Kaieteur News

1000 wild fires recorded within a week in Berbice

....The journey from a weekly to Guyana's Number One daily 30 today!

turns a weekly daily

...KaieteurRadiocelebratesfive-yearjourney

...KaieteurRadiocelebratesfive-yearjourney Publisher, Glenn Lall mother-in-law

Man gets bullet intended for Members of Constitutional Reform Commission sworn-in

US-based DJ dies after car crashes into concrete fence

‘Ali and Jagdeo don’t want to hold Exxon accountable for misuse of oil money’ -Nortonsays

‘Ali and Jagdeo don’t want to hold Exxon accountable for misuse of oil money’

L e a d e r o f t h e Opposition, Aubrey Norton has underscored that the oppositiondoesnothavethe power to hold ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) accountable for the allege misuse of revenues generatedfromoil.

Hesaidtoo,thatholding Exxon accountable falls under the government's p u r v i e w, a d d i n g , “Unfortunately, the Vice President [Bharrat Jagdeo] and President [Irfaan Ali] seemnottowanttodothat.”

Nortonwascommenting on remarks made by Vice President Jagdeo in relation toExxon'sexpenses.During one of his March press conferences, Jagdeo was asked to provide an explanation to the nation of themassiveexpensesracked up by United States oil major, Exxon This publication had asked the politician, who is charged with oversight of the petroleum sector, to provide an explanation on the $133 billion depreciation and amortization costs that were charged to Guyana's oil revenue by Exxon In response, Jagdeo said that Kaieteur News should seek clarityfromExxon.

Norton said, “We don't need to meet out to Exxon. So we don't have to call on Exxon to do anything this contract [2016 Production Sharing Agreement] gives certain rights duties and responsibilities to the

government and those to Exxon.”

He criticised the government's perceived n e g l i g e n c e a n d incompetence, pledging continued pressure for accountability

The Opposition Leader stated, “If there is transparency that we are calling for, then you will have the information to further pressure the government rather than run in believing that we have somewhatlocusstandibased on the PSA, to hold the oil company accountable we havetoholdthegovernment accountable and the government has to hold the oilcompanyaccountable.”

Norton clarified the opposition's role is pressuring the government for accountability, acknowledging their limitations in contractual

matters “When we become the government we will. But for now, we will keep calling on the government to do what they should,”headded.

Moreover, he noted, “So we will raise the issue, we will put pressure to the government, but as an opposition,weareobligated to deal one, through the parliamentary system, through the government system… we also have the right when we engage them to raise any issue which we havebeendoingbutwemust notfoolourselveswearenot apartytothePSA.”

Tothisend,Nortonsaid thatunfortunatelyitdoesnot seem that President Irfaan Ali and Jagdeo want to hold Exxonaccountable.

At another of his press conferences,Jagdeohadsaid that while the Ministry of NaturalResourcesisprivyto

what is being depreciated and amortized by Exxon, he will not share any details in that regard Instead, he directed Kaieteur News to write their questions to Exxon.

“Yes, the Ministry would know what is depreciated and stuff like that but I'm not gonna go through any financials here becauseIthinkKaieteurhas even a more rudimentary understanding of the financialsthanIdoandtwo, thatitcan'tbedoneatapress conference.

If you want to have that why don't you submit in writing to Exxon, ask them, we have noted this- the following things,” Jagdeo said.

Moreover, the Guyana RevenueAuthority(GRA)is still to release the reports of two audits on billions of US Dollars in expenses racked

India looking for multi-year oil purchase deal with Guyana-oil minister

Bharrat also said that Indian companies are interested in acquiring stakes in Guyana's development and exploration assets.

Indiaislookingtosignamulti-year oil purchase deal with Guyana, the Guyanese Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, said on Thursday,asthesubcontinentmovesto diversifyitssupplyofcrudeimports.

Referencing the possibility of a long-term oil deal with India, Bharrat told reporters on the sidelines of India Energy Week in Goa that the government “will make a decision at somepointintime”.Headdedthatany deal of this kind would have to go through approval processes at the cabinetlevel.

Bharrat added that Indian companies are interested in acquiring stakes in Guyana's development and explorationassets,thoughtheyareopen to achieving this through negotiation,

not only through the more traditional biddingprocesses.

A GlobalData survey of mining executives from the world's biggest mining companies reveals energy, maintenance and explosives were responsible for the greatest cost pressurein2023–butpriceincreasesin these areas were less severe than in 2022. “Our preference [for offering oil blocks for exploration] will be through bidding, and if there is any interest in any particular block, we are willing to negotiate and enter an agreement,” Bharratsaid.NoIndiancompaniestook partinGuyana'slastoilandgasbidding round.

India's continued interest in Guyanese oil comes after it approved thesigningofafive-yearmemorandum of understanding to cooperate in the hydrocarbons sector last month. The countries have been in discussions about a potential bilateral relationship intheoiltradeformorethantwoyears.

India is the world's third-biggest importer of oil

Last year, it significantly increased its imports of Russian crude oil after Moscow redirectedmostofitssupplyawayfrom European buyers amid sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine. However, ship tracking data showed that last month, India's imports of Russianoilfellforasecondconsecutive month to their lowest levels in a year amid a tightening of US sanctions on vesselscarryingRussianoil.

Following the sanctions, several tankers that were meant to deliver Russian Sokol crude to India were divertedandneverreachedthecountry India is now looking to diversify its supply to avoid such volatility Earlier this week, the International Energy Agency said in its latest oil report that Indiaisforecasttobethesingle-largest source of global oil demand growth from 2023 to 2030, narrowly beating China.(OffshoreTechnology)

-Norton says

up By ExxonMobil from 1999 to 2020. So far two audits have been conducted to review ExxonMobil's multibillionexpensesforthe lucrativeStabroekBlock.

The first was done by a BritishFirmIHS-Markitand was a review of some US$1 6 billion in costs

incurred by Exxon during theperiod1999to2017. Thesecondwasdoneby a local consortium, VHE, supported by an overseas company for some US$7.3 billioninexpensesrackedup by the Oil Company from 2018to2020.

Man who snatched passenger's phone, tells magistrate he did not intend to steal

“Ididnotintendtosteal,” a 25-year-old man told Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday when he appeared at the city court to answer to a charge that alleged he snatched a woman'sphone. Buntin Junior, a construction worker appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates'Court,wherethe larceny charge was read to him by Magistrate Latchman.Hepleadedguilty to the charge that stated on Wednesday on North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown he stole from Sandie Ramdall her Samsung A205 cell phone,valued$56,000.

According to the facts related by the prosecutor, Ramdall was in a minibus that stopped at a corner in Lacytown, Georgetown. The facts further related that Junior exited the same time with the woman and in the process of doing so, he snatched the phone that was in her hand and attempted to runaway However,analarm wasraisedandhewaschased by police and public-spirited citizens Junior was then caught and escorted to the police station where he was placed in custody and later charged with the present offence. Itwasalsorevealed

that the victim's phone was notrecovered.Juniortoldthe magistrate when asked why hestolethephonethathedid not intend to steal it. “I did notintendtosteal.”Inlightof this, the magistrate considered the prevalence of the offence committed and sentenced Junior to 12 monthsimprisonment.

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo President Irfaan Ali Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

Buntin Junior at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court

KaieteurNews

EDITORIAL

Thirty years of serving Guyana

We will tell all of our readers this truth: the businessofjournalismhasawayofgrowing uponthosewhocherishitsideals.Itdevelops from a business to a vision, and from a vision that transforms into a calling. Going after hard news and deliveringittothepeople.Doingso,dayafterday,withvery fewholidaysinbetweencanbewearingonsome.

Wehavefoundthatputtingtogetheradailynewspaper to inform, even educate, readers wherever they are is now whatdrivesforwardtonewandnewerheights.Thereisso muchtopursue,somuchtoshare,particularlygivenwhere thiscountryisnowpoised.

One of the big challenges encountered daily is what to separatetomakethefinalpublishingcut. Inthistimeofoil, and Guyanese knowing so little of its mysteries, there are often many developments that are happening on the run. This makes deciding on which ones to prioritize all that more testing. The objective is not to miss anything, but therearesomethingsthatjustmustbeleftout.Oilandgold couldbethegloryofGuyana,andwearerighttheresifting and separating to get to the truth of what is really taking place. It is the many stories that are behind the one big headlinestory Thisrelentlesspursuittobringtransparency to citizens about the realities of their natural resources’ assets have incurred the wrath of different governments at differenttimes. Thishasbeensuchanembeddedfeaturein ourexistenceof30yearsthatgovernmentangerhasbecome second natureto us, almostlikea long momentof spousal chilliness.

We put our heads down, band our waists, and keep plugging away Bringing truth and light to Guyanese is biggerthanthecunningofleadersandministers,andmore important than whatever pleases them. So, the frontline staff and supporting team have given above and beyond, andtothemthereisgratitude. Inthecontextofgiving,this paperstandsonamountaintopofitsown:Sixofourstaffers gave their lives in what is still a most piercing memory Indeed, the 30 years have flown by, taking Kaieteur News along on a good wind. Without a doubt, there have been great days and rough ones, but by the grace of a compassionate God, we have prevailed and reap the fruits of that persistence. For this work has come to represent morethanthedailypublishingofnews,itisnowareligion, aculturethatweclaimforourself.

The massive oil wealth of this nation now forms the foundation and centerpiece of what this publication is mostlyabout. Somemaythinkthatwearedoingtoomuch with oil, but we ask them to weigh this position of ours. Leaving government and politicians, and their army of propagandistswhotelllessthanhalfthetruth,ifanyatall, aboutthispatrimonyisnotanoption. Thinkofwhatwould happenifweweretodoso. Citizenswouldbefedasteady dietofdeceptionsandleadershiptricks,withonlytheworst likelytobetherewardforhopefulGuyanese.

Evenwiththethankless,oftendangerous,workthatthis newspaper does, government and leaders never stop their effortstosuppresstherealtruthsfromreachingGuyanese. Webelievethatthisoilwasbornindarknessanddeceit,and has since grown into a ragged existence, thanks to the weaknessesandsicknessesofleadersingovernment. The sicknessesinvolvethecorruptionthatiskillingGuyanabya thousandcuts. Itiswhatcannotbeallowedtostayhidden fromsightbutmustbeputbeforereaders.

Theydecidewhoisclean,whoisworthyoftheirtrust. We thank our advertisers who have stuck with us over the threedecades. Toourreaders,specialthanksareextended forbelieving,forreading,andforsupportinginsomeway oranother Wehavecomealongwaytogetherinthelast30 years,andthereisstillsomedistanceaheadtogo. Letusall be ready for whatever is in store. Here is to another 30 years.

AGlenn Lall andAzruddin Mohamed ticket offers great hope

DEAREDITOR

Through observing and assessing the current politicalsituationinGuyana, marked by soaring inflation, widespread poverty, and a disillusioned populace, it becomes evident that a substantial portion of Guyanese citizens harbour dissatisfaction with both governments who have led the country since after independence. The pressing need for a viable third-party alternative is unmistakable, though his violent demise abruptly dashed the hopeful prospects presented by figures like Dr. Walter Rodney While the Alliance For Change (AFC) initially showed promise, its alliance with the People’s National Congress (PNC) and subsequent endorsement of questionable practices, including clinging to power even after a no-confidence motion and the disputed outcome of the March 2020 elections, has eroded the Guyanese people’s trust and supportinthem.

