Exxon pumped US$14B in 9 months of 2024 but Guyana only received US$1.9B
Guyana and its prolificStabroek Block has often been described as the treasurechestfortheoiland gas companies, unlocking US-billionsinrevenuewhile onlyameagerportionofthat wealth is shared with the government.
This was glaringly evident in the first nine
months of 2024, as ExxonMobil,theoperatorof the Stabroek Block produced US$14B worth of oil, while Guyana only received US$1.9B of that revenue.
The Natural Resource Fund (NRF) First Quarter Report for 2024 stated that for the period January 1 to March 31, 2024, total deposits were US$455.4M including US$391M in profits and US$63M in royalties.
In the second quarter, depositstotaledUS$778.6M inclusive of US$679.8M in profitsandUS$98.8M.
Meanwhile, in the third quarter, the NRF received US$582 8M comprising US$481 7M profits and
US$101Mroyalties. This means that the c o u n t r y r e c e i v e d approximately US$1 9 billion during the first nine monthsof2024.
On the other hand, ExxonMobilanditspartners recovered about US$10.5B in costs from the oil produced during the period. Inkeepingwiththetermsof the Petroleum Agreement, ExxonMobil also benefitted
from50%profits-US$1.5B.
This means that the oil companies got US$12B while Guyana only received US$1.9B during the first ninemonthsof2024.
It should be noted that Guyanacontinuestoreceive a paltry share from its oil resources as a result of the fiscal terms outlined in the 2016Exxondeal.
Thecountrycontinuesto hemorrhage more of its
resources by failing to implement a ring-fencing provision.
Aring-fencingprovision would mandate each project topayforitself.
After the cost of the project has been repaid, Guyana is posed to receive 50% of the revenues generatedattheproject.
This means that revenue flow to the NRF would significantly increase.In the
Suriname and Guyana can lead the global stage in oil and gas exploration
- President Santokhi
Su
ChandrikapersadSanthokion TuesdaysaidthatGuyanaand Surinamecanleadontheglobalstagein a number of areas highlighting oil and gas. The Surinamese leader was at the time speaking virtually at the International Business Conference (IBC) held at the Guyana Marriott, in Kingston,Georgetown.
Noting that both countries are in a unique position where economic and diplomatic cooperation have become realities and will help shape the future of the region, President Santhoki said that both nations are blessed with an abundance of natural resources, agriculture, infrastructure and a dynamicenergysector
“Together, we have an opportunity toleadontheglobalstage,particularly in oil and gas exploration, where our combined strength position us as pivotalplayersintheenergylandscape. Ourhistoriesareintertwined.
Suriname's President Chandrikapersad Santhoki
Ourculturesarerichwithdiversity, and our futures are bright with our potential,”hesaid.
The Surinamese Head of State informedthedelegatesthatGuyanaand Suriname share strong solidarity and thattheopportunitiesthatareavailable in the oil and gas sectors of both countrieswillfurtherdeepenties.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I want to
absenceofthiskeyprinciple, ExxonMobil is free to use the revenues from these producing fields to fund projects that are y e t t o c o m m e n c e production or invest in its exploration activities acrosstheBlock.
This year, Guyana could have been receiving 50% of revenues generated by the three projects in operation, since Exxon recovered US$19B at the end of December 2023- more than the combined cost of those projects.
Liza One is pegged at US$3.5B while Liza Two costsanotherUS$6Bandthe thirdprojectPayaracarriesa pricetagofUS$9B. Guyana has been urged byanumberofinstitutionsto ring-fence the Stabroek Block to ensure the country benefits early on from the revenuesgeneratedfromthe sector
The Government has however refused to implement this key provision, arguing that it couldslowdownthepaceof developmentintheblock.In
fact, Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the sector, Bharrat Jagdeo had said at a press engagement onOctober12,2023thatthe country could be left with nothing in the future should such a provision be implemented.
He reasoned, “We admitted that we are foregoing revenue now in exchangeformassivefuture income because it's going into new projects that will increase production, and so even with the same share of the 50/50, plus the two percent royalty that the future income, because of the bigger scale will be massive in Guyana's c a s e a n d w e a r e deliberately foregoing that in this period for that purpose and then tryingtograbthisbonenow could cause you to lose all the bones, the bigger bones toointhefuture.”
In the meantime, Suriname has made it clear thatitsfirstoilprojectwillbe ring-fenced to ensure its peopleenjoyitsfullshareof revenues.
takeamomenttodiscussamonumental milestone for Suriname, the recently signedFinalInvestmentDecision.
TheFIDforoffshoreoilproduction. Thisdecisionrepresentsmorethanjust aneconomicorbusinesssuccess.Itisa defining moment for the people of Surinameandthefutureofourcountry andpeople,”SanthokitoldtheIBC.
President Santhoki said that the beginningofSuriname'smajoroffshore oil production presents a number of opportunitiesthatwillboostgrowthand prosperity This he said will pave the way for job creation across sectors including the services, manufacturing andoilandgas.
“Our people will benefit from the rise in employment opportunities and aneconomythatwillgrowstrongerand more diversified Infrastructure development, the revenue generated from oil production were strategically reinvested into developing essential infrastructure,roads,ports,schoolsand healthcare facilities that will improve the quality of life for every tsunami, citizen capacity, building and local content,”theSurinamesePresidentsaid atthethree-dayconference.
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
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Money for Guyanese
Most Guyanese are set for a joyous holiday season, should all go well with the cash grant distribution. It encounteredtrouble:definitionof‘household’ So,$200,000 changed to $100,000, and included all those over 18 as of January1,2024 Morerecipients,happyones,meansmore potentialvoters Then,itwassupposedtobemainlyfromthe GPL database, but now that seems off the table, with new identification-based criteria. Whatever the distribution format,disposableincomeandspendingpower,twoclosely relatedGuyanesechallenges,wouldenjoyaboost Butisthis aboutprovidingreliefforsufferingGuyanese? Ordoesthis $100,000 cash grant function as voting incentive, a poorly disguisedpieceofelectionssleightofhand?
Guyanesepoorinmanylocationshavebeencryingout foraneasetotheirdistressingcost-of-livingcircumstances for years, with those pleas all falling on deaf ears in the PPPC Government. Citizens took note of oil money withdrawals and where those funds went, who got, who didn’t ThehungryinGuyanaformedthebulkofthosewho didn’t, were left to their own devices First, they were reminded of how much the government had done for them through subsidies, increases in tax thresholds and pensions, amongotherhelpfulefforts Thoughthosewereso,theywere notenough,whichmeantthathungryGuyanesewerestaying hungry,growinghungrier But,whointhePPPCGovernment hadthetimeandpatiencetogivealisteningeartothestruggles of Guyanese poor? Then second, the leaders in the government were too busy listening to their own wisdom: theyareworkingdiligentlytomanageinflation Morerelief fundsplacedinthehandsofGuyanesewouldfuelinflationary pressures,whichcouldgetoutofcontrolquickly Andsoit wasthatthefearofinflation,pretendedorreal,servedasthe basistodenyahelpinghandtocitizensduringtheirdifficult times.
Third,toaddinsulttoinjury,thePPPCGovernmentthen introduced what was both stomach-cringing and hurtful: officialstatistics Inbrief,thepricesforbasicfooditemsareat healthy levels, viz, affordable levels Theincreasesinfood priceswerenegligible,inthelowsingle-digitrange Therewas this disconnect on the ground, as experienced by citizens Because the prices for essential food items and aggregated statisticsthatthegovernmentwasputtingoutcouldnothavebeen moreapart Sofarapart,astobeobscene,acruellaughinthe faceofthosewhocouldn’tfeedtheirfamiliesproperly With PresidentAli’sinitialgrand$200,000address,concernsabout inflationvanished Obviously,PresidentAlihassomepowers thatarestillunknowntomostlocals Thewaythatweatthis publicationseethisisthatthereisday-to-dayeconomics,then there is election season economics Money is found, more now,thespeechisfinalized,andtheneededhelpinghandis suddenly delivered, like a friend from nowhere The Opposition dismissed the original $200,000 cash grant as ‘elections gimmickry’ We call it for what could be much closertothetruth:PPPCGovernmentelectionstrickery
Fourth,Vice President Jagdeo informed the nation that thecashgrantdistributioncouldtakefivemonths. Theuse of “one-off” is repeated in the government’s cash grant messages, and when coupled with the five-month timeframe,JagdeocouldbesubtlysignalingGuyanesethat he has delivered, and the rest (right voting) is now up to them. Thecomplaintsofthosewhocouldhavebeenleftout havebeenheard,whichiswhatledtothesecondpresidential announcement involving the revision from $200,000 per householdto$100,000foranyoneover18yearsold Thishas electionsfeverathightemperatures Withthedistributionnow reducedto$100,000perperson(18ataminimum),andIDcardor validpassportcomingintoplay,thisisbeginningtolookmorelike morethanChristmas Itisnowlookingmoreliketheoldcashin whiteenvelopes WhendistributionsinGuyanamustbedone face-to-face, the opportunity is provided for close quarter negotiationsandindividualself-enrichment Whatitwillbeisstill upintheairpresently Overall,thereistheeconomicsofthecash grant, then regular practices and, naturally, the old PPPC Governmentpolitics
Cash Grant and economic growth
DEAREDITOR,
Last week, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced a significant initiative aimed at bolstering the livelihoods ofcitizensacrossthenation, everyGuyanese18yearsand older will receive a cash grant of GY $100,000. This initiativeispartofabroader strategy focused on social andeconomicdevelopment. In his address, President Ali emphasized, “We will continue to invest in our people and provide the
improve their quality of life...Thecashgrantisapart of our broader vision to s
activity ” This initiative
government’s commitment to enhancing the economic well-being of its citizens, r
increase in individual incomecanhaveadirectand positive impact on the
Guyaneseeconomy Infact, therevisionofthegrantafter initial announcement is prudentasitwillensurethat future grants can be made. Beyond the impact to Guyanese across the nation, there are also broader macroeconomic impacts acrosstheeconomy
One of the most immediate outcomes of this cash grant is the anticipated increase in consumption throughout the economy As households gain access to additional disposable income, their spending on goods and services is likely to rise significantly This boost in consumer spending translates into greater demand for essential items such as groceries, clothing, food, and medicine. As a result, local businesses may experience increased sales, which can lead to further investments and job creation,therebystimulating economicgrowth.
Moreover,thecashgrant enables individuals and families to invest in education a
financial resources to prioritize education, it leads to enhanced human capital,
increasing productivity and
economic growth An
lled Guyanese workforce is better equipped to adapt to
conditions and contribute meaningfully to various sectorsoftheeconomy
Importantly, the cash grant is designed to address
economicopportunitiesmay be limited. By providing financial support to all Guyanese households, the initiative promotes a more inclusiveeconomy,ensuring
thatthebenefitsofeconomic growth are shared more equitably across different d
mograph
This inclusivity is essential for fosteringsocialcohesionand stability, which are vital for s
progress.
The long-term economic impact of the grant extends b
consumption. It empowers in
financial security and resources necessary to start smallbusinessesorinnovate within their communities. Forinstance,thegrantcould enable households to launch small enterprises or expand home gardens, contributing t o b o t h e c o n o m i c diversification and food s e c u r i t y S u c h entrepreneurialactivitiesnot only stimulat
ocal economies but also promote sustainablepracticesthatcan leadtocontinuedeconomic
(Continuedonpage06)
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox
AG points out-Guyana is shining in ‘balancing’ technology and conservation
DEAREDITOR, We need to accept that lifeisacomposite,andmust betreatedwholistically That is why, globally, the recent increase in and intensity of publicandacademicinterest in preserving biodiversity has led to the growth of the field of ‘conservation technology.’Thismaysound like an oxymoron, but in fact, it is a corollary that involves designing and constructing tools that use technology to aid in the conservation of wildlife, plantsandanimals.Thiswill notchange,andhappyisthat nation who will embrace this.
Well, Editor, this is where Guyana is, and this was yet again echoed, when Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, emphatically stated that
Guyana’sforestpreservation efforts are ‘futuristic and innovative ’ In a terse summation,
he AG succinctly iterated that “While it can be argued that science and technology may have led to environmental degradation which exists today, we cannot undo what is already done…(but) we can use the technological opportunities available to protect and preserve what is
left. The occasion for his necessary refrain was the “
Union’s (IPU’s) 149th General Assembly,” in Geneva, Switzerland, held
, Technology, and Innovation for a More Peaceful and SustainableFuture.”
The legal luminary waxed eloquent, as he pointed out that “Guyana’s
governments can harness innovation and technology
development.” In fact, so poignant was he that I revisited how in the United States, laws like the EndangeredSpeciesAct,the Wilderness Act, the Lacey Act, and the Roadless Rule allhelptoprotectforestsand
stop illegal wood products from entering the U S marketplace.InCanada, (Contionedonpage50)
M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Cash Grant and economic growth...
Frompage04
growth Additionally, the cash grant is likely to enhance consumer confidence.
When individuals feel secure in their financial situations, they are more inclinedtospendandinvest, which can lead to stronger
o v e r a l l e c o n o m i c performance.Thisincreased confidence can create a positive feedback loop, where rising consumer spending further fuels business growth and job creation.
To effectively transform the Guyanese economy, it is essential that individuals have access to fundamental
necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare. However, more importantly, theymustalsohaveaccessto income that enables them to securetheseessentials.
The government’s decision to implement this cash grant reflects a commitment to supporting thosemostinneed.
It establishes a mechanism through which all Guyanese can benefit, irrespectiveofpoliticalparty allegiance or affiliation, thereby exemplifying inclusivegovernance.
Theamountof$100,000 is practical and meaningful financial relief to Guyanese that are currently facing
economic challenges. This figure strikes a balance, it is substantial enough to alleviate financial pressures on families without overwhelming the economy or leading to adverse side effects such as inflation or impact economic growth
Inflation, in particular, is a significant concern when introducing large sums of moneyintotheeconomy
If the financial support exceedswhatisnecessaryor ifitisnotcarefullymanaged, it could lead to increased demand for goods and services, driving prices up and eroding the purchasing powerofthecurrency
By adhering to a more
measured amount, $100,000, the government can help ensure that households receive the support they need while maintaining economic stability
Furthermore,itiscrucial for policymakers to conduct athoroughassessmentofthe potential impacts this relief could have on the broader economy Understandingthe economic landscape—such as current inflation rates, unemployment levels, and consumer spending trends will allow for a more co
evaluationofhowadditional financialgrantsmightaffect overall economic health
Prioritizingthisanalysiswill enable the government to make informed decisions regarding future grants, ensuringthatanysubsequent financial support is both targeted and effective in
compromising economic stability
The $100,000 amount represents a thoughtful effort to support individuals while mitigating the risk of
outcomes.
In summary, while the cashgrantispoisedtohavea directandpositiveimpacton economic growth through increased consumption,
investment, and innovation. For the Guyanese economy to achieve sustainable growth, effective economic policies that promote e q u i t a b l e i n c o m e distribution and inclusive growth are essential, this is whatthisgrantdoes.
Byinvestinginitspeople and ensuring that the economic rewards are s
y, the government is laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and resilient future for all Guyanese citizens.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tilokie Arnold Depoo Economist
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.
SUNDAY–October13, 2024
Cashhandout-Part3
This is how the PPP
government creates dependencyinGuyanese!
Squeezethemfirst,make thembawlandbeg…
Then run with an envelope filled with drops and dregs! What next after the$200,000isfinished?
How will citizens cope
when cost-of-living stranglesthem?
Where is the long-term plan to lift Guyanese out of poverty?
PresidentAli has always beenaboutflash!
Nowhetrotsoutwithhis bagofcash!
This is how he sets up Guyaneseforacrash!
MONDAY–October14, 2024
SamHinds-whiterthan white Guyana’sambassador
SamHindswentto Washington HelandedinAmericaand convertedhimselfinto America’sUncle
SamSUNDAY–October 13,2024
Cashhandout-Part3
This is how the PPP
government creates dependencyinGuyanese!
Squeezethemfirst,make thembawlandbeg…
Then run with an envelope filled with drops anddregs!
What next after the $200,000isfinished?
How will citizens cope
when cost-of-living stranglesthem?
Where is the long-term plan to lift Guyanese out of poverty?
PresidentAli has always beenaboutflash!
Nowhetrotsoutwithhis bagofcash!
This is how he sets up Guyaneseforacrash!
MONDAY–October14, 2024
SamHinds-whiterthan white
Guyana’s ambassador Sam Hinds went to Washington He landed in America and converted himself into America’s Uncle Sam He forgot all his poorGuyanesebrothers
NowExxonishisfriend Checkout the new Sam Hinds He is whiter than white,andproudofhimself
TUESDAY–October15, 2024
SamHinds-thesoap operacontinues Guyanese thought they sent Sam Hinds to DC to representthem…
Turns out he is Exxon’s biggestPRO.
He is selling the virtues ofExxontoGuyana!
He should be selling Guyanatotheworldandthe rawdealitgotfromExxon!
Is Sam a Guyana ambassador?
Or is Sam Hinds an Exxon closet propaganda man?
WEDNESDAY–October
16,2024
OneyearintheGaza Last week Palestinians and Israelis took a moment to remember the ongoing conflict that has pitted the two nations against each other, and talk about conflict It has been an uneven conflict between the IsraelisandthePalestinians, with uneven being the u
understatements.
No comparison is attempted, but Israeli losses h
insignificance: over 1200 dead from the initial attack, and not a thousand in accumulated death and injuries of its soldiers Almost 90% of the Palestin
displaced, under 1% of Israeli civilians have had to move.Ayearago,aHamasauthored and executed invasionofIsraelresultedin the1200plusdeathsand250 plushostagestaken.
This is only a limited sketch of the horrors that have been released and intensified on the Palestinians since that fateful Saturday morning of October 7, 2023. For every dropofIsraelibloodthatwas shed,eachmomentofshame and pain, a terrible vengeance has been reaped on the Palestinians. The watching world in the civilizedWesthaspretended to doze off in its rocking chair, while barbarity at its most brutal has wiped out
restraintandconscience.
THURSDAY–October 17,2024
Independentprobe needed
An independent review of the investigation into allegations against Calvin Brutusaseniorpoliceofficer is more than just a call for due diligence; it is a call to preserve public trust in the institutionsthatserveus.
Itisarecognitionthat,in times of doubt, the strength of a democracy is tested not by its ability to protect its ownbutbyitswillingnessto openitselftoscrutiny
This is not the first time such a measure has been taken in our country, and thereisacompellingcasefor it to be undertaken once
more When serious allegations of rape were levelled against the former Commissioner of Police, HenryGreene,thegravityof the situation demanded a responsebeyondthebounds ofinternalreview
To that end, a team of investigators from Jamaica was invited to review the investigation.President,itis time you act and order an independent probe into the allegationsagainstBrutus.
FRIDAY– October 18, 2024
ALLSTYLE,BUTNO SUBSTANCE
In recent times, the PPP has been going around country corralling young people into what they b r a n d e d a s y o u t h conference.Thelastonewas at Tain in Region 6. It managed to coerce a few hundred young people, but saiditwas3,000.
Gathering young people in red T-shirts to sit through speeches and to listen to party leaders is one thing. Organizing these young people into a coherent, disciplined, and active political arm is something elseentirely
The recent youth conference may have provided the right optics—images of youthful faces, a sea of red, and a party leadership that seems engaged with the next generation—butitsayslittle about the true state of the PYO or the PPP’s commitment to young people.Heforgotallhispoor Guyanesebrothers
NowExxonishisfriend
Checkout the new Sam Hinds
He is whiter than white, andproudofhimself
TUESDAY–October15, 2024
SamHinds-thesoap operacontinues
Guyanese thought they sent Sam Hinds to DC to representthem…
Turns out he is Exxon’s biggestPRO.
He is selling the virtues ofExxontoGuyana!
He should be selling Guyanatotheworldandthe rawdealitgotfromExxon!
Is Sam a Guyana ambassador?
Or is Sam Hinds an Exxon closet propaganda man?
WEDNESDAY–October 16,2024
OneyearintheGaza
Last week Palestinians and Israelis took a moment to remember the ongoing conflict that has pitted the two nations against each other, and talk about conflict. It has been an uneven conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians, with u n e v e n b e i n g t h e understatement of understatements.
No comparison is attempted, but Israeli losses h a v e p a l e d i n t o insignificance: over 1200 dead from the initial attack, and not a thousand in accumulated death and injuries of its soldiers
Almost 90% of the
Pa
population has been displaced, under 1% of Israeli civilians have had to move.Ayearago,aHamasauthored and executed invasionofIsraelresultedin the1200plusdeathsand250 plushostagestaken.
This is only a limited sketch of the horrors that have been released and intensified on the Palestinians since that fateful Saturday morning of October7,2023.
ForeverydropofIsraeli blood that was shed, each momentofshameandpain,a terrible vengeance has been reaped on the Palestinians. The watching world in the civilizedWesthaspretended to doze off in its rocking chair, while barbarity at its most brutal has wiped out
restraintandconscience.
THURSDAY–October 17,2024
Independentprobe needed
An independent review of the investigation into allegations against Calvin Brutusaseniorpoliceofficer is more than just a call for due diligence; it is a call to preserve public trust in the institutionsthatserveus.
Itisarecognitionthat,in times of doubt, the strength of a democracy is tested not by its ability to protect its ownbutbyitswillingnessto openitselftoscrutiny
This is not the first time such a measure has been taken in our country, and thereisacompellingcasefor it to be undertaken once more.
W h e n s e r i o u s allegations of rape were levelled against the former Commissioner of Police, HenryGreene,thegravityof the situation demanded a responsebeyondthebounds ofinternalreview
To that end, a team of investigators from Jamaica was invited to review the investigation.President,itis time you act and order an independent probe into the allegationsagainstBrutus.
FRIDAY–October18, 2024
ALLSTYLE,BUTNO SUBSTANCE
In recent times, the PPP has been going around country corralling young people into what they b r a n d e d a s y o u t h conference.Thelastonewas at Tain in Region 6. It managed to coerce a few hundred young people, but saiditwas3,000.
