Jagdeo brushes off World Bank’s warning of oil glut lowering prices
- says Guyana’s crude is cheap to produce, of good quality
By
Renay
Sambach prices, and an oversupply in substantial future revenue independent, meaning it can thecomingyears. for Guyana Jagdeo has only use its revenue to cover
Last Thursday, Vice Addressing the matter at suggested that by not itsowncosts. President Bharrat Jagdeo his weekly press conference implementing a ring-fencing Based on his previous dismissedconcernsraisedby at Freedom House, Robb provision for the oil projects comments, Jagdeo was the World Bank regarding a Street, Georgetown, Jagdeo in the Stabroek Block which asked whether the World potentialdeclineinglobaloil criticized the relevance of is operated by ExxonMobil Bank’s forecast changes his prices due to an anticipated such forecasts to Guyana’s Guyana Limited (EMGL); position on the lack of ringoversupply oilprospects. the country is strategically fencingprovisionsfortheoil
The World Bank’s latest Kaieteur News had foregoing short-term
projects in the Stabroek Nobody pays attention to that sector on a daily basis,” Commodity Markets reported that the World benefits to reap greater long- Block In his response, this,”hesaid. hesaid. Outlook report, forecasted Bank’s latest Commodity termgains.Insimpleterms,a Jagdeo downplayed the Jagdeo argued that the Tothisend,headdedthat that an oil glut, and other Markets Outlook report ring-fencing provision in an bank’s influence on oil dynamics of the oil market the World Bank’s analyses factors, may lead to a raised doubts about the Vice oilcontractensuresthateach marketinsights. are highly complex and generally cover a broader substantial drop in global President’s projections of oil project is financially He highlighted Guyana’s sensitive to a myriad of economic scope without low production costs and the f a c t o r s , i n c l u d i n g providing the same level of high quality of its crude. Oil geopoliticalevents. detail on oil as specialized is currently being produced “Oil markets are very industryreports. from the Stabroek Block, fickle in nature,” he said, It should be noted that which is operated by adding, “You may have a while the Vice President did ExxonMobil Guyana glut today, but you have a not dismiss the possibility of Limited (EMGL) Daily shortageinthefuture.” m a r k e t c h a l l e n g e s production is over 650,000 The Vice President then altogether, he underscored barrels per day (bpd) from pointed to potential global that Guyana’s oil industry is just three projects in that disruptions, such as a well-positioned to withstand block. hypothetical escalation in potentialpricedeclines.
Jagdeo cannot say if Guyana will get improved fiscal benefits from 7th oil project until ExxonM makes full submission
The Government of Guyana is unable to “Sofirstofall,thereisanassumptionthat saywhetherthecountrywillobtainimproved therewillbeaseventhproject.So,wewillget fiscal benefits from the seventh oil project - the application soon and at that time, the Hammerhead,untilExxonMobilmakesafull government will determine through two submission about the project and that permits, one the licence and then the submissionisreviewedbythegovernment. environmental permit, how it will deal with
This is according to Vice President all of these issues.” Jagdeo added: “Exxon Bharrat Jagdeo, who told reporters at this still has to demonstrate that they will submit week’s press conference that “right now, we all the documents needed for us to assess arenotconsideringthat.” whether the requirements are met. Then in Jagdeo was asked by Kaieteur News to August,theVPwasaskedagaintoshedsome state whether there will be any improved light on the subject, to which he responded, fiscal benefits to the country should the “When and if…if and or when and if we projectandothersbeapproved. approve the project then you will be told
In response, the government’s chief oil about what the benefits will be. We have not spokesperson said, “I don’t want to be looked at anything…there is currently no premature. We have not received the full applicationinfortheseventhprojectasyet,so application from Exxon and when that whentheapplicationcomesinthat’swhenwe application comes in sometime next year, we willstartconsideringthismatter.” will review it.” He explained that after a However, last month, he instructed the thorough review of Exxon’s submission, he Ministry of Natural Resources to discontinue will disclose what the fiscal benefits will be. theadvertisementfortheconsultanttoreview ”So my position is still the same, we haven’t theseventhproject. receivedanapplicationasyetandwewilldeal “So, there will be no consultant hired to with it at that time,” Jagdeo said. Kaieteur review the project until we have the entire News reported on October 25, 2024 that submission,” he said while questioning the Jagdeo announced that the government has logic of hiring a company now to review discontinued an advertisement for a incomplete information. He disclosed that consultanttoreviewExxon’sseventhproject, Exxon has been making the submissions to saying that the information the company the government in parts. ”So, the original presentedthusfarisincomplete. position stands, when I saw that ad. He made the announcement at a weekly [advertisement], it was brought to my press conference held at Freedom House, attention and I called the minister and said Robb Street, Georgetown. It is important to discontinue it because until we have a full note that on July 26, 2024, this publication submission from Exxon. We are not gonna reported Jagdeo saying that there is an start the review process and I expect them to assumption that there will be a seventh oil make a full submission sometime next year,” project. theVPsaid.
“Often people who are conflicts involving key oil Reflecting on Guyana’s uninitiated, they put a lot of producers or major incidents strategic advantage, Jagdeo store on these IFIs in international shipping emphas
he (international financial lanes, as factors that could country’s light, sweet crude institutions) and the reports swiftly alter supply-demand oil—widely regarded for its they produce. For people balancesandimpactprices. quality—combinedwithlow who are actually in the Jagdeo also criticized the production costs of about sector, they pay scant regard World Bank’s report for its US$40 per barrel, puts it in a tothosereports,”hesaid. lack of specificity, noting stronger position than many
TheVicePresidentadded that seasoned industry otheroil-producingnations. that oil market projections experts conduct daily “The good thing is that require more specialized assessments that consider our crude is light, sweet focus than what the World real-time developments in crude. It’s a good quality Banktypicallyprovides.“So the oil market. “So oil is just crude, and also our if you ask any of the oil asmallpartofit,butthereare breakeven cost is below majors around the world agencies that every single many countries in the world. about this World Bank dayputoutareport,andthey So if you had to fall off the report, economic outlook have a more nuanced production chart on the basis report, they probably understanding of oil ofqualityofcrudeand wouldn’tevenknowaboutit. markets, because they live (Continued on page 51)
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.
Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456
Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS
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EDITORIAL
World Bank warning v. Jagdeo’s prediction
Guyana’s leading oilman, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo stated his position clearly The decision has been made by the PPP/C Government to forego some possible additional oil revenues today, so as to position Guyana to maximize its oil revenues in the future. He used his oil revenue maximization predictions to justify not ringfencing oil projects currently in operation. For Jagdeo’s predictions to happen, it meant that a series of related oil factors must all be in sync, with little room for deviation. The World Bank has just issued its Commodities Market Outlook, which is at odds with Jagdeo’s revenues predictions,putsthemundersomepressure. Accordingto the World Bank, their estimate is for an oil glut in 2025. ThisjustputwhatJagdeopredictedundersomestress,ifnot alittledisarray Itisnotasneatasthatpromisehemadeto Guyanese, when he called upon them to make a sacrifice now,sothattheycangetmorelater
Oilsupplyisestimatedtoexceeddailydemandby1.2M barrels. Though1.2Mbarrelsdoesnotseemtobesuchabig increaseinthegeneralsupplypicture,itisenoughtohave someimpactonoilprices. Theoilmarketistight,andany change in a key variable such as daily supply impacts the overall sentiments in the always volatile oil market. Oilproducing countries that once cooperated can find themselves competing against each other for market share in2025. OilpriceshavehoveredaroundtheUS$80abarrel rangeforafewyearsnow,withonlytheoccasionalblip. In thehighlycompetitiveoilmarkets,allittakesisoneblipto startapriceslidethathassomestayingpower
ThehugeChineseeconomyhasnotbeenperformingat its best. Also, the conquest of Donald Trump in the US presidential election may not be the best thing for the Chineseeconomy Hispoliciescouldaddfurtherdistressto an already faltering Chinese economy when it could least rollwithsuchpunches,iftheyweretocome. Chinaisanoil guzzler, one of the biggest, so any slowdown, there could havearippleeffectthatlessensdailydemandandaddtothe effects of the World Bank’s excess supply scenario. Further,moreoilfromnon-OPEC+countriescouldmakea tricky situation a bit more precarious. Other contributors on the wrong side of the supply equation could have their part to play. These include overproduction by OPEC+ nations(anoldconcernandproblemofcartelmembers)and moreenthusiasmforelectricvehicles.
All of these could create some disturbance with Jagdeo’sownpredictionspertainingtofutureoilrevenues. WhateverhehascommittedtoExxonMobilbehindclosed doors,whilerejectingring-fencingcallsinfavourofmore futureoilrevenueswillnowhavetoberevisited. Thelevel ofdemandmaynotbethereforGuyana’soil.
The price per barrel on which he may have based his predictions would very well have evaporated, given the excess daily supply To make up for their own revenue shortfalls,oil-producingcountrieswiththespareinventory orcapacitymayproducemorebarrelsofoildaily,whichis tothedisadvantageofGuyana. Innotime,thiscouldturn into a rout with prices sliding ever downward, and for an extendedperiod. Thishasbeenpartoftheboom-and-bust history of oil and its prices, with many oil-dependent nationaleconomiessentreeling.
For a young oil-producing nation like Guyana not to ring-fence its oil projects now, but depend on future oil prices remaining steady always amounted to a roll of the diceinsomeways. UnderJagdeo’sbright-eyedoilrevenue maximization predictions, Guyanese could end up losing corn and husk. No ring-fencing today leaves Guyana shortchanged,whilehopingforthebestmayturnouttobe what leaves Guyanese emptyhanded, as in lesser than before. Ring-fencing has its vulnerabilities, but it is the closesttoasurethingascanbetoday Hopinginoilprices staying high in the future has too many variables that can dashGuyana’shopes,outsideitscontrol. Moremoneylater isJagdeo’slatestpig-in-a-bagtogetthebetterofGuyanese.
Kaieteur
CARICOM Should build a Partnership with India
DEAREDITOR,
Whilegeographicallyfar way,theCaribbeanregionis extremely important for India, a rising global player, and the region must have figured prominently in India’s foreign, if not also security,policy
That is why Prime MinisterNarendraModi,the most popular leader in the world and also the leader of the most populous country, ismakingatriptotheregion later this month to interact withCARICOMleadersand theIndiandiaspora.
His presence is significantnotonlyforIndia
but very important for the region as it is his first since becomingPMin2014.
The PM’s presence is most welcome and long overdue.
It will help to strengthen ties while reassuring the regiontheyhaveafriendand champion that will speak on their behalf (less developed nations) at global forums such as G-7, G-20, BRICS, the UN, Climate Summit, etc., continuing a trademark since India’s independence in August 1947. And the region, the local or regional Indian diaspora, has looked forward for this trip
especially the deep abiding relationship the region shareswithIndia
India shares many commonalities (such as language,exploitation,same imperial rulers, among others) with the region India’s independence in 1947, including the method of struggle for freedom, paved the way for decolonization globally including the Anglophone territories.
And though far away physically, India has had very friendly relations with Caribbean states because of history and culture – the
common colonial ruler except for Suriname — and the introduction of Indian culturebyindenturedIndian labourers in most of the territories right after the end of slavery and migration in recentdecades.
The ties with India have been growing in recent decades through trade and bilateral engagements includingIndia’sforeignaid assistance.
It is recalled that PM Modiheldaregionalsummit with CARICOM in New York right after he became PMin2014andalsoheld
(Continuedonpage05)
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox
Donald Trump - the Tariff man and deal maker
DEAREDITOR, The world is still trying to digest “The Tariff Man,” Donald Trump’s successful comeback for a second term astheUSpresident-electand Kamala Harris’s defeat to become the first woman to ruleAmerica.
What it will mean is, Trump will be traversing on the path of makingAmerica great again, tenaciously and tirelessly With a close fist andhisbackagainstthewall, Trump promises to be carefully conservative, cleverly capricious and cautiously committed. The corporate world will be a friendly playground though. There are mixed reactions from the war-torn countries as they remain in abeyance with reservation and skepticism Many of America’sclosealliancesare
overwhelmed, including Canada and India, both of whom are great trading partners, the US, of course, absorbing a great deal of India’sbraindraintoworkin the Computer, IT and AI fields.
The Asian-Pacific zone is worried about losing a portion of their voluminous tradeduetoanticipatedtrade tariffs to be implemented and Europe is wary of America reducing its financial support to sustain the wars in their region. Venezuela is weighing its precarious position by waving the olive branch while the rest of the Latin AmericanandtheCaribbean nations are sombre as they await Trump’s reaction Former US ambassador to Panama, John Feeley, said, “The region can expect
unpredictable tariffs and cross-sectoral quid-pro-quo transactional proposals, blending migration, organized crime and trade concessions.” Trump will not be looking through the lens of “What America can do for you,” but, he will be searchingwithamagnifying glass for “What you can do forAmerica.”
America First is what Trump is about. NATO is fearful that Trump will quit theorganizationandpullthe US out. Earlier this year, Trump asserted that he would encourage Russia to do “whatever the hell they want”withNATOalliesthat did not pay enough in defence spending. With the NorthKoreanleader,Trump said, “I get along with him I think he misses me ” A former Indian
Guyanese, Civil Society Urged to Host Forum on Options for Alternative Government Post-2025
DEAREDITOR
, The Democratic NationalCongresswishesto advise Guyanese that it will unfortunately be unable to fund its Annual General Meeting for 2024, which would have served as the forum to kick-start its activities nationwide. The party itself however still remains open to individuals andorganizationswantingto offer themselves as Guyana’snextgenerationof politicians at the 2025 nationalelections.
In the circumstances, Civil Society organizations are especially urged to take up the baton and step in to host a forum on Guyana’s future post-2025 at which theDNCcantableourideas and proposals for national discussion and adoption Guyana stands to give up as much as US$5-10 billion over the next five years under either a PPP or PNCledgovernment.
The DNC’s policy
recommendations also include: 1. A cost-of-living adjustment for public servants, inclusive of local governmentworkerssuchas municipalstaff,2. Poverty adjustment a l l o w a n c e f o r persons/households with incomes of less than $80,000/100,000; 3
Compensate sugar workers going back to our proposed year of 2010; 4. Greater regulatory oversight and complaints authority to eliminate abuse of rice millers;5. Stronger financial, infrastructuralsupportforall classes of farmers through a revitalized Ministry of Agriculture; Increased financial support for small business initiatives with counselling services; 4 Review of salary scale for teachers with particular emphasis on nursery and primary school teachers; 5. Unemployment Insurance; 6.
diplomat, Ajay Bisaria said, “Trump is likely to deepen geopolitical engagement withIndiaandtheQUAD(a grouping of nations comprising the United States, India, Japan, and A u s t r a l i a ) , w h i l e intensifying contestation with China.” Trump is expected to attend the G20 meeting in South Africa in 2025.
Africa is still nursing a wound after Trump used a derogatory reference in his firstterm.Willitbeprimacy orpartnershipfortheAfrican Nation as Washington may very well continue to view t h e m t h r o u g h t h e geopoliticalprism.
WillTrumppickupfrom where he left off in the MiddleEast?Trumplikesto fashion himself as a “dealmaker.” “He wants to
achieve the unthinkable which no American president has done achieving Middle East peace, ” according to Chatham House expert Neil Quilliam. Experts opined that Trump has three major politicalplansfortheMiddle East. First, he will focus on endingIsrael’sconflictswith H
Hezbollah in Lebanon. The President elect’s second vision will intertwine “the establishment of a future administration of the Gaza Strip and the potential creation of a Palestinian State.” As a third major political aim, Trump wants toclinchadealwithIran.
While America’s allies, Israel and Egypt are celebrating the return of Trump to the White House, Qatar, Iran and other
members of the “Axis of R
“politicalindifference.”
The Arabs want to improve ties with Israel but wants the Gaza war to end and a Palestinian state established. That will be challengingforTrump.
Donald T
ump is definitely set to reshape American foreign policies with international peace treaties, a revision of their aid programs and a clamp d o w n o
warmingandclimatecontrol will be reprioritized with an influence for the drilling of fossil fuel, boost nuclear
concentrate less on electric vehicles.Domesticpolicies (Continuedonpage09)
CARICOM Should build a Partnership...
Overhaul of education system with emphasis on upgrading schools and increasing number of schools; reduce the student/teacher ratio to 2025 students; salaries and stipends for sports coaches and professional athletes; 7. Use money that would have been given away under either a PPP or PNC-led government to finance the acquisition of house-lots for all Guyanese, in addition to exploring opportunities for refunding the cost of houselots for those who acquired thesesince2010.
These exclude our proposals for our 2025 Manifesto. Weestimatethat wehaveuntilatleasttheend of January or February next yeartoacquire50percentof thevotesattheelections.
The DNC’s cards are on thetable,ourfuture,abright future,liesaheadofus.
Sincerely,
CraigSylvester, www.dncgy.com
Frompage04 bilateral talks with the leaders of CARICOM states on the sidelines of several international forums. And India has remained engaged through diplomacy carried outbyitsrepresentatives. Theupcomingsummitis amoredirectcontinuationof theengagementwiththePM.
S u c h r e g i o n a l engagements that result in partnerships are extremely important for development among the states within a region (such as CARICOM) and with a non-dominant, non-exploitative external major or great (global) player like India The Caribbean needs a strong, reliable partner to advocate for its development and to support domestic projects
(with financing and technology)ineachterritory India has been such an ideal partner, non-hegemonic and n o n - e x p l o i t a t i v e , championing interests of developing countries and providingmuchassistanceto the region over the last several decades. It is not forgottenthatIndiahasbeen known to assist less
developedcountriesglobally w i t h g e n e r o u s developmental assistance including during the critical Covidepidemicperiod.
Indianvaccinesandother anti-Covid materials regularlyreachedtheregion. Caricomterritorieshavealso been beneficiaries of other aspectsofIndia’sgenerosity Assistance by India was provided based on respect for sovereignty, good governance, transparency, and sustainability. Such assistancehasbeenknownto empowerdevelopingnations and not place them under debt burden as India’s interests are defined by progress and prosperity for all and not against the interests of any country India’s growing diplomatic presence in the Caribbean willnotthreatentheinterests of any dominant or external power as India’s foreign policy has been geared
towardsprovidingsupportto boost development and not dominateanothercountryor threaten the interests of the dominant player Any partnership with India will be based on shared values and interests and a rulesbasedinternationalorderthat appliestoall.WithIndia,the Caribbean region has a genuinefriend.
Ashasbeenhistrademark at other regional forums, it is certainthatthevisitingIndian PM will announce a package of aid to CARICOM as an institution or forum and will expressawillingnessbyIndia to enter into development agreementswitheachterritory Thus, CARICOM as a forum andeachterritoryshouldmake every effort to strengthen ties withIndia Theleaderofeach territory should reciprocate with agreements for mutual andsymbioticbenefits
Yoursfaithfully, VishnuBisram
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox
First Encounter with Narendra Modi
DEAREDITOR
, PrimeMinisterNarendra ModiofIndiaisscheduledto visit Guyana for two days afterattendingtheNov18th and 19th G-20 Summit in neighbouring Brazil. There isgreatanticipationintheair forahostofreason,notleast being the cultural affinities between his country and ours occasioned by over two-thirds of the 239,000 Indian indentured labourers shipped in from undivided India between 1838 and 1917, deciding to make this land their home Those relations were broadened and deepened in the post WWII era as India trailblazedthemovementfor independence from the British Empire that ruled over us It was not an accident that Jagan and Burnham flew to India after Winston Churchill ousted theirpartyfromgovernment
after only 133 days in 1953: theyexpectedasympathetic hearingfromthefirstcolony to gain independence from Britain. While no Indian Guyanese political leader has echoed the analogous sentiment expressed by Barbados’ Mia Mottley and T&T’s Keith Rowley after the first Africa/CARICOM Summit (“I am not African becauseIwasborninAfrica butbecauseAfricawasborn in me”), ancestral emotions remainstrong.
Sri Modi’s imminent visit, however, brings back memories of my first meeting with him over thirty-one years ago. In New York City the Vishwa Hindu Parishad AmericaVHPA (World Hindu Council - America) which was founded by Indians from the subcontinent, had organized an International HinduConferencein1984at
Madison Square Garden With the Indians from Guyana and Trinidad struggling to establish their institutions - Mandirs and Masjids and some of us had launched the IndoCaribbean Federation that year - the scale of the event was staggering Contacts b
communities were initiated andwecollaboratedwiththe launch of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) –which was “secular” - in 1989.Iwasamemberofthe delegation to the Caribbean that organized the attendance of Dr Jagan and BasdeoPandey
The head of the VHPA was an engineer, Mahesh Mehta,fromtheBostonarea who was one of the most indefatigable organizer I have ever met. From 1990, he started planning Global
Vision2000 tobringHindus from across the globe together in commemorating the 100th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s 1993 historicaddresstotheWorld Conference of Religions in Chicago.
