K
US$2B guarantee NEWS provided by Exxon is for - Exxon’s the entire Stabroek Block Country Manager
Monday Edition
AIETEUR
February 12, 2024 -Vol. 17 No. 07
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
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Jagdeo dodges questions whether he can live on
$85,000 PER MONTH Pres. Ali appeals to teachers “to have a conscience” ...as strike, protests continue this week
Dead: Mark Paul
Motorcyclist dies in Meten-Meer-Zorg crash
Works stop after foreign nat’l dies at Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase site
GCCI begged US Exim Bank for gas-to-energy Exxon’s 4th oil ship to set loan on its own - Jagdeo sail to Guyana next year P. 11
Day 5, T&T unable to determine – Prime quantity of oil in unknown Minister …can’t determine cost vessel off Tobago to clean up spill as yet
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Monday February 12, 2024
US$2 billion guarantee provided by Exxon is for the entire Stabroek Block By Davina Bagot
T
he US$2 billion affiliate company guarantee, reportedly lodged by ExxonMobil, provides coverage for the entire 26,800 square kilometers Stabroek Block. This was the response shared with Kaieteur News b y E x x o n ’s C o u n t r y Manager, Alistair Routledge as he explained that a “parent guarantee” for the company’s fifth project, Uaru has already been provided to the regulator of the oil and gas sector, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Uaru project is expected to produce 812 million barrels of oil equivalent resources in the initial 20-year licensed period through a total of 44 wells – 21 producers and 23 water and gas injectors. The floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, Errea Wittu,
which will be built by Japanese FPSO-building and operating company, MODEC, will produce 250,000 barrels per day at peak production from around the second quarter of 2027. B y t h e n , G u y a n a ’s overall production rate is anticipated to be over 1,100,000 barrels of oil per day from the Stabroek Block. According to Section 14.2 (C) of the Uaru Permit, the Permit Holder is required to provide to the State a combination of Financial Assurance, including “a Parent Company/ Affiliate” guarantee. To this end, the Country Manager explained, “Under that environmental permit, you are correct that we have to have that US$2B coverage but it is the same coverage, the same block-wide coverage. It’s the same nature of operations, if an incident ever happens, would it be
- Exxon’s Country Manager renewed, of course.” The company was ordered by Justice Rishi Persaud to lodge a US$2B oil spill guarantee as the Appeal Court is yet to hand down its ruling on the matter of full liability coverage or an unlimited parent guarantee to cover all costs associated with a spill. Two citizens, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte, had taken the EPA to Court for failing to enforce the provisions of the Liza One Permit, for Exxon’s first sanctioned project. They argue that the Permit requires an unlimited parent guarantee that protects the nation from standing the costs of an oil spill. On May 3, 2023, High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kisson ruled in favour of the litigants and ordered the EPA to secure an unlimited parent
and/or affiliate company guarantee for oil spills. To circumvent compliance with that order, Exxon and the EPA through their lawyers, appealed and were successful in staying Justice Kissoon’s decision. Pending the final outcome of the appeal, Justice Persaud ordered Exxon to lodge a US$2 Billion parent and/or affiliate company guarantee. Since that order was issued on June 8, 2023, the litigants said their lawyers have been unable to secure a copy of the said guarantee for perusal. A summons was subsequently filed on November 1, 2023 for orders directing the EPA and Exxon to produce a copy of the US$2 billion guarantee. Even as that document remains a mystery, it would be poignant to note that though an oil spill can have transboundary impacts and affect as many as 12 Caribbean islands, the guarantee lodged by Exxon does not cover those costs. Read more here: https://www.kaieteurnewso nline.com/2023/05/21/us2bparent-guarantee-only-tocover-oil-spill-damage-toguyana-exxon-guyana/ At a previous press
ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Alistair Routledge engagement, Routledge explained that the guarantee to be supplied by EMGL’sformerly Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)- parent was determined by an independent consultant. The bill for that service was handled by Exxon. Routledge said too that the sum was arrived at taking in to co n s id er atio n all “credible and reasonable costs” that are likely to arise
during an unmitigated oil spill scenario at the Liza Phase One Project. N o t a b l y, E x x o n ’s Country Manager did not respond to Kaieteur News’ question at the time on whether the company is willing to make public, the data and information used by the independent consultant who found that US$2B is a sufficient parent guarantee for the Stabroek Block.
Monday February 12, 2024
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Jagdeo dodges questions on whether he can live on $85,000 per month
V
ice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo at his weekly press conference on Thursday last dodged questions on whether he can survive on $85,000 per month. The VP while looking around the room, failed to give a straight answer, opting instead to take the reporter on a journey back in history and Guyana’s debt in the 1970’s. The former president was asked the question, taking into context that he lives alone and publicly there hasn’t been any confirmation that he has offspring, whether he can live on $85,000 per month. “Now whether I can live
on $85,000. I don’t have much expenses, you are right, I don’t have much expenses myself. Coming to the $85,000, let’s pay everyone half a million dollars if that’s the living wage. Take every cent that we have in the budget because that’s the kind of planning that will come out of APNU, and bankrupt the country so that three generations later we are still struggling from it, their debt,” he said. The Opposition in the 70’s spent blindly as they “ate every cent of it out” according to Jagdeo, noting that this occurred when sugar and bauxite prices were three times what they
Elderly man charged for sexual assault
Dhudnauth Parbattie called ‘Ramesh’ Police said Dhudnauth Parbattie called ‘Ramesh,’ a 66year-old labourer of Suddie Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was on Thursday charged with the offence of sexual assault committed on a female at Region Two last October. Parbattie appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam on Thursday last at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. The charge was laid under Section 4(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03. The elderly man pleaded not guilty and bail was granted in the sum of $50,000. The defendant has to report to the Suddie Police Station every Monday at 09:00 hrs. The case was adjourned to March 1, 2024 at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court for disclosure of statements.
were today. They would have then borrowed heavily, he said, creating a severely high debt in 1990 which was higher than today’s even though Guyana now has a bigger economy of $22B. “So, we are never going to practice that kind of economics. Why not just pay everybody what the salary is in the US, in this country? Because your revenue has to sustain it for it to be in a longterm way, for it to be sustainable and countries gotta manage for sustainability that’s how we are.” he added. Noting that his government does not have the same philosophy as others, he said that, “If that’s the case, I would hope that you are getting a half a million dollars from Glen Lall. So, the thing is that wage of policy has to grow in accordance with affordability that’s what we keep trying to drum in people’s head. Most people understand that except the Kaieteur News.” Last week, teachers across Guyana downed their chalks and took to the streets to protest for higher wages and salaries through collective bargaining and the failure of the Ministry of
The Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo Education to address their concerns. At last week’s press conference, Jagdeo either dodged questions in relation to the teacher’s salaries or tried to justify pumping billions into other sectors such as the sugar industry. The teachers have vowed to continue to strike until their needs are met. President Irfaan Ali on Friday assured the protesting teachers to be patient. He said there is no need for them to down tools. During his
speech at the commissioning ceremony for a simulator facility at the Berbice Oil and Gas college, the Head-ofState sought to explain how his government is going to “fix the welfare” of not only teachers but also other public servants including doctors and nurses. “I said this to them then, that listen, we are going to commence the process of fixing your welfare but I wanted you to understand and Alistair (Alistair
Routledge- ExxonMobil Guyana Head) is here, -we suffer from our own good news sometimes- everybody believes that all the resources are available now (but) in 2027 then is when the real growth in revenue coming in would be seen in the country,” Ali pointed out. “And I said to our teachers, our nurses, our public servants and I say to them now again that we are committed to giving you the best life possible,” he added. General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald told Kaieteur News on Saturday that the President’s call for patience by teachers is one of cheap talk. “The GTU doesn’t buy into cheap t a l k s . Ta l k c a n ’t b u y anything. We need proper salaries provision for teachers, and we need them now, we need provision for when they go to the hospitals, provision for teachers when they go to the bank for mortgage and such matters,” she said. She said that Ali has failed to address the salary plight of teachers during the four years, which he has been in office and is merely throwing “cheap talks” at teachers.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The Education Minister It is often said that great leaders and managers are forged in times of crisis. Crisis situations provide unique opportunities for growth, development, and learning. Sadly, this cannot be said of the current Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who has lurched from crisis to crisis since taking up the portfolio. Having served in the sector for several years and now a second term- one would have thought she would have used the opportunity to forge a better relationship with the teachers across the country. Instead, the minister is all about facebook propaganda and bluster. The current teachers’ strike is probably the third under her watch. It must be of some concern to the young minister, that her tenure has been punctuated with industrial actions by teachers. And if that were not enough- the general management of the school system leaves much to be desired with daily violence among students, parents attacking teachers and the death of 20 students at a school dormitory. Any self-respecting minister in such circumstances would have by now handed in their resignation. But that doesn’t happen in PPP/C Cabinet as even alleged rapists have to be hounded out of office, rather than stepping down. In the middle of a crisis, where most of the schools are closed, hundreds of teachers are on the streets, the education minister is busy every day on facebook gaslighting the situation, posting pictures of her playing volleyball with school children; fighting with citizens in the comments section; responding to comments on how poorly she has been managing the sector and even making the people she supposed to be leading her enemies. When one listens to some of the chants by the striking teachers, one gets the real sense that our educators have no confidence, respect and tolerance for the minister in charge of them. It must worry the President that he has someone manning the all-important portfolio of education who does not command the respect of her charges. Her conduct in this entire industrial action is perhaps one of the reasons why so many teachers have decided to down tools. Not even the usually caustic Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has been more insensitive to the plight of teachers as does the minister herself. As we have said here before it must have taken considerable amount of anxiety to push teachers to the action of broadcasting their woes in public as they did last week. The teachers’ protest countrywide has to do with the usual concerns-pay, past monies due, and commitments not honoured. The core of their concerns is that they are having great difficulty living with dignity. Their placards and words tell their story. “Everything has increased except teachers’ wages and salaries”. There is a certain solidity to that claim because it has been the cry of other workers in other sectors across Guyana. Guyanese are feeling considerable pain, and it is a crying shame that so many cannot buy the basics when they are dubbed as the richest people on the planet by experts. The pain of teachers is real, and not imagined or pretended. When the wages and salaries of Guyanese teachers are compared against those of their peers across the region, they come across as paltry and pathetic. The fact that Guyana now floats on a huge lake of oil only serves to emphasize that the conditions of teachers and other workers across Guyana just should not be where they are. This country has too much going for it currently, and there is the risk that the gaudy economic numbers only enable a few to prosper, while many are left in the ranks of what can only be described as the pauperized in the reality of their hard existence. It is an insult when a trained teacher, after years of study, is paid a starting monthly salary of just over $100,000. After all that effort and all that application to what is believed to be more than a career, something that is very much a calling, there is this monthly salary that is so close to the national minimum wage. As Guyanese have been made jarringly familiar by now, $100,000 a month cannot cover the basics
Monday February 12, 2024
My Opinion on Territorial Integrity is clear: Do not leave National Defence of Guyana to our Allies! Mr. Kit Nascimento has failed to prove any of the matters he wrote about. Dear Editor, Please allow me sufficient space to respond to veteran journalist Mr. Kit Nascimento, for whom I had developed the greatest respect over time, beginning with his sojourn in the PNC after abandoning the United Force – for whatever reason(s)- who commented, somewhat disparagingly, on my article titled “The 2024 Jagdeo Budget Part 1: Leave Defence of Guyana to our Allies!” published by Demerara Waves on Sunday, 4th February 2024.I’m surprised that Kit did not
discern the subtext of my article, which meant ‘Do not leave Guyana’s Defence to our Allies!’ On Friday morning whilst on the picket line with the hardworking underpaid Teachers, one of them called my attention to an article published in the Kaiteur News dated 9th February 2024 and, titled “Our National Security, The Integrity of our Borders and Their Protection is not a Matter for Political Gamesmanship.” She felt it was damaging enough to my character that it required my
urgent attention. Refusing to be distracted from my pressing duty at the time, I asked her to relay a few points made. In the process, another Teacher turned up with a copy of the Stabroek News daily in which the same article was published, but differently headlined, as “ B e s t ’s C r i t i c i s m o f Guyana’s Current Defence Policy Regarding Venezuela’s Aggression Plays Well Into Maduro’s Hands.” Well, this piqued my curiosity but still not enough to leave the picket line at that time. After
leaving the picket, I had some time to thumb through the articles and prepared my mind to deal with this awkward attempt at misinformation and character assassination published in the two leading dailies. There was a third one published by Chronicle, but no one mentioned it. As I respond, Venezuela and Mr. Maduro are doing exactly as I predicted in my article of 4th February 2024breaking the agreement he made with the Venezuelan Opposition with the risk of (Continued on page 06)
Bharrat Jagdeo is out of order DEAR EDITOR, Bharrat Jagdeo is out of order. This is demonstrated not only in his ongoing efforts at sowing seeds of discord in a nation striving to heal historical wounds from political and ethnic conflicts but also with his blatant contempt for the rule of law and the rights of some citizens. This matter of the teachers proceeding on industrial action is the result of a lawless regime that continues to trample timehonoured principles. They have done this without suffering the brunt of sufficient societal c o n s t e r n a t i o n , condemnation and uprising (protest, work stoppage, and through credible ballot that would result in their removal). The causative factor(s) influencing the teachers’ strike are simple- the strike is the result of the Bharrat Jagdeo/Irfaan Ali regime disregard for the right of the teachers to collective bargaining at outlined in Article 147 of the Constitution of Guyana, and abrogation of the employer’s obligation under Section 23(1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act to negotiate
with the Union in good faith. Had the regime honoured its obligation and respect the teachers’ right, there would not have been a strike today, a freedom also protected in the Constitution of Guyana at Article 147. This nation must not allow itself to be diverted from the issue at hand by following Jagdeo down a rabbit hole in the regime’s effort to abrogate its obligation to be at the bargaining table with the Te a c h e r s U n i o n . T h i s continuous and selective transgression of some citizens and groups’ rights in this society must not be countenanced by us, under no guise to deflect. Should we today condone the regime’s lawlessness and unjustified attacks on the teachers, tomorrow they will continue this disrespect and disregard to all other sectors, including the business community, who are already feeling the pressure from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) excesses. Let us not be fooled, all are at risk. Issues raised by Jagdeo in efforts to justify the regime’s failure to honour its obligations under the law have no bearing on
of living, with fixed commitments, such as mortgage or rent, and the prices of food and other essentials ever rising. This is why teachers are forced to do second jobs to make ends meet as we reported in our Sunday edition to have a little something more to share with their families, and to live with some level of self-respect. Naturally, since they are forced by circumstances to engage in extra wage-earning activity outside the classroom, this begs the question about how much focus and energy they are able to bring to bear to their daytime classroom duties. But this reality has certainly eluded the minister and her government that continue to argue that teachers are better off today than they were in years gone by.
