Kaieteur News

Guyana’s top policymaker on oil and gas has not seen Exxon’s $2B guarantee US

Vice President (VP) and, guaranteewiththeagency,as liability coverage to Guyana top policy maker on the oil orderedbytheCourt. intheeventofoilspills. and gas sector, Bharrat

In his ruling on Monday, Pending the final Jagdeo disclosed on Justice Persaud concurred outcomeofanappealtostay Thursdaythathehasnotseen with the contentions raised the Order by High Court the $US2B oil spill by Datadin. He held that Justice,SandilKissoon,that guarantee reportedly lodged under OrderTwo; Rule 16 of ExxonMobil Guyana with the Environmental the Court of Appeal Act, a provides unlimited liability ProtectionAgency (EPA) by single judge cannot make an coverage for oil spills, ExxonMobilGuyana. Order of Discovery for the Court of Appeal judge,

The VP was at the time respondents to produce the Justice Rishi Persaud had responding to questions evidence that the Order was instructed ExxonMobil to posed by this publication at complied with. The Court lodge a US$2 Billion oil his weekly press conference held further that the judge spillguarantee onthematter does not have the inherent Since that Order was

Kaieteur News asked the jurisdiction to enquire into issued on June 8, 2023, the VP:“Yousaidwehavea$2B hisownOrder litigants said their lawyers guarantee. You would agree Sanjeev Datadin, the were unable to secure a copy with us, that Exxon has a lawyer representing the of the said guarantee for track record of being State-owned EPA, had perusal. A summons was dishonest in their dealings challenged the jurisdiction subsequently filed on Country Manager, Alistair costs associated with an oil subsequently issued a with other countries. In light of the Court of Appeal to November1,2023fororders Routledge was asked by this spill. statement stating the US$2B of this, have you seen that order the agency to show directing the EPA and publication, why the In January, the EPA’s guaranteewouldnotbemade guarantee for yourself and proof that ExxonMobil ExxonMobil to produce a companyhasbeenhesitantto lawyer Sanjeev Datadin told public unless the Court so are you comfortable with the Guyana had lodged the $2 copy of the US$2 billion oil share the guarantee it has the National Assembly decides. termsattached?” billion oil spill parent spillguarantee. lodged. during the 2024 budget On Monday, Justice of Jagdeo responded, “No I guarantee. The summons to see the “On the guarantee, we debates that, “They [the Appeal Rishi Persaud ruled havenot.IsaidthisisanEPA Datadin raised the issue US$2B [interim] guarantee had worked the guarantee in EPA] are required to keep a that the Court of Appeal has matter I have not seen the of jurisdiction in the case that ExxonMobil was advance of the actions that register, a ledger of all those no jurisdiction to summon guarantee.” where two Guyanese, ordered to lodge, was filed tookplaceinCourtandsowe documents submitted and it t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l

He explained that in Frederick Collins and by Senior Counsel, Seenath were ready as soon as the is available for anyone, Protection Agency (EPA) to caseslikethese,“youhaveto Godfrey Whyte, challenged Jairam in association with Judge signalled that a including the Honourable produce evidence that understandjurisdiction.” the oil company over the AttorneysMs.MelindaJanki guaranteethathadavalueon Member Mr Shurwayne ExxonMobil Guyana has

Further, Jagdeo told failure to provide unlimited andMrs.AbiolaWong-Innis. it is what was required then Holder to go to their office lodged the $2 billion oil spill Kaieteur News that the EPA collectively ExxonMobil, between normal business has assured that the form the Hess and CNOOC had our hours and he will be allowed guarantee takes makes it guarantees ready to meet our toseeit,”saidDatadin. enforceable “It was $2B commitment and that’s On the contrary, the negotiated, they had their what we lodged,” Routledge Environmental Protection lawyers involved, and said. Agency (EPA) told a therefore it is in that The US$2B oil spill Kaieteur News reporter that manner,” Jagdeo said at the guarantee was ordered by the ExxonMobil US$2 pressconference. Justice Rishi Persaud in billion guarantee lodged at Exxon Mobil Guyana 2023, as the Court ofAppeal the EPA could be viewed Limited (EMGL) held its hears the case for full once a formal request is first press conference for liability coverage to protect submittedtotheagency 2024 earlier this month, and Guyana financially from However, the EPA

Guyana at 54

Byanymeasurement,GuyanaisayoungRepublicwith manypowerfulattributesitcanclaimasitsown.Givenour relative youth as a nation, and the vastness of our natural gifts,eachcitizenofthiscountryshouldbeamongtheenvied oftheworld. Whatshouldbe,andwhatis,aretwodifferent things,withthemostregrettablegapexisting.

February 23, 1970, meant that we had just removed the last connections to the past, that long history of dominance by and subservience to great powers. At long last, after centuries of slavery and indentureship first, and the continuingheavyhandofaMotherCountry,thechildrenof Guyana now held the reins of control in their own hands. The destiny of country and citizens was now in Guyanese hands, and in the decisions that they made for themselves. Naturally, this is with a wise eye to the ambitions of neighbors,andthepowerfulintriguesofthosebiggerpowers moredistant.Takentogether,thelatterhavealwayshadtoo much of an overwhelming influence on the affairs of this Republic before it became one. Unfortunately, some significantelementsofthatinfluencehavecontinuedunder differentdisguisestothisday

Whereas we, the Guyanese leaders and Guyanese citizens of this new Republic, should have had the good sensetorecognizeandcometogripswiththetormentingand self-destructivebonespursinourbackbone,thepreferences andpassionswereforgivingshortthrift(besideslipservice) to what was our biggest handicap, our greatest existential threat. In the simplest expression, we are hopelessly and helplesslydisorganized,divided,anddevastatingtoourown interests, our future wellbeing. This has provided fertile ground for the reemergence of those from the outside to exploit our strengths, our vulnerabilities, and our eternal insecurities.Wehavealwaysknownourstrengths,thegreat natural resource gifts that proliferate across our broad landscape. Though our ancestors dreamed dreams of a bigger natural resource bonanza, it was not theirs to experience. But now that treasure is here, and as it is gigantic, it also reopens and ruptures still deeper the everfestering wounds that our nationally ours, our vulnerabilities. When our ruptures and vulnerabilities are exposedintheirongoingbrightnessandsharpnessbeforeall whocome,thenwerenderourselvesripeforexploitationof theworstkind.

Our insecurities have condemned us to wrangling and screamingwithrelentlessaggressivenessaboutwhoshould govern,whoisfit,whohasarightto,andwhohavefailedon all counts, even by the most sympathetic interpretations. Becausewehavebeenourworstenemy,theroadwaspaved andthedooropenedforotherstocomerunningtotherescue. Wehavesincefoundtoouralarmandunadmittedshame,that our rescuers had their own agendas Behind the smokescreens of democracy and 'free and fair' their objectiveswereaboutcontrolandcashinginonourglittering resourceprizes.

Whenwerefusetosummonthecourage,togropeforthe wisdom,tofreeourselvesandbefairtoeachother,thenwe surrendered ourselves and our patrimony to the new enslavers of today Though it is exhausting, it is never too old,tospeakofbeingwatchfulofthosewhobringgifts. The giftsthatcameintheformofhelpfulpresences,andaguiding hand, during the disastrous time of a few short years ago, havetiedus,debonedus,andguttedus. Dependencyisour norm,beingdictatedto,eventalkedto,isnowtherealityof GuyaneseinthissupposedlyvigorousRepublicmadeupof amongtherichestpeopleintheworld.Wecertainlyqualify on paper to that categorization, but what is left out is how muchwearealsotheweakest,andamongthemostfoolish,in that we are not learning. Our leaders of today are only too gladtobeservantsinthekitchensofforeignmasters.Thisis what is heralded as vaunted leadership, viable nationhood, andthevibrantsinewsofaRepublicinthegrooveandonthe move. Indeed,theRepublicofGuyanaisinthegrooveand onthemove,butthosearecertainlynotourown,withusin control.

Will voters move away from ethnic voting?

DearEditor, Dr Henry Jeffrey (KN Feb19)imploredpoliticians nottoappealonanideology of race for political support to win government and that they should seek 'to democratize' the electorate away from race. The advice is also applicable to Trinidad.

Iendorsethisadvice.But will parties pay heed and is the advice practical in light of the 28 years of political discrimination experienced byIndiansinGuyanaand30 years in Trinidad and the attempt to rig the 2015 Guyanaelectionsandhistory of gerrymandering in Trinidad? Can Jeffrey convince or 'democratize' voterswhoultimatelydecide on how they vote, i.e which party they prefer — and not tocasteballotsforracebased parties. It is noted that all multiracialparties,exceptin 1953, failed to win election in Guyana and except in 1986 inTrinidad. Both were unique exceptions to the political rule as voters were fedupofthestatusquo.

All appeals for no racial voting going back last sixty sixyearsfellondeafearsnot only in Guyana but also in

Trinidad, and Suriname Ditto other ethnically dividedstatesinAfrica,Asia, andglobally Inspiteofwhat they claim or say, parties themselves are ethnically based.Howwillvotersreject them when they are tied to thepartyoftheirraceortribe or ethnicity for security and economic survival (patronage)? The nature of the politics in Guyana or Trinidad is race although a party may not necessarily govern exclusively in the interestsofitssupporters.

G u y a n a b e c a m e politically divided along racial lines in 1955 and race voting institutionalized in 1957 when elections were fought along lines with people voting for racialised parties. Ditto Trinidad in 1956 with racialized voting further institutionalized in 1958. It is over sixty six years and people still vote race. How can we break racializedvotingandreplace it with 'a democratic issue centered'voting?

Not only do people vote race, they reject minor race parties that they feel will 'split'thevote.Theremaybe several parties competing to represent a race as has been the case in both Guyana and

Trinidad, but the voters rarely split their vote. They consistently voted for only oneracebasedparty

The members of both major races in Guyana and Trinidadbelievedtheyacted rationally when they voted for a single party to maximize its opportunity to wingovernment.Itwouldbe recalled that Balram Singh Raifailedtowinaseatforhis Indian based Justice Party Ditto Hosein Ghanie for Guyana United Muslim Party

The URP, NRP, DLM, ROAR,andWPAinGuyana and Team Unity, MUP, ACDC, ONR, in Trinidad, among others, struggled to gaintractionevenfromtheir ethnic base. Ethnic voters didn't split their base except inrarecases—in2006when AFC capturedAfricans who were disenchanted with Robert Corbin's leadership ofPNCandin2011and2015 whenIndiansabandonedthe PPP Likewise, Indians shunnedUNCin2001,2002, and 2015 because of their neglectleadingtoitsdefeat.

Although BS Rai appealed to Indians in 1964 togivehimseatstoempower them to bargain for key Ministries,theyblankedhim

and voted PPP Although WPAappealedtoAfricansto support it, they stuck with PNC even after 26 years of authoritarian rule and abuses Similarly, Indians rejected Team Unity blankingitsappealtoIndians inTrinidadtogiveitseatsto represent their interests and to bargain for Ministries or even PM position. Had Indians given Justice Party seats, with BS Rai as Home Affairs Minister, would the country have suffered 28 years of authoritarian rule? Indians rebuffed Rai and paid a huge price Had Indians given Team Unity seats with Ramesh Maharaj asAttorneyGeneralorPrime Minister, would there have been a huge increase in kidnappings and home invasions in Trinidad? Maharaj had significantly reduced crime when he was AG. He hanged murderers. Kidnapping and home invasionswerenon-existent. Indian rejected him, and he paidaheftyprice.

Next year is general electionsinbothGuyanaand Trinidad and Tobago. Will voters move away from ethnicvoting?