I had returned home by then and was part of a Caribbean Delegation that includedRavijiMaharajand Dr Vijai Nayaransingh of Trinidad and Ramesh KallicharranfromQueens. Global Vision was a three-dayevenbetweenAug 7th and 9th held at Washington DC’s giant indoor 45,000-seat sports arena Capital Center There were over 10,000 attendees that included several breakoutsessionsalongwith theplenarygathering.
Iwasaskedtoparticipate in a panel discussion in one of the breakout session on the theme, “Retention of H
Overseas Hindi Samaj” and one of my co-panelist was introduced as Narendra Damodaras Modi, a BJP karyakarta (worker) The otherco-panelistIremember was Vijaya Raje Scindia, knownpopularlyas“Rajmata Scindia”,anotherBJPofficial and consort of the last ruling Maharajaoftheprincelystate of Gwalior In the attached picture,RajmataScindiaand Iareapplaudingapointmade bySriModijiinresponsetoa question from the audience
In his main presentation, Modiji was very passionate andconveyedaverycoherent vision of being guided by Hinduvaluesinallaspectsof life – public and private.
InformedthatIhadreturned toGuyanaaftertwentyyears following studies and work intheUS(law)toworkatthe grassroots,hequestionedme closely on the challenges
facedbythecommunity
I gathered that he has spent several weeks during the previous month as a guest of the US State
D
American Council ofYoung Political Leaders that conducted a program for young foreign politicians to become exposed to American political, social and economic institutions. He interacted with a wide array of American leaders and travelled widely –including to Hoston and the American West Like Gandhi he appeared to “ wanttheculturesofalllands tobeblownaboutmyhouse as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feetbyany.”
Iwasnotsurprisedathis later meteoric rise in Indian politics.
Sincerely, RaviDev
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, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.
MONDAY Government manifests its
TUESDAY as Guyanese know, elections referendum on settle this revise it Now, they sit – November 04, 2024 willingnesstolistentowhere – November 05, 2024 are a difficult time A matter We will be blunt: comfortably in office, Time for a referendum Guyanese stand with their Government could be referendum would add to the almost everything with this perpetuating the same Guyanese must have a greatoilbonanza. doing itself a favour with c
oil that involves some input
referendum on renegotiation T h a n k s t o a n a standalone referendum controversies that are now from ExxonMobil, Guyana distribution Our elected of the ExxonMobil oil incompetent APNU+AFC Vice President Bharrat normal aspects during hascomeouttheloser Also, leadershavefailedtochange contract. They must have it government, the contract Jagdeo has come out against elections Though we with Jagdeo’s powerful the terms and give us what’s now, before the national terms foisted upon Guyana areferendumonthequestion disagree that a referendum presence in the nation’s oil rightfully ours. But if they elections. by ExxonMobil have of renegotiation of the oil would make elections sector, Guyana has bowed to won’t act, we must—and we
By agreeing to hold
contract. complicated, it doesn’t have ExxonMobil’s dictates, even can. r e f e r e n d u m o n disagreement a
d tobetiedtotheelections. where there has been a steep renegotiation, the PPP/C citizens. complicate matters because A referendum all by costtothiscountry Wedon’t FRIDAY itself, and reduced to the expect him to agree to a – November 08, 2024 simplest footing, a straight referendum because he Areferendum on the oil “Yes” or “No” question knows that the results will contract would put PPPin about renegotiation is worth be. But Jagdeo does not own a difficult place the exercise. The results this country and its wealth. We believe that the great should decrease present Letthepeopledecide. majority of Guyanese want uncertainties, and could ease the current ExxonMobil deal the nonstop bickering THURSDAY scrapped. Guyanese want surroundingrenegotiation. – November 07, 2024 tha
We believe that the We must demand renegotiated, so that the PPP/C Government could be a referendum country can get more, which doing itself a favour with a As citizens of Guyana, means that they could do standalone referendum w e m u s t d e m a n d a better
There is mostly negative referendum so that we, the But even to mention the r e a c t i o n ( ‘ N o ’ t o people,candecide—through word ‘renegotiation’ in the renegotiation), and it is clear our own votes—what we presence of ExxonMobil’s sailing for the government want from this massive oil local generals, such as andoilczar,Jagdeo. Neither discovery Alistair Routledge, could he nor the president nor the And let this decision lead to political downfall. government would have to happenbeforeanyupcoming Jagdeo knows this, so he is deal with questions about elections. It’s time to stand not going to go anywhere renegotiation of the oil up and reject a system that near anything that confirms contract going forward allows Exxon to haul away whatGuyanesewant. Because the referendum our oil by the barrels while Theoddsareheavythata resultwouldhavesettledthat we receive our share by the simple ‘yes’or ‘no’question issue for the foreseeable teaspoon. placed on a referendum future, if not as long as the We cannot let this ballot could put the PPP/C StabroekBlockhasoil. imbalance continue into Government, and Jagdeo by another election without extension, in a difficult WEDNESDAY – meaningful change that place.
November 06, 2024 benefitseveryGuyanese. Their own instincts Jagdeo doesn’t own this We cannot afford to stay emphasize that a referendum country and its wealth silent, knowing that the on renegotiation of the oil
Onthequestionofletting PNC/AFC sold us out with contract poses considerable the Guyanese people decide thislopsideddeal,norcanwe danger A cleanly run whether the lopsided accept the PPP’s passive referendum is almost sure to ExxonMobil contract should support of the same confirm that Guyanese want be renegotiated, VP Bharrat arrangement This is the renegotiation, and they want Jagdeo says he does not same PPP that once itnow Theywantmaterially supportthis. condemned and criticized differentcontracttermsfrom
In fact, he is opposed to a this deal and promised to whatexiststoday
Man electrocuted while repairing angle grinder
A 21-year-old man was electrocuted on Wednesday while repairing an angle grinder at his home in Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice(WCB).Thedeadmanwasidentifiedas ClaymontDoris,aconstructionworker Dorisreportedlydiedjustaroundmiddayon Wednesday
Relatives said that he was out with his girlfriend and came home around that time and decidedtogetsomeextraworkinforhisclients.
“He said he going and cast a post,” family members recalled as they remembered him getting the angle grinder ready It is believed that Doris might have forgotten that the angle grinder was still plugged in when he decided to open it. He was unfortunately electrocuted in theprocess.
Is PNCR laying the foundation to boycott the elections?
In politics, it’s the quiet signals—those unmistakablenudges and gestures—that betray a party’s intentions long before any official declaration Today, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) appears to be broadcasting an unusual setofclues.
They seem to be bracing not for a victory but for a hasty retreat. The signs are beginning to suggest that they may be laying the groundwork for a withdrawal from the 2025
general and regional elections.
Outside the offices of Guyana’s Elections Commission (GECOM), protestors have recently
gat
ed They are
andishing f
m
liar demands: a call for a new voters’ list It’s an old refrain, echoing through election cycles. But it often signalsonething—astalling tactic.
To those seasoned in political observation, such demands are less about electoral reform and more
about hesitation. It’s a cry from the PNCR, perhaps to mask a lack of readiness to facethedauntingprospectof an election they may fear losingconvincingly And yet, the list alone is not where the protests end.
The PNCR has also been engaged in a subtle but undeniable campaign to question GECOM’s i m p a r t i a l i t y a n d indepe
The organization has, of course, been under sc
utiny before—this is the natural rhythm of any election season—but this time, the tonefeelslesslikearallying call for fairness and more like a preparation for an excuse.
These complaints echo loudly, and yet, they feel hollow What lies beneath seems to be a creeping awarenessofvulnerability,a dawning fear that this election could lead to a defeatsosoundthatitwould shatter the party’s longstanding leadership and possibly alter its future forever.
Consider, too, the
PNCR’s recent call for fingerprint verification in the voting process. It’s a measure that sounds, on paper, like a reasonable step toward electoral integrity But in practice, it’s a proposal that requires slow andcarefulimplementation. Introducing fingerprint verification to a sprawling voterbaseisnosmallfeat;it would demand a phased approach that simply isn’t feasibleby2025.
To propose it now, so lateinthegame,suggestsnot a genuine concern for election security but a strategy of delay It’s a sign, perhaps, of a party peering over the edge of a cliff and hesitating, wondering if stepping forward might meananirreparablefall.
But the most telling indicator of the PNCR’s predicament lies in the questionoffinancing.Inthe world of politics, money is not just power; it’s survival. The business class in Guyana, like that in many other democracies, has long played both sides, investing in each party to safeguard
Donald Trump - the Tariff man and deal maker...
Frompage05 will reignite, remodify and restructure society with massive reshuffling of government office bearers. Elon Mosk will spear head the cutting and trimming of Governmentspending. Will Trump reinterpret the constitution, exercise power and shape laws in ways that Americahasneverseen?
Donald Trump as president-elect is all set to boost the economy, provide a safer America, make Americans stronger andtosendamessagetothe world that, the USA is still the greatest nation in the world and he is the most powerful leader on this globe. With the advent of the
“Ice Maiden” guarding the front door to Trump, will Trump’s success be contingent upon a woman’s input?
After all, behind every successful man, is a woman (Susie Wiles &/Or MelaniaTrump)
Yoursrespectfully, JaiLall.
We
DEM BOYS SEH
Is time fuh Soul Jah Bai to mek a comeback!
Who woulda thought de Pee N Cee woulda reach dis state? De party lookin’ likeamanlostinadarkforest,trippin’over every stick and tree branch. Dem got factions pullin’left, right, and center, and nobody got a clue who in charge or who really got de final say Dem Pee N Cee supporters losin’ heart like a fish outta water One by one dem trickling away, leaving de boat empty And some heading inthedirectionofRobbStreet.
Yuh know who de Pee N Cee need? None other dan Soul Jah Bai. Dem say he get exile, pushed to pasture, forced to siddowninapoliticalhammock.ButDem Boys Seh is time fuh Soul Jah Bai to dust offhebootsandcomeback!Heisdeonly onewiddestrength,destreetsmarts,andde ‘bigheart’fuhunitedemPeeNCeefaithful andpulldembackfromdeedgeofdecliff. Remember,SoulJahBaiisdemanwho oncemekdePeePeePeeCeetremblelike demseeajumbie.Hebroughthepartyout of the 23 years of political wilderness. He gotdatthing–integrity,decency,andalil’
against political risk. This practical calculus ensures that the backers remain winners,regardlessofwhich partyassumesoffice.
However, recent history suggeststhatthePNCRmay no longer be the safe bet it once was. Financial backers are pragmatic creatures, and the PNCR’s waning popularity has not gone unnoticed.
In the last local government elections, the PNCR’s campaign was a shadow of its former self. There were no grand rallies, nomassivecrowds.
Theparty’sdecisionnot to contest in several areas seemedlessastrategicmove and more a surrender to financialconstraints.
Their campaigns were subdued, nearly invisible, castingdoubtontheirability to muster resources for a full-blown general election. If the PNCR could not rally sufficient funds for local elections, it’s hard to
imagine them staging an effective, spirited fight on thelargernationalstage.
And we cannot ignore the specter of the 2020 election, the aftermath of whichleftthePNCRbruised and battered, not only in the eyes of the electorate but also among its financiers.
The events of that y e a r m a r k e d b y allegations of tampering, claims of rigging, and a lingering distrust left a souraftertasteforthosewho typicallysupporttheparty
Now, as the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) reasserts itself, there are whispers that they may be quietly pressuring the business community to withhold financing from the PNCR, reinforcing the notion that their continued support for a damagedparty mightriskfutureretribution.
With the groundwork laid out so plainly the demands for delays, the financing challenges, the
erosion of support it appearsthePNCRmaywell be readying itself for a retreat, an absence in the electoral fray that would echo loudly across the landscape of Guyanese politics.
As the elections approach, it seems increasingly likely that, rather than face a loss that could break their spirit and their standing, the PNCR might choose not to contest at all, sidestepping an election that could be, in everysense,theirWaterloo.
(Theviewsexpressedin this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
dash of political wiles. People trusted he like how dem trust dem own family. De wayhemove,dewayhetalk,demanhadan airofhonestydatmekpeoplefeelsafe. Distime,though,heguhneedmoredan he charm and he decency De Pee N Cee riven wid all kinda confusion, and de Pee PeePeeCeesittingpondethrone,rulingde roost.Demain’ttekkin’noprisoners.Dem got de kinda drive dat like a bulldozer, flatteningeverytingindeirpath.
ButthemainreasonwhydePeeNCee need Soul Jah Bai is because de achilles HeelofthePeePeePeeiscorruption.You need a man like like Soul Jah Bai fuh be able to exploit that terminal weakness of the Pee Pee Pee. Soul Jah Bai, if he come back,hemightjustbeablefuhwranglede PeeNCeebacktolife.DemBoysSehdis manisdePeeNCee’slasthope. Soul Jah Bai, yuh country need yuh! Demsupporterscryingoutfuhdeliverance, and only Soul Jah Bai could bring dem outtadewilderness–again. Talkhalf!Leffhalf!
The return of Trump - a raw, grassroots postmortem
Vice President bankrupt (a slur and a stigma gut check for ‘aaal ah wee’: He has been given that couldn’t come out for one Kamala Harris in the United States) could the closest that anything mandate. Richard Nixon (“I of their own, admittedly did everything ascendlikethis. comes to the grassroots at am not a crook”) is avenged, more of a cappuccino color
right during her A convicted felon (the those heights are from what andGeorgeH.W.Bush(heof construction. Even Uncle come all the convulsions election campaign. She still markofthedevil)couldfloat lushly adorns even more Willie Horton fame) is JoedidbetterthanhisVP As brought about by Exxon. came up short, and it was by to the top, proving that exquisite flowerpots. On resurrectedtothepinnacleof forthewhitemen,whenthey Guyanese can be excused, as more than the expected truism to be trumps (with no occasion, some Chinese or American power One dared to spend a moment on they have long been held to whisker In stark contrast, pun intended in this Japanese bamboos may be hundredandsixtyyearsafter the possibilities of Kamala, be backward and ignorant. former president Donald instance). Indeed, America tastefully arranged to add the American Civil War, the the next thought that came The arrival of oil only made Trump outdid himself in is about second chances, of variety at those rarified Old South has risen again, was that it is time to activate those sentiments in the doingwronginhisappealsto restarting from scratch, and elevations. anditskindoflibertyissetto themilitia. minds of aliens more Americanvoters. thatalsoisproven.
After two and a half prevail.
All of this is the stuff of pronounced.
Yetheendedupbeingthe But something else was centuriesof self-government The white American bananarepublicsandAfrican The Bostonians could one in the winner’s circle proven in the Donald Trump and self-empowerment, the voter has spoken, and they and LatinAmerican despots. havedrummedupafarceofa with the garland around his victory: he could be a white American voters said are people to be listened to Except that the pull of the tea party and ended up neck. On the one hand, it is demented and deformed and that this is what is wanted, with the keenest attention. tribe, and the cult of a freeing themselves from the beauty of democracy in deranged, but he is still Donald J. Trump is what TakebackAmerica. paranoid and perverse Jim kingandcaptivity action. embraceable by people who must be had. I lost out on America for Americans. Jones lives on, but with one Most Guyanese can’t
On the other, it is about just may have had enough of expectations about maturity, F o r g e t a b o u t m a s s noticeable difference even get their two feet the ugly monstrosity that is a certain kind of people. decency, versatility that deportation on the scale Nobodyisdead. together, come to grips with all too often part of that After all of democracy’s comefromsomuchlearning. mentioned. In thinking of Trump’s what could be their own flawedbeauty ideals, the white American The conclusion in this But what place for the electoral success, almost too manifestdestiny
The imagination of my voters showed what values neck of the woods was that colored man, the foreign easy in some spots, I steer Intheirminds,a6-month fellow Guyanese doesn’t they cherish, what matters some States are so abhorred woman,theforlornchildren? course for Guyana. Like entry stamp at Kennedy have to run wild; doesn’t most to them. Sanitize the that they just can’t be But all is not lost, for there is America, corruption doesn’t makes oil sheiks of them. even have to traverse the neighbourhood is one of allowed to grow from spawn suretobeneedforsomebody matter in Guyana. Mr Su, Finally, like America, there skies and disembark in them. to serpent. Well, there is to scrub all those floors and who the hell is he, why is the sense that the America.
I d e a l s a r e l i k e President Trump and his shine the many shoes that should he and his verbal opposition is not well put There is jarring reality abstractions: they come out Washington jungle from tramp along K Street and depositshaveanybearingon together both there and here to bring of, they take up residence in, which to operate with a free thoseofWallStreet. anything and anyone? Like Trump it will be which is them to their senses. A ivory towers. Now here is a hand.
The white women America, Guyana has its goodforthePPP Thewhole own replica of Donald outlook around Venezuela’s Trump: one who has taken Nicolas Maduro could political savagery into the change. unknown, one who is at Socouldthingshere,too. home with controversy and A wheeler, a stealer, and a malignancy dealer returns to the White Due to a confluence of House. There are those of personnel and practices, and likekindrighthere. unlike America, the (The views expressed in criminality that is personally this article are those of the thought to be here at many a u t h o r a n d d o n o t levels,doesn’tstick. necessarily reflect the LikeAmerica, the call of opinions and beliefs of this the tribe is what has the most n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s enduringpower,comehellor affiliates.)
Motorbike bandits caught on camera robbing delivery driver
Suspected bandits robbing delivery driver at his truck.
Police are looking for two motorbike bandits caught on camera robbing a delivery driver in his truck at Cummings Park,Sophia,Georgetown.
Police are yet to issue a statement on the robbery but information reaching Kaieteur News suggests that a publicspiritedcitizensawthebanditsattackingthemanwithaknife. That individual secretly took a photo of the bandits with hopesofassistinginvestigators.
Graduating from the University of Guyana is a moment I will forever cherish. It's more than just receiving a diploma—it's a symbol of the perseverance, growth, and the dedication I've invested in my academic journey
Today,IcanproudlysayI am a graduate, but it hasn't beenaneasyroadtogethere.
To be the youngest member of my family to graduate from the University o f G u y a n a i s a n accomplishment by itself, and it fills me with a deep senseofpride.
However, the path to this achievement was far from simple Immediately after graduating from secondary school, I took the step into university life.At the time, I
Congratulation
Congratulation
thought I was prepared for the transition, but I q
uickly realized that studying at the university level while juggling a job was a much more demanding experience thanIhadanticipated.
Thepressurewasintense. There were times when the workload felt overwhelming, and I struggled to find balance between my academicresponsibilitiesand myjob.
Many nights were spent stressing over assignments and exams and many morningswerespenttiredbut determined.
There were moments when I felt like giving up, when the stress and exhaustionmademequestion whetherIcouldcontinue.But even in those challenging times, I kept reminding myself of my goals and the people who believed in me. Their support, and my own
desire to succeed, kept me going.
As I walked across the stagetocollectmydiplomain Communication Studies, I feltarushofreliefandpride. All the late nights, the stress, and the doubts melted away inthatmoment.
The hard work that seemed endless at times had finally paid off In that moment, I realized how far I'vecomeandhowmuchI've grown, not only as a student but as an individual That walk across the stage was a powerful reminder that perseverance truly does pay off.
But my journey doesn't end here As much as I celebratethisachievement,it has encouraged me to continuepushingforward.
I'vedecidedtopursuemy Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies next year
Thechallengesofthepast
fewyearshaveshownmethat I am capable of more than I ever imagined, and I'm excited to continue learning andgrowinginmyfield. Today, I stand here as a proud graduate of the UniversityofGuyana. While the road was difficult, every struggle along the way was worth it. I am grateful for my family, friends, and m e n t o r s w h o supported me every stepoftheway,andI look forward to the nextchapterofmy academic and
professional journey
ShaniaWilliams Proud Graduate, UniversityofGuyana
The management and staff of Kaieteur News congratulate Shania Williams on her academic success
Anuradha Bahadur
Jermaine Johnson
CassieAdams
(Source: University of Guyana Facebook )
Meet this week's beauty, the alluring Neriza Ramlall. Neriza is a dedicated and focused Medical Laboratory Technician who is deeply passionate about modeling. She has a love for fashion, which allows her to explore creativity and self-expression in unique ways. Additionally, Neriza is interested in photography, travel, and staying active, whether through fitness or outdoor adventures. Her favourite quote is from 13th-century, Islamic poet Rumi, “If everything around seems dark, look again, you may be the light.”