collective bargaining. The trade union’s internal affairs, whether finance or otherwise, is not the government/employer ’s business but that of the membership. The money he refers to that the government gave to the Teachers Union has absolutely no bearing on the industrial situation. Society must not be misled by this red herring. Likewise, President Irfaan Ali’s statement that the teachers must have patience because his regime is committed to improving working conditions, this is not only a matter of paying the teachers, but also about respecting the teachers’ rights and sitting at the bargaining table with their elected representatives. At the same time, there is no reason for Ali to ask teachers to have patience when Guyana has the money and can afford to pay. The fact is that the regime does not have the will to pay and has no care or consideration for those who are suffering. Those officials who are seeking to deceive the nation that the teachers’ conditions of work are consistent with the modern class setting and remuneration, do so because they don’t care. It is not lost on the nation that the PPP, in opposition, condemned the salary increases the A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) ministers paid themselves. However, when they entered office, rather than remove what they claimed was an offending amount, each year they added to the
obscenity. This amount to date is in excess of $300,000 each month for the average minister. The increase is roughly the salary for two trained assistant mistresses or masters. This is unconscionable, a deliberate widening of the gap between the haves and have-nots with t a x p a y e r s ’ m o n e y, a s workers who shoulder the nation’s debt repayment are asked to bear strain. The PPP regime is the nation’s problem and we the people must be the solution. As they enjoy tax-free salary and other emoluments, the ordinary workers are catching hell to make ends meet and their salaries are subjected to taxes. Something is definitely wrong with this picture and this nation must not be fooled with Jagdeo’s misrepresentation and efforts to deceive. The teachers deserve no less than our support for they not only mold our children’s minds for development but also provide an important custodial role for parents as they are in the workforce turning the wheels of production. In the presence of these glaring transgressions and violations by the Jagdeo/Ali regime, every right-thinking Guyanese must be a protector and defender of our teachers, laws and constitution. Supporting the nation’s teachers is a fight for our children who are the future of our nation. People of Guyana, the future of our country is at stake. Regards Lincoln Lewis
Monday February 12, 2024
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Guyana is not a welfare state! Sir Fenton Ramsahoye warned about Impact of Cold war Politics in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Dr Fenton Ramsahoye was Attorney General for the PPP administration just before independence. After the 1968 rigging, he did not see PPP returning to government unless it changed ideology and advised Dr Jagan ‘to reconcile’ with USA as a guarantor to free and fair elections. In the Cold War, America was not prepared to allow a socialist Jagan to assume power. Jagan did not return to government till 1992 after the global collapse of communism. Dr Clem Seecharan pens a fascinating book on Jagan and the Cold War. It takes courage to write a critical analysis of the politics of Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham. Their loyalists would come after the writer with the most scathing attacks as indeed happened for every piece penned on both nationalist leaders, hero of Indians and Africans respectively. Fear of being character attacked did not deter Prof Clem Seecharan to write a factually account (a book) focusing on Dr. Jagan and the Cold War. It is a very good read. The Cold War (1947-91) was a contest between the USA with the West against the Soviet Union with the Eastern bloc or between c a p i t a l i s t We s t a n d communist East. The two sides never attacked each other in a real war. Both sides competed to spread their influence, resulting in several hot wars in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The people in each country, where the real war was actually fought as in Guyana, paid the price for the contest between the Soviet Union and America. Guyana was affected by the near forty-five years of the contest. Communism eventually collapsed in 1990, and one can, therefore, say that capitalism has
triumphed over that failed ideology. But Guyana paid a telling price to its freedom and economy (and migration of her people) as a result of Dr Jagan’s insistence on installing a democratically elected communist government which was not possible. The Americans would have none of it. Communism and left-wing politics or radicalism were considered a threat to the American homeland. Radical governments or leaders, Jagan included, in the West and in the Americas in particular were isolated or destabilized or toppled from office. Examples abound! No need to repeat them! In his newly released book (2023), Dr Seecharan provided a rigorous analysis of the impact of the cold war in Guyana and Cheddi’s role in it. The cold war was brought to our shore by Cheddi, as the British claimed. The British and Americans tried to reform Jagan, to moderate his ideology and move him away from Communism. They failed! In the interests of Jagan’s supporters, Indian businessmen also appealed to him to moderate his ideology and move away from communism. Jagan rebuffed them as he rebuffed Yesu Persaud, Fenton Rams ahoye, Baytoram Ramharack, Ravi Dev, I, and so many others. In my many encounters with Dr Fenton in Barbados, G u y a n a , N e w Yo r k , Trinidad, Antigua, and St. Lucia, he related accounts on Jagan. He told how he tried to get Cheddi to moderate his left-wing anti-American politics and communist ideology. After Burnham rigged the 1968 general elections, Fenton said he told Cheddi that Guyana would not have free and fair elections again and that the country would become a full-fledged
dictatorship. He recognized that the PPP was doomed to o p p o s i t i o n a n d insignificance unless the party changed its ideology to win over the Americans. He advised Cheddi accordingly! He stated that Dr Jagan told him that the party would not moderate its ideology and that he can leave the party if he was not pleased with its communist ideology. Fenton left the country after the 1973 rigging to launch and head a law school at UWI, St. Augustine. Later, he was knighted as Sir in recommendation of Antigua. Sir Fenton would turn out to be right. Guyana became a dictatorship right after independence. All elections under Burnham and Hoyte were rigged. Had Cheddi heeded the advice of so many of us who implored him to drop the communist ideology, Guyana would not have experienced the civil (race) war of the 1960s, delay in independence, and the rise of the authoritarian state. Although we did not embrace his communism, Jagan was a hero to us, a fatherly figure and moreso for me having come from a few streets where he grew up and with he and my father being friendly and his father and my aja being close friends. The globe had rarely seen a politician who was so incorruptibly honest and who fought for justice and equality for all. But being our hero does not mean he was above critique. We learn from his errors through an honest assessment of his politics and what to do to guarantee free and fair elections. Dr. Jagan’s dabbling in cold war politics is primarily responsible for many problems Guyanese experienced from the 1950s onwards. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
DEAR EDITOR, I was totally appalled to hear the President speak of giving teachers and public servants a welfare package. Welfare is financial support given to people in need. Some of the welfare programs in the US are supplemental nutrition programs such as meals in schools and temporary assistance for needy families. To qualify for welfare in the United States “You must be unemployed or underemployed and have low or very low income” r e f e r e n c e : w w w. b e n e f i t s . g o v ( a n official website of the United States government). If the President feels that the citizens of this country are poor and have low or very low income then he should not be approving the proposal of a budget that does not put enough money in the pockets of our citizens. His recent statement supports what the hardworking workers of this country have been calling for. Our workers are not unemployed and our teachers work very hard to provide our children with the best education possible. Before our country found oil and gas we provided our children with food. During the years when our country was embargoed we made the most of the limited resources we had. We recycled our text books at school and took our own food to school. We volunteered to help each other learn and our teachers went the extra mile to ensure we were well prepared for our exams. We also topped the Caribbean in CXC exams during that period. Now that we are reaching the highest earnings per capita in the world the current administration thinks that our teachers, public servants and other workers
should be welfare recipients. This is utterly disrespectful and unacceptable. We t h e G u y a n e s e People have always worked hard for what we have and we have always made the most of the little we have. We are not beggars of the State and we are not totally dependent on Government handouts. The Party symbol of His Excellency Dr. Jagan is not a beggar’s cup. Do not make it one! Show some respect for the hardworking people of our Country. Those around who are old enough to remember the hardships of the embargo know what Guyanese independence, freedom, self reliance and self respect are. We didn’t beg then and we will not beg now. The current President and his administration owes the people of our great Nation an apology! Guyana is not a welfare State. Pay our workers an acceptable wage so you may no longer deem us impoverished and in need of government welfare programs and government handouts. Take our citizens out of poverty by paying everyone a living wage. Then build your oversized never ending buildings, and your wider roads for your luxury cars.
