project comes online electricity bills will be reduced by 50% after Gas-to-Energy
Chevron board seat as
FTC bars Hess CEO from -saysources condition of deal
Fire destroys male dorms at Chinese gold company
Govt. to write off $5 billion
student loan debt by year-end
- Jagdeo urges eligible persons to apply
Ex-cop among four arrested for beating man unconscious at CPL game
Kaieteur, Canje oil blocks still with Exxon
Ring-Fence all the Oil Projects so we can get all our profits from each One! Israel rejects US-backed Lebanon ceasefire plan, hits Beirut again Govt. unsure how soon
...company still to provide info to finalise exit from Kaieteur, to leave Canje by 2026 - Jagdeo says
Former policeman, Sereste Brittlebank was among four men arrested on Wednesday night.
Fire destroys male dorms at Chinese gold company
A fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the male dormitoryattheChineseownedAurora Gold Mines (AGM) located at Buck Hall along the Essequibo River on Thursday
Meanwhile, police in a brief statement said that the fire started at about16:00h.
“Workers, security and policemen
there formed a bucket brigade and extinguishedthefirearound16:30hrs,” police said The building was reportedly unoccupied at the time and didnothaveanyelectricityfittings. Investigationsareongoing.
The boat that Helen Domingo and Earl Norton were traveling in.
Retired teacher, captain hospitalized after boat crash in Moruca River
Two persons have been hospitalized after a boat accident at Moruca, Region OneonWednesday
The injured persons are 60-year-old Helen Domingo andboatcaptain,EarlNorton. Reports are that the boat they were traveling in collided with another in the Moruca River The accident occurred around midday on Wednesday while Domingo wasonherwaytocollecther pension.
K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Domingo and Norton were travelling from Kamwatta to Kumaka Landinginasmallboatwhen the accident occurred Reports are that a large speedboat heading from
Charity collided with small boat,drivingoveritatasharp turnalongtheMorucaRiver
Eyewitnesses said that Domingo and Norton are luckytobealiveastheboat's propeller narrowly missed them.
Notwithstanding,theduo wasinjuredseriously
Domingo's relatives said that she suffered injuries to the head, chest, back, hands andlefthip.Itisunclearwhat injuries Norton sustained but relatives said that both persons are said to be in a stablecondition.
Meanwhile,thecaptainof the speedboat that crashed into Domingo and Norton wastakenintopolicecustody toassistwithinvestigations.
Fire destroys the male dormitory at the Aurora Gold Mines.
Mother in dire search for daughter who was discharged from GPHC months before her
FTC bars Hess CEO from Chevron board seat as condition of deal - say sources
Atragic accident six months ago has left 45-yearold Venessa Hector pleading for the return of her nineyear-old daughter, who was reportedlytakenbytheChild Care and Protection Agency
(CCPA
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) earlier thanher Hector, who turned to KaieteurNewsforassistance, r
's Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD) The distraughtwomanisunaware
s and has experienced difficulties contacting and or getting information from several governmentorganizations.
“I went to Child Protection, Eve Leary, Legal Aid, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Vigilance
injuries to her face, head, hand,andabdomen.
Hector's daughter was dischargedonApril20,2024, while she remained hospitalized until July 4, 2024.
Venessa Hector is in search of her 9-year-old daughter
PoliceStationseveraltimes,” sheexpressed. The accidentoccurred on April 4, 2024, when Hector and her daughter were reportedly struck by a taxi driver while walking along the Bachelor's Adventure Church Road Both were admittedtotheGPHC,where Hector sustained multiple
ExxonMobil proposes US$10B investment in Nigeria's deepwater oil
(OILPRICE.COM)
U S s u p e r m a j o r
ExxonMobilhasproposedan investment of $10 billion in Nigeria's deepwater oil resource development,
Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman and senior special assistant to the Nigerian President, said in a statementonThursday
Nigeria's Vice President
K a s h i m S h e t t i m a “welcomed ExxonMobil's
proposed $10 billion investmentinNigeria'sdeepwater oil operations, describing it as a clear t e s t a m e n t t o t h e administration's economic reforms and investmentfriendly policies,” says the statement.
Shettima on Wednesday held a high-level meeting withExxonMobilexecutives on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Nigerianpresidencysaid.Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigeria's upstream oil and gas industry, often resulting in force majeure at the key crudeoilexportterminals.
International majors haveshrunktheirexposureto Nigeria's energy sector in recent years, with transparencyinthelicensing
Hector explained, “The socialworkertoldmethatmy son collected her first. But they [CCPA] kept my daughter until I got discharged.NowthatI'mout, Ihaven'tseenhersinceApril 20. I don't know where my daughteris,andIdon'tknow where my son is living. He hasn'tcalledmeatall.”
Despite her desperate search, Hector's efforts have sofarprovenfutile.
“After the accident, the matter was not reported, nor didthetaxidriverreachoutto me. I miss my daughter; I wantmydaughter.Idressher just like me,” the crying mothersaid.
(Reuters) U.S. antitrust regulators will bar Hess Corp. CEO John Hess from taking a board seat as a condition of its go-ahead of oilproducerChevronCorp.'s US$53 billion purchase of Hess, people close to the mattersaid.
The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) consent for the deal will not allow Hess to become a board member, the people said,withoutexplainingwhy thebanwasimposed.
Chevron's proposed allstock acquisition of Hess, first announced in October, wasoneofastringofmultibillion-dollar U.S. oil and gasindustrydealsthatbegan with Exxon Mobil's purchaseofPioneer
Inacrackdownonmegamergers, the FTC similarly barred Pioneer Natural Resources CEO Scott
Sheffield from taking a seat on Exxon board as a condition of its approval earlier this year of their $60 billion merger It was not immediately clear if Hess would be allowed to take anotherpositionatChevron. Herecentlyjoinedtheboard of financial firm Goldman Sachs.
y replied to requests for comment.TheFTCdeclined tocomment.
HessandChevronshares each fell 1% in midday trading. The expected goahead would leave Exxon's challenge to the ChevronHessdealasitsfinalhurdle.
Exxon and China's CNOOC Ltd.havefiledanarbitration case that could block the deal,claimingthemergerisa ploytogainHess'slucrative Guyana assets. Hess owns
30% of Guyana's giant Stabroek offshore block, which has been the site of more than 30 oil and gas discoveries since 2015 Exxon,whichistheoperator of the block owns 45% and CNOOCowns25%.
Bloomberg News earlier reported the FTC would block Hess from taking a board seat on the combined company
IntheExxonmerger,the FTC alleged that Sheffield hadcolludedwithotherU.S. oil firms and with the O
production artificially low" and increase oil companies' profits.TheFTChadpointed to meetings that shale and OPEC officials held over several years, including a series of private dinners at a Houstonenergyconference.
roundsoneofthereasonsfor Big Oil to divest from their Nigerianassets,ontopofoil theft and frequent pipeline damages
ExxonMobil intends to sell its shallow water business in Nigeria to Seplat, the biggest Nigerian energy company by market value, in a $1.3 billion deal, whichhasyettobeapproved bytheregulator
Now ExxonMobil's new strategyinNigeriawillfocus on the Owo project, a substantial subsea tie-back that could represent a $10 billion investment, the presidential spokesman said today
“We're working closely with the President's office and the Special Adviser to the President to secure f a v o r a b l e f i s c a l arrangements that will make this significant investment possible,”saidShaneHarris, chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, as quoted by the press release from the presidency “Our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. As we celebrate 70 years of oil production and 8 billion barrels produced, we're not retreating but refocusing our investments on deep-water opportunities,” Harris was furtherquotedassaying.
TheDutcharelivinginawonderlandandoneofthekey driversisGuyana’soil. WhiletheDutchshipbuildingfirm SBM Offshore enjoys a fairytale existence, there is the grinding reality of Guyanese forced to grapple with not having enough food. SBM is a world leader in building Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. Meanwhile,theregularGuyanesefamilyliveswith theironyoftherichestpeopleintheworldexistinginahalfstarvedcondition.AfairytalestoryforSBMfromGuyana’s oil business, and a significant portion of Guyana’s populationfranticallyhustlingtogetenoughfooddaily Itisdisturbingwhenforeignersaretalkingaboutbillions inearningsfromthiscountry’soil,butGuyanesearecrying for any help they can obtain from any source to buy basic fooditems. Thisisnotmerelyadisconnect,itisadisaster forordinarycitizensrunningonnothinginacountrythatis thedarlingofthelocalandforeignbusinessworld.
“Guyanasofarhasjustbeenafairytale,andithappened at about the same time as we launched our Fast4Ward programme, and that positioned us well for a series of Petrobras projects as well.” So said SBM’s CEO Olvind Tangen in a recent interview. He has good reason to celebrate, as he also said, “We are in a very good dialogue withExxonandtheyknowwhenit’sagoodfitforSBMand themselves,whereweunlockvaluetogether,that’snormally wherewefindtheopportunitiestomoveforwardtogether.” SBMandExxonMobil“unlockvaluetogether”and“move forward together,” which is good for Mr Tangen and Mr WoodsofExxonMobil,holdsprosperouspotentialforboth companies. Now, where are Guyana’s political CEOs and whatdotheyhavetosayaboutmovingthiscountryandits citizensforward? Theyhavesaidafewthings,butnothing thatinspiresGuyanesethatthingswillbebetter
Undoubtedly, the present and future are bright for the private sector and the political players of Guyana. Guyanesearestillwaitingtoshareinthebenefitsofthisoil wealththattheworldistalkingabout,andallthoseinvolved in it are gushing over The PPP/C Government has not delivered, has been mostly skimpy with what is best describedasatricklingdownoftheprofitsfromthenational oil patrimony.The trickle-down of a small handout here, a little subsidy for gasoline and electricity (among other things), and a few thousand-dollar bills for pensioners and children. Astudyofthe2024nationalbudgetsetasidesfor Guyanese confirms that what the PPP/C Government, its leaders,anditspennypinchers,havedeliveredisastudyin what is paltry Guyanese stuck at the bottom of the local economic ladder know this and they are angry When Guyanesereadofforeignersinvolvedinthelocaloilsector in some supplier relationship boasting of how they are benefitingbytheAmericanbillionsfromGuyana’soil,they get angrier There is no grudging the foreign business owners when they make their billions, but Guyanese must alsoparticipatetothefullestintheirwealth. Itmustbeside bysideandnow,notlaterandstrugglingtocatchup,which isusuallyafutileexercise.