Neriza Ramlall
Photo Credit: Cortex Pictures
First cohort of City and Guilds Welding Graduates complete course at Nations School of Technology
Nations School of Technology’s first cohort of the City and Guilds Level 1 Award in Manual MetalArc Welding was completed on FridayNovember8.
The course, a brainchild of President Irfaan Ali, supported by British High Commissioner, Jane Miller, was funded by the Guyana
Online Academy of Learning(GOAL).
The thirteen graduates will be looking to advance their careers with the newly learnt skills of MMA welding they received through their completion of thisprestigiousaward.
The City and Guilds Level1Awardisdesignedto enable candidates to demonstrate welding skills andassociatedunderpinning knowledge typically found intheindustrytoalevelthat willenablethemtocomplete welded joints in simple welding positions and prepare them to work in the industry
For over 140 years, City and Guilds has worked with people, organisations and economies to help them identify and develop the skills needed to thrive, focusingonthelifechanging
link between skills development, social mobility, prosperity and success.
In 2025, Nations intends to run the Levels 2 and 3 welding courses which will further develop candidates’ abilities to perform welds in the vertical and overhead positions better enabling
Graduates flanked by Nicholas Deygoo - Director - TGYIndustrial Treshan BudhramProgramme Manager - Nations School of TechnologyAalim Speede - Welding Instructor,Avinash
Karim - Internal Verifier - Nations School of Technology, Liam O’Toole - Director - Nations School of Technology, Glen Lawson - Country Manager - TGYIndustrial, ElizabethAdrian -Assistant Instructor
them to seek careers in the fabrication, oil and gas and constructionindustries.
Liam O’Toole, Director of Nations School of Technology, stated “We are very thankful to His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his vision, support and guidance over the past 18 months as we worked to develop the courseandofferitlocallyin partnership with TGY Industrial.
His Excellency and the
Government of Guyana has offered thousands of scholarships to Guyanese interested in developing the skills in welding. We are thrilled to be offering InternationallyAccredited v
ng courses in Guyana and
developing the human
agriculture and energy sectorsinGuyana ”
WEEK-IN-REVIEW
need—to give us our rightful share
Chairman of the party, David by the barrel rather than by the Patterson in response to a question Sunday teaspoon.Whywon’ttheyact?You posed by Kaieteur News made it and I both know the answer to that, clear that the AFC believes that a “Guyanese must demand a andwecannotallowthisbetrayalto referendum should be held prior to referendum on oil contract continue into another election. The elections, that are scheduled for before 2025 elections” time has come to demand our 2025. rightful share by demanding a
Earlier this week, Vice As public pressure continues to referendumonthisoilcontract.” PresidentBharratJagdeosaidthata mount on government to demand a Lall is adamant that the oil referendum being held at the same changeinthelopsidedExxonMobil resources are blessings from God, time of the 2025 General and contract, Businessman, and “meantforallGuyanese—bornand
advocateforabetteroildeal,Glenn unborn, at home and abroad. And complicatethevotingprocess. Lall has joined calls for a yet, the leaders we elected have A referendum is a general vote referendumontheissue. made it perfectly clear over the last by the electorate on a single Last week Vice President eight years, since this oil was political question that has been Bharrat Jagdeo ruled out holding a discovered, that they have no referred to them for a direct referendum simultaneously during intentionofchangingthe“teaspoon decision. next year’s elections saying that he contract” to benefit us, the people
Businessman, and advocate for a better oil deal, Glenn Lall
However, Patterson made it doesnotwanttocomplicatematters ofGuyana.” clear that oil and gas is not the lone and that the electorate will decide He asked, ‘why are they so issuethatrequiresareferendum.He on the question of renegotiation unwilling?’ “ Is it greed? Is it pointed to the need to make based on the party they elect to selfishness? Or are they just amendments to certain clauses in office. looking out for themselves and the Constitution and those
But Lall told this newspaper their families? I don’t know for proposed amendments should be renegotiated. “Let’s take that call all petroleum produced and sold, that the nation cannot sit silently sure, but I do know this: the people puttoavoteviaareferendum. further by holding a nationwide whereas Exxon and its contractors and watch ExxonMobil, with the of Guyana must demand a “We (theAFC) would support a referendum Let’s give every arenotrequiredtopaytaxes. full support of the government and referendum, a vote on this oil referendumtodoallofthosethings Guyanese over 18 the right to vote To this end, the survey found otherleaders,haulaway“ouroilby contract, before the 2025 elections. including matters of oil and gas, on this oil contract and make the that 66.4% seek modifications to the barrel, while handing us our And let’s be smart about it—let’s (being) on a referendum (even) outcome legally binding, so our tax certificates; 66.4% want the sharebytheteaspoon.” not let them schedule this prior to the elections,” the AFC leaders have no choice but to act on revenue guarantee revised and He added: “how can we stay referendum at the same time as the Chairmansaid. thepeople’sdemand,”Lallsaid. another 61 8% support ring- quiet, knowing that the PNC/AFC elections. We have seen it time and He reminded that the AFC is Lowcost fencing provisions. The GoG has sold us out with such a lopsided again: once they are in office, they part of the Constitution Reform (“Guyana must demand a not implemented a ring-fencing deal and still keeps on smiling forget about the promises they Committeeandmattersinclusiveof referendum on oil contract before provision to prevent Exxon from through it all? How can we keep made to us. Their main goal is the country’s newest natural 2025elections”) using revenue from one field to living with our mouths shut, getting back into power, and then, resourcemustbediscussed.
According to Lall, the develop another In this way, watching the PPP, who once we are left behind again, collecting
“Maybeitwillbeagoodideato referendum would not cost much, Guyana’s share of profits is criticised and condemned that very what they want us to collect – it’s i n c l u d e n o t o n l y t h e certainly not as much as a national significantly reduced until all costs deal, now sitting comfortably in abouttheirdecision,notours.” recommendations from that election. “We don’t need elaborate have been recovered by Exxon and office, embracing that same Lall said any referendum constitutional committee (and) it polling stations; we could simply itsCo-Venturers. arrangement and accepting that should go beyond asking whether will be a good idea to include other enlist the headmasters and ObstaclestoChange samemeagreteaspoon?” the public supports changing the issuesthatwedothinkisnecessary headmistresses in our schools to The survey also delved into the
The issue of a referendum contract for more royalties and Not only the oil and gas… the issue oversee the vote tally This is a views of the participants on what comes amid the government and profits. “It must include asking of death penalty, of course which I simple, direct way to let the will of theyconsiderasthekeyobstaclesto opposition stubbornly refusing to about the need for an independent feel strongly about in the sense that the people be known without the renegotiation. A resounding 80.3% demand changes to the contract to Petroleum Commission, staffed it’s something that should not on pompandcostofafullelection.So, of the respondents cited the lack of include among other things ring with experts who will manage the ourbooks,”Pattersonsaid. let’s act now Let us demand our political will, while 53% believe fencingprovisions,ahigherroyalty oil industry responsibly, just as The AFC member said too that rightful share and secure a future there is fear of potential economic andforthecompanytopaytaxes. other oil-producing nations do. if the government is as confident as where this wealth benefits all repercussions. Ram and McRae’s
A referendum is a general vote That body will ensure that our own it claims then it should be inclined Guyanese, today, tomorrow and survey also found that 44.7% of by the electorate on a single meters are installed at the pumps, to “have one referendum to change generations to come, not just the citizens believe diplomatic political question that has been that interest charges from Exxon all these things before the few.” concerns are another humbug to referred to them for a direct are capped, that ring-fencing elections.”
Thesurvey renegotiation. Some 37.9% are of decision. Jagdeo was asked the provisions are firmly in place, and Amid repeated calls by citizens (“Guyana must demand a theviewthatlegalgovernmentmay question by Journalist Denis thatwearefullyprotectedfromany and other stakeholders for a referendum on oil contract before be faced with legal constraints. In Chabrol during his weekly news oilspill.Andiftheseprotectionsare renegotiation of the lopsided 2025elections”) his conclusion, Ram told readers of conference to which he said, not guaranteed, then Exxon should ExxonMobil contract, which his Meanwhile, in explaining the his weekly column, “The survey politicalpartiescontestingthepolls not be granted another project until government has stubbornly survey Christopher Ram said, “an results paint a clear picture: there is should state their positions on the theyare.” resisted, Jagdeo, who is also overwhelming 94% of respondents strong public support for matter and let the electorate decide He added: “This referendum is General Secretary of the ruling believe the Government should renegotiating the 2016 Petroleum if they want such a party to govern about more than profits; it’s about People’s Progressive Party (PPP) seek to amend the current Agreement. The current “sanctity Guyana Additionally, Jagdeo securing our future. It’s about us on Wednesday sought to rule out Petroleum Agreement, with only of contract” stance by the believes that conducting a having the say, deciding what we any move towards deciding the 6%eitheropposedorunsure.” The Government which had promised referendum at the same time of the want instead of settling for the tea issue via a referendum at next lawyer reasoned that these stark to renegotiate the Agreement elections could complicate matters. spoon oil coming our way This year’sgeneralelections. statisticsaloneshouldgivepauseto appears increasingly untenable in A number of developed and wealthbelongstoallGuyanese,and Jagdeo was asked the question those who continue to defend the the face of such overwhelming developing countries all over the it is our duty to safeguard it—not by Journalist Denis Chabrol during status quo of the lopsided oil deal. publicsentimentforchange.”
world have held referendums at the only for ourselves but for future his weekly news conference to “The survey revealed that only same time as national elections. generations.Letthisreferendumbe which he said, political parties 3.8% of respondents were satisfied AFC supports call TheseincludetheUnitedStates. ourrallyingcrymorning,noon,and contesting the polls should state with the existing provisions of the for referendum on 2016 However, Lall acknowledging night, until we get it done. If they their positions on the matter and let Agreement. The remaining 96.2% oil deal - Patterson that several citizens have been ignore us if they refuse this the electorate decide if they want identified multiple areas requiring calling for renegotiation said, if call—then remember the power of suchapartytogovernGuyana. modification,”headded. The Alliance For Change Guyanesetrulywantthecontractto your vote. Use your voice, or stay
Additionally, Jagdeo believes A whopping 83 2% of (AFC) on Friday said that it will change, then it must come from home, because that teaspoon isn’t that conducting a referendum at the participants said they want the support a referendum on them. “From all of us. It is crystal going to fill your plate or feed your same time of the elections could royalty rate revised while 79.4% ExxonMobil’s 2016 oil contract clear that none of the country’s children.” complicate matters. A number of called for changes to tax payment with Guyana. The party made this three main political parties are Referencing a recent Ram & developed and developing arrangements. Presently, Guyana disclosure during its weekly press going to lift a finger to make the McRae survey that revealed that countriesallovertheworldhave receives2%royaltyfromExxonon conference. changes we so desperately 94%ofGuyanesewantthecontract (Continued on page 17)
From page 16 independence” is saddling the held referendums at the same time backsofGuyanesewithaminimum as national elections These repaymentofUS$3.8Mperyear includetheUnitedStates. “This burden would run at a
One of the Noble Drill Ships working for Exxon offshore Guyana
Chabrol asked Jagdeo: “for minimum until 2033. Additionally, instance in the Cayman Islands, subventions to GuySuCo from the they are putting to referendum PPP government this year alone alongside their upcoming elections stands at $9.2 B. Since the PPP’s whether they should be coming to office in 2020 an constructing piers to accommodate approximate sum of $43B, have so larger cruise ships. So, I am just far b
n imputed
o
t giving you that as a slight corporation. So, the sweet talk of background so to speak, in light of improvingtheproductionisthusall the debate about the need to hollow The intent was to create renegotiate the Exxon contract great expectations to the support would your government or party be base and to perpetuate massive inclined to put that to a referendum misspending and corruption in the aswell?” sector,”theformerAFCleadersaid.
Jagdeo responded: “The
Furthermore, he repeated the referendum again, this is a matter party’s position that “sugar has thathastobediscussedanddebated been dying since Guyana lost our on…thisissuewhethertherewould preferential prices to the European beareferendumsoyougetyesfrom market when the WTO ruled that t h e the preferential prices violated referendum…ummm…because openmarketrules.”
Christopher did a suspect survey,
GAWU last said it was deeply nobody pays attention to these concerned over the current trend of suspect surveys, so the referendum sugarproduction.AsofOctober26, couldyieldthis.” 2024, the Guyana Sugar
The rig’s activities are also being dire situation at the Guyana Sugar process. weeks.
He explained that as leader of Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) the People’s Progressive Party produced 24,711 tons of sugar, Civic (PPP/C), he does not want to representing just 39 per cent of its complicate the 2025 electoral 63,276 ton target. As much as 60 process. According to him, there is per cent of the cropping period has also the belief that the opposition been exhausted, and the GAWU is would go in favour of the apprehensivethatthedeficitcannot enabling agreement (CEA) with concludethistaskonNovember30. of Guyana for its treatment of the referendum to complicate the beclosedintheremainingcropping Noble.
As a result, the Noble Tom supported by multiple offshore Corporation (GuySuCo), saying “Citizens of Guyana are
InastatementGAWUsaidfrom Madden, Noble Sam Croft, Noble vessels. The well site is located that merely changing the sensible enough to choose at the its perspective, “the industry’s sad Don Taylor, and Noble Bob around 110 nautical miles or 203.9 company’sChiefExecutiveOfficer upcoming elections, the political situation cannot be delinked from Douglas secured 4.8 additional rig kilometers offshore Guyana and (CEO)willnotfixtheproblems. partywithaplanandtheywouldbe the management of its cultivation years of backlog in Guyana, covers an area of 0.29 square The Guyana Agricultural able to hear from them whether or and agricultural operations assigned evenly across the four nautical miles or 1 square Workers’ Union (GAWU) raised not the party is in favour of According to GAWU, before the mobile offshore drilling units kilometer concerns about the GuySuCo not renegotiation, and if it can actually commencement of the crop, the (MODUs), extending each rig’s In addition, the U S -based meeting its production target be implemented.” Going back to Union drew GuySuCo’s attention contractdurationfromJune2027to energy giant is drilling at the Former Leader of the Alliance For the 2020 election period, he told to several important issues that August2028. UA 3i11 well site within the Change Khemraj Ramjattan said reporters that his party was very required intervention. “It appears
Three of these drillships are StabroekblockwiththeNobleSam that “The sugar industry suffers clear that when they got into that our concerns were brushed currently hard at work on Guyana’s Croft drillship. These activities are fundamental problems, which government, they would not aside. Recently, we have expressed Stabroek block, based on the data scheduled to end on December 31, cannot be solved by replacing renegotiate the contract and yet concern about the production rate the Maritime Administration 2024, and also entail assistance CEOs, or fooling Guyanese with they got the support of all the and trajectory It seems that those Department (MARAD) provided. fromoffshorevessels.Thewellsite expectations of the hollowest citizens who voted for them c
The drilling operations at the liesaround105.23nauticalmilesor order.” because they are of the opinion that management in the industry have, LIZ 4i9 well site within the 194.86 kilometers off the coast of Going into some statistics, he thePPPisaveryseriousparty for reason/s best known to Stabroek block of Guyana’s Guyana and covers an area of 0.29 told reporters that out of the 37,000 themselves, chosen to turn a Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) square nautical miles or 1 square tons target for the first crop of 2024 Monday Nelson’sEye.” began on October 23 and will kilometer GuySuComanagedtoproduceonly GAWU
concludebyNovember30. Kaieteur News had reported 6,738 tons and for the second crop
3 US rigs drilling full steam conducive weather to mechanised
These activities are being that earlier this year, Liam Mallon, so far, they have managed to ahead in search of more oil sugar operations over the past few conducted with the Noble Bob ExxonMobil Upstream President produce 25,000 tons of the 63,000 weeks, it is puzzled that daily Douglas rig with assistance from disclosed that EMGL is operating tons,withtwomonthsremainingto ExxonMobil Guyana, a production levels remained multi-purpose subsea vessels six drill rigs in the Stabroek Block concludeit. subsidiary of America’s oil major constrained. “It begs the question: designed for well intervention, daily costing an average of “All the chatter which came ExxonMobil,isgoinginhotpursuit What are the factor(s) which have subsea construction and equipment
US$420,000 (GYD$84 million) to from former PPP appointed CEO of more hydrocarbons in the inhibited production levels? The installation, IRM and ROV
US$500,000(GYD$100M)perday Sasenarine Singh early this year Stabroek block off the coast of industry remains heavily reliant on services, such as Havila’s Havila for each ship, based on current that GuySuCo will realise Guyana, thanks to ongoing drilling manual cane harve
ng Phoenix, C-Innovation’s C- market-rate. increasedsugarproductionin2024, operations, which are being carried complemented by mechanised Installer, DOF’s Skandi Notably, Noble had explained by expansion of acreage, retooling out with drillships owned by Noble loading, a practice that is now Constructor, and Maersk Nomad. that market-based day rates are and mechanization was just Corporation, a U.S.-headquartered decadesold.”
The well site, situated reset twice per year (March 1, and poppycock and propaganda. When offshoredrillinggiant. According to the union, the approximately102.6 nauticalmiles September 1) to the projected the PPP realised that Sase has Followingthefirstoildiscovery major challenge revolves around or 190.2 kilometers off the coast of marketrateatthattime. fooled them, it sent Sase Singh off in Guyana’s Stabroek block in the quality of canes being Guyana, covers an area of 0.29 to Brussels and then brought one of 2015, ExxonMobil has found over produced, noting that while the square nautical miles or 1 square Changing CEOs cannot fix its loyalist activists Mr Cheong as 3 0 m
le higher than anticipated, though
e s , industry cane yields have been kilometer sugar problem -AFC the replacement,” Ramjattan
resources of more than 11 billion well below their potential, the continues drilling operations at the investment since independence He highlighted that the loans barrels of oil equivalent (boe). The sucrose content remains depressed. WT 2i04 well site within the takentofacilitatetheproject,which firm recently handed out more “We are conscious that the El Nino Stabroek block with the Noble Don The Alliance For Change on he deemed as “probably the worst work to four drillships operating in droughtconditionswouldhavehad Taylor drillship, which is due to Friday called out the Government i n v e s t m e n t e v e r s i n c e Guyana under the commercial (Continued on page 18)
From page 17
oil contract, while we do not single political question that as national elections. These an impact. However, given oppose such move, we has been referred to them for includetheUnitedStates. the collective managerial strongly feel that such a adirectdecision. experience in GuySuCo, referendum must also cover
However, Patterson Chabrol asked Jagdeo: better planning could have the distribution of the oil made it clear that oil and gas “for instance in the Cayman been advanced to mitigate resources to the people and a is not the lone issue that Islands, they are putting to someofthechallenges.” form of governance to be requires a referendum. He referendum alongside their adopted as we transition into pointed to the need to make upcoming elections whether Tuesday apetrostate,”Dr Hindssaid. amendments to certain they should be constructing
Exxon finally returns
Limited (EMGL) has
The party is of the view clauses in the Constitution piers to accommodate larger
cruise ships. So, I am just 20% of Stabroek Block interrelatedandthereforethe amendmentsshouldbeputto giving you that as a slight government’s contract with avoteviaareferendum. background so to speak, in ExxonMobil Guyana ExxonMobil and its partners “We (the AFC) would light of the debate about the
should not be examined support a referendum to do need to renegotiate the officially returned 20% of separately from the all of those things including Exxon contract would your the Stabroek Block to the government’s “political matters of oil and gas, government or party be Government of Guyana social contract” with the (being) on a referendum inclined to put that to a (GoG) through a process citizensofGuyana. (even)priortotheelections,” referendumaswell?” calledrelinquishment.
of
“Support for such a theAFCChairmansaid. Jagdeo responded: “The In the oil and gas sector, referendum is therefore He reminded that the referendum again, this is a “relinquishment” refers to conditional First, WPA AFC is part of the matter that has to be theprocesswhereacompany recommends that the 2016 Constitution Reform discussed and debated returnsbyspecifictimelines, oil contract, the Buxton Committee and matters on…this issue whether there portions of an area it was Proposal and shared inclusive of the country’s would be a referendum so allowed to explore or governance be put on the newestnaturalresourcemust you get yes from the produce oil and gas. ballot.Second,theremustbe bediscussed. referendum…ummm…beca R e l i n q u i s h m e n t i s
“Maybe it will be a good useChristopherdidasuspect particularly critical for idea to include not only the survey, nobody pays governments as they can recommendations from that attention to these suspect auction those returned constitutional committee surveys, so the referendum portions to other oil (and)itwillbeagoodideato couldyieldthis.”