Maybe our sea defense will fix itself and your wider roads will not wash away, and your never ending buildings will not flood. The needs of the workers must be addressed and given priority. It is now questionable if the current administration is capable of understanding the needs of our workers. Where is the emotional intelligence and the empathy? If you are too young to remember, ask your parents what it was like during the time of the embargo. If there was an appreciation for the hardships of the past our government would not give away millions to Exxon while the impoverished workers of our Nation have to go on the streets to demand a decent wage. There should be no more condescending comments and antiworker policies. The President must not be out of touch with the r e a l i t y, w h i c h t h e Guyanese worker faces, and he must show an appreciation for the urgency of the situation. Guyana is not a welfare State! If he thinks this is the case then he should immediately change it. With concern, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
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Monday February 12, 2024
Hamas official survives Israeli attack that kills two others in Lebanon
(ALJAZEERA) An Israeli drone raid that hit a car 35km (22 miles) from the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has killed at least two people, but a Hamas official who was the target survived the attack, security sources told Al Jazeera. Two missiles fired by an Israeli drone hit the Hamas official’s vehicle in the coastal town of Jadra on Saturday and two bystanders were killed in the attack, Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reported from Beirut. The two victims were civilians, a Lebanese Civil Defence official told the AFP news agency. The Hamas official targeted in the attack was close to Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas’s deputy chief killed
last month in a suspected Israeli raid on a suburb of Beirut, a security source said. The Times of Israel daily reported that the person targeted was Basel Salah, describing him as a recruiter for Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank. The strike was the second attack in Lebanon this week beyond the border region with Israel. “This was deep inside Lebanon, approximately 60km [37 miles] from the border with Israel, outside the battleground where the Israeli army and the Lebanese group Hezbollah have been exchanging fire, triggered by the war on Gaza,” Khodr said.
Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging near-daily fire since October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory in which some 1,100 people were killed. Israel’s military then launched a land, air and ground assault on Gaza that has left more than 28,000 people dead. However, usual exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel’s military have been mostly limited to the border region. There was no immediate comment from Hamas in Lebanon or from the Israeli military. “On Thursday, an Israeli drone targeted a vehicle in the southern city of Nabatieh, also outside the battleground, targeting members of Hezbollah. “This
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Members of the Civil Defence inspect the area next to a destroyed vehicle in the aftermath of what security sources said was an Israeli strike, in Jadra, Lebanon February 10, 2024. REUTERS/Aziz Taher becoming a strategy on the part of the Israelis; what is clear, is that there’s no longer a front line,” she said. “ B a c k i n J a n u a r y,
Hamas’s number two man was assassinated in the heart of the Lebanese capital. Israelis are using this o p p o r t u n i t y t o t a rg e t
officials from Hezbollah, from Hamas, as well as to try to degrade the capabilities of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.”
My Opinion on Territorial Integrity is clear: Do not leave... From page 04 reimposed US sanctions. I further asked, “why in the face of such sanctions, should we believe Maduro would confirm to the ‘peace’ contents of the Argyle Agreement?” I followed this up by immediately asking “why in the face of such risks aren’t any significant funds and details presented about securing the nation from this existential threat posed by Venezuela?” Editor, Venezuela has been a threat to Guyana for six decades beginning with its occupation of Guyana’s half of the border island of Ankoko. I asked these questions against the backdrop of significant financial inflows into the Guyana treasury. Reminding the PPP that territorial defence is a prime national responsibility of the government, I then offered, as I have done is past opinions and presentations, my contributions to enable effective national defence. I argued that the Guyanese citizens expected “details on how the nation’s first line of defence- defence d i p l o m a c y, w o u l d b e buttressed and expanded globally … details on how the concept of total national defence would be operationalized across Guyana … details on how the GDF would be expanded and equipped to defend our land and maritime borders, beyond its current capability … details on how the GDF would be expanded and equipped to defend and protect our vital offshore oil resources … [and] details about establishing living and
defensive frontiers.…” They were others, but these were specific to National Defence. Editor, I fail to see how any of these play in Maduro’s hands. The substance of my piece is that national defence is a national responsibility, perhaps the most important task of any government. And, such a matter should not be left to allied nations. Kit missed that completely! Or, which I fear, he actually believes that it should. Then, I do shudder! My view does not prevent Guyana for engaging and establishing defence cooperation agreements. That’s part of defence diplomacy. I’ve done that often as Chief of Staff. But I have also pressed the PPP government during my tenure to do exactly, for national defence, as I outlined in my article. Editor, allow me to refer to the Organization Analysis of the Guyana Defence Force (2009),a document approved by the Defence Board of Guyana.At page ii, the GDF strategic goals to be met included “the development of a military capability comparable to at least one of our neighbouring countries … acquisition of naval platforms for force projection and enforcement of national laws in the territorial sea and EEZ … development of a reliable defence and security capability to provide for surveillance, detection and interdiction operations… development of a significant offensive capability (Air, Naval and Army) to deter aggression… [and]
development of a highly skilled and motivated Reserve Force to support the Regular Force.” Editor, allow me to now specifically rebuff some specifics by Mr. Nascimento. Here I exclude his disparaging remarks about me. In relation to me being a “Hardcore Supporter of The People’s National Congress”, I thank Mr. Nascimento for reminding the nation of my loyalty to the PNC. That’s a badge of honour. What about your pollical loyalty, Kit? How does my loyalty play into the hands of Maduro? His suggestion that criticisms by a former Chief of Staff of the Government’s national defence plan and budget plays into the hands of Maduro is without foundation and speaks to limited or feared capacity to debate such issues. Mr Nascimento has proudly announced a 100% increase in defence spending. Percentages mean nothing. Value is what has meaning. What is the value of the defence allocation? What can it buy? Can it acquire the assets refer to in the findings o f G D F O rg a n i z a t i o n Analysis? By the way Kit, defence includes offence. He mentioned the PNC “under Prime Minister Forbes Burnham … signed on to the Geneva Agreement, which, to this d a y, i s c o n v e n i e n t l y misinterpreted by the Maduro government.” I could not see how this plays into the hands of Maduro. However, I’m happy Kit recognised and supported the signing by Burnham of
the Geneva Agreement, a decision which the PPP disagreed with. Only a few w e e k s a g o I comprehensively addressed that PPP flawed position in an opinion published by Demerara Waves after the 2 n d Vi c e P r e s i d e n t attempted to besmirch the character of the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. So, thank you Mr Nascimento! Editor, I am sure that by now Kit and his sponsors are beginning to agree that I was right in referring to the “frailty of the Argyle Declaration”, especially in the face of Maduro’s troop build upon the Venezuela Guyana Border and what Kit calls his manipulation for a “Venezuelan Supreme Court ban on his major political opponent, Opposition Leader, Maria Machado.” Mr. Nascimento makes the same point I made in my article. However, I do part company with him when he stated that I suggested that “that millions of dollars must suddenly be poured into building the Defence Force in order to go to war with Venezuela.” Nowhere in my article did I suggest any such. In fact, it tells me that Kit didn’t read what I wrote and perhaps was given a script to follow, except the Burnham part. Just, perhaps! The last paragraphs, or such, of Mr. Nascimento’s letter speaks to bilateral defence cooperation with the US, UK and others. However, I’m sure Mr. Nascimento knows they are different levels of defence cooperation. One of the highest being deployment of
allied troops to fight alongside national forces. Which is he referring to? Does he know? Does the government know? Have we singed any new defence cooperation agreements? I m p o r t a n t l y, b y M r. Nascimento’s own words “the US and Guyana were deepening our defence cooperation to preserve Guyana’s borders and for Guyana to be able to defend its territorial integrity”. This is a clear statement that Guyana is responsible for its own national defence. This is what I said in my article. Once again, Mr. Nascimento agrees with me. Therefore, how does my article play into the hands of Maduro? Editor, Mr. Nascimento took umbrage with me saying the PPP ‘wished away’ this existential danger to Guyana for 23 years. That danger being Venezuela’s threat to the Essequibo county, Interestingly, if these bilaterals are the centre piece o f G u y a n a ’s n a t i o n a l d e f e n c e s t r a t e g y, a s suggested by Mr. Nascimento. And these will stop Mr. Maduro from invading in the future, then he must agree that those types of bilateral didn’t exist during the PPP’s twentythree years. For, if they did, Venezuela would have been prevented from seriously threatening the annexation of Essequibo. This is consistent with my comment that the PPP ‘wished away’ this existential danger to Guyana for 23yrs. It’s either the PPP had a level of bilaterals with allied nations and they didn’t work in our favour, or there was none at
all! Mr. Nascimento can take his pick. But I’m sure in the end he would agree with me. The real question is whose actions really played into Maduro’s hands? That of Dr Best, now, or of the PPP, historically. Mr Nascimento’s point about Foreign Minister Hugh Todd’s reaffirming that “Guyana maintained that the settlement of this controversy was properly before the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the Geneva Agreement” is consistent with Joint Parliamentary R e s o l u t i o n . H o w e v e r, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil’s push back by saying “let us flatly reject the possibility of third parties interfering in or benefiting from any debate or dispute between Guyana and Venezuela” only squares the matter right back to where Venezuela was before Argyle, and where she is now. Foreign Minister Gil’s response is consistent with my comment about the frailty of Arglye Declaration. Again, whose actions really played into Maduro’s hands. That of Dr Best, now, or of the PPP? Editor, Mr Nascimento’s letter is ‘much ado about nothing’ It hangs nebulously into thin air amongst a gust of misunderstanding at worse, and at best a contrived confusion about what constitutes national defence. Perhaps a different subject may have presented Kit with a better challenge. Hopefully this debate is over. And I do wish him well. Sincerely, Dr. Gary Best.
Monday February 12, 2024
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Monday February 12, 2024
Pres. Ali appeals to teachers “to have a conscience” ...as strike, protests continue this week
President Irfaan Ali have a responsibility too. We have to be fair, we have to have a conscience, we can’t allow ourselves to become political pawns.” As such, Ali again urged teachers to be patient with the government as it works gradually to improve the lives of all workers. “This is all I ask, for us to be fair, for us to look at all we have done, for us to u n d e r s t a n d t h e commitments that I have made and for us to put the children first,” Ali said. On Friday, the President made similar remarks, telling teachers protesting
for better salaries that there is no need for them to down tools; he urged them to be patient. During his speech at the commissioning ceremony for a simulator facility at the Berbice Oil and Gas college, the Head-of-State sought to address how his government is going to “fix the welfare” of not only teachers but also public servants including doctors and nurses. “I said this to them then, that listen, we are going to commence the process of fixing your welfare but I wanted you to understand and Alistair (Alistair
Routledge ExxonMobil Guyana Head) is here,-we suffer from our own good news sometimes- everybody
believes that all the resources are available now (but) in 2027 then is when the real growth in revenue coming in would be seen in the country,” Ali pointed before adding, “And I said to our teachers, our nurses, our public servants and I say to them now again that we are committed to giving you the best life possible.” He continued that he is adamant that “the present situation with the teachers has been overtaken by political expediency” because he had explained to them, public servants, nurses and doctors that his government is “going to work in an incremental way to ensure that they will have
the best welfare package in the region” but it will take time. “You don’t need to down tools because you are pushing at open doors, we are committed to this but you have to have patience,” Ali said. He noted that some interventions and measures will be coming by the end of this year because his government will be conducting a total evaluation for all categories of workers. Ali iterated that his government wants to provide the best possible life for all workers but they have to give a little too and that little, according to the President, is patience.
Henrietta farmer charged for sexual activity with a child Kervin Gordon, a 47-year-old farmer of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, was last week charged with the offence of sexual activity with a child family member. Police said Gordon appeared virtually via Zoom last week at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Esther Sam, when the charge was read to him. He was not required to plea and was placed on $300,000 bail. The case will be heard again on March 1, 2024 at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.