Over recent years, my

attention has been drawn to twoprominentbusinessmen, Mr Glenn Lall and Mr Azruddin Mohamed. Their rising prominence both within Guyana and its diaspora is noteworthy Mr Glenn Lall’s relentless advocacy for rectifying the ExxonMobil agreement and Mr Azruddin Mohamed’s commendable philanthropic contributions have garnered significantattention.

Both individuals, possessing considerable wealthandexhibitingaspirit of generosity, are viewed as potential guardians of Guyana’s interests In a nationplaguedbycorruption and an unfavourable future, this will unfortunately continuewiththetwoknown governments who have led the country for the past 57 years.

This cycle lies in an excessive hierarchical political tradition that demandsundeservedloyalty They deceived the populace intobelievingthatallegiance toonlythesetwopartieswas synonymouswithpatriotism

to Guyana

and genuine love for the nation.Unsurprisingly,there is hostility towards new and upcoming parties even though they might have the nation’s best interests at heart. Thus, it is imperative for a government capable of ensuring security and eradicating corruption, as well as one that is caring, listens to the cries of its people, and addresses them promptlyandfairly

I believe that Mr. Mohamed and Mr Lall are immensely popular among Guyanesepeople,especially the youth of Guyana. The youthareessentialdriversof change,harbouringafervent desire for progress and a departure from the status quo. While the two leading parties of Guyana are engrossed in petty disputes over who performed better, theharshrealityremainsthat both parties have failed to adequatelyaddresstheneeds of the Guyanese people, leaving the nation s i g n i f i c a n t l y underdeveloped and trailing behind by at least two

decades. Despite Guyana’s abundant natural resources, including bauxite, gold, and oil, the constant bickering andpowerstrugglesbetween the PPP and the PNC have hinderedprogressandstifled growth. It’s time to break free from this destructive cycleandembraceanewera of leadership that prioritises collaboration, innovation, and inclusive development fortheprosperityofGuyana anditspeople.

Thisispreciselywhatthe youth envisions as they become increasingly disenchanted with the perpetual strife between these parties; they no longer harbour interest in supporting either party Instead, they yearn for a fresh approach, one untainted by the divisive politics of the past. Mr Mohamed and Mr Lall embody this desire for change, offering a vision of leadership characterised by integrity, innovation, and genuine concern for the nation’swelfare.Their

(Continuedonpage06)

THEAGENCYRETURNS TO GUYANA

DEAREDITOR,

Itisgenerallyagreedthat the visit to Guyana by Mr WilliamJ.Burns,Directorof the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was historic, howevermorespecificallyit is not the first time that that particular Agency has had a presence in Guyana. It is in this context, that history has a way of repeating itself thoughindifferentformsand shapes.

The initial presence of the CIA in British Guiana was during the 1962-1964 period The agency’s operatives who, at that time, were embedded in the trade union movement caused much damage to the Guyanese peoples’ struggle forindependence.

The Agency’s covert activities at that time, were viewedasinterferenceinthe country’s domestic affairs.

Regime change was high on the agenda The PPP government led by Cheddi Jaganwasthetarget.

The second presence of the agency in Guyana sixtytwo years later, was in the person of the Agency’s Head Stabroek News describedMr Burns’visitas; ‘thelatestinaseriesofhighprofile visits by US officials which analysts see as a warning to Venezuela to

desist from its aggression againstGuyana.’

Like most high-level visitsofthiskind,savetosay that ‘matters of mutual interest’ were discussed b e t w e e n t h e h i g h representatives, not much is ever revealed about the real motiveofthevisitnorabout the nature of the issues discussed.

Although the Agency’s presence in British Guiana sixty-two years ago was not of a high-profile nature, it’s pernicious influence in the trade union movement and political parties opposed to the Jagan government was wellestablished.

This was reflected in an article written by Drew Pearson, American columnist who, in his syndicated newspaper column ‘The Washington Merry-Go-Round’of March 22, 1964 referred to ‘a general strike against the pro-communist Prime Minister,CheddiJagan;

According to Pearson, ‘The strike was secretly inspiredbyacombinationof U S Central Intelligence Agency money and British intelligence Washington Interfered in the internal political life of Guiana ostensiblyundertheguiseof genuine trade union

activity.’And‘TheNewYork Times’ on April 28,1966 reported that; ‘In the 1964 election the CIA intervened with massive financial support for moderate candidatesandagainstleftist leaderssuchasCheddiJagan ofBritishGuiana.’

One year later, on April 23, 1967, ‘The Sunday Times,’ a British Sunday n e w s p a p e r w h o s e circulation makes it the largest in Britain reported; ‘TheCIAresortedtocorrupt meanstosplitthePPP Ittook out an insurance policy for “one ex-Jagan supporter for 30,000dollarsin1964.’

Then on December 17, 1967‘TheNewYorkTimes’ rananotherstorystating;‘In the1964election,theShoup Registration Systems Internationalactedasafront for the CIA to assist in the registration of voters. The resultwasthe‘victory’ofthe PNC. After the election and following an investigation into the company, it disappeared’

On May 20, 1967, ‘The Saturday Evening Post,’ a popular American general interest weekly magazine at that time, reported; ‘CIA agents who operated inside Guyana were Gerald O’Kefe, who posed as an official of the Retail Clerks

Association and William McCabe posing as a representative of the American Federation of State,CountyandMunicipal Employees. The CIA funds were channelled for the Guyana operation through the dummy Gotham Foundation.’

Since those days, troublesome days, Guyana has travelled a far way politically At a US Senate Armed Services Committee hearings held on March 14,2024 on US military posture in North and South America, Laura Richardson, Commander of US South Com reported that SouthCom “views Guyana as a democracy and a very willing and important partner.”

That being said, Guyanese who are favourably disposed to appreciating factually recordedantecedentsshould, at the same time, recognize their relevance and view them through the prism of our country’s political history when agencies such as the CIA played a role in definingwhatwastobecome an unchallengeable part of our country’s political history

Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee

Guyanese Critic looking for popularity

DEAREDITOR

Iamverysaddened,hurt and depressed by some untrue and defamatory statements made by Mr. Mikhail Rodrigues against theMohammed’sfamily

During my dark days when I was struggling to survive in Guyana Mr Mohamed (Shell) offered meajobwithhimathisstall in Stabroek Market. As the years passed by, a bond of love, trust and respect developed and Mr

Mohamedtookmeinaspart of his family. I now had food, shelter, nice clothes andagoodsalary.

Tomygreatsurpriseand astonishmentMr.Mohamed wentastepfurtherandIwas able to join my brother in Toronto Canada, a dream cometrue.

I completed my studies at York University in Toronto and was able to secure a job as a mathematicsteacherinhigh school. This would never

have been possible without the kindness and generosity from Mohamed’s family, so I just cannot sit quietly and allow Mr. Rodrigues to tarnish, defame and hurt Mohamed’s family with his bagoflies.

I honestly believe that Mr Rodriguesislookingfor attention and publicity or is just jealous of the success and good reputation of the Mohamed’sfamily

Sincerely,

KadirBacchus

Continue to lift your voices for Haiti

DEAREDITOR,

Thisletterisbasedonthe conviction that persons

interested in Haiti’s outcomes should not stop making comments and offering suggestions in public to those charged in what has been called the transition.

Icontinuethisprocessin this spirit, which is intended asacontributiontoahealthy outcome.

From all appearances, the presidential council socalledhasbeenappointedby CARICOM in consultation with whom I do not know From what I can see, it is a narrow council and is not

supportedbyabroaderbody togetresponsesfromawider cross-section of Haitians as possible. This is a severe weaknessintheprocessthat willaffecttheoutcomes.

It appears that the core group has pre-decided some of the most important conditions of the process. In doing this, it took authority thatamountedtosovereignty over the people I refer particularly to the condition thatnoorganisation,party,or groupingcouldbeamember of the presidential council unless it first agreed, apparently unconditionally, tothepresenceofanalready chosen multinational force

tooperateinHaiti.Thisisan unfortunate precondition because the presence of a multinational armed force goes against the feelings of most Haitians, who have enduredfartoomucharmed interventionforonelifetime.

This objection to a large multinational force, which I share with the people of Haiti,isanobjectiononlyto the armed forces While objecting to yet another armed force from outside that will have the potential, as in the past, to leave Haiti in a worse condition than it wasontheirarrival,Idonot objecttonon-Haitian

(Continuedonpage06)

Would Mr.Aubrey Norton be returned as PNCR leader?

DEAREDITOR

Reports in the print media suggest that there has been a power struggle in the PNCR. Critics say that the party’s leader Mr Aubrey Norton is still grounded in street politics and could not rise to create a national multiethnic party as well as produce an alternative developmentstrategyforthe country

What role does policy formulation and analysis in anypoliticalparty,including the PNCR, internal election process is difficult to determine What is compellingisthatleadership style, vision, and charisma are the dominant factors in voting preference. But what we do know also is that critics would not determine the leader of the PNCR, rather it is the PNCR delegates who have that privilege.

Mr Roysdale Ford had signaled his leadership ambition since last year when he joined with other PNCR+AFC members to invite a 14-member US delegation of Legislators on a “fact finding” mission to inquiry into allegations of racial discrimination against Afro-Guyanese He chaperonedthedelegationto a few Afro-Guyanese communities in Guyana in theexpectationtoalsostamp his authenticity on those communities.

Mr Fordbelievesthathis close association with that non-US government delegation would give him much political traction, especially among those segments of the population thatareopposedtothePPPC government Additionally, hehadbeenwritinglettersin the press to enhance his political credentials His announcement of running for the PNCR leadership is not surprising That was predictable.

We have also learnt that Mr Ganesh Mahipal has entered the race for the PNCR party top spot. A colleague says that he is a smart politician and is hoping to win the VicePresidential position An alternative view is that Mr Mahipal has joined the race to pull votes away from Mr Norton and thus making his (Mr Norton) run for l e a d e r s h i p m o r e problematic.

Whateverthemaneuvers at the PNCR Parliamentary level, it is the regional delegates who would determinethepersontolead the party into the 2025 election. And here is where Mr Norton strength lies. Neither Mr Ford nor Mr Mahipal would be able to musterasmanyvotesasMr Norton from the regional delegates. It is the regional votes that would give Mr Norton a distinct electoral

advantage.

Mr Norton has gone further by subtly suggesting thathistwochallengers(Mr FordandMr Mahipal)might be afflicted with integrity concerns, while Mr Norton thinks that he is beyond reproach in this regard. The suggestion by a few PNCR supporters that Ms.Amanza Walton-DesirandMs.Cathy Hughes should also run for the leadership post in the nameofdiversity,wouldfall intothesamecategoryasthat of Mr Ford and Mr Mahipaul What role morality plays in politics is difficult to determine Nevertheless, it is assumed that the educated and well informed would be swayed byclaimsofmorality

I have not done an opinion poll but have analyzed anecdotal evidence, newspapers, and social media comments, as well as focused interviews, and conclude that Mr Norton will be reelected PNCR party leader If Mr Norton could have knocked out the most powerful man Mr Joseph Harmon in the PNCR led coalition government, it stands to logic that he would prevail over less credentialed candidates.

Yes! Mr Aubrey Norton is projected to return as PNCRLeader

Sincerely

Dr.TaraSingh

Today’s Guyana: the woes of blackouts and GPL’s incompetence

DEAREDITOR,

On Easter Sunday, I accompanied my wife to a veryupliftingEasterSunday Service at St Sidwell’s ChurchinLodge,beautifully and artfully conducted by ReverendFatherAlves.