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

The Guyana Teachers' Union and Active Legal Trade Unionism

DearEditor, With reference to the current Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) strike, this teachers' union, and the Guyana Trades Union Congress(GTUC)shouldlet the Guyanese people know of their observance of the Guyana Trades Unions' Act asoutlinedhereunder

This year, 20224 will mark one hundred and four yearssincetheenactmenton 18 June 1921of the Trade UnionsAct:Chapter98:03–No. 17 of 1921. This first fundamental Trade Union L a w p r o v i d e s f o r registrationandregulationof trade unions, their rights, protection, obligations, the registrationofrules,changes in rules, amalgamation, the rendering of financial accountability, audit of accounts, and the report of the Registrar of Trades Unions to the National Assembly

The main statutory provisionsinclude:

Trade Unions: Trade Unions are prohibited from carrying out business unless it is registered (Sections 11-

12) with the Registrar of Trade Unions in accordance withthisAct.

A trade union, not registered in accordance with this Act, shall be dissolved within three months of its formation, or be dissolved if the Registrar of Trade Unions refuses to register it for failure to meet the requirements of thisAct (Section24).

Any seven or more members of a trade union may, by subscribing their names to the rules of the union, register the union with the Registrar of Trade Unions.(Section15)

Protection of Trade Unions: In furtherance of a trade dispute within the context of this Act, trade unions are protected from criminal prosecution for conspiracy or otherwise The purpose of any trade union shall not be unlawful so as to invalidate any agreement (Section 5). This law protects trade unions against action of tort and breach of contract or agreement or trust in pursuance of a trade dispute

(Sections7and8).

Property and Trustees: The Act provides for the property of the unions to be vested in trustees, (trustees cannot hold office in the same union), for legal actions by or against trustees, and limitation of responsibility of trustees (Section16-21).

F i n a n c i a l

Accountability:TheActalso requires every treasurer or otherofficerstorendertothe trustees, the members of the union at a duly constituted meeting of the union, a just and true account of monies received and paid, funds remainingandallbondsand securitiesoftheunion.

Thetrusteesarerequired to submit to the Auditor General for audit within fourteen days of the receipt of the account from the treasurer(Section22).

This Trade Union Law further stipulates the requirements and conditions inrelationtotheregistration ofunionrules,theregistered office of the unions, withdrawal, or cancellation of certificate of registration,

change of union's name, amalgamation of unions, registration of change of name and amalgamation, and dissolution of the union (Sections25-33).

Annual Return and Registrar's Reports: Section 35 of the Act imposes an obligation on every registered trade union to present to the Registrar a general statement of receipts, funds, effects, and expenditurebeforethe1st.of Mayineveryyear.

The general statement must show fully the assets and liabilities of the preceding year and must be prepared together with such information and in the mannerstipulatedinthisAct.

The Registrar of Trade Unions is required to lay before the National

Assembly annual reports with respect to matters transactedbytheRegistrarin k e e p i n g w i t h t h e requirements of the Trade UnionsAct.(Section36).

Pertinent questions, for public information, should be for those with statutory (Continunedonpage6)

President Ali has not been upholding the constitution

DearEditor

Those of us who have been around for a few decades can recognise the trick and the sleight of hand being played on the Guyanese people by President Irfaan Ali supported by a powerful PR establishment.

Thetrickisbeingplayed on the PPP supporters and gullibleGuyanese.

The State-controlled media well put together powerfulphrases,presenting to both sides of our political divide,IrfaanAli,amanwho iscaringandconcerned.For us, he and his inner circle

even invented this One Guyanacleverruse.ButDear Editor, Dr Ali swore to uphold the Constitution of theCooperativeRepublicof Guyana. He has not been doing so. Dr Ally presides over the breaking up of our traditional institutions and time-honouredpractices.Dr Ali, has failed or refuses to instruct,ashehasthepower totellhisMinisterofLabour to summon the Guyana Teachers Union to at least discuss their concerns. Dr President Ali instead of treating Teachers, as stupid children telling them to be patient.Dr Alimustknowof

the old wisdom that whilst the grass is growing the horseisstarving.Dr Aliruns around the country and the world giving us the impressionthathelikestodo things directly, but tells the Teachers to be patient. Dr Ali in spite of the incorrect data by his state machinery ignoresthefactthatdailyour medical personnel, teachers and qualified citizens are leaving Guyana for greener pastures,notwithstandingus being the fastest growing economy of the world PresidentAlimustknowthat collective bargaining is the instrumentandtooltoensure

itstruedemocracy President Ali should look at the many promises made by the PPP such as to negotiate that horrible oil contract signed byMr Trotmanpromisedon behalf of his Party that the Teachers deserve a 50% increase. To those who seek to put a sheen on Dr Irfaan Ali who has been failing in many years. If he is not in charge of the Ship-of-State, lethimstepdown,stepaside or jump overboard. In the meantime, PPP followers and others must hold him accountable

Sincerely,

The struggle for economic transformation and a reasonable standard of living continues

DearEditor,

It is truly remarkable to reflectonthesignificanceof attaining republican status for our nation, which occurred 54 years ago. This momentous occasion markedthefinalsheddingof our colonial linkages and ushered in a new era of true independence for our country

It was a significant step for us as a nation, following our Independence in 1966, andonethatwasintendedto solidify our independent statusfurtherandstrengthen our nationhood by appointing a President, electedbythepeople,asour Head of State; this step and other Constitutional reforms cemented our independent status.Today,wecontinueto

rememberthishistoricevent with pride and gratitude for the sacrifices and efforts of thosewhomadeitpossible.

On this significant a n n i v e r s a r y o f Republicanism, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

extends its heartfelt greetings to our nation While we acknowledge the strides we have made in various socio-economic aspects over the past half a century, we recognise that thereisstillworktobedone. The struggle for economic transformation and a reasonablestandardofliving continues, but we remain steadfast in our pursuit of progressforallGuyanese.

T h e G A W U acknowledges that disunity

is still one of our society's most persistent problems, hindering progress and development.

GAWU believes this issue significantly impacts our society, and we observe several national leaders stokingthesetensionsrather than dousing the flames Indeed, such attitudes are unfortunate and call into question the sincerity of those so-called leaders. Our Union believes there is a need to take a mature and responsible approach to addressit.

The union urges our leaders to work towards unifying the country, which is generally recognised as a necessary step towards achieving progress and development.

Aswecommemorateour nation's republican status, we acknowledge that we stand at the threshold of unprecedented economic progress in the postindependence era The prospect of reaping the benefits of our natural resourcesfillsourpeople

(Continuedonpage6)

Any

leader attempting to sow the seeds of discord WILL be rejected from our society

D e a r E d i t o r , Reference is made to particular remarks circulating in the public domainregardingsupporting rigged elections. I also took notice of proclamations by the same aforementioned person calling for racial supremacy in Guyana. As a youngvoice,asastudent,and indeed, as a citizen of GuyanaIwishtoregistermy absolute condemnation of these vile and treasonous statements.

How did we get here?

When did it suddenly become fashionable to spout the most vile and inciting statements out loud in this land on a variety of public platforms? The answer is simple. We are now at a pivotalpointinthisland.Our wordsandactionsinthisvery moment will decide our destiny Guyana is now experiencing a burst of transformation like never before. Our dreams for our Motherland are now closer thanevertobeingrealized.

However,thereisafringe

grouping in our society that wouldratherseeourcountry burn, once they are not holding the reins of Government These "wild men", as previously labeled, will only take us down the road to sheer disaster Their fossilized and pungent emanations simply hold no place in a modern Guyana. But we are not in the 1990s. The violence and extremism that characterized Guyana's political history WILL NOT be tolerated by my generation Any leader attempting to sow the seeds of discord WILL be rejected fromoursociety Wewantto see our country prosper and become the promised land thatweallhopeditwouldbe. AndweWILLgetthere.The eraof"SloFyahMoFyah"is NOMORE.

We are now witnessing real change. And those who want to remain prehistoric relicswillremainconfinedto the history books. Long live our beautiful One Guyana. Yoursfaithfully, NikhilSankar.

GRA adheres to specific audit procedures mandated by the Audit Office of Guyana and the regulations outlined in the Audit Act (2004)

DearEditor, I write on behalf of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to address the incorrect statement made by an anonymous letter writer in the February 14, 2024, edition of Stabroek News concerning the GRA's audit history The assertion that theGRAwaslastauditedfor the fiscal year 2017 is inaccurate, and I wish to provideclarityontheGRA's

audit procedures The GRA's annual reports are dependentonthefinalisation of both the Audit of the Agency's Revenue and its Expenditure,andtheensuing Financial Statements, which form an integral part of the report.

The GRA adheres to specific audit procedures mandated by the Audit Office of Guyana and the regulations outlined in the

AuditAct(2004).

These procedures involvetheauditingofDraft Reports submitted by the Agency/Ministry/Departme nt and addressing queries basedonthesereports.

The Auditor-General (AG) has received Draft ReportsfromtheGRAupto the fiscal year 2022. The 2018 Audited Report has been completed, and the 2019 Audited Report is

The struggle for economic transformation...

Frompage4 responsibilities – the Registrar of Trade Unions; the Trade Unions, and their Officers; the Trustees of

Trade Unions; the Auditor General; the National Assembly (Reference: The System of Industrial Relations in

Guyana by Samuel J Goolsarran, and published bytheILOin2003).

Withthanks.

JoshuaSingh

being finalised. We have already submitted responses toqueriesthatwereraisedby the Auditor General for the 2020 Report. Additionally, the Authority is currently engaged in preparing responses to queries for the 2021Report.

While the publication of Reports and the timing and conclusion of the Audit Office of Guyana's work are beyond the GRA's control, we remain steadfast in our commitment to completing and submitting our accounts for each Fiscal Year promptly Our dedication to upholding transparency and accountability in all operations is unwavering.

The GRA reiterates that it does not believe in double standards, and agrees that this inherited state of affairs must be immediately addressed with both the Audit Office of Guyana and the Revenue Authority showingafirmcommitment to bringing the Audited

Financial Statements up to date.

This will allow the Agency conformity to not onlytheFiscalManagement andAccountabilityAct2003 but also the Revenue AuthorityAct1996.

Sincerely,

ERC extends Republic Day greetings to all Guyanese

DearEditor

Fifty-four(54)yearsago we became a Republic in 1970 and in the years since we have grown as a nation rich in the cultural heritage ofitsdiversepeoples.

TheERCrecognizesthat our unique melting pot of cultures, traditions, and perspectives has enriched Guyana's national identity Moreover, the Commission firmly believes that embracing our diversity is not only essential to further consolidating our gains and freedoms as a Republic but also serves as a source of strengthandresilience.

Republic Day marks a substantial milestone in our history signifying the ultimate,formal,politicalact to rid ourselves of the last vestiges of colonial rule, as weembarkedonourjourney as a sovereign nation. This year's theme, “Celebrating our Peoples and our Prosperity,” resonates with the ERC's mandate of

promoting harmonious relations among all Guyanese.

The Commission therefore implores all Guyanese to participate in the national activities and celebrations planned for Republic Day/Mashramani, reflect on the progress Guyana has made as a nation, and the importance that unity and inclusivity extols in our continued journey of overcoming challenges.

The ERC remains committedtoplayingitsrole in fostering positive relations and promoting greatertoleranceandrespect in Guyana. We believe that byworkingtogether,wecan build a stronger, more harmonious nation for all Guyanese.

Happy Republic Day from the Ethnic Relations Commission!

Regards

Ethnic Relations Commission

The Guyana Teachers' Union...

Frompage5 with optimism and hope. However, we cannot ignore thevalidconcernsexpressed by some members of our society

We must strike a balance between meeting the expectations of our citizens and securing a sustainable futureforourcountry

We recognise that our newfound wealth must be utilisedinthebestinterestof all Guyanese if we continue developing and building a more robust and prosperous Guyana for present and futuregenerations.