Charged, Kervin Gordon
President Irfaan Ali on Sunday called on teachers to be fair and “have a conscience” even as he urged the educators to reflect on the myriad of efforts his government has employed to make their work simpler. Speaking via a live stream on his official Facebook page, President Ali urged teachers to consider how his government has been working to address their concerns within the education sector. The President noted that several efforts were made to improve the system for teachers. “We have been getting more teachers trained…All trainees in pre-service training at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), are now paid $90,000 instead of a $10,000 stipend,” Ali ranted. An upset Ali continued, “Teachers are also being provided with a termly grant to purchase school supplies and head teachers are no longer required to teach so they can focus on administrative work…We have been offering other incentives such as increased duty-free concessions.” Said Ali: “You are telling me, that none of this matters… Teachers have to
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The imperialists want a conflict between Guyana and Venezuela The imperialists are egging on a conflict between Guyana and Venezuela. Following the signing of the Argyle Declaration, the imperialists became worried about the prospects of peace. The imperialists – the United States and the United Kingdom – began to take action to provoke tensions and to militarize these tensions. A British warship was sent to Guyana, a provocative action which was a flagrant violation of the spirit of the Argyle Declaration. American defense personnel have been pouring in to Guyana, no doubt to lure the country into making defense purchases, including aircraft and vessels. The US Southern Command also took part in flight exercises over G u y a n a ’s t e r r i t o r y i n December. The United States is wooing Guyana to acquire expensive military purchases at a time when our teachers are screaming out for better wages. ABC, an American news network, has reported that the US plans to sell military hardware, mainly planes and helicopters to Guyana. In the meantime, US defense personnel have been engaged with the Government of Guyana. Earlier this month, a US Air Force Southern Commander visited Guyana to help improve our air defense capability. The Guyana Defense
Force and the US Southern Command are working together to fight cybercrime. But the Southern Command may be doing a little more than simply helping to boost our capabilities in this area. In the area of disaster relief, the US Southern Command donated a field hospital ostensibly for disaster victims. Earlier last year the US was involved in soft diplomacy through its medical brigades and donations of medical supplies. Last July, a US General from its Southern Command visited the country to speak about defense partnership. In the same month a massive US-led Exercise Tradewinds was hosted in Guyana. This relationship that is being established must be seen in the context of the A m e r i c a n ’s c o n t i n u e d aggression against Venezuela. America wants a war between Guyana and Venezuela so that it can use this as a pretext to further weaken the Maduro administration. The role of ExxonMobil in this plot must not be ruled out. ExxonMobil was one of the foreign companies that resisted the attempts by Hugo Chavez to nationalize his oil industry so to ensure that greater benefits accrue to its people. The Venezuelan Defense Minister has described the US Southern Command as Exxon’s ‘private security’. The oil conglomerate has always enjoyed a cozy
relationship with the US government, with one of its Chief Executive Officers actually chosen to become US Secretary of State in the D o n a l d T r u m p administration. Under the Argyle Agreement, Guyana and Venezuela are supposed to be engaged in talks towards the goal of neighbourly cooperation. But there are forces within and outside of the ruling PPP/C government that are hellbent on raising concerns a b o u t Ve n e z u e l a ’ s trustworthiness. Vice President Jagdeo appears now to be leading this charge. He has said that he was not surprised at the decision of the Americans to re-impose certain sanctions. This assessment he said was based on his observation of what is taking place in Venezuela. In the context of the ongoing talks, in Brazil between the Joint Commission established under the Argyle Agreement, this statement was unfortunate and ill-advised. It throws a spoke into the wheel of the work of the Joint Commission. The Venezuelans may counter that such a comment from Jagdeo is not surprising. His government is seeking a major loan from the Exim Bank of the United States and it may be cuddling up to American imperialism in order to obtain the loan. Feelers are being put out also about establishing a US military base in Guyana.
DEM BOYS SEH
Dis time nah lang time Lang ago when yuh get invite to a wedding house, was de whole village used to turn up. It does still happen; both de invited and de uninvited does turn up. But deh gat some weddings dese days is by invitation only. And if yuh nah gat yuh invitation, yuh can’t enter de wedding hall. Dat is one of de ways in which weddings are changing. And yuh does gat some people who does get leff off de Invitation List, by accident. And dem does be so vex dat dem don’t talk to de bride and groom and dem family fuh de rest of dem life. Dem offended dat de family nah invite dem.
So weddings do bring bad name. And so yuh does gat fuh ensure dat de Invitation List nah leff off nobody. Another change now is dat de bride and groom does gat Gift List. Now dat is something dat we did not have long ago. But people getting so many of de same gifts dat dem decide dat dem gan set up a Gift List and yuh gan go and buy something from de list wah nobody nah buy as yet. When de Gift List come out, people does race fuh buy de fuss gift because then dem can choose de cheapest thing. But dem wah buy last, gat to buy de most expensive.
Sometimes, de invitation does say how de couple prefer monetary gifts. Invitee people does gat to walk with envelope. Most weddings now dem does gat a special box fuh put de envelope. When yuh go fuh congratulate de bride and groom, yuh gat to shake with one hand and hand over de envelope with de other. But de one thing nah change about weddings dese days is de crying. Fuh some reason de mother of de bride does always cry during de ceremony. But de mother of de groom does always be smiling. Ah wonder why? Talk half. Leff half.
And of all the persons who have come out in support of such an alliance is none other than Ravi Dev whom one expected to know better than to support such an action which would only heighten tensions, not only between Guyana and Venezuela but also with Brazil. It is obvious that there are forces within and aligned to the PPP/C government in Guyana which want the Argyle Agreement to be nullified or put on hold. This is not necessarily in Guyana’s interest. Reports are now appearing of a Venezuelan military troop build-up near
to Guyana’s borders. This comes soon after ExxonMobil announced exploration further west and closer to Venezuela. The t i m i n g o f E x x o n ’s announcement is suspicious and can only lead to a rise in tensions between Guyana and Venezuela The Venezuelans have confirmed this build-up but says it has a right to boost its defense. It also made reference to ‘illegal’ oil concessions granted by G u y a n a . Ve n e z u e l a i s playing its usual geopolitical game. It knows that the US will re-impose oil sanctions
come April and so its military build-up is a signal to the US and its sidekick ExxonMobil. But given the close relationship between Guyana and the US, that signal is also directed at Georgetown. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
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Monday February 12, 2024
Teachers’ strike: The PPP GOVT’s three-track strategy Unfolding developments confirm that the PPP Government has decided on a three-track strategy as the spearhead of its response to the teachers’ strike. T h e r e i s t h e propagandizing strategy, followed by the sabotaging strategy, and last what is intended to give the impression of an empathetic mindset, with a conciliating strategy. As the flush of events follow one another in tight formation, my conclusion is that all three strategies have been of limited utility. They have failed to make any kind of enduring inroads against the embedded reality now in full flow on Guyana’s roadsides. To bolster this position, there is the
ghostliness of classrooms, the eerie hush haunting empty spaces. The propaganda strategy of the PPP Government and its calculating leadership is obvious. Stain and taint the strikers and those behind them. Us versus them, which by extension takes on its regular sunburned complexion. It is only a small percentage of teachers behind the strike barricades. Put differently, schools and children are in good shape; the number of teachers on duty more than offsets those absent from classrooms. Government propagandists would like Guyanese to believe that the strike was a loser from the inception, one that never got any muscle to get going. I
think that the numbers on the street have sufficiently strong persuasive power. The next PPP Government propaganda exhibition that backfired was a social media post indicating the handsome pay levels of teachers. In their dogged efforts at deception, the highest paid were publicized, but nothing was said of the majority of rank-and-file teachers. The top 15% of earners in the teaching system broadcast, but obscurity relative to entry level teachers, and middle to junior ranks, in the profession. Instead of frank, honest conversations with striking teachers, there were these governmental falsehoods to hoodwink parents, citizens.
I believe that what is seen again is a dishonest government peppered with dishonest leadership. Propagandize and pulverize. Is this a democratic government, or a set of mobsters? Second, the demolition and sapper teams received their orders, and went to work. The strike is “political.” Since this is boiling, roiling Guyana, there is only one translation: the strike is racial. It is a notso-subtle version of divide and diminish. Divide and devastate, even destroy, usually follows. The colored man has learned well from the white man. The teachers’ union has not filed returns for 20 years. They should have known and done better, I say. B u t t o w h a t governmental purpose, may I ask for that foray into the underground? Why the cowardly yellow mail from a red government? Stalinist red, as in obsessed with total control of all aspects of life, i n c l u d i n g t h i s communication channel that dwindles. Before the first striking teacher touched down on public ground to air their grievances, the action was deemed “illegal” by one honorable minister. In the deployment of that one word “illegal”, the equivalent of a covert bomb squad was let loose. In a flash, thousands of Guyanese teachers were condemned to the ranks of lawbreakers, even criminals.
This is a classic rendition of the PPP Government’s criminalising of the citizenry. Any perversity would be fabricated, any concoction delivered, to criminalize objecting Guyanese. I hold myself out as an example. The PPP Government and its leaders must cultivate the wisdom to appreciate something: the more that is expended to bend a man, the more the probability for there to be blowback into the face. Intimidation works on some. It makes some stronger still. Next, the PPP has come up with the third rail in its three-track strategy. It is designed to look conciliatory. What should have been the first reactions, the first planks in the government’s response, became the last. There are still concerns about the authenticity, totality, and durability of the gestures toward the conciliatory. One leader found his voice and asked for patience, uttering something about the incremental. Another remarkable one assured the striking teachers that they will not be victimised. The last time that thoughtful Guyanese trusted the word of either, the British, not the Americans, were the masters of Guyana. A quick aside is sought. With rare exceptions going forward, local leaders across the board will not be addressed by name, for that humanizes them. The
objective is to strip them of humanity, show them in all their obscenity and putridity. The very thought of mentioning their names, at least a few of them, inflicts staining and tainting, is found revolting. Indeed, this is how much they have deteriorated, the deceivers and con artists into which they have metamorphosed, and in which they delight. After dispatching their social media dirty tricks brigade, and painting teachers as lawbreakers (criminals), there is now the palm branch of pretended listening, of not preparing to engage in the recriminatory. Like I wrote recently, any Guyanese stupid enough to trust Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro is free to do so. In identical fashion, any Guyanese who still trusts leaders in this country, including many in the PPP Government, also have that right. Unless they are part of the criminal political cabal, then they trust to their unending detriment. Teachers beware! Teachers be on guard for Guyanese Greeks bringing explosive gifts. Teachers persevere. A livable wage is due. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
Motorcyclist dies in Meten-Meer-Zorg crash Police on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) are currently investigating an accident at Meten-MeerZorg which claimed the life Mark Paul of Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD). According to reports, the fatal incident occurred about 02:31 hrs. on Sunday on the Meten-Meer-Zorg public road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), it involved a motorcycle bearing registration CL 8032, which was driven by the 32-yearold Paul. Investigations revealed that Paul was heading west
Dead: Mark Paul along the southern side of the road, reportedly at a fast rate when he lost control of his motorcycle and ended up in a
trench then into a wooden bridge. He sustained head and other injuries. The injured man was picked up by the police in a semi-conscious condition and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was seen and admitted for treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, Kaieteur News understands he succumbed around 04:35 hrs. at the hospital. His body was later taken to the Ezekiel Mortuary for storage, awaiting a postmortem examination, police said.