Gathering young people in red T-shirts to sit through speeches and to listen to party leaders is one thing. Organizing these young people into a coherent, disciplined, and active political arm is something elseentirely
The recent youth conference may have provided the right optics—images of youthful faces, a sea of red, and a party leadership that seems engaged with the next generation—butitsayslittle about the true state of the PYO or the PPP’s commitment to young people.
ForAli’spresidencytosurvive,Jagdeomustgo!
TheAli-Jagdeo dynamic has grown into a spectacle, where the supporting actor has not only stolen the spotlight but also started rewriting the script President Irfaan Ali finds
himself caught in a precarious dance with Vice PresidentBharratJagdeo—a man whose influence has gradually overshadowed the presidency. What should havebeenaperiodofsmooth governance and political stability under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC)isnowmarredbythe overreach of a man who seems more intent on proving his indispensability
than respecting the boundariesofhisrole.
Jagdeo, whose official
portfolio includes overseeingtheenvironment,
finance, and natural resources, has fashioned himselfintoaone-manband,
o p i n i n g o n e v e r y conceivable matter of national importance
Whether it’s foreign policy, economic strategy, or the government’s legislative agenda, Jagdeo’s voice consistentlyprecedesthatof PresidentAli’s.Histendency toactasthegovernment’sde facto spokesperson was glaringly evident when, a fullweekbeforeAlihimself, it was Jagdeo who announcedthatthepresident would address Parliament. This brazen pre-emption exposes a deeper crisis of leadership:oneinwhichthe presidency, the highest office in the land, appears
less authoritative than the vicepresidency
ThedangerJagdeoposes to President Ali’s administration is not merely a matter of political optics; it’s an existential threat to Ali’s leadership and to the legitimacy of the One Guyana agenda that Ali has been so eager to promote. The One Guyana vision—a platformbuiltoninclusivity, national unity, and a break from the toxic political rivalries of the past—has beenrepeatedlyundermined by Jagdeo’s antics His weekly press conferences havebecomelittlemorethan verbal mudslinging sessions, targeting the Opposition and any critic who dares challenge the PPPC These weekly diatribes have not only antagonized the supporters of the Opposition but has also galvanized and energizedthem.
The 2020 elections were marred by allegations of electoral manipulation from theOpposition,yetthePPPC emerged victorious, with a clear but thin mandate to govern That victory, h o w e v e r , i s n o w jeopardized, largely due to Jagdeo’s reckless political approach. The PPPC was expected to dominate in 2025, buoyed by the memory of the Opposition’s 2020shenanigans. Instead, that advantage has been squandered Jagdeo’s outbursts have gifted the Opposition a lifeline one that was
readilyseized,asseeninthe unexpected results of the recent local government elections. Despite running a lackluster and frugal campaign, the Opposition managed to sweep the Linden municipality and retaincontrolofGeorgetown andNewAmsterdam.These results were less about the strength of the Opposition and more a reflection of the backlash against Jagdeo’s divisiveweeklytantrums.
This is where the Ali presidency hangs in the balance. Ali must confront an uncomfortable truth: the vice president who was supposed to strengthen his administration has instead become a political liability The longer Jagdeo remains the self-appointed voice of the government, the more support Ali will lose. And for a country as politically polarized as Guyana, the consequences of that fallout willbetothedetrimentofthe PPPC. Instead of rallying support around the government’sachievements, Jagdeohasbecomeamagnet for discontent, ensuring that the Opposition remains relevantandpotent.
Jagdeo’s most egregious overstep is his antagonism towards the free press. His thin-skinned responses to media criticism is troubling. Instead of accepting the media’s role in holding power accountable, Jagdeo has chosen to treat criticism as an affront, launching attacks.Itisastancethatnot only damages his own
DEM BOYS SEH
Guyana is de best at dis sort of ting!
Dem Boys Seh
how some people in dis country quick fuh bad mouth each other, but dem faster fuh turn round and smile like is one big happy family One minute, yuh hear dem talking how de other one is a scamp, thief, and can’t be trusted wid a needlemuchlessadollar De next minute, dem grinning and hugging like dem just windelotterytogether
credibility but also casts a shadow over the entire administration.Inapolitical climate where the press remains one of the few institutionswiththecapacity to challenge state power, such belligerence is dangerous. It signals to the publicthatdissentwillnotbe tolerated,andittarnishesthe verynotionofagovernment that claims to be building a moreinclusivesociety.
PresidentAlinowfacesa critical juncture in his presidency If he wishes to maintain any semblance of authority, if he hopes to preserve the vision of a One Guyana, he must distance himself from Jagdeo’s divisive shadow For Ali, the consequences are becoming increasingly clear: continue to allow Jagdeo to dominate the stage,andherisksbecoming littlemorethanafigurehead, apresidentinnameonly Or,
assert control over his own administration, curbing Jagdeo’s influence, and reclaiming the narrative of hispresidency
But such a move will require a level of political courage that the Ali administration has thus far failedtodemonstrate.Itwill meanriskingaconfrontation withamanwhohas,overthe years, built a formidable powerbasewithinthePPPC and beyond. It will mean rejectingthecomfortsofthe status quo in favour of a reassertion of presidential authority Yet, without this decisive action, the Ali presidency is bound to continue its downward spiral.
Intheend,Ali’spolitical survivaldependsonwhether he is willing to recognize Jagdeo for what he has become: a threat to the very stability of the presidency
The question is no longer
whether Jagdeo is useful or n e c e s s a r y t o t h e administration he has proven to be a liability The question is whether PresidentAlihastheresolve to act before it is too late, to prevent the vice president from becoming the epitaph of a presidency that once heldpromise.ForIrfaanAli, thepathtopoliticalsalvation is clear, even if fraught with risks.Tosurvive,hemustdo what many believe is impossible: he must let Jagdeogo.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
But everybody know de truth.DemBoysseh,when yuh go to a party, is pure love in de room, but ask anybody and dem gon tell yuh who been saying what aboutwho.Desamepeople who smile in yuh face does haveplentytosaywhenyuh ain’taround Demtalkabout yuh clothes, dem talk about yuh house, dem talk about yuh car dem even talk about yuh dog But let dem see yuh now, and is, “Long time,buddy!Wegattocatch up!”
Anddepoliticians,dem isdeworst!Today,yuhhear onecallingdeotheracrook and a hustler Tomorrow, dem shaking hands and signing papers like is best buddies from school days.
Dis is how Guyanese stay Dem cuss yuh up in private,butwhentimecome fuh face de public, dem acting like dem is two peas in a pod Dem same people who seh all kind ah things behind yuh back does turn round and buy yuh a drink Dem does say, “Is just lil misunderstanding, buddy.”
Dem cuss each other in Parliament, but when is timefuhdecameras,islike dem rehearse fuh de handshakeanddesmile.
DemBoyssehpeoplein dis country got de best drama Everybody acting likedemgotOscarpotential Dem gon smile fuh de camera,butsoonasdelight turn off, dem whispering like dem auditioning fuh a new soap opera But don’t worry,giveittwodays,and demgonbebackfuhanother photo op, hugging like dem ain’tgotacareindeworld
Dem Boys seh yuh can badmouthallyuhwant,just remember to keep a spare smile in yuh pocket. Yuh never know when yuh gon needit. Talkhalf.Leffhalf
H@RD TRUTHS
Exxon, Routledge, and me
The conversation is going to be differenttoday A little bit of what is deep inside will be shared, only a little. Itshouldbeenoughto give Guyanese a glimpse of what gives a boost to breathing, writing, speaking aboutthingsGuyana.
I should hate Exxon for all the wreckage that it has heaped on my Guyanese brothersandsisters.
Ican’t. Ishoulddespise Mr AlistairRoutledgeforall theuglinessthathehaspiled on this country, but I can’t. Just can’t, as hard as that maybeforsometobelieve.
If I cannot bring myself todetesteitherPresidentAli or former president Jagdeo, or the man who so desperately wants to be president,Mr Nandlall,then how could I hate Mr Routledge.
Letthisbesaid,though, sothatthereisnomistake:I donothateanyofthem,butI do find what they stand for, whattheyprojectandburnat
hot white levels across my entire being, to be totally unacceptabletome. Yes,the confessionmustbemade. I despise none of them, only whattheydo.
Itishowmuchthisland is loved, including those whotookituponthemselves toberidofthepestilencethat Irepresent,thetormentsthat are caused by what is written, what is put before thewholeworld.
If I hate Exxon, then there would be hate for America,towhichsurrogate father and mother so much was given It follows, therefore, that Wall Street would be hated, where so much was invested. It is what is done here that kindles so much intense ardor to make things right. What is made more arduous because there are so few around.
A band of likeminded brothers would be the best thing for Guyana. When country is loved like this, then there is always a big
smile, and arms are opened to their biggest expanse to welcomethosewhomakeup the tribe of citizens called Guyanese. They are mine: brownandblackandbronze. Theyaremine,andasmuch asIdespairattheirpassivity andapathyinthistheireraof plenty, they would not be exchangedfortheworld.
The best is extended to them.
That oil out there that is under the sea, the best that couldbehadoutofitshould be gotten for them. It is the stuff,thatcalling,thatdistant vision, for which some are willing to die, so that it can happen.
I am so willing. It is disheartening to see my leadersreducedtogrovelers, seekersforthefavorofapat onthehead.
Down boy! Good boy! That’s my boy! Guyanese needmennotboysinthisthe most extraordinary time of thisnation’sexistence.
Mr. Routledge has his duty and it his right to fight
with all his might to get the most from what is the birthright of the Guyanese people In his current stubborn state, Mr Routledge is a squatter, a glorified tenant, and of that lettherebenoquibbling,no q u a r r e l i n g a m o n g Guyanese. Butthereis. Just as Exxon and Alistair Routledge have an obligationtofightfangand claw to wrest the best out of Guyana’s oil wealth for their own people, so also do the leaders in Guyana’s politicalpantheon They must make that sacrifice, bypass that personal ambition (collection), to drag the company and its captains closerandclosertowhatis better, what is fair, for Guyanese
Why are Guyana’s political leaders who solemnly swore to be faithful to the citizens of t h i s c o u n t r y n o w a b r o g a t i n g t h e i r responsibilities, found
sadly wanting? Why is it that that hard but welcomed duty falls to the few-the ferocious and fearless few here-to stand as the only voices in the local wilderness, the only spearhead, in the struggle for more, what is just, for Guyanese? Leaders in the PPP,PNC,andAFCshould lovethiscountrymorethan any other, more than peoplelikeme
When they are looked for at the head of the column charging forward for Guyanese, they are not even in the rear, so complete has been their abandonmentoftheirown
Though I discern them to be graceless, dismal, shadows denuded of substance, and utterly dismissible, they are still mine. To where and to whomdoIcondemnthem? This is what Exxon and Routledge have done to them.
Theirhollownessismy shame Their games
presentanexhibitionofthe price that must be paid for ambition, and passage throughthiscruciblecalled progress
Guyanese cannot afford to get angry, despite the poignancy of the season This is when the detestable ways of Exxon and people cast from the mold of Alistair Routledge must be superseded by a demeanorthatmatchestheir own. Cool,butallthewhile studyingtheterrainandtheir reactions.
Let go of leaders but keepingtheminsight The white people must be beaten at their game, and Guyanese must find a way to do so Hate is counterproductive because it is self-destructive There are many ways to skin a cat, and Guyanese must learn to get good at them,thenbetter
Jagdeo threatens to pull
state ads. from K
Kaieteur News will not be silenced because of threatsbytheVicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo to withdraw state advertisements from the media entity, Publisher Glenn Lall said on Friday during his radio programme airedonKaieteurRadio.
Lall was responding to repeated threats by the Vice President to withdraw the state advertisements from thenewspaper OnThursday, Jagdeotoldreportersthathe views Kaieteur News as a politicalentityandasaresult the newspaper should be s t r i p p e d o f s t a t e advertisements or political party papers, such as the Mirror [The People's Progressive Party] and New Nation [The Peoples National Congress Reform], shouldreceiveequalnumber of advertisements from the stateasdoesKaieteurNews.
The Vice President said
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
that he intends to write President Irfaan Ali on the subject since he feels stronglyaboutthematter
“So,Ihavenotgottenthe timetowritethepresidentas yet but I said as General SecretaryofthepartyIhave to write the president. They must get now the same amountofadsthatthemirror
gets from the government and New Nation from the PNC.Sothat'swhatwewant if you have a political…the head of your newspaper [Kaieteur News] is a political candidate who has declared his candidacy then he has to get the same amount of ads, or else it's unfair the government is funding the lies and the political party which is Kaieteur News,” Jagdeo lamented.
Hecontinued:“SoIgotta get the same thing or you gotta increase the Mirror's ads. I want like all the ads. you see in Kaieteur News I gottagetittoofortheMirror It'seithertheycutandgiveto
Businessman and Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall
us...I would also urge Mr Nortontoapplyforthesame amount of ads. cause he's eligible just as we are as
political parties we get the sameamountofequity.”
Further, the Vice President said that the governmentcannotcontinue to fund the “lies” that are being published by a newspaper that is run by someone seeking political office.
KaieteurNews willnotbesilenced
Meanwhile,Lallisofthe view that the Vice President is making every effort to silence Kaieteur News so that there would be less exposure of the levels of corruption in the country, particularlyintheoilandgas sector Notwithstanding the
Vice President's statements, Lall made it clear that his newspaper will not be bullied He said the governmentcanwithdrawits advertisements but that will not deter the paper from exposing wrongdoings and corruption.
“So,Jagdeoshouldknow better to threaten me about pulling state ads. from the newspaper, he should know better Yes uncle, it will bring some pressure to maintaining the paper, but I willnotrolloverandchange for$100M,or$100Binstate ads.aday Nowayuncle,in life if you can't stand for something,thenyougonfall (Continuedonpage47)
Against all odds: nowoneofGuyana's newestattorneys
LyndelJohnson
...to
specialise in corporate, human rights law
Volleyball Teams Unite Caribbean Players in Queens
The Morant and Berbice volleyball teams gather for a group photo after a thrilling match.
Guyana’s first Creole Comedy-Detective Show, “The Granny JJ Adventures,” set for 2025
In a groundbreaking about her heritage and that’s Line Producer She move for Guyanese culture, how the first book came emphasized the importance thefirst-evercreolecomedy- about,”Heexplained. of the show being rooted in detective television series, The comedic narrative Guyanese experiences “ T h e G r a n n y J J revolves around an elderly “What I love most about this Adventures,” is scheduled to creole-speaking grandmother project is how naturally debut in 2025. Based on the who resides on the East Bank Guyanese it is. It’s like when book series “Granny JJ of Demerara, in Soesdyke you talk about the stories in Adventures: Guyana’s Daily Disturbed by the rise in petty it, it’s like you could see Detective,” which was crime and societal changes in yourselflivingthat,”Roberts published in 2017, this hercommunity,shedecidesto said.” project is poised to bring the take action “She sees an Roberts also highlighted vibrancy of Guyanese increase in thieving and feels the show’s potential to language and culture to the she can’t just sit back So she educate younger audiences screen. picks herself up and becomes about Guyanese culture and T
Author; Joshua Cartwright
i l y history “The younger announcement was made detective the most unlikely generation I don’t think that duringaninterviewwith The detectiveyoucouldimagine,” they have experienced this blending talent to create an NewsRoom on October 10, Cartwrightdescribed lifeandIlikethatthisproject authentic yet globally 2024, featuring the book’s
The series incorporates is a really good way to appealingproduction.“Ifeel author, Joshua Cartwright.A various local sayings and introduce the past to them in that this is definitely a British national, Cartwright expressions, such as “lix afunway Theyliketowatch project sponsors need to get
expressed his deep like peas,” which he television, Facebook, and on board with,” Robert appreciation for the creole believes can help families Netflix.Andthesethingsand urged. And the Guyanese language, which inspired b o n d o v e r s h a r e d I feel it’s like a fun way for people, I know they are him to publish the book experiences “It gives them to learn about the past going to get on board it series. He shared how his people and the family a andthehistoryandculturally because of the fact it just love for Guyana blossomed chance to pull together and how we were,” she asserted. genuine Guyanese, the t h r o u g h p e r s o n a l talk about the aspects of Her confidence in the singerconcluded. Guyana, got married, and I for the series was not just his connections: “About 20 Guyana from when they project’s success is palpable As “The Granny JJ just fell in love with this wife but also their daughter, yearsago,Ifellinlovewitha weregrowingup”,henoted as she anticipates a warm Adventures” gears up for its amazing place, the Serafina, who was born
Guyanese woman, my wife
Joiningtheinterviewwas reception from viewers in launch, it promises not only generosity of the people and abroad. “We thought you Glenda, who is from popularGuyanesesingerand 2025. to entertain but also to the vibrancy of the culture, know what we need to make Soesdyke. The books are
s o n g w r i t e r M e l i s s a Notably, the series celebrate the rich tapestry of andthewonderfulscenes.” something, a story book so based on her mother A few “Vanilla” Roberts, who is featuresbothlocalactorsand Guyanese culture for Cartwright’s inspiration that she could enjoy learning years later, we came to involved in the project as a an international crew, generationstocome.
WEEK-IN-REVIEW during the period 2019 to 2021 US$2.3B in taxes were Sunday lost; another US$540M in lost taxes were recorded in ‘Guyana’s 2% royalty 2022 followed by US$1.5B make up for taxes not in2023. paid by ExxonMobil’- Recognizing that
Former Pres. Sam Hinds revenue from the sector is …says when prices are dependent on the market high, royalty and profits price for oil at the time, the give Guyana more than former Prime Minister regular taxes pointed out, “When prices are high, the royalty and A f
a c t i n g profit share easily give us criticisms for his first letter more than regular taxes; encouraging Guyanese to when prices are low taxes rejoice over the paltry would have given more, but proceeds from its oil the operation might soon not resources, Former President be able to cover its costs and and Prime Minister, Samuel staysustainable.”
Hinds in another missive has Guyana’s oil deal has decommissioningactivities. would like to establish a of course but ensuring that manner, the proceeds pres
d arguments often been criticized for its Decommissioning refers separate decommissioning it’s in a secure place and its available as profits are defending the non-payment lopsided terms which highly
nd fund to ensure the money is invested wisely in a low risk significantlyreduced. of taxes by American oil favour the oil and gas
o
t h e available when needed, and but gaining some form of Hinds is adamant that giant, ‘Guyana’s 2% royalty companies Instead of environment, following oil for the intent that they were
this current arrangement not makeupfortaxesnotpaidby renegotiating the Exxon and gas activities. It includes setaside. explained. only works in favour of the ExxonMobil Former deal, the government of the safe disconnection of To this end, he noted, oil companies, but the President and Prime Guyana crafted a new flowlines, plugging of wells “We will be happy to work Monday government of Guyana as Minister,SamuelHindssaid. Production Sharing and removal of the related with the government on the well. In his 1300-words Agreement(PSA)whichwill infrastructure. establishing of those; what Sam Hinds says The former President missive to the editor on not apply to the Stabroek In an invited comment, aretherules;ensuringthatall lack of ring-fencing wrote,“Oneshouldalsonote Saturday, Hinds, Guyana’s Block. hetoldreporters,“Todate,or the international best benefiting Guyana that the lack of ring fencing Ambassador to the United Presently, Exxon pays a at least year end 2023, $60B practices are applied to give …urges Guyanese to (if ring fen
States continued the meager 2% royalty to has been set aside on a that surety to people that “pray for patience” unilaterally enforceable) discussion on Kaieteur Guyanaandtakes75%ofthe cumulative basis for indeed the funds are as flow from oil facilitates further rapid News’ article ‘Guyana monthly revenues to recover u l t i m a t e l y f o r availablewhenneeded.” money set to increase e x p l
n a n d should have received its investments. The decommissioning (and) site He said the money set development of the field. US$10B from oil to date but remaining 25% is then split restoration. Currently, those aside so far is for projects in As Guyanese and Yes, it may be argued that it onlyreceivedUS$4.4B’. with Guyana as profits. fundsareheldindependently production. Presently, Liza i n
n t
l
a l is like us financing further Hesaiditislikelythatthe Notably, Exxon and its sub- by the three Stabroek Block One, Liza Two and Payara organizations continue to and faster exploration and money lost is related to taxes contractors enjoy the tax- Co-Venturers.” areproducingapproximately call on government to development of the Stabroek waived and the lack of ring- free holiday offered by the C o n c e r n s w e r e 645,000 barrels per day in implement a ring-fencing block. That benefits Exxon fencing Hinds however government. previously raised by theStabroekBlock. provision, to allow the andbenefitsustoo.” noted that contracts usually It should be noted that stakeholders regarding the M e a n w h i l e , i n country to enjoy the early With oil prices likely to makeitexplicitthatroyalties neighbouring Suriname just oil companies being in explaining how t
e proceeds from the petroleum drop in the future as the and other payments to the signed its first oil deal, control of the country’s decommissioning fund is sector, the former President world transitions to cleaner Government would be securing not only 6.25 % decommissioning fund since calculated, Exxon’s Country and Prime Minister of energy sources, Guyanese receivedintheplaceoftaxes. royalty and 36% taxes but a petroleum companies have Manager said, “The way the Guyana, Samuel Hinds has have been relentless in “Firstly, when it is said sliding scale profit scale walkedawayfromcountries, fundsareaccumulatedisona said that the lack of this key urging government to ringthat our government has to which allows the country to dodging this key and costly
clause works in favour of the fence the projects for p a y E x x o n ’ s ( t h e benefit from higher oil exercise.
production- so we take the nation. Guyana to see the flow of Consortium’s) taxes, our prices.