Due to punishing local circumstances, there is another irony that has quietly happened in oil rich Guyana. While thecountrybasksinbrightstatistics,Guyaneseareleaving by the thousands to hustle some temporary work in the UnitedStatesforfourtofivemonthsayear Evenamenial, minimumwagejobinAmericaresultsinearningsthatallow themtoreturntoGuyanaandliveatabetterstandard. Itis anembarrassmentthatGuyanesearepushedtohustlefora fewmonthsayearinNewYorkandNewJerseyforabetter life, while foreign contractors involved in the local oil business are celebrating their “fairytale” results and existence. No Guyanese should be struggling with basic foodshortageandendureastandardoflivingthatdrainsthe strengthoutofthem. ThePPP/CGovernmentknowswhere the holes are, what it must do. It hasn’t lifted a finger to makeadifferenceandeliminatethisnationaldisgrace.
Empty rhetoric from people
DEAREDITOR
Throughout history, society has seen the emergence of individuals who champion the cause of r e p r e s e n t i n g t h e underrepresented and voicing the concerns of marginalized communities. These individuals often become vocal critics of others, particularly those actively engaged in tangible efforts to create positive change in the communities and in people’s lives However,atroublingpattern often emerges: while these s e l f - p r o c l a i m e d representativesofthepeople excel at rhetoric, their actions rarely match their words.
I must say, those who genuinelymakeadifference must remain steadfast in their efforts despite criticisms.
Many individuals who engage in what might be called “performative representation” position themselves as advocates for the disenfranchised. They often speak eloquently and passionately, using their platforms to criticize others who are actively engaged in real-efforts to bring about positive change. However, their focus remains on rhetoric, talk and more talk, notonaction.
They seem more c o n c e r n e d w i t h appearances, attention, social validation and social media likes, shares and comments, than with effecting meaningful,
tangible outcomes. This can be seen in various sectors, frompoliticstosocialjustice movements, where the loudest voices often belong tothosewhocontributelittle beyondwords.
Most times, the pop up like unwanted mushroom and buzzing mosquitos whenever there is an issue that is gaining public attention. Linden like other communities has some of those characters who are domicileandotherswholive out of the township, region orthecountry’sjurisdiction.
This phenomenon I believe stems from a mix of envy and jealousy Seeing others take meaningful action can evoke feelings of inadequacyorresentmentin those who are unable or unwillingtodothesame.
So criticising those who are actively doing for the people they claim to represent and care for becomes a defense mechanism, a way to shift attention from their own shortcomings. By focusing on the perceived flaws and mishaps of others, these criticsdeflectattentionfrom their lack of tangible contributions, their nontangibleineffectivedoings.
The good book spoke of envy and jealousy, they are powerful motivators for criticism, especially when directed at those who achieve what others did not orcannot.
Individuals who talk without action often feel threatened by those who do
morethantalk.Theyseethe accomplishments of others asareminderoftheirfailure, their own inaction, fueling their desire to tear down those who succeed. In this way,theircriticismbecomes amanifestationoftheirown insecurities.
Thistypeofenvy-driven behaviour is especially problematic when it comes from those who claim to represent others Their jealousy leads them to undermine those who are actually helping, making it harder for real changemakers to succeed The energythatcouldbedirected toward constructive efforts is instead wasted on negativity, creating a toxic cycle that ultimately harms theverypeopletheyclaimto represent.
Hypocrisy is a defining trait of these individuals. While they criticize others for perceived failures, they oftenfailtoholdthemselves to the same standards. They may accuse others of not doing enough, all while avoiding any meaningful action of their own. This double standard is particularly evident when they attack those who are making genuine efforts to help.
These critics tend to focusonthefaultsofothers, no matter how minor, while ignoringordownplayingthe positive impact those individualshave.
This selective criticism reveals their true motives: it is not about representing
people or creating change, but about maintaining their own status and relevance. They prioritize their own self-image over the wellbeing of the communities theyclaimtoserve.
TothedoersIsay,despite thecriticismsandnegativity you may face, your genuine engaged efforts in helping others, must remain steadfast.Theworkyoudois invaluable,and your actions speak louder than any rhetoric.
While it can be disheartening to face unwarranted criticism, it is essential to recognize that such negativity often comes from a place of envy and insecurity
Change-makers should focusonthepositiveimpact they are making, rather than being distracted by those who criticize without contributing. Your work is whattrulymatters,andyour actionswillultimatelyspeak forthemselves.
The best response to empty rhetoric is continued action and dedication to the cause.Bystayingcommitted to your efforts, you can overcomethenegativityand continue to make a real difference in the lives of others.
The call to action is clear: focus on tangible, meaningful and impactful change, and let your actions be the true representation of yourcommitmenttoothers.
Yoursrespectfully, H o n . J e r m a i n e FigueiraMP
Recalling Protests of Guyanese at United Nations
DEAREDITOR, The United Nations Annual General Assembly (UNGA) opened last September10withleadersof countries addressing the world institution.This is the 79thsessionoftheGAsince it was founded at the end of WWII. Coinciding with the GA is the Summit of the Future(SOTF)whichwason September 22, 23. Selected leadersaddressedtheaugust body Prime Minister Modi addressed the body on Sept 22onSOTF PresidentIrfaan Ali addressed the GA on September 24. This week, there were rallies and protests on varied issues but none directly relating to Guyana or our President except generally on climatic
matters which the President and the government support in order to reduce greenhouse effect Ali has committedtopreservingour rain forest and Guyana is being handsomely rewarded forit.
Massive protests have been a norm at the opening session (and continuing for days) of the United Nations annualGeneralAssemblyon 44thStreetinManhattaneast side especially when prominent global leaders addressed the body – like that of USA, USSR or Russia, Britain, Germany, among others). Nationals of countries would also show uptopicketorshowsupport when their leader addressed the body The assembly
usually opened in early or mid-September I recall Guyanese, me included, being in front of the UN across the street for every assembly during the late 1970s and 1980s thru 1992. They (we) stood in rain or shine with picket signs and bull horns competing for space and world attention amongthehundredsofother groupsthatalsowantedtheir issuesaddressed.
That was where our Guyanese Brother Arjune Bechu (working in Georgia) held his weeklong fast; several of us took the week off from work in solidarity with Bechu) Bechu, a Gandhian, sent a letter to Hoyte threatening his o v e r t h r o w w i t h a
humanitarian fast and peaceful protest When Bechu visited Guyana after theprotest,hewasharassed. The New York Guyanese protests were organized by the support groups of PPP (ACG),WPA, DLM, and an independent group to which I belonged. The Guyanese were protesting against fraudulent elections and human rights abuses in Guyana and appealing for global support for restoration of democratic governance At times, dozens of Guyanese were at the rally and at times only a handful of us were at the annual rally or protest — Arjune Karshan, Chuck Mohan,Baytoram (Continuedonpage05)
ERCstatementontheincident atMabarumachurch
DEAREDITION
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) expressesdeepconcernover a video circulating in the publicdomainthatdepictsa police officer interrupting a churchserviceandescorting thechurch’smusicianoutof the premises to the Police Station over an alleged complaint of noise nuisance emanating from the church inMabaruma,RegionOne.
The ERC vehemently condemns any action that infringes upon the Freedom of Worship, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
W h i l e t h e E R C ack no w led ges th e responsibilityoftheGuyana Police Force to address reported complaints, the Commission strongly believes that this matter couldhavebeenhandledina way that was less disruptive tothechurchservice. In accordance with Article 212D of Guyana’s Constitution, the ERC is dedicated to its mandate to ‘Encourage and create respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society’ Accordingly, the Commission will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and work towards an amicable resolution for all parties involved Moreover, the
ERC takes this opportunity to emphasize that numerous cases brought to the Commission’s attention have involved ethnic tensions arising from noise disturbances. T h e r e f o r e , t h e Commission urges all citizens to be respectful and considerate of each
y maintaining noise levels that are appropriate for everyone
Together, we can all contribute to fostering a society rooted in peace and harmony
Sincerely
Ethnic Rel
Commission
Recalling Protests of Guyanese...
Frompage04
Baytoram, Vassan, and me would skip class while in college (at CCNY or NYU) andteachingduty(callingin sick, violating contractual rules) to organize,write and print
e for distribution, and attend the annualrally.
Leonora residents are ashamed and embarrassed
DEAREDITOR, As the dawn of last Saturday morning patiently waitedtodiscardthedarkof Friday night to break into another God gifted day, the Universe choose to designate that Saturday as “International Day of Peace ” When most Guyanese were soundly asleep at 2:45 am as they rightfullyshouldbe,afewin Leonorachosetoportraythe darksideofthevillageinthe brawling area ofAlbert Loo Street By having their premises opened for “business” in the wee and “holy”hoursofthemorning, theydisgracefullydispensed the slaughtering of the very essence of human life and mangled the hard work and sacrifice of the United Nations itself of which, Guy
subscribesto.
Wary of profit and oblivious of peace, liquor and food bar owners maroonedtheopportunityof giving Guyana a chance to subscribe to the peace our Presidentproudlypromotes. AlbertLooStreetwasfinally physically painted with the liquid which is reserved for the arteries and veins of humans for preservation, thereby qualifying the humiliation of the now infamous “Red Light Zone” of Leonora. What a way to go and stain the name of a onceproudvillage.
Yet, this unsavory incident does not deter the conscienceofprofiteers.On the contrary, plans are not amiss
uturistic expansion to include more inconvenience to the neighbourhood.
Will the relevant authorities accede to their barefaced request at the detriment of Leonora? The protection of people lies in the hands of the legal
villagers of Leonora be let down?
Leonoriansarenowfully ashamed of this tragedy and hold those who house the accommodation of such an environment for the despicable monstrosity, as accomplished architects for providingthefoundationfor sucheventuality.Leonorians in the diaspora are totally embarrassed that Leonora has been disrobed of her d i g n i t y L e o n o r a sympathizes with the members of the bereaved families.
Yoursrespectfully, JaiLall
Karshan, Chuck, Mel Carpen, David Hinds, Lincoln Van Sluytman, and other Guyanese would also taketimeofftheirjobstobe attheannualrallywhenever possible.
Staff (Kester Alves and others) from the Guyana UN Mission would pass by, collect handout, and mock us for the low turnout and or waved and laughedatusperhapsseeing us as fools wasting precious timeonwhattheymayhave
thoughtwasanelusivegoal. Was it wasted time rally in front of UN for 15 years? Democracy has been restored in Guyana sinceOctober1992
And as best as I can recall, there has not been any rallies or protest relating to Guyana in front of the UN since that year.