Monday February 12, 2024
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Panama: GCCI begged US Exim Bank for
Gateway for smuggled cigarettes to Latin America and Caribbean About 15 containers of contraband cigarettes enter Panama every month, making the Central A merican country the gateway for illegal cigarettes into Latin America and the Caribbean. This reality was depicted with strategically placed containers on Cinta Costera 3, Panama City, by CBLA Crime Stoppers, the regional office of an international organization that aims to contribute to multidimensional security and facilitates anonymous, reliable, and secure citizen participation in reporting crimes in 7 regions worldwide. According to Crime Stoppers, this container installation serves not only as a wake-up call to the public and authorities on the occasion of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) scheduled in Panama from February 5 to 10, 2024, but also as an opportunity to highlight the need to strengthen public policies, reform, and harmonize the laws of the country to combat cigarette contraband, whose consequences directly impact the entire region and the lives of its inhabitants. Prohibitive or extreme public policies, such as tax increases or the prohibition of the use of electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and similar devices outlined in Law 315 currently in force in Panama, create a demand for the establishment of a black market, causing serious consequences for Panama and the region. Economic losses and
impacts on health and security Contraband cigarettes, being cheaper, adversely affect health by promoting increased smoking. Additionally, they result in the loss of millions of dollars for the states in the region. Organized crime and illegal money launderers utilize Panama as the epicenter of their contraband activities. Simultaneously, this activity funds more significant crimes such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, in collaboration with gangs distributing the product in countries like G u a t e m a l a , E c u a d o r, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, among others. Illicit cigarette trade in 2020 accounted for a loss of over $165 million in annual taxes for the Panamanian state. Considering the increase in contraband from 60% to 92% in just six years, the tax loss is alarming. Furthermore, 50% of the r e g i o n ’s c o n t r a b a n d cigarettes are distributed from Panama. According to Alejo Campos from Crime Stoppers, to minimize the consequences of illegal cigarette contraband, “It is necessary to create more effective laws that prevent, prosecute, and punish this crime, while also offering alternatives to tobacco consumers, such as introducing noncombustible cigarettes as a method of consumption reduction.” Campos also warned that Continued on page 16
gas-to-energy loan on its own - Jagdeo
GCCI President, Kester Hutson The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) begged the United States (US) Exim Bank on its own to allow the loan for the Gas- to-Energy (GTE) project to be approved. This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo who made the notion on Thursday at his weekly press conference. As reported last week, the GCCI resorted to writing a letter to the US Exim Bank, pleading for it to fund Guyana’s US$2B Gas to Energy project. “We don’t need to lobby the GCCI because you are disparaging. You just said that we put GCCI up to write this letter. This is the disparaging view that you have but it comes directly out of Congress Place and the mind of Glenn Lall,” Jagdeo said when questioned by Kaieteur News. The VP explained that the GCCI wrote the letter with their own agenda since it is the expectation that the body’s membership will benefit from cheaper electricity once the loan is approved and the project comes on stream. Another
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo benefit is increased profits since a lot of its members who are manufacturers will be able to export hence their “vested interest in this project.” Additionally, he said, “people of this country would save $100M US dollars every year from this project alone, leaving out what we would save as a country.” This publication reached out to the President of the GCCI, Kester Hutson for clarity on the matter. He requested to have the questions sent to him via email. Hutson then informed the reporter to clarify who formulated the questions. Up to press time he has not responded to the questions via email or text. In the letter to the bank’s President, Reta Jo Lewis, the GCCI wrote: “As you are aware, the Government of Guyana would have applied for a funding facility from the U.S. EXIM Bank to help finance this watershed initiative for the people of Guyana,” adding that the bank’s support will contribute significantly to the country’s energy transition, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable practices.
GCCI continued that the GTE project will reduce electricity cost in Guyana by half for its citizens and enterprises. “The GCCI sees this project as having immense potential to drive economic growth, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable d e v e l o p m e n t i n t h e We s t e r n Hemisphere,” the GCCI told the bank, before moving to advice its president not to listen to the pundits who have been criticising the gas project. The Guyanese business body said that it condemns “certain attempts by a small minority of individuals to discredit the project and discourage the US Bank from providing the financial support to complete the project.” It said, “…we are appalled at missives penned requesting that the loan to fund the initiative be blocked.” The government has submitted an application to the US bank for a US$646M loan to build a natural Gas fire power plant and a Natural Gas Liquids facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) but it has not been approved.
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Monday February 12, 2024
Day 5, T&T unable to determine quantity – Prime of oil in unknown vessel off Tobago Minister Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) finds itself in the midst of an environmental crisis as authorities grapple with an oil spill caused by a mysterious vessel with unknown proportions. Despite five days of efforts, the quantity of hydrocarbons in the vessel remains undetermined, leaving the twin-island nation in a state of uncertainty and concern. O n S u n d a y, P r i m e Minister Dr. Keith Rowley addressed the nation during a press conference, revealing the challenges faced in addressing the situation. “Fact number one is that an unknown vessel has apparently drifted upside down into Tobago’s literal zone, that vessel we don’t
…can’t determine cost to clean up spill as yet know who it belongs to, we have no idea where it came from and we also don’t know all that it contains,” Dr Rowley said. Dr. Rowley highlighted the significant size of the vessel, approximately 90 meters long. He added, “That’s not an insignificant size so if it has a lot of fuel in there it will take quite some time for it to dribble out and we just can’t disengage until it is emptied.” T h e s p i l l e d hydrocarbons have already contaminated the water and shores of Tobago, posing a severe threat to the
environment. “That vessel could have come from any kind of operation, especially if that operation is illicit…” the Prime Minister said. He stated that while there is no record of the vessel entering the country’s territory, observations by divers indicate that the vessel may have been towed at some point, raising questions about its operations. Authorities have been unable to ascertain the nature of the vessel, whether it is a freighter, tanker, or barge, as only the keel is visible. Despite mobilising a
The oil disaster in Tobago (Tobago Emergency Management Agency photo)
The unknown vessel that caused the oil spill offshore Tobago (TEMA photo)
contingency plan, the situation remains precarious, with ongoing efforts to contain and minimize the spill’s impact. Of particular concern is the uncertainty surrounding the type of hydrocarbon which is in the vessel and other contents that might be onboard. “We haven’t been able to determine if its bunker fuel…or raw crude, those are answers we don’t have at this point in time,” Dr Rowley said. The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of determining this information to effectively mitigate the disaster ’s effects. Notably, he said too, “Steps are being taken to have infrared (infrared radiation (IR) look to see what’s in the vessel.” The Prime Minister noted that the authorities are now in the containment phase which will remain for some time as long as the vessel is still in the water posing a threat to further contaminate the environment. “But then we would want to move from that stage to emptying the vessel, because the one thing we cannot do is to leave the vessel there with contents that could just keep spewing into the water and because if we do that we will then be at the mercy of the tide and the weather,” Dr Rowley said. He continued, “Because fortunately the weather is good right now so the booms are effective in holding the
T&T Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley spill in the zone that it is in, but if the weather changes significantly, especially on high tides or on falling tides the behaviour of what is spilled from the vessel could change…” Addressing the financial implications, Dr. Rowley said at this time there is no precise figure available; however, he stressed the importance of prioritising response efforts despite the uncertainty. During a question and answer segment, the Prime Minister further acknowledged the complexity of estimating the financial toll of the spill, describing oil spills as m e s s y, s t r e s s f u l , a n d expensive endeavors. He said, “…so it’s a priority because we have to respond and we don’t know the full scope and scale of what is going to be required and therefore to try to say how much it will cost will simply be an uneducated estimate.” As efforts continue to contain the spill and assess its impact, T & T authorities remain vigilant, recognizing the urgency of addressing this environmental catastrophe. The Prime Minister told reporters, “Cleaning and restoration can only seriously begin after we have brought the situation under control. The vessel is literally precipitously located, it can change its location based on the tide and remember the tide lifting and banging that vessel against the rock it can break, new holes can open and then the vessel can slip into deeper waters and the situation can change so let us not behave as though we have it fully under control.” Trinidad & Tobago’s
history in the oil and gas sector spans over a century, marking its enduring involvement in the industry. Its Caricom neighbour Guyana has emerged as a prominent player in the oil industry, with five years of oil production and a staggering output of over 650,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from three ships in the Stabroek Block—Liza Destiny, Liza Unity and Prosperity. The spill in Tobago comes at a critical juncture, when Guyana is grappling with a legal battle to ensure American oil giant, ExxonMobil, the parent company of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block, provides full liability coverage to protect Guyana financially from costs associated with a spill, since many experts have warned this can bankrupt the nation. Litigants Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte had secured an unlimited parent company guarantee from the local court for ExxonMobil to cover costs the US$600M insurance would not meet. The ruling was however challenged by the ExxonMobil Guyana and Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As such, a US$2B oil spill guarantee was ordered by Justice Rishi Persaud, as the Appeal Court continues hearing the appeal. Lawyers for Whyte and Collins had made several attempts to view the guarantee reportedly lodged. Following failed attempts, they approached the Court for the release of the document. In the meantime, the company has since declared that the guarantee was lodged.
Monday February 12, 2024
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Works stop after foreign national dies at Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase site Ongoing construction works at the Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase facility off the West Bank of Demerara were suspended on Saturday night after a foreign national died in an accident. The industrial accident took place around 18:40hrs. The shore base company issued a statement following the incident but did not reveal the identity of the victim. The company said that he was employed by a sub-contractor. Police have reportedly been informed and an investigation has been launched. All work at the facility has been suspended.
PANCAP webinar equips HIV clinicians with knowledge of anti-retrovirals The Pan-Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and A I D S ( PA N C A P ) i n collaboration with Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) on Thursday last hosted its second in a series of free webinars aimed at providing training opportunities for HIV medical professionals across the region. Thursday’s webinar facilitated by Dr David Koren, an Adjunct Assistant Professor for both the School of Pharmacy and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Te m p l e U n i v e r s i t y, Philadelphia, in the United States of America. Clinicians who attended were equipped with knowledge of commonly used and recently approved antiretrovirals that combat the HIV. “The primary objectives of this (Thursday’s) webinar were as follows: identify indications for ordering viral genotypes, phenotypes, and archived proviral DNA resistance tests, interpret general outcomes of HIV-1 resistance testing based on associated viral mechanisms, examine antiretrovirals commonly used in constructing complete regimens against resistance HIV-1 virus, recognize recently approved antiretrovirals against XDR HIV-1 virus and; list resources for clinical management of H I V- 1 r e s i s t a n c e ” t h e PANCAP coordinating unit said in a statement. For clinicians who missed Thursday’s webinar they can still view it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=_7G4kYS469A. PA N C A P ’ s next webinar is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:00 hrs. GYT and will be facilitated by Dr Jeffrey Edwards. He will be presenting on the topic, “Management of Advanced
Dr. David Koren, Adjunct Assistant Professor for the School of Pharmacy and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, USA HIV disease – update on the screening, diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections – Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis”. To register for this session you can follow the link: https://register.gotowebinar. com/register/577099062449 0672986 These webinars are being held as a means of increasing the capacity of HIV practitioners in the region to better detect and manage common opportunistic infections that affect people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Region. PA N C A P i n v i t e s medical professionals particularly HIV clinicians to take full advantage of the training opportunities being offered through the free webinar series so that they can broaden their knowledge and equip themselves with the requisite skills needed to professionally deliver highquality care and treatment to people living with HIV.
The Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase facility
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Monday February 12, 2024
Teachers’ strike, protest continues this week
Teachers protesting outside the Ministry of Education on Brickdam last week Teachers across the country will continue to engage in industrial action and protest this week over the government’s refusal to engage in the process of collective bargaining with the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU). Kaieteur News understands that teachers and representatives of the GTU will assemble outside the Minister of Education’s Office on Brickdam, and outside the Regional Education Offices all across Guyana to protest. The GTU’s General Secretary Coretta Mc Donald reminded over the
weekend that the industrial action and protest will go hand-in-hand. “We planned that the protest and strike should last two weeks but it depends on the response we get from the government,” McDonald stated. The Union’s President, Mark Lyte on Sunday in a live stream via the GTU’s Facebook page, thanked teachers for their support. “Thanks to our teachers who came out in their numbers within the last week to stand against an attempt at being dictatorial to the salary related matters,” Lyte said.