Returninghometoavoid any semblance of dotage or boredom, I had Dr Jennifer Basdeo Green read for me excerpts from a bit of literature I hadn’t looked at over70years.ItwasCharles Dickens,aTaleoftwocities. The literary work alluded to the social and economic disparities that supplied the energy for the French revolution and conditions in England The French aristocracy showed disdain and disregard for the ordinaryfolks.

On Saturday after attending a farewell service at Merriman’s Funeral Home, I journeyed to Spicy Dish whereImetagroupof citizens including representatives from the St. Thomas Moore Old Student Association and two retired USmilitaryOfficers.

The conversation was energisedwhenIrelatedthat onGoodFriday,Iwasoutof GPL power for three hours, from about 6:45 pm. The comrades who had gathered said I was lucky because in onearea,theyhadanoutage in excess of five hours, causing them to have a damaged electric kettle and to cook or dispose of meat fromtheirrefrigerator

All this is happening when our Head of State,

Commander in Chief with pomposityproclaimsthatwe are the fastest growing economy in the world and indeedthisisso.

This letter is to seek deliverance as I observe a parallel between Dickens’ Tale of two Cities and the disparities extant in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Our President and his top brass have assured us that they are wedded to the higher principles of transparency and that the oracles who speak to us through a well-funded, welloiledpropagandamachineare weddedtothetruth Truth,notwithstandingthe appearance that in today’s Guyana,truth,thewholetruth andnothingbutthetruthseems tobeanalienconcept Sowith

the woes of blackouts due to either generator capacity, transmission problems or share incompetence, I don’t know,butlastyear,wewere promised by the Head of State that by Christmas 2023, there would be a reliablesupplyofelectricity

I ask the following as a simple person (1) Who or w h i c h A g e n c y r e c o m m e n d e d t h e acquisition /supply of these recent acquired generators? (2) How much d i d t h a t a d v i c e /recommendation offered cost us? (3)Whatis the cost of each and every generator unit?(4)Weretheseunits(as we say) brand new, and if new, date and place of manufacture and was there anywarranty?(5)Ifnotnew, were they reconditioned, second-hand and if reconditioned, which reputable group or agency certifies its efficiency and effectiveness? (6) Was there anAgency involved in the whole transaction, if so, whatarethefees?(7)Where are these units located? (8)

What maintenance procedures are in place to ensurethattheunitsperform to their optimum? (9) inally, is the Government satisfied that they put in chargeofthisvitalsectorthe best qualified persons available? The majority of Guyanese are entitled to cleartruthfulanswers.

Dear Editor, I am happy to announce that I am three hundred Guyana dollars richer because I made a wager with a friend in Region 10 that the Bamia schoolwillnotbecompleted and ready for use as promised in a public statement by the PPP Administration on April 1, 2024.OurzestandAllFool’s Dayjoke. Today,therewas a quartet at a windowless school building as the spending spree continues unabated. The question of quality material and workmanship is of course another matter Another e x a m p l e o f o u r Government’s spending spree. The other bet was to ask the Minister of Housing

to explain how six months ago,theypubliclystatedthat 47%ofhousesandhouselots were allocated to AfroGuyanese. The question is where is the data to support this public proclamation? This has not yet been suppliedwiththesourceand methodology used to arrive atthispercentage.

My other hundred-dollar betwasthecompletionofthe road that runs through between Sussex Street and Princes Street, which should have been completed in the firstquarteroftheyear Thisis another jumbie story Incidentally, as I dictate this letter at 12:14 hours, we lost electricity HailtotheChief I am copying this letter to two topAdvisorstothePresident and Government, Jerry GouveiaandKitNascimento Both in spite of the present cleavage, I consider to be good, genuine Guyanese concernedabouttheplightof ordinary folks and would helptochangethings.

Regards

HamiltonGreen

Elder

AGlenn Lall andAzruddin...

Frompage04 appeal to the youth transcends traditional party lines, resonating deeply with a generation eager to chart a new course for Guyana’sfuture.Iurgethesetwogentlemen to take up the challenge and stop Guyana frombleeding.

ThepopularityofMr MohamedandMr Lall transcends geographical and social boundaries, resonating strongly across Guyana’s ten administrative regions and within the diaspora. Their appeal spans diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-

economic demographics, earning widespread admiration seldom witnessed since the era of Dr Rodney The diaspora’s fervent support for Mr Mohamed underscoreshisbroadappealandpotentialto effectpositivechange.

To Mr Mohamed, I heartily appeal that youheedthiscallandembracethechallenge of halting Guyana’s decline. The nation stands poised to rally behind you in this endeavour

Yourstruly, AyeshaKhan

Continue to lift your voices...

From page 05 expertise from social justice groups and in peacekeeping, and with experience in dealing with similar conditions in various parts of the world. There are several experts who can be of great service to all classes of Haitians in their efforts to bring things backtonormal,andIbelieve that such groups should be engagedasconsultants.

The core group has remained active in the nation’s affairs for over twentyyears.

Its accomplishments, attempts, and initiatives shouldbemadeknowntothe publicfarmorethantheyare madeknownnow

Assuming the best

intentions, which is my recommendation that the core group can play an influential role in convincing one of its members, France, to repay the ransom it levied on the new Haitian Republic soon after its independence, a ransom which can be imagined severely crippled aspectsofsocial,human,and economic development for theHaitians.

The centuries-long struggle to recover this ransomcan,intheopinionof many, help reunite Haitians and erode many of the artificial factions and barriers that have arisen because of protracted occupation and direct and

indirect foreign domination. Thecoregroupcanconvince or negotiate with others at the same time the crisis persists, in accepting refugees from Haiti in all available spaces, avoiding thesuggestionfromtheUSA that they wanted to use Guantanamo Bay as a base forrefugeesfromHaiti.

The present generation certainly has some memory of what the Haitians had to sufferandendurewhenthey elected a patriotic and humanistgovernmenttwoor threedecadesago. These recommendations are offered for public consumption.

Yourssincerely

EusiKwayana

yearsis abigdeal 30

Today Kaieteur News celebrates its 30th Anniversary. It is a big deal. Despite all the attempts by the powerful to thwart and sabotage its operations - KN stands strong.

We can and will promise the readership of this newspaper that the same fearlessness we pursued our work for the past 30 years will be maintained in the unending quest for truth and justice for all Guyanese.

When the pursuit of fairness stands as the essential substance in our mind, in the genes, then there is mightiness that cannot be defeated. God bless all Guyana.

Thanks to all Guyanese for the support extended over the years be such through moral force, or in the er of silence, or b

Before and after a successful removal of large congenital hemangioma on a 16-year-old patient

Congenital hemangioma surgery successful at Lethem Reg. Hospital

A16-year-oldpatienthas beengivenafreshstartinlife following the removal of a l a r g e c o n g e n i t a l hemangioma that affected herrightshoulder

A c o n g e n i t a l hemangioma is a kind of birthmarkthatoccurswhena tangled group of blood vessels grow in or under a baby's skin. The successful operation, the first of its kind, was executed by the surgical unit at the Lethem Regional Hospital in February

Thepatientwasadmitted onFebruary20,withintense levels of discomfort and intermittent pain as a result of the sporadic enlargement of the mass since birth Before the operation, a physical examination was

carried out and showed an eightby10centimetresnontenderhyperpigmentedmass on the right shoulder of the p a t i e n t

Upon completion of the excision, the full size of the mass was achieved and measured in length +/- 2530cm.

It was reported that the patientlost800millilitresof blood throughout the surgery, which was expertly replenished with a blood transfusion. The patient was dischargedfivedayslater

The success story u n d e r s c o r e s t h e government's immense effort and investment in advancing the country's healthcare sector, especially in the hinterland and farflungareas.

Withanimpressivetrack recordofsuccessfulsurgical proceduresunderitsbelt,the Lethem Regional Hospital continuestoprovidemedical aid to Guyanese and neighbouring countries, BrazilandVenezuela.

Equipped with modern surgical facilities, including a theatre with two fully utilised beds, allowing for simultaneous surgeries and improved patient flow, the hospital can efficiently manage the remarkable rise

Clubownerunderinvestigationfor allegedlybatteringfemalepatronswithgun

Police on Wednesday confirmedthattheownerofa popular city night club is under investigation for allegedly battering two patrons with a gun on Sundaylast.

The alleged assault took place outside of the nightclub's Kitty, Georgetown location. Reports are that the victims, Felicia Hall and Stacy (onlynamegiven)hadattendedaparty at the club by two popular promoters.

Both DJs reportedly witnessed the assault which took place around 05:30 hrs on Sunday but gave conflicting reports of what had transpired that morning.

According to the entertainers, the assaultofthefemalesstemmedoverthe sprayingofpeppersprayintheclub.

One of the female victims, Felicia Hall claimed that Stacy a woman she had met while partying in the VIP section of the club, had accidently

sprayedthechemical.Accordingtoher Stacy might have mistaken her pepper sprayforcologne.

Itreportedlycausedchaosandsent all patrons running out of the club. It was further alleged that an acquaintance of the club owner raised an alarm that one of the women had intentionally sprayed the chemical to create chaos. One of the promoters, duringhislivesaidthattheclubowner was on his veranda located on the top flatoftheclubwhenamanconfronted thewomeninthestreet.

Heclaimedthattheclubownerthen ran downstairs and joined in the confrontation.

He reportedly began interrogating them before instructing some individuals to search them. After the pepper spray was found, it is alleged that he pulled out a gun and started to beatthewomenwithit.Photosofoneof the victims surfaced on the internet. She had a swollen face that was black andblue.Oneofthepromoterssaidthat it was a brutal assault and condemned theactionoftheclubowner

Another DJ disagreed that the assault was so brutal and claimed that he did not see the club owner hit the women with his gun. He claimed too that the women might have intentionallyusedthe“peppersprayto “shut down the party” and supported the club owner's actions of assault on thewomen.Accordingtohim“anyone running a business would get vex” at thewomen'sactions.

Police told Kaieteur News that a reportoftheallegedassaultwaslodged and that detectives are presently investigatingthecase.

insurgicalproceduresthatit isexperiencing.

The surge has seen the surgical volume from 2022 to 2023, increasing by 200 percent.

Moreover, the hospital has a wide range of surgical services including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and ophthalmology with expansion plans on the horizon.(DPI)

Shell Said to Be Seeking Long-Term Venezuela License

Reuters reports that the Dutch supermajor Shell is seeking a longterm license from Washington before makingafinalinvestment decision on Venezuela's Dragon natural gas project.

C i t i n g t w o

anonymous sources, Reuters said Shell was seeking a 15-year license to develop the field, hoping for a positive decision, even further down the road, before investing $1 billion

Currently, there is a twoyear license that was issuedinJanuary2023.

Reuters was unable to obtain comment from Shell, the U.S. Treasury Department or the

Venezuelanpartnersinthe project, state-run PDVSA and NGC, the state-run gas company of Trinidad andTobago.Theprospect of a revival of sanctions

this month after

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has violated sanctions-relief conditions through his persistent attempts to keep the opposition from forming a strong candidate to run in free

andfairelectionsthisyear Venezuela's offshore Dragon field is near the country'smaritimeborderwith TrinidadandTobagoandissaid to hold up to 4.2 trillion cubic feetofgas,potentiallycreating a large new export revenue stream for Venezuela, Reuters reports."Obviously,atwoyear licensehasawindowandthisis atransactionthatwilltakemore than two years," Trinidad Energy Minister Stuart Young told Reuters in March on the sidelines of the Houston C E R AWe e k e n e r g y conference.