The GAWU calls on all citizensofGuyanatoplayan active role in our country's development and not be led astray by irresponsible persons who seek to thwart ourprogress.

As the Mashramani celebrations take place to mark this significant occasion, we must remember our duties as responsible citizens to work towards a prosperous and progressive future that benefits everyone in our nation.

We must unite and struggle to achieve genuine change that leads to all-round progress and lasting development in our beloved country

Let us celebrate this occasion and remember our sharedresponsibilitytobuild a better future for all Guyanese.

A happy, peaceful Republic Anniversary and Mashramani2024toall!

Sincerely

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Acelebration afterhardwork?

Mashramani, the celebration after hard work, is being celebrated today in Guyana.

This time of jubilation comes amid a massive protest action by the molders of the nation’s minds.

Teachers were forced onto the streets to demand better salaries, as government continues to refuse to engage the Guyana Teachers Union on talks for better remuneration packages.

The other public sector workers are faced with similar problems receiving paltry salary increases at year end while the country’s wealth is being divided among the already rich foreigners and greedy politicians. Can our nation truly celebrate their hard work today?

Top US diplomat to visit Guyana Saturday

leading US delegation to CARICOM summit

Un i t e d S t a t e s goals under the U.S.-Caribbean Escobari, Senior Coordinator for UnitedNations, Geneva),Pakistan, Ambassador to the Partnership to Address the Climate Atlantic Cooperation Ambassador Kenya, The Gambia, Nigeria, and United Nations, Linda Crisis (PACC 2030) and the Jessye Lapenn, and Principal Jamaica.

Thomas-Greenfield will lead a US Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Deputy Assistant Secretary for In Washington, she served as delegation here from Saturday to (CBSI) – including on firearms Energy Diplomacy Laura Principal Deputy Assistant participate in the Caricom 46th trafficking, governance, energy, Lochman. Secretary of the Bureau of African regular Meeting slated for Guyana trade, climate resilience, and Ambassador Linda Thomas- Affairs(2006-2008),andasDeputy nextweek. sustainable development – with Greenfield, a career diplomat, Assistant Secretary of the Bureau

WhileinGeorgetown,Thomas- multiple leaders attending the returned to public service after of Population, Refugees, and Greenfield will reiterate the US’ Summit. retiring from a 35-year career with Migration(2004-2006).

commitment to Guyana’s At the CARICOM Summit, the U S Foreign Service in 2017 After retiring from the U.S. sovereigntyandterritorialintegrity, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield From 2013 to 2017 she served as State Department in 2017, theUSEmbassyheresaidinapress willcontinuetorallyglobalsupport theAssistant Secretary of State for Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield release Ambassador Thomas- for the Multinational Security African Affairs, where she led the led the Africa Practice at Albright Greenfield will meet with Support(MSS)missiontoHaitiand b u r e a u f o c u s e d o n t h e Stonebridge Group, a strategic Guyanese President Dr reiteratetheurgencyofestablishing development and management of commercial diplomacy firm Mohammed Irfaan Ali to discuss a credible and inclusive path U S policy toward sub-Saharan chaired by former Secretary of Service Award and the 2000 the United States’ commitment to toward elections to enable the Africa StateMadeleineAlbright. recipientoftheWarrenChristopher Guyana’s sovereignty and return to democratic order for the Prior to this appointment, she She was also the inaugural Aw a r d f o r O u t s t a n d i n g territorial integrity, Guyana’s Haitianpeople. served as Director General of the Distinguished Resident Fellow in AchievementinGlobalAffairs. priorities on the UN Security In Georgetown, Ambassador Foreign Service and Director of African Studies at the Institute for She holds a bachelor’s degree Council for its elected term, Thomas-Greenfield will also meet Human Resources (2012-2013), the Study of Diplomacy at from Louisiana State University reaffirm bilateral partnerships on with Venezuelan migrant small leadingateaminchargeoftheState Georgetown University from fall and a master’s degree from the shared priorities such as food business owners and members of Department’s 70,000-strong 2017tospring2019. UniversityofWisconsin,whereshe security, migration, and climate civil society Other members of the workforce. A m b a s s a d o r T h o m a s - also did work towards a doctorate. change. U.S. delegation include: Assistant A m b a s s a d o r T h o m a s - Greenfield was the 2017 recipient ShereceivedanhonoraryDoctorof A m b a s s a d o r T h o m a s - Secretary of State for Western Greenfield’s distinguished Foreign of University of Minnesota Hubert Law degree from the University of Greenfieldwhoisalsoamemberof Hemisphere Affairs Brian A Service career includes an Humphrey Public Leadership Wisconsin in May 2018 and an Joe Biden’s cabinet will also Nichols, USAID Assistant ambassadorship to Liberia (2008- Award, the 2015 recipient of the honorary Doctor of Philosophy advance an array of Biden-Harris Administrator for Latin America 2012), and postings in Switzerland Bishop John T Walker from the University of Liberia in Administration regional policy and the Caribbean Marcela (at the United States Mission to the Distinguished Humanitarian May2012.

Govt. signs US$75 million contract for Good Success to Timehri road project

The government through GoodSuccesstoTimehri. ministry’s Kingston, theMinistryofPublicWorks The US$75,887,907 67 Georgetown office in the on Thursday signed the contract was signed between presence of Minister Juan design and built works the ministry’s Permanent Edghill. contract with China Road Secretary, Vladim Persaud Kaieteur News had and Bridge Corporation for and China Road and Bridge reported that the upgrade to the East Bank Road Corporation’s Senior the East Bank roadway is Improvement Works from Engineer, Bo Zhang at the being funded by the InterAmerican Development

B a n k ( I D B ) L o a n Programme - Programme to Support Climate Resilient

Road Infrastructure Development and the Guyanagovernment, to the tune of US$117 million Through this programme, the IDB would finance US$100 million towardstheprojectwhilethe Government of Guyana would finance the remaining US$17million.Theloanwas signedonMarch6,lastandit isforfiveyears.

On Thursday, the ministry stated that through this contract, approximately 23.7 km of roadway will be constructed. The soon to be upgraded two-lane roadway will feature additional also reconstruct the bridges During a meeting with urged their support in this sidewalks, cycle lanes, and and culverts, as well as residents from the Diamond/ regard The minister the construction of concrete widen the culverts along the Grove area in December, mentioned also, that when drains, for the safety of road from Good Success to Minister Edghill had construction is ongoing, the vulnerable road users: Timehri. In addition, a reminded residents that bypass road through Third pedestrians and cyclists. The contract was signed with the works are expected to start Avenue, Diamond to Good design of the roadway will US company Sheladia within the first quarter of Success,thentoBushyDam, also include thermoplastic Associates Inc. for design 2024, and when that begins, Craig, will also facilitate road markings, LED street review and supervision the project comes with some lighter movement for lighting, and traffic signs. servicesforthisproject. level of inconvenience and vehicles. The Chinese contractors will

More grey than green

At his press conference held yesterday, Vice PresidentBharratJagdeowas very flippant about the increased encroachment of green spaces by his government.

Hisapproachtothisissue r e v e a l e d h i s p o o r understandingoftheconcept ofgreenspaces.

Itisnowwidelyaccepted, aspartoftheurbanrenewable process, that green spaces have myriad benefits for cities.

First, they serve as vital lungsforcities,purifyingthe airwebreatheandmitigating the effects of pollution by trapping harmful pollutants and releasing oxygen, therebyimprovingairquality and fostering a healthier environment.

Green havens provide respite from the concrete monotony,offeringplacesfor relaxation, recreation, sport and socialization Places such as the National Park is notsimplyforexercisebutis used also for picnics and leisurelywalks.Beyondtheir recreational value, green spaces, such as the Botanic and Promenade Gardens, serveasplacesforpreserving and displaying the country's plant species Urban greenery provides a refuge forbirdsandinsects.

Well-maintained parks and green corridors contribute to the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods, making them more desirable places in which to live and work.

Havinggreenspacesalso allows for rain water to be absorbedduringheavyrains,

thus helping with flood control.

As cities expand outward, they occupy large vast swaths of land, thereby reducinggreedspaces.

This rapid expansion diminishes the overall qualityoflifeforresidentsby depriving residents of the benefits associated with greenspaces.

However, green spaces offer a potent antidote to the detrimental effects of urban sprawl. By preserving and i n t e g r a t i n g g r e e n infrastructure within urban landscapes, cities can mitigate the adverse impacts ofsprawl.

Georgetown was once renowned not only for its green spaces but also its planed tree-lined streets Thesetallpalmtreesand the birds that often alight on them are disappearing Jagdeo wants us to believe thatthemerebuildingofone hotel has created hysteria amongthosewhoarecritical of the decision to build the hotel at the location on CarifestaAvenue.

Butitisnotacaseofone hotel; what we have been witnessing is a steady process of encroachment on places usually reserved for sports,recreationandleisure.

Jagdeo does not have a distinguished record of respectforgreenspaces.

TheLuckhooSwimming Pool may not have been a green space but it was a recreational facility. Instead of renovating this public facilityforusebythepublic, the government built the Marriot Hotel, and will soon divestitselfofthatfacilityto

DEM BOYS SEH

aforeignenterprise.

Under his administration Roger Luncheon announced plans to build a massive government office complex atDurbanPark.

Had the government had the resources to do so then, that green expanse would havedisappeared.

The GUYSTAC Ground was sold to a bank and a massive structure erected upon it. That green space disappeared There were plans also to take over the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground.

The beautiful and eyecachinggroundsofCastellini House were reduced by the construction of a number of security-related buildings underthePPPC.

Now that Jagdeo is back withinthegovernment,there are incursions into the green space at Durban Park.Afire station has been built on a plot of land, next to the National Sports Hall. And surprisingly, on the plot of land next door to that fire station, where there used to be cricket/football field, construction works are taking place. It is rumored that the works are private development.

Does Jagdeo know what is being constructed at that locationandbywhom?

Butitdoesnotstopthere. The grass medians along the EastCoastPublicRoadhave now been filled in with concretetiles.

The long green corridor between Vlissengen Road and High Street, which was formerly the train tracks leading into and out of the city, has been asphalted and

WhoOwnDeBargeWahTipOver?

Nobody Knows, But Everybody

Guessin'! Dem barge spill oil in Tobago waters,butwhoownit?

Now,whoberesponsible?

Dat be de million-dollar question, but nobodyseemtohavedeanswer

IsdissomekindagameofGuessWho?

One report come out sayin' dis barge be headin' for Guyana. Guyana, you hear dat? Now,holdonaminute!

Sincewhenwestartin'toimportin'oilon abarge?

Dem boys never hear 'bout such a ting!

Dis ain't no grocery delivery, dis be oil! Seriousbusiness,nojoke!

But you see, dis where de plot start to thickenlikesoupweyyouleaveondestove fortoolong.

Dis government, dey done gone and liberalize de whole ting 'bout grantin' licensestoimportfuel.

Back in de day, it used to be just de big fuelcompaniesdoin'detransportin'withdey

big tankers. Tankers! Not no barge! And lemmetellyou,demtankersain'tneverhear 'boutcapsizeandspillin'oilallovadeplace. But now? De barge come, and disaster followlikeabadsmell!

So now, we in dis mess, tryna figure out whoplayin'what game and who pullin' de strings behind de scenes But yuh know, it's hard to separate truth from fiction these days De barge spillin' oil, de government spillin' words, and we left here scratchin' we head, wonderin' what de heck goin'on!

Demboyssehdiswholetingbeliketryna solveapuzzlewidoutdepictureondebox–confusin'andfrustratin'!

So we wait and we watch, hopin' somebody come forward and spill de beans 'boutdiswholebargedebacle.