According to the GTU President, all across the country schools were affected by the strike. He claimed that the GTU has been keeping tabs on the numbers of teachers and student that are affected by the strike. He explained that, “In one branch where the general council rep {representative} would have done the due diligence to gather the data we have learnt that there is only 18 percent of learners coming out…in fact on Friday only 13 percent of learners came out in that area…all around parents realise that sending
their children to school is making no sense.” He continued: “It is heartless of the powers that be to see that our strike action has gained momentum and do nothing. There are those teachers who faced threats… but our teachers have been resilient in showing up even in greater numbers.” The GTU President iterated that the union had given the Ministry of Labour “a two-week window” to respond to its demands. He reminded that industrial action can take various forms, if the ministry and by extension the government
fails to address the concerns of teachers. “Even if teachers return to the classroom, we can actually do a lot of things to show our dissatisfaction with the manner in which we have been treated.” The GTU Head also rubbished claims that the strike action is illegal. “We ensured that strike was in keeping with all the protocols after the attempts to hold engagements between the Ministry of Education and the GTU were exhausted. In fact, the Ministry of Labour through its Chief Labour Officer and Minister acted in an
unprofessional manner by taking the side of the Ministry of Education rather that a neutral party, a mediator to resolve the issues between the two parties,” he said. As it relates to accusations by the government that the GTU lacks accountability of its finances, Lyte noted that this is an old strategy by the government to muzzle the union. The GTU President nonetheless stated that all its financial records are audited by a private auditing firm and the reports are tabled at Continued on page 16
Exxon’s 4th oil ship to set sail to Guyana next year In keeping with its production target of over 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027, Guyana will usher in a fourth Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel by next year. This is according to President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge. He was at the time presenting an update on the Yellowtail project at t h e c o m p a n y ’s f i r s t p r e s s conferences of the year last week when he made the announcement. Routledge said, “The plan basis is around the end of first quarter next year the FPSO would sail off from Singapore to Guyana. As always the team will challenge themselves to do better but that’s the plan basis.” Presently, he reported that the hull is fully constructed with the first module lifted onto the topsides. The vessel has already come out of dry dock while the other modules for the top sides of the FPSO are being finalized and added on. The remainder of the year will then be focused on integrating the cables, pipe structures and other technical works to complete the vessel. Routledge was reluctant to say whether the work was ahead of schedule or on target given that it was still during the “critical phases.” In fact, he explained that Guyana’s third FPSO, currently
The fourth FPSO, ‘One Guyana’ will arrive next year producing over 200,000 barrels of oil per day, was delayed by about one month, following an incident during the construction phase, hence his hesitance to pronounce on the delivery schedule. The Yellowtail project will be operated by the ‘One Guyana’ FPSO, designed by Dutch
shipbuilder, SBM Offshore, to produce 250,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). Kaieteur News previously reported that the project will develop approximately 925 million barrels offshore by drilling approximately 45 to 67 development wells (including
production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells). The US$10B project received government’s blessings on April 1, 2023. Guyana is presently producing more than 600,000 bpd in the Stabroek Block from the three operational projects, Liza One,
Liza Two and Payara. Liza Phase 1 produces up to 160,000 barrels, Liza Phase 2 up to 250,000 barrels, and Payara up to 230,000 barrels – daily. Yellowtail will increase the country’s daily oil production capacity to about 900,000 barrels per day by 2025.
Monday February 12, 2024
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Monday February 12, 2024
Kaieteur News
Khan’s PTI leads as final results in Pakistan election called
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(ALJAZEERA) Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and its affiliates have won the most seats in Pakistan’s elections, the election commission has revealed as it declared final results in the hotly-contested vote. A number of independent candidates allied to the jailed former leader’s PTI have won National Assembly seats in the February 8 vote, the commission said, helping the party to a surprise lead with 97 of the 265 seats. However, with no party winning a majority, and numerous contenders claiming vote tampering, Pakistan’s political future is very uncertain. Five other independents not backed by Imran Khan also secured seats. The PTI was trailed by the Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN), led by Khan’s fierce rival, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, with 76 seats. The 54 seats won by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) offer it the potential to be kingmaker. However, several other smaller parties also took seats, meaning complex negotiations over forming a gov-
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called for stability and calm. Close to PMLN, it is thought to stand ready to step in should the various parties fail to agree a governing coalition. The PTI, among several other parties, has called for protests against the results, alleging they have been rigged. Reporting from Islamabad, Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder said that three of the stay orders are on seats that the PTI claims its independent candidates had won by a huge margin. “If this is not settled through the legal way, these protests could spread across the country and perhaps even evolve into a movement,” he said. “Amid such orders, it appears that there will be a delay in the formation of the next government.” One PTI supporter from Lahore told Al Jazeera that he would not sit silently and allow his party’s mandate to be stolen. “The fact that internet was blocked on day of election showed how the state tried to tamper with the results.
Teachers’ strike, protest continues... From page 14 council meetings and conferences of the Union. “So, this will not work not break us. We will continue to press forward until Government addresses our demands.” Since 2020, the GTU has been pushing for an across-
the-board increase in salaries for teachers as part of a multiyear agreement. The proposal covers the years 2020 to 2023. As such, teachers believe that the 6.5% salary increase imposed on them by the PPP/ C administration last year end, and that the non-salary measures implemented by the
Government so far, are insufficient. Consequently, the GTU said it has been left with no choice but to consider strike action due to the failure of the Ministry of Education to honour its obligations under the existing Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).
Panama: Gateway for smuggled cigarettes... From page 11 “Law 315 of 2022, which prohibits the use, import, and commercialization of electronic nicotine administration systems, electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, tobacco heaters, and other similar devices, with or without nicotine in Panama, is creating a parallel illegal market for contraband products and has left
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ernment are likely to follow. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a Karachibased party, made a surprising return in the polls to win 17 seats, with several others grabbing a combined 20 seats. The vote, which was marred by deadly violence, was held to select 265 National Assembly members, meaning 134 seats are required for a coalition to gain a simple majority. Several results have been put on hold by the election commission following stay orders issued by courts. Thousands of angry protesters had poured into the streets of multiple cities during the delay in vote counting over recent days – blamed on a telecommunications cutoff on the day of the vote for what the authorities called security reasons – with several people killed. The release of the final results, and stay orders, have sparked new demonstrations across the country. However, in the meantime, violence has been limited. Pakistan’s powerful military, which has directly ruled for nearly three decades in Pakistan’s 76-year history, has
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the Ministry of Health in this country unable to exercise oversight and protect consumers.” Regarding such protection, Campos suggested that “civil society, consumers, government, and industry should be involved in legal framework discussions and provide science-based alternatives.” An alternative The organization’s spokesperson mentioned that countries like New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Scotland, or the United States have found in non-combustible electronic cigarettes and similar systems an alternative up to 95% less harmful than conventional cigarettes. They have successfully legalized it, offering better alternatives to their citizens and avoiding illegal contraband. Campos added that tracking the distribution of the Selective Consumption Tax (ISC), of which a significant percentage should be transferred to the Ministry of Health and the National On-
cological Institute of Panama, is crucial. However, these transfers have not been made in full to date, despite the budgetary needs of the two government institutions. The implications of cigarette contraband in terms of security, due to its strong connections with organized crime and terrorism financing, are concerning. The high profits combined with low risks and lenient penalties make it increasingly attractive to criminals as a highly profitable product, easy to transport, subject to minimal controls, and with sanctions, when applied, much more lax than those for other crimes, such as drug trafficking. Crime Stoppers’ statements are made in the context of COP10, where the presence of 1,200 leaders committed to the cause is expected, and the “roadmap” for the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the prevention of mortality associated with consumption will be defined.
Monday February 12, 2024
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Monday February 12, 2024
Monday February 12, 2024
Chinese authorities cancel second Argentina soccer match after Messi backlash in Hong Kong CNN - Chinese authorities have canceled two football matches featuring Argentina’s national team amid a growing backlash in the country against star player Lionel Messi. Messi has faced an outpouring of criticism after he remained on the bench during an exhibition game featuring his Major League Soccer team Inter Miami in Hong Kong. A sellout crowd of 40,000 had attended the match in Hong Kong – many of them hoping to see the man widely seen as the world’s best footballer, but the occasion ended acrimoniously when fans booed, jeered and de-
manded refunds as he failed to take to the pitch. Messi has since said he wanted to play but was kept off the field due to an injury. But that hasn’t stopped a torrent of criticism heading his way on the Chinese internet. The latest sign of Chinese displeasure with Messi came on Friday, when sports authorities in Beijing and Hangzhou said they would no longer host the two friendly matches the Argentinian team was slated to play in March. The team was supposed to take on Nigeria at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center and Ivory Coast at the Beijing Workers’ Sport Complex. But on Friday,
Hangzhou Sports Bureau said in a post on WeChat the game had been cancelled “in view of the reason everyone knows.” “The conditions for holding the event are immature and it has been decided that the event should be cancelled,” it added. Later in the day, the Beijing Football Association announced the cancellation of the remaining game. “Recently, many fans and netizen friends have asked about Messi’s game in Beijing,” the football authority said in a post on social media, adding, “Beijing currently has no plans to host relevant competitions in
Monday February 12, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A large weight should lift from your shoulders today, Aries. The air has started to clear, and the winds of communication have started blowing again. Listen closely to the buzz in the air.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The weightiness of the past few days seems to be lifting. You will find a slight breeze building that will help fuel your fire, Libra. By building a solid foundation, you've created a reliable.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) People may be abrasive today, Taurus, but you will find after careful assessment that they don't mean any harm. More than likely they aren't fully informed.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Now that you have a solid grip on your situation, unexpected things may come along that change the rules again, Scorpio. It may feel like the chair you just got comfortable. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Use gadgets and electronic devices to make life easier today, Sagittarius. Why take the time to chop food by hand when you can use the food processor.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't criticize the situation until you've come up with a better solution, Gemini. Be creative. You can accomplish much if you approach the situation confidently. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your thoughts may have a dreamy quality today, Cancer. You will find that things are less stable than they have been for the past few days. Don't get discouraged by pessimistic people.
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CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The Be careful of the information that comes your way today, Capricorn. People may make unwarranted claims and false accusations. The day has a dreamy, innovative quality to it that asks you to venture out on a limb.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your emotions are soaring, Leo, and you should feel free to indulge in your greatest fantasies. Take a break from reality for a while. Let your inner child play.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Maintain an air of detachment, Aquarius. Feel free to delve into your fantasy world and let your emotions carry you to another realm. Today is one of those days when you might come up with a new invention.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Reward yourself with two desserts today, Virgo. Take a bubble bath. Share your fantasies with others and express yourself fully. Don't feel like you have to say yes.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may find that things are much lighter than they were the past couple days, Pisces. This is a good time to let your physical body take a rest.
which Messi will participate.” Public relations nightmare Messi stayed on the substitute bench when Inter Miami played the Hong Kong team on February 4, despite repeated requests from the Hong Kong government and organizer, Tatler Asia, for him to get on the field. His coach later said Messi was injured and had been advised by the medical team at the last minute not to play. Messi later said this had been a “shame,” and that he had wanted to participate. His subsequent 30-minute appearance in a friendly match days later against Vissel Kobe in Japan only further angered Chinese fans, with many – including pro-Beijing politicians in Hong Kong – likening it to an insult to China. Messi now faces a public relations nightmare in one of the world’s most lucrative sports markets where, until now, he had enjoyed widespread popularity. On Friday, Hong Kong match organizer Tatler XFEST announced that it would refund 50% of the ticket price for fans, a move it said would cost the company $7.1 million and leave it facing nearly $5.5 million in losses. “Our aspiration was to create an iconic moment in support of the government’s efforts to remind the world how relevant and exciting Hong Kong is. That dream is broken today for us and all those who bought tickets to see Messi on the pitch,” said the company, which publishes Tatler branded magazines across Asia.
Former Guyana youth player Adrian Sukhwa hits 69 in Trinidad and Tobago Former Guyana youth wicket-keeper/batsman, Adrian Sukhwah, scored an impressive 69 in his first match of the season in Trinidad and Tobago. He struck eight fours and two sixes in his composed knock which helped his side to a nine-wicket win. Sukhwah is plying his trade for Cosmos Sports Club
in the T&T Premiership One, the highest league in Trinidad. The match was played at Union Village where his teammate Justin Samkarran also registered a half-century (52). Cosmos was able to score 3092 declared in the two-day fixture. The action was to continue over the weekend.
