s Chyann Awai dominated, earning the coveted first place Holland’s Keikes finishedsecond,andAbigail Jeffrey of Kaieteur Attack

Avenue. As of press time, results and tallies for the second leg were not yet available. Details of that leg will be featured in the Mondayedition.

Racing Cycle Club (KARCC)cameinthird. Later in the day, the second leg of the race, a 62mile ride sped off from the Berbice Bridge to Carifesta

The action continues todaywiththethirdandfinal legoftherace,wherecyclists will tackle a 65-mile challenge from Linden to Georgetown (Homestretch Avenue). The race is set to startat2:00p.m.

ExxonMobil Boys and Girls Under-14 Schools Football Championship…

Charity, Belladrum, Yarrowkabra, IOE among teams eliminated

D u e t o t h e overwhelming interest from numerous teams in the Fifth Annual ExxonMobil Boys and Girls Under-14 Schools Football Championship, tournament coordinator Petra Organisation held an elimination playoff yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground.The day featured a packed lineup of eleven matches, with teams

such as Three Mile Secondary, St John’s College, West Minster Secondary, Cotton Tree

Secondary, Patentia Secondary, Christiansburg Secondary, West Demerara Secondary,HopeSecondary, Christ Church Secondary, Queen’sCollege,Annandale

S e c o n d a r y , N e w Campbellville Secondary, and North Ruimveldt Secondaryvyingforaspotin the2024competition.

The event kicked off with Three Mile drawing with St John’s College, leadingbothteamstoqualify for the main tournament. In subsequent matches, West Minster defeated Charity

Their5-wicketvictorywasachievedwith two balls to spare. Parasnauth started the inningsbutsawwicketstumblingfrequently at the other He, however, found a reliable partner Ackbar Aziz and they two collaboratedinanimpressive,unbroken67run,sixth-wicketstand.

Aziz contributed an invaluable 32 as KevinRamadhargrabbedtwowicketsfor32 runsfromhismaximumfourovers.

Parasnauth occupied the crease for 66 balls and ensured his team rebounded from theirfirst-match’sdefeat(4wickets)against HamiltonSteelers.

Earlier, on a Lancaster Public School ground pitch in Brampton, Ontario, Ramadhar clobbered 11 mighty sixes and a pairofboundariestoknockatop-scoreoff88 for Office Line after they won the toss and optedtotakefirststrike.

Brian Ramcharran also highlighted his

battingprowesswithasteady40. So far, both teams have played two matches. Thecompetitionwillhaveabreak this coming weekend due to the Canadian Statutory Holiday (Victoria Day) but action willresumeJune2.

Island Boys will meet up with Heritage Boys at Firgrove while at Lancaster, Office Line confronting Cambridge Boyz among other fixtures. The two others zones are: GoldandSilver

RCB secures sixth win in a row to eliminate CSK, advance to playoffs

(SportsMax) - The Royal Challengers Bengaluruheldtheirnerve to secure their sixth win in arowwitha27-runvictory over the Chennai Super K i n g s a t t h e M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday to book a spot in the Indian Premier League playoffs.

Annadale Secondary breaches Institute of Excellence (IOE) defense to secure a 3-0 victory

Secondary 2-0, while BelladrumSecondarylostto CottonTree1-0.

Patentia Secondary emerged victorious over Yarrowkabra Secondary with a 3-1 scoreline, Christiansburg delivered a stunning 4-0 defeat to St StanislausCollege,andWest Demerara was bested by Brickdam Secondary, losing 3-0.

The action continued with Annandale Secondary

winning 3-0 against the Institute of Excellence

Christ Church Secondary and Queen’s College both advanced, with Christ Church securing a 5-2 victory over Queen’s College.NewCampbellville Secondary and North Ruimveldt Secondary qualifiedthroughwalkovers.

The tournament is set to officially kick off this comingSaturday,May25,at thesamevenue.

The Super Kings enteredSaturday’sgamein fourth place on 14 points whileRCBwerefifthon12 needing to win by at least 18 runs to overtake their opponents and seal the finalplayoffspot.

CSK won the toss and decided to put RCB in to bat and that decision lookedlikethewrongone after openers Virat Kohli and Captain Faf Du Plessis put on a quick 31 off three overs before a quick drop of rain brought ahalttoproceedings.

Play eventually started back and the pair broughtthescoreupto78

in the 10th over before Kohlifellfor47

The wicket didn’t bring much help to CSK as Du Plessis and Rajat Patidarbroughtthefireto the Super Kings bowlers to bring the score up to 113 in the 13th before the skipper fell for a top score of54.

Patidar and new batsman Cameron Green thenputon71fortheforth wicket to further put the SuperKingsbowlerstothe sword.

In the end, RCB reached 218-5 from their 20 overs Patidar w a s e v e n t u a l l y dismissed for 41 off 23 balls including two fours andfoursixeswhileGreen finished 38* off 17 balls including three fours and threesixes.

CSK, needing at least 200 to advance to the playoffs, fell agonizingly short at 191-7fromtheir20overs.

Rachin Ravindra led the way with 61 while Ravindra Jadeja made 42* against 2-42 from YashDayal.

CSK entered the final over, bowled by Dayal, needing 17 to qualify to the playoffs

Captain MS Dhoni smashed the first ball out the ground before he was dismissed off the second ball.