Until den, we just sit tight and keep playin' dis game of Guess Who, hopin' one daywegetdeanswerwelookin'for Talkhalf.Leffhalf

tiled.

At Corriverton where a beautiful park has been built along the river, there is a lovelypieceofgreenpatchin front of the bandstand Exceptthatthisgreenpatchis notgrass;itisapieceofgreen carpet.

ThegovernmentofChina issupposedtobeengagedin the beautification of the Joe Vieira Park The artist depiction of the project showsmoregreythangreen.

Jagdeohasbeenvisitinga number of communities aroundGeorgetown.

But if he ever visits the communityofLodge,hewill know that there is no playfield in that highly populatedarea.

The burial ground is off limits for recreation. The government's idea of beautification is to concrete and tile green spaces Jagdeo'sideaofhavinggreen spaces is to point to our

hinterlandforests.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaperanditsaffiliates.)

Guyana more of conundrum and contradiction, less of a country

Cast the widest net, and for the interests of the craftily cultivates the native bargaining agreement bigotries, their tendencies more microscopic audit what is hauled in is a sea of G u y a n e s e p e o p l e . leadership: world class. executed with teachers. thathemorrhagethehopesof would possibly reveal as contradictions about this ExcellencyAlihascompany, Emperor Ali pronounced There is honoring what Guyanese. By any analysis, many as numbers six and country This polity, this the local friendship of that we are “honorable” pleases white folks, but the opposition in Guyana is seven. entity that is my country of Alistair Routledge, and the people, and we “honor” our breaching what could uplift content not to be a In all my life, I have birth, this Guyana, my most emerging Liam Mallon. I commitments Beautifully black and tan (brown and formidable opposition, but never heard, read, or sacredheritage,isamystery get the impression that the said,ODivineMaster Yet,it Amerindian) educators in an extension of the PPP experienced national leaders There is a president who latter thinks of himself as is the same magnificent Ali this country Double Government where this oil so very unified, so brightly ismoreoftheloudestleading Peter O’Toole in Lawrence who has abandoned what standards, or just what is wealth is concerned. The undignified, about what is to voice for foreign interests of Arabia, in this here honorable men do in plain dishonorable? opposition is resigned to the advantage of the other and the whimper of a puppy Guyana. He cheerily and upholding collective Contradictionnumberone. being a flea on the back of side of the table. And so

Former president Exxon, rather than the tail pathetic, so anemic in soul Jagdeo, and still president, that wags this voracious and spirit and strength, for another potentate of mostly corporate hound I say what holds a few more cards mean disposition, prefers to begone, be done, with this for their own people. Not demonize and criminalise cooperation with Exxon. It even for a little more. Not conscientious Guyanese, pays, or it doesn’t play, it is even for the pretense of it, or those he first marginalizes not allowed to produce the shame of an attempt at and ostracizes. He is meaner From the inception, this doing something, even if than Maduro to Guyanese corporate leviathan has been onlyfortherecord. Whereis who dare to differ with his dishonorable to Guyanese, the burning energy, the shallow values, his hollow degrades the spirit of local tirelessefforttograpplewith foundations. Whenresource existence, but always ExxonandletRoutledgeand patrimony is the topic, there pretends at partnership with Woods know that this is is Jagdeo: for every hundred G u y a n e s e W h i c h deadly serious? By God! words coming out of him, respectable opposition they would have to slander there is half of a five-word would ever consent, desire, allofus,andeverydaymake sentencewithGuyaneseinit. to be a part of such corporate pariahs of every one of us. Foreveryhourthathecircles deceits that damages the Andwhenthosefailtodothe with his oil leadership Guyanese population? I job, then kill some of us. craftsmanship, there is half a submitcontradictionnumber Look at the broader minute spared for this three. leadership cohort: they are country’s citizens. Barry Exxon itself gushes warriorsforExxon.Theyare Jagdeo is awash in blabber about the glories of its oil wimps for Guyanese. Some and blubber about foreign revolution in Guyana. But could pass for Mussolini, investors and their returns, Alistair Routledge has othersforNapolean,orrabid but graveyard silent about Guyanese leaders behaving demagogues like Senator local inhabitants and their like Kim Jong Un to their Joseph McCarthy and promise unfulfilled, their fellow citizens. Guyanese Donald Trump. Somewhere rewards going a begging. He are reduced to a world of in Guyana’s political is fearful of frightening Koreansecrecies.North,that leadership cadre, there is an investors, but has no qualms is. This is the democracy Adolf. about fouling the hopes of that the Yankee arrangers Which one of those two Guyanese. It is the second handed to the PPP, which Germans is the last contradiction, and it is not now returns the favor by conundrum? I have lost good. tiptoeing blindfolded and count of the contradictions

There is the opposition dumbed-down around that bedevil what is that is still searching for Exxon. supposed to be a country of vibrant leadership. Of the This is their stewardship red-blooded citizens. I did kind that Guyanese need of the people’s patrimony discover, though, an army of most urgently One that When they should stand tall, cold-blooded lizards and compels Ali and Barry (and AliandBarryfallinline,fall lower life forms pretending Alistair and Darren) to sit up flat on their faces. When he to take gullible Guyanese to straight, narrow their eyes, should stand strong, Aubrey some green pastures that are and mop their foreheads. walksontheline,asheseeks onlymeremirages. Aubrey Norton has not to save some face. Guyana (The views expressed in turned out to be the kind of has become a proven oil this article are those of the forcethatmakestheCountry predator’s paradise. The a u t h o r a n d d o n o t Head and Company Head Guyanese people have been necessarily reflect the flinch, sweat, and shed their consigned to the lot of opinions and beliefs of this awful hypocrisies, their pitiable prey I count this as n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s incorporated contractual the fourth contradiction. A affiliates.)

Public servants being mobilised for strike action

...as GPSU issues ultimatum for talks with Govt.

The Guyana Public week three of its nationwide Service Union (GPSU) on teachersstrike.

Thursday issued an

Moreover, at his press u l t i m a t u m t o t h e conference yesterday, Vice Government of Guyana President (VP) Bharrat (GoG), warning of potential Jagdeo responded to the industrial action if the threat by the GPSU. “I know administration does not that there has been a engage in negotiations with at the Union’s meeting on AvoidanceandSettlementof correspondence between the theunion.

February 21, 2024, which Disputes (1987),Article 147 GPSU and the Ministry of T h i s u l t i m a t u m , resulted from meetings with (3) of the Constitution of Labour I saw a letter where delivered on Thursday, its members throughout the Guyana, and Section 23 (1) they (GPSU) lost confidence follows the GPSU’s country,”GPSUsaid. of the Trade Union in the Chief Labour Officer dissatisfaction with the “The union will continue RecognitionActCap97:07. (Dhaneshwar Deonarine) government’s alleged failure to engage its members on

Additionally, the GPSU and I would hope that you to participate in bargaining this matter over the coming highlighted its reliance on look at that. I asked the discussions. In a press days through a committee International Labour ministry that they should statement released by the which was established to Organization (ILO) reveal the correspondence to Union, it was stated that the ensure that the GPSU is conventions ratified by the the media. To see what they E x e c u t i v e C o u n c i l mobilised, and all grievance Parliament of Guyana, wrote him on,” the Vice unanimously decided during procedures under the highlighting the importance Presidentstated. advised the Chief Labour remedyandIamnotgoingto its Statutory Executive existing agreement is of collective bargaining Jagdeo noted that the Officer to yield to the court’s go into any great details Council Meeting held on followed as we issue, and rights and fair treatment of Deonarine had written to the jurisdiction. about whether the grievance February 21, 2024, to thereafter execute the workers. Solicitor General, Nigel Jagdeo added, “So they procedures have been met demand the government’s ultimatum will now be

Moreover, the union Hawke in relation to the wenttothecourtonthesame because in their own presence at the bargaining directed to the government,” expressed concerns over the correspondence between the matter that they are now ultimatum they conceded table. theUnioncontinued. government’s reluctance to ministryandtheUnion. The raising about conciliation that the grievance procedure

“The issues affecting Failure to comply, address issues affecting Vice President referenced a and to direct the ministry to has not been exhausted.” workers in the public according to the GPSU, will workers in the public service letter that the Solicitor engagewiththem.It’sbefore Moreover,theVicePresident service, and government’s result in immediate and its failure to engage in General wrote to Deonarine. the court and now they give questioned the timing and reluctance to meet at the industrial action to address conciliation to resolve Inthatletter,Jagdeosaidthat an ultimatum, to proceed motives behind the bargaining table, or to the government’s breach of existing deadlocks This the Solicitor General with a strike contrary or in ultimatum He suggested conciliate to break the variouslegalagreementsand move by the Union comes at highlighted that the GPSU is violation of the case they that the GPSU’s actions deadlock that has arisen, instruments, including the a time when the Guyana already before the court with have before the Supreme might be opportunistic and were discussed extensively A g r e e m e n t f o r t h e Teachers Union (GTU) is in the same issue and as such Court seeking the same politicallymotivated.

‘DON’T TOUCH THEIR PAY’

- Justice Kissoon blocks Govt. from deducting striking teachers’ salaries

that such orders should not right to strike is not an services amount to a breach be granted. TheAG gave the integral part of freedom of of contract. The AG cited a

Justice Sandil Kissoon court a plethora of reasons association, ” the AG number of authorities on Thursday granted a why the Government should asserted. including a Grenadian case temporaryorderblockingthe be able act on its decision to He noted that since in which a decision was GovernmentofGuyanafrom deduct the salaries of the teachers do not have an granted in favour of deducting the salaries of teachers nationwide who inherent right to strike under deducting the salaries of strikingteachers. have been on strike 14 days the supreme law and just teachers over their

The High Court judge andcounting. freedom of participate in the participation in a strike also granted an interim order

“If there was no work, GTU-led industrial action, it Alluding to the case the which restrains the there should be no pay it is should be widely understood outcome of that matter G o v e r n m e n t f r o m simple as that…” Nandlall that freedom comes with whichisidenticalinnatureto withholding the remittance said contending inter alia consequences “If they the GTU case Nandlall of teachers’ dues to the that while the teachers’ choose the option to strike, argued that there is no Guyana Teachers Union freedom to participate in the they must face the likelihoodofsuccess. (GTU). The judge made the strike is protected by the consequences…” “Inamatterthatbasedon orders at the first hearing of Guyana Constitution, the Nandlall noted further its merits, where it has no the case filed by the GTU to constitution does not give the relationship between likelihood of success, the c h a l l e n g e t o t h e them a right to do so. “The t e a c h e r s a n d t h e i r court ought not issue orders Government’s decision to right to strike is not a employer—the Government should it be interim or deduct pay from the salaries conservatory orders was undertaking before the court protected right under the of Guyana (GOG) is one that otherwise…,”headded. of striking teachers and also made even as Attorney that the status quo of the Constitution of Guyana is of a contractual nature. Justice Kissoon was blocking the administration General (AG) Anil Nandlall teachers’ salaries remain What is protected is freedom According to the AG, under nevertheless not persuaded from moving ahead with a SC in his appearance on intact until the matter is fully of association, or the common law stipulations, that the granting of decision to discontinue the behalf of the Government of ventilated. freedom to belong to a trade the teachers exercising their conservatoryorderswould deduction of union dues Guyana sought an extension The attorney as a result union of one’s choice. The freedom to withhold their (Continued on page 22) from the salaries of teachers of time to respond to the requested that the Court onbehalfoftheUnion. GTU’scasefromthecourt. grants conservatory orders

While he granted the The GTU’s lawyer, that the government will not interim orders, the judge Darren Wade in response to interfere with the salaries of gave an undertaking to have the AG’s request said while teachers or their remittance the matter heard and he agrees that theAG should dues of GTU until the matter determined at the earliest be given time to respond, is concluded Nandlall possibledate.Therequestfor there should also be an argued strongly nonetheless

IDB’s XII Annual

Consultation

with Caribbean Governors begins today in Guyana

The Government of annually with Governors of managed to retain its Guyana, through the countries comprising its position as Guyana’s largest Ministry of Finance will be C a r i b b e a n C o u n t r y multilaterallenderandmain hosting the President of the Department in preparation s o u r c e o f e x t e r n a l I n t e r - A m e r i c a n for the Annual Meetings of financing.