Carlos ‘The Showstopper’... From page 23 managed his trepidation very well and gave a performance that was befitting of his moniker “The Showstopper”. Carlos is now a force to be reckoned with in the 93 Kg class, internationally, and was even given acknowledgement and respect from his nemesis in the squat battle,” Jones remarked. He acknowledged the support from the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) under the guidance of President Franklin Wilson and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, highlighting their commitment to leveraging technological advancements in athlete preparation to bolster Guyana’s standing on the global stage. Wilson, on behalf of GALF and the powerlifting community, congratulated Carlos “for bringing himself and the nation great joy with his his-
toric performance.” According to Wilson, “We are proud of this achievement, which further strengthened the foundation for the sport to advance even more. He has worked hard and is very dedicated to the sport, and we are all that this is another hurdle crossed in his still-growing career.” Wilson also praised Carlos’ technical team, Coach Jones, and Assistant Coach Jamie McDonald, for their cohesive efforts and behindthe-scenes dedication. Acknowledging Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., Wilson expressed gratitude for his ongoing support, pointing to the role of the National Sports Commission and the Government of Guyana in fostering the sport’s growth. He concluded, “Bigger things are on the horizon for the sport and Guyana.”
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Monday February 12, 2024
Lady Jags squad announced for Gold Cup qualifiers
By Rawle Toney Lady Jags Head Coach, Omar Khan, unveiled his squad for Guyana’s bid to qualify for the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup. Guyana is set to take on the Dominican Republic this
Saturday at the Dignity Health Sports Park Track and Field Stadium in Los Angeles. A victory would secure the Lady Jags’ place in the Women’s Gold Cup Group alongside the USA, Mexico,
and Argentina in Group A. Among the squad are locally-based players Jalade Trim and Sandra Johnson from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), along with A n n a l i s a Vi n c e n t a n d Lakeisha Pearson from the
Guyana Police Force (GPF), forming a strong contingent of homegrown talent. The blend of youth and experience characterises the team, with Coach Khan expressing enthusiasm for the group’s dedication. Khan has made adjustments to the lineup following their impressive 50 victory against Dominica in the Concacaf Women’s Road To Gold Cup last November. Midfielder Hope Windebank joins the team, and Celtic FC Sydney Cummings, enhancing the squad’s depth and strategy for the upcoming elimination match. Preparations have been rigorous, with the Lady Jags maintaining fitness through a virtual programme and a five-day encampment in Los Angeles which started yesterday. Training leading up to Saturday’s match will focus on refining every aspect of their game, from attacking and defending to set pieces and conditioning.
“The main objective is to field a cohesive team—well-prepared and knowledgeable in every aspect of the game,” emphasized Khan. “Understanding our roles both on and off the ball will be crucial.” The Group Stage, scheduled from February 20th to 28th across various venues in the United States, will see twelve national teams competing. Following the roundrobin phase, group winners, runners-up, and the top two third-place finishers will advance to the quarterfinals. The semifinals and final are set for March 6th and 10th, respectively, at the Snapdragon Stadium. Khan emphasised that progressing to the group stage would not only boost the team’s morale but also serve as a significant milestone for women’s football in Guyana. Here’s the full squad: Goalkeepers: Chante’ Sandiford (Unattached), Raven Edwards-Dowdall
(North Toronto Sc) Defenders: Anya Tribune (Charlotte Independence Encl), Kristen Bettencourt ( P i c k e r i n g F c ) , Ry l e e Ta r i c o f f ( N i p i s s i n g University), Sydney Cummings (Celtic Fc), Heike Clarke (Markham Sc), Anika Sproxton (Woodbridge Sc) Midfielders: Stefanie Kouzas (McGill University), Brianne Desa (Vaughan Sc), J alade Trim (Guyana Defence Force Fc), Hope Wi d e n b a n k ( A l l i a n c e United), Hannah Baptiste (Bromley Fc), Sandra Johnson (Guyana Defence Force Fc), S a m a n t h a B a n f i e l d ( Yo r k University) Forwards: Otesha Charles (Chatham Town Fc), Shanice Alfred (Seneca College), Annalisa Vincent (Guyana Police Force Fc), Jenea Knight (Charleston Southern University), Lakeisha Pearson (Guyana Police Force Fc), Neema Liverpool (Passaic Fc), Dylana Makarowski (York University)
Maxwell’s magic century secures series win for Australia despite West Indies’ valiant efforts SportsMax - In a display of unparalleled brilliance, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell played a spectacular unbeaten innings, scoring an extraordinary century to lead Australia to victory in the second T20 International against West Indies at the Adelaide Oval. Maxwell’s unbeaten 120 from just 55 balls proved to be the gamechanger as Australia secured the series with a 34-run win. Australia’s total of 241 for 4, their highest on home soil, set a challenging target for West Indies. Despite a valiant effort from West Indies captain Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, and Jason Holder, Australia’s bowling attack, led by Marcus Stoinis with figures of 3-36, proved too strong for the Caribbean side. The match featured late controversy when Alzarri Joseph was short of his ground attempting a tight single. However, umpire
Australia argue with umpire Gerard Abood after a run out was given not out because they did not appeal. (Getty Images) Gerard Abood ruled there had been no appeal, leading to heated scenes on the field. Despite the late drama, it did not affect the match’s outcome. M a x w e l l ’s i n n i n g s , featuring eight sixes, was the
second-highest T20I score for a batter at number or lower, equaling Rohit Sharma’s record with a fifth T20I century. His dominating performance left West Indies with a challenging target,
a n d d e s p i t e P o w e l l ’s attractive 63 off 36 balls, they fell short, finishing at 207 for 9. The series victory for Australia, following their 11-run win in the first game at Bellerive Oval, marks a
successful start to their T20 World Cup preparations. The third and final game of the series is scheduled to be played in Perth on Tuesday. West Indies, facing an imposing total, came out swinging with aggressive
batting early on. However, Australia’s left-arm quick, Spencer Johnson, making his first appearance in a home international, showcased his talent with figures of 2 for 39. Johnson, who debuted for Australia late last year and starred for Brisbane Heat in the BBL, is emerging as a bowler of considerable interest across formats. Despite West Indies’ bighitters like Andre Russell providing some fireworks, the team fell away in the face of Maxwell’s relentless assault. Russell’s entertaining 37 off 16 balls and Powell’s glimmer of hope were not enough to overcome Australia’s commanding performance. Scores: Australia 241 for 4 (Maxwell 120*, David 31*, Holder 2-42) beat West Indies 207 for 9 (Powell 63, Russell 37, Stoinis 3-36) by 34 runs.
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Monday February 12, 2024
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Jockey Ross cautious but Munisar, Millington, Hardat ready for Jumbo Jet’s wreck Essequibo by 4 wickets horse race on February 25 GCB Senior Women’s Super50 Inter-county Round 2...
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erbice romped to important 4 wicket win over Essequibo yesterday at the Meten-MeerZorg Ground when action continued in the GCB Women’s Super50 Inter-county tournament. Berbice had brilliant performances from the premier national/international stars, especially during their run with the ball. Windies U19 Skipper Ashmini Munisar (2-7), Plaffiana Millington (311) and Tricia Hardat, who stole the show with returns of 3-5, led an expedition of spin which kept Essequibo to 64 all out in 27.2 overs. Cyanna Retimiah (12) and Latoya Williams (12) were the only two Essequibian ladies to reach double figures. Berbice in reply ended with 65-6 12.1 overs after Munisar and Sheneta Grimmond hit 16 apiece, along with Tia Issacs (11*) to take their side home. Retimiah then followed up her good outing with the bat, grabbing 2-28 for Essequibo, with Kumarie Persaud and Yonette Welcome picking up a wicket each.
Berbice’ Tricia Hardat is all smiles after picking up her MVP award.
West Indies O60s squad to compete in the 14 team World Cup in Chennai, India
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strong 16-man We s t I n d i e s squad will congregate in New York to wing out to Chennai, India via Dubai on Wednesday, February 14th 2024. The squad is expected to arrive in Chennai on Thursday evening and will be staying at the beautiful Citadines Hotel. Prior to the squad’s departure, the Windies squad, management and supporters will be hosted to a special dinner at the Legends Cookhouse on Rockaway Blvd, Queens, NY on Tuesday evening compliments of Rupe & Krish Harricharran, owners of the Legends Restaurant & Lounge in Orlando. The 16-man squad to be led by captain Zamin Amin reads as follow: Zamin Amin- Captain Anthony Boyke Deonarine Deyal Harry Narain Heeralall Howard Jodhan Emmerson Jordan Keith Lawrence Hafiz Mohamed Krishendath Ramdat
David Ramsingh Keith Seale Pramesh Seheult Balwant Roy Singh Chanderpaul Singh Sunderdat Sookram This squad was drawn mainly from Guyana, Trinidad, Barbados, USA and Canada with a few of the guys having First Class experience. Deonarine Deyal, father of Trinidad T20 star, Mark Deyal and Richard Sieuchan turned out for Trinidad and Tobago for a few First Class matches whilst Emmerson Jordan also turned out for Barbados for a few FirstClass matches. The skipper Zamin Amin played for Guyana at the youth level and captained the USA team in some ICC World Cups several moons ago but has still been actively playing competitive cricket in the New York circuit and has just graduated from the O50s Masters cricket playing for the West Indies. Zamin also represented West Indies O40s team in that World Cup in Pakistan a
few months ago. Roy Singh and Chanderpaul Singh also just graduated from the O50s West Indies team that won the Bowl at the last IMC World Cup in South Africa in March 2023. All of the other guys are rearing to go after months of preparation in their various countries. The 14 countries slated to participate in this 2nd IMC O60s World Cup are: Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Rest of the World, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, UAE, Wales and West Indies. Pakistan are the reigning O60s World Cup champions after winning in Queensland, Australia at the inaugural O60s World Cup. The 14 countries have been divided into 2 groups: West Indies have nets on Friday, February 16th, then a practice game against Rest of the World on Saturday, February 17th before their opening game against Sri Lanka on Monday, Feb 19th and defending champions, Pakistan on Tuesday, Feb 20th.
Guyana’s champion jockey for 2023 Colin Ross is cautious of his competitors but he is ready for the new challenge. Ross will be in action on Sunday February 25 at the Rising Run Turf Club when the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Mashramani horse race takes center stage. Eight races are carded for the day and close to G$10 million will be up for grabs. According to Ross, the horses are in full preparation mode. “Preparation going okay. Some of the horses are 80% and 90% ready. We have a few more weeks to get the horses for February 25. The trainer, groomers and exercising jockeys are doing a good job, so far everything is looking good for race day,” Ross said. “That year I cannot complain (about 2023), I rode a lot of good horses and good won a lot of races. I am hoping for the best for this new year, 2024, to get some more wins than last year,” the champion jockey said.
Guyana’s champion Jockey Colin Ross has his eyes on winning the prize.
When asked if he will be jockey of the year again, Ross said: “I am trying by best again to make it, because I know a lot of jockeys are trying to be champion jockey of the year.” “Rising Sun track is good. I exercised some horses. The track is alright, just a bit of rain to settle the sand. The track is okay so far,” Ross indicated. The feature event for February 25 will be open to all imported and locally bred horses, running at 1,600m. The top horse of the feature event will bag G$2 million. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e
provisional programme includes the West Indianbred four-year-old and West Indian-bred three-year-old horses running at 1,600m, and the three-year-old Guyana-bred non-winners of two races running at 1,400m. In addition to Ross, Jockey Nicholas Patrick, and Ronaldo Appadu will be eyeing the champion jockey tag. Top horses in Easy Time, Alado, Bossalina, Jet Lee, Spankhurst, Stolen Money, Our Stuie among other horses are expected to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club at the Mashramani event.