Countries are then estimated decommissioning Guyana’sAmbassador to greater deposits into the government does not have to saddled with the bill to cost which is always a theUnitedStatesinaletterto Natural Resource Fund take money from elsewhere ExxonMobil and Stabroek restoretheenvironmentafter moving target- based on the editor Kaieteur News on (NRF)ortheoilaccount. to pay the taxes waived. Block partners currently the companies swallowed up technology and the latest Saturday continued the Ambassador Hinds There is usually a paragraph control $60B clean-up profitsanddisappearwhenit expectations when that will conversation on an article however explained that, “As in such agreements that say fund- Routledge is time to decommission the happen, cost in the market that was published by the longasthereisacertainlevel that royalties and other projects. and then its divided by the newspaper indicating that of continuing discovery and paymentstotheGovernment ExxonMobil Guyana ExxonMobil currently remaining amount of oil to G
would be received in the Limited (EMGL), the h a s s i x s a n c t i o n e d be produced and then received US$10B to date but foregone payments would in place of taxes, ” the operator of the oil-rich devel
becomesaunitofproduction hasonlyreceivedUS$4.4B. time be received by us.True, Ambassador said He Stabroek Block and its Co- StabroekBlock. amountthatissetaside.” Hinds said he believes there is the issue of therefore noted that it would Venturers, Hess Guyana Guyana’s Parliament in H e a d d e d t h a t that the additional money “delayed” payments and the be interesting to know Explorati
decommissioning funds are Guy
time value of money whether Guyana is receiving CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Petroleum Activities Act, generally established in an received was affected by C e r t a i n l y , t h e s e more from its royalty and Limited have deducted just repealing the outdated independent manner since taxes and ring-fencing.After considerations quickly profit share than it would over $60B to date for Petroleum (Exploration and countries too can end up explaining that governments
have gained from regular decommissioningactivities. Production) Act 1986. With mismanagingthefund. usually accept royalty and complicated–wherelawyers taxes. Themonieshavebeenset regard to decommissioning, “So generally, what profit payments in the place and accountants make their At the end of June 2024, aside in a fund which is the Act now mandates that happens with these funds is of taxes, he shifted his money; but after all of that, a the Natural Resource Fund controlled by the partners terms and conditions for they are set up in some attentiontoring-fencing. judgementhastobemadeon (NRF) had a total of according to President and governance of the fund and independent way because Ring-fencing in the what would turn out better US$4 8B deposited, Country Manager of EMGL, disbursement of payments oneofthethingsthatwehave petroleum sector would forus.” inclusive of profit and AlistairRoutledge. shall be determined by the seen in some countries is simply require each project He therefore called on royalties. During the company’s Ministerandlicensee. sometimes the funds are to pay its own development Guyanese to drop the Between the same period third quarter media Priortothepassageofthe pulled early for other costs Guyana did not “emotional interpretation” however,Guyanalostalmost conference last Wednesday legislation, the fund was purposes, so for the security implement such a provision, of his words and “pray for the equivalent to what it at Duke Street, Kingston, strictly managed by the oil of the nation to know the leaving Exxon to use the patience” as the flow from gained. Over US$4.3B in Georgetown, Routledge companies. funds are available you want revenues from projects oil is “steadily growing taxes were lost during that explained that at the end of Routledge said Exxon is to set it up independently producing oil to invest in muchlarger”.Presently, time. It was reported that 2023,$60Bwasdeductedfor fully aware that government with government oversight other developments. In this (Continued on page 17)
Former President, PM and Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Samuel Hinds
President and Country Manager of EMGL, Alistair Routledge
From page 16 PSA mandates that the
can do the math and the deal Hess and CNOOC nor is it almost the same amount it Guyana could have been government, from its 14.5% is good but of course related to the lucrative earned from oil, in taxes for receiving a greater share of shareoftheoilrevenue,must everybody has to survive in Stabroek Block offshore the oil companies last year is profit from the three projects settle the taxes owed by the thispartnership.” Guyana The new PSA will as a result of the 2016 producing oil- Liza One, companies to the Guyana Vice President Bharrat governthesmallerblocksthat Prod
Liza Two and Payara. This, RevenueAuthority(GRA). Jagdeo at a recent press were part of the recently Agreement (PSA) the asExxonhassincerecovered This tax arrangement has conference acknowledged c
over US$19B from the been criticized both locally that Suriname has better Furthermore, there have been Government signed with the Stabroek Block, well above and internationally Despite termsintheiragreementthan no exploration activities or U.S oil major Exxon is the thecostforthethreeprojects. the growing calls for Guyana’s 2016 agreement. discoveries in any of these operator of the Stabroek renegotiation, the Irfaan Ali Jagdeo’s statement followed blocks Therefore, citizens Block, with 45% interest, Guyana earned $128B in administration has stood by the publication of an article should be aware that the Hess Guyana Exploration taxes from oil sector in the sanctity of the contract,
by Demerara Waves Stabroek Block arrangement Ltd. holds 30% interest and 2023, but zero from Exxon stating it will not seek to headlined, ‘Suriname boasts remains the same, Guyana China National Offshore Oil and partners amend the terms In an of better oil contract terms willget2%royaltyand50/50 Corporation (CNOOC) interviewlastyear,President thanGuyana’. profitsharing Petroleum Guyana Limited The Auditor General’s Ali acknowledged the deal
Jagdeo compared Bad deal holds 25% interest Last 2023reporthasrevealedthat was not in Guyana’s favour really important to the Suriname’s royalty rates M e a n w h i l e , t o year, the three companies Guyana earned from oil but insisted that honouring country,” Routledge told with that of the new Public underscore the lopsided earned $1.3 trillion in profits companies not operating in the contract is important to reporters. Sharing Agreement (PSA) nature of the ExxonMobil’s – entirely tax-free in the Stabroek Block a little hisgovernment’spolicy He explained that if sayingthat,“Soifyoulookat deal with Guyana for 2023, Guyana However, while over$128billionintaxeslast sufficient investment is not their royalty rate of 6.2% the Government of Guyana Exxon, Hess, and CNOOC year but this pales in Tuesday attracted to a country, royalty, we have just put in (GoG) had to pay the are not required to pay taxes, comparison to the tax development cannot happen our new PSA, a 10% royalty combined sum of $306 the 2016 oil contract exemptions granted to Exxon says don’t hence there would not be the rate that’s the new condition billion in income taxes for provides for the taxes to be ExxonMobil and its partners compare Guyana’s same scale of revenue. “So but the agreement that they ExxonMobil Guyana paid to the Guyana Revenue Hess,andCNOOC. contract terms with you can have a larger have today is better than the Limited and its Stabroek Authority (GRA) by the
These companies, those of Suriname percentage of a small 2016 agreement and we Block partners, Hess and Government out of its share operating under the 2016 …Guyana’s deal number or you can have pointed this out many CNOOC according to the ofprofitoil.
Production Sharing ‘very successful’ maybe a fair share of a much times.” companies’audited financial According to the PSA, Agreement (PSA), did not largernumberandultimately It is important to note that statements, while for the the Stabroek Block partners have to pay about $306 Country Manager for that’s more meaningful for the new PSA referred to has same period Guyana earned are allowed to recover 75% billion income taxes on their ExxonMobil Alistair the country.That’s where we nothing to do with the $336billionfromitsoil. oftheoilproducedtorecover Guyanese operations, Routlegde has said that the have to just be careful about country’s current deal with This arrangement which theirinvestmentcosts,the leaving the government to lopsided contract signed people just writing things, ExxonMobil and its partners saw the Government paying (Continued on page 18) coverthecosts.Accordingto with this country is very and wanting to cherry-pick the AG report, the successful and cautioned certain numbers, I don’t government collected citizens not to compare thinkit’shelpful.Ultimately, $128 07 billion from the Guyana’s oil terms with the analysis that anybody sector in 2023, a 46% those of neighbouring should do which is the increase from 2022. These Suriname. agreement delivering value are taxes collected manly He was at the time forthecountryisitattracting contractors working for addressing the media last the investment that is sought Exxon This comprised Wednesday at a news in order to develop the $122.16billionfrominternal conference. Admitting that resource.” revenue and $5.91 billion he has seen the comments
OnOctober5th2024,the from customs. It was stated made about Suriname’s deal Kaieteur News reported that that the oil and gas sector in contrast to Guyana’s On October 1, 2024, contributed 35% of the Routledge said that Suriname announced that it country’s overall revenue. “everyone wants to say ours has a Final Investment However, it should be noted is better than yours, but you Decision (FID) to develop a that the government granted knowattheendofthedayall production field in Block 58 contractual tax exemptions the elements that go into an offshore Suriname The worth $196 million to the agreement like this, a t i m e f r a m e f o r t h e sector during the same Production Sharing constructionandinstallation, period. Agreement is put together at according to a release from Last year, ExxonMobil, a point in time reflecting the S t a a t s o l i e , Hess,andCNOOCearnedan risk that existed and in order https://www staatsolie com/ estimated $1.3 trillion in t o t r y a n d a t t r a c t would take approximately profits for 2023, all of which investment.” four years. Suriname can were tax-free in Guyana. He boasted that the expectfirstoilin2028. This arrangement stems current agreement has been In a video clip, the from the lopsided 2016 PSA very successful for Guyana Managing Director of the which was signed by the as it has been able to attract state-owned company p r e v i o u s C o a l i t i o n investment into a basin Staatsolie, Annand Jagesar, government. where no one had made any compared the contracts of The 2016 deal allows the discoveries and persons Guyana and Suriname oil companies to recover up should take a step back to during the announc ement of to 75% of their investment reminisce on that aspect. “It the FID. “Guyana, they have costs from production and derisked the Suriname 2% royalty, and 50% profit pay no taxes on their profits. drilling because discoveries split, no taxes, and here in Instead, it stipulates that the had been made in Guyana by Suriname, we have like 6.25 government covers their tax the Stabroek Block % royalty, profit split liabilities from its share of coventurers, and we can according to a certain the profit oil. As part of this always cherry-pick that formula, so the higher the oil deal, Guyana earned $336 somebodyhashigherroyalty pricethebetterforSuriname, billion from oil in 2023, but orlowerroyaltypaysthistax but the lower the oil price the government had to pay a or that tax, but it’s about the then the contractor gets staggering $306 billion in total amount of revenue protected and we have a income taxes on behalf of that’s generated out of the stabilized tax rate of 36%,” Exxon and its partners. The petroleum agreement that’s Jagesar said adding, “So you
President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali
From page 17 Consulting) bolstered by the remaining25%isconsidered international support of SGS profit,whichissplitbetween and Martindale Consultants. Guyana and the Stabroek
a
ed Block consortium, giving US$751,000 (GY$156 each 12.5%. However, the m
i
n) Tha
audit consortium pays a 2% examined expenses totalling royalty from its share to US$7 3B covering the Guyana From its 14 5% period2018to2020. Guyanathenhastopaytaxes Audits are critical to fortheoilcompanies. ensuringthatthecountrywas
Flashback! Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat (second left), handing over the contract to VHE Consulting auditors to conduct the second audit in the presence of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Joslyn McKenzie (first left). (DPI photo)
Notably, the provision of not cheated by the oil the Stabroek Block contract companies through the which gives Exxon and its procurement of goods and affiliates a tax-free ride in services from the company’s Guyana has attracted contractors. This process is criticisms locally and particularly important since internationally The contract the oil contract with Exxon states inArticle 15.1 that the provides for the operator to Contractor (ExxonMobil deduct 75% of the monthly Guyana Limited) as well as revenues generated to clear its affiliates shall not be its expenses. The remaining subjectedtotax,value-added 25% is then shared with tax, excise tax, duty, fee, Guyana as profits. Without charge, or impost in respect notrenegotiatethe‘lopsided’ Company (local) in joint their position with regards to that Guyana will be required finalising the audits, Guyana of income derived from Exxon deal. President Ali venture with Info Works the US$214M disputed costs to cover the costs of Exxon’s would not be able to reclaim petroleum operations, said, “Well, I would say Solutions Ltd who had wants the dispute to be legaldefence. the illegal costs claimed by property held or transactions definitely, we did not have submittedbids. settled outside of arbitration. To this end, Jagdeo theoilcompany except as specified under the thebestofdeals,Exxonhada According to the This was disclosed by the informed that the GoG has agreement. good deal signed by the last ministry’s tender document, c o m p a n y ’s C o u n t r y been guided by two sets of Wednesday It goes on to state in government.” Ali then the Terms of Reference Manager, Alistair Routledge advisors on the matter that Article 15.4 that the sum highlighted that the sanctity (ToRs) said the successful on Wednesday at a press havebothrecommendedthat Crane residents fearful as equivalent to the taxes owed of contract is “very consultant is required to conference at their Duke the US$214M sum be mysterious oily substance by the company will be paid i m p o r t a n t ” t o h i s conduct a pre-audit analysis; Street head office in returned to the cost bank. seeps through house floor by the Minister responsible government, adding, “and deviseaneffectiveauditplan Kingston Georgetown This means that the …says strong fumes for Petroleum to the wecan’tgobackonthat.” inclusive of an appropriate Routledge was asked by a US$214M will be split as causing headaches, Commissioner General of methodology; execute the reporter, “Could you say if profits, which will allow skin irritation, burning the GRA. It should be noted Local consultants handed audit in adherence to the ExxonMobilisproceedingto GuyanatoreceiveUS$107M of eyes and nose that the contract also allows GYD$312M contract to provisions of the Stabroek arbitration over the disputed while Exxon will enjoy the for the issuing of a receipt to audit Exxon’s 2021, 2022 Block Petroleum Agreement US$214.4M in cost oil from o t h e r U S $ 1 0 7 M By: Rehanna Ramsay ExxonMobil, indicating that & 2023 expenses and applicable local laws, the IHS Markit audit?” Consequently, Jagdeo and Davina Bagot it has met the local tax regulations and procedures Explaining that the company asserted, “I don’t believe A Crane, West Coast requirements to avoid the T h e N a t i o n a l as well as international good is continuing to work on the thereisscopeatthisstagefor Demerara resident is living burden of double taxation. Procurement and Tender practicesandstandards. audits and there are ongoing settlement especially given inconstantfearforherhealth Article 15.5 of the contract Administration Board The scope of works also discussions between them the magnitude of reduction.” since the appearance of a states, “Within one hundred (NPTAB) office revealed includes conducting and the Guyana Revenue He explained, “Exxon is mysterious oily substance in and eighty (180) days that local consultants VHE verifications of the crude oil Authority to facilitate the talking about moving from her living room on October following the end of each Consulting (which is a valuation pursuant to the exchange of information he US$214M to US$3M and if 3. year of assessment, the registered partnership provisions of the petroleum said that while they didn’t we settle with that, then it’s The 67-year old woman, Minister shall furnish to between Ramdihal & agreement for the audit have “any specific news to only half of that we get and Basmatie Singh resides with Contractor proper tax Haynes Inc; Eclisar period as well as verifying say,Idon’thaveanyintentto so those figures are not her son.The woman told this certificates in Contractor’s Financial; and Vitality royalties remitted to the call on an arbitration, I don’t palatable at all.”As such, the newspap
hat she n a m e f r o m t h e Accounting & Consultancy government for the said thinkthatthat’stherightway former Head-of-Stated discovered drops of an oily Commissioner General, Inc.) have been awarded the period. to get to resolution but at the noted,“Wemayhavetogoto substance in the bottom flat Guyana Revenue Authority contract to conduct the third Additionally, the end of the day it’s laid out in arbitration.” of her two-story home, a evidencing the payment of audit of ExxonMobil’s selected consultant will also thepetroleumagreement,the Meanwhile, he told short distance from the sea the Contractor’s income tax expenses for the period 2021 be required to validate the mannerinwhichtoapproach reporters that government front,whilecleaning. under the Income Tax Act to2023. accuracy of the total this.Ultimately,thenextstep has not done an assessment Singh who has been andcorporationtaxunderthe According to details government share of would be to involve an of what the arbitration living in the area for the past Corporation Tax Act. Such recently released on petroleum for the period independentexpertandifwe process would cost He 17 years said she had never certificates shall state the NPTAB’s website, VHE under review, and assessing can’t resolve that way, there however pointed out that he encountered the substance amount of tax paid Consulting was awarded the the impact of the audit on is the provision for believes this is the fittest before. ”The first time I see individually on behalf of project on October 10, 2024 future profit oil revenues. arbitration, but arbitration is method. “Given all that has this thing is when I was Contractor or parties for the cost of $312,642,834. This project marks the third generally a last resort and happened, I think you need cleaning. I cleaned outside comprising the Contractor The audit services is a such audit the Guyana quiteexpensiveprocess.” anindependentthirdpartyon the house then I came inside and other particulars project being undertaken by Government has embarked At a recent press this. If you settle on any and start clean and I notice customary for such the Ministry of Natural on. conference, Vice President figure, say US$214M with thisthingonthetiles,soIcall certificates.” Resources who had issued a The first audit was done Bharrat Jagdeo told the Exxon people will say oh my son and show him. We The Irfaan Ali-led tender earlier in the year for byaBritishfirm,IHSMarkit media that the Government you caved to Exxon, if you remove the mat and we administration has explicitly ‘Consulting Services for for the period 1999 to 2017. of Guyana (GoG) will not be settle at US$3M, it is worse observeoilatotherspotsand stated that due to the sanctity Cost Recovery Audit and That audit examined engaging in any settlement so a third party is needed to then we move the furniture ofthecontract,the2016PSA Va l i d a t i o n o f t h e expenses totalling US$1.7B. with ExxonMobil over the deal with all of these issues. and start to see one and two will remain in place, despite Government of Guyana’s Auditors had recommended US$214M in questionable We should not engage, I different spots and then he the deal being labeled as Profit Oil share for the US$214M be contested by costs flagged by British think, in any negotiations,” decided to call some persons ‘lopsided’. In fact, last year, Period2021to2023’. the State and while the auditor, IHS-Markit. Jagdeo theVPsaid. and they came,” she President Ali, during an The project was initially government has accepted was asked by this newspaper The second audit was explained. interview with British opened back in March and this recommendation, there whether government has done by a local group, Both Basmatie and her Broadcasting Corporation VHE was among Grant has been no move to the next considered settling the Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., son said they touched the (BBC) Senior Journalist Thorton UK LLP and PKF steptoreclaimthecost. dispute with the oil giant Eclisar Financial, and substance which had an oil Gideon Long, reiterated his Barcellos Narine & Only last week, the oil given how tedious the Vitality Accounting & consistency The administration’s position to Company; and M. Sukhai & giant while not budging on process has been and the fact Consultancy Inc (VHE (Continued on page 36)
Interesting Creatures... Parrotfish
Source: National undigested coral they transparent cocoon made of Geographic excrete. mucous secreted from an It’s hard to decide which Coloring and Sex organ on their head of the colorful parrotfish’s There’s its sex, which Scientists think the cocoon many unique characteristics they can change repeatedly masks their scent, making ismostremarkable. throughout their lives, and them harder for nocturnal Coral Diet their coloration and predators, like moray eels, There’s its diet, which patterns, which are a tofind. consists primarily of algae classification nightmare, Population extracted from chunks of varyinggreatly,evenamong Close relatives of the coralrippedfromareef. the males, females, and wrasse, parrotfish are The coral is pulverized juveniles of the same abundant in and around the with grinding teeth in the species. tropical reefs of all the fishes’throatsinordertoget Nighttime Cocoon world’soceans. to the algae-filled polyps Finally, there are the There are about 80 inside. Much of the sand in pajamas Every night, identified species, ranging As Food
the parrotfish’s range is certain species of parrotfish in size from less than 1 to 4
but
Their meat is rarely many other parts of the considered
actually the ground-up, envelope themselves in a feetinlength. consumed in the United world. In Polynesia, it is only
States,
is a delicacy in served raw and was once
“royal food,”
eatenbytheking.
Image displaying a parrotfish
Talking Dollars & Making Sense Talking Dollars & Making Sense
By Rennie P
Creating Business Opportunities with your Cash Grant
In an exciting move, the small-scale pig farming
· Initial Setup: The be your primary investment. one of the most rewarding protectsyourbrand. Government of Guyana has operation. majority of your funds will Additionally, you’ll need and essential businesses in 2 Register with the announced that every adult ·InitialSetup:Themain go toward purchasing or training if you don’t already Guyana.With$400,000,you Small Business Bureau citizen will receive a costs will go toward making a cart, cooking havetheskills. could start a farming venture (SBB): The SBB offers $100,000 cash grant. While purchasing piglets, feed, and utensils, and initial ·
Benefits: Personal care focusedonvegetables,fruits, various resources and this grant could be spent on building or renting a small ingredients. businesses often have repeat or even herbs, which are
immediate needs, it also pen.You can start with some · Resources Needed: clientsandcangrowthrough always in demand at local businesses, including loan offers an incredible piglets. With $200,000, you You’ll need a reliable cart, word-of-mouth referrals markets. guarantees and grants. Once opportunity for people to could purchase several basic cooking equipment Plus, you can offer packages · I n i t i a
registered, you can access pool their resources and piglets, leaving the rest for (grill, fryers), ingredients for for special events like Depending on the crops you
build businesses that could feed,housing,andveterinary your menu items, and a weddingsorparties. choose,aportionofthefunds development services, and lead to long-term financial care. health permit from the local 6. Chair, Table, and Tent will go toward securing a fundingsupport. stability Imagine if you and · Resources Needed: A authorities.
Rental Business small plot of land (if you 3 Compliance with three or more family simple pen with proper · Benefits: The mobility
Event-related services, don’t already own one) or GRA and NIS: Make sure members or friends fencing, feeding equipment, of your food cart means you such as a chair, table, and leasing a plot.The rest of the your business is compliant
c o m b i n e d y o u r and a water supply is can move to busy areas like tent rental business, can funds will be spent on seeds, with the Guyana Revenue grants—you’d have at least essential. You’ll also need to marketplaces, schools, or provide steady income, fertilizers, tools, and water Authority (GRA) and $400,000 to invest in a small budget for feed and business districts. Plus, it’s a especially during wedding supplysystems. National Insurance Scheme business With the right veterinary care to ensure the low-overhead business that seasonsorpublicevents. Resources Needed: (NIS) Registering your planning and teamwork, this pigsgrowhealthyandfast. can grow quickly once you
Initial Setup: With You’ll need basic farming business with these pooled money can be the · Benefits: Pigs grow buildacustomerbase. $400,000, you could tools like hoes, spades, organizations ensures that foundation for a thriving quickly and can be ready for 4. Baking Business purchase enough chairs, watering cans, and seeds. youareoperatinglegallyand business. market within 5-7 months. If you have a passion for tables, and tents to cater to Fertilizers and organic paying taxes and social Today, let’s explore how With a small number of pigs, baking, a baking business is smallgatherings.Startwitha pesticides will help boost securityforyouremployees. you can turn that pooled you could begin selling pork a fantastic idea. From bread few dozen plastic chairs, a youryield.Ifyou’regrowing 4. Apply for Loan grant money into profitable locally, with plans to expand and pastries to cakes and couple of foldable tables, crops that require irrigation, Guarantees from the SBB: ventures such as poultry as the business becomes cookies, there’s always andasmalltent. some funds may need to be The Small Business Bureau farming, small-scale baking, moreprofitable. demand for freshly baked Resources Needed: invested in a water pump or canhelpextendyourfunding mobile food carts, and even 2. Poultry Farming (Meat goods.