Timing becomes an issue with the current license issued in January 2023, with a short extension, expiring in October 2025, which might not be long enoughforfirstgastobeready to produce, Reuters reported.

OnTuesday,ajointventureled by CHevron launched its 2024 drilling campaign putting the drillbittothefirstof17planned wells with PDVSA in the OrinocoBelt.

Chevron has U S authorization to operate in Venezuela with its joint ventures with PDVSA, while the U.S. Administration also currently allows exports and trade of Venezuelan crude oil under sanctions relief until April18.(OILPRICO.COM)

Reading the Riot Act requires knowing the problem

OnJanuary14,2002,the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) was forced to shut down the Garden of Edengeneratingplantafterit n o t i c e d e l e v a t e d temperatures on the complex’sgeneratingsets.It was suspected initially that the problem had to do with fuel entering the exhaust system.

Fearing an explosion the system was shut down.As a consequence, some 45 MW of power was taken out of operation, more than onethirdofpeakdemand.Itwas not the first time that there wasashortfallingenerating capacity at that facility In 2009, some 15MW was taken down because of problems. Months later and after flying in the experts from overseas, the problem had not yet been diagnosed. Onto today it is not clear whether the problem was identified.

Therehavebeenfrequent blackouts recently which have left consumers displeased. As a result, the President of Guyana summoned the GPL to a meetingatwhichitwassaid he read ‘the Riot Act’ to those present. The only reason why President Irfaan Ali should have to warn t h o s e p r e s e n t o f consequencesifresultswere not forthcoming is if the problemhasbeendiagnosed and the remedial steps identified. Only when the determined actions are not implemented and the problems not resolved

should the President be readingtheRiotAct.

In any situation where the metaphorical ‘Riot Act’ mustbe‘read’itisnecessary to first conduct a thorough and precise diagnosis of the underlying issue at hand..

Accurate diagnosis involves gathering relevant information, analyzing data, and discerning between symptoms and underlying problems Accurate diagnosis enables the formulation of informed strategies. The process of reading the ‘Riot Act’ then becomes not merely an exercise in authority, but a deliberateandconscientious efforttofixtheproblem.

Unfortunately,weareno closer to understanding the cause of GPL’s recurrent problems since the PPPC’s return to office. It is very infantile for the present PPPC government to be blaming lack of investments by the former government. Even if we accept the position that the system was not properly maintained between 2015 and 2020, what was the PPPC doing fromAugust2020tonow?

Instead of engaging in the blame game, the government needs to identify the source of the problem and to take corrective action. Reading theRiotActmaybegoodfor theatrics but unless there is an independent diagnosis of the problem, the wrong decisions are likely to be repeated.

The first thing therefore

that the President ought to havedonewastoappointan investigating team to examine the problem and to make recommendations about what needed to be done.

If the problem is that there is a need for more generation to meet growing demand, then someone needstobeheldaccountable for why all the generators procured late last year were notputintoservice.

Speculation and wild suggestions cannot replace informed decisions based on athoroughexaminationofthe stateofelectricitygeneration andsupply

Doctors so not prescribe medication before they have diagnosed the problem and run tests to determine and confirm their diagnosis Breaking up the electricity system and removing interconnection is not the answer

The advantages of an interconnected grid in Guyana far outweigh the d i s a d v a n t a g e s Interconnected grids can allow for the sharing of energy When additional energy is produced in one section of the grid, it can be shared with another section whichmaybeinneedofsuch power Thisinfactallowsfor reducing blackouts since if one system goes down, power can be sourced from anotherpartofthegrid.

An interconnected grid allowsformoreefficientuse of diverse energy resources, including renewables

DEM BOYS SEH

Dem boys notice

a man in the supermarket He picked up a torchlight. He went and obtained a kero lamp and then headed forthecandlesectionwhere hegrabbedafewpacketsof candles.

Curious as to what he was going to do with those things, Dem Boys asked him. His reply was that he was preparing for the blackouts.

A few days later, dem boys see the man again in the supermarket and asked him how the torchlight, the kero lamp and the candles helped him during the blackout. Surprisingly he

said he had to endure the darkforhoursonend. “How come?” Dem Boysasked. “ Well you see” explained the man, “ I forgot to buy batteries for the torchlight, kero for the lamp and matches to light thecandles.”

It shows how powerless we are during blackouts.

Lastnightdemboyshad ablackout.

I t w a s a r e a l enlightening experience… when the lights came back on. Before then it was so dark that even the shadows were like, “Who turned off thelights?”

Regionswithsurplusenergy can export it to areas with higher demand, minimizing waste and maximizing utilization. Breaking up the gridintosectionsmeansthat ifoneindependentgridgoes down because of a major problem, such as a generating set having to be decommissioned, the power outageswillremainuntilthe problem is fixed. This can take weeks or months

Interconnected grids facilitate the development and integration of largescale energy projects, such asthegas-to-shoreproject.If thedevelopersofthatproject had to sell power to four or five grids, the cost of doing

so would increase and may render the project not feasible But with an interconnected system, energy developers are provided with a larger and more assured market for theirgeneration.

GPL needs to be fixed.

Butwemustnotassumethat thisisgoingtobeeasy

Theelectricitysectorhas been underfunded for years. There are high levels of electricity losses, including from theft, old and decrepit transmissionsystemsandthe needforafastertransitionto renewables If when it

assumed office, the government had made greater investment in clean

energy instead of being tethered to the gas-to shore project and the beleaguered Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project, the issue of generation shortfalls would have been fixed leaving greaterresourcesandtimeto be paid to managing transmission.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

But what makes the poweroutagessoterribleat this time is because we are inthemidstofaheatwave. When the power goes, it is steaminghot. Noreliefisinsight

The AC does not work, the fan does not work and opening the fridge is a high-risk activity becauseifitstays open too long, your food mayspoil.

In the meantime, de Gee Pee Hell is urging conservation of power People hardly getting enough power to get the basic s done much less to conserve. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

The secretive Chinese are owed

The Red Chinese are owed.WhatBigBossBharrat tried to bamboozle his way with the Chinese delivered clean and convincingly One of the eight new discoveries announced has an estimated 746,000 barrels of oil equivalents.WhattheYankee capitalist,AlistairRoutledge, wasclosemouthedabout,the communist Chinese let the cat out via that revealing annualreport.Thisiswhatoil has come to in Guyana: the freedom loving Americans are about the covert, while the secretive Chinese deliver thegoods.

Ihavesaidtimeandagain that money beats ideology Surveying the landscape in religious realms, and there is the first proof. Money beats spirituality If there in the houseofbelievers,thenitjust had to be so in Beijing. Green trumps red, whether the competition is between dogma or dharma. Green is theuniversalcurrency,andso

746,000newbarrelsisinthe annual report of CNOOC. What my fellow Americans couldn't do, were unwilling todo,theChinesesteppedto the wicket and delivered a six. I am thinking of going easieronthemforatime,asa littlethankyou.

Exxon's Routledge can't talk about new estimated reserves found, and when he can't talk, then Guyana's Jagdeo is left with no choice but to talk chalk. If any consideration on this earth compels me to do such a thingtomyself,thenitistime to depart from this vale of treacherousness. Thefoolish hasbeenseeninmanyplaces, thefrivoloustoo.andsoalso the feeble. But top banana Jagdeoisamaninacategory all on his own when his stewardship of this national oilwealthisweighed. Heis notoutofbalance;themanis outofwhack. Itisgoodthat he has such loyal friends in the Chinese; they mounted

CJIA to be further expanded with new admin building, airline offices - Edghil

A s p a r t o f t h e government's move to expand the physical infrastructure of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA),anewandimproved commercialcentre,business a n d V I P l o u n g e s , restaurants, and concession areaswillbeintroduced.

This is according to Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, as he delivered remarks Tuesday evening at the United Airlines' welcome reception attheGuyanaMarriottHotel in Kingston, Georgetown. Minister Edghill announced that with the increase of airline services operating in Guyana, the government will also be constructing a facility to house airline offices.

“We are building out a special building to house airline offices sooner rather than later…We are building an airline office building to create more space in the current terminal that exists,”

MinisterEdghillstated.

In an effort to amplify passengers' travel experience, a new CJIA admin building is currently under construction to

just the reserves rescue operationneeded.

For there it was that mastermind Alistair set his facestonilyagainstdeclaring the details of one, only one, of the eight new oil finds in the sands below Guyana's seas. Then he succeeded, as usual, in dragging Guyana's master performer Jagdeo along with him, as part of what is now the local oil circus.

That is, hiding the li'l sweetness in Guyana's oil bone from the Guyanese people. Imaybeabletolive with, excuse, even defend hiding eight discoveries and howmuchoilisinthem,but not when even one becomes such a life and death secret. When this is the norm, then allkindsofideasshouldtake hold in the heads of Guyanese.

First, the skeptic in me reads of 746,000 barrels of oil from one hole dug and wonder if that is playing it safe (cute) with Guyanese expectationsandgivingthem a lowball estimate. The lowest. Recallthatbonethat was just mentioned. Well,

throw Guyanese a bone throughtheChineseandthat shouldkeepthenativesquiet. “Is wha else ah yuh want?” In other words, the Red Chinese are being used as a redherring.

The revelation of 746,000 barrels is enough of a distraction to make Guyanese nod their heads in satisfaction.

Then, the cynic inside is thinking that the discovery numbers will be subject to the slow release of a small dose at a time, to ease the immediate clamoring for more money, viz , a renegotiated deal And everybody thought that the Chinese were the slick ones. ItiswhyIlovetheAmericans so much. God and Darwin neverimaginedtheevolution of better scoundrels and swindlersandhustlers. Isaid it.

Nowgoaheadandbring out the firing squad. As a quick aside, the skeptic and cynic within came, compliments of David Granger,BharratJagdeo,and Irfaan Ali. Look what they havedonetomycountry,ma.

Often, I ponder this question: who the real enemy(thebaddest)is,these t h r e e d o m e s t i c swashbucklers or that schizophrenic man in Caracas. Who is the real friend of Guyanese, Alistair Routledge or Ralph Gonsalves, or the recently arrivedSlickWillieandTony theSlippery?

I can't help remembering the Arawaks and Caribs When they first set sight on the fair-haired and fair skinned, they thought that God had come down from heaven.

Half a millennium later, check Guyanese out, and decide if it is not the same bittersweetstory

Willie and Tony never had more than passing interest in this backwater place. Now since the discovery of oil in copious quantities, Guyana is on the front burner of everyone. I can see the Canadian PM winging his way here, followed by some Scandinavian. Iamgoingto get really offensive now Forbes Burnham once asked

thequestionabouthowmany races there are in Guyana. When told six, he parried that, and articulated what I interpret to be an unequalled piece of brilliance. He said there were four races here. There are Indians and Africans The two others were described by slurs beginningwitha'c'andan'n.'

WhenIexaminehowthe Caucasians are running rampant, with all the local groveling and kowtowing, it is clear than Burnham had that right. If the masters of the local universe can't have the nuts to share how many newbarrelsofoildiscovered, then they are neither Indians nor Africans. Check out those two fateful and fatal lettersagain.