EBCA 40-Over Cricket Competition...
Centuries from Benn and Parks, Sam and Williams among the wickets
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he East Bank C r i c k e t A s s o c i a t i o n ’s (EBCA) 40-Over Cricket competition witnessed intense action over the weekend across four distinct venues: Canal #2, Laluni, Farm, and YMCA grounds. At Canal #2 ground, Continental Raptors showcased dominance, defeating Timehri Sports Club by a staggering 324 runs. Their imposing total of 401-10 in the first innings was led by Troy Benn’s impressive century, with Ramen Deonarine adding a s o l i d h a l f - c e n t u r y, contributing 71 runs. In reply, Timehri struggled, managing only 78 runs before exhausting their batting lineup. Mayhem Khan and Kevlin Leitch stood out as the key bowlers, finishing with
figures of 4-21 off 7 overs and 3-21 off 7 overs, respectively. Over at Farm ground, Providence emerged victorious against Herstelling A, posting a total of 231-10, with Stephon Campbell topscoring at 45 runs. Delroy Williams delivered an outstanding performance, taking five wickets (5-41) in 7.4 overs. Peters Hall secured a 107-run victory against Diamond, with Suruj Booramlall’s stylish knock of 63 runs and Chibiraj Ramcharran’s quick 48, which included three fours and six sixes, helping them reach 215-8 in 40 overs. Diamond fell short managing only 10910, as Yogendra Singh claimed 4-21 and Malcolm Martin took 3-21. In another encounter, Uprising Cricket Club triumphed over Ruimveldt
Sports Club by 3 wickets. Ruimveldt posted 183-8, with Danney Nayaran topscoring with 59 runs in a losing effort. Uprising’s Megial Parks played a blistering innings, scoring an unbeaten 100 to guide his team to victory at 185-7, including seven fours and t h r e e s i x e s . Te a m Demolition secured a convincing 71-run win over Patrewta Sawmill, setting a target of 140 runs to get from 40 overs. Patrewta were bundled out for a meager 69-10, giving Demolition a comfortable win. Damon Sam was the main wicket-taker; finishing with 5-24. Additionally, Sandpiper and Eccles cricket teams secured wins over the weekend, with detailed match reports to be published as soon as they become available.
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Monday February 12, 2024
GFF holds clubs licensing workshop ahead of Elite League season six
Participants at the GFF club licensing workshop to deal with the Elite Clubs licensing criteria for the League. In a concentrated effort to prepare for the upcoming Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League Season Six, General Secretary Ian Alves on Saturday hosted a club licensing workshop to share with the management of the ten Elite Clubs licensing criteria. Among the attendees were presidents or secretaries of reigning league champions Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Western Tigers, Den Amstel, Fruta Conquerors, Santos, Ann’s Grove and Buxton United. The workshop also welcomed representatives from the recently promoted Monedderlust and Slingerz football clubs. “The GFF
wants to ensure operational uniformity among Elite Clubs to foster the growth of the league and advancing player promotion. With established standards in place, clubs must ensure they are compliant as we continue to invest in professionalising the Elite League,’ Alves told the fifteen participants. He also provided a detailed account of the club licensing process, placing emphasis on compliance with established standards, from having a proficient management team with a shared vision, financial audits, a developmental strategy which includes the seamless execution of matches and focusing on the
well-being of players. “The clubs have been very receptive to the information shared. Fortunately, some of the clubs have been in the leagues for several years and have met the qualification for licensing. We continue to work with them and have also extended our support to recently promoted clubs Slingerz and Monedderlust, to ensure that all requirements are met.” He added that the “target is that before we conclude the upcoming Elite League all clubs will be at a position where they will be considered truly qualified for the club licensing.” GFF First Vice President Brigadier General (Ret)
Bruce Lovell, in his opening statement, said the turnout signified a shared vision for the progress of professional football. “Your attendance is proof that you support the GFF’s broader strategy to professionalize football. Our football in Guyana will not progress until we have a greater level of professionalism, until we approach football in a very professional manner in a collaborative manner.” He stressed that licensing is also key to upholding and enhancing the standard of play and advancing the youth and female football programmes. “Club licensing is not merely a regulatory measure, but a
deliberate strategy to develop youth and female football. You have to have a youth programme, you have to have a female programme. Those are essential prerequisites for the club licensing regime.” Meanwhile, Santos Football Club Frank Paris shared that “there is a lot of information that we probably thought we knew, but we didn’t know,” adding that licensing lets clubs know what they “need to be up to the level of a professional team.” Treverlyn Johnson of the Monedderlust Football Club said the information shared at the workshop was invaluable. “I will definitely take it back to our club
making sure that team members understand how important…it is for a club to be licensed.” The Elite League is set to start on February 25 at the National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara, under the newly installed FIFA-approved floodlights. GFF President Wayne Forde administration continues to make substantial investments into the growth of club football, including the hosting of strategic training programmes to disseminate critical information to clubs, coaches, referees and players regarding the professionalisation of the game in Guyana.
Johnny Barnwell’s Mash Extravaganza billed for February 24
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he Johnny Barnwell Mash competition is set to take place on Saturday, February 24th, hosted by the South Turkeyen Sports Committee at the Vryheid’s Lust Playfield Tarmac, starting at 2:00pm. The event will feature an
exciting Under-16, FiveSide Small goal Football competition and a three-aside Basketball competition. The football competition will showcase teams such as North Sophia, C Field Sophia, Vryheid’s Lust, Plaisance Youth Group, East La Penitence, and
others. Simultaneously, the three-a-side Basketball competition is expected to add an additional layer of excitement to the day’s proceedings. Participating teams include Vryheid’s, Buxton, North Sophia, C Field
Sophia, East Ruimveldt, West Ruimveldt, Belfield, Melanie, and others. A variety of prizes will be up for grabs, including trophies, medals, and generous cash prizes contributed by sponsors such as Mr. Nigel Hinds Financial Services, Hon.
Hugh Hilton Todd from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P&P Insurance, and others. Notable contributors of cash prizes include King Solomon Logistics and Nigel Hinds. Trophies are generously donated by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P&P Insurance, and the National Sports Commission. For more information, interested teams can contact Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell at 666-2950 for more details regarding this exciting tournament.
Monday February 12, 2024
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Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ praised for historic Sheffield Powerlifting C/ship performance By Rawle Toney Despite not clinching the top spot on the podium at the Sheffield Powerlifting Championship, Carlos Petterson-Griffith considers his seventh-place finish in England a “mission accomplished.” “Sheffield has been an incredible experience. Despite the challenges, like the weather and adjusting to the environment, my main
goal was to compete at an elite level,” Carlos shared with Kaieteur News yesterday. “My primary objective was to go head-tohead with the best,” the nation’s strongest man emphasised, gesturing towards his World Record in the squat. Competing in the 93kg class at the Sheffield Powerlifting Championship, Petterson-Griffith delivered an impressive performance,
Carlos Petterson-Griffith pulled 360kg in the deadlift at the Sheffield Powerlifting Championship.
including a 332.5 kg squat, a 182.5kg bench press, and a 360kg deadlift, totalling 875kg—coming close to the World Record of 888.0kg. Completing the intense competition among the top 12 powerlifters globally, Carlos earned £1,750 for his efforts. Moreover, he stands poised to capitalise on the £5,000 prize for breaking a World Record, having briefly held the 93 kg squat world record (332.5 kg) until it was surpassed by the USA’s Gavin Aiden (337 kg). “My previous world stats or totals was 847.5kg. I was able to surpass that, not just rewriting history in the South American region, but also able to clinch the world record on my second attempt, squat, which was 332.5kg,” the Guyanese strongman proudly stated. He added, “I’ll make the necessary adjustments and push forward. While this championship was an incredible experience, my focus remains on continual
Carlos Petterson-Griffith flanked by GALPF president Franklin Wilson, Coach Jones and Assistant Coach Jamie McDonald at the Sheffield Powerlifting Championship. improvement, especially targeting the other two world records I aim to reclaim: squat and deadlift, aiming for the total.” Expressing gratitude to his sponsors—Fitness Express, Digicel, and Superior Concrete—Carlos also extended thanks to those who prefer to remain
anonymous. “Thank you all once again for your continued support. I couldn’t have made it without you guys. And once again, thank you for everything. Let’s keep crushing records; the hard work continues.” Meanwhile, Carlos’ coach, Dexter Jones, hailed his athlete’s performance as
“remarkable, given the short prep time, the seemingly improbably but necessary targets that were established to get him into a competitive position and mind-numbing prospect of competing at the most prestigious Power Lifting Competition ever.” “Carlos rose to the occasion, (Continued on page 19)
Briton John secures second consecutive Beacon Café Road Race titles T
he Beacon Café/Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) 35+ miles road race kicked off in spectacular fashion last Sunday, with Briton John from United We Stand claiming his second consecutive title in the Men’s Elite championship. The event served as a true testament to skill, e n d u r a n c e , a n d determination, with participants displaying remarkable sportsmanship across various categories, including Men’s Elite, Juniors, Juveniles, Mountain Bikes, Women’s, and Men’s Under-50 and Over-50 races. Starting in front of the Beacon Café on Carmichael Street, cyclists embarked on a challenging 40-mile journey to Belfield and back, culminating at the Sheriff Medical Facility on Sheriff Street. The race began south
onto Church Street, then westwards onto the iconic Main Street’s northbound lane. The plethora of cyclists then headed towards Carifesta Avenue for the official start, continuing on the Rupert Craig Highway onto the East Coast Demerara public road, reaching Belfield koker. The return leg guided cyclists back along the East Coast Demerara public road, onto the Rupert Craig Highway, left into Sheriff Street, concluding at the Sheriff Medical Facility. In the Men’s Elite segment, Briton John of United We Stand dominated, securing his first-place finish for the second consecutive year. Aaron Newton from the KFC Evolution Cycle Club closely followed in second place, while youth talent Alexander Leung, also from United We Stand, finished third. Leung continued his
success by dominating the Junior category, securing a compelling first-place performance, with Sidney Sidwell (KARCC) and Daniel Jiang claiming second and third place, respectively. Abigail Jeffrey (KARCC) shone in the female category, finishing first and setting a positive tone for the 2024 season. Syesha Sumner delivered a strong performance, settling for second place. In the Men’s Under-50 (U-50) race, Segun Habbard and Robin Persaud of Team Evolution claimed the top two spots, while the Over-50 (O-50) category saw Ian Jackson of Flying Stars Cycle Club and Mark Spencer (KFC Evolution) securing the first and second places, respectively. Paul Choo-wee-nam initially secured the third spot in the Masters U50 but was disqualified for not adhering
Podium finishers at the 2nd Annual Beacon Cafe Road Race trailblazers event, as United We Stand cyclist Briton John (1st) took Elite title for second consecutive year.
to federation rules. Junior Niles was subsequently awarded the third place. During the presentation c e r e m o n y, K A R C C representative Kwame
Ridley commended all c y c l i s t s , s t a t i n g , “ We commend every rider here today for your outstanding performance, and we at KARCC look forward to
seeing you continue to excel in your cycling endeavors.” The race was sponsored and organized by the Beacon Café and the Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club.
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Guyana’s Carlos Petterson-Griffith successfully complete his World Record Squat of 332.5kg, which he briefly held at the Sheffield Championship.
Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ praised for historic Sheffield Powerlifting C/chip performance Rovman Powell lap sweeps fine. (Getty Images)
Glenn Maxwell scoops behind the wicketkeeper. (Getty Images)
Maxwell’s magic century secures series win for Australia despite West Indies’ valiant efforts Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.