B e s i d e s t h e a c t u a l dripirrigationsystem. b y p r o v i d i n g l o a
personal service businesses and Eggs)
·InitialSetup:$400,000 equipment, you’ll need a · Benefits: Small-scale guarantees. This means that like landscaping or beauty Poultry farming is can cover the costs of a good place to store the rentals farming can be a relatively if you want to expand your services.We’ll also dive into another great business to oven, baking supplies, and when they’re not in use. low-cost venture with business or buy additional the potential of pig farming start in Guyana, given the initialingredients.Youcould You’ll also need to maintain consistent returns Once equipment,theSBBcanhelp and a chair, table, and tent local demand for fresh also rent kitchen space if the items to ensure they your crops are ready for secure financing from local rental business. Plus, we’ll chicken and eggs With needed. remainingoodcondition. harvest, you can sell them at financialinstitutions. discuss how to register your $400,000, you could invest
Resources Needed:
· Benefits: This business local markets or supply FinalThoughts business, stay compliant inthebasicsforasmall-scale You’ll need baking has low overhead once restaurants and grocery The $100,000 cash grant with the authorities, and poultryfarm. equipment like an oven, you’ve made the initial stores. This type of business from the Government of extend your funding through · Initial Setup: You’ll mixers, and utensils investment, and you can can also be scaled by Guyana is more than just a the Small Business Bureau need to buy chicks (for meat Ingredients (flour, sugar, continue renting the same reinvesting profits into financial boost it’s an (SBB). or egg production), chicken yeast, etc.) will be your items out multiple times, purchasing more land or opportunity to invest in your Why Pooling Your Cash feed,andbuildorrentcoops. recurring cost. You can start generating consistent expandingyourcropvariety future By pooling your Grant Makes Sense For meat production, you by selling at local markets or income. Next Steps: Setting Up grants with others, you can Pooling your cash grant could start with about 100 supplyingshops. 7. Wash Bay Business Your Business Legally start a business that not only with others offers several chicks,leavingroomforfeed Benefits: Baking Given the growing Onceyou’vepooledyour creates financial stability but advantages Firstly, it andhousing. businesses often see high- number of cars on the road, a funds and decided on your also contributes to the local increases your purchasing Resources Needed: profit margins because the wash bay business can be a business, there are a few key economy power, allowing you to buy Basic chicken coops, ingredients are inexpensive, solid investment with long- steps you need to take to Whether it’s poultry essen
equipment, feeders, waterers, and feed butthefinalproductissoldat termpotential. ensure everything runs farming, baking, pig supplies, or ingredients that will be your primary costs. a premium.You can grow by · Initial Setup: A basic smoothly: farming, or a chair rental might be out of reach with You’ll also need a reliable offering custom cakes or setup with hoses, cleaning 1. Register Your business,thepossibilitiesare just $100,000 alone water supply to keep the cateringtoevents. agents, and water tanks can Business:Thefirstthingyou endless. Secondly, by sharing birdshealthy 5. Beauty Service Business be established for $400,000. need to do is register your Until next time, keep resources, you reduce the Benefits: Poultry (Hair, Nails, Makeup) You can either rent a small business with the Deeds making smart financial risk for each person, and farming has quick returns as With the rise of personal spaceoruseanopenarea. Registry or Registrar of m o v e s , a n d thirdly, you create a support chickens grow in 6-8 weeks care, a beauty service Resources Needed: Companies. This gives your remember—your future is in system where everyone for meat or start laying eggs business could be a You’ll need high-pressure business legal standing and yourhands. contributes different skills, in 4-6 months. You could profitable venture. Offering hoses, soap, cleaning agents, making the business start selling eggs or meat at services like hairstyling, nail a n d w a t e r s t o r a g e stronger local markets within a short care, or makeup can attract a Additionally, hiring one or Now, let’s look at some period, and as your flock steadyclientele. two workers can help you business ideas that you can grows, your business could ·InitialSetup:$400,000 managemultiplecustomers. start with $400,000 or more scale. can buy you basic tools for · Benefits: Car washing andtheresourcesyou’llneed 3. Mobile Food Cart h a i r d r e s s i n g o r services are always in togetgoing. Mobile food carts are manicures/pedicures You demand, and if you build a
1. Pig Farming incrediblypopularforselling canevenrentasmallspaceor goodreputation,youcanadd Pig farming can be a snacks, beverages, and light operatefromyourhome. extra services like waxing or highly profitable venture in meals. With $400,000, you Resources Needed: interior detailing for Guyana, given the growing could buy a cart or materials Hairdryers, clippers, additionalrevenue. demand for pork With to make a cart and the initial scissors, manicure sets, nail 8. Small-Scale Farming $400,000, you could set up a suppliesyouneed. polish, and makeup kits will Small-scale farming is
Scotiabank named Guyana’s Best Digital Bank and cops Best Mobile Banking App Award in New York
Scotiabank has been named processes, and deliver other setting new standards in the convenient solutions, through Guyana’s Best Consumer Digital benefits.Sub-categorywinnerswere industry.” innovative use of technology Bank 2024 by Global Finance (New selected based on the relative Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Furthermore, our continuous York). strength and success of those web Manager, Scotiabank Guyana automatic upgrades to the App and
The Bank has also been awarded products and services. “The rapid commented “We’re pleased to be
in the subcategory for the Best advancements in fintech, the rise of recognisedforourdigitalleadership, accessibility features help clients Mobile BankingApp in the country digitalcurrencies,andtheincreasing achievingthetitleoftheBestDigital bankanytime,anywhere.” The Global Finance Best Digital importance of cyber security are ConsumerBankinGuyana.Wehave Scotiabank was also named the Bank Awards winners are chosen continually redefining the come a long way and made BestDigitalBank2024inBahamas, based on entries provided by benchmarks for exceptional digital significantinvestmentsinourdigital Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad financialinstitutions. banking services,” said Joseph transformation.It’salsoexcitingthat &TobagoandTurksandCaicos.The Entrants are judged on the Giarraputo, founder and editorial the newly introduced Scotia Scotia Caribbean App was also breadthofproductofferings,success director of Global Finance. “Global Caribbean App has been named the named the Best Mobile Banking in migrating customers to digital Finance’s Best Digital BankAwards Best Mobile Banking App. This App in these countries, as well as in platforms, acquiring and retaining celebrate the financial institutions updated mobileApp here in Guyana Barbados Get more details on new customers, and using digital that are leading the way with ispartofourcommitmenttooffering Global Finance’s Best Digital Bank technologies to improve business innovative digital solutions and clients secure, fast and more awards.
Nafeeza Gaffoor Country Manager Scotiabank Guyana
Smashed hotel room, narcotics found as Liam Payne’s death probe unfolds
British pop star and former One Direction member Liam Payne used powerful hallucinogenic drugs before falling to his death from a hotel inArgentina
(Reuters) - One
Direction pop star Liam Payne died of multiple traumas and internal bleedingafterplungingfrom a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, prosecutors said on Thursday, adding an initial search suggested the fall cameaftersubstanceabuse.
Payne, 31, who shot to global fame with the boy band, was found dead after he fell from a third-floor hotel room balcony in BuenosAiresonWednesday, triggering an outpouring of fantributes.
In the first official details oftheautopsy,theprosecutors officesaidcoronershadfound 25 injuries compatible with those caused by a fall from height, including fatal head injuries, with internal and externalbleeding
Itaddedthattherewereno signs of a third party being involved, though the incident was being investigated as a “suspicious death” out of protocol “Everything indicatesthatthemusicianwas alone when the fall occurred, and was going through some kind of episode due to substance abuse,” the prosecutors’officesaid “City policewhosurveyedthescene found substances inside the roomthatatfirstglance-and pendingconfirmationfromthe experts - would be narcotics and alcoholic beverages, as well as several destroyed objects and furniture,” it added Policeearliersaidina statementtheyhadfoundthe roomin“totaldisorder”ina search after his death, with various things smashed and medications scattered around.
While details surrounding his death remain unclear, Payne had spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health and using
Louis Tomlinson on
Britain’s X Factor talent showin2010.Theywentonto
alcohol to cope with the pressuresoffame.
The city police said that in the atrium of the hotel where Paynehadfallentheyhadfound a bottle of whiskey, a lighter and a cellphone They said they had collected fingerprintsfromthose.
In the room of the luxury hotelinthecity’strendyPalermo district, police said they found over-the-counter medications, energypacksandanxietydrug Clonazepam
“Upon entering, total disorder was observed, with various elements broken,” the police said in a statement, adding they had taken more fingerprints and other evidence to be analyzed in labs, as well as a notebook and passport “The balcony area was inspected in order to establishaccesstoit,”thepolice force added Before Payne’s fall, a hotel employee had called emergency services, asking for help with a guest who was trashing his room andappearedtobeunderthe influenceofdrugsoralcohol, audio obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministryshowed
“We have a guest who is intoxicated by drugs and alcohol. And, well, he’s When he’s conscious, he breaks, he’s breaking the whole room. And, well, we need you to send someone, please,” the hotel worker toldpoliceinthe911call.
“We need you to send someone urgently because, well, I don’t know if the guest’slifeisatrisk.Heisin a room with a balcony And, well, we are a little afraid that he will do something thatwillputhislifeatrisk.”
One Direction found global success after Simon Cowell brought together Payne, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and
sell 70 million records, with six top-10 hits on Billboard’s Hot 100, including “What
writing credits included “Story of My Life” and “NightChanges”.
VolleyballTeamsUniteCaribbeanPlayersinQueens
QUEENS—For over a decade, the Morant and Berbice volleyball teams havebeenunitingCaribbean players of all ages at Valley Stream State Park, New York.
Founded in 2010 by Guyanese player Arwin Bridgelal,theteamsprovide a space for competitive and recreational play, welcoming members from diverse backgrounds, including participants from India and the Dominican Republic.
Named after the small village of Port Morant in Berbice, the Morant team started with local kids and has since grown to include playersaged15to68.
While some compete in leagues, the primary focus remains on community engagement.
"We play for fun, but some of these guys are professional players," Bridgelalnoted.
Former under-19
Players of all ages and backgrounds from various Caribbean nations unite to play volleyball.
Javedviper Persaud, who represented Guyana, added, "It keeps you away from activitiesthataren'tworthit. It helps you focus mentally andphysically."
The teams play every Sunday, regardless of the weather
"Ifit'sabove40degrees, we're here," said Bridgelal,
notingthatthey'veplayedin snowyconditions.
They also host family gatherings during holidays, often combining barbecues with their volleyball matches. In summer, the teams participate in beach volleyball competitions while maintaining their presenceongrasscourts.
Bridgelal hopes to
elevate the teams' skills so they can compete more professionally
interested in joining the M
volleyball community to Valley Stream State Park. Newcomers are encouraged to learn the game and connect with fellow volleyball enthusiasts in a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
The team brings together seasoned professionals and beginners, all sharing a passion for the game
Treatment for Food Poisoning
HowcanItreatfoodpoisoning?
Inmostcases,peoplewithfood poisoning get better on their own withoutmedicaltreatment.Youcan treat food poisoning by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration In some cases, over-the-counter medicines mayhelprelieveyoursymptoms. Whenyouhavefoodpoisoning, youmayvomitafteryoueatorlose yourappetiteforashorttime.When yourappetitereturns,youcanmost oftengobacktoeatingyournormal
diet,evenifyoustillhavediarrhea. Find tips on what to eat when you have food poisoning.If your child has symptoms of food poisoning, such as vomiting or diarrhea, don't hesitatetocalladoctorforadvice.
Replacelostfluids andelectrolytes
Whenyouhavefoodpoisoning, you need to replace lost fluids and electrolytestopreventdehydration or treat mild dehydration. You should drink plenty of liquids. If vomiting is a problem, try sipping
small amounts of clear liquids. Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the most important treatmentforfoodpoisoning.
Most adults with food poisoning can replace fluids and electrolytes with liquids such as water,fruitjuiceswithwateradded to dilute the juice, sports drinks, broths.Eating saltine crackers can alsohelpreplaceelectrolytes.Older adults, adults with a weakened immune system, and adults with severe diarrhea or symptoms of dehydration should drink oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte,Naturalyte,Infalyte,and
CeraLyte Oral rehydration solutions are liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes.If your child has food poisoning, you should give your child an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte,Naturalyte,Infalyte,and CeraLyte—asdirected.Talkwitha doctoraboutgivingthesesolutions toyourinfant.Infantsshoulddrink breastmilkorformulaasusual.
Over-the-countermedicines
In some cases, adults can take over-the-countermedicinessuchas loperamide NIH external link (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate NIH external link
(Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) to treat diarrhea caused by food poisoning. These medicines can be dangerousforinfantsandchildren. Talk with a doctor before giving your child an over-the-counter medicine If you have bloody diarrhea or fever signs of infections with bacteria or parasites don't use over-thecountermedicinestotreatdiarrhea. Seeadoctorfortreatment. Howdodoctorstreat foodpoisoning? To treat food poisoning caused
(Continuedonpage34)
CONSUMERCONCERNS DIWALISHUBH! HAPPYDIWALI!
PAT DIAL
Diwali only became a national holiday after Independence. Before then, its celebration was confined almost wholly to the Indian Community With the advent of Independence, it was felt that the country
would become more integratedandstrongerifthe various communities learnt more about and shared in each other’s cultures. Thus Hindu and Muslim Holy Dayswhichwereconfinedto the Indian community were madeintoPublicHolidaysso that all communities could participate in them and Diwali was among the most important.
Itsspiritualandreligious as well as its celebratory aspects were universalistic so the whole nation could
easily and happily p a r t i c i p a t e i n i t s celebrations. Its message was that Light will prevail over Darkness, Truth over Untruth, Justice over Injustice, Unity over
Disunity and Loving
Kindness over hatred, anger and violence These spiritual teachings are manifested in the examples of human activity and the constantencountersbetween Human beings, Its celebratory aspects would include hospitality neighbours extend to each other and strangers, singing, dancing and music, decorationsandbright lights and colours pervading in homes and communities with diyassymbolisingthis.
The richest and most importantaspectofDiwaliis the traditions which have become attached to it as it moved through the millenia. Though traditions differ, they are united in their teaching that Light will overcome Darkness and Good will always prevails over Evil The three traditions prevailing in Guyana are the return of Lord Rama from Banwas, his exile; the killing of the evil demon Naraksura; and the overarchingpresenceof MahaLakshmiandthemany virtuesshepersonifies.
King Dasrath ruled over the prosperous kingdom of Ayodhya. His three queens bore him three sons - Ram, Lakshman and Bharat. The three sons, unlike their mothers, were very close to eachotherandsharedadeep mutual love. The son who was to succeed to the throne was Ram who was very popular and respected and was superlative in whatever activities in which he was engaged and everyone
looked forward to Ram as Heir Apparent except Bharat’smotherwhodesired her son to be king. She therefore manipulated the old and weak king to send Ramintoexilefarawayinto the deep jungle for 14 years in which time Bharat would rulethekingdom.
Bharat saw the injustice to which Ram was being subjected and refused to sit onthethrone,placingRam’s slippers on the pedestal and vowing that if Ram did not return at the end of the 14 years,hewouldtakehisown life. Ram, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman then set outfortheirexile.
During his exile, Ram experienced many trials and dangers and these are recounted in the famous epic,theRamayana.
At the end of fourteen years,thepeopleofAyodhya with great rejoicing lit up theirhomesandplaceddiyas alongthestreetstowelcome Ram,SitaandLakshmanand this was the first Diwali which has been perpetuated overthelast5000years.
The other Diwali tradition which Guyana commemorates is the story of Naraksura. Naraksura had divine ancestry and had performedthemostexacting of the tapasyas(penances) which made him of equal power to the Gods. He approached Lord Bhrama and requested boons, as he was now privileged to do, and requested to be made immortal. LordBhramatold him that the gift of immortality was forbidden but he could ask for any other Heaskedthathecould onlybekilledbyhismother, knowing that his mother would never kill him. He then took to a life of terrorisingtheinhabitantsof the Heavens and Earth, committing massive atrocities until the people of EarthpetitionedLordVishnu for salvation from the demon. Theonlybeingthat was able to match and eliminate the demon was Lord Krishna and the Gods importuned him to engage thedemon.
In setting out to battle with Naraksura, Lord Krishna’s wife Satyabhama insisted that she accompany him, which he reluctantly allowed Krishna and Naraksura struggled for a very long time until Lord Krishna was able to cut off the demon’s five heads with his Vajra, his mysterious projectile weapon But Naraksura kept fighting on until Satyabhama shot him dead with her arrows. She
was able to kill him because withoutbeingawareofit,she was the reincarnation of Naraksura’smother
The populations of the Heavens and Earth, being freed of this pervasive Evil wereoverjoyedandcelebrated withilluminationsandfeasting and this is perpetuated in present Diwali celebrations Naraksura,inhisdepredations, hadkidnapped16,000women, who having been under the control of the demon, were considered outcasts and ostracized To rescue them from this terrible fate and
rehabilitate them in Society, Lord Krishna married all 16,000 More than the Naraksura tradition, the worship of Maha Lakshmi, permeates Diwali Maha Lakshmipersonifiesallthatis goodandpleasantandcultured inhumanlife Shepersonifies Light, Wisdom, Morality, prosperity, wealth and happy human relationships and peopleworshipheratDiwalito elicit those qualities to themselvesandtheirfamilies Diwali is celebrated with the samefestivitiesasintheother traditions and Light and
illuminations are particularly stressed as Lakshmi is the Deity who personifies the triumph of Light over darkness On Diwali night doors are kept open so as to allow Maha Lakshmi to enter and at the same time to welcome guests Those who desirewealthorwhogenerate it like the Business community, pay particular worshiptoLakshmionDiwali
In Guyana all the main Diwali traditions merge: There is general house cleaning, attendance at Mandirs, visits by friends,
exchange of sweetmeats, illuminations with diyas, fairy lights, Diwali songs and music A uniquely G u y a n e s e D i w a l i celebration is the brightly lit Diwali processions with imaginativefloatsandmusic whichoccuronDiwalinight or the night before in the three counties These processions attract thousands of viewers and participants of all ages, religionsandracesandactas a great integrating force in Guyana’s multi-ethnic, multi-culturalSociety
Treatment for Food Poisoning
Frompage32 bybacteriaorparasites,your doctor may prescribe antibioticsNIHexternallink or medicines that target parasites, in addition to rehydrationsolutions.
In some cases, doctors may recommend probiotics NIHexternallink.Probiotics arelivemicrobes,mostoften bacteria that may be similar to microbes you normally have in your digestive tract. Studies suggest that some probioticsmayhelpshortena boutofdiarrhea.Researchers are still studying the use of probiotics to treat food poisoning For safety reasons, talk with your doctor before using probiotics or any other co mp lemen tar y o r alternative medicines or practices NIH external link. This is especially important when children, older adults, or those with weak immune systemshavediarrhea.
Doctorsmayneedtotreat people with life-threatening s y m p t o m s a n d complications such as severe dehydration, hemolyticuremicsyndrome, orparalysis—inahospital.
HowcanIpreventfood poisoning?
You can prevent some food poisoning by properly storing, cooking, cleaning, and handling foods External link. For example, keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods, prepare salads and refrigerate them before handling raw meat, poultry,
seafood, or eggs promptly refrigerate or freeze foods that can spoil wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food wash fruits and vegetables before eating, cutting, or cooking, cook foods long enough and at high enough temperatures to kill harmful microbes wash utensils and surfaces after eachuse,don'teatfoodsthat can spoil that have been sitting out for more than 2 hours, or in temperatures over 90 degrees, for more than 1 hour a person using a
temperatureofmeat.
Cook foods long enough and a
nough temperatures to kill harmful microbes.
Food safety is especially importantforpeoplewhoare more likely to get food poisoning and related complications, including infantsandchildrenpregnant women and their fetuses, older adults, people with weakimmunesystems
Foodrecalls
You can help prevent food poisoning by watching for food recalls. Companies recall foods—take foods off the market—if they find out that the foods could make peoplesick.Ifyoulearnthat a food was recalled because it could cause food poisoning,checktoseeifyou have the food. If you do, makesurenooneeatsit.You can return the food to the storeordisposeofit.
GNBS IN FOCUS SAFE AND SWEET – JAMS AND JELLIES STANDARD OUTLINES CRUCIAL PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS SAFE AND SWEET – JAMS AND
Jamsandjelliesarea staple in many households, valued for their ability to enhance the flavour of everyday meals, from breakfast spreads to dessert toppings. These fruit-based preserves not only satisfy taste buds but also serve as an important source of fruit in diets.
To ensure the quality, consistency, and safety of jams and jellies, the GuyanaNationalBureauof
Standards (GNBS) established the National Standard GYS 38:2001Specification for Jams (Fruit Preserves) and Jellies
The standard applies to jams and jellies made from single or multiple fruits These fruit spreads are differentiated by their i n g r e d i e n t s a n d preparationmethods
Jams, also known as preserves, are made from wholefruitsorfruitpieces, while jellies are created using only fruit juice, which is extracted and clarified
Both products must contain a substantial amount of fruit and reach a high level of soluble solids to ensure consistency and flavour
Standards play a critical role in maintaining the quality of consumer products
They define the essential characteristics of products, such as composition, and ensure safety in production and use Standards provide a leveloftrustforconsumers and manufacturers alike For jams and jellies, the GNBS standard ensures that these popular fruit spreads meet a defined level of quality, ensuring consumers receive authenticproductswiththe
right texture, flavor, and safety
assurances
TheGNBS,knownforits role in developing and adopting national standards through the
committeesandtheapproval by the National Standards Council(NSC).