They perfectly describe the deformed and revolting localcondition.

(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 opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

relocate over 300 staffers. Additionally,theministryin partnership with CJIA's board along with its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is examining new strategies to improve the airport's interline baggage handling system to significantly reduce processing and waitingtime.“Whileweare working to bring more options to ensure that we have greater ease in travel as a government…We are working to ensure that the physical infrastructure, to process, to accommodate, andtoprovidethefacilities in its different forms and fashions are made available.”

He continued, “At the same time, we will be betterabletoserveairlines that we are hosting and thoseairlineswillbebetter able to serve the people of Guyana and the travelling public from around the world.”

Minister Edghill also announced plans to resume theadvancementofterminal B to accommodate more flights and add to the airport'ssixexistinggatesto prevent future travel congestion.(DPI)

US-based DJ dies after car crashes into concrete fence

A US-based disc jockey diedTuesday night when he lostcontrolofthecarhewas driving and crashed into a concrete fence at Cottage Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Shemroy Henry HenryisattachedtotheHigh Life Sound System of BelmontMahaicony Police inastatementsaidthatatthe time of the incident, Henry wasdrivingmotorcar#PAE 7812. With him were three

The

occupantsinthevehicle:two femalesandamale,ages17, 20 and 26 Enquiries disclosed that the car was proceeding east along the northernsideoftheroadata fastratewhenthedriverlost control of the vehicle and ended up on the southern side, colliding with a concrete fence and then into

aGT&Tpole.

Due to the collision, all four occupants suffered injuries about their bodies andreceivedtreatmentatthe Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. Henry succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. The other three occupants were admitted for medical

o b s e r v a t i o n a s investigationscontinue.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that in addition to celebrating the Easter festivities the young man, who resides in the United State, was also here to celebrate his birthday but ended up staying for his th mother's50 aswell.

Deceased, Shemroy Henry

damaged car

Mangetsbulletintended for mother-in-law

Ataxi driver was shot by his spouse's brother-in-law, around 00:10hrs on Wednesday morning, in C a m p b e l l S t r e e t , Albouystown,Georgetown.

Itisallegedhewasnotthe intended target, his motherin-law told police that the bulletwasmeantforher The injured man has been identified as 32-year-old RafaelHintzen.

Investigations by the police revealed that the victimandoneofthesuspects are known to each other as theybothsharearelationship withtwosisterswhoresidein C a m p b e l l S t r e e t , Albouystown area According to police, “Information received from the 41-year-old mother-inlaw of both the suspect and victim is that on Phagwah day, her nephew sprayed water from a 'water gun' on oneofthesuspect'sfriends,to which he (the suspect) was annoyed. Subsequently, she and the suspect (son-in-law)

were engaged in a heated argumentwhenhethreatened to'kill'her.”

At around 00:10hrs on Wednesday, Hintzen was in his car which was parked in from of the Campbell Street home.Hismother-in-lawwas saidtobeseatedonachairin the yard, when the suspect and three other men, all armed with hand guns appeared out of the alleyway opposite the house The statement from the police said that the men, “started to discharge several rounds in thevictimandhismother-inlaw's direction. The victim exitedhiscarandranintothe yardwherehismother-in-law was, upon realizing that he was shot in the foot, tried to pullhimupthesteptogethim intothehouse.”

Furthermore, “In the process of doing so, the woman said that she saw the suspect (her son-in-law) and his accomplices running through the front gate in her direction, firing several

rounds at her Anastacia claimedthatsheimmediately leftthevictimatthebottomof thestairway,ranupstairs,and closedthedoor.”

The woman told police that the suspect and his accomplices did not further injure the victim when they caughtupwithhimsinceshe assumed that she was the intended target. It is alleged thattherewasacarwaitingon Campbell Street that the armed men ran back to and made good their escape. The injuredmanwasrushedtothe Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by a relative, where he was seen by a doctor, examined, admitted, and is receiving medical treatment. His condition is stable. Spent shells and warheads were recovered by detectives at the scene and a number of persons were questioned and useful information was received. Police are looking for the suspects as investigations continue.

Truckdriveron$1M bailforcausingdeath

A 42-year-old truck driverwasgrantedbailinthe sum of $1 million when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and was chargedforcausingthedeath of Temeca Kerr due to dangerousdriving.

Deodat Ramanand of Good Hope Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), made his first court appearance before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, wherethechargewasreadto him Ramanand was not required to plea to the indictable charge. The accident occurred on February 15, 2024 at the junction of Camp Street and Brickdam.

Thefactsstatethatonthe day in question Ramanand wasthedriverofmotorlorry # GMM 9622, which was proceeding east along the northern drive lane of Brickdam at a fast rate of speed, while the traffic light signalwasflashingredinhis direction. Motorcar PWW 7944, which was driven by Kerr (now deceased), was proceeding north along the western drive lane of Camp Street, where a traffic light signalwasflashingamberin her direction

As both vehicles proceeded in their respective directions, both driversfailedtoadheretothe

traffic light signal and a collision occurred between the two vehicles resulting in thedriverofPWW7944and its three occupants sustaining injuries and were hospitalized.

Two of the occupants were discharged on later dates, while one is presently admitted as a patient at the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC), while the driver of the motorcar,

who was later transferred to the Lilliendaal Public Hospital as a patient, succumbed to her injuries whilereceivingtreatmenton March 23, 2024 at about 1:30hrs After an investigation was carried out,Ramanandwascharged. Ramanand was represented by Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry The defendant will return to court on May 22, 2024.

TroyResourcesshippedout

Guyana'sgoldexemptofallfees

…was also handed reduced rate on fuel imports while locals paid full costs

Australian-based Troy Resources began itsoperationsinGuyanabackin2014butwas forced to shutter its operations locally last year

During that time however, the company wasallowed,aspercontracttoexportallofits goldandothervaluablemineralsfoundinits operationsfreeofcost.Thissince,according tothecontract,thesemineralswillbeshipped out of the country exempt from paying any fees,importsduties,taxes,administrativeand otherchargesandanyotherlikeassessments of any nature. Domestic operators however, aremadetopayallrelevanttaxesandfeesto theGuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA).

Additionally, the contract states that CustomsPersonnelshallbeentitledtoinspect the imports “with the utmost dispatch and shall,innoevent,delaytheshipmentofsuch property to destinations outside of Guyana, whenreadyforshipment.”Compoundingthe

situationfurther,theMineralAgreementalso allowed for the foreign mining companies to payCustomsOfficerstocleartheirimportsat aportofthecompany'schoosing.

It should be noted too that under the Mineral Agreements, there are even more clauses which local miners have repeatedly lamented, one such being the reduced rate paid for fuel imports for their operations by foreignoperators.ThatpactsignedwithTroy Resources Ltd--the Karouni Mineral Agreement-dictatesthata10percenttaxtobe paid on all fuel and lubricants imported into thecountryfortheoperations.Thisobtains,as localoperatorsweremadetopayfullamount, ashighas50percent.

Itshouldbenotedthatgovernmentwould from time to time, reduce and reimpose the ratetostabilisethepriceoffuelfordomestic consumption.Thissituationobtaineduntilthe COVID-19Pandemic.

Jamaican company winds up operations in Guyana due to border controversy

( J A M A I C A OBSERVER) Following its 2.5-year stint in Guyana, Dolla Financial Services Limited will be winding up operations there as it looks to reallocate resources to Jamaica and walk away from the geopolitical instability caused by Venezuela's claim on the

Essequibo region of Guyana.

The revelation on Dolla Guyana Inc came out in the company's 2023 audited financials which were released on Tuesday on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE).

The note stated, “The decisionisduetothecurrent

geopolitical uncertainty and the reallocation of resources to Jamaica where returns exceedthoseinGuyana.”

Dolla Guyana was formed inAugust 2021 with Dolla Financial Services injecting $31.18 million to form the business, and was funded by a US$1-million loan. Dolla Guyana brought

in $8.41 million in interest incomeandhadanassetbase of$163.08millionbytheend of 2021 Dolla Guyana's 2022 performance saw it bring in $84.29 million in interestincomeandnetprofit of $27.92 million with an assetbaseof$230.11million. This business all came from one branch in Georgetown, Guyana.

Withasmallerassetbase of$197.96millionattheend of 2023, Dolla Guyana generated $86.96 million in interest income and had net profitof$5.11milliondueto larger intragroup expenses. The phased wind-up of Guyanashouldbecompleted by March 2025 when all loans are fully repaid. This decision was decided on February 5 by Dolla's board ofdirectors.

“It's a strategic move by us. We have been in Guyana for a little while and it's a profitable entity, but in light of the recent geopolitical climate, I think has created some amount of uncertainty within Guyana itself. We have weighed the financial risk, we have looked at the marketandhowvolatileitis, compounded by other economic uncertainties. We alsolookedatthefactthatwe could probably manage the riskalittlemoreprudentlyby reallocating some of the resourcestoJamaicawhichis

Dolla is leaving Guyana due to the geopolitical uncertainty

of course a more desirable market at the moment,” stated Dolla Financial Chief Executive Officer Kenroy Kerr in a call with the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday

Venezuela has made moves to lay claim to the EssequiboregionofGuyana, whichmakesuptwo-thirdsof thecountryinrecentmonths, following their own elections However, the move has been seen negatively by the international community considering that the dispute has been settled since 1899 when British Guiana received 94 per cent of the territory

A bilateral meeting was heldinSaintVincentandthe Grenadines on December 14 under the auspices of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Whilethatdiscussionsought togetapeacefulsolution,the

move by Venezuela has also caused jitters for other listed companies who have reported a negative financial impact by the situation

Guyana is currently the fastest-growing economy in the Caribbean and South America, thanks to its oil deposits that are being extractedbytheExxonMobil Corporation.

“However, inventory build-up from importers' increased finance costs in Colombia; and uncertainty about Venezuela's claim to a majorportionofGuyana,and unavailability of higher purchase credit for new cars led to declining sales for industrial equipment and vehicles in Guyana in Q1 2024,” stated Massy's Q1 report to shareholders Massy's Guyana segment reported a six per cent increaseinrevenueto

(Continuedonpage24)

Businessman found murdered

A 25-year-old labourer was arrested, after his drinking partner was found murdered on Tuesday at Kurupukari, Upper DemeraraRiver,Region10. The dead man has been identified as 'Johnny' Ragubeer, a businessman who operated a shop at 33 Miles Kurupukari, where he sold groceries and alcoholic beverages.Policeinareport statedthatthetragicincident occurred between 21:30hrs on Monday and 13:00hrs on Tuesday at 33 Miles, Kurupukari, Upper DemeraraRiver

Sukharona Roopnarine whooperatesa'cook'shopat 400 meters south of the deceased's shop, reportedly toldranksthatonMondayat about17:30hrs,aftershehad closed her business; she and her two sons visited Ragubeer Upon their arrival, she met him and a labourer (suspect arrested), drinking Guinness, XL and

...drinkingbuddyarrested

Blend7rum.Thewomansat with them and they all imbibed.Roopnarinerelated that at about 18:00hrs, the labourerlefttogobacktohis camp and around 21:30hrs, sheandherchildrenlefttogo to her shop and Ragubeer accompanied them after which he returned to his shop.