companies, thereby include other issues that we He explained that as c h a n n e l i n g m o r e do think is necessary Not leader of the People’s opportunities for revenues to only the oil and gas… the Progressive Party Civic theState. issue of death penalty, of (PPP/C), he does not want to
Minister of Natural course which I feel strongly complicate the 2025
Resources Vickram Bharrat about in the sense that it’s electoral process. According confirmed on Monday that somethingthatshouldnoton tohim,thereisalsothebelief Exxon had indeed handed ourbooks,”Pattersonsaid. that the opposition would go back the stipulated 20% The AFC member said in favour of the referendum portion of the Stabroek too that if the government is tocomplicatetheprocess. Block, though further details as confident as it claims then on the returned area have yet itshouldbeinclinedto“have Wednesday to be disclosed by the onereferendumtochangeall ministry these things before the World Bank’s oil
It should be noted that elections.” glut warning casts doubt Exxon was required to hand
Amid repeated calls by on Jagdeo’s projections back acreage where
c i t
o t h e r of massive revenue commercial discoveries s t a k e h o
r s f o r a in the future by not have been made The renegotiation of the lopsided ring-fencing projects company had up to October ExxonMobil contract, which 2024 to decide on which his government has The World Bank’s latest portion to hand back to the stubbornly resisted, Jagdeo, Commodity Markets State. three orders state that The Stabroek Block is w
In keeping with the Granger was written to by locatedabout120milesfrom
consensus on the questions
Outlook report, which
Secretary of the ruling forecasts an imminent oil beingputtotheelectorate,in provisions of the 2016 Exxon’s Country Manager, the coast of Guyana and People’s Progressive Party surplus, has raised doubts order to avoid the exercise Production Sharing Alistair Routledge on July 2, spans 6 6 million acres
becomingapartisanpolitical Agreement (PSA), the 2020, seeking a grace period Exxon had made over 40 oil toruleoutanymovetowards Bharrat Jagdeo’s projections football and an ethno-racial operator of the Stabroek given the COVID-19 discoveriesinthatblock. deciding the issue via a ofsubstantialfuturerevenue. census,”hetoldreporters. Blockwasgrantedfouryears pandemic and its impact on referendum at next year’s Jagdeo has suggested
(PPP) on Wednesday sought about Vice President Dr
On Friday, the Alliance toprospect.Thecontractalso r e s t r i c t i n g t h e WPAjoins call generalelections. that by not implementing a for Change (AFC) said it provides for no more than i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f for referendum on Jagdeo was asked the ring-fencing provision for supports calls for a two renewals for a period of exploration for the three oil contract before question by Journalist Denis the oil projects in the
referendumonExxon’s2016 threeyearseach. blocks. 2025 elections Chabrol during his weekly Stabroek Block, the country oil deal with Guyana Exxon was required to Theextensiongrantedby newsconferencetowhichhe is strategically foregoing Chairmanoftheparty,David return a portion of the Block the former Head of State one The Working People’s said, political parties short-term benefits to reap Patterson in response to a to Guyana in October 2023, month before he demitted Alliance (WPA) on Monday contesting the polls should greaterlong-termgains. question posed by Kaieteur however, former President, office, required the operator said that it supports the call state their positions on the In simple terms, a ring- News made it clear that the David Granger had granted toprovideproofthatitswork forareferendumonthe2016 matter and let the electorate fencing provision in an oil
the company an extension in programme was indeed o i l c o n t r a c t w i t h
decide if they want such a contractensuresthateachoil referendum should be held 2020 to conduct further impacted. ExxonMobil ahead of the partytogovernGuyana. project is financially priortothe2025elections. explorationactivities. Notably, despite the 2025 General and Regional
Additionally, Jagdeo independent, meaning it can Earlier last week, Vice According to documents changeinadministration,the Elections. believes that conducting a only use its revenue to cover President Bharrat Jagdeo released by the Ministry of extension was honored by This was revealed by Dr referendum at the same time its own costs Once a said that a referendum being Natural Resources, Granger the new government, with David Hinds, presidential of the elections could project’s expenses are held at the same time of the signed an order giving Vice President Bharrat candidate of the party during complicate matters A repaid, profits are then split. 2025 General and Regional Exxon a one-year grace Jagdeo indicating that the the party’s virtual press
number of developed and H o w ev er, th e 2 0 1 6 Elections would complicate period to hold in their pandemic’s impact was conference. developingcountriesallover Production Sharing thevotingprocess. entirety, the Stabroek, Canje significant enough to justify “WPA notes recent calls
the world have held Agreement(PSA)with Areferendumisageneral and Corentyne Blocks. The thegraceperiod. forareferendumonthe2016 referendumsatthesametime (Continued on page 36) vote by the electorate on a
Vivaanta Auto Spa set to revolutionize automotive care in Guyana
The Mehra family, known for bringing the authentic Ayurvedic wellness experience to Guyana through Vivaanta Spa in 2019, is now set to make waves in the automotiveindustrywiththe launchofVivaantaAutoSpa.
Located at the corner of Duncan and Sheriff Streets
in Georgetown, this innovative facility will offer Guyanese a revolutionary touch less car wash and detailing service that prioritizesconvenience,ecofriendliness, and top-notch results.
The grand opening is scheduled for Friday, November15,2024,at17:00 hrs, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring prominent figures from the localbusinesscommunity
VivaantaAutoSpaisthe first of its kind in Guyana, offering a state-of-the-art touch less car wash system. This advanced technology ensures that vehicles are thoroughly cleaned without theneedforbrushesordirect contact, thus preserving the integrity of the car’s paint w h i l e m i n i m i z i n g environmentalimpact.
By reducing the use of harsh chemicals and water, VivaantaAutoSpaisleading the way in sustainable automotive care, offering a cleaner solution for both v e h i c l e s a n d t h e environment.
Mehra, founder of Vivaanta Spa and Auto Spa. “We are combining cutting-edge technologywithacustomerfirst approach to deliver high-quality service in the most efficient and environmentallyresponsible waypossible.”
The range of services offeredatVivaantaAutoSpa includes touchless car washing, waxing, interior
customers with a quick, thorough, and hassle-free experience. With the touch less system,vehiclesarecleaned using high-pressure water jets and gentle, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, followed by advanced drying technology that ensures a spotless finish without any abrasive contact. Customers can also take advantage of
of their vehicles in pristine condition.
According to Mehra, what truly sets Vivaanta Auto Spa apart from other carwashservicesinGuyana is its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The touchless technologynotonlyprotects the vehicle but also conserves resources. It uses significantly less water than
customers who care about the environment The business is also dedicated to creating a customer-centric experience, offering efficientandreliableservice that allows customers to get in and out quickly, without sacrificingquality
“We’re proud to be the first to offer this kind of service in Guyana,” said Karan Mehra, co-founder of Vivaanta Auto Spa. “We’ve designed this business to be b
m
n
a l l y responsible, which is something that’s still rare in thelocalautomotivemarket. Our customers can trust that their cars will be well cared for, and that they are supporting a business that valuessustainability.”
Vivaanta Auto Spa will featurearangeofautomated, high-tech equipment, including high-pressure water jets, gentle cleaning solutions, and advanced d
y
The technologyusedensuresthat each vehicle receives a thorough clean without any damagetothepaintorfinish. Whetherit’s abasicwashor a full detailing package, customers can rest assured thattheircarswillreceivethe bestpossiblecare.
The idea for Vivaanta Auto Spa grew out of the successofVivaantaHairand Ayurvedic Spa, which has been serving the wellness
theMehrafamilyrecognized a growing demand for modern, high-quality services in other sectors, including automotive care. This led to the creation of VivaantaAuto Spa, offering aninnovativesolutiontocar care that combines the same level of attention to detail and commitment to excellence that the family hasbuilttheirreputationon. Guyana, with its expanding economy and increasing awareness of sustainability, is the perfect market for this type of service “We saw an opportunity to bring something new to the auto
dust
y, something that’s efficient, h i g
q
a l i t y, a n d sustainable,” said Nitin Mehra “Guyana is a dynamic market, and we’re excited to be contributing to its growth while providing something fresh and innovative for our local consumers.”
Vivaanta Auto Spa will beopentocustomersstarting on November 15, 2024 Customers can access the serviceseitherthroughwalkins or by making appointmentsinadvancefor added convenience. The teamatVivaantaAutoSpais committed to delivering exceptional service and will initiallybeemployingastaff of trained technicians and customer service personnel. they and
Part of the advanced technology at Vivaanta’s auto spa ensures that vehicles are thoroughly cleaned without the need for brushes or direct contact
The exterior of the VivaantaAuto Spa set to open this month
The entrance to Vivaanta’sAuto Spa
The reception area of the new automotive spa
Common causes of skin disorders
(Healthline com)
Numeroushealthconditions andlifestylefactorscanalso lead to the development of certainskindisorders.Some skin conditions have no knowncause.Herearesome common reasons for some
w e l l k n o w n s k i n disorders|Inflammatory boweldisease
Inflammatory bowel diseaseisatermforagroup of intestinal disorders that c a u s e p r o l o n g e d
ammation of the digestive tract These bowel-related disorders oftencauseskinproblems.
Some rugs used to treat these diseases may increase the chance of developing psoriasis.
Diabetes
Many people with diabetes experience a skin problem due to their condition at some point. Someoftheseskindisorders only affect people with diabetes.Othersoccurmore frequently in people with diabetesbecausethedisease increases the risk of infection and blood circulationproblems.
Diabetes-related skin conditionsinclude:bacterial infections, such as boils, styes,andfolliculitis;fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections, acanthosis nigricans, diabetic blisters, diabetic dermopathy, digital sclerosis.
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can damage the skin, joints, or organs inside the body
Commonskinproblemsthat occur from lupus include; a red,butterfly-shapedrashon the cheeks and nose, round lesionsonthefaceandhead, thick,red,scalylesions,red, ring-shapedlesionsonbody parts exposed to sunlight, flatrashonthefaceandbody that looks like a sunburn, vasculitis, which is red, purple,orblackspotsonthe fingersandtoes,soresinside themouthandnoseandtiny redspotsonthelegs.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes significant changes in hormone levels that may lead to skin problems
Preexisting skin problems may change or get worse duringpregnancy Mostskin conditions that arise during pregnancygoawayafterthe babyisborn.Othersrequire medical attention during pregnancy Common skin conditions caused by pregnancy include: stretch m a r k s , m e l a s m a , pemphigoid, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques (polymorphic eruption of pregnancy), and eczema.
Stress
Stress can cause hormonal imbalances, which may trigger or aggravate skin disorders
Stress-relatedskinproblems
(Continuedonpage31)
Vivaanta Auto Spa
Set to revolutionize...
Frompage19 opportunities within the community.
With competitive pricing and a variety of packages designed to suit different needs, Vivaanta Auto Spa aims to provide value for moneywitheveryservice.
Whetherit’saquickwash
or a comprehensive detailing, customers can expect their vehicles to be cleaned thoroughly and efficiently
“Wewanteverycustomer to feel confident that their
vehicle is in expert hands, and that they’re getting the best value for their money,” saidKaranMehra.
Vivaanta Auto Spa is morethanjustacarwash;it’s a step toward a more sustainable and customerfocused future in Guyana’s automotivecaresector
By choosing Vivaanta, customersarenotonlycaring for their vehicles but also supporting a business that values innovation, sustainability, and the local economy
Over 17,000 plastic bottles saved from entering environment through water purification project
Re c o v e r
G u y a n a a leading local environmental NGO has announced a major milestone in the success of the water purification project at Queen’s College.
To date, this initiative has successfully saved 55, 555 plastic bottles from entering landfills, showcasing the impactful change made
possiblebythisproject. In an effort to combat plastic waste and promote sustainability, Vasanna Persaud, the winner of Recover Guyana’s Shout Competition 2023 and Guyana’s National Youth Environmental Speaker, spearheaded the installation of a water purification system within Queen’s College.
The water purification system at Queen’s which resulted in saving 55, 755 plastic bottles from entering landfills
This system transforms ordinary tap water into a clean, refreshing source of hydration, available to students, teachers, and visitors throughout the schoolday
By providing an alternative to single-use bottled water, the refill station promotes better health, well-being, and a more sustainable school environment.
In a statement, the NGO extended heartfelt congratulations toVasanna Persaud for her leadership on this transformative project, and to her parents, Dr and Mrs Persaud, for their continued support in advancingthisinitiative.
“We
Ministry of EducationGuyana and alumni of Queen’s College for their
responsibility and for embracingthischange
"Recover Guyana is incredibly proud to withness the tangible
The team from Recover Guyana during a visit to Queen’s College
impact of Vasanna's work,
grew out our shout Competition."
” Recover Guyana said initsstatement With support from The Greater Guyana Initiative, the NGO is excited to
successfulprojectwillnow be expanded to another school, continuing the mission of reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices across thecountry This is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing more schools adopt similar initiatives as we move forward in creating a greener, more sustainable Guyana
which
University of Guyana Feature
A Journey of Love and Learning: Father and Daughter Walk UG's Graduation Stage
Graduation is often a personal milestone, but forJermaineJohnsonandhis daughter,JasmaineJohnson, it is a shared success—a moment of family pride and accomplishment On Saturday, the fatherdaughter duo walked across thestage andreceivedtheir diplomas, a beautiful achievement that spoke volumes about love, perseverance, and family bonds.
Jermaine graduated with a DiplomainAccountancyfrom theSchoolofEntrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI), while Jasmaine graduated with a Diploma in General Psychology from the College of Behavioural Sciences and Research (CoBRes) For Jermaine, graduatingwithhisdaughteris nothingshortofanhonour “It feelsgreatgraduatingwithmy daughter It was an honour to walkthatstageandcollectmy certificate and knew my princess will walk that stage too,” he shared with a proud smile Reflecting on the experience, Jermaine admitted thatthethoughtofsharingthis milestonewithhisdaughterand that it brought him to tears in privatemoments “Thisshared milestonehasstrengthenedour relationship We’ve definitely learnedmoreabouteachother’s strengths and weaknesses and bondedevenmoreasfatherand daughter It proves that whateverwesetourmindsto, wecanachieve,”hesaid
Jasmaine echoed her father’s sentiments, describing the experience as “indescribable ” For her, daddy has always been her hero,theguidinglightinher life. “My father has always been my role model, the appleofmyeye.Sayingthat we’ve made it through this journey together is heart-
journeyhasbeenaboutmore than just academics for me. It’s been about selfdiscovery and growth, teaching me to embrace setbacks, ask for help, and findmyownidentity.”
Both father and daughter agree that the experience has not only broadened their perspectivesbutalsoinstilleda sense of discipline and motivationthatwillcarrythem throughfutureendeavours
Jasmaine thanked her
mother,whostoodbyherside every step of the way Her father, Jermaine, shares the same sentiment, having experienced the same encouragement during his ownacademicjourney
When asked what advice theywouldgivetootherfamilies considering pursuing tertiary education, Jermaine’s message is clear: “Go for it. Be each other’ssupportsystembecauseit won’tbeeasy
Butifyoustaydisciplined
andkeepyoureyesontheprize, youcanbalancefamilytimeand study time We didn’t come to this earth to settle for mediocrity we are all special andhaveapurposehere Dream big, think big, and believe that youcanachieveanything.”
Jasmaine’s advice is equallyuplifting.“Thereisa profoundbeautyinpursuing education it’s not just about achieving goals but
memories, and leaving a
e g
c y Y o u r accomplishments today can inspire your family and future generations to come. Thepathmaybebumpy,but the hugs, smiles, and words ofcongratulationsattheend arewortheverychallenge.”
(Feature written by the Department of Events of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), OfficeoftheVice-Chancellor, UniversityofGuyana)
warming.It’sareminderthat no matter what, we have always been side by side, lifting each other up every stepoftheway.”
Theroadtograduationwas not easy for either of them Jermaineadmitsthatbalancing work, family, and his small business was his greatest challenge. “Managing my work, classes, business, and familytimefeltoverwhelming at times, but I kept pushing through because I wanted to be a role model for my daughter. I kept reminding her and myself that we wereinthistogether.”
Jasmaine had her own moments of doubt, battling waves of discouragement when the demands of school became overwhelming “There were days I felt like giving up, but my father was alwaysthere,remindingmeof howproudhewas Hiswords werelikeagentlewhisperof hope. Knowing he had my backgavemethestrengthto push through, ” she explained. Their support for each other became a lifeline, turningwhatcouldhavebeen an exhausting journey into a great experience Jermaine’s decision to pursue his programmewasfuelledbyhis passion for financial management “I’ve always wantedtounderstandhowto manage finances better EventhoughIhavearegular job, I also run a small business, and this programme has helped me become more disciplined and efficient in both areas,” theproudfathernoted.
For Jasmaine, the choice of her academic path was rootedincuriosityandadesire to understand human behaviour “I’ve always been fascinated by the human mind why people do what they do, what shapes their thoughts and emotions This
Jermaine Johnson and his daughter, Jasmaine Johnson, share a proud family moment.
GNBS IN FOCUS PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS
Protecting our environment is n o t j u s t a responsibility, but a necessity for sustainable development. As businesses and companies continue to expand to meet increasing demands for products and services, if not properly managed, adverse impacts ontheenvironmentwillalso increase. These businesses i n c l u d e t o u r i s m
establishments which provide accommodation, food, entertainment and other tourism related services including transportation, airport transfer service, beauty and hygiene, events planning andmore.
As we observe Tourism Awareness Month 2024 under the theme “A people centered tourism product: elevating our profile”, let us
continue to look at National Standards related to this sector One such standard adopted by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) this year asaNationalStandardisthe GYS 589: 2024 –Sustainable Tourism –EnvironmentalManagement Systems-requirements. This standard was a d o p t e d f r o m t h e CARICOM Reg
al Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and h e l p s t o u r i s m establishments formulate a policy, objectives and minimum performance requirements based on best environmental management practices. It is intended for businesses p
g tourism related services that a
maintaining an EMS to
demonstrate conformance andtoaccrueotherbenefits. Today, tourists are increasingly seeking ecofriendly and sustainable travel options like those we have here in Guyana Therefore, providers can implement the GYS589 standard to boost their business’ reputation as an environmentallyresponsible and sustainable choice, attracting environmentally conscious travelers and improving customers’ loyalty.Therequirements of the standard are relatively straightforward and easily implementable. Firstly, the document requires establishing the context of the organisation by undertaking a review to identify all internal and external issues which are r e l e v a n t t o t h e establishment’s operations,
Some conditions are common and harmless, while others are rare or life threatening. Knowing if the sun causes or worsens your skin disorder is important
f o r t r e a t i n g i t properly.Sunlight exposure may cause or aggravate molesandwrinkles.
Treatingskindisorders
Many skin disorders are
treatable Common treatment methods for skin
conditions include: antihistamines; medicated creams and ointments;
antibiotics; steroid injections; laser therapy;
targeted prescription medicationsandbiologics.
Skinflare-ups
Not all skin disorders respond to treatment, and some conditions go away withouttreatment.
People with permanent skin conditions often go through periods of severe symptom flares. Sometimes people are able to force incurable conditions into remission.
However, most skin conditions reappear due to certain triggers, such as stressorillness.
You can often treat skin disordersthataretemporary
and cosmetic with: medicated makeup, overthe-counter(OTC)skincare products, good hygiene
practices and small lifestyle adjustments,suchasmaking certain dietary changes
Preventing skin disorders
Certainskindisordersaren’t preventable, including geneticconditionsandsome skin problems due to other illnesses.
However,it’spossibleto preventsomeskindisorders. Noncontagious skin disorders Noninfectious skin disorders, such as acne and atopic dermatitis, are sometimes preventable Prevention techniques vary depending on the condition. Here are some tips for p r e v e n t i n g s o m e noninfectious skin disorders:
Washyourfacewitha gentle cleanser and water everyday
•Usemoisturizer
• Avoid environmental anddietaryallergens.
• Avoid contact with harsh chemicals or other irritants.
• Sleep for at least 7 hours each night, as many skin conditions can worsen duetolackofsleep.
•Drinkplentyofwater
•Eatabalanceddiet.
• Protect your skin from excessive cold, heat, andwind.
Learning about proper skin care and treatment for skin disorders can be very important for skin health. Some conditions require a doctor’sattention,whileyou can address others safely at home.
You should learn about yoursymptomsorcondition and talk with a doctor to
and which can affect its ability to achieve the intended outcomes of its EMS. Also required is a review to identify interested parties/stakeholders, to understand their needs and expectations and if any will be adopted as compliance obligations.
The standard also addresses leadership and commitment, planning and organizing, support, operational planning and control, performance monitoring and evaluation, andimprovement.
Asitrelatestoleadership and commitment, the standard states that management shall take accountability for the effectiveness of the EMS andensureresourcesneeded for the EMS are available. Further, management is required to ensure that the environmental policy and
determinethebesttreatment methods.