In the case of jams and jellies,theNSCapprovedthe adoption of GYS 38:2001
b a s e d o n t h e recommendation of the Technical Committee –Foods.
In 2001, the GNBS, through the Technical Committee – Foods, revised the original GYS 38 standard.Therevisionaimed to incorporate modern practices in manufacturing and ensure that fruit preserves and jellies in Guyana adhered to international best practices. Following the revision, the NSC approved the updated version, which became the firstrevisionofthestandard.
Jams and jellies must be made from sound, wholesome fruits, whether fresh, frozen, canned, or concentrated.
Thestandardalsoallows for optional ingredients like citrusjuice,spices,honey,or fruit juice concentrates to enhanceflavor
A critical requirement is that the fruit content of jams must not be less than 30 parts by mass per 100 parts of the finished product, ensuring that consumers get a genuine fruit-based product Additionally, the soluble solids content, which is a measure of the product’s sugar content and consistency, must be no less than 65% for the final product, ensuring a thick, spreadable texture. Further, in alignment with GYS 13:1995 - “Specification for f o o d h y g i e n e , ”
JELLIES STANDARD OUTLINES CRUCIAL PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS
manufacturers must ensure that their products are free f r o m h a r m f u l microorganisms and other contaminants, safeguarding consumerhealth. Notably, the standard does not apply to diabetic or dietetic fruit spreads, products with low sugar cont
(which are made from citrus fruits), or products intended solely for manufacturinguse. The GYS 38:2001 standard continues to serve as a benchmark for quality in the production ofjamsandjellies
By adhering to this standard, manufacturers
can ensure that their productsarewholesomeand m e e t c o n s u m e r expectations.
A s t h e G N B S continues to adopt and develop standards, and their requirements are followed, both consumers and manufacturers can trustthattheproductsthey
enjoyaresafe,reliable,and ofquality
For further details on how to access this and other standards, contact GNBS at (592) 219-006466 or via WhatsApp at 692-4627
You can also visit our S t a n d a r d s P o r t a l : gnbsguycom
From page 18
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was alerted of the situation onOctober7.AteamfromtheEPA, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) visited Singh’s home on October8.
The team conducted tests and took samples of the substance for further testing offsite. The family was later informed by the EPA during a second visit to their home on October 11 that the living room areawashighinSulphurDioxide.
An officer of GGMC collecting samples from an affected home
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), according to the American Lung Association, is a gaseous air pollutant composed of sulfur and oxygen. “SO2 forms when sulfurcontaining fuel such as coal, petroleum oil, or diesel is burned,” the Association said. Inhaling this gas can be extremely dangerous to human health causing wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness and other problems. According to the American Lung Association, “Long-term exposure at high levels increases respiratory dozen persons visited their home; Similarcomplaint
Exxon’s gas pipeline is buried a stone's throw away from homes in Crane
Geology and Mines Commission the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) symptoms and reduces the ability no advice was shared with the Following Kaieteur News’visit (GGMC), GUYSUCO, and the fractionationplanttoextractliquids ofthelungstofunction.” family. They have however taken a onMonday,anotherfamilyreached Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals (C3, C4, CS+), as this will be “Theytookthesamplesandtold few measures to try to protect out to this publication complaining ControlBoard(PTCCB)toidentify addressed separately Likewise, the meitisforfurtherinvestigationbut themselves from the high scented of the discovery of a similar the cause and nature of the pipeline being constructed by they told me the EPAdoes not have fumes. substance. The family lives blocks seepage,”theregulatornoted. ExxonMobil Guyana Limited the necessary equipment to get the “The EPAdidn’t tell us what to away from Singh. This newspaper In the meantime, the agency (EMGL) to transport the gas to the job done. They have to do a report do, so our life is kind of on pause understands that the substance urged residents in the immediate Wales Development Zone is not to ExxonMobil, they have the until we know for certain what this appearsoilyonthetiles.Thefamily vicinity to “remain calm and included. necessary equipment to do the thing is. As you can see some kind saidithassincealertedtheEPA. exercise patience” as the According to the RFP, samplebutunlesstheydothereport ofgas, oilorchemicalsubstanceis Meanwhile, this publication investigation proceeds Further, “Operations and Maintenance of or Geology and Mines, the EPA seeping through the floor We are also spoke to residents who live affected residents are advised to the Power Plant and Balance of can’t do anything,” the resident living here but we are unsure of nearby to the gas pipeline. They avoid the impacted areas within Plant (BOP) is based on: (i) a related. whatitisatthemoment. Wearenot complained about noise and dust theirhomesfortheirsafety combined-cycle power plant
The family has shared their staying downstairs and we move pollution as a result of the gas EPA pointed out that it has consisting of four (4) Siemens concerns with the ExxonMobil out the furniture. We want to know pipeline activities being conducted engaged Exxon and that the Energy gas turbines and two (2) Grievance team. The oil company what is going on, so we can decide by Exxon near the sea defence at company will be investigating as waste Heat Recovery Steam reportedly informed them that they what to do,” she told Kaieteur Crane. partofitsgrievancemechanism. Generators (HRSGs) together were awaiting a report; they have News. The woman has created a EPAresponds generating 300 MW of power sincenotheardfromExxon. make shift wall, using black plastic In an invited comment on Three int’l firms bid to operate whichwillbesoldtoGuyanaPower Discomfort bags to prevent the fumes from Tuesday, the Executive Director of & maintain 300MW power plant and Light (GPL), the national While the family awaits word travellingacrosstheirhome. the EPA, Kemraj Parsram electricity company via a Power fromtheauthorities,theyhavebeen Basmatie and her son are acknowledged receipt of the report Three international companies Purchase Agreement (PPA); (ii) living in discomfort. “Me had to hoping that their concerns can be by Singh He said, “We are fromGermany,PuertoRicoandthe Balance of Plant (BOP) including move out me chair, me mat, dealt with urgently “Based on my investigating with GGMC We USA have responded to a request deaerators, cooling water system, everything from this area. I used to little research, sulfur dioxide is have also requested EMGL to for proposals (RFP) from the boiler feed water pumps and entire cook in my downstairs and I can’t found in gas and petroleum investigate as well, as part of their Government of Guyana for the BOP related to the Natural Gas do that anymore. I have to cook activities and can lead to health grievance mechanism. So far the operations and maintenance Liquids (NGL) plant and Power outside,”thewomanexplained. issues.” In her bid to understand information gathered is (O&M) of the Gas-to-Energy Plant.” When Kaieteur News visited what may be happening in her inconclusive We are taking (GTE) 300-megawatt (MW) power The power plant and balance of the Crane home, the strong fumes home, the woman said she reached samples to have it lab tested to plantproject. plant are located on a 100-acre penetrated the masks worn by the out to neighbours, who she said determine what it is, and further The project which is being integrated plant site located within reporters The smell almost havenotdetectedthesameleaks. onsitetesting.” executed through the Office of the the Wales Industrial Zone resembled that of acetone, a strong Oilandgasactivities When asked if the Agency Prime Minister was opened on approximately 25 kilometers (km) chemical used by nail technicians. A m e r i c a n o i l g i a n t , received reports of similar Tuesday at the National inland on the West bank of the Droplets of the liquid substance ExxonMobil has laid a 12-inch discoveries across Crane, the Procurement and Tender DemeraraRiver were seen across what used to be pipeline a stone’s throw away from Directordidnotrespond. Administration Board (NPTAB) It was stated by the Prime Singh’s living room. The fumes Singh’s home. The pipeline is In a subsequent statement on office where it was revealed that Minister’s Office that the O&M forced reporters out as a burning connected to the Liza One and Liza Tuesday evening, the EPA Siemens Energy (Germany), CH4 contractor will be subject to a sensationoftheeyesandnosewere Two Floating Production Storage explainedthatonOctober10,2024, Systems (Puerto Rico), and Ethos rigorous screening process, though experienced. and Offloading vessels (FPSO) the agency received a report from Energy(Texas,USA). government has reserved the right Basmatie said these symptoms offshore. It will transport gas to the Crane Village, West Coast KaieteurNewsreportedthatthe to“selectanyPartyforanyspecific were very common to her, as she WalesDevelopmentsite. Demerara, regarding a substance Prime Minister’s Office in its elementoftheRFPandtoannulthe also reported feeling nauseous and In August, Exxon completed seepingfromtheground. tenderstatedthattheO&Mcontract process at any time without further experiencingsevereheadaches. hooking up the pipeline to the two In response to the report, the relates specifically to the 300- direction, without thereby “Right now we just want FPSOs. The company had said it EPA said that its Emergency megawatt (MW) power plant and incurring any liabilities to the answers. We want to know what would pump an earthen gas- like Response Unit promptly mobilized related auxillary facilities which affectedinterestedparties.” really is going on here so we can nitrogen- along with water into the to the site to conduct an initial areexpectedtobecommissionedin Additionally,inapplyingforthe moveforward,”Singhpleaded. structure, until the construction of investigation. thesecondhalfof2025. contract, bidders were required to The woman and her son said the gas plants is completed at “The Agency is currently It was explained that the showO&Mexperienceofatleast although a large team of over one Wales. collaborating with the Guyana contract will not extend to O&M of (Continued on page 37)
Guyana The tender
The tiles showing the residue of an oily substance in a house located at Crane,
From page 36 opportunities and building five combined cycle power prosperity for Guyanese. He plants, comparable to that said the initiative will also being constructed in remove barriers to access
e document stated that only administrative processes in firms and consortia with the population’s best experience in operation and interest. maintenance of comparable
“These analyses are facilitieswillberanked. critical to ensure the greatest
“Negotiations will take impact and highest level of placewiththehighestranked efficiency in the delivery of technical proposal with the service. Over the past week, objective of concluding an thousands of Guyanese have O&M contract,” the Office
mentioned. members of my Cabinet
y
Thursday favourable feedback on the measures announced last
More West Dem Thursday and tens of residents complain of thousands have publicly suspected oil seepage, expressed their welcoming explosion of floor tiles
By Rehanna Ramsay
–As EPAreportedly Particularly in relation to the downplays their concerns announcement of a one-off cash grant of $200,000 to
everyhouseholdinGuyana,”
More residents in nearby PresidentAlisaid. villages located on the West Highlighting that over Coast of Demerara (WCD) the past few days, the have complained of government observed a rush suspected oil seepage and of breath and chest tightness feel like oily, greasy and it the home were not present. and all kind of thing and we to transfer utility meters and even an explosion of their andotherproblems. appears on top of the tile and The woman said she had left never had no tile explode,” also prepare tenancy floortiles. According to the between the crease at night the windows and doors open sheremarked. agreements, which were all
This comes hours after American LungAssociation, and in the morning, we does as she continues to fear for In addition to the aimed at establishing Kaieteur News published a “Long-termexposureathigh clean it up and wipe herhealth. explosion in her kitchen, the independent households story highlighting the plight levels increases respiratory whatever spots we see in the American oil giant, woman also noticed some Reexamining the previous ofBasmatieSingh,aresident symptoms and reduces the day with tissue but it comes ExxonMobil has laid a 12- strange marks on her tiled measure with the aim of of Crane Nouvelle/Flanders, ability of the lungs to back and it does leave spots inch pipeline a stone’s throw floor expanding the benefits, the WCD. function.” and making holes damaging away from Singh’s home. “I said like is something President said that last Singhreportedthatsheis The Singhs noted the the tile,”shesaid. The pipeline is connected to eating and coming through. I Friday, he asked for a livinginconstantfearforher fumes from the substance
The young woman noted the Liza One and Liza Two thought was termite but I reconsideration that was health since the appearance has been causing them that given her concerns, she Floating Production Storage never knew that termite does guided by the following of a mysterious oily concern for their health as it reachedouttotheEPA. and Offloading vessels eat tile, I don’t take it for principles: substance in her living room causes an irritation burning “I called them yesterday (FPSO) offshore It will nothing because we clean it Reducing the burden of onOctober3. sensation of the eyes and [Tuesday] and they came transport gas to the Wales everyday,”shetoldKaieteur administeringthebenefit The woman, who resides nose. today [Wednesday] The Developmentsite. News. S i m p l i f y i n g t h e with her son, had told this Just streets away in the EPA tell we that is the dust, In August, Exxon The Harlem resident said procedures for accessing the newspaper that she same village, Nandanie moisture and heat causing it. completed hooking up the shedidnotinformtheEPAof benefit discovered drops of an oily Singh reported experiencing They said because we pipeline to the two FPSOs. her strange discovery She Improving ease of substance in the bottom flat similar oil like substance cooking in the kitchen, it The company had said it believes that the vibrations verification of her two-story home, a appearingonthefloortilesof could have spots of grease would pump an earthen gas- from Exxon’s drilling M i n i m i z i n g a n y short distance from the herkitchen. and oil on floor They said like nitrogen – along with operations in Crane, to potential conflicts that may Crane,WCDseafront,while She told this newspaper that even the chemicals from water into the structure, until facilitate the pipeline, could arise whether within the cleaningtwoweeksago. that the strange matter thebottomoftherubbermats the construction of the gas have led to the explosion of familyorinthecommunity Since then, teams from started appearing on the can cause the spots to plantsiscompletedatWales. her tiles. Ensuring an open and t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l floorsovereightmonthsago. appear,”shesaid. Kaieteur News also Ifanyoneisexperiencing transparentverifiablesystem Protection Agency (EPA), “We see it but we didn’t Nandanie said that the visited another resident any similar occurrence, ofdelivery the Guyana Geology and take it for nothing because it EPAsaid too that they didn’t living at Harlem, WCD who please make contact with Expansion of the M i n e s C o m m i s s i o n didn’thaveascentorso.Our find any toxic gas present in recounted a strange Kaieteur News on telephone benefit.” (GGMC) and ExxonMobil house is open out so we have theirhome. explosion of tiles in her numbers: 225- 8491/601- Hesaidonceacitizenhas Guyana Limited (EMGL) aircomingin.Idon’tknowif However, the young kitchen floor about two 2231. a v a l i d G u y a n e s e havevisitedherhome.Initial that is why we ain’t getting woman stated that despite weeksago. identification card and or test conducted by EPA on no scent,” Nandanie told this the EPA’s explanation, the The woman who lived at $100K for every citizen 18 passport,theyareeligiblefor October 8 revealed that publication during a visit to family is still unclear why her Harlem residence for years and above the grant. “Of course, this substance in the living room her Crane Housing Scheme, the substance is coming up over 33 years related: “The new measure of transferring area was high in Sulphur WCDresidence. throughthecreaseofthetiles whole tile break up and President Irfaan Ali on $100,000 to every Guyanese Dioxide. She said that she only everynight. explode…Iwaslayingdown Wednesday announced that 18 years and above at the Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), became concerned after “My mother… is over 40 when I hear the commotion, instead of his initial qualifying date of the 1st according to the American speaking to another villager years she lived here… since like a hissing sound and then $200,000perhouseholdcash January 2024 will cost well Lung Association, is a who shared that the she was a child. This never it sound like something grant, every Guyanese in excess of the $60B gaseous air pollutant substance may be as a result happened,” Nandanie stated. cracking but I didn’t get up citizen who would have previously allocated for the composed of sulfur and ofanoilseepage. She said that she will keep rightawaytocheckbecauseI attained the age of 18 years one-off household grant oxygen. “SO2 forms when The young woman told monitoring the situation and wasfrightened.” as of January 1, 2024 will be However, in the interest of sulfur-containing fuel such this newspaper that her inform the authorities if it According to the entitled to a $100,000 one- ensuring the widest possible as coal, petroleum oil, or family has lived in the house worsens. resident, the tiles were off-grant. benefit is given to the diesel is burned,” the for more than 30 years and Meanwhile, when this installed in kitchen about Alisaidthattheinitiative Guyanese population “we Association said. Inhaling never experienced substance newspaper visited the home fouryearsago. is in keeping with the believe that this is the best this gas can be extremely mysteriously appearing on of Basmatie Singh again to “I live here long, my government’s aim of course of action, and as a dangerous to human health thefloors. reassess the situation, it was floors got tiles years now, increasing disposable responsiblegovernment,asa causing wheezing, shortness “When you touch it, it observed that the fumes in truck pass on the public road income to create better
(Continued on page 38)
WCD
From page 37 In November last year
that, “it’s a very high bar, we number that they (GoG) governmentthatunderstands the Prosperity Floating do not do this lightly This is haven’t blessed, but we that we have a responsibility Production Storage and something that we ensure follow the methodology to ensure that all feel Offloading (FPSO) vessel t h a t w e h a v e a that’s laid out in the included and are part of the came on stream, adding over preponderance of evidence Petroleum Agreement I system, it is important that 200,0000 barrels of oil per before we’re ready to levy haven’t heard that there’s we build a system that is day (bpd) to ExxonMobil thesanctionsandwehadthat anysignificantdifferencesin robust in delivering this GuyanaLimited’s(EMGL’s) in this case against the three u n
o
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Sector,
ExxonMobil tight-lipped It was reported that
grant,”thePresidentsaid. capacity The oil giant has individuals who were interpretation of that and as Additionally, President two other projects also in sanctioned.” soon as we have concluded Ali said that he had recently operation, the Liza One and that I’m sure government announced the abolition of LizaTwodevelopments. Saturday will be ready to provide an tuition fees at the University This year, a total of update.” ofGuyanaandinresponseto IS$1.5B in oil revenue has
on Stabroek Block acreage ExxonMobil was required to
withdrawal.UptoOctober4, to be handed back to relinquish a portion of the announcement effective 2024, US$1 150B was Gov’t this month block in October 2023; January 1st 2025, “ the drawn down by the
…says Gov’t will provide how
tuition fees will also be government. Notably, the update after concluding extension was granted by compared with the same government contracts to the abolished at all Government Minister of Finance, Dr process former President, David periodlastyear Mohameds The AG had Technical and Vocational Ashni Singh is required to Granger on request of the said, it is being alleged that training institutions publish receipts of all P
Three months later… these persons are accused by including all of the technical petroleumrevenuespaidinto Exx
company The oil giant had
M
b
l Guyana complained to the then Govt yet to receive info the Office of International institutions, the Guyana the NRF, in accordance with Limited (EMGL), Alistair Head-of-State that its from US on Mohameds’ Affairs of the Department of Industrial Training Center, theNRFAct. Routledge is hesitant to drilling operations were sanctions – Jagdeo says Justice,CriminalDivisionof the Carnegie School of Government in its Mid- release the total acreage of impacted by the COVID-19 SOCU investigating committing a number of Home Economics, the Year Report recently the Stabroek Block that will p a n d e m i c G r a n g e r criminaloffencesinGuyana. G u y a n a S c h o o l o f indicated that the petroleum be handed back to the approved the application, on
Three months after the “TheGovernmentofGuyana Agriculture, all of these, the sector grew by 67.1% in the Government of Guyana the grounds that Exxon United States unveiled has already made it very tuition fees will now be first half of 2024, with total (GoG) this month, through a wouldprovideupdatestothe Sanctions against Guyanese clear that these grave abolished.” This will be of production reaching 113.5 p r o c e s s c a l l e d government on the impacts
businessmen Azzrudin and allegations of criminal benefit to an additional 3000 million barrels during the relinquishment. toitsoperations. Nazar Mohamed and conduct will be thoroughly persons across Guyana and period. In the oil and gas sector, Despite calls for Permanent Secretary of the investigated by the relevant the decision was taken in During the period under “relinquishment” refers to transparency in the Ministry of Labour Mae law enforcement agencies of
k e e p i n g w i t h t h e review,governmentreported theprocesswhereacompany extension, upheld by the Thomas Vice President thestateandinthisregardwe government’s efforts to that all three of the FPSOs returnsbyspecifictimelines, PPP-administration, Vice Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday have requested the ensure greater access to underwent optimization and portions of an area it was PresidentBharratJagdeohad said that his government has informationandtheevidence benefits for Guyanese, Ali topsides debottlenecking, a allowed to explore or
t not yet received information etcetera that are in the said. process that allows for produce oil and gas. government was satisfied requestedonthematter possession of the American increasedoilproduction. R e l i n q u i s h m e n t i s that the company’s activities
Speaking at his weekly authorities and we did so Friday Tothisend,productionat particularly critical for were indeed affected by the newsconferenceJagdeosaid under the relevant Treaty,” the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity governments as they can
that “The original position hehadexplained. US$582M deposited into and Prosperity vessels were auction those returned government did not need to stands. I have not personally
Following the sanctions Guyana’s oil account for recorded at an average of portions to other oil prove this to any other followed up on the issue for handed down by OFAC, third quarter – Govt 157,000 bpd, 245,000 bpd, comp
,
hereby interested stakeholder to the last maybe couple of Finance Minister Dr Ashni a n d 2 2 2 , 0 0 0 b p d , c h a n n e l i n g m o r e ease public tension. Notably, months but as of now I am Singh and Commissioner US$582M was recently respectively, while reaching opportunities for revenues to the Ministry of Natural aware that we have not General of the Guyana deposited into the Natural the highest collective rate of theState. Resources in August 2023 received the information Revenue Authority (GRA), Resource Fund (NRF) from 644,000bpdinJune2024. In keeping with the said the one-year extension requested of the US GodfreyStatiahadwrittento profit oil and royalty for the Itshouldbenotedthatthe
provisions of the 2016 on the exploration works to government at this point of the U.S. authorities seeking thirdquarterofthisyear total earnings from the Production Sharing be executed on the Stabroek, time.” more information about the
A c c o r d i n g t o a exportofcrudeoilamounted Agreement (PSA), the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks He went on to say that, sanctions. Government Notice, the to US$9.4B in the first six operator of the Stabroek werenotcompletelyupheld. “There is an active Dr. Singh wrote to the payments were made months of 2024, a US$4B Blockwasgrantedfouryears It only allowed the investigation by the Special U.S. Department of the between the period July 1, increase compared with the toprospect.Thecontractalso extension to be applied for Organised Crime Unit Treasury while the 2024 and September 30, sameperiodlastyear provides for no more than the Stabroek Block and not (SOCU) and therefore I do Commissioner General 2024 A total of seven It should be noted that two renewals for a period of the Kaieteur and Canje not wish to comment on it. I under the ambit of the Tax payments were made, 75% of that amount was threeyearseach. blocks. will never call SOCU to ask Information Exchange including two profit oil deducted by the Stabroek
Last week, Routledge The Stabroek Block what the state of the Agreement between Guyana paymentsforLizaUnity,one Block partners to recover told reporters that the which spans 6 6 million investigationis.” and the US, has been in profit oil payment for Liza their investments. To this relinquishment process is acres and holds over 40 oil On September 9th, 2024 contact with the American Destiny and three for end, the report states that still on schedule to be discoveriesissomassivethat this publication reported authorities. Prosperity The Fund also US$7.5B in Foreign Direct completed this month. He it is equivalent to 600 oil over a month after the Moreover, United States received a single royalty Investment (FDI) outflows could not however provide blocks offshore Guyana. It Attorney General Anil Ambassador to Guyana, payment-relatingthesecond was recorded, reflecting cost an update on the size of the should be noted that Exxon Nandlall had written to the Nicole Theriot on June 14, quarter production This recoveryfromtheoilandgas 20% portion to be handed will not be required to hand United States Department of 2024 on the sideline of an took the total profits and sector backtotheGoG. b
n g event at the U.S. Embassy in royalty paid in the third In addition to revenue He explained, “On the commercial discoveries information on the alleged Georgetown, said the quartertoUS$582,818,101. deducted for cost, Exxon Stabroek Block renewal and havebeenmade. gold smuggling and the sanctions, are the result of Itwasreportedthatinthe also received 50% of the relinquishment for the sanction of three Guyanese over two and a half years of first quarter of 2024, the profits from the Stabroek second term, I don’t have an High Court bars Brutus citizens they are yet to get a investigations by U S NRF was paid US$604M. Block, in accordance with exact acreage number for and wife from US trip response. authorities Ambassador This was followed by a the 2016 Production Sharing you and I think it would be …Court hears of 240 The U S Treasury’s Theriot highlighted the US$778M payment in the Agreement (PSA). As such, more appropriate for us to pending financial charges Office of Foreign Assets gravity of the offenses that second quarter It therefore Exxon and partners bagged releasethatnumberwhenwe Control (OFAC) imposed led to these sanctions. She means that so far, for 2024, at least US$8 5B from
have completed that process A
sanctions on the Mohameds stated, “We reserve these Guyana has received just Guyana’s oil and gas withthegovernment.” Commissioner (ag) Calvin on allegations of tax evasion types of sanctions for gross over US$1.9B in revenue operations in only six E x x o n ’s C o u n t r y Brutus was denied a request and Thomas for allegedly levels of corruption and generated from the oil and months. This is a massive Manager further noted, “I totraveltotheUnitedStates misusing her position to human rights abuses ” gassector increase in cost recovery don’t want to give you a (Continued on page 39) offer benefits, like Theriot went on to explain
Dr. Ashni Singh
From page 38 thatwhilehewasoverseasin emphasizing that they would request. with his pregnant wife, August and his 42-day leave notleavetheirassetsbehind. They argued Brutus, is AdonikaAulder, for medical had expired, he returned to The lawyer also noted required to seek and obtain care when he appeared at the Guyana subsequent to his Brutus’ wife is expecting leave from the Permanent HighCourtonFriday leaveexpiring. their child in March 2025, Secretarybeforehecanleave Amid the on-going During the court and if the requested travel is the jurisdiction, in which he investigationintoBrutusand proceedings, Attorney denied, she could be forced failedtodoso. his family by the Special Daniels told the judge that to wait until May 2025 for
“No such request was Organised Crime Unit due to the nature of Brutus’ h
made or approval obtained (SOCU), the officer made an request to accompany his appointment. for Mr Brutus to leave the application to leave Guyana pregnant wife to the USAfor
country as he wishes from today and return by October urgent medical treatment, he
19th October to 27th 27,2024. promised the court that he evidence regarding Aulder’s October, 2024 Brutus Brutus, accompanied by willreturntoGuyana. medical needs, specifically having skipped that step his lawyer, Earl Daniels, He further stated that documentation detailing her
appearedbeforeJusticeGino Brutus was unaware of the c o n d
o n s a n d jurisdiction,” the AG’s Persaud, who denied the allegationputagainsthimby complications However, Chamberssaid. application. SOCU stating, “My client Daniels was unable to Additionally, Lall argued Justice Persaud cited the hasnotbeencalledbySOCU present these documents that Brutus and his wife 240 pending charges against to answer the allegations of duringtheproceedings. provided no evidence Brutus,involvingallegations money laundering or
Deputy Solicitor General whatsoever that the alleged of financial impropriety financial impropriety so Shoshanna V Lall strongly medical treatment his wife totalling approximately far…my client learnt of the opposed the travel request. seeks is not available in $800million. information through social She responded to Daniels’ Guyana and failed to The court also refused media.” claims about SOCU’s demonstrate any special the application on the In relation to Brutus’ attempts to contact the nearby Fazil Karimbaksh, release issued by the circumstances justifying grounds that Brutus had not possibility of being at flight applicants, stating, “Your who is the head of SOCU. In A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l ’s their travel to the U S , applied for permission to risk, Daniels informed the honour, our instructions are light of this information, Chambers, the State also especially in light of the leave Guyana from the courtthatafterhisvocational that SOCU has made every Justice Persaud questioned outlined its objections on serious charges looming Permanent Secretary of the leave expired, Brutus made effort to locate the the difficulty of SOCU severallegalgrounds,stating overthem. Ministry of Home Affairs. a p p l i c a t i o n f o r applicants; it has been very locating Brutus In that the breadth of the The S
r Additionally, the court administrativeleave.Healso difficult to bring them into response, Lall noted that ongoing investigation and highlighted the public expressed concerns noted that the couple have questioning.” SOCU cannot forcibly the gravity of the impending interest at stake, noting the regarding Brutus being a substantial amount of assets However, the court was questiontheofficer charges warranted the denial significant scrutiny potential flight risk, given w i t h i n t h e c o u n t r y notified that Brutus resides According to a press ofBrutusandAulder’stravel surroundingBrutus.