Police said the man's body was found lying about 50feetfromhisshopatabout 12:30hrs on Tuesday by a gold miner and his two friends, who were travelling toBrazilandhadstoppedby the shop while on their way The gold miner reported the discovery of the body to police at Mabura When ranks arrived on the scene, they saw a wound on Ragubeer'sthroat,acuttohis left ear and bruises to his upper back. What appeared tobedriedbloodstainswere seen on the ground next to thebody Policealsofounda black plastic bag next to the

body, which contained leaves, seeds, and stems suspectedtobemarijuana.A cellphonesuspectedtobeof thedeadmanwasalsofound onthemurderscene.

The entire scene was processed by detectives and photographed.Thebodywas later escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex, where it was pronounced dead at about 14:40hrs on Wednesday by Doctor Hicks.

The body was further escortedtoG.JetscoFuneral Home, awaiting a PostMortem Examination (PME).

Furthermore,policetook statements and have since arrestedthelabourertoassist withtheinvestigations.

The suspected cannabis found at the scene was weighed,anditamountedto 103.6grams.Thecellphone wasalsolodgedforanalysis. Further investigations are in progress.

KNews turns

....The journey from a weekly to Guyana's Number One daily

....The journey from a weekly to Guyana's Number One daily

By:DavinaBagot

Kaieteur News printed its first edition in April of 1994. The newspaper began with a once weekly publication before it evolved into the most popular householdname.

Publisher of the country's leading publication, Mr Glenn Lallwasamarketvendor,just31yearsoldwhenhewasapproached by an associate with a business proposal to start the newspaper Intrigued by the potential returns from the venture, Lall and his wife, Mrs Bhena Lall enthusiasticallyjumpedonboard, along with a third associate who investedinthebusiness.

For Lall, he intended to be a silent partner, not having any knowledge of journalism or how to present news. He would soon realise the venture required more than finances to thrive “It required more than just investment (or) a few dollars. It required a brain or business to manage and take control...it ran a few mornings and we weren't getting anywhere with it,” the businessmanrecalled.

Lall said Kaieteur News endured the brunt of criticisms in its toddler years. “Some people would have thrown at us comments like what are you gettinginvolvedwith,sincewhen you know about newspaper, there is no room for anymore newspapers in this country.There were two newspapers at the timethe Stabroek News and the Guyana Chronicle and there was noroomforathirdnewspaper.”

Thebusinessmansaiditwasn't longafterthenewspaperlaunched that the two partners left, leaving himtomanagethebusinessonhis own.Lalldescribedtheprocessas alonebattle.Despitestrugglingto grow the newspaper, he said he was constantly encouraged and was pointed in the right direction bythoseinthefield;aboveall,he was supported by his wife and friend, the extraordinary Bhena Lall.

“Isteppedin,alwaysafighter, neverbelievedinlosingandIsaid no,Ihadtoomuchinvestedinthe business and I'm gonna make it work ” Lall recalled that recruiting journalists during that

time was a major challenge given the risks associated with the new business.“Noonewantedtoleave a sailing ship to jump on any shaky, rotten ship,” he explained. The determined businessman however utilised the skills of journalists who were with other mediahousesandevenpaidthem in advance for weekend articles. The publisher said one reporter, Michael Jordan, decided to join the newspaper fulltime in 1995, whichledtoothersjoiningaswell.

Growingthenewspaper

“It wasn't an easy task Sometimes I don't like to remember some of the downs I went through with it, especially going to people asking them for ad

the practical job. Going to the Universityandlearningitthrough theory is nothing comparing to one learning that profession, that skillonthejobitself.”

After publishing once a week on Fridays for about seven years, the mid-week (Wednesday) edition was introduced, followed by a Sunday edition months later Thereafter,theTuesday,Thursday and Saturday publications were added to the list and finally the Mondaypublicationin2001.Lall saidthenationbecamehungryfor the investigative journalism done by the publication. In fact he recalledthatKaieteurNewsatone time was selling 38,000 copies of the paper on weekends – a feat

administration; Stabroek News has been trying but it all boils down to the conscience, the understanding, the wisdom and knowledge of the publishers.” He was keen to note that editors are also important in delivering the right content to citizens. Lall said he has learnt that newspapers, PublishersandEditorsallfeedthe people what the people ought to know, however Kaieteur News decided to do it differently “I decided to go out there and find outwhatthepeoplewantandonce you give the people what they want,theywillcontinue(tocome formore).”

The newspaper has been a medium for educating citizens in the

v e r t i s e m e n t s b e c a u s e advertisements is what sustains a newspaper or media house and it was extremely difficult but I perseveredandherewearetodaythe leading newspaper in Guyana,”Lallsaid.

To master the art of journalism, the businessman got enrolled at the University of Guyana (UG) where he spent seven weeks engaging in the basics of the noble profession. Studying and managing the newspaper however became a challenge for the businessman wholefttheuniversitytofocuson the day to day activities of the paper

Lallbelievesthattobeagood journalist,onemustbeinthefield.

“I have since learned that this profession, journalism, you become a good journalist by practicing, by learning on the job (it) makes you into a great journalist. I always like to equate thisprofessionwithamechanic.A good mechanic is someone who learnstheskillfromactuallydoing

never achieved by any other publication.

WhyKaieteurNews?

Asked about the decision on the name of the newspaper, Lall said it was named by one its founding shareholders. He said the name resonates across the country, symbolic of the majestic andmightyKaieteurFalls.“Idon't know what he had in mind but I guess yes, he believed it would havemadeitsnameanditdid.”

What makes Kaieteur News different?

The newspaper offers readers a different perspective from what is offered in the other daily publications. It has been fearless in its pursuit of the truth and exposing corruption without bias. This not only helps the paper to standout,buthasshapedtheentity intoarespectableanddependable sourceforinformation.According toLall,“Itiscompletelydifferent

s imple

stoftermstoreachthegrassroots community Ithasbeenaforceto be reckoned with from its inception,daringtotreadpathsno other has. The publication prides itselfinexclusivenewsitemsand captivating headlines with its publisheraddinghisspecialtouch to attract and simplify for the masses. Kaieteur News was once renownedforitsleadingroleinthe crime coverage and sensational front page headlines, but is now famousforitsdedicationandfight for a better oil deal. Since the terms of the 2016 Production SharingAgreement (PSA) signed with US oil giant, ExxonMobil becamepublic,thenewspaperhas not only exposed the injustices of the contract, but has also challenged its provisions in the Court.

Lawsuits,grenadesand attackshavefailed

Inthe30yearjourney,because of the fearless stance the newspaper took, Kaieteur News hasbeenthetargetofanumberof

legal,criminalandotherattacks.

“They have killed my employees, they came in here looking for me with guns, they threw a grenade at my vehicle, they bombed my place (but) as time goes, you learn to accept whatyoudoasapublishercomes with that terrain and it can only make you weaker or stronger,” Lallasserted.

In fact, the businessman said, “Death means nothing to me, speaking and standing up for the right thing in a country is more important.” For him, he is the fearless leader and Publisher becauseofhisCreator Lallsaidhe seeks guidance daily to help him accept whatever challenges may come.

Among the challenges, the Newspaperhasbeenforcedtopay on a number of libel lawsuits. WhileLallacceptedresponsibility forsome,KaieteurNewshasbeen hauled into legal matters for publishing the views of ordinary members of society in its letters column and even through advertisements The Publisher said: “every media house has a responsibility to abide by the law...wealsohavearesponsibility togivethenationavoiceandwhen youareboldyouwanttopushthat limit and let a nation know their voices (and stories) can be told through the pages of the Kaieteur News. But I am not the editors. I am just the publisher and we try ourbesttoavoidlawsuitsbecause they can be detrimental to any media house and over the years I would have gotten several lawsuits some of which I would personally take the blame for I would say go after the story...the people must know what's happening.”

B e y o n d t h e l e g a l consequences, the newspaper and its staff were violently attacked over the years Lall believes fighting corruption has exposed him to ultimate danger but he refusestostaysilent.“Corruption, thievery is something I detest. BeforeIevengetintonewspaperI have been fighting crime in this country, so when I got into newspaper and began to see the kind of corruption going on I just can'tstayquiet.It'snotwithinthe (Continuedonpage22)

Adam Harris during his time as Kaieteur News' Editor-in-Chief, posing for a Phagwah Day “selfie” with Publisher, Glenn Lall, and former staff members , Nigel

A brief look at the A brief look at the A brief look at the 30last years last years

By Adam Harris

Thirty years of my life has gone by And they have passed so quickly It seemed onlytheotherdayGlennLall and I met at Park Hotel. The occasion was the launch of what was to be the challenge to the Guyana Press Association.

He told me that he was recruitingforhisnewspaper I had heard of a small weekly thatwasbeingdistributedfor freeonSaffonStreet.Mr Lall said that he did not want much, just an article from time to time. That was the start of my nearly threedecade long association with the newspaper Back then it wasonlyprintedonFridays,a mere 5,000 copies that were distributedtopassingcars.

Then there were the columns that propelled the paper There was Dem Boys seh, The Baccoo, and the columnsthatpeoplerushedto get. Glenn Lall and I sought out the Baccoo. Our visits to the watering holes and the political situation fueled the DemBoyscolumns.

FromaFridaypublication Glenn Lall decided that he would introduce a Sunday issue The newspaper's forwardmarchhadbegun.A

I joined the staff and we workedtoimprovethepaper. The production equipment was ancient. A look at those early editions would indicate howfarthepaperhadcome.It wasraisingitsheadwhentwo giants ruled the newspaper worldbackthen.In1994,the Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News were the householdnames.Itwaswith that knowledge that Glenn LallandIplannedtocarveour niche. Lesson One was to recognizethateveryonehada story Theordinarymanhada placetovoicehisconcerns.

(Continuedonpage21)

GuyanaPressAssociation salutesKaieteurNews on30thAnniversary

The Guyana P Association (G congratulates th publisher, editor and staff of the Kaieteur News on its 30th Anniversary Kaieteur News as an entity and news agency has become synonymous with resilience within th journalismindustry

Over the decades, the entity backed by its many staffers from editors and journalists to print staff have pursued and stuck with nationalissuesforthebenefit of the public. Journalism is important more than ever as civic space continues to dwindle and new challenges aswellasthreatstothemedia and their economic viability emerge. This makes the job

even more demanding for journalistsandmediaentities like Kaieteur News that continuetoprovidenewsand information for the public's benefit.

For this, the GPA congratulates all those past and present who worked to make Kaieteur News a householdname.

McKenzie (Left)

Teshawna Lall

Inherown words: reflects on Kaieteur News' 30-yr-old journey and her involvement in Kaieteur Radio

My journey in the world of

media began at the tender age of 10, when I started learning the ropes of the business by assistingmydadinsellingnewspapersin thebustlingmarketandalongthestreets. This early exposure ignited my passion for the industry, and as I progressed throughhighschool,Idelveddeeperinto theintricaciesofmediaoperations.

Upongraduating,myfirstofficialjob was in the accounts department, where I immersed myself in learning the inner workings of financial systems and implementingimprovements.

Eager to explore further, I transitioned into graphic and advertisementlayouthoningmycreative skills and contributing to the visual appealofvariousmediaplatforms.

My journey took an exciting turn when I migrated to the United States, where I took on a leadership role in managing the Kaieteur Newspaper New York Edition distributed across Queens,

Brooklyn,andBronx.

This experience broadened and enriched my understanding medialandscape.

Upon returning opportunity to make spearheading the transformation Radio into one of the listened-toradiostations

The Kaieteur difference, covers from targetsallagesandethnic tobediverse.