Development Bank (IDB) theBoardofGovernors. The Finance Ministry Mr IlanGoldfajnandalarge The consultation said that the Bank has been delegation of Caribbean involves dialogue about the p r o v i d i n g m a j o r representatives of the I D B G r o u p ’ s n e w development support to financial institution for the Institutional Strategy, the Guyana recently through I D B ’s X I I A n n u a l IDB Invest and IDB Lab both its public and private ConsultationwithCaribbean resolutions, as well the sectorarms.

Governors of the IDB which Group’s new “ONE The IDB Group is the begins today, with working Caribbean” regional l e a d i n g s o u r c e o f sessions to take place program./ development financing for between Government and Senior Minister in the Latin America and the the Bank at the Marriott Office of the President with Caribbean and contributes to HotelinGeorgetown. Responsibility for Finance improving lives by According to the and the Public Service, Dr providingfinancialsolutions Ministry of Finance, the Ashni Singh, said that and development expertise delegations visiting Guyana Guyana has found a to public- and private-sector for the consultations will dependable, relevant, and clients. include several finance responsive development It comprises the IDB, m i n i s t e r s f r o m t h e partner in the Bank for the which has worked with Caribbean Region who will past 47 years, adding that governments for more than meet to discuss regional ‘this relationship has 60 years; IDB Invest, which partnershipsunderthetheme e v o l v e d s i n c e o u r servestheprivatesector;and ‘partneringforresilience’. m e m b e r s h i p f r o m the IDB Lab, which tests “The IDB President and concessional lending during innovative ways to enable delegations are also slated to periods of challenging moreinclusivegrowth. meet with President Dr economic circumstances to The longstanding Mohamed Irfaan Ali and our present reality of being partnership between the other Government officials amongst the fastest growing Government of Guyana and during their visit here for economiesintheworld’. the IDB Group began on discussions,” a press release Dr Singh added that the November 16, 1976 when saidonThursday Bank has remained steadfast Guyanabecameamemberof The IDB organises the in its support to Guyana’s the IDB, the Ministry of consultative meeting development agenda and has Financesaid.

Grenada Union, CCWU back strike action by Guyanese teachers

In response to the ongoing nationwide teachers’ strike in Guyana, the Grenada Union of Teachers has declared its unwavering support for their fellow educators.

Teachers across the country are in week threeoftheirnationwideprotest. Presidentof the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mark Lyte on Sunday disclosed that less than 30% of students went to school during the two weeks of the nationwide teachers’strike. He also disclosed that the industrial action will continue until the Government of Guyana (GoG) agrees to meet with the Union to discuss improved welfare packages for some 14,000teachers. treatment.

InastatementdatedFebruary20,General

In addition to the Grenada Union’s Secretary of the Grenada Union, Melissa St. declaration of support, the Clerical and Rose, expressed the Union’s solidarity with CommercialWorkers’Union(CCWU)issued the teachers in Guyana. “The National a statement advocating for dialogue to Executive and members of the Grenada achieveindustrialpeace.TheCCWUstressed UnionofTeachersstandinsolidaritywiththe the importance of collective bargaining in Guyana Teachers’ Union in your struggle to resolving issues and highlighted the improvethesalaryandworkingconditionsof mediator’s role in facilitating constructive yourmembers,”theGeneralSecretarynoted. negotiations. “We believe enough in talking

She added, “We admire the strength and about the problems that lead to teachers’ tenacity that you have displayed thus far You strikes, and the needs and desires to find have demonstrated commitment to the core solutions, solutions can always be found. values of trade unionism. Although we are What results from collective bargaining in a separated by millions of gallons of water, we collective agreement embodying not only arewithyouinspirit.” terms and conditions for the teachers covered

Highlighting the pivotal role of teachers by it but also generally defining the as nation builders, the statement underscored relationships between the parties to the the importance of valuing, remunerating, and agreement,” the Union said. The statement treating educators with due respect. The outlined a five-stage process mediated by a Grenada Union expressed disappointment neutral third party, emphasising the that Guyanese teachers have had to resort to importance of mutual understanding and protests to demand what they rightfully compromise. deserve.

Itcalledforacollaborativeeffortbetween

The statement urged Guyanese educators the government and the labor movement to to persevere in their struggle, drawing work towards the common goal of industrial inspiration from the resilience of ‘true peace through dialogue and understanding. Amazon Warriors.’ Quoting the words of Moreover, the CCWU stated that it is Jimmy Cliff, “You can get it if you really necessary for a massive effort by all want,butyoumusttry,tryandtry,tryandtry concerned, the Government and the labour You’ll succeed at last,” the Grenada Union movement, to work together toward the goal encouraged the Guyana Teachers’ Union to ofindustrialpeacethroughunderstanding. remain steadfast in their pursuit of fair

Norton wants more from Exxon oil contract but not prepared to ‘renegotiate’ deal

Leader of the Opposition,Aubrey Norton said he believes the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil can be amended for Guyana to benefit more, however he is unwillingtoengageina“renegotiation”ofthedeal.

He gave these remarks during a press conference on Thursday in response to a question from Kaieteur News. This publication had asked the politician whether Guyana should capitalise on Trinidad and Tobago’s offer to help renegotiate thecontract.Inhisresponse,theleadersaidthecountryshould alwaysbedisposedtoutilisingtheadviceofothernations,but this does not mean that it should be subjected to the term ‘renegotiation’.

Nortonsaid,“Ihavesaidfromtheinceptionthatwebelieve the law the contract provides for us to engage Exxon to get a betterdealfortheGuyanesepeople. Wehavenoproblemwith that. I have also said that no one will choose our language; we are not compelled to say renegotiate. It has connotations way pastitsappearanceandsoIwanttomakeitveryclear,nooneis goingtochoosethelanguageweuseonthisquestion.”

On Tuesday, during energy conference hosted at the MarriottHotelinKingstonTrinidadMinisterofEnergy,Stuart Young extended that country’s expertise to help Guyana renegotiate the lopsided deal it signed with the American oil major Young told the conference, “We in Trinidad and Tobago have spent the last seven years, after dealing with decades of contracts, renegotiating almost all of our contracts inthegasindustry.”Tothisend,hesaid,“Itcanbedone,soour abilitytositdownrightacrosstheaisleandtosharewiththose who are now entering into the negotiations of their PSCs (Production Sharing Contracts), their E&P (Exploration and Production)Licensesetceterashouldnotbeunderestimated, (Continued on page 19)

Teachers who assembled on High Street, Georgetown on Thursday.

Teachers take protest to CARICOM

Striking teachers in The teachers, who are on appeal to CARICOM Guyana on Thursday called the 14th day of strike and Secretariattointervene,[for] o n t h e C a r i b b e a n protests, held placards in the Chair of the CARICOM Community (CARICOM) to front of the CARICOM Secretariat to intervene in intervene on their behalf and Secretariat office located at thismatter.” meetwiththeGovernmentof Turkeyen, Georgetown. The According to Lyte, the Guyana on the issue of meeting is days ahead of the CARICOM Secretariat has increased salaries and 46th Regular Meeting of the aneducationdepartmentthat i m p r o v e d w o r k i n g Conference of Heads of has a responsibility for conditions. Government of CARICOM education. being held from February 25 “This is very, very to28. important, 14 days and the President of the Guyana Teachers Union, and the TeachersUnion(GTU)Mark teachers of Guyana have Lyte and GTU’s General been totally ignored by a S e c r e t a r y, C o r r e t t a government that champions McDonald among other that ‘we care’, or obviously senior representatives of the there is something wrong Union were present outside with the ‘we care’ phrase. If oftheCARICOMoffice. this is the way you treat the In a live video recorded nation’s educators then we outside the CARICOM have issues,” Lyte said Secretariat, GTU’s President duringthelive. said “We are asking for the He continued: “We are intervention of CARICOM asking the CARICOM to our concern relating to the Secretariat and the Chair of treatment of teachers in CARICOM, and the Guyana Some of the representatives of education protestors, teachers have tospeaktothis moved to [Turkeyen] to (Continued on page 19)

An all-female Guard of Honour was featured at Guyana’s 54th RepublicAnniversary Flag Raising Ceremony which culminated with the GoldenArrowhead being hoisted against a colourful backdrop of fireworks

Putin sends signal to West with flight on nuclear-capable bomber

MOSCOW, Feb 22 is expected to easily win carrying12cruisemissilesor (Reuters) - Russian another six-year term next 12 short-range nuclear President Vladimir Putin month, made the flight at a missiles and can fly 12,000 flew on a modernised Tu- time when Moscow and the km (7,500 miles) non—stop 160M nuclear-capable West are at odds over withoutrefuelling. strategic bomber on Russia’s war in Ukraine and Russia’s nuclear doctrine Thursday,inamovelikelyto the death in prison of sets out the conditions under be seen in the West as a opposition politician Alexei which a Russian president pointed reminder of Navalny would consider using a M o s c o w ’ s n u c l e a r Some Russian and U.S. nuclearweapon:broadlyasa capabilities. diplomats say they do not response to an attack using

The giant swing-wing remember a time of worse nuclear or other weapons of p l a n e , c o d e n a m e d relations between the mass destruction, or to the “Blackjacks” by military world’s two biggest nuclear useofconventionalweapons alliance NATO, is a powers, including during the against Russia “when the modernised version of a 1962CubanMissileCrisis. very existence of the state is Cold War-era bomber that State TV showed the putunderthreat”. the former Soviet Union giant plane, which Russia Former President Dmitry against Russia”. Putin, 71, nuclear bombers are meant modernised version was would have deployed in the nicknames “White Swans”, Medvedev, now deputy flew in an older version of tobedeliveredtotheRussian 60% more effective than the event of nuclear war to taking off and landing at a chairman of Russia’s the Tu-160 aircraft in 2005 AirForceupto2027atacost o l d e r v e r s i o n w i t h deliver weapons at long runway belonging to the Security Council, has duringatrainingexercise. of 15 billion roubles ($163 significant improvements to distances. factory in Kazan that makes repeatedlywarnedoftherisk

Under a contract signed million)each. its weaponry, navigation and

State TV showed Putin the modernised supersonic of a nuclear conflict with the in 2018, 10 of the Tupolev, the plane’s avionics ($1 = 92 0330 clambering down a ladder aircraft, with correspondent WestsinceMoscowsenttens modernis

M manufacturer, says the roubles). fromtheplaneaftertheflight Pavel Zarubin excitedly of thousands of troops into and telling reporters it was a callingit“auniqueevent”. Ukrainein2022. reliable and modernised Kremlin spokesman

But Putin, who is aircraft that could be Dmitry Peskov said the commander-in-chief of accepted by the Russian Air plane’s flight path was a Russia’s armed forces, said Force. military secret. The flight in October that the existence

“It’sanewmachine,alot with Putin aboard had lasted of the Russian state was not about it is new It’s easier to 30 minutes, Russian news under threat and that “no control. It’s reliable,” said agenciesreported. person of sound mind and Putin. TheTu-160M,whichhas clearmemorywouldthinkof The Russian leader, who a crew of four, is capable of using nuclear weapons

Teachers take protest to Caricom

From page 16

Corretta McDonald described the treatment administration on the way they are treating of the teachers over the last three weeks, as teachers.Thegovernmenthasnotengagedus “brutal” and while reiterating the call for the forthelast14daysandtherealityisthatthere governmenttoengagetheTeachers’Union. needstobealivablesalaryforourteachersat The teachers’ protest also continued in allcategories,atalllevels.” Georgetown on Thursday, as teachers GTU’s first Vice President, Mariska assembled in close proximity to the Marriott Williams in a brief comment said, “We are Hotel where the Guyana Energy Conference bleeding, and bleeding out financially, and andSupplyChainExpowasbeingheld. emotionally, and to learn that our dear Protests also continued in New President, our President who speaks of ‘One Amsterdam, Linden and on the Essequibo Guyana’ gone to addresses someone else Coast. On February 5, 2024 teachers from Parliament in St. Lucia and his house is in nursery, primary and secondary schools disarray, it is an embarrassment to the nation across the country began a nationwide strike and slap to educators of this nation, we are and protest demanding better salaries and hurt,wearehurt.” working conditions through collective

Meanwhile, the GTU General Secretary bargaining.