The Haunted Library Halloween craft projects
Black and orange construction paper or card
A set of Halloween-themed washable paintsandsomebrushes
·GluedotsoratubeofPVAglue
·Toiletrolltubes
·Woolorstringinseasonalcolours
you're prepped, you'regoodtogo.
This is another craft activity whichneedspaintandconstructionpaperand popular Halloween shapes that are easy to carve include simple ghost outlines, pumpkinsandskulls.
Older children love this activity, and younger children can help by drawing the lines on the pumpkins to get them ready for theknife.Goassimpleorascomplexasyou want - there are literally hundreds of Halloweenpumpkintemplatesonline-orjust freestyleyourdesigns.
Terrifyingtoiletrolltubes
O
friends Emily, Danny, and their bookloving friend Max were walking home fromtrick-or-treatingwhentheypassedbyan old,creakybuilding.Itwasthetown'slibrary, but tonight it looked different.The windows flickered with a soft, eerie glow, and a mysteriousbreezesweptthroughtheair
“Let's check it out!” Max said, adjusting hisglasses.Hehadalwaysheardstoriesabout the library being haunted, but he wasn't scared.Helovedbookstoomuchtobeafraid.
Emily and Danny, dressed in their Halloween costumes, exchanged excited looks. They pushed open the large wooden door,anditcreakedloudlyasitswungopen. Inside, the library was dimly lit, but the shelveswerepackedwithbooksofallshapes andsizes.
Suddenly, a voice echoed from the back. “WelcometotheHauntedLibrary!”Thekids jumped,lookingaroundinsurprise.
From behind a tall bookshelf, an old librarian appeared. She had silver hair and wore glasses that twinkled under the dim lights. “I'm Mrs. Willow, the keeper of this magicallibrary,”shesaidwithawarmsmile. “You've arrived on a special night. Tonight, thebookscometolife!”
“What do you mean… come to life?” Dannyasked,hiseyeswidewithcuriosity
Mrs.Willowpointedtoaglowingbookon the table. As the kids approached, the book flewopenbyitself,andcolourfulsparksfilled the air Characters from the story began to jump off the pages!Abrave knight, a clever fox, and a friendly dragon all appeared right infrontofthem.
“Wow!” Emily gasped “This is amazing!”
Butbeforetheycouldexploremore,Mrs. Willow's face turned serious. “I need your help,” she said “A mischievous book character,theTrickster,hasescapedfromhis story If we don't find him and return him to his book by midnight, the library will stay hauntedforever!”
The friends exchanged nervous glances, but Max, ever the book lover, stepped forward.“We'llhelp!Wheredowestart?”
Mrs. Willow handed them an enchanted bookmark. “Follow this—it will lead you to theTrickster'sclues.”
The kids hurried off, following the bookmarkasitfloatedthroughthelibrary It led them to a section filled with magical
stories. “Look!” Danny pointed. “There's a riddleonthispage.”
“That must be the Enchanted Garden section!”Maxsaid,recognizingtheclue.
They dashed over to the garden-themed books, and sure enough, there was the Trickster—a tiny, playful character with a mischievousgrin,hidingbehindabookabout talking plants. But before they could grab him, he laughed and disappeared again, leavinganothercluebehind.
Thistime,theriddlesaid:“I'mtrickyand quick, and I love to hide. Find me where storiesofwizardsreside.”
“That's the fantasy section!” Emily exclaimed.
They raced over to the fantasy shelves, where glowing books about wizards and spells were stacked high After a bit of searching,theyspottedtheTricksterpeeking out from behind a spell book. But just as before, he disappeared in a puff of glitter, leavingonefinalclue.
Thelastriddlewastrickier:“I'msmallbut clever, and I'm having a ball.You'll find me wherebooksaremosttall.”
“Where books are most tall?” Danny scratchedhishead.“Whatcouldthatmean?”
The kids sprinted over to the fairy tales, wheretheTricksterwashidingonthehighest shelf.Thistime,theywereready Emilyused aladdertoclimbup,andjustastheTrickster tried to escape, she caught him in the enchantedbookmark.
“Gotcha!”shesaidtriumphantly
Mrs. Willow reappeared, clapping her hands. “Well done!You've saved the library andreturnedtheTrickstertohisstory.”
The characters that had come to life waved goodbye as they returned to their books.The library returned to normal, but it stillhadamagicalglowaboutit.
As the clock struck midnight, Mrs. Willowsmiled.“You'vemadethisHalloween one to remember. Come back any time—the libraryisalwaysfullofmagic.”
The friends left the Haunted Library, feeling proud and excited. They had solved the mystery and saved the day, discovering that sometimes, even haunted places are full ofadventureandfun.
·Lollipopsticks
·Emptyglassjars
·Apumpkinorseveral
· Potatoes - larger or baking varieties are ideal
·Brownparcelstring Ghostlyfootprints
This is quite possibly the easiest Halloweenmakeever It'ssoeasyababycan doit!
Grabasheetofblackconstructionpaper, some white paint and your baby's feet. Pour some paint onto a plate, dip at least one of those squidgy feet into the paint and then gently press them onto the paper, leaving a ghostlyshape.Justaddeyesandamouthwith ablackmarkeroncethepaintisdryandthere youhaveit-thecutestghostyou'lleversee.
Petrifyingpotatoprints
An all-time favourite with slightly older children is making potato prints You'll probablywanttodothecarvingoftheshapes yourself,asitinvolvesasharpknife,butonce
Aprimary school classic, there's nothing easier(apartfromthefootghosts,obviously) than painting toilet roll tubes orange, black, white or purple and drawing on fangs, evil eyes,spiderwebs…Yougetthedrift.Wejust love @lulu__make and her easy paper roll bats-checkoutthemainimageatthetop!The bright colours and mischievous faces are so much fun! Slightly more complicated is the mini mummy roll, which involves gluing shredded toilet paper back onto its tube, but weknowyouhavethesmarts!
Lollipopstickspiderwebs
If you didn't collect dozens of ice lolly sticksoverthesummer,thendon'tworry,you caneasilypickuppacksathobbystores.You simplygluesixstickstogethertomakeastar shapeandthenglueparcelstringorwoolonto the star in a spiral and voila! Instant web presence!
Jarringjarlanterns
Another old favourite for crafters is the emptyjamjar Youcantransformthesehandy receptaclesintocolourfullanternsbypainting faces or shapes onto them, then putting a tealight (“real” or battery operated) in the bottomforacreepygardenpathglow
Itisclearthatweshould see the need to make a concerted effort to clarify the dreams and ambitions wehavesetasourlifegoals. Thiswillnotonlymakeyour life more meaningful but will move you closer to fulfilling that special purposeforwhichyouhave beenborn.
The next step is for you to develop the most efficient means by which you will attain your goals. Youwillbeawarethatifyou justtrytoworkinthebroad areas that these cover, you are apt to encounter difficulties in the steps that you need to take to attain them. It must be clear then that you will have to break
down these goals into simple steps, so that it will be easier to move forward, and also you will readily recognise when you are on the right track, and when
you take some wrong direction. Inthelattercase, you can then adjust so as to keep you firmly moving forward.
An example of this breakdown will help to clarifyyourownefforts:-
Suppose your big ambition is to be an architect. You will decide onthethingsyouneedtodo togettherefromwhereyou arenow Youhavetofillthe gap between your present educational qualification and what is needed to enter the technical institute or the university Youwillhaveto determine what resources willberequiredtodoso,i.e. what classes you have to attend,whenandwhere,and thefinancesandotherthings thatwillenableyoutodoso.
Whenyouareserious about fulfilling your ambition, then you will try tosolvealltheproblemsyou foreseeineachofthesesteps
in advance, so that the path to your goal will be smoother and easier to traverse.
Youwillalsohaveto bear in mind that this path can be blocked by many distractions that are becoming more common in themodernworld. Wasting your time and energy by indulginginbadhabits,like drinking, idling, watching too much TV, and keeping the wrong company can all hamper your chances for ultimate success, and you have from the inception to examine these and make up your mind to get rid of any typeofbehaviourthatwould disturbyourprogress.
At this crossroad in your life, you have to make the choices that will help you to achieve your goals. Planaheadwellandyouare certain to fulfil that special purpose that is yours and yoursalone.
The clearer you try to make the way ahead to your goals, the easier they would be achieved.
I am once again appealing to all our youths to contact me whenever you have a problem for which you cannot find a solution. Please email me at and I will uncleroy1992@yahoo.com respond to you in the next issue without putting your full name.
identical numbers appear in the same row or column, at leastthatmanycellsmustseparatethem.
For example, if two 3s appear in the same column, they must be separated by at least three other cells that do not contain3.
Three Aloe Vera face mask recipes to whip up at home a
Source:L'Oreal
Aloe vera's vitamin and mineral-rich gel deeply nourishes and hydrates skin. It does so in two ways: firstly, it's able to penetrate the epidermis to nourish the dermis and hypodermis. Secondly,itcaptureswaterdropletsintheair,harnessesthemto ourskin,andpreventsthemfromevaporating.
Inotherwords,aloeveraworkswondersondryskin!
Moisturise your dry skin by treating it to a hydrating aloe veraandyoghurtfacemask.You'llneed:aloeveragelandone tablespoon of natural yoghurt. Mix the aloe vera gel with the yoghurtuntilyougetasmoothliquid.Applyittoyourfaceand leavefor10minutes.Rinseoffwithcoldwater
Aloe vera contains exfoliating enzymes that remove dead skincellstoallowourskintobreatheandgiveourcirculationa boost. It works like a treat on oily skin and prevents clogged porescausedbyexcesssebum.
Aloe vera boosts collagen and hyaluronic acid production, meaning it helps prevent wrinkles and sagging skin. Its antioxidantcontentzapsfreeradicalsthatarepartlyresponsible forprematureskinageing.
This anti-ageing mask contains aloe vera and cucumber (packed with vitamins A, C, and E) for a firm, smooth complexion. You'll need: 100g of aloe vera pulp and 100g of cucumber Mixtheingredientswithabitofwatertogetasmooth paste.Applyittoyourfaceandleavetoworkovernight.Rinse offinthemorningandfollowbyapplyingyourusualdaycream. Used regularly, these concoctions are bound to have a healthy,healingeffectonyourfaceandreturnyourcomplexion andglow
Inspired by visually impaired brother, businessman offers meaningful support to Guyana Society for the Blind
ByChristalYong
Inspired by his brother's blindness, Chandie Singh owner of C.S World Cargo 2000Inchassteppeduphissupport for the Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB) Recognizing the challenges faced by visually impairedindividuals,hedecidedto make a meaningful contribution that reflects his commitment to enhancingtheirqualityoflife.
Inaheartfeltinitiativeaimedat
opportunitiesforvisuallyimpaired individuals, Singh on Tuesday donated five laptops to the GSB. Thisisinadditiontohisdonationof 30 laptop computers which he made last year The donation ceremony held at the company's headquarters Cummings Street, Georgetown,wasashowcaseofhis commitment to empowering those with visual impairment through technology
A
increasingly digital access to technology is crucial for personal
Staff members of GSB and members of GSB during the handing over event
andprofessionaldevelopment.
The laptops will provide GSB members with essential tools to engagewitheducationalresources, improve their skills, and foster independence.
This thoughtful contribution aimstobridgethegapbetweenthe visually impaired community and the digital landscape, enabling members to participate more fully in today's technology-driven society.
organization dedicated to the developmentandempowermentof blindindividualsinGuyana,playsa vital role in fostering a supportive community. With initiatives focused on education, advocacy, (Continuedonpage50)
C.S World Cargo 2000 Inc owner, Chandie Singh handing over a laptop to Odessa Blaire an orientation mobility officer, along with the President of the GSB
Timran Dookna
Meet the lovely Timran Dookna a charismatic and purposeful teenager hailing from Strathspey. At 17, she is the reigning Miss Teen India Guyana, and an aspiring accountant who is currently employed within Guyana's oil and gas industry
In her free time, you can find Timran lost in the world of cricket and raising awareness about social issues that are timely and relevant to our beautiful country, Guyana. This beauty believes “to lift others, we must first rise ourselves not stepping above, but by walking beside and lighting the way
In 2025, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (GECSCE)willreturnforits fourth consecutive year, but bigger and better than before.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the privately funded forum, Kiana Wilburg provided this newspaperwithanoverview of some of the exciting new features that are in the pipeline.
“In 2025 we have about five new initiatives we are working to pull off,” Wilburg hinted Before revealing those, the CEO offered some insight on the objectives of this annual event.
“The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo is a privately funded event. It is run by a private businessman; however,itdoesenjoy100% support from the Guyana government,”sheexplained. Through partnership with the government of Guyana, she pointed out that incoming delegates are paired with the regulators duringthefour-dayevent.
Key state agencies such astheMinistryofHealthand
Authorityforinstancewould participate in the expo to
concerns investors may have.
Wilburg noted that the objective of the Conference is not limited to knowledge sharingbutisdeeplyfocused on pushing local content, inviting and involving women to play meaningful rolesinthepetroleumsector and finally, advocating for innovation in the Guyanese society Come 2025, the Secretariat is gearing up to impress participants with a trulymemorableexperience.
Energywalk/run
CEO of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Kiana Wilburg
Delegates of the Guyana Energy Conference listen keenly to a panel discussion on the energy sector
One of the new initiatives participants can lookforwardtoisanEnergy Run/Walk, to not only encourage healthier lifestyles but to take delegates beyond the hotel wallstoenjoythebeautiesof Georgetown “When my sole focus was journalism, I had the good fortune to interact with medical professionals and to hear their observations about society and the fact that fast
food is really taking over There are a lot of young Guyanesewhoaregoinginto the hospitals with heart attackswhilebeingjust30to 40yearsold.Ithinkpushing an Energy Run/Walk should therefore be part of our corporate responsibility,”
TheCEOsaid.
This initiative is set for February 16, 2025 The Secretariat is currently finalizing details regarding the route and prizes for this
activity
ConferenceVillage
On February 17, the GECSCE will be hosting a five-day ConferenceVillage at the Kingston Esplande in partnership with the MinistryofAgriculture.This pre-cursoryeventisintended to take the focus off of oil and gas and showcase the country's potential in the agriculturalarea.
ShewasamongsixGuyanesestudentsfromher batchthatpursuedstudiesintheisland.“W (Continued on page 47)
Moot Court Guyana launches first International Law Mooting Competition
The Moot Court Guyana (MCG) officially kicked off the 2024/2025 academic yearonFridaybylaunching itsfirstmootingcompetition with its International Law Mooting Competition (the ILMC).
The MCG is a studentled organization operating within the Department of LawattheFacultyofSocial Studies of the University of Guyana (UG) MCG is committed to enhancing the advocacy skills of LL B students by providing o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r participation in debates, mooting competitions, impromptu speaking contests, and various other advocacy-relatedactivities.
Accordingtoastatement issued by MCG, the moot scenarios which were drafted by Lecturer of Department of Law at UG, Neville Bissember raised questions of international dispute resolution under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(“UNCLOS”), and international humanitarian and human rights law, and public international law issuessuchasimmunity
During the competition, six teams faced off in three intenserounds.
At the conclusion of the third round, team two, consisting of Fabian Green
(Senior Counsel), Juneeda Jeffers (Junior Counsel), and Raheem Blair (Researcher), emerged victorious with an impressive score of 83 5 out of a possible 100 points Team one, made up of Shamar Sukhu (Senior Counsel), JohnApplewhiteHercules (Junior Counsel),
and Anelia Bacchus (Researcher), secured secondplacewithascoreof 78.5outof100points.
MCG said in the statement, “Juneeda Jeffers was named the overall best advocateforheroutstanding performance.”