Thisjourneyhas andtriumphs,butthrough commitment to transparency servingthenationhas

Myexperiencesin industry have been rewarding,shapingme resilientindividual.

Despite facing numerous beyond proud to have the media landscape growthanddevelopment

JOSHUAVAN

SLUYTMAN-RADIO MANAGER

As one of the very first membersofstaffatKaieteur Radio, it makes me very, very proud to celebrate this significant milestone - our 5thAnniversary

It brings me joy as I pauseandreflectonthefive years we have been providing a service to the citizensofGuyana.

I am honoured to be leading a team that stands strongandcommittedtoour motto “The Radio with a Difference ” I am immenselyproudofwhatwe haveaccomplishedtogether

Teshawna Lall, MBA

I would like to take this time to extend my deepest gratitude to all our faithful listeners, viewers and advertisers, thank you for y o u r u n w a v e r i n g commitment, as we look forwardtomanymoreyears ofbroadcastinggreatness.

Thank you, guys and gals.

BHIMARAJU ACHARY—RADIO TECHNICIANAND GRAPHICARTIST

Being a member of Kaieteur News for the past four years has opened a multitude of opportunities formeasIwasborninIndia and I never dreamt of being inthispartoftheworld.

I am truly thankful and happy to be a part of this company and look forward to spending and creating many more years of memories.

KEVINSMITHRADIOANNOUNCER

Iamthrilledtobepartof the dynamic and diverse team driving the daily operations of the radio station.

Being a member of a solution-oriented team is immenselyrewarding,aswe

Kaieteur Radio staffers reflect on five year journey

are dedicated to personal growthandthebettermentof ournation.

Kaieteur Radio Manager, Mr Joshua VanSluytman, exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities-thatofamantwice hisage.

I co m m e n d D r

Glenn Lall for his

visionary leadership,

s e r v i n g a s t h e

cornerstone of yet

another o

rganization

t h a t c o n s i s t e n t l y

applies much needed pressure on Guyanese politicians, driving positive change.

Kaieteur Radio has evolved significantly over the past 5 years and I anticipate continued growth and transformation in the yearsahead.

I am confident that our team will expand both in numbers and in talent, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing its continued success.

Kevin Smith

Bhimaraju Achary Joshua Van Sluytman

Past and current staffers reflect on their journey at Kaieteur News

NigelWilliams: Editor-in-Chief

Thirty years in the life of any organisation is a tremendous achievementbyanystandards.As EIC one of the big challenges encountered daily is what to separate to make the final publishingcut.Inthistimeofoil, andGuyaneseknowingsolittleof itsmysteries,thereareoftenmany developments that are happening on the run. This makes deciding onwhichonestoprioritiseallthat more testing.The objective is not to miss anything, but there are some things that just must be left out. Oil and gold could be the gloryofGuyana,andweareright there sifting and separating to get tothetruthofwhatisreallytaking place. It is the many stories that are behind the one big headline story This relentless pursuit to bring transparency to citizens about the realities of their natural resources'assetshaveincurredthe wrathofdifferentgovernmentsat differenttimes.Thishasbeensuch an embedded feature in our existence of 30 years that government anger has become second nature to us As we

celebrate, we know that the road ahead will continue to pose challenges,butwemustcarryon.

OsafoKing–formerlay outandgraphicartist

KaieteurNewswillalwaysbe myfamily Havingbeenemployed there for almost 26 years, I've spent more than half my life with this newspaper And what a journeyithasbeen,towitnessthis newspaperclimbfromitshumble beginnings to being the number one paper in Guyana and New York'smostpopularweekly

The lessons learnt, experiences gained, and people I've met along the way has made me into the man I am today, and for that, I will be eternally grateful On this momentous occasion, I want to say, Happy 30th Anniversary, and continued blessings to Kaieteur News Publisher Mr Glenn Lall and team. May you continue to be truthful, accurate, balanced, objective and responsible in your mandate of keeping the people of this country educated and informed.

Cheersguys!!

MayaSukraj–Former seniorAccountsClerk

“Myexperienceworkingwith theKaieteurNewswasamazing.I worked there for 10 years. I was fresh out of high school with no work experience but Kaieteur News offered me a place, I could callhomeandpeople,Icouldcall family I recalled that it was Teshawna Lall, who took me under her wings mentored me in

accounting so that I became the best at what I did. Under the leadershipoftheKaieteurNews,I went from an inexperienced young girl to a motivated, independent woman who is now abletousetheknowledgeIgained to help my husband mange his own business successfully For that, Kaieteur News is always familyandclosetomyheart.”

DevitaPooran-BhageluFormerSeniorAccountsClerk

“I worked at Kaieteur News for over 12 years. It was my first job and one that I enjoyed immensely Kaieteur News has builtthefoundationformycareer in Accounting/Auditing Mr Glenn Lall and the management team were very helpful, kind and motivational I was fortunate enough to have experienced firsthand and learn many aspects ofthecompany.

Overall, my work experience at Kaieteur New was very positive. I am proud to have worked at Kaieteur News and grateful for the opportunity to work with many talented and hardworking individuals, who inspired, promote and always willingtogiveawordofadviceor helpinghand.Imustcongratulate Mr Lall and the staff on the wonderful job they are doing. Keepupthegoodwork!!!”

Girard—General Manager/Radiohost

“Being associated and employed by Kaieteur News s i n c e

NigelMcKenzie-FormerEditor

The evolution of KaieteurNewsinits30years ofexistencetodatecanonly bedescribedasremarkable.

Inapolarizedsocietythat requires an elevated level of professionalism in order to chart an acceptable course, the newspaper has managed tostandthetestoftime.The roadhasneverbeensmooth, but the far-sightedness and persistence of its Publisher

GlennLall,coupledwiththe sagacity of Former Editorin-Chief Adam Harris, and theintestinalfortitudeofthe many brilliant, young and experienced minds that contributedimmeasurablyto theendproducts,havefirmly placed Kaieteur News amongtheregion’sbest. It is a pleasure to wish KN, Happy Anniversary! Here’stomanymore!

September 1994 played a major role in the person I am today I recalledajourneyofunforgettable

moments and I cherish every memory I am forever grateful to Mr Lall for giving me the opportunity to have worked in everydepartmentofthecompany at some point throughout the years: Editorial, Pressroom, Layout, Accounts, Advertising, Human Resource and Radio Department. I wish continued success to Kaieteur News in the yearsahead.”

ShervinBelgrave-Kaieteur NewsLeadCrimereporter

“WorkingwithKaieteurNews overthelastfiveyearshasbeena rollercoaster ride There have

beenchallengesbutthejourneyso farhasbeenanamazingonefilled with success stories and great experiences.

It has assisted not only in my growth as a reporter in the business of news but as an individualwhoisextremelyproud

to be part of a company that is fearless when it comes to reportingonkeyissuesbeitcrime, business, politics, oil and gas and ofcoursecorruption. AsKaieteur News celebrates its 30th Anniversary,itismywishforthe entity to continue being an independent voice for the Guyanesepeople.”

RenataShiwsankar-Lay OutAndGraphic DepartmentManager

“As we commemorate three decades of dedication and

innovation in the news industry, it's a momentous occasion to reflect on the journey we've embarked upon together. Each day, we strive not only to report the news but also to shape narratives, spark conversations, and empower communities. For me, this journey has been a profound opportunity for growth andlearning.

From my earliest days as a graphic artist, navigating the complexities of visual storytelling, to the present, where everyprojectpresentsachanceto delve deeper into pressing issues and amplify diverse voices, the newsroom has been my canvas andmycatalyst.

But beyond personal growth, what truly sets our newspaper apart is its inherent potential for contribution to society Through ourimages,wehavethepowerto inform, to inspire, and to incite change.”

Micheal Jordan - Former Editor

One of the things that I immediately noticed was that Glenn Lall was an individualwhothought“out of the box;” was very competitiveandinnovative; alwaysaimingtobeastepor two ahead of his competitors For example, he was the first to provide his editorial staff with digitalcameras.Inthisageof camara phones, this may seem trivial Back then, reporters depended on cameramen to provide photographs for their assignments. Because we had our own cameras, we brought in exclusive photographs particularly duringthedangerous‘crime wave’years.Combinedwith

our exclusive stories, we gave the nation an insight into how terrible things were His flexibility of thought rubbed off, I think, on his staff Glenn would often accompanyhisstaffon assignments during those terrible years Asystem was also introduced in which a reporter would remain on site late into the night, for anydevelopingstory That’s how KN was the first media house to inform the nation of, for instance, the murder of Minister of AgricultureSashShaw

A :

30 yearjourney throughphotos

Celebrating the birthday of Kaieteur News' current- Editor-in-Chief, Nigel Williams last year

Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall Publisher assisting his pressmen to print an edition of the Kaieteur News Marcia Girard

The Kaieteur News’Front Page from 1994-1999 when it started out a weekly edition.

Members of Constitutional Reform Commission sworn-in -FormerChancellorCarl

Duringtheceremony,18 o f t h e 2 1 - m e m b e r Commissiontooktheiroaths, including Retired Justice Singh The political representatives are PPP officials and current

Government Ministers:

Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC; Gail Teixeira; Dr Frank Anthony; Pauline CampbellSukhai and Kwame Warren McCoy; APNU/AFC M e m b e r s : Vi n c e n t Alexander; Sherwood Lowe; Ganesh Mahipaul and Nigel Hughes and A New and

United Guyana, the Liberty and Justice Party and the New Movement member Timothy Munro Jonas, SC. Thereisalsoarepresentative each from the Labour Movement: Aslim Iqubal Singh;TheNationalToshao's Council: Derrick Rowan John; The Private Sector: Ramesh Anand Persaud; the Guyana Bar Association, K a m a l S h i r o m a n i Ramkarran; Women

Organisations: Joycelin Kim Kyte-Thomas; Youth

Organisations: Daniel Josh K a n h a i ; C h r i s t i a n

Organisations: Keoma Denzil Griffith; Hindu Organisations: Radha Krishna Sharma; Muslim Organisations: Imran Ally and Farmers: Adrian V Anamayah Due to their unavailability, Timothy Munro Jonas, SC, who

represents the A New and United Guyana, the Liberty and Justice Party and the New Movement; Kamal Shiromani Ramkarran from the Guyana BarAssociation; and Keoma Denzil Griffith, who represents Christian Organisations, will be sworn inatalaterdate.

Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in commissioners of the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) have been encouraged to execute their responsibilities diligently and with dedication, as they take on the arduous task of modernising Guyana's supreme laws to counter e v o l v i n g a n d n e w challenges The 2022 Constitutional Reform CommissionActhasoutlined several areas for potential reform,includingindigenous

Claude David the last of the....

frompage20

Welch, Edison Jeffers, Sean Devers then Zahir Mohammed came on so we had a powerful team, men who knew varying aspectsofsportsorplayedorwereinvolved in sports at some juncture in their life. We were really the number one in terms of newspaper coverage but we are still kicking.”

Even though most of the men would have left the company David believes his new team is capable and good at what they do.“Theyareseasonedmen-RawleToney, KizanBrummel,AlexanderRossandKester Williamshasreallycomeonandcometohis own.Hecameonasagreenhornaswesay buthe'sdoingprettygood.”