Yourstruly, VishnuBisram
Govt. spearheads emergency stormresponse to affected Linden residents
In an immediate and coordinated effort, the Government of Guyana on Wednesday dispatched food, essential supplies,andemergencyaid to Linden in response to the severeimpactofastormthat tore the roofs off several homes across Region 10 (UpperDemerara-Berbice).
Thestormwhicherupted on Tuesday evening left dozens of families in Wismar and McKenzie without shelter and exposed to further damage from heavyrainfall.
Minister of Public Works,JuanA.Edghill,leda high-level team to the a f f e c
Accompanying him were Opposition Member of P
Executive Officer Dwight John, Town Clerk Lennox
Representative of the Prime Minister’s office, Orin Wilson; PPP/C Coordinator, A
w F
, engineers, and regional officials.
Together, they visited more than thirty-three households to assess the d
immediaterelief
“Our priority right now is to ensure families can safely return to their homes We are focusing
on getting roofs back on as quickly as possible,” statedMinisterEdghill He said, “We’ve mobilized contractors from Region 10 and d
Ministry of Public Works to facilitate emergency repairs and restore proper shelter for residents Our government stands ready to support the affected families every step of the way ” T h e m i n i s t e r acknowledged the extent of the devastati
describing scenes of
g caused by the loss of
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and team engaging a resident in Region 10 after the storm
roofing, with several h o m e s r e n d e r e d uninhabitable
Fallen trees have
further complicated recovery efforts, adding to the damagesustainedby homesandinfrastructure.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is also playing a critical role in the emergency response, conducting a s s e s s m e n t s a n d delivering immediate relief in the form of hot meals, as many residents have been left unable to cook due to waterlogged conditionsintheirhomes.
In addressing the people
of Linden, Minister Edghill expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected. Edghill said, “The Government’s response is focused on ensuringthatnofamilyisleft vulnerable. Losing a roof and enduring flooding is devastating, but we are committed to restoring your homes and providing continued support during thisdifficulttime.”
“Restoring normalcy
for the families in L i n d e n i s o u r immediate goal
We are working
tirelessly to ensure that homes are repaired and that everyone has access to meals and other essentialservices
The Government will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Linden as they rebuild their lives after this unfortunate event,” he said
As recovery efforts c o n t i n
, t h e Gove
ment is
working with local contractors and civil society organizations to expedite repairs and return families to their homes (DPI)
Govt. unsure how soon electricity bills will be reduced by 50% after Gas-to-Energy project comes online
ThehighlytoutedUS$2B Gas-to-Energy(GTE)project isintendedtoreducemonthly electricity bills by 50% but Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is unable to say how soon consumers can expect thisreduction.
In the absence of a feasibility study for the project, stakeholders have been constantly questioning the project's capacity to delivercheaperelectricity
On Thursday, the VP during his weekly media conference was asked how s o o n a f t e r t h e operationalization of the plant,a50%reductioninthe cost of electricity could be expected.
Tothisend,heexplained, “I don't know if one day or a week or so but it will, it should happen almost immediately because if we are getting all this power in the grid immediately that meanswecanturnoffalotof the high-cost generating equipment that we have now and substitute this with the new power plant so almost immediately The benefits will be seen almost immediately.”
The GTE project is expectedtodeliversome300 megawatts (MW) of cleaner andcheaperelectricity
Jagdeo noted that the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) generating sets, currently in operation, will be turned off
An artist’s impression of the Gas-to-Energy project
and be used as a backup powersupply.
“If the Gas-to-Energy projectcanmeetthedemand, andthatiswearegenerating at 4 cents per kilowatt hour there, then every other generating set will go into reserve,”hesaid.
The Vice President was keen to note that the country is presently operating withoutanyreserve,duetoa large increasing demand for electricity
According to him, “Our installed capacity is close to peak demand so there is no reservesothat'swhyifaunit
goes down you have power outages, so these reserves nowwouldbetheresojustin caseyouhavelocalissuesor something, they would be maintained and put into reserves.”
Be that as it may, Jagdeo said if the demand surpasses the300MWgeneratedbythe Wales power plant, government “may have to turn on some of these units backagain.”
Government expects the GTEprojecttobecompleted by April, 2025 The contractor, CH4/ Lindsayca has however indicated that
the power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility willbehandedoveratalater date. The extension is likely to cost the contractor some US$11 3M per month accordingtoJagdeo.
Earlier this year, award winning international Lawyer, Melinda Janki in a letter to the United States Export Import (US-EXIM) Bank flagged government's failure to publish coherent and convincing financial analysis to support the businesscasefortheproject.
In her April 25, 2024, letter to the President of the
Kamarang farmer remanded on attempted murder charge
A 26-year-old farmer from the Kamarang-Warawatta Village, Upper Mazaruni, Region 7 was remandedtoprisononThursday,on an attempted murder charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates'Court.
The defendant, Kenroy Charlie, is accused of stabbing Terrence Williams during a dispute on September 24, 2024. Reports are that Charlie accused Williams of havinganaffairwithhiswife.
Charlie appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir virtually where the attempted murder charge was read to him. He wasnotrequiredtoplead.
Prosecutor Seon Williams told the court that Charlie confronted Williams about the affair and Williams' denial angered Charlie whoallegedlyuseda'Rambo'knife to stab Williams twice in the abdomen.
Williams, who was seriously
transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he is currently receivingtreatment.
Charlie upon his arrest reportedlyadmittedtothecrimefor whichhewascharged.
The Prosecutor objected to bail citing Section 7, Subsection 2B of the BailAct 2022, which addresses thenatureandgravityoftheoffence andthepotentialpenalties.
He emphasized that the crime committed could result in a life sentence being imposed The prosecutor also reminded the court ofthetypeofweaponusedandthat thevictimremainshospitalized.
Charliewasremandedtoprison until December 17, 2024, for statements The case has been transferred to the Kamarang Magistrates'Court.
US-EXIM Bank, Reta Jo Lewis, Janki indicated that the financial institution might wish to obtain this information before further c o n s i d e r i n g t h e governmen
application.
It was reported in April 2023thattheGoGappliedto the US-EXIM Bank for a US$646M loan to fund a naturalgas-firedpowerplant and natural gas liquids plant to be constructed by contractor CH4-Lindsayca Theplants,tobeconstructed at Wales, West Bank DemeraraarepartoftheGTE project,whichalsoincludesa pipeline being built by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited to transport the gas fromoffshoretothesite.
The US-EXIM Bank has not yet approved Guyana's applicationfortheloanandis said to be in the concluding phase of its independent analysisoftheproject.
Janki said on Saturday that information that should be available publicly on the projectindicatesthatitcould costUS$1.9B.Shewaskeen to point out this estimate could increase as big infrastructure projects are
notable for exceeding budget.
“The cost of this Project will be borne by the Guyanesepublicbecausethe governmentwillhavetotake moneyfromthepublicpurse or use public assets such as oil in order to pay ExxonMobilGuyanaandthe other contractors. Similarly, anyloanfromEximbankwill have to be paid back from public money,” the lawyer reasoned.
Tothisend,sheexplained thatthepeopleofGuyanaare therefore entitled to see that the proposed gas project is financially viable before the government seeks to borrow moneytoproceed.
She argued, “It is not sufficientforthegovernment tomakepromises.Economic development is not a matter of wishful thinking Economic development requires robust economic analysis of the global energy market.Theproposedproject willlockGuyanaintogasata time when the fossil fuel industryisonadeclineandis likely to leave Guyana with stranded assets and an adverse impact on Guyana's economy.”
Man found dead in house died from blunt trauma to head
– Autopsy
The post-mortem
examinations conducted on a 56-year-old labourer, who was found dead at his Bartica home on Tuesday, revealed that he died from blunttraumatothehead.
Dead is Rushik
Ramkarran, also known as 'Crushal.' Ramkarran was found lying face down with woundsatthebottomofthe stairsofhishome,locatedat Lot 37 Seventh Avenue, Bartica.Policereportedthat the post-mortem was performedonWednesdayby GovernmentPathologistDr NehaulSingh.
Police stated that the dead man's niece of First Avenue,Bartica,reportedto ranksthatRamkarranwhois allegedly an alcoholic and drug addict had not been seen in several days
Subsequently, police
ventured off to Ramkarran's home,whereranksfoundthe door, which was the only entrance into the house via the stairs, bolted from the inside and a reddish substance (suspected to be blood) was observed flowing down the stairs (steps).
As such, ranks prised open the door and the body ofthedeceasedwasfound.
The man's body was examined and a wound was observed on the head, with blood visible on the face. Thebodywastransportedto Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
“Based on preliminary investigation,itissuspected that the deceased may have fallen from the top of the stairway, hitting his head in the process Further investigation ongoing,” policehadreported.
It has been one of the paradoxesofhistorythatthe leaders of left-wing parties typicallyhaveemergedfrom the middle class and the petit-bourgeois class
Working class parties typicallybutnotexclusively derive their leadership from theranksofthemiddleclass, including persons from the proletariat that have graduatedtothatclass.
Karl Marx, the father of communism,wasbornintoa relatively affluent middleclassfamilyinTrier,Prussia (now Germany). His father was a lawyer, and Marx studied law and philosophy at university before turning to revolutionary theory Despite advocating for the proletariat (working class), Marx himself was not from thatclass.
Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Russian Revolution and founder of theSovietUnion,camefrom a middle-class family His fatherwasaschoolinspector and nobleman. Lenin was well-educated, having studiedlawbeforebecoming involved in revolutionary activities.
Fidel Castro, the Cuban revolutionary leader came from a wealthy farming family His father owned a large sugar plantation, and Castroattendedeliteschools before becoming a lawyer Despite his upper-middleclassbackground,Castroled a socialist revolution on behalf of Cuba’s working class Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, was born into a prosperous peasant family His family’s
wealth, derived from land ownership, placed him in a higher social standing than most peasants, although he later joined revolutionary movements advocating for the working class and rural poor Che Guevara, the famous Argentine Marxist revolutionary, who played a key role in the Cuban Revolution, was born into a middle-class family He studied medicine before becoming involved in radical politics His background in the educated, professional class contrasts withtheguerrillawarfarehe ledinsupportoftheworking class.