Importantly, the two teams will compete against eachotherinthefinalround of the competition, scheduled for October 25, 2024.
Tothisend,inhisclosing remarks,JusticePeterHugh, who served as the judge for the mooting competition, commended the participants
participation to enhance theiradvocacyskills.
“MCG continues to foster participation in these mooting activities as part of its commitment to developing the advocacy skills of every LL B student,”MCGrelatedinthe statement.
Lyndel Johnson now one of Guyana's...
Frompage46 other choice, it is more expensive to study in the Bahamas, it is cheaper at Hugh Wooding in Trinidad, but God workedthingsoutformeandhereIam today,"shesaid.
Askedwhichareaofthelawshewill focus on, Johnson said human rights and corporate law “When I think how our country is developing with the oil boomandmoreandmoreinvestorsare pouring in, I need to develop my skills in corporate law I want to be able to helpmycountry..."
She said too that she has a passion for helping people and fighting for justice and as such, she also wants to focusherattentioninhumanrightslaw Though, ultimately Johnson said she willopenherown lawfirmandpursue her interests, she would like to get her earlygrounding,workingforthestate.
Gratitude
Meanwhile,atherbarcall,Johnson was loud in praise to God and her family “Today is a day of immense gratitude and reflection, as I am filled withadeepsenseofaccomplishmentas Istandbeforeyou,havingreceivedmy Legal Education Certificate. First and foremost,IwanttogivethankstoGod. ItisthroughHismercies,andgracethat I have made it this far There were so many moments when I felt overwhelmed, moments when anxiety threatened to overtake me, but God's presence gave me the peace and perseveranceIneededtopushthrough,” shesaid.
“Without His hand guiding me, I trulywouldnotbestandingheretoday
Tomymom,mydad,mybrotherPatrice andmysisterLaquanaIwanttoexpress my deepest thanks. Your unwavering
support has been my foundation throughoutthisjourney,”sheadded.
Touching on her upbringing the young attorney said she grew up in the historic village of Victoria on the East CoastofDemerarawithhermotherand twosiblings.
The new lawyer related “With my mom,beinganeducator,Iwasfortunate enoughtogrowupinahomefilledwith learning and the drive to advance academically.”
Johnson attended Sacred Heart Primary School then Richard Ishmael Secondary School During her secondary schooling, Johnson said she was geared towards science and was even placed in the science stream. “In fact, becoming a lawyer wasn't part of my original plan, I wanted to be a forensic scientist However, after completing secondary school, I started working as a legal clerk, and that experiencesparkedachangeofheart.”
Johnsondetailedthatherjourneyin achieving her Bachelor's of law degree was not without its challenges, noting that she taught at Ann's Grove Secondary School for a while to help fundherstudiesandthenlaterworkedat the Ministry of Natural Resources, “whereIhadtheprivilegeofmeetingan amazing group of people who have been an incredible blessing in my life. Their support and camaraderie have trulyenrichedmyjourney.”
Shenotedtoothatthereweremany moments when she contemplated dropping out, especially when her mother was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo surgery and radiation therapy “Even during that time, she maintained faith and cautioned me not todothesame.AfterherrecoveryIhad
GRA Clerk charged with Falsification of Accounts
A 49-year-old clerk from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was chargedwiththefalsification of accounts when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates'Court.
The accused, Soffanna Lewis, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty
Lewis,aresidentofLot7 Goed Furtuin, West Bank Demerara(WBD),isaccused of intentionally recording a falsepaymentsliprelatedtoa compliance certificate for Parbatt
February15,2024.
According to court details, Lewis was employed at the GRA on Camp Street, Georgetown, where she processed an application for a property compliance certificate submitted by Persaud on February 8, 2024
the belief that everything will go smoothly moving forward ”
However, COVID-19 struck, Johnson said making everything even more difficult. Nevertheless, with faith I persevered and completed my LLB andlatertookonanindependentcourse to earn my certificate in Evidence and Advocacy for Summary Courts Prosecutors.”
“As I stand here, I am filled with immense gratitude for everyone who hasbeenapartofit,”Johnsontoldthose presentatherbarcall.
“The challenges, triumphs, friendships, and lessons learned have allshapedwho I amtoday, andtoeach ofyou—thankyouforbeingpartofmy story and helping me achieve this milestone.”
“As the first in my family to be admittedtothebar,thisachievementis not just a personal milestone but a collectiveone,sharedbyeveryonewho has supported me along the way,” she said“It represents the sacrifices of my parents,theencouragementofmyloved ones,andtheunwaveringfaithofthose whobelievedinme,evenwhenthepath s e e m e d u n c e r t a i n T h i s accomplishment stands as a testament to their love, strength, and the importance of community in achieving one's dreams Together, we have reached this point, and for that, I am deeplygrateful,”thenewlawyeradded.
To those just starting their journey, she advised:” remember that no matter howdifficultitmayseem,withfaithin God and the support of those around you,everythingispossible.Eveninthe face of anxiety or doubt, you can overcomeandachievegreatthings.”
Despite issuing the tax compliance certificate (
investigations revealed that Lewis had falsified payment information in the GRA's system, indicating that payments had been made whentheyhadnot. This led to the discovery thatthedocumentssubmitted forthecompliancecertificate werefraudulent.
F o l l o w i n g t h e investigation, Lewis was arrested, and a file was compiled for legal review, resulting in the falsification of accounts charge against her.
Despitetheseriousnature of the charges, the prosecution did not object to bail, and Lewis was granted self-bail.
Lewis is scheduled to return to court on November 15, 2
required Capital Gains Tax of $1,540,000 had not been paid, which is necessary for theissuanceofthecertificate.
proceedings.
Jagdeo threatens to pull state...
Frompage11 for anything and you end up beingnothing,andmymaker has not created me to be nothing, not then, not now, not ever – put that in your pipe and smoke it Jagdeo,” thebusinessmansaid.
During Friday's show, Lall told his listeners that he has known Vice President Jagdeo for over 30 years and “what I am seeing is a man who is degrading himself in every office he has held and holdspresently Hejustcan't help himself, sliding from bad to worse Honestly, Jagdeo is one of the main leadersresponsibleforwhere thiscountryistodaywiththe resourcesthatGuyanahas...”
The businessman told his listeners that Jagdeo is uncomfortable with the number of serious questions posed by Kaieteur News reporters weekly at his press conferences.
“Uncle, he can't handle the newspaper exposing his schemeseveryday,wherethe nationisnowseeingthekind of leader he is, so he is now resorting to blackmail. Toe the line or get out the linethat's his message. Report what he Jagdeo wants you to
report or he will deal with you. Followthefootstepsof the Chronicle, NCN and the other friendly media houses and you will stay in business with state ads., stand up and give the nation the facts, get ready for the punishment,” Lallstressed.
The businessman made it clearthatifexposingJagdeo's weakness and his fear to address ExxonMobil and the lopsided oil contract, exposing how foreigners are robbing the country of its natural resources, highlighting corruption, and reporting on the advice of international experts on the oil and gas sector [that the governmentisnotheeding]is upsetting the Vice President, then he can do that which he feels is in the best interest of thecountry.
Lall reminded of the era during Jagdeo's presidency when Kaieteur News refused to publish advertisements sent by Jagdeo's business associatesandfriends.
“So Jagdeo should know better to threaten me about pulling state ads. from the newspaper, he should know better,” the Kaieteur News Publisherstated.
The winning team: Fabian Green, Senior Counsel (speaking), Raheem Blair, Researcher (centre), and Juneeda Jeffers, Junior Counsel
TOTALTECInc.,a100% Guyanese-owned Company, on Friday has announced the launch of an innovative multi-sector e-learning platform, designed to equip theGuyaneseworkforcewith in-demandskills.
The initiative aims to p r o v i d e a c c e s s t o internationally accredited trainingprograms,equipping Guyanese workers with the in-demand skills necessary forthrivinginkeyindustries.
The company stated in a pressrelease,“Oure-learning platform is a powerful tool for up skilling all Guyanese, regardless of their location, and creating pathways to enhanced employment opportunities."
With that aside, the p l a t f o r m o ff e r s a comprehensive suite of courses designed to meet the evolving needs of Guyana's dynamiceconomy
Those would include hospitality, which aims to elevate customer service, food and beverage management,andfrontoffice skills.
The e-learning platform also offers, construction, where participants can master essential trades such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and electrical
work, all with a strong emphasisonsafety
The oil and gas module providesexpertiseindrilling, production, maintenance, and health, safety, and environmental practices, aligning with international standards.
Forthoseintheindustrial sector, the program focuses ondevelopingproficiencyin manufacturing processes, qualitycontrol,andindustrial safetyprotocols.
Furthermore, the operations and maintenance training equip learners with skills in equipment operation, maintenance p r o c e d
, a n d troubleshootingtechniques.
Developedinpartnership with renowned international training institutions, the elearning platform offers several key features to enhan
experience.
One of its standout elementsisflexiblelearning, which allows users to access courses anytime and anywhere,empoweringthem toprogressattheirownpace.
The platform also includes interactive content, providing engaging modules
filled with videos, simulations,andassessments that reinforce the learning process.
Additionally, it emphasizes industryrelevant skills, focusing on practical knowledge that is directly applicable to the workplace.
The platform ensures affordable access, offering cost-effective solutions that make up skilling accessible toabroaderaudience.
T O T A L T E C H h i g h l i g h t e d , “Complementing the elearning platform,
TOTALTEC Training also offers hands-on vocational
training at its 80,000 sq. ft. facility in Georgetown, adjacenttotheGuyanaShore Base(GYSBI).”
This purpose-built facility has already trained over 4,000 Guyanese to international standards Some of the programs include, foundational safety, which are essential safety practicesacrossallsectors.
The training program also includes specialized coursesonliftingoperations, which focus on the safe operationofcranes,forklifts, and other lifting equipment.
Additionally, participants will receive instruction on plant inspections and operations, covering the inspection and maintenance of industrial equipment to ensure optimal performance andsafetyintheworkplace.
The organization further underscored,“TOTALTECis the only accredited center in Guyana for both NPORS (UK National Plant Operators Registration Scheme) and LEEA (UK LiftingEquipmentEngineers Association).”
Notably, it's Banks man
& Slinger program is also accredited by LEEA,
commitment to delivering high-qualitytraining.
TOTALTEC e-learning packages are available to government institutions, general public, and private sector, both domestic and international.
This multi-faceted approach to workforce development is a significant investment in Guyana's future, empowering individuals and driving economicgrowth.
Poor construction practices at Mahaica Hospital dorm project flagged by Audit Office
The Auditor General's Office has flagged poor construction practices at the Mahaica Hospital dormitory project in the office's 2023Report.
In the report, Auditor General Deodat Sharma said that some of the construction practices undertaken by the contractor were deemed“poorandunacceptable”.
The $112.471 million project whichisbeingexecutedthroughthe Ministry of Human Services and Social Security was awarded to Hoosein Logistics & Supplies Inc. for $112,471,000 on November 3, 2023.
The contract was the lowest evaluated bid of the 14 bids submitted to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) website,thatcontractwasawarded to
According to the Report, the contract was signed on November 16,2023withtheprojectscheduled to commence on November 20, 2023 and completion date set for th18 February,2024.
“For the period ending 31 December 2023, the Contractor receivedamobilizationadvanceof $16.870M,representing15%ofthe
totalContractsum,”theAGstated.
The Auditor General detailed thataphysicalverificationexercise conducted by his team on June 13, 2024 revealed that the works were still in progress, four months beyond the contractual completion dateofFebruary2024.
AtthetimeoftheAuditOffice's verifications, it was revealed that works on the foundation, ground floorcolumns,curbwall,andfloor slab were completed, while the pouring of concrete for the firstfloorbeamswasinprogress.
The agency noted that during that exercise, the following were observed, “a) No quality control procedures were being adhered to during concrete batching and pouringoperationsonsite.
A ransom was being used for mixing concrete, however, cubic boxes for consistent mixture ratios was not being used by the Contractor In addition, concrete cubes for compressive strength testing were not being prepared and, slump tests were not being done.”
“These poor and unacceptable construction practices by the Contractor should not be allowed andthepouringofconcreteshould
havebeenstoppedbytheMinistry As a result, the compressive strength and quality of concrete which was poured by the Contractor for this phase of the works cannot be established,” the AGadded.
TheAGnotedtoothatapproval for extension time together with justifications were not submitted for audit review and as a result, it could not be determined whether liquidated damages should be deducted.
In responding to the AG's
Photograph of grossly inaccurate, poor methodology and unacceptable batching of concrete observed on site during concrete pouring at Dorm Building, Mahaica Hospital.
(Photo,Audit Office)
findings,theMinistryinformedthat reinforced measures are in place, whichincludebutarenotlimitedto being present while concrete is being poured, but to also ensure there is strict adherence to standards.
Asitrelatestotheprojectgoing beyond its deadline as highlighted by the AG, the ministry explained that “the timeline set out in the bidding document had a clerical error where the project deadline cateredforthreemonths.However, a project of this magnitude could
not be executed within such a timeframe, therefore a timeline of nine months was issued by way of commencementorder.”
The ministry added that in the pastitwasdonethiswaybut,inthe future, they will ensure that there willbeconformity. Following the findings, the AuditOfficerecommendedthatthe Human Services Ministry ensures proper supervision and monitoring of contracts and that all payments are in keeping with Contractual Clauses.
4th Annual Guyana Energy...
From page 46 According to Wilburg, wasespeciallyproudof. importantthatwedoourpart “We want people to be She said, “Many times to remind that Guyana has immersedinwhatitmeansto we often forget that we need the potential to stay on enjoy a true Guyanese to ensure our Indigenous course for diversification.” assortmentofdishes.So,you brothers and sisters are The Conference Village is are gonna pass through this included in our awareness therefore set to provide a aisle on Main Street and be programmes and we want platform to showcase able to try a mixed meat themtofeelincludedandsee Guyana’s agri-tourism cook-up; you’ll be able to what is happening on the potential. have that paired with what coast and what this Energy
Farmers from across the we call swank or what some Conferenceisabout.”
Supply Chain Expo returns, energy sector updates and booktheirspot. country who have been other might call lemonade. Wilburg is hoping to the Secretariat is finalizing internationalenergyoutlook. The CEO has invited successful in reaping You would be able to try have the opening ceremony thespeakersfortheevent. Participantscanalsolook businesses of all class to join traditional crops as well as freshly made eggballs on the of the conference, as well as Wilburg was however forward to presentations on the upcoming event. She those that have ventured into spot; see bunjal curry being other presentations beamed eager to elaborate on the enhancing supply chain said, “There are a lot of the cultivation of new crops made and enjoy a taste of the to remote areas. The CEO
resilience in emerging people think the Guyana such as corn and soya. In sweets that Guyanese explained, “We are working s c
markets; building a future Energy Conference is just addition to farmers, the children have grown up on- with the Ministry of conference.
; about Energy- I’m in the Conference Village will likethemithais,fudge,sugar Education so that we can
One major item on the infrastructure development health sector or I’m in offer a wonderland of local cake. It’s going to be a true utilize the smart classrooms agenda is the deconstruction for sustainable growth and marketing The Guyana craft items, including those Guyanese experience for to beam the openings and of the misconception that muchmore. Energy Conference and weaved by Guyana’s yourpalate.” otherstrategicsessions.” foreigners will not be able to Expo Supply Chain Expo offers an Indigenous people The The food festival is set In addition to this, the tap into opportunities in the A key element of the opportunity for every Conference Village will run for all conference days- Secretariathasalsolaunched oil and gas sector because of Guyana Energy Conference business to be involved fromFebruary17-21. February18to21,2025. an Essay Competition in the country’s Local Content is the exhibition that allows Even if you do not want to TasteofGuyana Streaming/ scholarship which one lucky participant legislation,passedin2021. local and foreign businesses participateintheconference, Another major event Forthefirsttimesinceits w i l l b e a w a r d e d a Also on the agenda are to showcase their product
being organized by the launch, the Guyana Energy US$10,000scholarship. discussionstargetingwomen andservicestoinvestors. exhibitor’s ticket and Secretariatisafour-dayfood Conference and Supply The 2025 Guyana in leadership; financing Already, 120 companies network with the companies festival dubbed a ‘Taste of ChainExpowillbestreamed EnergyConference sustainable development haveregisteredtoparticipate in the exhibition auditorium. Guyana ’ This premiere in Smart Classrooms across With just about four projects; diversification in next year’s expo. Notably, Why would you not want to event promises to be a food the country The CEO said months before the Guyana strategies for developing all exhibitors, local and explore the possibilities in festivalunlikeanyother this one of the initiatives she Energy Conference and countries; regional and local foreign pay a standard fee to thatkindofenvironment?”
Regional and Industry Leaders at the opening of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo in 2023
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CH&PA warns against illegal sale of land at Mocha/Arcadia
The Ministry of Housing and Water (MoHW) –The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Saturday said that it has been made aware of reports that plots of land within the informal settlement at Mocha/ Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD) are being sold/ allocated by operatives of the Mocha / Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and opposition elements.
In a statement to the media, the CH&PA made it clear that the sale of the plots of land at Mocha/Arcadia is illegal.
“We wish to make it unequivocally clear that such actions are illegal. MoHW/ CH&PA will not recognize any sale or transfer of these lands by unauthorized individuals or entities. We hereby issue a formal warning to those engaged in the illegal sale of these lands to immediately cease such activities.
Likewise, persons attempting to purchase these lands are cautioned that any such transactions will be deemed null and void. MoHW/ CH&PA has been actively working to regular ize the informal settlement in Mocha/Arcadia,” the statement said.
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From page 05 the government takes the conservation and protection of forests seriously, as these are central to the heritage, culture, environment and economy of the land.
It is well known that the federal government is responsible for several forestrelated laws: The Wild Animal and Plant P rotection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act prohibits commercial trade in rare and endangered species and prevents the introduction of undesirable species to Canadian ecosystems.
Thus, Minister Nandlall was quite timely, as he noted the challenge of the times, detailing that parliaments worldwide do “… grapple with maximising the benefits of science and technology while minimising the associated challenges, (and) Guyana can be used as a prime example of innovative approaches to achieving this
A 35-year-old woman was on Friday remanded to prison when she appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face 13 counts of fraud. The accused, Omeca Primo, of Charlotte Street, Georgetown is accused of obtaining over $11million by false presence when she acted as the owner of a car dealership and had in possession vehicles with the intent of selling them to 13 persons between May 4 and September 5, 2024.
Primo reportedly failed to deliver the vehicles at the specific dates causing all affected parties to report the
The CH&PA said that in November 2022 it conducted a comprehensive inventory, identifying over 300 occupied and unoccupied structures.
“In 2023, residents also met with the Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal and Minister of (Continued on page 51)
Woman remanded on 13 counts of fraud …42 more allegations made
matter to the police.
The woman appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty where the charges were read to her.
The charges alleged that between May 4 and September 5, 2024, on Charlotte Street, Georgetown Primo obtained $11,300,000 from 13 persons by falsely pretending to be a car dealer under the false name ‘Primo imports and Taxi Services’.
She was not required to enter to plea.
The Prosecution objected to bail citing the seriousness and nature of the offense while also noting that Primo is likely to face additional charges as 42 other victims provided statements. Investigations are ongoing. As a result, Primo was remanded to prison and is scheduled to return to court on November 8, 2024 for further proceedings.
AG points out-Guyana is shining in ‘balancing’...
crucial balance.” He flaunted that “Guyana presents a model for the global community to emulate, (with the caveat that) “Unless we act on these matters swiftly and condignly, then the burdens of science and technology will quickly outstrip their benefits.”
Readers, one and all, I am very proud that the clairvoyance of the present government was well established and noted for quite some time now. Guyana has ‘long time now’ embraced the philosophy and practices of the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART), a global initiative seeking to incentivize governments to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD), as well as restore forests and protect intact forests (+).
That is why the esteemed members at the “InterParliamentary Union’s (IPU’s) 149th General Assembly were
reminded that “Through Guyana’s first Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which was unveiled in 2009, and under the leadership of then President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana was able to secure a deal with Norway for up to US$250M, in an agreement that simply meant that Guyana had to continue preserving its dense forests and use the resources for continued mitigation and adaptation efforts.”
So, although at the time, it was not quite codified and heralded, it was there, and simply recognised and honoured by Norway.
Actual figures show that Guyana’s total size is 215,000 km2 and its coastline is around 434 km long, with approximately 85% of its total land area being covered by forest (18.5 million hectares).
This, as was expounded at the meet, “… plays a crucial role in the global fight against climate change.” Overall, Guyana has been ‘calling quite
Inspired by visually impaired brother...
From page 43 and skill development, the society is committed to helping its members achieve their fullest potential.
Cecil Morris, President of the GSB, expressed his gratitude during the event, highlighting the significance of such support. He said, “… What we do is train persons to take the business society by using computers or whatever means necessary to make them you know have an independent kind of living.” In addition, Odessa
Blaire an orientation mobility officer explained to this publication that within the institute persons are taught to become more independent by using assistive technology. Blaire also expressed her gratitude by lamenting the improvements the contribution will make in persons lives at the GSB.
To that end, the owner of C.S World Cargo 2000 Inc, recalled years ago when he made a visit to the institute, and was amazed after seeing a visually impaired person using a computer.
He had enquired, “How can a blind person use a computer? I said how many computers you guys needed?” As a result, the businessman donated 30 laptops. Singh related, “I set up this office here in Guyana to be able to support social events and the poor…” He continued, “…like the blind institute we want to be able to support them.”
To this end, the owner then explained that a portion of the company’s profits is being allocated to support charitable initiatives.
a few shots.” Just peruse this one and its corresponding benefits.
The Government of Guyana, through the Expanded LCDS 2030, managed to sign a deal with Hess Corporation for up to US$750M for 30% of the carbon credits Guyana’s forest offers.
This has since redounded to support for Amerindian communities in the development of sustainable projects; sums of money have been allocated to significant adaptation measures, including the construction of several new Hope-like canals and other flood prevention works in Regions Three, Five, and Six.