Norton wants more from Exxon oil contract...

From page 15

Hethereforeindicated,“Iamnotgoingtobe because we have done the same thing in our influencedbyloosecommentsandjoinloose gassupplycontractsfortheupstream.” comments. Our comments will always be

The T&T Minister noted that each and well thought out. We have an Oil and Gas every contract negotiated augurs better in Committee that sits and discusses these directrevenueforthepeopleofTrinidadand issues and we make pronouncements based Tobago, but perhaps more important is that on our discussions.” He continued, “We are investors there have not left the country disposed to obtaining assistance from all “They continue to invest because it is all whocanhelpbutthatdoesn’tpermitthemto about respect and fairness of relationships use the language we choose in explaining and I offer that here to Guyana and to whatwewanttoexplainandthemessagewe Suriname in a collaborative approach want to get over to our people and the because you see I am convinced that [we internationalcommunity.”Guyana’soildeal can] work together to change the with ExxonMobil has been widely criticized dynamics…”hesaid. by the former administration that signed the

Stemming from Young’s comments, contract as well as the present government. Nortonsaidthatwhile“somepeople”arenot Bothsidesofthepoliticaldividearehowever receptive to the principle of ‘sanctity of unwilling to engage in a renegotiation of the contracts’it is a reality of international law contract.

GuyanatosignontonewCanadianloanprogramme

- as public debt climbs to US$4,508.8 million

Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas, Mr. Glen Linder

Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen

Already saddled with signing event, the media will beneficial social, economic Finance Canada, who leads enormous debts, Guyana is get more details about the andenvironmentaloutcomes on Canada’s international poised to sign another major loan programme, as well as that would not occur in the debt policy and represents loan agreement with the hear remarks from Hussen, absence of sovereign CanadaattheParisClub. CanadianGovernment. Guyana’s Senior Minister lending. All initiatives must According to the In a statement on with responsibility for contribute measurably to the Government of Canada, the Thursday the Canadian Finance and the Public achievement of the SLP provides sovereign Government said that as it Service, Dr Ashni Singh, Sustainable Development loans on concessional terms continues to strengthen Guyana’s Minister of Goals and be aligned with at to eligible recipients, bilateral relations with Human Services and Social least one of the six action tailored to their needs and Guyana, Canada’s Minister Security, Dr Vindhya areas of Canada’s Feminist priorities as they relate to o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l Persaud, and the High International Assistance poverty reduction and peace Development, Ahmed Commissioner of Canada to Policy. Lending decisions and security. The SLP Hussen and the Assistant Guyana, His Excellency are made with the economic improves the breadth of Deputy Minister for the MarkBerman. development and welfare support Canada can deploy, Americas, Mr Glen Linder In its budget 2018, (including peace and and aligns Canadian when it passed the Fiscal increasewasattributedtothe will be traveling here next Canada had allocated over security) of the recipient as international assistance with Enactments (Amendment) Government’s issuance of weekfortwodaystooversee $600 million to deliver the the main condition of otherleadingdonors. Bill 2024 in the National new Treasury Bills The the signing of a Sovereign Sovereign Loans Program lending. Global Affairs Canada Assembly The move, part of country’s debt service also Loan Programme agreement (SLP). Through this five- The department will negotiates sovereign loan a broader financial strategy, increased in 2023. Some between the Governments of year pilot programme (2019 work to ensure that terms and conditions on a is proposed to increase the US$177.3millioninrevenue CanadaandGuyana. - 2024), Canada provides initiativesfundedbytheSLP case-by-case basis with nation’s capacity to finance went towards debt service Minister Hussen will be low-interestsovereignloans, a r e a l i g n e d w i t h eligible borrowers Those its $1 146 trillion 2024 last year, up from US$150.2 inGuyanafromFebruary25- primarily to middle-income international best practices terms must fall within the budget, including several million in 2022 This 26 for several other high- countries, to support their on debt transparency and are following parameters: large-scale infrastructure increase was driven by both level engagements, the investments in poverty not contributing to maximum loan term of 10 projects The amendment domestic and external debt Canadian High Commission reduction and peace and unsustainable levels of debt years; fixed interest rate will affect both external and servicepayments. here said The high security Through the SLP, in recipient countries. The equal to the Government of domesticdebtceilings. Domestic debt service commission said at the Canada aims to generate SLP will work closely with Canada’s cost of borrowing; At the end of 2023, total payments totalled US$76.4 principal and interest Public and Publicly million in 2023, up from paymentsmustbemadeonat Guaranteed (PPG) debt US$65 million in the least an annual basis; loans stoodatUS$4,508.8million, preceding year Finance can be issued in CAD, USD, up 23.4 percent from the Minister Dr Singh had said GBP, JPY, or another position at the end of 2022, that the growth of domestic currency identified by the on account of new external debt service payments was InternationalMonetaryFund and domestic borrowing. At due to a full year’s worth of as an official foreign the end of 2022, the principal repayments on exchange reserve currency; country’s debt stood at debentures issued in 2021 to and, total outstanding loans US$3,654 9 million securitise an inherited made to or guaranteed by a Guyana’s external debt overdraft at the Central country under the SLP amounted to US$1,775 5 Bank. External debt service cannot exceed 20% of the millionattheendof2023,up payments rose from loan portfolio or $120 13 percent from the position US$85.2 million in 2022 to million, whichever is attheendof2022. US$100.9 million in 2023, greater. Meanwhile, domestic on account of higher

Back in January the debt reached US$2,733.4 principal and interest Guyana Government millionattheendof2023,up payments to official enhanced its debt borrowing from the US$2,083 million (multilateral and bilateral) capacity by $1.35 trillion at the end of 2022. This creditors.

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Strategic partnership forged to combat climate crisis in Jamaica

Climate change remains a critical factor in global development, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced access to funding for projects and technological advancements to mitigate these challenges.

In response to this imperative, the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), both Direct Access Entities to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fortify collaboration, particularly in overcoming challenges related to accessing and mobilising climate finance.

The signing of this MoU strategically aligns with the

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CCCCC’s mandate to coordinate the region’s response and efforts to manage and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The MoU will provide a framework for cooperation and collaboration between the CCCCC and DBJ to mobilise climate change financing to pursue development resilient to climate change in Jamaica and other CARICOM member states.

Speaking on the partnership at the MoU signing, David Wan, Acting Managing Director of DBJ, expressed enthusiasm about the collective efforts to address climate challenges.

“Climate change knows no borders, and its impact is felt by communities around the globe. It requires decisive action, innovative solutions, unwavering dedication – and most of all, money. This collaboration (with CCCCC) holds immense promise for the people of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. It will enable us to unlock new opportunities, develop resilient infrastructure, and foster sustainable economic growth,” Wan said.

Dr Colin Young, Executive Director of the CCCCC, lauded the signing of the MoU between two Direct Access Entities to the Green Climate Fund that will allow DBJ and CCCCC to pool their respective capacities, expertise and resources to increase the flow, scale and speed of climate finance to Jamaica and the region.

The signing of the MoU,

From page 14 prejudice the case. As such, he told the AG that court could either utilise its discretion and grant the conservatory orders maintaining the status quo or be given an assurance that the Government would maintain the status quo—would not proceed with deducting the teachers’ salaries. In response to the suggestion, Nandlall told the court that he has no such instruction by the government.

The AG, still resolute that the orders should not be

the

he said, “demonstrates that strategic partnerships and collaboration are happening in our region and by harnessing our regional and national experience, we can unlock greater amount of climate finance to Jamaica and the CARICOM region to build greater resilience of our people to the effect of climate change. The CCCCC is excited about this partnership with DBJ that will yield tangible benefits for CCCCC, DBJ and the Caribbean people.”

The signing of the MoU between DBJ and CCCCC signifies a landmark

granted said that the Government would most likely reimburse the teachers the deducted sums, if the case should go in their favour.

“It would not be an issue because whatever is taken out would be reimbursed… there is no need for conservatory orders to preserve the status quo,” Nandlall beseeched the court. “The case that is before the Court has no merit. That the two conservatory orders that are being sought are going to fail, they cannot be granted in the

collaboration aimed at driving climate action and fostering resilience in Jamaica and beyond, as it is the first time that two Direct Access Entities, accredited to the Green Climate Fund, have entered an MoU to pool their respective expertise and capabilities to increase the scale and speed of climate finance for the region.

This collaboration will pave the way for transformative projects that will mitigate the impacts of climate change and advance sustainable development goals.

final analysis and if they cannot be granted in the final analysis as the law does not support their application, then how could they be granted as an interim measure?” he queried.

Justice Kissoon also granted the AG seven days to respond to the GTU’s case and scheduled March 20th for substantive hearing of the mater.

On Tuesday through a court filing, Nandlall had originally requested 14 days to respond to the union.

IsraelraidsNasserhospitalagain,Gazaministrysays

CAIRO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Israeli forces raided Nasser Medical Complex, the biggest functioning hospital in Gaza, on Thursday shortly after withdrawing from it, the Palestinian enclave’s health ministrysaid.

The World Health Organization says the hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second largest and crucial to the territory’s crippled health services, stopped working last week after a week-long Israeli siege followedbytheraid.

Nasser Hospital is the latest health facility to become a theatre of war in the conflict between Israel andHamas,nowinitsfifthmonth.

Israel says Hamas, the Islamist group that has run Gaza since 2007, uses hospitals for cover Hamas denies this and says Israel’s allegations serve as a pretexttodestroythehealthcaresystem.

The war was triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Vowing to destroy Hamas, Israel has responded with an air and ground assault that according to Gaza’s authorities has killed more than 29,000 Palestiniansandwoundedmorethan69,000.Thewar hasdisplacedmostoftheenclave’s2.3millionpeople andreducedmuchofittorubble.

Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 48 as fears mount over humanitarian crisis and West Bank violence

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) - Israelistrikeskilledat least 48 people in southern and central Gaza overnight, half of them women and children,healthofficialssaid Thursday European foreign ministers and U.N. agencies called for a cease-fire, with alarm rising over the worsening humanitarian crisis and potential starvationintheterritory

Tensionswerealsorising in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where three Palestinian gunmen on Thursday opened fire on morningtrafficatahighway checkpoint, killing one person and wounding five others,Israelipolicesaid.

Israel’sdefenseminister, Yoav Gallant, announced Thursday that the government“willexpandthe authority given to our hostage negotiators ” His comments, delivered in a meeting with U.S. Mideast envoy Brett McGurk, signaled a small sign of progressincease-firetalks.

BennyGantz,whositson Israel’s War Cabinet with Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said late Wednesday that new attempts are underway to reach a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas that could pause the war in Gazaandbringthereleaseof around 130 Israeli hostages held by the militants since their Oct 7 attack on southern Israel. It was the firstIsraeliindicationofnew efforts since negotiations stalledaweekago.