Salvador Allende, the Chilean president and socialist leader came from a middle-classbackground He studiedmedicineandbecame involved in politics, eventually leading the PopularUnitygovernmentin Chile until the 1973 military coup His professional and social status placed him far fromtheproletariat
This trend has arisen because middle-class individualsoftenhavegreater access to education, political discourse,andorganizational resources,makingthemmore likely to emerge as leaders, even in movements aimed at representing the working class
Also, middle class individuals seek greater political representation and manyofthemassumetherole ofpoliticalleaders
In today’s neo-liberal age, left wing politics no longer has the same degree of fixation with the middle classandthepetit-bourgeois
class But this has not quelled the political ambitions of persons within these classes, and indeed these classes themselves continue to agitate for greaterrepresentationwithin the political structure. The appetite of the middle class andpetit-bourgeoisclassfor political representation remains strong These classes feel increasingly squeezed between the ultrawealthyeliteandagrowing, precarious working class
The middle and petit bourgeois classes, often well-educated and politically aware, remain deeply invested in political power,evenwhentheruling parties are neo-liberal in orientation such as what exists in Guyana. As such, they continue to agitate for not just a voice, but space, withinthepoliticalstructure.
Guyana is a deeply ethnically polarised country, withitstwodominantpolitical parties the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National C o n g r e s s / R e f o r m (PNC/R) largely aligned with the country’s two main ethnicgroups,Indo-Guyanese and African-Guyanese, respectively For decades, elections have been characterisedbyethnicvoting patterns,wherethebulkofthe Indo-Guyanese population supports the PPP, while the A f r i c a n - G u y a n e s e predominantlybackthePNC
Thisethnicdividehaslimited the space for multi-ethnic, issue-based politics, forcing individuals, particularly from themiddleandpetit-bourgeois classes,toalignwithoneofthe
DEM BOYS SEH
Tek back de cricket from dem hustlers
Dem boys seh dem Guyaneselovecricketbad, bad, bad. Everybody want fuhseedeGuyanaAmazon Warriors beat up pon de otherteamsindeCPL.But guess wah? Plenty people can’t get a ticket. Dem trying. Dem begging. Dem pleading. But no luck. No ticket.
Yet some people walking ‘round like dem own de stadium. Dem got nuff, nuff tickets. Some even selling tickets like is mangoesatdemarket.And de price? Twenty-five thousand dollars fuh one
game Twenty-five thousand! You could buy
groceries fuh one week withdat.
Dem boys seh dis ting tun extortion. People who really love de cricket, who just want to support de Warriors, can’t afford to pay dat kinda money But dem scalpers, dem ticket touts, dem black market hustlers,smilingalldeway to de bank. It look like de CPL tun big business fuh dem! Buthearwha.Ifnobody ain’t buy dem tickets from dem, dem gon lose big time. Let dem sweat lil. If de tickets dem sit down in dem hand, all de twentyfive-
twomajorparties,eveniftheir interests and concerns transcendethnicloyalties The ethnicpolarizationhascreated a binary political choice, where economic and social policiesoftentakeabackseat tothepoliticsofidentity
However,thereisnowan emerging and growing middle and petit-bourgeois class in Guyana that is increasingly seeking political representation beyondthetraditionalethnic lines of the PPP and PNC. Thistrendhasfueledtherise of smaller parties, most notably the Alliance for Change (AFC). The AFC initially garnered significant supportfromacross-section ofethnicgroups,positioning itself as an alternative to the entrenched ethnic divisions. While most of the smaller parties have since disappeared, this shift
reflects the political ambitions of a middle and petit-bourgeois class that wants a more inclusive, issue-driven political discourse, free from the constraints of ethnic polarization.
Their continued growth and push for representation suggestthatGuyana’spolitical structure is slowly evolving, though challenges remain in b
entrenchedethnicallegiances
The emergence of smaller parties in Guyana has been viewed by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as a direct threat to its longstanding stranglehold on power The PPP/C relies heavily on maintaining ethnic politics to ensure its electoral survival, as it fears that a shift toward multiethnic, issue-driven politics could weaken the ethnic l
traditionallysecureditshold onpower
The smaller parties challenge the entrenched ethnic-based politics that have historically bolstered thePPP/C’sdominance.
As a result, there is an emergingcultureofpolitical intolerance within the PPP/C, as it seeks to supp
d alternative political voices thatcoulderodeitsbase.The paranoia and attacks by the ruling PPP/C will become more vicious especially considering that it holds a slender one-seat majority in theNationalAssembly
The middle and petitbourgeoisclassesinGuyana, however, are unlikely to be deterred by the PPP/C’s
demonization There are factions within these classes that are determined to carve outtheirownpoliticalspace. Ifthisspacecannotbefound within the established political parties, it will be pursuedthroughthecreation of new parties, no matter how small or marginal their support bases may initially be.
Theirpersistencesignals a growing push for political diversity and issue-driven politics,reflectingapossible long-term shift in the political landscape that may eventually challenge the dominanceofethnicpolitics in Guyana. The great pity is that these small parties overwhelmingly represent middle class and petitbourgeois interests, abandoning working-class interests.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
dreams gon collapse. Dem boyssehweneedfuhstarve out de touts. Let dem tek a lilloss.Ifwestopbuyingde overpricedtickets,demgon stop selling dem at dat ridiculousprice. So here de deal: Don’t encourage de scamps. If you can’t get a ticket at de regular price, sit down home and watch it pon de TV. Let dem scalpers cry instead ah you. Dis way, next CPL, dem gon tink twice before trying fuh rob cricketfansblind.
Dem boys seh we got fuhtekbackdecricketfrom dehustlers. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
H@RD TRUTHS
First it was Jordan then came Goolsarran
Former Minister of Finance,Mr WinstonJordan, took the first bite, and it was bitter: there is the probably illegal at work. Next, along cameformerAuditorGeneral and international civil servant, Mr Anand Goolsarran and he also did not pull his punches: this hazy business involving pipelineslaidbyExxontothe Wales Gas-to-Energy (GtE) complex, and company loan that makes it possible, is counter to what the law requires These two Guyanese of considerable governance vintage are not lightweights. They know what they are talking about, regardless of what anybody from Jagdeo to possibly Nandlallmaysayineffortsto minimize or undermine their representations. Both Mr Jordan and Mr Goolsarran present compelling
arguments about the legality of PPP Government loan maneuvers with Exxon, and where the money is going to come from when the debt becomesdue.
For starters, what's up withallthesecrecyaboutthis whole Wales GtE project, billion-dollar pipeline included? The whole threeprong project now stands at US$2 billion, but no Guyanese outside of Bharrat Jagdeo's secret society has any idea about the basis of this project. Jagdeo says he has all the cards but is so concernedaboutthereaction inthelocalenvironmentthat he keeps them in the tightly zipped inner pocket of his jacket. He says he has aces and kings for the Wales GtE project but keeps them hidden. Being Jagdeo, age andeyesightmaybecatching up with him, in that has
Govt. to write
off
$5B student loan debt by year-end
-Jagdeourgeseligiblepersonstoapply
During his press conference on Thursday, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo announced that the government is expected to write off approximately $5 billion in student loan debt owed to the University of Guyana (UG) by the end of 2024.
It was recently reported thatthegovernment,through the Ministry of Finance, has written off approximately $203.7 million in student debt owed This was highlighted by the Ministry of Finance's 2024 mid-year report, which revealed that this latest development has benefitted around 346 personstodate.
“Soifyoudividethe$203 million by 346 you will get about $588,000, on average per each person,” Jagdeo said. Within the second half of the year, an additional 2,900 persons is expected to benefit from this initiative. The Vice President said, “If weusethesameaveragethat willbeabout$5billionalone this year and if more people comeinwewillwriteallofit off in a single year, the full $18 billion once they are eligible.SoIwanttourgethe students, who have outstandingdebttojustapply for the write off so that we
mistakenjacksandjokersfor aces and kings. Guyanese who have lived here longer know that this has happened before, thanks to the wily machinations of Jagdeo in eachoftheofficialcapacities that he has served in before. IftheWalesGtEvisionisthis good, holds this great promise for Guyanese, then any leader of substance wouldrushtosharethatwith any audience that he could find.
Guyana's parliament is still waiting. Both Messrs. Jordan and Goolsarran have madeclearthatthey,too,are watchingandwaiting. They waittoseehowtheseout-ofsight, outside-the-backdoor, pipeline arrangements b e t w e e n t h e P P P Government (Jagdeo) and Exxon play out. They and some other Guyanese are watching that National Resource Fund, and what will happen to it with that loan from Exxon for laying thepipeline.
As the former minister asked, “how much is the [Exxon] loan?” Does any GuyaneseoutsideofWinston Brassington and Bharat Jagdeo know what the terms of the loan are? Both Dr Brassington and Dr Jagdeo
canproceedwithdoingso.”
The Department of Public Information (DPI) recently reported that free tertiary education by 2025 is an essential element of the PPP/C 2020-2025 manifesto plans To achieve this, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the governmentwillimplementa phased approach, first targeting individuals who holduniversityloans.
In 2024, during the reading of the national 2024 budget, the Senior Minister intheOfficeofthePresident with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh announced phase one of the initiative, benefitting some 13,000 Guyanese.
are men of extraordinary integrity, so there should not be any great difficulty is providing answers to those routine questions The problem could be that the extraordinaryintegrityofthe two men is of such a rare degreethatitisunfamiliarto ordinary men and women. Hence, the delay in laying any documents in the National Assembly, sharing any information with Guyanese, and saying anythingotherthan'trustme'. If there is hesitancy in doing that with a dollar, Guyanese could appreciate the commotionwithdoingsofor a billionAmerican ones. Or if this whole secret shebang were to be hauled before the public, a whopping US$2 billion and counting. This has been part of the bitter experience of Guyanese taxpayers: when Jagdeo sets his sights on projects like these, there is no limit to his counting, and his skill in dumpingthatontheheadsof locals. There should be no need for any mentioning of sugarorbridgeconstruction, and who ended up holding thebag. Itisonethingtogive citizens a heavy bag to hold. But there must be leadership decency, at least, to remove
he blindfold wrapped around theireyes.