What skin conditions affectmentalhealth?
Having a skin condition can be distressing.You may experience itching or pain, and if the rash is visible, it canbedistressing.
All this can have a negative impact on mental health That said, researchers also believe there may be a biological linkbetweenstressandother psychological problems and skinsymptomssuchasacne, psoriasis, eczema, itching, hives,andmore.
In addition, there are diseases,suchasLupus,that affectboththebrainandthe skin,causingbothmoodand skin-relatedsymptoms.
What skin conditions cannotbecured?
A few examples of chronic skin conditions include rosacea, psoriasis, and vitiligo. While these conditions can’t be cured, therearetreatmentsthatcan helpmanagesymptoms.
Different types of conditions affect the skin. Some are chronic, while others are temporary Some conditionsmaybepainfulor uncomfortable, but they’re not dangerous Other conditions, such as skin cancer, can be life threatening.
The treatment for each depends on the specific cause.
If you experience any new or unusual skin symptoms,it’sagoodideato have them evaluated by a doctor
objectives are compatible with the strategic direction
and context of the organisation,andensurethat the EMS is integrated into the establishment’s processes.
The planning and organizing clause of the document focuses on risks and op
shall determinethecompetenceof persons working under their control, especially those who affect environmental performance and ability to
obligations In addition, management must ensure that these people are
appropriateeducationand/or experience.
Meanwhile, to use resources in an efficient manner, the document de
promote effective internal
, documentation, record keeping,andmore. Finally, the standard includes guidelines for application to simplify the process of implementation for interested tourism establishments.
T
environmental performance o
i s m establishment, the GNBS encourages you to purchase andimplementtheGYS589 standard. For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064-66 orWhatsApp: 6924627.
Visually Impaired Teacher, Clinton Ward, Details Journey to Academic Glory; Graduates with Distinction
Source: (Universtity of Guyana) Clinton Ward, a 26-year-old teacher from ParadiseVillage,WestCoast Berbice (WCB), is one of many students who have beaten the odds, including battling various forms of disabilities, to achieve their academic dreams and will graduate when the UniversityofGuyanahosted its Convocation exercises thismonth.
Clintongraduatedwitha Bachelor’s Degree in English with Distinction from the University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus (UGBC).
Clinton, who became visually impaired due to developing a brain tumour whenhewasveryyoung,isa testamenttoresilience,faith, andthepowerofcommunity as he overcame numerous challenges to achieve this milestone.
Clinton’s life changed
dramaticallyduringhistime at President’s College when he was diagnosed with a braintumourthataffectsthe nervesaroundhiseyes.
Surgery in Canada removed much of the tumour,butsomeofithadto remain to prevent further complications This lifealtering experience robbed him of his independence. “I went from being able to move around on my own to having to depend on others… it was difficult to adapt, especially with crossingroads—Ialmostgot hitafewtimes,”hesaid.
Despitethesechallenges, Clinton was determined to pursue higher education. He chose to attend university because the transition to online classes offered him the accessibility he needed.
“Most of the classes were online, and that’s one of the reasons why I made the choice to attend university
Travelling would’ve been very difficult for me, especially crossing roads,” he explained. “The online formatgavemethechanceto keeplearning,evenwithmy visualimpairment.”
Clinton’s journey
academic lifeline. But even with technology, he still neededhelp.
“My mother played a huge role; she would read mynovelsandpoetrytome, especially when I had exams.Iremembertryingto do it on my own once and running out of time, but she was always there to make sure I finished, ” he explained.
The Visually Impaired Teacher, Clinton Ward
throughuniversitywasfilled with obstacles, but he found creative ways to navigate them. Tools like JAWS screen reader software, MicrosoftEdge’sread-aloud feature,andreadingappson his phone became his
Support also came from Clinton’s friends and lecturers at UGBC He fondly remembers their kindness. “My colleagues helped me to cross roads, stoodwithmetoensureIgot the right buses, and made sure I got home safely
Special thanks to Marcella, Anthony, Roheni Harilall, Desma Weekes, Allison Daniels, and Sabrina February they always looked out for me ” Lecturersalsowenttheextra mile to accommodate him.
“Sir Alim, who taught Linguistics, even set a separate exam for me to ensure I had enough time to complete it,” he shared with gratitude.
Clinton also credited Professor Smad for encouraging him to keep moving forward, especially during moments when the j o u r n e y s e e m e d overwhelming.
Being a visually impaired teacher has not been easy for Clinton, especiallysincehestrivesto inspire his students to enjoy reading a task that has become more challenging due to his impairment. Yet, he remains dedicated, using a tablet to read and teach. “It’s tough when you know students look up to you as a role model for reading, and you have limitations,” he said. “But I do what I can. I don’twantanyoneelseto (Continuedonpage50)
Interesting Creatures... Lowland StreakedTenrec
ALowland Streaked Tenrec is unlike anything that most people will have seen before
Brightly coloured
l i k e a
bumblebee, covered in spines like a hedgehog and boasting a long pointed snout like a bird’s beak, a Lowland Streaked Tenrec is unlike anything that most people willhaveseenbefore.
As a small mammal, lowlandstreakedtenrecsare found in tropical humid forestsinMadagascarwhere conservationists from Chester Zoo are working to protect habitats threatened bydeforestation.
Lowland streaked tenrecs are spectacularly peculiar and have some incredibletraits
If they need to communicate with one another then, much like a violinist rubbing their bow across their violin strings, they have special quills on their backs
which they brush together to produce high pitchedsqueaks
They are the only mammals in the world thatareknowntodothis
In actual fact though, relatively little is known the about tenrecs and they are part of a highly threatened widertaxonomicgroup.
The loss of a tenrec would mean the loss of millions of years of evolution and a huge amount of scientific knowledge that we’re yet to uncover about these unique mammals.
Thereisavastamountto learn so the skills our keepers will develop by caring for the species here will be very important and could help conservation effortsinthelongerterm.
Lowland streaked tenrecs are highly social
animals and live in familygroups
They have very delicate jawbones and can only eat soft-bodied insects such as wormsandbeetlelarvaeand asmallamountoffruit;such istheirrarity
Another species of tenrec – is the lesser hedgehog tenrec – which is usually seen in its nocturnal FruitBatForest.
From page 18 world; ring-fencing could ensuring immediate
oil supply is expected to
allow operators to claim up ExxonMobil lacks such a lead now too to us having revenue from individual surpass demand by an to 75% of revenues, leaving provision, and it allows nothinginthefuture.” projects without pooling average of 1 2 million Guyana with a diminished Exxon and its partners Hess The Vice President had expenses across multiple barrels per day by 2025, share of its resource wealth, and CNOOC to recover 75% explained,“Weadmittedthat developments driven by factors including environmental protections of monthly revenue toward we are foregoing revenue As reported in an article flatlinedeconomicgrowthin remain inadequate, and cost recovery, with the nowinexchangeformassive by Oilprice, the World Bank China, rising electric vehicle worse of all, Jagdeo and the remaining 25% split equally future income because its has forecasted that the oil sales, projected production PPP/C are placing the myth between the companies and going into new projects that glutmayleadtoasubstantial bumps from non-OPEC+ of sanctity of contract over thegovernment. will increase production and dropinglobalprices. nations, and persistent national sovereignty Please Without ring-fencing, so even with the same share “Next year, the global oil
see columns 133 – 135. Exxon and its partners can of the 50/50 plus the two supply is expected to exceed OPEC+membersaswelland Egregiously, the country is allocate costs from new percent royalty that the demand by an average of 1.2 increased natural gas- without the all-important d
ss future income, because of million barrels per day,” the poweredtransportation. Petroleum Commission, multiple projects, which the bigger scale will be WorldBankstated. with the unacceptable delays profit distribution to massive in Guyana’s case Itwasnotedthatthescale Jagdeo looking for excuses substitute being the VP Guyana. and we are deliberately of this oversupply is difficult to downplay calls for himself and the Ministry of Dr Jagdeo has argued foregoing that in this period to overstate; these numbers referendum to renegotiate Natural Resources, with its that implementing a ring- for that purpose and then have only been exceeded oil contract – Chris Ram poor track record,” the fencing provision could trying to grab this bone now twice in history, in 1998 and CharteredAccountantsaid. jeopardize future revenue could cause you to lose all 2020. As a result, a barrel of Chartered Account and decide if they want such a Additionally, Ram said from Guyana’s oil projects. the bones, the bigger bones oil could cost less than lawyer Christopher Ram on partytogovernGuyana. that Jagdeo’s claim that a He said at one of his press toointhefuture.” US$60 within the next six Saturday said that Vice Additionally, Jagdeo referendum would be conferences, “Thinking in Despite Jagdeo’s stance, years.
President Bharrat Jagdeo is believes that conducting a complicating the electoral policymakingismuchmore industry experts have According to Oilprice, looking for excuses to referendum at the same time process is defying the complex, it’s never a linear advised that a ring-fencing
downplay calls for a of the elections could “constitutional precedent way- oh ring-fencing can provisioncouldsecureearly C
complicate matters A and global democratic save all the money in the returns for Guyana, Outlook, warns that global r
number of developed and practices.” country’s oil contract with developingcountriesallover “Numerous countries, U.S.oilgiant,ExxonMobil. t
d including several Caribbean
In his column published referendumsatthesametime nations, routinely conduct in the Stabroek News titled, as national elections. These referendums alongside ‘ R
g o t i a t i o n s , includetheUnitedStates. n a t i o n a l e l e c t i o n s , Referendums, and Reality – In response to the Vice recognising both the cost response to Ram & McRae’s President, Ram said, “his efficiency and democratic Survey’ Ram said that the reaction betrays a troubling value of such exercises. The Vice President has no power resistance to public actual “complication” to decide whether Guyanese discourse about Guyana’s appears to be his reluctance canhaveareferendum. most valuable natural to face the electorate’s direct
“Let us be clear: it is not resource”. verdict on this crucial issue within any VP’s power to Campaign and his own stewardship of decide whether Guyanese Promises Vs Now the sector,” the Stabroek can have a referendum. The Ram reminded that the Newscolumnistsaid. Constitution establishes Vice President’s statement The Survey referendums as a democratic on a referendum on the Ram in a recent column tool, with such decisions renegotiation of the 2016 oil ‘Every Man, Woman and resting with the National contract clearly contradicts Child Must Become Oil Assembly and the President, his party’s promises during Minded’ published by not with a party official, the2020electioncampaign. Stabroek News spoke of a however high up. While Mr At the time, the People’s survey conducted between Jagdeo is the General Progressive Party’s (PPP) September20andOctober4, Secretary of the ruling party, manifesto as well as a 2024 by Ram and McRae, he is not even the First Vice number of its campaign using the Google Forms President – that position speeches promised the platform and attracted 135 belongs to Brigadier Mark Guyanese people not only to responses from a diverse Phillips by virtue of his review the oil contract but to group of respondents positionasPrimeMinister.” renegotiate the terms of the including professionals, L a s t w e e k , Vi c e saidcontract. academics, students and President Bharrat Jagdeo “Now,theVPattemptsto citizens. According to the ruled out holding a rewrite history, claiming ‘we accountant, the survey most referendum simultaneously showed that we can get more Guyanese want the oil sector during next year’s elections out of the contract’ through t o b e m a n a g e d b y saying that he does not want peripheral arrangements like independentexperts. to complicate matters and thegas-to-energyprojectand However, Jagdeo sought thattheelectoratewilldecide Local Content Law The to dismiss the survey’s on the question of evidencesuggestsotherwise. authenticity However, Ram renegotiation based on the The gas-to-energy project’s madeitclearthatsurveysare partytheyelecttooffice. terms remain outside of the globally done using Google Areferendumisageneral 2016 Agreement and are Forms. He said the survey vote by the electorate on a troublingly opaque, with was distributed to all of the single political question that mounting questions about its leading members of the has been referred to them for actual cost to Guyanese political parties and private adirectdecision. taxpayers,”Ramstressed. sector organizations across Jagdeo was asked the He highlighted that the the country, the PPP/C question by Journalist Denis Local Content Law is includedofwhichtheVPisa Chabrol during his weekly defined too broadly and the long serving member, and newsconferencetowhichhe reviews promised by the has been General Secretary said, political parties government since last year forquitesometime. contesting the polls should areyettobedone. Therefore, “if the results state their positions on the “Most critically, the cost are“suspect”onemustask matter and let the electorate recovery provisions still (Continued on page 37)
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
From page 36 pandemic and its impact on
w h y h i s p a r t y a n d r e s t r i c t i n g t h e supporters, who received i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f direct invitations, chose not exploration for the three to participate and offer blocks. opposing views,” the
Theextensiongrantedby CharteredAccountantstated. the former Head of State one
Furthermore, “Mr month before he demitted
of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn
FreddieKissoon’scritiquein office, required the operator the state-owned media toprovideproofthatitswork reveals mistaken facts programme was indeed relevant to his academic impacted. training and fundamental
ExxonMobil
Notably, despite the misunderstandings about changeinadministration,the research methodology He extension was honored by confuses basic facts, citing the new government, with wrong numbers and Vice President Bharrat mischaracterising the nature Jagdeo indicating that the of the initiative. A survey pandemic’s impact was serves different purposes significant enough to justify four pit phases. In contrast, to be disclosed by the
Economic Assessment passionately called for the from a poll – it gathers thegraceperiod. the underground mine is ministry For their part, (PEA),OkoWestisexpected development of additional detailed information and The Stabroek Block is expected to operate for 13 Exxon said on Tuesday, to produce 353,000 ounces projects like Oko West insightsaboutspecificissues locatedabout120milesfrom years, including 2 years of “…We have applied forthe of gold annually over its “That is what we want…this rather than predicting the coast of Guyana and development, across three relinquishment area and 12.7-year mine life, with a time will not come again population-wideviews.” spans 6 6 million acres zones. are in the process of total output of 4.5 million easily we are at the cusp of Ram explained that the Exxon had made over 40 oil
The milling operation is finalisingthatareawiththe ounces. important development and study was “explicitly discoveriesinthatblock. plannedtorunfor13years.It government.” A geologist by training, we have to keep it going at a designed as a consultative wasexplainedthatduringthe In light of Exxon’s Minister Benn highlighted certainlevelgoingforward,” survey seeking informed Friday first three years of response, Kaieteur News that the Oko West project hesaid,stressingtheneedfor stakeholder feedback about commercial production, the sought clarity on whether or continues the work initiated four more large-scale gold particular aspects of the Jagdeo not ruling processing feed will be not the 20% of the Stabroek years ago by Omai Gold mining projects in Guyana Petroleum Agreement. The out referendum providedentirelybytheopen Block is back with the Mines, a Canadian company overthenext15years. valuable responses received, on oil contract pit. From the fourth year government, and was that has reentered Guyana’s Additionally, Minister including a detailed - but wants GECOM to
onward, underground informed that a statement mining sector “…exploiting Benn pointed out that the technicalanalysisofcontract focus on 2025 elections mining will begin supplying will be forthcoming. Up to the natural resources of investment in Oko West also provisions, demonstrate the a significant portion of the press time, this was not Guyana in a win-win h o l d s s i g n i f i c a n t successofthisapproach.” Vice President Jagdeo mineralizedmaterial. issued. situation for investors for geopolitical value.While the He said that the reactions has not completely ruled out Notably, the Oko West Exxonisrequiredtohand Guyana…” Minister Benn Guyana-Venezuela border from officials indicate the idea of having a project payback period is back acreage where no said, adding, “Guyana is at controversy case is pending significant public concern referendum to renegotiate estimated at 3.8 years, based commercial discoveries the most momentous before the International over the Agreement’s terms, the 2016 oil deal but he told on a gold price of US$1,950 have been made, a condition situation in terms of its Court of Justice (ICJ), the which cannot be ignored or reportersonThursdaythathe perounce. that allows Guyana to development in this country, ministerassured,“Essequibo d i s m i s s e d t h r o u g h wants the Guyana Elections reallocate these areas to we have the oil and gas belongstoGuyana…” procedural arguments or Commission (GECOM) to Exxon says they potentially generate new development which is much While Guyana’s gold methodologicalcritiques. place its focus solely on the are finalising area of exploration interests. The talked about, we have the declaration has been on the “Their [government] 2025elections. Stabroek Block to company had up to October opportunities and the decline since 2016. resistance to democratic Speaking at his weekly hand back to Govt. 2024 to decide on which synergies spinning out of Currently, there is only one consultation raises the press conference at Freedom portion to hand back to the that and with this new large-scale mining company, profound question of House on Robb Street, ExxonMobil Guyana State. development at Oko West China’s Aurora Gold Mine whether they truly serve the Jagdeo said that the Limited (EMGL) said that it Moreover, in keeping this will broaden the (AGM). GMIN is one of interests of the Guyanese opposition has found a new has initiated the process of with the provisions of the opportunitiesforpeople…” several Canadian mining people or other, less public cause to speak on and this is returning 20% of the 2016 Production Sharing Theministerstressedthat companies that are expected interests,”headded. the referendum. “So one of Stabroek Block to the Agreement (PSA), the the Oko West development tostartgoldproductioninthe the new causes… the people Government of Guyana operator of the Stabroek alignswiththegovernment’s comingyears. Thursday whosignedthe2016contract (GoG) through a process Blockwasgrantedfouryears policy of not relying solely
Notably, the Oko West want referendum now, they calledrelinquishment. toprospect.Thecontractalso ononeresourcebase,likeoil PEA highlights an average Govt. hails US$1.5B gold and the WPA. They want to
In the oil and gas sector, provides for no more than and gas. “We will not rely gold grade of 2.00 grams per project by Canadian firm obfuscate the key issues, “relinquishment” refers to two renewals for a period of and subsists and perhaps tonne (g/t) and a high – Min. Benn says they don’t want to talk about theprocesswhereacompany threeyearseach. make the mistakes of other metallurgical recovery rate exploitation of delivery of house lots to returnsbyspecifictimelines, Exxon was required to countries on relying on one of 92.8%. The company had Guyana’s resources people,fulfillingtheirdream portions of an area it was return a portion of the Block resourcebase,”henoted. said that the PEA confirms is a win-win situation ofowningahome,theydon’t allowed to explore or to Guyana in October 2023, M i n i s t e r B e n n strong economics for a lowwant to talk about lower produce oil and gas however, former President, reaffirmed that the cost, large-scale mining
By Renay Sambach
government has kept its op
ion usin
David Granger had granted
h Minister of Home they don’t want to talk about particularly critical for the company an extension in commitment to revitalizing conventional open pit (OP) Affairs, Robeson Benn, assistance in building, like governments as they can 2020 to conduct further the natural resources sector, and underground (UG) expressed the PPP/C core homes or young auction those returned explorationactivities. particularly mining. ”We methods According to government’s strong support professionalhomes.” portions to other oil According to documents want a holistic, broad base GMIN, with operating costs for the development of a He stressed that the c
mortgage rates for people, R
mp
, the
eby released by the Ministry of development of our country wellbelowindustryaverages US$1.5 billion gold project, opposition is not speaking c h a n n e l i n g m o r e Natural Resources, Granger that there will be several and a high rate of return, the during a forum hosted by about the expansion of opportunities for revenues to signed an order giving polesofdevelopmentforour project is ideally positioned Canadian mining company healthcare, the new water theState. Exxon a one-year grace country and we will not to benefit from favourable G Mining Ventures (GMIN) treatment plants nor the iron
Thispublicationreported period to hold in their constraint or retard any macro-economic conditions, onWednesday removalplantsandanumber that Minister of Natural entirety, the Stabroek, Canje opportunity to develop what including strong gold prices, GMIN is the new owner of other achievements of the Resources Vickram Bharrat and Corentyne Blocks. The isstillapoorcountry,whatis low inflation, and Guyana’s of the large-scale Oko West government but they are confirmed on Monday that three orders state that still a undeve
p i n g project, located in Region desperately looking “to find Exxon had indeed handed Granger was written to by country ” he explained, economy Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) some issue to mobilise back the stipulated 20% Exxon’s Country Manager, adding that the PPP/C The open pit mine is Kaieteur News had reported themselves around. So I hear portion of the Stabroek Alistair Routledge on July 2, government fully supports projected to have a life of 15 that according to the it’sreferendumnottheywant Block, though further details 2020, seeking a grace period theOkoWestdevelopment. years,whichincludes2years project’s Preliminary (Continued on page 38) on the returned area have yet given the COVID-19 T h e m i n i s t e r ofpre-strippingandinvolves
Minister
President,
Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge
From page 37 clear that oil and gas is not
We have complied with the 2023 to the joint operation to talk about referendum on the lone issue that requires a conditions of the exploration agreement dated January 30, thing…this is the same party referendum. He pointed to license and are considering 2019 between CGX that signed the 2016 t h e n e e d t o m a k e different alternatives to Resources Inc., and Frontera agreement.” amendments to certain protect our interests in the Guyana, the company has
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
TheVPmade it clear that clauses in the Constitution license I have nothing agreed to transfer an his government will not be and those proposed more to say at this time,” a d d i t i o n a l 4 5 2 % caught in that trap as amendmentsshouldbeputto Cabralessaid. participating interest to “GECOM must focus on avoteviaareferendum.