But Gantz, a former military chief and defense minister,repeatedhispledge that unless Hamas agrees to release the remaining hostages,Israelwilllauncha groundoffensiveintoGaza’s southernmost town, Rafah, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which

beginsaroundMarch10.

MorethanhalfofGaza’s population of 2.3 million is crowded into Rafah after fleeing fighting and bombardment elsewhere in theterritory

Israel has said it will evacuate them before attacking.

But it is not clear where theywouldgo,withmuchof the rest of the tiny Mediterranean enclave consumed in combat raising fears civilian casualties could spiral in an Israeli assault that has already killed more than 29,400people.

The heads of 13 U.N. agencies and five other aid groupsissuedajointpleafor a cease-fire late Wednesday, warning that an attack on Rafah will bring “mass

casualties”andcould“deala death blow” to the humanitarian operation bringing aid to Palestinians, which “is already on its knees.”

Earlier this week, the World Food Program had to halt food deliveries to northern Gaza because of increasingchaos.

“Diseases are rampant. Famine is looming,” they said,addingthataidworkers are facing “shelling, death, movement restrictions and a breakdownofcivilorder.”

They called for the openingofmoreentrypoints for aid to Gaza — including in the north security assurances of safe passage fordistributionandarelease ofhostages.

Ifoutbreaksofinfectious disease, already growing, become severe, they could ultimatelycausemoredeaths than the offensive, a senior official with the World Health Organization said “Infectiousdiseaseisamajor concern for us in Gaza,” Richard Brennan, WHO’s regionalemergencydirector, saidatabriefinginCairo.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on residential buildings and a mosque in Rafah,GazaStrip,Thursday, Feb.22,2024.

(AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on residential

buildings and a mosque in Rafah,GazaStrip,Thursday, Feb 22, 2024 (AP Photo/FatimaShbair)

The foreign ministers of 26 European countries on Thursday called for a pause in fighting leading to a longer cease-fire. They urged Israel not to take militaryactioninRafah“that would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation.”

WESTBANK SHOOTINGAND RAMADANTENSIONS

Thursday’s shooting came at a checkpoint on a West Bank highway where the gunmen opened fire on cars in the morning rushhourtrafficjam.

AnIsraelimaninhis20s was killed and five others wounded, including a pregnantwoman.

Security forces killed two of the gunmen and detained the third, police said. Hamas in a statement Thursday praised the attack inJerusalemandsaiditwasa “naturalresponse”toIsrael’s ongoing war in Gaza and raids in the West Bank, and called for more attacks until they can achieve a “fully sovereign” Palestinian state withJerusalemasitscapital.

The militant group did not claim responsibility for theattack.

Tensionsarerisinginthe West Bank ahead of

Israelisettlershavestepped up attacks on Palestinians, and there have been a numberofmilitantshooting attacks against Israeli civilians.

BOMBARDMENT CONTINUES

AflurryofsevenIsraeli strikes hit Rafah early Thursday, one of them flattening a large mosque anddevastatingmuchofthe surroundingblock.

Footage from the scene showed al-Farouq Mosque pancaked to the ground, with its concrete domes tumbled around it and nearbybuildingsshattered.

Another strike hit a residential home in Rafah sheltering the al-Shaer family, killing at least four people, including a mother andherchild.

Strikes in central Gaza overnight killed 44 people, including14childrenand8 women, according to hospitalofficialsthere.

Ramadan, which in the past has seen increased clashes, often in connection to restrictions imposed on Palestinian worshippers goingtoAl-AqsaMosquein Jerusalem’s Old City during theholymonth.

Israel’s hardline national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir,hascalledfortight restrictions on Muslim prayers this year, including limitsonPalestiniancitizens ofIsrael.

But no final decisions havebeenmade.

Tempers are likely to be even more volatile this year over the Gaza war and spiraling violence in the WestBank.Palestinianslook at the destruction after an Israeli strike on residential buildings and a mosque in Rafah,GazaStrip,Thursday, Feb.22,2024.

(AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on residential buildings and a mosque in Rafah,GazaStrip,Thursday, Feb 22, 2024 (AP Photo/FatimaShbair)

Since the war began, the Israeli army has carried out near-nightly raids across the West Bank, arresting more than 3,200 Palestinians, including 1,350 it says are suspected Hamas members. Almost 400 Palestinians have been killed during the operations, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry

Israel’s bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza has killed more than 29,400 people and wounded more than 69,000, the territory’s Health Ministry saidThursday

The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in itscountbuthassaidaround two-thirds of the dead are womenandchildren.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, after the Oct. 7 attack, in which militants from the territory stormedintosouthernIsraeli communities, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping around 250 people. Around 100 hostages were released in a swap for Palestinian prisonersduringaweeklong cease-fire in November Israelblamesciviliandeaths onHamas,sayingitoperates amongthepopulation.

The United States, Israel’s top ally, has been working with mediators Egypt and Qatar to try to brokeradealforacease-fire of several months with the releaseofhostages.

But talks stalled last week after Netanyahu rejectedHamas’demandsfor any hostage release: a complete end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza and withdrawal of its troops, along with the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including top militants.

Bush Lot Sports Club eyeing championship Spor glory at AJM T20

The Bush Lot Sports Club will be aiming to go all the way towards championship glory at tomorrow'sAJMMashItUp T20tournament,attheBush Lot Sports Complex Ground,WestBerbice.

The home team is optimistic of the cricket extravaganzawithmorethan one million dollars in cash andprizes.

In the last AJM tournament, Bush Lot won fiveoftheirsixgames.

In a statement by the club, they highlighted that they have new additions to theirbattingline-up.

“We are very optimistic of this mash one day extravaganza.Wehavesome new additions to our batting line up who recently joined our club, so would provide those extra boots in our batting.

We are looking to win thistimearound.”

“Thelastseconddivision AJM tournament was obviously great. First of its kind in the history of local club cricket where the sponsor invested alot Players got the chance to play infront of decent crowds and to play against differentteamssinceitwasa roundrobinsetup.”

The home team added: “The semi-finals and final draw good crowds from Bush Lot and supporters fromtheotherteams,itwasa party like atmosphere. We are looking to maximize the power play with the bat and withthedepthinourlineup, we are surely going to be puttingupashow

We just want to keep it simple and execute our plans.”

VeteranRajBancescored three half-centuries while SureshDhanaiamassedover 200 runs and claimed 18 wickets.

Justin DoobayanUnder17 left arm spinner also

Friday February 23, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19

Your neighborhood is changing, Aries, and the change is all for the better Wonderful new neighbors may have moved in, or perhapsasmallgourmettakeoutshophasjustopenedup

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Youtendtobeveryintuitive, Taurus, but today your channel to the other side could appear to be totally blocked.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You’reusuallyahardworker, Gemini, whether the work involves a job, personal project, or simply chores aroundthehouse.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Todayyoujustmightwantto cut yourself off from the worldandhide,Cancer Your backyard or bedroom seems especially attractive right now

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

A friend or relative might proposesometravel,Leo,but todayyoudon'tevenwantto think about going to the grocery store.You won't feel much like talking to anyone, either

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Gloom may settle upon you today when you face your financial situation, Virgo. You may have had a lot of bills to pay, and thus your cofferscouldbeabitlowfor yourliking.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Thismorningyoumightlook inthemirrorandbehorrified at what you see, Libra You've been working hard and are stressed out, so you probablylooktired.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Something could happen during the day that unconsciously reminds you of something unpleasant that happened to you in the past, Scorpio.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Noneofyourfriendsmaybe at home today, Sagittarius, andsoyouprobablywon'tbe able to have any phone conversations or visits with them.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Today you might find yourselfcompelledtostayat home for some reason, Capricorn Perhaps you're expectingavisitorwho'slate oradeliveryofsomekind.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Construction on streets or buildings might make it difficultforyoutogetaround your neighborhood today, Aquarius. Traffic could be backedupforblocks.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Disappointment in a prominent public figure you'vealwaysadmiredcould cause an ethical crisis today, Pisces You might find yourselfdoubtingbeliefsand valuesthatyou'veaccepted.

bowled well, limiting batsmen.

Four teams in the West Berbiceareawillbeonshow at theAJM Mash It Up T20

Bush Lot Sports Club will be aiming to go all the way

tournament on February 24; theyare:AJMdefendingT20 champions Cotton Tree Sports Club; D'Edward Sports Club; Achievers 'A',

andBushLotSportsClub.

The day's activities will commence at 09:00hrs, and thefinalwillbeplayedunder lights. There will be big screen, commentary, and livescoresatthevenue,with Crown Vibes International providingsounds.

This tournament would quite replicate a CPL atmosphere, the organizers h a v e p r o m i s e d Cheerleaders will be on show, in addition to other sideattractions.

AJM Enterprise aims to develop cricket in the West Berbice area and provide quality entertainment to the cricket-lovingpopulation.

This event is sponsored by AJM Enterprise and JumboJetandispoweredby BanksDIHLimited.

KFC Elite League primed: Ten clubs...

Frompage28 giving clubs a limited period to make strategic player acquisitions and adjustments before the start of the 2024 footballseason.

A total of 90 games are scheduled for Season Six at groundsinGeorgetown,West Coast Demerara, East Bank DemeraraandBerbice.

The League stands as the apex of local senior men's competition, serving as a crucialpathwayforplayersto catchtheattentionofnational team programmes, as well as scouts from regional and internationalclubs.

The opening night will feature an exciting double header at the NTC with Slingerz FC squaring off againstMonedderlustFCat6 p.m., paving the way for the highlight of the evening at 8 p.m. - Santos FC against the formidable Guyana Defence ForceFC.

2024 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 3 Day 2…

GHE vs. WIA Sinclair grabs 4, Permaul/Motie share 6 wickets to give Harpy Eagles 178-run lead heading into 3rd Day

- GHE 2nd innings 165-5 (Nedd 4-27)

GuyanaHarpy

E a g l e s closed off a strong second day of action at the Coolidge CricketGround,asthey will venture into Day 3 with a strong 178-run lead over the West IndiesAcademy,thanks to some magic from theirspinners.

WIAwereoutplayed on the second day, havingresumedon96-4 they were eventually knockedoverfor162all outin49overs.

In response the champs were 165-5 at theendofplaybattinga second time, with

KemolSavoryunbeaten on 20 and Kevin Sinclair16*.

The Eagles looked a much better team battingthistimearound, despite none of their batters reaching significantmilestones.

Vice-captain Kevlon Andersonmissedouton a half-century, as we scored a gritty 49. Captain Tevin Imlach chipped in 29, while opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul (22) and Matthew Nandu (19) again managed to give awaytheirstarts.

WIA spinner and Guyanese Ashmead

England managed to overturn an enormous deficit in the first Test. (Getty Images/Stu Forster)

Nedd, bamboozled his countrymen, singlehandedly wiping out their top order as he finished with 4-27 and

todaytopossiblyaddto histally

W e s t I n d i e s

Academy opener

Rashawn Worrell turned his overnight innings of 34 into the team'stopscoreof58.

All-rounder Joshua Bishop then added someimpetusdownthe orderwithabrisk51off 66 (7x4), to end as 1st innings top-scorers, upon resumption of

play

It was a clinical exhibition of spin from Guyana, led by offspinner Sinclair who finished with 4-45, snapping up all his victims prior to the closeofplayonDay1.

The return of West I n d i e s s p i n n e r Gudakesh Motie seemingly boosted the morale of his fellow slow-bowlers, as the

left-arm spinner grabbed 3-31 upon his return to the national side. His senior partner, Veerasammy Permaul also looked a different bowlercomparedtothe previous games, returning stingy figures of 3-15 as the pair of left-arm spin magicians finishedwithatotalof6 wickets following their spells.