Guyanese wan cheap and reliab electricity,ashasbeen soofteninthisspace,thatthe counthasbeenlost. Itwould help immensely if either the PPP Government or Jagdeo (there is some duplication t h e r e )
(supporting documents), on all three phases of the Wales projectsothatGuyanesecan endorse it or put as much distanceastheywishedfrom it. Once Dr Jagdeo has the goods, he is best advised to put them on the table, with nothing withheld What couldbemoretohisbenefit? What could do more for his reputation and that extraordinary integrity that was identified about him, which are both now under some severe weather? The seasonofgovernmentsecrets (Jagdeo's) has been allowed to last too long. Financial feasibility studies, Exxon pipeline loan details and arrangements, should not come under the roof of PPP family secrets. Surely, there is neither leadership incest nor a nest of vipers lurking around this Wales project to
tear the skin off from Guyanese. President Ali who is always good for a roundofheartytransparency must see to it that Oil VP Jagdeodeliverswhathe[Ali] swears his government is all about. To prolong this state of secrecy makes a mockery of transparency, the presidency and Excellency Ali.
This is his government. He deserves better Guyanesedeservebetter All citizens are encouraged to ponderthislittlethought. Ifa leader,agovernment-anyof thetwoatanytime-decides on a project that stirs their fancy, then carries it out in secrecy, then that oil money is no longer a national fund. It transforms into a leadershippiggybank. Every Guyanese knows what pigs do around a trough. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)
APA highlights concerns about carbon credits, REDD+ initiatives at UN forum
AdvocacyandPolicyOfficerofthe Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), Mr Nicholas Peters, on Tuesday, voiced concerns about the inadequate level of consultation and involvementofIndigenousPeoplesand communities in the development and implementation of carbon credit sales w i t h i n Jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD+) initiativesinGuyana.
Peters was at the time, part of a panel discussion on the "Social Integrity within Voluntary Carbon Markets:ChallengesandOpportunities for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities"inManhattan,NewYork where Climate Week 2024 is currently ongoing.InapressreleasebytheAPA,it was mentioned that the event was cohosted by Rainforest Foundation US andRainforestFoundationNorwayand exploredtheroleofIndigenousPeoples and Local Communities (IPLC) in voluntary carbon markets. The other panelists included Ms Jennifer L
n
Development Programme (UNDP) Global Safeguards Advisor and Stakeholder Response Mechanism Coordinator, Ms. Francisca Arara –Indigenous Peoples Secretary of the State of Acre, Brazil, and Mr Daniel
of the Integrity Council for the
Policy and Advocacy Officer Mr. Nicholas Peters (right), Finance Manager
Ms. Samantha Humphrey and Communications and Visibility Officer Mr. Lakhram Bhagirat are representing the APAat the UN events
Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM).
During his presentation, Peters noted that while projects emanating from the financial benefits of the sale of carbon credits are potentially beneficial, there are serious questions among some Indigenous Communities regarding their participation, understanding, and the long-term implications for their l a n d s andlivelihoods.
The information presented by the APA stems from its work with Indigenous Peoples in Regions 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 in addition to investigations (Continuedonpage16)
Ex-cop among four arrested for beating man unconscious at CPL game
Formerpoliceman,
A former policeman, SeresteBrittlebankisamong four men arrested on Wednesday night after they were caught on camera beatingamanunconsciousat the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East BankDemerara(EBD).
The quartet is also alleged to have assaulted a policeman during their arrest The other three suspectshavebeenidentified as: Trevon Williams, 31, of Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Germaine Ragubir, 30, from Non Pareil, ECD and Kevin Williams, 29, of Annandale, ECD.
According to police, the men were arrested around 23:40hrs for assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest. They were reportedly seen beating a man in the grass mound of the stadium duringaCPLmatchbetween the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Barbados Royals Eyew
sses alleged that the victim was under the influence and was reportedly walking up to patronsandchallengingthem toafight.Whenhewalkedup toBrittlebankandhisgroup, the men unleashed a brutal assault on him That individual is reportedly hospitalised.
Meanwhile, friends and family of the victim denied that he had started the fight. Theysaidthathewasindeed drinking like everyone else thereandenjoyinggamewith his family but was attacked over a flag. Kaieteur News understands that his assailants were arrested while leaving the stadium. Theformercopisnostranger tothelaw Hewaspreviously accused of brutally beating his common-law wife while he was still a police officer He was later charged and placed before the court but his common-law wife opted to drop all charges against himduringthetrial.
Men raid Go-Invest cart off with laptops, $3000 shoes
Two men on Wednesday appeared at the GeorgetownMagistrates'Courttofacethree chargesofbreakandenterandlarcenyatthe GuyanaOfficeforInvestment(Go-Invest).
The accused are identified as Vickram LakramandAndrewAustinofnofixedplace of abode It is alleged that between September 21 and 22, 2024, Lakram and Austin broke into the Go-Invest building, located at Church and Camp Streets, Georgetownandstolethreelaptopsvaluedat $600,000, property of the government Additionally,theyareaccusedofstealingsix bottles of perfume worth $14,000 and a quantity of medicine valued at $7,500, belonging to Leanna Damond. The duo also allegedly took a pair of shoes valued at $3,000 and a bottle of cream valued at $1,500,ownedbyAliciaRobertsSquires.
The duo appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty who read the charges to them. They pleaded guilty to all charges. According to police statements presented in court, the Go-Invest building was secured and guarded by Special Constabulary ranks September 21, 2024 around 18:30hrs Around 06:30hrs on September 22, a guard noticed Lakram exitingthroughtheeasternglassdoorwitha black garbage bag. An alarm was raised, prompting a chase, but Lakram managed to escape.Uponinspectingthebuilding,several items were found missing. CCTV footage showedAustinstandingoutsideandassisted Lakraminremovingthestolengoods.
Both men were later arrested, and all
stolen items were recovered. During the proceedings, Lakram claimed he did not knowhowtoreadandstatedthatthedoorwas open. Austin explained that he was merely assistingLakramwiththeitems.
Magistrate McGusty emphasized the seriousnessofthecrime,notingthatthetheft involved government property and that one victim had represented Guyana at an international level in the mid-90s. she remarked, “Gentlemen, you really struck a blowatthewholecountry.”Consideringthe gravity of the offence and the fact that the defendants did not waste the court's time, they were sentenced to 18 months in prison forallthreecharges.
Vickram Lakram (right) and Andrew Austin (left)
Sereste Brittlebank (Photo credit: Action News)
Arrested: Kevin Williams
Arrested: Trevon Williams
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Health Ministers of the Americas to meet in Washington to set health priorities at the 61st PAHO Directing Council
High-level health authorities of the Americas will meet from September 30 to October 4 in Washington, DC, to participate in the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
During the sessions of this governing body, strategies, plans, and policies will be discussed and analysed, and priorities for technical cooperation and collaboration will be set for the coming years, PAHO said in a release.
The opening ceremony will take place on Monday, September 30, at 9:00 a.m. (Washington, DC time). The event will be attended by Fernando Boyd Galindo, Minister of Health of Panama and outgoing President of the Directing Council; Loyce Pace, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the United States Department of Health and Human Services; and Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. The Secretary General
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of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro; the Chief of the Social Protection and Hea lth Division at the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), Pablo Ibarrarán; and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), will participate, with doctor Adhanom Ghebreyesus joining via video message. After the ceremony, Dr. Barbosa will present his annual report as Director of the regional health organization.
Main debates and expected decisions
During the week, delegates will decide key strategies and policies. The topics to be addressed include strengthening tobacco control in the region, promoting epidemic intelligence to improve early warning of health emergencies, accelerating the transformation of health systems, and strengthening the health sector’s capacity to address threats posed by climate change to health. Other priority topics will include sepsis, health information
systems, long-term care, as well as surgical, intensive care, and emergency care. A roadmap will also be presented for the development of the PAHO Strategic Plan 2026-2031, which will be approved in 2025. This plan will establish the strategic direction of the Organization, along with the collective priorities and results to be achieved during that period. Delegates will receive final reports on topics such as the 2018-2023 entomology and vector control action
(Continued on page 17)
APA highlights concerns about carbon...
From page 10 carried out by other partners. While the APA acknowledges the importance of initiatives geared at addressing climate change, the Association has consistently highlighted the need for meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.
Some communities have shared with the APA that they have not been sufficiently consulted or informed about the terms of the carbon credit sales, particularly concerning the long-term impacts on their lands. “One thing we’ve learned is that what looks good on paper isn’t always good in practice,” Peters noted. “While Guyana has laws protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and ensuring their right to free, prior, and informed consent, the quality of that engagement, particularly regarding carbon markets involving Indigenous [Peoples’] lands, has been insufficient.”
The APA has raised concerns specifically about how the financial benefits from carbon sales are being distributed. Instead of being involved in crafting benefit-
sharing mechanisms from the outset,Indigenous communities received village planning documents only after the initial sale of carbon credits. This approach limits their input and involvement in shaping how these projects can work for their long-term needs.
“Although communities are benefiting financially, many feel they were not given the opportunity to contribute to designing these programmes...there hasn’t been a continuous process of consultation to ensure that they fully understand the implications of these programmes for their lands and future,” he said.
Another critical issue raised by the APA is the sale of carbon credits to an oil company, a move that raises contradictions within Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.
This raises significant concerns given Guyana’s national efforts to combat climate change, and limit carbon emissions while selling carbon credits to major polluters.
“We believe it is crucial for Indigenous Peoples to have a more central role in negoti-
ating these deals and in planning their futures in ways that respect their rights and worldviews,” shared the Policy Officer.
The APA is also calling attention to the wider gap between the technical frameworks governing REDD+ programmes and the lived experiences and knowledge of Indigenous communities.
“While Indigenous peoples have rights, those rights are often overlooked in the complex systems of financial and climate response. The knowledge, needs, and contributions of Indigenous communities must be integrated into any system designed to address climate change.”
As Guyana continues its efforts in the global climate response, the APA urges the government, buyers, and international partners to ensure that Indigenous communities are properly consulted and included in all stages of project development. Without their full and informed participation, these initiatives may not truly serve the longterm interests of the people whose lands and livelihoods they most impact.
Wales gas project facing 3-month delay due to sub-contractors - Brassington
Winston Brassington, Head oftheGas-to-Energy(GTE)Task Force,inastatementonThursday disclosedthattheconstructionof the Integrated Power Plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility is facing a three-month delay due to setbacks caused by ExxonMobil’sub-contractors.
“It is important to note that the AMCHAM forum was held under Chatam House rules, and nomediawereinvitedorpresent. Despite this, certain information has flowed into the media,” Brassingtonsaidasheaddressed a recent media report that the power plant is expected to generatepowerduringthesecond halfof2025.