Dayal then held his nerve to concede only one run off the next four balls and seal RCB’s spotinthelastfour Match details: Royal Challengers Bangalore 218-5off20overs(FafDu Plessis 54, Virat Kohli 47, Rajat Patidar 41, Cameron Green38*,ShardulThakur 2-61) defeated Chennai Super Kings 191-7 off 20 overs(RachinRavindra61, Ravindra Jadeja 42*, Ajinkya Rahane 33, Ms Dhoni 25, Yash Dayal 242)by27runs.

Bobby Parasnauth

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Championship… Bullets, Valley Side, YMCA secure round-of-16 berths

Former two-time champion Silver Bullets, Valley Side, and YMCA advanced to the round of 16 segment whentheGuinness‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Championship continued on Friday evening at the Silver CityHardcourt.

Silver Bullets riddled Aroaima 6-0 Colywn Drakestalliedahat-trickvia a 14th minute conversion and a ‘Guinness Goal’(GG) [a goal scored in the final three minutes of the match counts as two] in the 19th minute.

Adding a brace was Clifton Halley in the 13th and 15th minutes, while Felix Innis scored in the 16th.

Similarly, YMCA dismantled the Assassa Ballers 8-0. Kevin Gittens recordedahelmettrickinthe 15th,16th,and18thminutes. Adding a brace in the fifth and seventh minutes was Jamal Bentick, while Kymani Prince tallied a GG inthe19thminute.

Ontheotherhand,Valley Side downed the High

Rollers 2-1. Mark Richards andAltonDukescoredinthe fifth and 17th minutes, respectively On target for theloserwasOmarBrewley inthe14thminute.

In other results, Top Striker dismantled Double 6 by a 4-0 score Shelton Whittaker recorded a hattrick in the rout. Whittaker found the back of the net in the eighth minute, alongside a GG in the 19th minute.

Netting a goal in the third minute was Rodwick Hamilton.

Also, Turf President downed the BB Ballers 2-0.

Kelroy Anthony and

Malachi Todd scored in the 12th and 15th minutes, respectively

The winner of the event willpocket$500,000andthe championship trophy, while the second-place finisher will receive $400,000 and the corresponding accolade. The third and fourth-place finishers will pocket $300,000 and $250,000, respectively, and the correspondingtrophy

Theeventwillresumeon Wednesday at the same

venuewith anotherround of eliminationmatches.

CompleteResults

Game-1

HighRollers-1vs.Valley Side2

ValleySidescorers

MarkRichards-5th

AltonDuke-17th

HighRollersscorer

OmarBrewley-14th Game-2

Aroaima-0 vs Silver Bullets-6

Colwyn Drakes-14th, and(GG)-19th

Clifton Halley-13th and 15th

FelixInnis-16th Game-3

Double 6-0 vs Top Striker-4

Shelton Whittaker-8th andGG-19th

RodwickHamilton-3rd Game-4

One Syde-0 vs DC Ballers-0

DC Ballers won 2-1 on penaltykicks Game-5

Turf President-2 vs. BB Ballers-0

KelroyAnthony-12th

MalachiTodd-15th Game-6

RotaryClubofNewAmsterdamunveilsPlayParkandTarmacinEastCanje

BySamuelWhyte

TheRotaryClubofNew Amsterdam (RCNA) in collaboration with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints recently commissioned a Play Park andtarmac.Thiswasdoneat Reliance Village, East Canje,Berbice.

The RCNA which is known for its benevolence over the years has churned outseveralprojectsthathave been of tremendous benefit tothecommunity ThePlay ParkandTarmacisexpected to benefit thousands of residents.

Speaking at the simple ceremonywhichwasheldat the venue, President Rafeek Kassim had many words of appreciation for the CJCLDS. He was loud in praise of the work of the Church and the assistance given to the Club over the years.

Kassim re-emphasised and selflessness of Rotary, where members put things aside to help others in various spheres of life. He reminded those present of themultitudeofprojectsthat the RCNA has undertaken over the years Kassim hopedthattheparkwouldbe fully utilised and urged the residents to care the facility whichhesaidshouldhelpto keepyouthsawayfromillicit activities.

Public Relations Director of the CJCLDS Attorney at Law Leslie Sobers, thanked the RCNA for partnering with the Church over the years. He said their numerous partnerships have brought assistance and relief to the community over the years. The Church will continue to

work with the Club to bring morerelieftoresidents.

Church member, Mr Sellers spoke about the partnership with the RCNA and the work of the church throughout Guyana and othercountries.

The Government of Guyana also contributed by fencing and backfilling the ballfield. Chairman of The Canefield Enterprise NDC, Mr Hitnarine in his remarks stated that the Government willassistinprogrammelike these that bring relief to residents.

He stated that the Governmentexpendedclose to $9M in landfilling and fencing the ballfield Hitnarine emphasised the importance of the park and encouraged residents to makefulluseofsame.

The activity was the brainchildofImmediatePast President Tajpaul Adjodhea who realised that the playfield was being under utilised.

The Project Coordinator was Rotarian and Presidentelect, Keine Read, who according to members worked diligently to bring theprojecttofruition.

The slides and swings were imported from overseas.

YMCA-8 vs Assassa Ballers-0 Kevin Gittens15th,16th,andGG-18th

KymaniPrince-GG-19th

Jamal Bentick-5th and 7th Game-7 Pro Ballers-0

vs.Speightland-0

Pro Ballers won 5-4 on suddendeathpenaltykicks

Silver Bullets,YMCA

Charity, Belladrum,

Yarrowkabra, IOE among teams eliminated

Briton John smashes record to win GCF 3-Stage opening leg