On the same day, Frontera Guyana, which preparing for the 2025 “We (the AFC) would Guyana’s Vice President transfer is subject to elections…They would love support a referendum to do (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo a p p
tohaveGECOMorsomeone all of those things including stated that he is not aware of GovernmentofGuyana. else particularly GECOM matters of oil and gas, any discussions with the divert their attention to (being) on a referendum CGX-Frontera joint venture Norton disagrees with something else. We are not (even)priortotheelections,” in relation to granting an Govt. foregoing revenue fallingintothattrapatall.So the AFC Chairman said. He extension to the exploration now for greater benefits in that’stheonlythingthatthey remindedthattheAFCispart licence for the Corentyne the future but still cancomeupwithrightnow.” of the Constitution Reform Block. maintains position on lack On November 5, the Committee and matters “As I’m aware now there of ring-fencing
Kaieteur News reported that inclusive of the country’s Jagdeo on Thursday
In 2023, CGX, the are no discussions going on, the Working People’s newestnaturalresourcemust announced that Guyana operator of the block, that’s what I’m aware of. I Leader of the People’s Alliance (WPA) on Monday bediscussed. Elections Commission discovered oil at its Wei-1 don’t know if they had National Congress Reform said that it supports the call “Maybe it will be a good (GECOM) should have all well, located 14 kilometers reachedouttotheministryof (PNC) Aubrey Norton on forareferendumonthe2016 idea to include not only the systems in place by August west of the Kawa-1 natural resources but from F r i d a y
h i s o i l c o n t r a c t w i t h recommendations from that 2025 to facilitate General discovery within the block. the briefs that I got from the disagreement with the ExxonMobil ahead of the constitutional committee andRegionalElections. Although oil was found at minister they are have been government’s approach of 2025 General and Regional (and),itwillbeagoodideato “GECOM must focus on Kawa-1 in January 2022, n o n e g o t i a
o r deferringimmediaterevenue Elections. This was revealed include other issues that we preparing for the 2025 CGX and Frontera chose to discussions at this specific in hopes of securing greater by Dr David Hinds, do think is necessary Not Elections. They have to be focus on the Wei-1 well. pointintime,”Jagdeosaid. future benefits from the oil presidential candidate of the only the oil and gas… the ready to conduct these Further drilling in the Moreover, in its Third sector party during the party’s issue of death penalty, of elections sometime by Corentyne Block was said to Quarter Earnings highlights, Norton was at the time virtual press conference course which I feel strongly August of next year or so, to depend on positive results at Frontera said that in relation speaking at the party’s “WPAnotesrecentcallsfora about in the sense that it’s allow the President the room Wei-1, with the joint venture to its Guyana assets, the weeklypressconference. referendum on the 2016 oil somethingthatshouldnoton to decide when he wants to reportedly having no further company and joint-venture Kaieteur News had contract, while we do not our books,” Patterson said. hold elections. So, they have obligationsbeyondthiswell. partner remain committed to reported that the World oppose such move, we The AFC member said too to focus their attention on However, before the licence the potential development of Bank’s latest Commodity strongly feel that such a that if the government is as that issue,” the Vice expired CGX submitted a the Corentyne Block. The Markets Outlook report, referendum must also cover confident as it claims then it Presidentsaid.
s which forecasts an imminent the distribution of the oil should be inclined to “have To ensure a fair and commercial interest to the statement based on the oil surplus, has raised doubts resources to the people and a onereferendumtochangeall transparent process, the vice GoG, hoping for additional discoveries made in the about Vice President Dr. form of governance to be these things before the presidenthadannouncedthat time to appraise the Wei-1 block. Bharrat Jagdeo’s projections adopted as we transition into elections.” a manual will be prepared discovery and evaluate its “While we continue to ofsubstantialfuturerevenue. apetrostate,”Dr.Hindssaid. Jagdeo had initially said and circulated ahead of the viability. remain confident about the Jagdeo has suggested that by The party is of the view that a referendum being held elections to the media, However, despite the potential of the Corentyne not implementing a ringthat the issues are at the same time of the 2025 political parties, and other company’s hopes for block, the Company is fencing provision for the oil interrelatedandthereforethe General and Regional interested stakeholders, additional time to assess oil reviewing all available projects in the Stabroek government’s contract with Elections would complicate outlining the “duties, prospects, the government alternatives to safeguard its Block which is operated by ExxonMobil and its partners the voting process A obligations, responsibilities, remained cautious and interest in the block and ExxonMobil Guyana should not be examined referendum is a general vote rights of every member who repossessedtheblock. Guyana,” it was further Limited (EMGL); the separately from the by the electorate on a single will be part of the conduct of
On Thursday, Cabrales stated. country is strategically government’s “political political question that has elections.” This includes, insisted that the companies For their part, CGX said foregoing short-term social contract” with the been referred to them for a members of the Guyana met all legal requirements to the same thing in their Third benefits to reap greater longcitizensofGuyana. directdecision. Elections Commission maintain the Corentyne QuarterEarninghighlights. termgains.
“Support for such a Jagdeo believes that (GECOM)andbyextension, Block – BNamericas CGX said it is the However, Norton has referendum is therefore conducting a referendum at pollingagents.Guyana’slast reported. operator of the Corentyne criticized this strategy, conditional First, WPA the same time of the election process lasted from “We remain committed block and currently holds a expressing skepticism recommends that the 2016 elections could complicate March2toAugust2,2020. to the potential development 27 48% working interest, toward the notion of oil contract, the Buxton matters A number of of the block,” Cabrales told whileFronteraGuyanaholds sacrificing current income Proposal and shared developed and developing Saturday investors in a quarterly the remaining 72 52% amidst forecasts of declining governance be put on the countries all over the world results conference call interestintheblock. oil demand and potential ballot.Second,theremustbe have held referendums at the Frontera CEO insists “That conviction is P u r s u a n t t
pricedrops. consensus on the questions same time as national joint-venture meets legal supportedbythediscoveries. amendment dated August 9, Firstly, in his response to beingputtotheelectorate,in elections. These include the requirement to keep a question on the importance order to avoid the exercise United States. Jagdeo said Corentyne Block of ring-fencing for Guyana’s becomingapartisanpolitical that as leader of the People’s current oil projects in the football and an ethno-racial Progressive Party/Civic The Chief Executive Stabroek Block, especially census,”hetoldreporters. (PPP/C), he does not want to Officer (CEO) of Canadian in light of the World Bank’s For its part, the Alliance complicate the 2025 oilexplorer,FronteraEnergy projection of an oil glut and For Change (AFC) said it electoral process. According Corporation, Orlando price reductions, Norton supports calls for a tohim,thereisalsothebelief Cabrales is insisting that the reiteratedhisparty’sposition referendumonExxon’s2016 that the opposition would go company and its partner onring-fencing. oil deal with Guyana in favour of the referendum CGX Inc. has met the legal In simple terms, a ringChairmanoftheparty,David tocomplicatetheprocess. requirements to hold on to fencing provision in an oil Patterson in response to a Guyana’sCorentyneBlock. contractensuresthateachoil question posed by Kaieteur Govt. says GECOM The Government of project is financially News made it clear that the should have all systems in G u y a n a ( G o G ) h a d independent, meaning it can AFC believes that a place for elections by repossessed the Corentyne only use its revenue to cover referendum should be held August 2025 oil block from Frontera and its own costs Once a prior to the 2025 elections. CGX following a series of project’sexpensesare However, Patterson made it Vice President Bharrat unmetobligations. (Continued on page 39)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canadian oil explorer, Frontera Energy Corporation, Orlando Cabrales
From page 38 repaid, profits are then split.
However, the 2016
Production Sharing
Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil lacks such a provision, and it allows Exxon and its partners Hess and CNOOC to recover 75% of monthly revenue toward cost recovery, with the remaining 25% split equally between the companies and thegovernment. Without ring-fencing, Exxon and its partners can O n t h e i s s u e o f allocate costs from new sacrificing current revenue developments across for potential future gains, multiple projects, which Norton did not mince words, delays profit distribution to describing the government’s Guyana. The PNCR leader approach as “nonsense.” He said, “In principle, we agree argued against reliance on with ring-fencing ” distant projections, However, he clarified that highlighting the global shifts his stance is tempered by a in energy and environmental lack of comprehensive data policies as a significant that would allow for a clear factor
Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, Aubrey Norton
determination of the “We will not seek to rely necessity of ring-fencing of some promise of 2030 or every project in the Stabroek 2040. Because the world is Block. changing and as the world
“You are operating in a changes oil will continue to situation where data isn’t be under pressure because of provided. So, I’ve also said the climate and environment that we will do everything to lobby, so someone has to ensure that Guyana gets look at your income now more benefits from oil and ensure you maximise it, gas if ring fencing is one of utilise it properly and not get the solutions but it’s not the involved in ah talking about only and they are many sacrificing now for the others which we intend to future, the future is here in approach…”Nortonsaid. thisregard,”heasserted.
Chapter 12: Green Gilly's Whisper Noodles
When Jackson woke up, hecouldalreadyfeeltheheat from the blazing sun His dreams had either been immediately forgotten, or sweatedoutuponhisarrival. Heshieldedhiseyesandsaw that the hatch of the small train car was open above him, and Tarza and Dusty had already exited “Little help?” she called down to him. Plod was halfway up and out of the hatch, and clearly needed a boost Gladly leaning into the shadow being cast by her body, Jackson obliged, but was still decidedly “fuzzy”, as he would call it in later recollections, from his nap. Heguesseditmayhavebeen the soothing ride through space, or perhaps the exhaustion of the exciting and strange journey he'd beenonhadfinallycaughtup withhim.Eitherway,hewas fuzzier than he could remember being in a long time and, once again, in a place he was not familiar with.Inthiscase,hewasalso inaplacethatseemedtobea secret not just from him, but the entire staff at Pelligrant Station.
“Are you sure it's safe h e r e ? ” h e a s k e d , remembering Pelligrant Station'sfugitivealarm.
“I've already told you,” Tarzaanswered,helpinghim out. “It's probably the only placewearesaferightnow
“Notveryreassuring,”he answered, looking around throughsquintedeyes.
“And you already said that back,” she smiled. “So, now can you tell me where weare?”
Jackson saw orangeybrownlandasfarashecould see Some was more browny-ish-orange, and a
few rocks in the distance seemed almost redy-ish gold, but for the most part it was the same color as an orangey-brown crayon, had such a crayon ever been manufactured.
Itwasadirtdessert,only brokenupbythesmalltown the train had landed in, and the mountains to their East.
But had you asked Jackson which direction the mountains were from him at that very moment, he would have had a 27% chance of guessing correctly (and the percentage is only higher than 25% because he had a slightproclivityforthinking thingsaretotheeast,evenon planets where he was aware ofthesun'spath,andhadno suitable reason for needing toguessbutdidsoanyway).
The street in front of them had wood buildings, nonemorethanafewstories tall, with metal accents and patrons meandering or standingaroundoutsideona planked boardwalk. The aliens tipped their hats, the ones that had heads that could support a hat, towards other passersby as they moved about their day “We're in Ridgea, the home ofthePocketWatches,”said Tarza. “Now come on.” She led them to a wide-faced tavernwithapackofhorzips waiting outside. Given that horzipsareonlyprevalentin 30.1%ofplanetsrecognized by Those in Charge, and Earthisnotoneofthem,and giventhathumansdonotlike when they don't know something, I will give you a brief explantation of what Jackson, Tarza, Dusty, and Plod saw outside the tavern. For starters, horzips do somewhat resemble Earth horsesinsizeandshape,but
the similarities in name are purely coincidental Horzips, as they are known in all languages that use words instead of direct telepathic gutteral-emoto communication, are known as such due to the distinct hoarse* sound they make while belching, and the “windzip” sound they make when running Their long bodiesandlongheadsmight lead a human to believe that they are looking at a horse, wereitnotforthefantastical coloroforangehairthatthey growinadolescence.
*hoarse, as it happens is also purely coincidentally identically sounding to horse Walking past the horzips, of which you are now slightly familiar, the group entered the half-full tavern Three tables were filled with patrons, each drinking a different variety ofthreehundredfizzydrinks served on tap at the establishment. Since the advent of molecular fizz flavor fusion stations in taverns, most were able to servebetween100and1000 varieties without much fuss. But fuss-less fizz flavor fusion was not cheap, and this particulartavern capped outatthreehundred.Jackson could feel the eyes upon them (some patrons had three or more eyes so this added up quickly) as they walked up to the counter Whispers began spreading through table and booths. It could be because of Dusty and Plod, Jackson reasoned, because he had not seen any otherROBssincearrivingon the planet. But deep down, deep below his belly button, past his right knee, somewherearoundhisankle, (Continuedonpage42)
15.TheSanta'spantsneedsuspenders,so havekidscuttwowidestripsoutofredpaper andapplyglueontheends.Thenstickitinside the pants – one end should go on the back insidetheroll,andtheotheronthefrontinner side. Repeat the process with another red strip. The suspenders overlap in the center See the “cross” position on the back inner side?
16. We love how these toilet paper roll Santapantsturnedout!
by Uncle Roy
There are often times in our lives
When some things don't feel so good, Because either we did not do what's right, Or others did not act as they should.
At these times when we become sad, And life does not seem right, We must see that the thing to do Is to share what we feel inside.
The people who can help with your feelings Are your parents first of all; Then, too, your elder brother or sister Should be able to answer your call.
So try not to keep things inside, Be open to those you can trust; Making them understand how you feel Will keep your life happy and precious.
Take care to maintain good relationships with everyone
Duringthistimewhen the situation demands that we are at home most of the time and closely interacting withourfamilymembers,it is very important that we makeaspecialefforttokeep up good relationships with them. This is especially so when we find that we can come into conflict because of frustration caused by not being able to go out and do whatwenormallyenjoyand find necessary to keep thingsgoing.
One of the instances when this conflict occurs is when we differ about something someone has done that others feel is wrong. Itisafactthatmost
people do not like to admit when they are wrong over some incident with another individual. Somehow they feelthatitwouldlowertheir prestige if they apologised, although they have realised thatwhattheyhaddonewas wrong. But the fact is that the opposite is true. When
As mentioned before, you can email me at: roypaul2002@yahoo.com
weadmitthatwehavebeen in the wrong, we usually increasetheconfidencethat otherpersonshaveinus,and ourwholeprestigeaswellas self-worth is elevated. It shows that we are not pigheadedandarewillingto letthetruthprevail.
Unfortunately, much of the friction which d i s t u r b s f a m i l y relationships is caused in this way Friendships also are eroded because of this sillyhabitofholdingontoa position even though it is realised afterwards that it was not based on what is right.
In these, as in all instances of dealing with other people, we should demonstrateawillingnessto
set things right and have faith in the desire to do the right things Always remember that, if you are willing to get off your high horse, the chances are that other persons with whom you interact closely will be equallyreadytodothesame and come to a compromise acceptabletobothofyou.
Whenyouarewilling to behave in this way with your family members at home, you will be going a long way towards maintaining pr
relationships with them This is the same way we recommend that you deal with your friends, as this would guarantee the same result in your relations with them.
Developing and maintaining Proper Relationships with our Family Members is one of the foremost obligations of every human being.
KRYPTO INKIES
KryptoInkiesareregularInky(orKenKen)puzzlesthathavebeenencrypted.Eachdigithas been substituted with a letter To solve the puzzle, you must deduce what digit each letter standsforwhileworkingoutthesolution.Inthesolvedpuzzle,eachrowandeachcolumn willcontainallofthedigits1thru6.
The heavy lines indicate areas (called cages) that contain 2 or more numbers that can be combined (in any order) to produce the result shown in the cage, with the indicated math operation.Forexample,'AB×'meansyoucanmultiplythesquarestogethertoproducethe numberencodedbyAB.Notethatnumbersincagesmayrepeat,aslongastheyarenotinthe same row or column.+ means addition - means subtraction × means multiplication / meansdivision
Jackson knew it was because of the FugitiveAlertthathecouldnotgetout ofhishead,orsoitseems,ankle.
The round blue bartender sloshed over to them and Tarza greeted them withasmile.
“Oy, Orozco! Happy to see me?” shebeamed.
The bartender shook their head from side to side and Jackson marveled as it seemed to whoosh and thenwiggletoastop.AsfarasJackson could tell, their large bulbous body was made up entirely of a gelatinous goothatwassemi-transparent.Eachof their limbs was made up of a set of smaller round balls as well. And on theirface,justbelowaroundnose,was astark,blackmustache.
“Course I'm not, Tarza. What are youdoinghere?”Orozcoreplied.“Aw, come on! I missed you! And…” she said,leaningin.“Ithoughtitmightbea goodtimetogetmywatchfixed.”
Tarza lifted up her Pocket Watch and rested it on the counter Orozco's roundeyesgotwideandtheyletouta sigh so large that their whole body jostledandshook.“TheWatchmaker's booked solid today He's out of town,” said Orozco, picking up a rag and cleaning a glass that didn't need cleaning. “Which is it? Is he booked solidoroutoftown?”
Orozcoleanedinaswell.
“I don't think that's such a good idea, Tarza. Do you know how many people would like to collect on a reward like yours?” Tarza smiled. “I do.WhichiswhyIthinkit'sbestthatI getmywatchfixedassoonaspossible. Can you imagine if Those In Charge found out that Byzong and Earth fugitives were captured on your Ridgea?”Orozco'smustachetwitched. “Imagine a big investigation on your little ol' planet.” She said with lessthan-sincereconcern.“Areyoutrying
to—“Orozcostarted.
“Listen, I wouldn't be here if it wasn'timportant.YouknowIwouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't worth it, Orozco.” He sighed again and placed the extra clean glass back on the counter “All right, Tarza, I supposed he has an opening today… and he's back in town. Go on, then.” “Thank you,” she said with a very-muchsinceresmile.
Jackson was relieved when they walked up a set of stairs behind the counter Thenumberofeyeswatching themhadgrownsincetheywalkedin, and the whispers had become full voiceconversations.
They went along a walkway overlooking the kitchen Over the railing, Jackson saw two chefs preparing some food he knew and some that he did not. One chef was chopping a purple root-like vegetable thatseemedtoshimmerandmove.The otherwassilentlyslidingGreenGilly's WhisperNoodlesintoapotofboiling liquid.HadJacksonstuckaroundtoeat them, he could rest assured that they wouldbethethinnest,quietestnoodles heeverate,unlikethethick,loud,and slurpy noodles of their competitors. Green Gilly's guarantee is that you'll neverheardasoundaboveawhisper
“Who is the Watchmaker?” Jackson asked Tarza. “Not-PresidentRacha asks a lot of questions,” noted Plod.“Yes,hedoes,”saidTarza.“He's the head of the Pocket Watches. But fromhereonout,letmedothetalking. Trust me, it's for the best.” Jackson nodded.They passed row of doors on their left, then came to an old, dark one. Tarza looked around and then pressed inside All four crammed forward, but Jackson soon found that there was nowhere to go. “Is this a closet?” asked Jackson. “I thought I told you let me do the talking?” whisperedTarza.“It'sfine,nooneelse
ishere.Didyouopenthewrongdoor?” “Jackson, if you would just…” He could barely see, but Jackson reached out his hand to touch the wall in front of them with ease. “See, no one here. This is a closet if I've ever seen one!” But Jackson had made quite a false assumption. As it happens, and as he shouldhavelearnedbythispointinhis journey,notallsomeonesareshapedin themannerinwhichheisaccustomed. Andsomeofthesomeoneswhoarenot shaped like others, might not like being poked by a human without permission. “Do you mind?” said the wallinfrontofthem.Jacksonjumped backintothedoortheycamethrough, startled.
“Did…didthewalljusttalk?”“I'm notawall!”said,thewall(asyoumay have guessed, it was not a wall, but since you don't yet know what it is, we'll continue to call it that for just a moment longer). “I'm…sorry,” said Jackson, sincerely “This is Jackson. He'snewto,well,mostthings.It'sme, Tarza ” She pulled out her Pocket Watchagain,butthistimeitgloweda dull pink. “Ahhh, Tarza. Good to see you again! ” said the loud rumbling voiceofthewall.