He noted that what was not discussed at the event is the dispute before the Dispute Avoidance / Adjudication Board (DAAB)Tribunal.Itwasrecently disclosed that the arbitration panel for US-million cost overruns claimed by United States-basedLindsaycaandCH4 joint venture against the GovernmentofGuyana(GoG)is settovisitnextmonth.
Back in April, the jointventuremadeaclaimagainstthe Government for US-millions in cost overruns for construction delaysfortheWalesGTEproject.
In December 2022, CH4Lindsayca was awarded a US$759M contract for the
Health Ministers of the Americas to meet...
Frompage16 plan, the 2018-2023 action planforthesustainabilityof measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome elimination, and accesstoandrationaluseof strategic and high-cost medicines and other health technologies Progress
reports will also be presented on disparities in access to and use of health services by LGBT+ people, a n d t h e d i g i t a l transformation of the health sector,amongothers.
Events, awards, and specialmeetings
The 61st Directing Council will begin with the 20th “Walk for Health”. This activity will take place on September 29 at 9:00 a.m., with a 3.62-kilometer (2.25-mile) walk through
the Foggy Bottom
neighbourhood and
Washington D C to promote physical and mental health Special
events include briefing sessions on the PAHO Elimination Initiative, which will be held on Monday, September 30 from12:30to2:00p.m.,and on the pandemic agreement from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday, October 1, issues related to telemedicine will be discussed from 12:30 to 2:00 p m , and the contributions of the Americas region to a sustainable WHO will be celebratedfrom5:00to6:30 p m The session on Wednesday,October2,from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., will focus on the elimination of cervicalcancer
The PAHO Award for M a n a g e m e n t a n d Leadership in Health Services 2024 will be presented on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 1. The 61st Directing Council is scheduled to close on the morning of Friday, October 4.
construction of two components of the GTE project, the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and the 300 megawatts (MW) power plant.
Brassington in his statement notedthatundertheGovernment ofGuyana(GoG)agreementwith CH4-Lindsayca, the delivery of the“simplecycle/NGLfacilities” was contractually scheduled for delivery on December 31, 2024.
Brassington explained that the delays stemmed from the late completion of site work by Exxon’s sub-contractor GYSBI and the Material Offloading Facility(MOF)bysub-contractor GAICO.
According to him, the Government has accepted a schedule extension of three months in favour of the contractor “Flowing from the above, it is to be made clear that the GOG holds Lindsayca/CH4 contractually responsible to deliver the project in “simple c
” Brassingtonsaid.
Moreover, the GTE project head stated that it is the Government’s intent to charge liquidateddamagesonanydelay thereafter at a Liquidated
contract This amounts to US$11.3millionpermonth.
Winston Brassington, Head of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Task Force
Israel rejects US-backed Lebanon ceasefire plan, hits Beirut again
BEIRUT/JERUSALE
M, Sept 26 (Reuters)Israel rejected global calls on Thursday for a ceasefire with the Hezbollah movement, defying its biggest ally the U.S. and pressing ahead with strikes that have killed hundreds in Lebanon and heightened fears of an all-out regional war
An Israeli warplane struck the edges of the capital Beirut, killing two people and wounding 15, including a woman in criticalcondition,Lebanon’s healthministrysaid.
That took deaths from hits overnight and during Thursdayto28.
Thestrikekilledthehead of one of Hezbollah’s air force units, Mohammad Surur, two security sources said, the latest senior Hezbollahcommandertobe targeted in days of assassinations hitting the group’stopranks.
Smoke was seen rising after the hit near an area where several Hezbollah facilities are located and many civilians also live and work.
Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV broadcast images of a damaged upper floor of a building.
OntheIsraelisideofthe border with Lebanon, the army staged an exercise simulating a ground invasion - a potential next stage after relentless airstrikes and explosions of communicationsdevices.
Israel’s air force is planning to assist troops in the event of a ground operation and will stop any armstransfersfromIran,Air Force Commander Major GeneralTomerBarsaidlate onThursday
“We are preparing shoulder to shoulder with Northern Command for a groundmaneuver.Prepared, if activated This is a decision to be made above us,” he told soldiers, in a video distributed by the Israelimilitary.
Israel has vowed to secure its north and return thousands of citizens to communitiestherewhohave evacuated since Hezbollah launched a campaign of cross-borderstrikeslastyear insolidaritywithPalestinian militantsfightinginGaza.
Landing in the U.S. to address the U.N. General Assembly, Israeli, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahutoldreportersthe military will keep hitting
An Israeli police officer stands by as a firefighter as he puts out a fire after a rocket fired from Lebanon into Israel hit a residential house, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in Rosh Pina, northern Israel, September 26, 2024. REUTERS/Gil Eliyahu
Hezbollah with “full force andwewillnotstopuntilwe achieve all our goals, first and foremost returning the residents of the north safely totheirhomes.”
Israel’s stance has dashed hopes for a swift settlement after Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, whose government includes Hezbollah elements, had expressed hopeforaceasefire.
Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes during the heaviest Israeli bombardment of Lebanon since a major war in2006.
Hezbollah has faced off against the Israeli military since the Shi’ite Muslim movement was created by Iran’sRevolutionaryGuards in1982tocounteranIsraeli invasionofLebanon.
It has since evolved into Tehran’s most powerful MiddleEastproxy
The U.S., France and several other allies urged an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border. They also expressed support for a ceasefire in Gaza.
WASHINGTON STILL SEEKSCEASEFIRE
The White House said that discussions are continuing for a 21-day ceasefire and U S and Israeli officials would hold talks in New York on Thursday
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was scheduled to meet with IsraeliMinisterforStrategic AffairsRonDermer
InLondon,U.S.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned there was a risk of all-out war in the Middle East, but a diplomatic
solutionwasstillpossible.
“Soletmebeclear,Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path, despite the sharp escalation in recent days, a diplomatic solution isstillviable,”Austinsaid.
More than 600 people have been killed since MondayinIsrael’sstrikeson Lebanon.
Hezbollah has fired hundreds of missiles at targetsinIsraelincludingits commercial hub Tel Aviv, although Israel’s aerial defence system has ensured that the damage has been limited.
Israeli fighter jets on Thursday also hit infrastructure on the Lebanese-Syrian border to stopthetransferofweapons from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel’s military said.
The Lebanese health ministry said most victims on Thursday were Syrians killedinthetownofYounine in the Bekaa Valley. Lebanon is home to around 1.5millionSyrianswhofled civilwarthere.
Hezbollah said in a statement it had struck the town of Kiryat Shmona in north Israel and an Israeli military northern command base, as well as using air defence weapons to force twoIsraeliwarplanesback.
In Beirut, thousands of Lebanese have sought shelter in schools. In one, women could be seen leaning out of classroom windows, smoking cigarettesorairingoutfoam mattresses they had slept on thisweek.
Aid organisations were distributing clothes and food, and checking on medications needed by
elderly people who had fled too quickly to bring prescriptionswiththem.
Neighbouring countries
are worried about the safety oftheircitizensinLebanon. Turkey is making preparations for possible
evacuationofitscitizensand foreign nationals from Lebanon, a Turkish defence ministrysourcesaid.
Israelhasmadeapriority of securing its northern border and allowing the return there of some 70,000 residents displaced by neardaily exchanges of fire, which Hezbollah initiated a year ago in solidarity with thePalestiniangroupHamas inGaza.
Israel’s airstrikes have sharply intensified since Monday, when more than 550 people were killed in Lebanon’s deadliest day sincetheendofa1975-1990 civilwar
The bombing follows attacks last week when pagers and walkie talkies exploded across Lebanon, killing scores of people and w
H
zbollah members.
Kaieteur, Canje oil blocks still with Exxon
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said that ExxonMobil is yet toprovidealltheinformation governmentrequestedbefore it formally grants approcval for the oil major to exit the KaieteurBlock.
Jagdeowasrespondingto an article carried by this publicationwhereExxonhad said that they were awaiting the approval from the government to formally exit the block having already transferredtheiroperatorship to Ratio. However, Jagdeo speaking at his news conference said that the government is awaiting the company to provide 16 pieces of information requested to complete the review and allow the companytoleave.
Jagdeo said prior to his press conference, he reached outtotheMinistryofNatural Resources for some clarity on the matter and was sent a copy of the letter written to Exxon'scountryManagerfor Guyana Alistair Routledge requesting the additional information.Partoftheletter to the oil company from the ministry read: “Reference is
made to your company's application received on October 20, 2023 requesting approval for the transfer of interestintheKaieteurBlock Petroleum Exploration License and the subsequent submission of additional th documents on the 25 of January 2024 Please be guided that further thorough review of the submitted documents the Ministry of NaturalResourceshasfound that some additional information is needed prior to closing out this process thisinformationisdetailedin the attached list for your submission ” Jagdeo said ExxonMobilisyettosubmit the additional information.
“Instead, it appears that they are trying to let it seems like thegovernmentisholdingup their exit, “Jagdeo told the newsconference.
Meghan MacDonald, Media and Communications Supervisor for ExxonMobil hadtoldthispublicationinan invited comment recently that, “We are still awaiting formal government approval to leave the block; however, we have handed over operatorship to Ratio
Miner’s body found two days after boat mishap
Thebodyof32-year-old miner Dionson Charlie, from Jawalla Village in the Upper Mazaruni, Region 7, was discovered on Wednesday floating near Bush Cow Backdam Landing.
According to police reports, Charlie's body was found face down in the water Upon examination, several injuries were noted, including a 3cm laceration to the back of the head and swelling on the face, with blood visible from his nostrils. The body was also observed to be in the early stagesofdecomposition.
Due to the absence of mortuary facilities in the area,thebodywasburiedin a shallow grave. However, policehavearrangedforthe Government Pathologist to conduct an exhumation, with a post-mortem examination scheduled for October1,2024.
Kaieteur News reported on Thursday that Charlie
...company still to provide info to finalise exit from Kaieteur, to leave Canje by 2026 - Jagdeo says
G u y a n a L t d O u r participatinginterestisgoing to Ratio and Cataleya with Ratio assuming role of operator.” She further stated that, “We do need government's approval to formally exit the block not handover I should also clarify we have been working with GoG and keeping them appraised throughoutthisprocess.”