I remind all that Rainforest Foundation US supports the monitoring of some 12.2 million acres of Indigenous peoples’ land throughout Guyana, working with Wapichan, Macushi, Patamona, Arekuna, and Akawaio communities, in monitoring and protecting their rainforest territories from mining and other threats such as inadequate land recognition.
This kind of mind-set led to the Wapichan people receiving the UNDP Equator Prize for their innovative mapping and monitoring work, including the use of community-built drones to monitor deforestation caused by illegal mining.
Government’s role then must be applauded, as it continues to ensure that science and technology are being used to improve the welfare of the entire nation.
Yours truly, Hargesh B. Singh
Remanded: Omeca Primo
Hospitals in northern Gaza under Israeli fire as Jabalia attack kills 33
Israeli forces move centreofJabaliaandfighting further into the centre of withHamasforces. Jabalia as tanks surround Meanwhile, Palestinian three hospitals trapping authorities warned the death patients,civilians. toll from the latest strikes on
T h r e e p a r t i a l l y Jabalia could rise, as some
functioning hospitals people were believed to be treating severely wounded stilltrappedundertherubble. patients and sheltering
The Palestinian official thousands of displaced news agency, Wafa, said Palestinian civilians in children were among the 33 northernGazaarenowoutof confirmed dead. At least 85 service after coming under others were wounded, some intense Israeli fire, a Gaza critically, raising fears of health official told Al morefatalities. Jazeera, as the siege on
The Israeli military said Jabalia enters its third week, its operation in Jabalia is with at least 33 more people intended to stop Hamas killedinthenorthernarea. fighters regrouping for more Israeli forces bombed al- attacks But the Health Awda Hospital in Jabalia Ministry in Gaza said most early on Saturday, and have of the people killed were also shelled Kamal Adwan civilians. On Friday, health and the Indonesian hospitals officials appealed for fuel, in Beit Lahiya over the past medical supplies and food few hours, Al Jazeera to be sent immediately to correspondents have the three northern Gaza reported. hospitals which have been
“We cannot count the overwhelm
by the number of those killed. The number of patients and
At least seven people least 450 have been killed At least 40 patients are surrounded by Israeli tanks numbers are terrifying,” the injuries were also reported killed in a since the siege began two trapped inside the hospital and that destruction is official told Al Jazeera. At T
separate Israeli strike on a weeksago. and Israeli tanks have everywhere. They said that least one person has been Organization (WHO) has school sheltering Palestinian Al Jazeera’s Tarek Abu surroundedit,hesaid. the smell of death is in every killed and several others also accused Israel of refugees in al-Shati camp, Azzoum, reporting from
Meanwhile, the attack on corner of the Jabalia refugee werewoundedinthestrikeat preventing at least 50 just west of Jabalia In Deir el-Balah in central al-Awda Hospital cut power camp,”headded. theentranceofthelaboratory
Jabalia itself, an air strike on Gaza, said witnesses in to the medical facility. Communications and of Kamal Adwan Hospital, belonging to eight groups Saturday afternoon killed northern Gaza told him the Witnesses also told Abu internet services had also Gaza’sHealthMinistrysaid. from entering Gaza, the first five more people. Another secondandthirdfloorsofthe Azzoum the situation in been completely been cut
The Palestinian news such case of entire four people were reported Indonesian Hospital, as well other parts of Jabalia had off, disrupting rescue agency Wafa also reported organisations being blocked killedinanotherIsraelistrike as its courtyard, have been “severelydeteriorated”since operations, he said, adding that because of the military from participating in in al-Nuseirat refugee camp, hit, resulting in “a number of Friday. that Israeli forces have been siege,twointensivecareunit humanitarian efforts in the according to our Al Jazeera casualties”.
“They said that they are advancing further into the patients at the Indonesian besiegedterritory teamfromGaza. Hospital have died on In Rafah city, southern Saturday. Gaza Strip, two people were In another Israeli attack killed in an Israeli drone on central Gaza’s Maghazi airstrikeontheKhirbetarea. refugee camp, at least 16 In all, the death toll has people were killed, the surpassed the 67 killed in Palestinian official news IsraeliattacksacrossGazain agency WAFA said on the last 24 hours, as earlier Saturday, adding that there r e p o r t e d b y h e a l t h arestillmissingpeopleunder authorities in the enclave.At therubble.
CH&PA warns against illegal...
From page 50
Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Sonia Parag, who was Minister of Public Service at the time. The land in question is under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), and CH&PAhas been engaging with NICILto facilitate the transfer of this land. In fact, the block plan for three parcels oflandisbeingpreparedandisinthetransferprocess.Thisis acriticalstepintheregularizationprocess,whichwillenable residents to obtain legal ownership of the land,” the agency which falls under the Ministry of Housing and Water (MoHW).
Further, theAuthority warned that “any sale of this land by local government bodies, individuals, or entities other thantheMoHW/CH&PAorNICILisillegalandwillnotbe recognized.”
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any illegal activities related to the sale of these lands. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the proper and lawful distribution of land in accordance with national regulations,”thestatementsaid.
A relative carries the shrouded body of 10-year-old Sama al-Debs, who was killed by the Israeli army in the Jabalia refugee camp [Omar al-Qattaa/AFP]
ExxonMobil sees no conflict of interest in working with company’s former VP to monetize Guyana’s gas
Pr e s i d e n t
ofExxonMobil
Guyana Limited (EMGL),Alistair Routledge sees no conflict of interest with the award of a contract to the company’s former Vice President, Jesus Bronchalo, to monetize Guyana’sgas.
During its third quarter media engagement on October 9, Routledge was asked to comment on the issue.
Bronchalo worked 19 years and one month for ExxonMobil The last position he held for the companywasVicePresident
and Chief Commercial Officer for the Guyana operations; he resigned in February2023.
F
tendering his resignation,
Broncha
nched Fulcrum LNG, boasting “experience and expertise across all aspects of the oil and gas value chain, including low-carbon solutions.”
There were no mentions of completed projects by Fulcrumonitswebsite.
K
companywillberesponsible for the design, financing,
Duo wanted for murder of Kuru Kururu man
TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) on Saturday issued wanted bulletins for two men, who are allegedly involvedinthemurderof61year-oldAubrey Richardson knownas‘Gooby’onAugust 24,2024.
The wanted men have been identified as 20-yearold Antwan Sampson and 23-year-oldSamuelBrowne. Sampson’s last known address is Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, while Browne’s last address is Kaneville, Grove, East BankDemerara(EBD).
Policeareaskingpersons with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to make contact on 227-1149, 225-8196, 2271611, 268-2329, 226-405, 225-6978 and 225-8196 or the nearest police station. Kaieteur News had reported that on August 24, 2024
Dead:Aubrey Richardson
Richardson was shot during an alleged robbery at ‘Sattie S h o p ’ l o c a t e d i n Yarrowkabra, SoesdykeLinden Highway He had left his Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway residence at approximately 20:30hrs in the company of someone known to be his friendtogototheshop.
He was rushed to the hospital where he spent almost two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before he died on September 5 2024 A post-mortem examination done on Richardson’s body revealed that he died of septic shock due to injuries caused by a singlegunshot Toreadmore; https://wwwkaieteurnewso nline com/2024/10/14/famil y-members-of-kuru-kururuman-fatally-shot-duringrobbery-make-appeal-forpolice-to-find-his-killers/
construction, and operation of gas infrastructure, inclusive of the necessary pipelinesrequiredtoconnect thegasinfrastructurecrucial for monetizing upstream gas.
Further, as part of the process, the company will
s entitlement of gas to ensure the viability of the project and the overall value chain
Notably, the project will be strictlyfinancedandowned 100%byFulcrumLNG
The Parliamentary
Opposition had raised concerns regarding a possible conflict of interest given Bronchalo’s extended tenure with ExxonMobil The contract award had sent off alarm bells especially since Guyanese remain tied to a lopsided oil contract withExxon. Routledge however set
the record straight that Exxon sees no conflict of interest in the contract award.
Hesaid,“Wedon’tseea conflict of interest in any way
He resigned from ExxonMobil almost two years ago He has no ties to the company; we have no tie to him, so we don’t seeaconflictofinterest.”
The Country Manager
h a t ExxonMobil is focused on ensuring the development of the gas resources in the countryinabidtomaximize value for the people of Guyana and to contribute to the work of the government isdoing.
To this end, he e x p l a i n e d , “ W e understand why the government went through the process it did and selected a company to workwith.
CEO, Fulcrum LNG, Jesus Bronchalo worked 19 years and one month for ExxonMobil prior to his resignation.
We said we w
ll cooperate but really, we believewehavetherightsto develop the gas We’re
focusedonwhatcanwedoto maximize the value for the country and so that’s the workthatwehaveinhand.”
Samuel Browne Antwan Sampson
CACBB&FC/ships...
Greene, Siland impress on opening night
Guyana ‘s Rawle Greene Siland duplicated Green’s Barbados Jurad Mason and Remalton Siland kept performance by snatching claimedthebronze. the Golden Arrowhead the top prize in the Men’s However, the night
-
El
Salvador’s Pineda win Pro Card
Other winners included Mexicans Marisol Ramos Men’s Games Classic flying high as the Central Fitness category, edging out belonged to El Salvador’s Amalia Araniva of El and Maria Villegas in that saw Nicaragua’s Maxwell
America & Caribbean Body Bahamas’ Alexander Kemp Edgar Pineda, who in Salvador, who grabbed gold order in the Women’s Body Vallejos beat El Salvador’s
& F
ness and El Salvador’s Daniel addition to winning gold in in the Women’s Artistic Fitness Masters Over 35 Mario Rodriguez and Championships opened last Gutierrez. the Overall Men’s Classic Fitness ahead of Deborah years. Mexico’s Julian De Rosas in night, at the National Greene the returned to BodyBuildingalsoachieved MartinofMexico. Another Barbadian thatorder CulturalCentre. grab silver in the Men’s ProCardstatus.
Barbados’Leanna Carter TyrellFordeWasinwinner’s Barbados’ Kirk Bovell Greene appearing in the Classic Body Building Pineda was not finished won the Women’s Physique row when he bulldozed his the won the Men’s Classic Men’s Classic Masters Open senior Over 175cms, falling as he duplicated that beating into second place way to the Muscular Men’s PhysiqueMasterOpen. claimed gold ahead of behindAntigua & Barbuda’s performancewithgoldinthe Trinidad & Tobago’sAngela Physique title ahead of The full results will be Bonaire’s Jose Saleh, while Travon Giddings, while Men’sPhysique.
Sunday October 20, 2024
ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)
You may get frustrated when you find that people aren't as sensitive to a situation as you want them to be,Aries. While you're looking to make a strong connection with someone, that person is trying topullback.
TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)
A small spark in a dry field is apttowhipthehillintoflames, Taurus.Araging wildfire may be underway by the end of the day Know that you're one of the biggest perpetrators, but don'tfeelbadlyaboutit.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Put on some lively music you candancetoandreallykickup yourheels,Gemini.It'stimeto put away the sour mood and havefun.
CANCER(June21–July22)
This is a tremendously expansive time for you, and thereisverylittlethatwillstop your momentum once you get going.Youreyesarealivewith a spark that says that you're readytotakeontheworld.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Thisisagoodtimetoputthings inwriting Yourgiftwithwords is apt to shine today as you writeaproposal,email,orlove poem You're able to communicate very well when you put your sensitive emotionsasideandconcentrate on what you think instead of whatyoufeel
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
The day's energy is apt to be lively, making it much easier to get the things done that you need to do, Virgo. You will find people are more than eagertohelpyou.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Obstacles that you have ignored are suddenly starting to expand beyond reasonable proportions, Libra. Be careful of what you say as a result, because your words could spreadlikewildfire.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
This is a terrific day for you, Scorpio, and you will glow brightlyfromheadtotoeasyou radiate your true inner self to the world You will find profound joy in the simplest, mostordinarycircumstances.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Tap into the boisterous, lighthearted mood of the day insteadofgettingboggeddown with heavy emotions, Sagittarius.This is a good time to engage your mind rather thanletyourhearttakecontrol.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Your optimism will be inspiringtoday,Capricorn.You will find that your lighthearted approach is perfectly suited to taking care of any issue that arises.Tossafewjokesintothe mix and remind other people that it isn't necessary to take thingssoseriously
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Difficult challenges that have been lingering on the sidelines will probably become more prominent today, Aquarius There is a strong possibility thatthingswillcometoahead.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
You could be the one everyone runstoforadvicetoday,Pisces. You're the one with all the answerswhocaneasilypullthe rabbit out of a hat. Trust your judgment and intellectual know-how
Campbell, while Barbados Jazzdany Peralta of Costa published in the next Danielle Holder beat Rica. edition
Lights Green for Mainstay...
From page 57 early this [yesterday] morning for some small corrective measures. It is nothing that competitors or fans should be worried about becauseitdriesinafewhours so it’s definitely set for tomorrow[today].
“We also have a few surprises for those fans in Essequibo We expect to feature at least one of the newest high powered cars in the sport there. I won’t say who or what the team is or what they are bringing, but fans will have to be there to seeit.”
And while there will be winners and loosers after the day, the ancient county will have had a show put on for them.
Hope stresses need for efficient execution, consistency in ODI series against Sri Lanka
(SportsMax) - West Indies ODI captain as much as we are looking ahead, we still got
game,butinordertobeoneofthetopteamsin but play pretty much straight on, so we got to Shai Hope knows all too well that winning to make sure we stay in the present as well,” theworld,yougottobealotmoreconsistentin makesurewe’reveryadaptableinthataspect their three-match series against Sri Lanka Hopesaidinapre-gamepressconference. all three areas So we just need to be more and ensure that we’re ready to play whatever will be incumbent on players pulling their “We’ve got a few new members, we got ruthless when it comes to our preparation and theythrowatus,”Hopenoted. weightandexecutingwithprecision. some returning guys, and we’ve got to gel the way we go out there on the field and just While his squad includes the likes of vice In fact, Hope highlighted the need for those consistent performances together as findwaystowinkeymomentsingamesanddo captain Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin consistency across all departments, stressing best as we can. Especially now when things itmoreconsistently,”Hopestressed Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario thatnoonecanaffordtohaveanoffdayifthe are not looking too bright for us in the last With Sri Lanka expected to pose a tough Shepherd,RostonChase,andyoungstalwarts team is to compete at the highest level and couple of years. But I’m sure we’ve got challenge, especially on their home turf, such as 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, Hope climb back up the ICC rankings, as crucial everythinginthetankthatweneedtobecome Hopeisdeterminedtoensurethathissquadis emphasized the need for each player to focus ICC ranking points and World Cup asuccessfulteam,”headded. mentally and physically prepared for what onexecutingtheirroleswithdiscipline. qualification implications are at stake in this Despite having undeniable talent, the lies ahead. “Well, whenever you come to Sri “Everyone has to pull their weight. I’m series. The opening match of the series will West Indies have struggled to string together Lanka, you got to expect the ball to do a little notgoingtosingleoutandsaythefastbowler takeplaceatthePallekeleCricketStadiumon efficient performances in the ODI format, in bit, especially from a spin bowling has to do x or y But yes, we know the quality Sunday. Game time is 4:00am Jamaica time particular,andHopebelievesthisiswherethe standpoint.Butyeah,wecan’thavetoomuch of bowlers that we have, and as long as the and5:00amEasterCaribbeanTime. team must show improvement if they are to of a predetermined mindset; we have to wait confidence is there and the planning is there, “We’relookingahead,sowegottoensure rise in the rankings, as the Caribbean side is and see what the pitch is going to offer allweneedtodoisexecute.Sotherestisupto thatweplaygoodcricketandseeifwecanget currentlylaggingat10thintherankings. tomorrow (Sunday). “It’s important to have us; we’ve got the ball in our court, and so ourselves back up the rankings. We don’t “We want to improve in all areas.As you an idea, but at the end of the day you still got we’ve got to make sure we’re playing good necessarily have to qualify this time around, cansee,we’renotwherewewanttobe,butthis to play what you see. It’s important that we cricket starting with this first game on butwegottotakeitonestepatatimebecause, ishowitgoes Sometimesyoucan’twinevery understand that it can look like a dust bowl Sunday,”theBarbadianended.
Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Football Tournament 2024… St Pius boot by Rosignol, Johnson’s brace propels Marian into semi
Be l l a d r u m , yesterday John the Baptist out of the
…Santa Rosa,Belladrum also secure semifinals tickets
followed up with a tap-in to His second goal came in Rosignol, Marian Academy,
R o s i g n o l , Following three rounds competition. make it 2-0. Further strikes the 29th minute, securing and Santa Rosa will gear up
M a r i a n of preliminary matches, the In the second quarter- from Rout and Kader sealed Marian Academy’s place in to compete for a place in the Academy, and Santa Rosa stagewassetforthetopeight final, Rosignol Primary Rosignol’s spot in the semi- thesemi-finals. championship final next Primary have advanced to teams to battle it out for delivered a dominant finals. In the final match of the weekend. the semi-finals of the Petra- semi-final spots. Day four of performance, defeating The third quarter-final day, Santa Rosa Primary The tournament is coordinated Pee Wee Under- the tournament featured four defending champions St saw Marian Academy clincheda1-0winoverWest proudly supported by Courts 11 Football Championship, exciting encounters, starting Pius Primary 4-0 Abdul
e Ruimveldt, thanks to a late Optical, MVP Sports, Stena set to take place next with a thrilling clash Kader (2), Jeremiah Primary 2-0, courtesy of strikebyDeonHenry Drilling, Sterling Products weekend at the Ministry of betweenfrontrunnerSt.John McDonald (1), and Timothy Joshua Johnson’s two-goal Despite a strong effort Limited, and Igloo Ice Educationground. the Baptist and Belladrum Rout (1) were instrumental display from West Ruimveldt, Cream. Sponsored by Courts Primary in dismantling St Pius’ Johnson wasted no time, Henry’s goal in the 23th Organized by the Petra Optical,abrandofUnicomer Jadon Sampson’s defense. putting Marian Academy minute proved to be the Organisation, the event is Guyana Inc., the tournament brilliance sealed the day as Kaderopenedthescoring ahead in the opening minute decider, sending Santa Rosa endorsed by the Ministry of has now narrowed to its final his goal in the 32th minute with a perfectly executed with a clinical finish after a intothelastfour Education and the Ministry fourafteranintenseroundof handedBelladrumadecisive kick from the edge of the quick run down the right With the quarter-finals of Culture, Youth, and quarter-final matches held 1-0 victory, knocking St. box, while McDonald wing. now concluded, Belladrum, Sports.
GCB Super50 Senior Inter-county Finals
The victorious
Nandu, Imlach, Alimohamed inspire Demerara to retain title
De m e r a r a rockoftheinnings. champs to 167-3 in 33.4 partnership, led by Imlach Ricardo Adams struck a stumps of Sampson, completed a It was a splendid spell of overs. whocarriedhisboyshome. solitary four but was caught effectively bringing a resounding 7- seam bowling from Ronaldo Aftertournamentleading Essequibo spinner byLordoffPersaud. fighting innings from
wicket win over Alimohamed, who captured run-scorer Tagenarine Malcolm Hubbard was the Harryrevivedtheinnings Essequibototheend. Essequibo in an exciting 4-45, with support from Chanderpaul (33) retired most successful bowler with for a brief period, playing a Alimohamed was named battle, retaining their spinner Ashmead Nedd who hurt, Nandu spanked 4 fours 2-19. Earlier, Demerara in- nice hand as he faced some finalsMVPforhis4wickets, Super50 Inter-county title chippedinwith2-25. and a six while Imlach was form batsman Ramkarran 46 deliveries but more while Chanderpaul copped after a dominant all-round Playing like the champs more classical, finding the anchored Essequibo’s importantly had two fours the award for leading runshowing which ended they entered the tournament fencethreetimes. innings after losing openers and a six which added to scorer with an aggregate of yesterday at the Bourda as, Demerara cruised to After Chanderpaul and Kevon Boodie (1) and Essequibo’stotal. 259 runs including a century Ground. another senior Inter-county Nandu shared 50 for the KeemoPaul(1). Ramkarran was knocked andafifty Essequibo managed 164 title, spurred by fifties from opening wicket, the opener Kemol Savory hung over by a beauty from Nedd, Demerara sealed off the all out batting first led by Matthew Nandu (57) and and his skipper teamed up to aroundforhis21,hittingjust oneshortofwhatwouldhave haul with the most wickets Kanhaiya Ramkarran (49), skipper Tevin Imlach (56*), see their team home with one four and a six while been a possible innings- awardgoingtospinnerLord, their main scorer and the effectively taking the another timely half-century providingbriefsupporttothe savinghalf-century who finished with 11 half-centurion. But Alimohamed struck wickets, with Essequibo’s Essequibo Captain twice, removing a set RicardoAdamsbeingamong Anthony Adams (7), was looking Harry followed by a the honorable mentions with trappedLBWbyatidyNedd. beauty which uprooted the 8wickets.(C.Ross)
Lights Green for Mainstay Drag Race Meet Gr
The machines loaded for transport to the Cinderella County
The excitement for today Mainstay Drag Set for an 11:00am start time, fans can raceeventhasreachedaboilingpointandwill look forward to competition in the 1500cc, overflowtodayintheCinderellaCounty 1600cc, 1800cc, 2000cc, 2500cc, 3000cc, With more than 50 competitors taking the Unlimitedandfemaleclasses. near six hour voyage to the days event, there There is also expected to be a drift is expected to also some heartbreak when the exhibition. sunsets.
The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports
The overwhelming support for the sport Club (GMRSC) Vice President Shairaz in the county has definitely grown from the Roshandin confirmed that all systems are in first encounter last year with the competition place for the event today, with the final numbersalmostdoubling. preparation work being done on several Enthusiastic fans could be seen flocking sectionsofthetrackearlyyesterdaymorning. theAnna Regina Tarmac last evening for the “We had to apply some special quick meet and greet which lends more hype to dryingcementtosomespotsonthetrack today’sevent. (Continued on page 52)
Demerara team pose with head coach Garvin Nedd among other GCB officials yesterday at Bourda Ground