Suddenly a light ahead began to reveal itself to Jackson. The wall was getting smaller and smaller By the timeJacksoncouldfullysee,itwasin theshapeasmallcreaturemadeupof whatcouldonlybedescribedasrocks andpebbles.
“Thanks, Rog ” Tarza led them forward to a long hall as Rog, moved asidetoletthempass.
“Anytime,” said Rog in a tiny voice “I'm terribly sorry, again,” bowed Jackson as he passed. “I've nevermeta…a…”
“Rockwallian,”answered Rog “Thinknothingofit.”Oncetheywere clear, Rog filled up into a wall-sized shapeonceagainbehindthem.
UG gets first ever Indigenous Students Society
Fostering empowerment among Indigenous students while at the same time preserving and promoting their rich culture, two friends, Alliah Simon of Pakuri Village and Sylvany Robertson of Paruima Villagehavejoinedforcesto establish the first ever University of Guyana IndigenousStudentsSociety (UGISS).
The Society which was first introduced on October 28,2024andhelditsofficial launched on November 6, currently has 39 registered students with an Executive body comprising of 11 Indigenousmembers.
In an interview with this rd publication,3 yearBiology student and President of the UGISS, Sylvany Robertson said when she and Simon first started the University; they both had their own individual idea of creating a safe space for Indigenous students at the campus but
were unable to get support untilrecently
The student said that she metSimonataBiologyClub where they discussed and sharedtheirideasabouthow they can go about bringing thesocietytofruition.
“It was an equal idea… since first year, we had the same mindset but no one everpushedustoevergoand form this club; recently, we met through Biology Club and we started talking and we just motivated ourselves topusheachotherandthatis how we have this club,” Robertsonrecalled.
The young woman said that the reason behind forming this Indigenous Students Society, was that they observed throughout the years that Indigenous
President and Co-founder of the University of Guyana Indigenous Students Society (UGISS), Sylvany Robertson
students in UG do needed a space for empowerment, so they created this society to helpfosterthat.
“ We k n e w t h a t Indigenous students need some sort of empowerment and we also wanted all the Indigenous students knowingthatweareallfrom the nine native nations we wanted to learn more about each other languages and different unique traditions,” thePresidentshared.
She noted that the Society was also formed to provide Indigenous students with a home away from home. “We are planning to makeahomeforthem,make a safe space, empower them sotheycangrowasleaders,” sheadded.
According to Robertson,
Co-Founder of the University of Guyana Indigenous Students Society,Alliah Simon
Vice President of UGISS, EnochAllicock
Secretary and second-year representative of UGISS, Kenneth Edwards
and which needs research and funding, the UGISS President highlighted that they plan on having various stakeholder involved that cancontributeinkeepingthe languagesalive.
OfficerofMusic&Dance and3rdyearrepresentative
their main mission is preserving the past, empowering the future. Part of their goals, she noted however, is preserving their Indigenous languages, and developing leadership amongmembers.
She stated that preserving their native languages is important to themsincethey“believethat language defines who you are as an Indigenous person.”
Asked how they plan on preserving the native languages, Robertson mentioned that they will soon introduce an App similar to the DuolingoApp which will comprise of all the native languages in Guyana.
Stillinitsplanningstage
She observed that when leaving their remote homes intheHinterlandandcoming tothecoasttostudy,students tend to forget their native
languagesandsothatiswhy they are pushing to preserve thisaspect.
Anyone interested in joining the society, Robertson shared with this publication that that the addresses Indigenous youth representation on campus,
celebrate and share Indigenous traditions, and provide a safe community forIndigenousstudents. Itwasmustbenotedthat anystudentfromotherethnic backgrounds that is at the UG campus can join the Society Persons can be registered through their socials at Instagram @uog ugiss and on Facebook at the University of Guyana Indigenous StudentsSociety
Officer of Food at UGISS, Ruth Patterson
Officer of Language & 4th year representative of UGISS,Ashley Williams
Officer ofArts and Crafts at UGISS, Dolly Chambers
atUGISS,AkimaD'Guiar
“I'mfeelingbothnervousandexcitedat thesametime.
Balancing work with my classes was incredibly challenging, but I managed to overcomeit.Afterfouryearsofhardwork, we'refinallyheretoday,readytograduate. This programme was truly wellrounded It covered a bit of everything Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Finance. I believe it haspreparedmetoeitherbecomeabusiness owner or step into a management role."
(Source:UniversityofGuyanaFacebook)
“There were so many challenges along thewaythat,attheverybeginning,Iwanted to quit. I remember one day experiencing severe headaches; I wasn't sure what was causing them and feared it might be a serious health issue Another major challenge was that I had not practised Pharmacy for a very long time. I had graduatedwithadiplomabackin1999but soonafter,Ijoinedamissionarygroup,soI neverhadthechancetopractice.
2020, started working at the Georgetown PublicHospital.ItwasthenthatIdecidedto continue and complete my Bachelor's degree. If it wasn't for God, my husband, family,andtheotherswhosupportedme,I wouldn'thavebeenabletomakeit.
I have always had a deep love for Pharmacy Helpingpeoplehasalwaysbeen my passion—finding ways to ensure they receive the best possible medication to benefittheirhealth."
(Source: University of Guyana Facebookpage)
“My name is Carvil Adams, and I pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Education (English), graduating with distinction. My journeytooklongerthanexpectedbecauseI suffered a stroke in my first year of study After undergoing rehabilitation, I was able toresumemystudiesayearlater
I am currently attached to Santa Rosa Secondary School in Region One Completing this degree means so much to me,especiallyconsideringthatatonepoint, Ididn'tthinkIwouldbeabletofinish.When I got sick, I doubted whether I would ever graduate. But after therapy, I returned to pickupwhereIleftoff.Walkingacrossthat stage will be a truly momentous occasion forme."
(Source: University of Guyana Facebookpage)
"One of my biggest challenges was managingmytimebetweenwork,spending time with my kids, and studying. It was definitely a hurdle, but I had to discipline myself, develop a focused mindset, and maintain tunnel vision to reach my goal. NowthatI'mhere,it'sanincrediblefeeling.
This morning, I had the proud moment of watching my daughter walk across the stage,andnowit'smyturntowalkthatsame stage with her cheering me on. I'm truly grateful for this ex
Congratulations to everyone who made it throughthisjourney—Iknowitwasn'teasy for any of us, as we all faced our own obstaclesalongtheway I'vealwayshadapassionformanaging financesandbeingmindfulofmyspending, which is why I chose this programme."
(Source:UniversityofGuyanaFacebook page)
"I am the first in my family to earn a bachelor'sdegree,soI'mfeelingelated. Ihaveworkedhardforfourlongyears, andtofinallyenjoythefruitsofmylabouris anincrediblefeeling.
The journey was filled with obstacles, includingfinancialandsocialchallenges.I also faced generational backlash, with people questioning, 'Why would you want togetadegree?
Your parents don't have one.' I often doubted myself, especially since I was 22 when I started my degree. I remember my fatheronceaskingme,'Cassie,doyouwant to be 26 or do you want to be 26 with a degree?'
That question stuck with me and kept megoing.
Earlier in my studies, I got pregnant, which was not the conventional route through tertiary education. But my son became the biggest hero of this journey, as he was with me every step of the way My family my mom, dad, and husband—were my support system, my village,whostoodbymeduringthosenine months.
I want to emphasise that pregnancy shouldnotholdwomenbackfrompursuing theirdreams.
Looking ahead, I plan to start my own business. Guyana is in a phase of rapid development our very own 'little Dubai'—so there's a lot of potential to explore.Additionally, I am a musician and singer, and I'm excited to incorporate my entrepreneurship skills into my music career."
(Source: University of Guyana Facebookpage)
Anuradha Bahadur Bachelor's Degree in Management School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
Fiona Payne Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy College of Medical Sciences
Jermaine Johnson Diploma in Accountancy School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
CarvilAdams Bachelor's Degree in Education (English) — Distinction Faculty of Education and Humanities
CassieAdamsBachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
Guyana ‘might’ receive taxes from Canadian mining company if gold price remain s high – CEO
As long as gold prices positioned to yield profits, remain high when the Oko allowing for tax payments to West Mine starts producing thegovernment. g o l d i n 2 0 2 8 , t h e “We hope to pay those Government of Guyana obviously, because we do (GoG) might receive feel that it’s a different gold corporate income taxes from priceenvironmentthatwe’re Canadian mining company, in and look forward to G Mining Ventures (GMIN), buildingthisminetoproduce thenewowneroftheproject. inthatenvironment,”Gignac In April 2024, GMIN added. bought Reunion Gold,
GMIN President and CEO Louis-Pierre Gignac
In addition to potential another Canadian company corporate tax payments, for some US$638 million – Gignac highlighted that through this transaction Guyana will benefit from GMIN acquired Reunion’s royaltypayments. flagship Oko West Mine
Heexplainedthatwithan which is located in Region average 6.5 percent royalty Seven(Cuyuni/Mazaruni). GMIN falls under the structure, Guyana will Last Wednesday, GMIN Gignac Family-owned G generate income through a held an educational forum in Mining Services (GMS) combination of 8 percent Georgetown, on the Oko One of GMS principals is royaltyfromopen-pitmining West project. During this Louis Gignac, who was the and 3 percent from event, the company’s headofCambiorInc.amajor undergroundmining. President and CEO Louis- shareholder in the former “I think the royalty Pierre Gignac, in his Omai Gold Mines Limited structure is such that there is response to a question on (OGML) which operated in always going to be income whetherthecompanywillbe Guyana’sminingindustry forthegovernment,”hesaid. paying corporate taxes Louis-Pierre Gignac said Moreover, Gignac had emphasized that GMIN unlike his father’s previous underscored the value of the intends to honour the involvement with Omai’s Oko West calling it a “world existing contract it inherited gold project, where the class project.” He disclosed after acquiring Reunion company did not pay thatthecompanyiscurrently Gold. corporate taxes to Guyana working on the feasibility Gignac said, “Typically, due to low gold prices at that study for the project and the agreement is one that we time–heisconfidentthatthe notedthattheEnvironmental construction and by 2028 anaveragegoldgradeof2 00 a high rate of return, the inherit through the Oko West will benefit from a n d S o c i a l I m p a c t commence gold production grams per tonne (g/t) and a project is ideally positioned acquisition of Reunion Gold thecurrenthighgoldprices. Assessment (ESIA) will be fromtheopenpit. high metallurgical recovery to benefit from favourable so it is not an agreement that “Like everything else, submitted to Guyana’s
TheOkoWestMineisset rate of 92 8% The company macroeconomic conditions, isopenforrenegotiation.” you need to be hitting the Environmental Protection to be a large-scale gold had said that the PEA including strong gold prices, However, he expressed window at the right moment Agency (EPA) by the third project and is expected to confirms strong economics low inflation, and Guyana’s optimism about paying for profits to be made and weekinNovember produce 353,000 ounces of for a low-cost, large-scale r a p i d l y d e v e l o p i n g corporate taxes to the [for] corporate income taxes According to Gignac, in gold annually over its 12.7- mining operation using both economy Guyanese government as its tobepaid,”hestated. early2025,thecompanywill year mine life, with a total conventional open pit and Notably, the Oko West newly acquired Oko West Gignac further added make separate requests to outputof4.5millionounces. undergroundmethods project payback period is project is poised to generate that, with the price of gold initiate early works. By the T h e O k o W e s t According to GMIN, estimated at 3.8 years, based profits, contingent on high over US$2,000 per ounce, third quarter of 2025, the Preliminary Economic with operating costs well on a gold price of US$1,950 goldprices. the Oko West Mine is company is hoping to start Assessment(PEA)highlights below industry averages and perounce.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Calvin Brutus
Eintoallegedfinancialmisconduct. victimized during the investigation has and he wants to let out, let him appeared at the Georgetown The Attorney General’s pointing specifically to the let it out.” Jagdeo dismissed the Magistrates’ Court to face a series Chambers announced on Saturday restriction placed on his bank suggestion that any disclosure by ofseriouscharges. that Brutus’ attorney informed the accounts. Brutus was sent on leave Brutus could be compromising to Collectively, they were granted courtonFridayofhisandhiswife’s to allow for the probe into the thegovernment. bailexceeding$10million. decisiontodiscontinuethecase. allegations made against him. He Moreover, in the AG’s Brutus answered 30 out of a Brutus and Aulder had initially disclosed that he was not given a Chambers statement, it was noted total of 240 charges, which approachedtheHighCourtseeking fair hearing and that there were thatBrutusisyettopaycostsfroma includedfourcountsofmisconduct toliftthecourtorderthatfrozetheir several leaks to the media and prior legal loss in which he sought in public office, two counts of accounts, filing suit on August 19, social media that have prejudiced court permission to leave the larceny as a public officer, two 2024, against Head of the Special the case against him.As a result, he country with his wife, who needed countsofmoneylaundering,and20 Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) sought declarations including that medical attention in the United counts related to the liability of Faizal Karimbaksh, acting there was a breach of the rules of States. officials. Commissioner of Police Clifton NaturalJustice.
That application was dismissed He was placed on bail totalling Hicken, andAttorney GeneralAnil It was during a late-night by Justice Gino Persaud, who over $6 million for these charges. Nandlall,S.C. interview with members of the ordered Brutus and Aulder to pay Brutus was also jointly charged mbattled Assistant This marks the second High press, after members of SOCU and $250,000 each to the AG, SOCU, with George and Zafarally, who are Commissioner of Police Court case that Brutus has SWAT turned up at Brutus and his and the Acting Commissioner of facing two counts of obtaining
(ACP) Calvin Brutus withdrawn since he was criminally wife’s living quarters at Eve Leary Police. moneybyfalsepretense. has withdrawn his legal challenge charged for financial related – when Brutus told reporters that TheAG’s Chambers stated that Brutus’wife,Aulder, who is 25 against the order to freeze multiple offences. On October 26, Brutus thereisabackgroundtothecharges if these costs remain unpaid after years-old and pregnant, faced two bank accounts containing a total of withdrew a constitutional case and all would be revealed in the six weeks, legal steps will be taken charges of money laundering. The $500million. against various state agencies, constitutionalcase. torecovertheamount. bail amounts for the defendants The accounts, belonging to claiming victimization during the Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo On October 25, Brutus along rangedfrom$100,000to$500,000: Brutus, his wife Adonika Aulder, ongoinginvestigation. responded publicly to Brutus’ with his wife Adonika Aulder, his Aulder was granted $1 million, andtheirbusinesses,werefrozenas In the court documents, Brutus claim, saying, “He could let out driver Kevin George, and George received $1 million, and part of an ongoing investigation claimed that he was being cats, dogs, pigs, anything that he businessman Asif Zafarally Zafarallywassetat$2million.
The Oko West Mine
Swift action by GFS prevents major destruction at Fireside Suites F
Swift action by the members of the began in a storage unit at the small hotel Guyana Fire Service (GFS) prevented the between 14:45h and 14:50h. During an complete destruction of Fireside Suites interview with reporters, a Dominican locatedonGarnettStreet,Georgetown. nationalsaidthathesawthefireonthehotel’s
The fire of unknown origin reportedly roof after a person staying in his apartment began in the roof section of the building on buildingalertedhimtosmoke.Theapartment Saturdayafternoon. complexislocatednexttoFiresideSuites.
Kaietuer News understands that the fire “…SoIjustcameoutsideandheshowme
that there (pointed to the roof) was some fire shortly after the fire started, firefighters from blazing there, then we just assembled here the Campbellville Fire Station arrived on the inside to see if anything was going to fall on sceneandbegantodousetheflames. our side here and we like prepare to fight it “Iwouldliketocommendthefirebrigade withthebucketwaterorsomethinglikethat,” (Fire Service), they came in quick like four themantoldKaieteurNews. fiveminutes,quicklytheycameinandputout
He said the apartment building is thefire,”themantoldreporters. occupied by five persons but only three were M eanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, thereatthetimethefirestarted.Themansaid Robeson Benn and Fire Chief Gregory thetrioremainedonthescenetoseehowbest Wickhamwerebothonthescene.Uptopress they could prevent the fire from spreading to time, no statement has been issued by the their apartment. He told this publication that GFSonthefire.
The aftermath of the fire
Guyanese and Barbadian experts call for overhaul of Caribbean’s economic development framework
A Guyanese and
Barbadian expert is advocating for a complete redesign of the region’s development framework to address issues such as climate change, economic volatility, and limited fiscal resources.
Daniel Best, Senior
Infrastructure and DevelopmentAdvisor to the Prime Minister of Barbados secondedfrom a substantive role as Director, Projects DepartmentattheCaribbean Development Bank, and Wazim Mowla, Fellow and
A
Council’s Caribbean Initiative andVice President of the ACE Consulting Group,basedinGuyanaina r e c e n t s t a
challenges but also unprecedented opportunities fordevelopment.
“Caribbeancountriesare on the frontlines of many
challenges but the o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r development and prosperity are endless,” Best and Mowlasaid.
According to Best and Mowla, institutions like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, the Caribbean Agriculture Research & Development Institute, the Caribbean Development Bank, and others“housethepotentialto
Wazim Mowla is the Fellow and Lead of theAtlantic Council’s Caribbean Initiative and Vice President of theACE Consulting Group, based in Guyana.
transform the region’s development agenda in a way that stimulates economic prosperity and stability.”
Theycautionedthatthese institutions cannot function in isolation, as the small, open economies of Caribbean countries are constantly impacted by the fluctuations of global markets.
Best and Mowla argue that collaboration with international allies and consistent outreach to relevant capitals, like O t t a w a , L o n d o n , Washington DC, Brasilia, and others, are essential to a u g m e n t r e g i o n a l capabilities in delivering effective development solutions.
They believe the Caribbean needs to have
Daniel Best is the Senior Infrastructure and DevelopmentAdvisor to the Prime Minister of Barbados seconded from a substantive role as Director, Projects Department at the Caribbean Development Bank
consistent communication with other development institutions, such as those that sit in Africa, Asia, and theAmericas.
Best and Mowla underscored that innovation is the heartbeat of progress.
“Accelerating innovation unlocks new financial and technological resources that can induce greater competition and economic growth across industries,” theyexplain.
M o r e o v e r, t h e y emphasize that data gathering is crucial for informed decision-making BestandMowlasaid,“Datadriven energy modeling can influence the types of clean energy technologies governments pursue… and the use of emerging and disruptive technologies can reduce agriculture
produ
costs, and enhance efficiency and productivityinthesector.”
They argue that the private sector must play a central role in this framework “The private sector holds the key to accessing capital, scaling projects, and utilizing new technologiesatamuchfaster rate,” Best and Mowla added.
Theycalledforaregional investment forum modeled after similar initiatives in Asia and Africa. Such a forum, they said, could leverage early-stage technical assistance, derisk investment opportunities and unlock private sector
participation through debt and equity financing across multiplesectors.
Best and Mowla emphasize that the new development framework must consider “geopolitics, therealitiesofpeopleonthe ground, and importantly, utilizingexistingIndigenous institutions.”
They made a call for a regionaldialoguetoadvance this vision. Best and Mowla said that the redesigned framework should pave the way for a resilient, selfsustaining Caribbean where “sustainable development is not just a goal, but a lived reality for all Caribbean nations.”
WANTED VACANCY
Drivers to drive Canter, and Porters to work in warehouse. Call: 673-7373. Experience is an asset.
COINS Wanted, I buy coins best prices paid. Tele : 6430902 / 653-4287.
Male sales-rep 22-28 years old, Knowledge about vehicle models would be an asset. Call : 709-4313.
Gardener / Handyman fulltime or part-time. Tele : 2260240.
One male Translator speaking Spanish and English. Call : 613-0855 Between 9 am-4 PM
One excavator operator must have atleast 5 years experience.Call : 613-0855 Between 9 am-4 pm
Domestic to work in Campbellville Georgetown. Daily $5,000 for 2 days per week .Tele: 621-5140. 30 -45 years old.
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Encouraging suicide can lead to 10 years’ imprisonment and a $2M Fine - Suicide Prevention Commission
BY CHRISTALYONG
A person who encourages or assists another to commit suicide can face a hefty fine of $2 million and up to 10 years in prison, according to the National Suicide Prevention Commission.
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This was revealed on Saturday by Dr. Timothy Morgan, Director of the Mental Health Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), during a reporting mental health and suicide issues workshop for media personnel.
The two-day workshop which was held at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The training focused on ethical and responsible reporting practices in relation to mental health and
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Dr. Timothy Morgan, Director of the Mental Health Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), during the media workshop.
suicide matters. It aims to equip attendees with the necessary knowledge and tools through interactive and guided sessions.