On September 30, 2023 thispublicationreportedthat the Government of Guyana has clearly stated that the p r o p o s e d e x i t b y ExxonMobil and Hess Corporation from the Kaieteur Block must be consistent with the country's l e g a l f r a m e w o r k ExxonMobil,whichoperates the Kaieteur Block with a 35%stake,andHess,holding a 20% stake, have recently expressedtothegovernment, their intent to divest their interests in this offshore oil asset.Themovewouldleave Ratio Guyana Limited and Cataleya Energy Limited as the principal stakeholders. But the Government of Guyana has emphasised the importance of due diligence andadherencetothelaw.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, in a statement, underlined that while it acknowledges the decisions bytheoilgiants,anyprocess concerningatransitioninthe ownership of the Kaieteur Block must be in alignment with the recently enacted
VicePresident, Bharrat
Petroleum Activities Act 2023.This legislation, along with its regulations and the Kaieteur Petroleum Agreementanditsassociated prospecting license, sets the parameters for such
transitions The recent PetroleumActivitiesAct has modernisedGuyana'soiland gas regulatory framework. This is the second such transferofinterestsunderthe new framework, after Tullow's exit from the Orinduik Block The Ministry noted that once a formal application for the exit is received, it will be critically evaluated in accordancewiththerelevant legislation and regulatory tools. Notably, Ratio and Cataleya had held the KaieteurBlockbeforestakes were farmed out to Exxon andHess.
The Kaieteur Block was awardedonApril28,2015by then President Donald Ramotar, just two weeks
before the general elections thatyearbeforeitwassoldto ExxonMobil. It was done basedontheadviceofformer Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, Ramotarhadsaid.Theaward of the oil block to the company was especially concerning since the ultradeep drilling is required for those blocks, a technique which only a handful of companiesintheworldhave the technology, track record, and capability to execute.
The red flags which have manifestedinbothsituations includethattheawardswere given to unqualified companies, that the initial owners quickly flipped the blocks without doing any work, that they are incorporated in 'secrecy' jurisdictions, and that Guyana likely lost revenue due to the avoidance of an open, competitive bidding process.
StillwithExxon
Meanwhile, Jagdeo also toldthenewsconferencethat itwasbroughttohisattention by a reporter that he may have not been clear when addressing the issue of the Canje Block and its current status. He clarified that the block has not been repossessed by the government but rather there have been relinquishments.
“Well first 20 %, 25% and then they had the force majeure.Sosooninfactthat should have been done by
nowandthenby2026,Ithink the Canje Block that will be back with the government should there be no progress o n a n n o u n c i n g a development,” he explained. The Canje Block was awarded by the Donald Ramotar administration on March 4, 2015, days before that year's General and RegionalElections,toalocal company, Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas. The company then sold the block to ExxonMobil. It has been close to five years since the PPP/C Government has failed to honour its promise to release the beneficial owners of the oil blocks offshore which include but are not limited to the Kaieteur, Canje, Orinduik, Kanuku, Demerara, Corentyne, and Berbice concessions. The issue was first raised in November 2020 by Jagdeo, who holds an oversight responsibility for the oil and gas industry Back then, he said that the government would seek to determine the beneficial owners of Guyana's resources, with first priority being given to the owners of the nation's oil blocks Jagdeo had said that the governmentintendstohavea greater understanding of the ownership structure of the companies with the said licences while adding that this is important for transparency and taxation purposes.
was feared dead following the boat mishap. Police indicated that around 11:00 hrs on Monday, Charlie had left the 'Bush Cow' Backdam to travel to Kato Village for business. It is allegedthatduringhisreturn journey, he collided with a floatingobject,causinghim tofalloverboard.
A resident of Abbou Village, Learvia Henry, reported hearing a loud crashing sound from the river and raised the alarm. Neighbours responded and found a wooden boat floatingunattendedbutwere unabletolocateCharlie.
The small boat belonging to Charlie was found at 'Bush Cow' Landing,withtracesofwhat appeared to be blood on the seats and sides. Inspector Hunte, along with other officers and local residents, formed a search party on Tuesday Investigations are ongoing.
Guyana will soon restart international adoptions
Thegovernmentissetto res
adoptions within a week. In compliance with the Hague Convention,thegovernment hastakenstepstoensurethe processishandledsmoothly andjudiciously
The announcement was madebyMinisterofHuman ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr VindhyaPersaud,during an outreach at the Canefield HealthCentreinRegionSix onTuesday
The Hague Convention ontheProtectionofChildren andIntercountryAdoptionis an international treaty designedtoensurethesafety and regulation of intercountryadoptions.
The government has established the Guyana Central Authority in alignment with the recent
– Minister. Persaud
passage of the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Act 2021. This body will administer the process of international adoptions and strengthen cooperation with countries that are a part of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Its creationalsoaimstoprevent improper financial gain associatedwithadoptions.
Minister Persaud will chair the committee which will include six members –an experienced attorney, representatives from the Childcare Protection Agency, officers from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and InternationalCooperation.
Guyana's move to establishacentralregulatory body follows its signing of theHagueConventiononthe
Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption in 2019. The establishment of this body ensures that the country's adoption procedures are aligned with international standards and best practices When operational, the authority will follow strict guidelines to manage the intercountry adoption process. This will i n c l u d e r i g o r o u s investigations, home studies, and background checks to assess the suitability of adopting parties, ensuring that the child's well-being remains paramount.
Thosewhofailtocomply withtheserequirementswill face legal consequences, including fines of up to $500,000 and six-months
MinisterofHumanServices andSocialSecurity,
imprisonment. Meanwhile, in addition to international adoptions, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is expanding its support for vulnerable children,offeringfostercare andadoptionservices.Akey initiative is financial assistance of $20,000 per monthfororphansandthose infostercare.(DPI)
Jagdeo
Vindhya Persaud
Fritz loses on day of shocks at Japan Open
AFP - US Open finalist
Taylor Fritz crashed out of the Japan Open in the first round on Thursday and FrancesTiafoe,CasperRuud andStefanosTsitsipasjoined him on a day of shocks in Tokyo.
Top seed Fritz, who this month became the first American man to reach a GrandSlamfinalsince2009, wasbundledout6-4,3-6,6-3 byFrance’sArthurFils.
It came just hours after
number seven seed Tiafoe, who lost to Fritz in the US Open semi-finals, was eliminated with a 7-5, 6-3 loss to fellow American BrandonNakashima.
Norway’s Ruud, the number three seed, lost 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 to Australia’s JordanThompson.
Greece’s Tsitsipas, the fourth seed, went out with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 defeat by American qualifier Alex Michelsen. World number
seven Fritz won the Japan Opentitlein2022butmethis match in the energetic 20year-oldFils.
Fritz needed a medical time-out to deal with a back issueduringthesecondset.
He could not recover as worldnumber24Filsclosed outthematchinjustovertwo hours to set up a secondround match with Italy’s MatteoBerrettini.
Fritz played at the Laver Cup in Berlin after the US
Open and said his schedule hadbeen“alotlately”.
“I obviously would have liked more time to prepare butthatbeingsaid,Iactually feel like I played a pretty good match and a pretty goodlevel,”hesaid.
“Some things I wish I could have done better but, all in all, I don’t think I played bad by any means. It was mostly too good from Arthur.”
Tsitsipas’s woes deepened after losing to worldnumber49Michelsen.
TheGreekworldnumber 12 took the first set but had noanswertohis49th-ranked opponent for the rest of the match.
Friday September 27, 2024
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some in
ectual problems Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
It'sgoingtobealittledifficult talki
o you today, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Haveyoubeenreviewingyour family history lately, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.
Defending Japan Open champion Ben Shelton went through with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 win over fellow American ReillyOpelka.
Eighth seed Shelton, who will play Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the second round, said “this is a partoftheyearwhereIplay very,verywell”.“Idon’tfeel pressure as the defending champion,”saidShelton,the world number 17. “It makes me feel more confident and comfortable playing this tournament.”
Britain’s US Open semifinalist Jack Draper also advanced in Tokyo after beating Italian qualifier MattiaBellucci6-4,6-2. American Tommy Paul beat Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-2. Holger Rune of Denmark outlasted Chile’s AlejandroTabilo6-2,5-7,64. Japan’s Kei Nishikori, a two-time former champion at the tournament, beat Croatia’sMarinCilic6-4,36,6-3.
A two-time Grand Slam finalist, Tsitsipas was bundledoutinthefirstround at the US Open last month after ending his long-time coaching collaboration with hisfather,Apostolos.
Tsitsipassaidafterlosing to Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis at the final Grand Slam of the year that hewas“nothingcomparedto the player I was before” and spoke of “long-term burnout”.
The former world numberthreehasslippedout ofthetop10andhaswonjust twotitlesintwoseasons.
Preliminary list of 30 named...
Frompage25 overwhelming favourite to grabtheoverallcrown.
Meanwhile, the source disclosed that the Government of Guyana throughMinisterofCulture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson Jnr, and the Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has fully endorsed the staging of the C/ships and has been very supportiveineveryaspectof preparations related to the hostingoftheevent.
“These two guys have had a hands on approach to ensure that this event is a success and I can say that they are fully on board, we’ve been meeting regularly to iron out all the detailsheadingintoOctober and to work out the cost factor relative to the Government’s support of which we are very appreciative of,” the source said.
More details will be forthcomingaspreparations for the hosting of the event continues.
Alfred named as official ambassador for St. Lucia’s tourism; honoured with mural at alma mater
SportsMax - The hero’s welcome to St. Lucia for Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred has continued onThursdaywithmoregreat gestures honouring the 23year-old’s historic achievementsonthetrackin 2024.
Alfred, who became her country’s first Olympic medallist when she sped to
gold in Paris inAugust, has now been named as the official ambassador for St. Lucia’stourism. In addition to this, a mural of the 2023
Bowerman Award winner was also unveiled at her almamater,CiceronPrimary School.
PUMA, who sponsors Alfred, has also pledged to
provide footwear for all students of the school by 2025.
Thisallcomesadayafter theGovernmentofSt.Lucia announced September 27 as ‘JulienAlfredDay.’ Alfred returned to St. Lucia on Tuesday for the first time since her historymaking performances in Paris.
In addition to the 100m gold,Alfred also took silver behind American Gabby Thomasinthe200m.
Thiscameafterearlierin theseasonwhenAlfredtook home60mgoldattheWorld Indoor Championships in GlasgowinMarch.
St. Lucia for Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred.
Dwayne Bravo officially retires after storied career
SportsMax -West Indies and T20 cricket legend DwayneBravohasofficially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to a storied 18-year career that spanned the globe. The 40-year-old, who turns 41 next month, made the announcement via an emotional post on Instagram,citingthetollthat injuries have taken on his body.