Edward B Beharry LTD and G-Boats reinforce commitment to support YBG

The Edward B. Beharry Limited has reaffirmed its commitmenttosupportyouth basketball in the nation, with a simple sponsorship presentation to the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) heldyesterdayatitsCharlotte Streetlocation.

The company, known for its dedication to community initiatives, has once again pledged its support to the thriving Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG), recognizing the crucial role it plays in bridgingthegapfortheyouth (s) in the absence of several a c t i v e b a s k e t b a l l programmes designed for schoolsandyoungplayers.

Attheceremony,Beharry Limited brand manager, MalissaJeffershandedovera substantialcontributiontothe YBG, reaffirming the company's commitment to the growth and sustainability of youth basketball The generousdonationincludeda sum of $1,000,000 in cash and another one million inkind contributions This significant support aims to cushion the financial burden associated with organising upcomingbasketballseries.

The company Brand Manager, Jeffers stresses the importance of the Beharry Group commitment to nurturing talent, fostering discipline, and building character through youth basketballsothatourstudents can reach their full potential

onandoffthecourt.

OnthesamedayG-Boats GY has also renewed its partnershipforafifthstraight year This year's sponsorship isalsotothetimeof$300,000 dollars,partsofwhichwillgo towards the rehabilitation of the ST Ignatius Secondary School Court and the installingofbasketballhoops, according to Daniel LaFont, Business Development Director

YBG'Co-Director,Chris Bowman said that the organization was elated by therenewalofsponsorshipby community partners such as EdwardBBeharryLtdandGBOATSGYwithoutthemwe would not have anything close to a basketball nursery, which have now been sustainedforover17years.

Meanwhile,theupcoming event is set to kick start the YBGcalendarforhighschool and tertiary basketball season,whichwillbounceoff withthe5x5ChallengeSeries andShootingCompetitionon th February 24th and 25 at the National Gymnasium (indoor), located at Mandela Avenue.

The action-packed event is scheduled to commence at 10amdaily

The5x5ChallengeSeries is designed to serve as a warm-up tournament for teams across five age divisions,settingthestagefor an exciting and competitive season.

Dey returns as GRFU president

Ryan Dey secured a second term as president of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) following the organisation's Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Elections held last Sunday at the National RacquetCentre.

Dey and his newly formed Executive Committee are slated to serveuntil2026.

The AGM, attended by representatives from Panthers, Caribs, Hornets, Police Falcons, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and Former GRFU President

turned Patron, Kit Nascimento, featured uncontested elections, resulting in Dey's slate securingtheirpositions.

Dey, a former National youthandseniorplayer,will besupportedbyJamalScott as Senior Vice President, Godfrey Broomes as Junior VicePresident,PetalAdams as Secretary, and Ryan Gonsalves returning as Treasurer.

RandallDuguidtakeson the role of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, with Committee Members including Ronaldo Griffith, James Osbourne, and Scott

Following the elections,

D e y o u t l i n e d h i s commitment to revitalizing and advancing the sport in Guyana through various initiatives.(RT)

KFC Elite League primed: Ten clubs record 131 successful transfers for season six readiness

In a flurry of activity across the ten Guyana Football Federation-KFC Elite League clubs, a total of one hundred and thirty-one player transfers have been

successfullycompleted. Santos FC has seized the initiative by securing the additionoftwenty-threenew members to their roster, gearing up for the upcoming

Season Six set to kick off on February 25 at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Reigning champions the

Guyana Defence Force FC have bolstered their squad with the acquisition of thirteen new players Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force FC has made a significantmovebysecuring s i x t e e n t r a n s f e r s Additionally, Season Five's second-place winners, Western Tigers FC, Ann's Grove United FC, and Fruta Conquerors FC, have all strengthenedtheirteamswith the addition of sixteen new playerseach.

Buxton United FC's roster has seen a boost with twelve transfers, while Den Amstel FC has welcomed

sevennewplayers.

Returning to the KFC Elite League this season, Monedderlust FC has made significant additions with

seven new players, while SlingerzFChassuccessfully integrated five new transfers intotheirsquad.

GFF General Secretary IanAlves said it has been an “active transfer season with clubs strategically fortifying their rosters for Season Six. All transfers have been successfully completed according to the FIFA and GFF rules and regulations, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilaratingtournament.”

The January transfer windowopenedonJanuary1 and closed on January 31, (Continunedonpage25)

Fireworks expected at Flying Ace Cycle Club organised Peoples Pawn Shop Mashramani road race

AllthetopcyclistsinGuyanaare expectedtothrongtoBerbicetoday as the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC)ofNewAmsterdam,stages acycleroadraceinBerbice.

The event which will be held around the town of New Amsterdam in observance of Mashramani is sponsored by the PeoplesPawnShop.

The event, which rides off at 10:00 hrs, will see the riders covering15lapsaroundthetownof NewAmsterdam.

The race will pedal off from Republic Road and Charles Place. The riders will then turn left into

Vryheid Street, left into Main Street, proceed along Main Street, turn left at TacamaTurnontoRepublicRoadfor15 laps.

Prizeswillbeawardedtothefirstsix finishers,thefirstthreejuniors,thefirst three veterans and the first three females. There will also be 10 prime pointprizesupforgrabs.

Thetopplacerswillberewardedwith cash,trophiesandotherincentives. The racewillbecoordinatedbyCyclecoach RandolphRoberts.

Representatives of the sponsors will be on hand to start the event and assist withthepresentationanddistributionof prizes. (SamuelWhyte)

Experience the Ultimate Golfing Weekend with Ansa McAl Tournament at Lusignan Golf Club

Callingallgolfenthusiasts!Getreadyfor an extraordinary weekend of golfing excellenceastheLusignanGolfClubproudly presents the Ansa McAl-sponsored tournament,settotakeplaceonFebruary24th and 25th, 2024. In a bid to accommodate all golfers, the tournament will run on both SaturdayandSunday,withSundayservingas the official tournament day and the day of prize-giving.

Tee times are scheduled for 12:30 pm on Saturday,February24th,forparticipants,and 8:00 am on Sunday, February 25th, for registered golfers Registration for this prestigious event is open, with interested participants urged to contact the Lusignan Golf Club at 220-5660. The registration deadline is set for 5:00 pm today, Friday, February23rd,2024.

Thetournamentwillfeatureamedalplay format, divided into two divisions: 0-13 and

14-28. Prizes will be awarded for 1st to 3rd placeineachdivision,alongwithrecognition for Overall Best Net, Best Gross, Nearest to Pin,andLongestDrive.

Entrance to this exhilarating event is priced at $5000. In adherence to COVID-19 practices and protocols, all participants are reminded to maintain safety measures throughoutthetournament.

Onthedayofthetournament,participants are advised to contact the club's manager to collecttheirscorecards,paytournamentfees, andproceedtotheirallocatedteeboxesfora promptstartat12:30pmonSaturdayor8:00 amonSunday Thepresentationofprizeswill followatapproximately12:30pmonSunday

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of skill,camaraderie,andsportingexcellenceat the Ansa McAl-sponsored tournament. We look forward to welcoming golfers of all levelsforthisthrillingevent.

The Ultimate Golfing weekend is set to take place tomorrow and Sunday with the Ansa McAl Tournament at Lusignan Golf Club.

Guyana launches leg off ICC T20 World Cup festivities at Movietowne Mall

One half of this year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup hosts,Guyana,welcomedthe official launch of the tournament during last evening'seventhostedatthe Movietowne Mall, East CoastDemerara.

The 9th edition of the biggest T20 spectacle featured a mini Gala and dance which featured a number of local cricketers, stakeholders, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) president Bissoondyal Singh,CEOClaudeRaphael, SecretaryRonaldWilliams.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr delivered the feature address to those in attendance with special guest, West Indies pace sensation Shamar Joseph comingouttobeapartofthe launch.

The launch, which bowled off in the United StatesofAmericaaswell,the otherhostofthetournament, featured a number of pieces

which exhibited the Guyanese culture through African and Indian dances with live performance from Guyana's newest Soca MonarchCalvinBurnett.

CWI Director and GCB president Singh, during his brief remarks said Guyana was pleased to host a tournament of such magnitude.“It'swithdistinct pleasure as co-chair and CWI director to welcome you to the official launch of the 9th edition of the tournament. This is the 2nd time that West Indies will playhostandhavingwonthe tournament twice with the possibility of having Guyanese players in the squad, we could be in for a treat,”hesaid.Singhsaidhe wascertainthatWestIndians willbeaimingforthechance to finish this year's World Cupastheonlyteamtohost and win an event of this nature. He also outlined that the Windies also have the opportunitytobecomethree-

time T20 World Cup winners, adding to the two thattheycurrentlyown.

Singh further lauded those stakeholders involved inthehostingoftheGuyana legoftheWorldCup,stating he was expecting a mega tournamentwithtonsoffans and tourists showing their supportforthegame.

Meanwhile, Minister Ramson noted that despite Guyana being a small country, he is optimistic that thecountryashostscanpull off feats even bigger at this upcomingevent.

He spoke on the importance of cricket in Guyanaandhowthe,country as well as the sport, are happilyintertwined.

The Minister said that once given the opportunity, Guyana will undoubtedly show out. Minister Ramson also hailed Joseph for his progress in cricket, following his historic Test series win over Australia recently

From left - Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr., Guyana /West Indies Test Fast-bowler Shamar Joseph and GCB president Bissoondyal Singh.

Trophy Stall Lions to participate in Florida Cup 2024

Astar studded

Trophy Stall Lions Over50 softball team departed our shores for Florida, USA to participate in the prestigious FloridaCup2024.

The tournament is slated for February 23 to 25 at several venues across South Florida with teams participating in the open, over40andover50categories.

Theteamissponsoredby popular sports store, Trophy Stall as the name suggests. The business Head Office is locatedattheBourdaMarket, Georgetown with several otherbranchesacrossGuyana.

Versatile softball player Anand Persaud will lead the

team which includes the Lutchman brothers, Maynendra, Mahesh, Tulsie and Vishwanauth, Raj Mathura, Ricky Deonarain, pioneer of softball and other classyplayers.

ManagerisJailallDeodas, coach Rohan Bojraj and team ownerRameshSunich.

Full team:Anand Persaud (captain), Ricky Deonarain, Eon Lovel, Dayanand Mangru, Raj Rebels Mathura, Saheed Adam, Parmanand Dhaniram, Maynendra Lutchman,

Faizal Yacoob, Mahesh L u t c h m a n , T u l s i e Lutchman, Vishwanauth Lutchman,CliveCanterbury andTerryMathura.

Marks XI, Primo XI triumph at MAYSO softball

Lennox Marks

and Leron Primo XI registered victories when the teams collided in two T10 softball fixtures organised by the MochaArcadia Youth Sports Organisation last weekend at Mocha Community Center ground.

In the opening matchup, LennoxMarksXIbattedfirst and posted 157-9. Lennox Marks made 34 and Odinga Douglasscored14.AlwinDe Mattos bagged 7-4 including ahat-trick.

Primo XI responded with 158-1 in 9.5 overs. Primo struck 82 and Dellon John scored53.

In the second game,

PrimoXItookfirststrikeand scored266-4.Primoslammed 88, Eyaaz Mohamed 74 and ShakaFlue56.MarkAlleyne took1-31.

Marks XI replied with 267-5 in 13.4 overs. Jason Sampsonmade51andPonga Sam44.Fluehad2-57.

Prizeswerehandedoutto Primo-best batsman, De Mattos- best bowler, the winning team which was donatedbyNigelAnderson,a formercricketerfromMocha. Marks - best batsman, Fluebest bowler and Primo-most sixes,receivedprizesfortheir performances in the second game.