Dr. Morgan explained that the Suicide Prevention Act, passed in November 2022, brought a significant and progressive change by decriminalizing suicide. This important step marks a unique and positive development in Guyana’s approach to mental health and suicide prevention. “A lot of other Caribbean countries are actually reaching out to Guyana, to follow our model when it comes to decriminalization of suicide,” he said. Taking that into account, the Suicide Prevention Act was introduced in response to Guyana’s historically high suicide rates. He highlighted that the legislation decriminalized suicide and established the National Suicide Prevention Commission.
Importantly, he stated that the National Suicide Prevention Commission, created by the Suicide Prevention Act, is a multi-sectoral body that includes representatives from various ministries and societal groups. Its goal is to develop public programs to address suicide.
Additionally, the doctor highlighted that research shows that media coverage of suicide can influence prevention efforts, with extensive or sensationalized reporting increasing the risk of imitative
behavior, particularly among vulnerable individuals. Proper reporting, he said, is crucial to avoid normalizing suicide or reinforcing harmful myths.
“So the media actually has an important role or pivotal role in suicide prevention, especially when it comes to reporting,” Dr. Morgan said adding that, “It is an offence for any person to assist or encourage another person to commit suicide. Penalty is a fine of $2 million dollars and imprisonment for 10 years.”
He explained that in the modern context of social media, it may seem unlikely that someone would assist or encourage another to commit suicide, but there are incidents such as a Facebook posts where someone expresses wanting to die, and persons commented, “go kill yourself” or “if you really want to do it, then why don’t you.” Such behavior is an offence under the law, carrying a penalty of up to $2 million in fines and 10 years of imprisonment.
Furthermore, Dr. Morgan disclosed that it is also an offence to report a death by suicide or attempted suicide before it has been approved by the coroner. Violating this provision can result in a fine of $100,000 and up to three months in prison.
Dr. Morgan explained, “… It might be said that ‘oh, this person died by suicide’ but then at the end of the coroner’s report it might be a
homicide, it might be something else because there is an investigation that has to be done to determine if it is the person actually died by suicide or by other means.”
He continued, “…They might have persons… using the fact of suicide in covering up homicides and we have seen it as such.”
This said could potentially lead to the concealment of a case, particularly if it involves homicide.
Reporting includes publishing through broadcasting, a newspaper, book, journal, magazine, newsletter or a similar document; or via the internet on any social media platform, the Doctor stated.
It was further explained that the report on a suicide should not include details of the method used, the identity of the deceased or their family members, unless it is in the public’s best interest, consent has been given, or no request has been made to withhold the information.
It should avoid sensationalizing, trivializing, or stigmatizing suicide, as well as sharing unconfirmed information, rumors, or alarming images and headlines.
To this end, the report must include information on appropriate support services, including contact details. Additionally, it was recommended that suicide stories not be placed in prominent locations, such as the front page.
Visually Impaired Teacher, Clinton Ward...
From page 33 experience what I’ve gone through.”
Faith has been the cornerstone of Clinton’s perseverance. “Above everything else, I appreciate God’s help. I pray every day before I leave the house and every time I get into a bus. God has been very important in my life,” he said.
Clinton added that faith carried him through the tough moments, and he
hopes others will also lean on God when facing difficulties, noting that “if you pray, God will send people to help you.”
Looking back at his journey, Clinton said he is filled with joy.
“I’m so glad my studies are over. I know it’s not the end, but I am rejoicing that I made it. Now, I get to celebrate with my friends and colleagues at the University of Guyana.”
His advice to others fac-
ing challenges is simple yet profound: “Take a chance on university, even if you have a disability. Friends and lecturers will support you if you let them. There are people willing to help you along the way.” He reflects on the motivation he found in a fellow President’s College alumnus who, despite her disability, graduated from university. “Seeing her succeed gave me the motivation I needed to keep going,” he added.
Media workers, representatives from PAHO and the Ministry of Health during the suicide workshop on Saturday.
Aljazeera - The Israeli military killed more civilians and journalists in attacks across Gaza, especiallyitsbesiegednorth.
The Israeli military has killed several dozen PalestiniansacrosstheGaza Stripinastringofattacksas itallowedasmallamountof aid into the northern part of the enclave, the first after over a month of intensified siege.
Medics quoted by the Palestinian Wafa news agency said Friday evening that at least 40 people were killed across Gaza since dawn, including 24 in the north.
Humaid, who is on the ground,reportedthatatleast threepeoplewerekilledand 26 were wounded The assault took place just 20 metres (65 feet) from Al Jazeera’stentinthearea.
On the 400th day of the war on Saturday, the Gaza Ministry of Health announced that at least 43,552 Palestinians have been killed and 102,765 injured.
The actual number of dead is presumed to be far higher, with an estimated 10,000 bodies buried under the vast rubble of destroyed buildingsacrosstheenclave.
The United Nations
Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]
At least six Palestinians were killed in the targeting of the Fahd al-Sabah school sheltering displaced people intheTuffahneighbourhood onSaturday,accordingtothe Al Jazeera team on the groundinDeirel-Balah.
Two local journalists, a pregnantwomanandachild, were among the dead. The Israeli military used a common justification by sayingittargeted“terrorists” butdidnotprovideevidence ordetails.
Five more were killed in theShujayeaneighbourhood of Gaza City, while Israeli sniperfirekilledatleastone person in the Zeitoun
neighbourhood.
The death toll from the Israeli bombing of tents for displaced people in the socalled “humanitarian area” of al-Mawasi in southern Gaza’sKhanYounisreached atleastnine.Achildandtwo women were among the dead, according to the Nasser Hospital, which receivedthecasualties.
An Israeli air raid that used an attack helicopter targetedthecourtyardofAlAqsa Martyrs Hospital, the main healthcare facility in central Gaza. It was the eighth Israeli attack on the compoundsinceMarch.
Al Jazeera’s Maram
Jagdeo brushes off World Bank’s warning...
Frompage3 breakevencost,manyother countrieswillfalloffbefore we fall off the chart,” he asserted.
He underscored that Guyana’s production is low-cost compared to other countries, making it less vulnerable in scenarios where only the most economical producers surviveadownturn.Jagdeo said, “So before those prices fall below a point where we can’t produce oil anymore, lots of other countries,shouldtherebea reductioninglobaldemand, would fall off the production chart ahead of us.” Jagdeo acknowledged that while there are many unknownsintheoilmarket, his administration’s
approach ensures that “we don’t get left stranded with these assets.” He said that Guyana’s oil industry will besustainedlong-enoughto ensure the resources generated are used to improve climate resilience, andnon-oilsectors.
The Vice President emphasized that while predicting oil markets is inherently comp
x, Guyana’s low
cost production and quality crude position the country advantageously, allowing it toderivelong-termbenefits fromitsoilreserves.
Pressed further on whetherhefoundtheWorld Bank’sforecastconcerning, Jagdeo clarified, “No, no, because…these Economic Outlook Reports are
produced either once every three months or six months…you would not go to a World Bank economic outlook report if you want to have a nuanced position on the oil and gas markets for the next week, for the next month, for the next quarter,forthenextyear…”
In his view, Jagdeo said that the pace of global transition to renewable energy sources remains inadequate, prolonging the need for fossil fuels. He cited an estimated US$2 trillion investment requirement to meet growing global energy demandsustainably Until such investments aremet,heargued,demand for fossil fuels like Guyana’soilwillpersist.
Human Rights Office has condemned the fact that nearly 70 percent of the people killed in Gaza are childrenandwomen.
More than 1,000 health workers and at least 12,700 students have been killed.
Some 86,000 tonnes of explosives have been dropped over Gaza, destroying most of the infrastructureanddisplacing some two million people or about 90 percent of the population.
For the first time in over a month, since the Israeli military launched a major ground assault on northern Gaza and cut off aid, it
allowed a limited amount of relieftoenterthearea.
TheIsraelimilitarybody in charge of organising aid, COGAT, announced that 11 trucks containing food, water and medical equipment were brought to distribution centres for peoplestillleftinJabaliaand BeitHanooninthenorth.
The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP), which wasinvolvedinthedelivery process,reportedthatnotall the limited aid reached the drop-off points, with one truck ordered offloaded by Israeli soldiers in Jabalia, a main focus of the ground invasion.
People survey the aftermath of an Israeli attack on tents near Gaza’s Al-Aqsa Hospital on November 9, 2024 [Abedelhakim
$15M contract awarded to construct doctors’ quarter at District N0.10 Health Centre
TheRegionalDemocraticCouncil(RDC) on-callduties. of Region Five will soon overlook the Kaieteur News reported that in August construction of a $15,673,140 doctors’living this year, Minister of Health, Dr Frank quarters at De Hoop Branch Road, Region Anthony,
m Five. The living quarters, when completed, commissioned the new $45 million health will complement the recently commissioned centre, which is set to enhance healthcare DistrictNo.10HealthCentre. services for residents of De Hoop and According to the National Procurement neighbouringvillages.Itwasreportedthatthe and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) new health centre is fully equipped with website, Sheldon Contracting Firm was medical supplies and equipment to cater to awardedthecontracttoexecutetheworks. approximately1,200residents. This publication reported that the At the commissioning ceremony, the Regional Administration also went out to Minister noted that the health centre forms tender seeking contractors for the part of the government’s initiative to provide construction of a fence, drains, and better healthcare and other services to landscaping works at the same living improve the lives of all Guyanese. Dr quarters. That project was estimated to cost AnthonyhighlightedthattheHealthMinistry another$9,935,618. is training medical personnel within It was reported by the Ministry of Health communities to serve in their respective that the doctors’ living quarters are being Region. “These programmes are here for constructed to reduce the commute time, people to enroll. We have many programmes allowing for quicker responses to available, but we need people to come emergencies and increased availability for forwardandbetrained,”hesaid.
The recently commissioned $46M District No. 10 Health Centre.
Salt century fires England to victory in first T20
(BBC Sport) - Phil Salt poweredasuperbcenturyto take England to a commanding eight-wicket victory over West Indies in thefirstT20inBarbados.
After a disappointing defeat in the one-day international series, Salt struck an unbeaten 103 off 54ballsontheislandheused to call home as England
cruisedtoapursuitof183. It was the opener's third T20 hundred for Englandallthreeofwhichhavecome against West Indies in the past12months.
He crashed his first 50 runs in just 25 balls as England took 73 from the first six overs for the loss of onlyWillJacksfor17.
Captain Jos Buttler was
sensationally caught for a goldenduckonhisreturnto the side after four months out injured but Salt continued, dropping down the gears with the required run-rate under control, as England pulled off the highest T20 chase at the Kensington Oval with 19 ballstospare.
Jacob Bethell, another
with Bajan roots, finished unbeatenon58from36balls alongsideSalt,intheprocess becoming the youngest man tohitaT20fiftyforEngland, aged21.
Earlier, West Indies madetheirimposingtotalin remarka
e fashion, reaching 183-9 despite fallingto18-3and117-8.
They managed a further 65 runs in the last 5.2 overs after the eighth wicket fell, with number 10 Gukadesh Motie, who later produced thestunningcatchtodismiss Buttler,flogging33from14 balls.
Sunday November 10, 2024
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
While other people may be confused and distressed, you'reactuallytheonewithall the answers, Aries. Indeed, you're best equipped to deal with the difficult situations thatarelikelytoariseonaday likethis.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Bepassionateaboutthething you love the most, Taurus. Instead of trying to eat every singlethingatthebuffettable, justpickoneortwoitemsthat youlikethebestandeatthem withgreatenjoyment.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may feel like a skipping record, Gemini. You've been scratchedandmistreated,and now you continue to repeat the same thing over and over untilyou'vedrivenyourpoint home.
CANCER(June21–July22)
There could be some tough forces questioning your most cherisheddreams,Cancer Be careful about confronting someone who wants to poke holesinyouridealism.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You'reinauniquepositionto understand all sides of the issues, Leo. While this is apt to give you a tremendous advantageoverthosewhostill have their heads stuck in the sand.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You may be feeling rather anxious, Virgo. Perhaps you haveabigdatecomingupand your mind is buzzing with how to make the best impression. Remember that theharderyoutry
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Thiscouldbeoneofthosedays inwhichyoufeellikeyoujust can'tgetanythingright,Libra. In an effort to appease other people, you may think you have to make some adjustmentsthatmakeyoufeel uneasy
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
You may feel a need to add some fantasy to your daily routinetoday,Scorpio.Doyou have someone in mind you'd like Cupid's arrow to strike? Well,don'trelyonacherubto doyourworkforyou.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Yourpsychicsenseisapttobe keenasyoufillyourmindwith fancifulscenarios,Sagittarius. These pictures in your head aren't as farfetched as you mightthink.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
You may be having a difficult time getting your opinions across to others, Capricorn. For some, your ideas may seem too self-centered. For others, you may come across asinsensitivetothesituation.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Theemotionalswingsthat youcouldfeeltodaymightput a damper on your fantasy world, Aquarius. Remember that it's up to you to nurture thesedreams.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Peoplearoundyouareapttobe touchy, Pisces, so be careful how you interact with them. You'll find that they can see beyond any sort of facade and easily detect dissention within the ranks. Be honest about youropinion.
That came as England lost their grip despite a strong start to the innings, withSaqibMahmoodtaking 4-34andAdilRashid3-32.
The second of five T20s begins on Sunday at the same ground from 20:00 GMT
Englandwillwaitonthe fitnessofReeceTopley,who left the field visibly emotional after jarring his knee midway through his thirdover-thelatestblowto abowlerwhohashadacruel run of injuries throughout hiscareer 2024
Anacondas when action in the National T20 League c
ed Essequibo Anacondaswerekeptto133-8 after their 20 overs expired despite Ushardeva Balgobin (42),RamnarineChatura(16), Shaahid Vieira (18) and KeanuHarry(12*).
Hawks’ Ezekiel Wilson grabbed2-13whilefourofhis teammates including Chris Harry and Thaddeus Lovell returnedjustonescalpapiece
Veteran cricketer Damian Vantullthenledallscoringfor theHawkswithacomposed40 off30featuringthreefoursand two sixes Brandon Jaikaran (29), Shemar Yearwood (23), Lovell(15*)andDanielRoss (11) were the other contributors Essequibo Captain Anthony Adams grabbed3-23ashetriedtostop theinevitable,alongwithoffspinnerRichieLooknauthand Garfield Phillips, who finished with a wicket each. T20 League cricket continues today with Berbicefranchises,Piranhas and Caimans, locking up todayfrom13:00h.
Damion Vantull receives the player of the match trophy from Berbice Chairman of Senior Selection Panel Leslie Solomon
2024 CWI CG United Men’s Super50 Championships… Jangoo ton, Ottley &
Goolie
fifties
sink Harpy Eagles by 45-runs
…Savory resists with gritty half-century
Amir Jangoo continued hisformwithanimmaculate centuryyesterday,backedby fifties from Jyd Goolie and Kjorn Ottley which saw the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force romp to a 45-run win over the Guyana Harpy
E a g l e s v i a Duckworth/Lewis System (DLS) yesterday at the Queen’sParkOvalGround.
Thehometeamtookfirst strike and made most of the conditions by posting a daunting 288-3 thanks mainly to Jangoo, who stroked 10 fours and 2 sixes as he sped to 111 off 114 balls.
Opener Ottley, who missed a fifty in the last match, made amends with a classy 66 (7x4), while Goolie’s 51-ball 68, provided the finishing touchesfortheRedForce,as hesmashed8foursandapair ofmaxboundaries;finishing up the innings alongside veteran Jason Mohammed (17*).
The Eagles’ bowlers toiledasthetrioofpacersin Nial Smith (1-37), Keemo Paul (1-32) and Ronaldo Alimohamed (1-66) had mixedspells.
TheEagleshadanumber of starts during the chase, with opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul (16), Kevlon Anderson(32),Alimohamed (21),JuniorSinclair(16)and skipper Tevin Imlach (12)
Kemol Savory
not quite coming out of the blocks.
W i c k e tkeeper/batsman Kemol Savory resisted with a dogged innings of 69* off 92 (4x4 1x6) which took his team to 201-7 after 39 overs, which was played under DLS method due to the recent bad weather across the Twin Island Republic.
SpinnersBryanCharles (2-40), Anderson Phillips (2-37), Kharry Pierre (126) and Yanic Cariah (152) added to the cause as they managed to pick up key wickets at important intervalsofthegame.
Meanwhile,Guyanawill tackle the West Indies Academy on Monday when their round of action continues, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Ground, Trinidad&Tobago.
Waramuri Top hammers East Ruimveldt...
Frompage57
Isaiah Ifill providing the decisivegoal.
Today’s fourth-round m a t c h e s w i l l s e e President’s College taking on Bartica Secondary in Match 13, followed by East Ruimveldt facing Chase Academy. West Ruimveldtwillgohead-tohead with the formidable Waramuri Top, while SouthRuimveldtwillclash withDolphinSecondaryin the final matchup of the day Organised by the Petra Organization, the
sponsored by Republic Bank Limited under the theme “Power to Make
Waramuri Top hammers East Ruimveldt, Dolphin remains unblemished Republic Bank U18 School’s Football League…
ThePetraOrganization’s Republic Bank Under-18 School’s Football League completed its third round yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground, with Waramuri Top securing an emphatic 8-0 victory over EastRuimveldtSecondary Dolphin Secondary and Chase’s Academic Foundation also clinched w
n
,
he tournament to its fourth round today at the same venue. In the first match, WaramuriTopmaintainedits winning streak, thrashing East Ruimveldt 8-0. The goalswerespreadacrossthe team,withOrinBookersand Rondel Peters each scoring twice. Denzil Abrams also netted two goals, while Orwin Abrams and Paul Lewis contributed one goal apiece.
n
Dolphin Secondary extended its unbeaten run to threegameswithasolid3-0 win ov
t’s College. Collin Frank’s two goals led the charge, complemented by a goal from Kwason Chance to securethevictory Chas
Foundation eked out a close 1-0 win over West RuimveldtSecondary,with (Continuedonpage56)
Stabroek Ballers, Bent Street, Back Circle book Quarterfinals tickets …Hamilton
Stabroek Ballers’defenders kept Timehri United at bay in 5-1 defeat to move into quarter final
IntheHamiltonGreen Inter-Ward/Village Knockout Football
C h a m p i o n s h i p , Frontrunners, Bent Street, Back Circle, reigning championsStabroekBallers, and Den Amstel have a d v a n c e d t o t h e quarterfinals. Joining them
a r e P o u r d e r o y e n , Stewartville, Timehri Panthers,andRoadWarriors, each vying for supremacy and cash prize of up to one milliondollars.
The two-day, nine-aside knockout tournament kicked off with a flurry of goals and some no-shows, with the absence of an offside rule leading to thrilling play and some
u n u s u a l s c o r i n g opportunities that kept goalkeepers on high alert BentStreetsetthepacewith
a massive 9-0 victory over Agricola on Friday evening at the National Training CentreinProvidence
Defending champions Stabroek Ballers made an impressive start in the 2024 edition, overpowering Timehri United 5-1. Led by Derwin George, Stabroek’s relentless strikers broke through United’s defense repeatedly, sealing a comfortablewin.
BackCirclealsoclaimed an emphatic 3-0 win against Espanyol, while Road Warriors narrowly defeated Uitvlugt 2-1. Den Amstel took down Sophia All-Stars 4-1 after an early 1-1 stalemate in the opening 10 minutes.
Meanwhiletheothertwo winners Stewartville and Timehri Panthers have also secured quarterfinals berths
via the walkover route, after ano-showbyGoldisMoney a n d S p a r t a B o s s , respectively
The winning team will take home $500,000, a trophy, medals, and 12 hamperssponsoredbyRicks andSari’sEnterprise.
The second, third, and fourth-placedteamswillearn
Green’s KO Football crowns Champion today
$250,000, $150,000, and $100,000, respectively, along with individual accolades for the top goal scorer and most valuable player
The tournament continues today, November 10, with quarterfinal and semifinals action at the same venue Stabroek Ballers will face
Stewartville in the first quarter final matchup at 6:00 pm, followed by Pourderoyen againstTimehriPanthersinthe second
BentStreetwillthengoup againstDenAmstel,withBack Circle clashing with Road Warriorsinthefinalquarterfinal match of the evening The quarterfinal winners will
advancetothesemifinals,with thetournamentsettocrownits champion following a thirdplaceplayoff Tournament coordinator Lennox Arthur requests that all teams arrive one hour earlytoavoidwalkoversand ensureasmootheventasthe 2024 champions are crowned.
Gudakesh Motie struck 33 from just 14 deliveries. (Getty Images)
Amir Jangoo continued his form at the Queen’s Park Oval, following up his half-century from the last game with a brilliant hundred against Guyana yesterday