“My mind wants to keep going, but my body can no longer endure the pain, the breakdowns,andthestrain,” Bravo shared. “I can’t put myself in a position where I might let down my teammates, my fans, or the teamsIrepresent.So,witha heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Championbidsfarewell.”
Bravo’sfinalseasoninthe Caribbean Premier League (CPL)wascutshortbyagroin injury while playing for the Trinbago Knight Riders againsttheSt LuciaKingsin Tarouba Despite the abrupt end to his CPL campaign, Bravo was given a guard of honour by his teammates duringhisfinalappearancefor theTrinbagoKnightRidersin Port of Spain against the GuyanaAmazon Warriors on September 18, 2024 Bravo, whoistheleadingT20wickettaker in history with 631 wicketsfrom582appearances, has been a trailblazer in the format
Known for his variations andimpeccabledeathbowling, he helped revolutionize T20 cricket,settingahighstandard for bowlers around the world.
In his illustrious career, Bravo won titles across the globe, including in the IPL, PSL, and Big Bash League.
Healsoplayedapivotalrole in the West Indies’two T20 WorldCuptriumphsin2012 and2016.
Before the start of the 2024CPLseason,Bravohad announced that it would be his last He had been scheduledtoplayinthethird season of the UAE’s ILT20, having been retained by MI Emirates,butdecidedtocall time on his career after his latestinjury
Bravohadalreadyretired from international cricket in 2021andsteppedawayfrom theIPLin2022,transitioning into coaching roles with ChennaiSuperKingsandthe Afghanistan men’s national team.
The Trinidadian leaves behindanunmatchedlegacy intheCPL,wherehebecame themostdecoratedplayerin the tournament’s history, winningfivetitles,including three with the Trinbago Knight Riders Bravo captained the Knight Riders toback-to-backCPLtitlesin 2017 and 2018 before leadingtheSt.Kitts&Nevis Patriots to their first championship in 2021 Despite his retirement from playing, Bravo’s influence on the game is expected to continue through his coaching roles and the mentorshiphehasprovidedto countless cricketers throughouthiscareer
Known affectionately as “Champion,” a nickname derivedfromhishitsongofthe same name, Dwayne Bravo leavesbehindaT20careerthat willbehardtomatch,notjust intermsofstatistics,butinthe energy, flair, and joy he broughttothegame AsBravo said in his farewell message, “The Champion bids farewell,” but his legacy will undoubtedlyliveon
In its effort to successfully defend home turf, the Guyana Body Building Federation (GBBF) has shortlisted 30 athletes to commence preparations for next month’s hosting of the
Central America & C a r i b b e a n ( C A C ) Championships, at the NationalCulturalCentre.
According to a source closetotheGBBF,thelistis a preliminary one and the final composition of the
team will be known following a meeting to be held shortly to ascertain the athletes’ readiness to represent the country at the highestlevel.
“Wewillbeengagingthe athletes selected for a final screening process to ensure that we have them at their premium and those who do not satisfy what we know is required at an international stage then they will be axed fromtheteam.Afterthatwe will have our final entry
form to submit to the internationalbody.”
The source revealed that athleteswillbecomingfrom all across the length and breadth of Guyana representing the various gyms and following the conclusionofthemeetingto be held shortly, the GBBF will be in a much better position to announce the final selection of the team thatwillviefortophonours, at this year’s c/ships to be stagedfromOctober17-21.
Among those shortlisted are defending champions Emmerson Campbell, who won gold in the Physique category and Hannah Rampersaud,whoclaimeda similar accolade in the Wellnesscategory
Both athletes are strong favourites to retain their respective titles, while Campbell, who has been consistently performing outstandingly over the past fewyearsisthe (Continuedonpage23)
USVI edge Jamaica 19-18 in pulsating Caribbean derby at World Lacrosse Box Champs
SportsMax - After registeringanhistoricwinin an overtime thriller against Poland, the US Virgin Islandsregisteredanotheras theyedgedJamaica19-18in a pulsating Caribbean derby forconsolationplacementat the World Lacrosse Box Championship in Utica, NewYork,onWednesday
The US Virgin Islands, appearing in its first World Lacrossechampionshipofany kind,provedthattheypossess somequalitywiththeovertime win over their more experienced Jamaican counterparts, thanks to a late hat-trickfromPhillipMelecio Melecio’sthreegoalscame49 secondsintoovertimeofwhat was an emotionally charged contestthatfeaturedalengthy injurydelay,asJamaica’sIsaac Newland suffered a nasty collision
However,theplayertook to social media to let family and friends know he was in goodspirits.“Iwanttothank my teammates, family, doctors,andmedicalstafffor
alltheprayers.IwillbeOK. This is Ocho, and I do my ownstunts.
I love the Lacrosse community,soseeyouallin the field soon,” Newland’s postread.
The two teams traded runs all game, and the final fiveminutesand15seconds were no exception. Jamaica netted three unanswered goals to take a 17-16 lead with just over four minutes leftinregulation.
USVI later responded with two goals to regain the lead, before Tanner Sims fired in an equaliser for Jamaica with under 30 seconds left to send the contestintoovertime.
DantePoliinfluencedthe gamefortheUSVIwithfive goals and four assists Melecio and Matt Williams each added hat-tricks, and Ryan Cochran finished with twogoalsandfourassists.In net,PatrickCrosbysaved28
shots. For the Jamaicans, Simstalliedsevengoalsand an assist, and Damon Edwards recorded five assiststogowithahat-trick. Seven other Jamaican players scored goals, including two from Jemar Pottinger Jacob Thompson made 28saves.
USVI faced Scotland on Thursday in placement play, while Jamaica took on Hungary
Jamaica and USVI in action. (Reuben Polansky-Shapiro -World Lacrosse)
Preparation on track, as 51st CAC Bodybuilding and Fitness C/ship looms
Preparations are progressingsmoothlyforthe 51st Central America and C a r i b b e a n ( C A C ) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship, set to take place in Guyana this October This update was confirmed in a press release by the President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Keavon Bess, who has been making focused efforts to ensure the event’ssuccess.
Returning to Guyana after a 20-year hiatus, the championship will feature over 250 athletes from 20 countries. Since its official launchinJune2024,GBBFF officials have held weekly meetings with Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports,
Charles Ramson Jr, and Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle. These discussions have primarily centered on securing financial and logistical support from the government and other relevantagencies.
Additionally,GBBFFisin constant communication with CAC and International Federation of Bodybuilding andFitness(IFBB)executives, assessingGuyana’sprogressin preparation for the event and addressing any logistical concerns Bess has also confirmed that meetings with participating countries are ongoing to finalize the numberofathletes,aswellas their arrival and departure dates.ScheduledforOctober 17-20, the championship willbehostedattheNational
Cultural Centre (NCC), a venue that has already receivedhighpraisefromthe CACinspectionteamduring their visits in December 2023 and June 2024 A production meeting with the NCC management and staff is also in the works to finetuneeventlogistics.
To ensure the smooth execution of the event, the GBBFF has sent formal requests to various state agencies, including the Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Police Force, and Ministry of Health, seeking theirsupport.
Several organisations have already pledged their support, including the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, the National Sports Commission, the
Association, Republic Bank
Express However, the GBBFFhasissuedacallfor
sponsorshiptohelp elevate this prestigious international event, last hosted in Guyana in 2004.
T h e 5 1 s t C A C Championship is poised to
be a landmark event in the region’s bodybuilding calendar, and Guyana is set to make the most of this opportunity on the internationalstage.
Minister of Sports, Charles Ramson Jr
GBBFF President, Keavon Bess
Enet’s Inaugural Golf Tournament Tees Off this Sunday at LGC
The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will hosttheinaugural Enet golf tournament this
Sunday, marking a significant milestone in private-sector support for sports development in Guyana.
The tournament, set to begin at 8:00 a.m., will feature a medal-play format
with two handicap categories: 0-14 and 15-28. Prizeswillbeawardedtothe first three finishers on both flights.Aprizeforbestgross prize, longest drive and closesttothepinwillalsobe contested.
Enet, a leading telecommunications company, well-known in squash, football, and motor racing has now joined the golfing community of the sports arena with this sponsorship, highlighting the private sector’s
increasingroleinadvancing sports in the country The endorsement of Enet as a sponsor signals a broader shift, as corporate investment is now driving growth in sports like golf, which is gaining popularity among both athletes and enthusiasts.
Brian Hackett, Public Relations Officer of the LGC, emphasized the importance of this partnership.“Weareexcited tohostEnetasakeypartner in the expansion of golf in Guyana,” he said. “Their sponsorship not only supports golf but also engages more youths and visitingparticipants.”
Hackett noted that private-sector involvement is crucial for the long-term development of any sport. He added that the LGC executive committee is committed to nurturing this
relationship with Enet and looks forward to their continuedsupportinmaking golf more accessible across thecountry
In addition to being a landmark event, the tournament will serve as a warm-up for golfers preparing for the upcoming Guyana Open Hackett expressed optimism about the conditions: “We anticipate a spectacular
tournament with excellent grounds, good weather, and the course in prime condition, providing golfers aperfectopportunitytofinetunetheirskills.”
L i n d o n H e n r y, Marketing ManagerMobile at E-Networks Inc., sharedEnet’senthusiasmfor thetournament,stating,“We are thrilled to sponsor this event, which embodies the values of integrity, p
resonate deeply with our mission at Enet By supporting local sports, we aim to inspire the next g e n e r a t i o n w h i l e strengthening community ties By supporting this tournament, we hope to inspire young players to pursue their passions, whether in sports, academics, or their future careers. At E-Networks, we believe in the power of c
t through technology but through the bonds we form in our communities. Thank youforconsideringusinthis endeavor Together, let’s drive towards a brighter, moreconnectedfuture.”
Enet’s involvement reflects a broader corporate trend of investing in nontraditional sports like golf, aiming to reach wider
demographics,includingthe youth.Asgolfersgatherthis Sunday, the Lusignan Golf C
competitive and enjoyable expe
participants.
T
t represents the beginning of what could be a lasting partnership between Enet and the local golf community, potentially leading to greater visibility and increased participation in the sport. Hence, both entities are encouraging the public to come out and witness the event and enjoy the ambiance of the green sceneryattheLGC. As the Lusignan Golf Club prepares for the event, Sunday promises to be a showcase of both athletic talentandthetransformative potential of private-sector partnerships in sports development.
Enet’s Marketing Manager, Lindon Henry (right) handing over sponsorship to LGC Captain, Ayube Subhan.