Challenges

On the issue of challenges, David said: “Oneofthechallengeswehavedealtwithis the loss of some very seasoned persons. When I came on Mike Baptiste was the sports editor, then Nigel McKenzie took over and then I took over from Nigel McKenzie. When the old team moved on, things weren't the same but you had to fill the void, likewise with the hard news. We had some very good journalists back then,

seasoned capable people and for varying reasons people moved on to different pastures.”

Eventhoughthecompanynowhaswhat hereferstoasa'youngcrop'heisconfident that they are capable of carrying the torch high.“Wehaveayoungcropandthatyoung cropnowhavegottopushthemselvesbutI haveseenmuchimprovementinthatyoung crop. It's sad to see Kiana recently left becauseshecameonasagreenreporterand really evolved into a top flight journalist, especiallycoveringtheoilandgasandthat kind of a thing. You got people like Renee andyourself,youwereherebeforeandyou came back and then Alliyah and Shervin, Rehanna and the rest.”“I think under the circumstances and the constraints that we faceinthiscompanythisteamthatwehave here is doing a pretty fantastic job, it's not easy Journalisminthewholeisnoteasyit's a high-stress job and it could really get to you ” While acknowledging that the company will need a few more hands on deck, David said with the correct training and correct modus operandi of the system andalsojournalismtheKaieteurNewswill continuetobea“forcetobereckonedwith.

Singhappointedchairman

peoples' rights, fundamental rights, children's rights, e r a d i c a t i o n o f discrimination,enhancement of race relations, and electoral reform, among otherareas.

Offering words of encouragement, President Ali emphasised that these areas of focus are wideranging, but not exhaustive ofthecommission'sscopeof work. “It is imperative to recognise the weighty mandate entrusted upon you I ask that you a p p r o a c h y o u r responsibilitieswithutmost diligence and dedication, striving to foster an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect during your deliberations. It is imperative to acknowledge the significance of your work in shaping the future of constitutionalism in Guyana,” the president underscored.

He continued, “Your abilitytoworktogetherand achieve consensus will not only advance the cause of constitutional reform but a l s o s e r v e a s a n encouragement for greater political and social inclusion. The nation's constitution is a framework

that guides governance, the allocation of power, the functionsofthearmofstate, and the rights of citizens, as highlighted by the president. While the constitution could serve as a timeless blueprint for governance, reflecting enduring principles and values, the dynamic and evolving nature of society necessitatesperiodicupdates and reform to remain relevantandeffective.

“A constitution must remain a living document, and not become archaic. It must possess the capacity for adaption to be relevant and to effectively address new challenges, societal changes, and emerging issues,whilestillupholding its core principles and protecting the rights of citizens, address new challenges, [and] emerging issues,”PresidentAlistated.

The head of state added that the constitution is designed to embody the collective aspirations of people while safeguarding t h e i r r i g h t s a n d empowerment.Andso,“The constitution must be drafted in clear and accessible language, comprehensible to the average individual. This

ensuresthatallcitizenscan understandtheirrightsand obligations, thereby facilitating active participation in a democratic process and reinforcing the mutual understanding , ” he underlined.

The commission will review the Constitution of Guyana to provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities, and obligations of the Guyanese people It will also implement reforms relating to elections and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), considering its composition, method of electing its chairman and members,anditsjurisdiction overthenationalregistration and electoral processes. The commission will receive, consider, and evaluate submissions for changes to the constitution, after which these recommendations will be submitted to a standing committee for consideration by the National Assembly This will be the third constitutionalreformprocess in Guyana Constitutional reform has been long promised by political parties but is now being initiated by the current administration,

A brief look at the...

Frompage14

Wednesday issue was launched to join the Friday and the Sunday All this while, Kaieteur News was relying on staff attached toothermediahouses.Butnotforlong. The office was expanded and people found a very conducive location from which to work. In quick time the paper became a daily But there were challenges. The paper stillhadtocommandattention.Buteenthen, there were envious and angry eyes watching theprogress.

Kaieteur News made giant strides after five prisoners broke out of the Camp Street jail in February 2002.That was the start of a reignofterror ThepresshadmovedtoEccles. Thereitwasfirebombed.Butitwasnotlong

before it was back in circulation No assignment was too dangerous. Reporters riskedtheirlivestogetthestorybetween2002 and2005.Thenewspaperbecametheleading paperinthecountry.Buteventhathadacost. Fivepressmenwereexecutedonthejob.That was heart wrenching but believeit or not the publication continued that night. The front pagetoldthestory KaieteurNewswasmany things.Itledthewayinthefundraisingefforts forHaiti;itwasintheforefrontoftakingfood tomanyduringthefloodsof2005-2006.The paperwonmanyawards.Itcontinuestolead the way despite distractions. Thirty years is not such a long time after all but it made reporters, many of whom are now in other mediahousesandleadingonsocialmedia.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday administered theoathofofficetomembers of the Constitution Reform Commission at the Office of the President, with former acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh being appointed chairman of the body

President Irfaan Ali and members of the Constitution Reform Commission

KNews turns

Frompage13

inbloodstream of my body.”

KNPrinteryburnt

In December of 2002, Kaieteur News' printery at Eccles, East Bank Demerarawasburntbytwo armedgunmen,whorobbed and brutalized four of the pressmen on duty The incident occurred around 3:30am.Thearmedbandits had set off two explosions causing severe damage to the press, its electrical system and stored newsprint.

Execution of five press menatthesamelocation

In August 2006, five of the company's press men lost their lives after a gang of vicious youths stormed theprinteryatEccles.

On that fateful night in 2006,ChetramPersaud,46; Eion Wegman, 47; Richard Stewart, 24; Mark Maikoo, 22 and Shazeem Mohamed were all placed to lie face down and shot at point blank range to the back of their heads. A sixth man, Wordsworth Grey, 32 was also shot dead shortly before gunmen invaded the printery A senior pressman, Ramchand Harripersaud called 'Harry' and a security guard,JulianDeGrace,66, were the only survivors of themassacre.

Grenade thrown at Publisher's vehicle during wakeofformeremployee

I n J u n e 2 0 1 6 unidentified individuals hurled a grenade under a vehicle belonging to Mr. Lall. The incident occurred shortly after 22.00 hrs, and Mr Lall's vehicle, a Lexus, was parked on the western sideofSaffonStreet.

Mr. Lall and other staffers were outside the Kaieteur News building participating in a wake for Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, when a security guard heard an unusual sound near Mr Lall's vehicle.

Thinking at first that someone had shattered one of the windows, the guard checked the vehicle, but observed no damage

However, on checking the frontoftheLexus,theguard spotted the grenade near

oneofthefronttyres. Pullingofstateads

For its unwavering voice against corruption, the government 10 years a g o h a d p u l l e d advertisements from Kaieteur News in a bid to punishandstiflethegrowth of the business Private businesses that were a l i g n e d w i t h t h e governmentatthattimehad alsofollowedsuit.

Deathonthejob

Another harrowing momentinthehistoryofthe newspaperwaswhenitlost a young reporter, Joseph Thomas who got ill while covering the historic 2005 floods and subsequently died.

Achievements of KaieteurNews

“Over the years, the impact of Kaieteur News...hadn't there been a KaieteurNewsIshudderto think what this country

says will generate 165 megawatts of clean electricity for the country This newspaper had unearthed the troubling blueprint of the proposed project which was reported through the pages of the newspaper Thisprojectwas stalled due to lack of financing. Just to name a few

Evolutionofthe newspaper

With the noticeable changes in the economy, Lallsaidsohasbusinessfor Kaieteur News He explained that previously around 24,000 to 28,000 copies would be printed daily,howeverthishasbeen reduced. The businessman saidthisisareflectionofthe spending power of the population and is a dangerous sign in an oilrich economy On the other hand, he recognised that social media and other

we can lend to another human being is wisdom. And it gives me joy, it gives me great pleasure every day I wake up and see this newspaper online or in the hands of people, knowingthatIwaspartof it.Idon'tthinkthereisany other noble profession than journalism and I try my best everyday with God's guidance to ensure that I continue. I believe thisismycalling,Ibelieve thisiswhatIwassenthere todo,"hesaid.

KaieteurRadio

Kaieteur News had appliedforaradiolicense intheyear2010underthe People'sProgressiveParty administration.Lallsaidthe President at the time (Bharrat Jagdeo) was selective in the approval process and Kaieteur News was bluntly refused. It was when the APNU/AFC administration took office t

would have looked like today,” Lall said. The businessman said when he r e f l e c t s o n t h e skullduggeries that occurred in the country's past and the corrupt activities that continue today, he is grateful to be blessed with strength to play his part. He recalled that Kaieteur News was able to thwart a number of projects and corrupt deals over the years. In 2016, the newspaper exposed the 'giveaway' of the Sanata Complex to Dr Ranjisingh

'Bobby' Ramroop best friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo also blames the Kaieteur News for stalling the Amaila Falls Hydo Power Project, which government

forms of digital platforms havealsocontributedtothe impacts on the newspaper business.

Recognizing the importance of an informed nationandsociety,Lallsaid Kaieteur News offers free online readership on its website. Additionally, the newspaperthroughitsradio frequency offers news updates “One of the greatestgiftswecangiveor

hat the businessman's application for the radio license was approved in 2018. Kaieteur Radio is now popularly known as 'The Radio with a Difference'.Itaimstoreach the more mature audience, informing, educating and entertaining from coast to coast.

The radio became popular and reached its crest during the 2020 'elections saga'. It featured an hourly round up of the elections through various programmesincluding'The Political Show', 'Wake up Guyana'and'The592'.

The radio station (99.1/ 99 5 FM) boasts of a balanced approach in its entertainment programmes offering something for all ethnicities with Indian and

English selections throughout the day and night. Kaieteur Radio also started a Latin show for the Spanish community It is oneofthefewradiostations with a regular kids programme.

There are also special shows for sports fans and daily religious programmes for each of the three religions aired during the morning segment The PublisherofKaieteurNews has his own programme, "theGlennLallshow"aired on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays geared at exposing the injustices of Guyana's oil deal and the mismanagement of the countrybyGovernmentand Opposition. Lall has been dedicatedtosimplifyingthe stories carried daily in his newspapersfortheordinary citizentobetterunderstand.

Otherpublications

In addition to the main newspaper, Kaieteur News beganprintingtheFlamein A u g u s t 1 9 9 9 , a n entertainment paper It also launched its New York Edition in August 2008, which continues to be a success today, reaching New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida Additionally, Kaieteur News did private printing for religious organizations andpoliticalentities.

Humanitarian efforts of K/NewsPublisher The Publisher of Kaieteur News, over the past 30 years, has contributed significantly to his country and various

parts of the world through hishumanitarianefforts.

Lall through this newspaper has been instrumental in raising relief funds for disasterstruck countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan and Haiti Through the newspaper's corporate social responsibility, K/News have also contributed locally to students in need of scholarshipsandothertypes of aid. He has organized a number of fund raisers that were done transparently, withnamesandtheamount donated published on the pagesofthenewspaper The businessman also finds pleasure in his annual Christmas cash giveaways and other charitable exercises.

Gratitude

Kaieteur News is immensely grateful for the support of its readers, listeners, advertisers and employees- past and present- along with everyonethatsupported the development and sustenance of the paper andradioovertheyears. The newspaper strives to continue its mission to inform and educate the nation to contribute t o t h e f u r t h e r advancement of the country.

1000 wildfires recorded in Berbice within a week

With authorities currently battling fires in different sections of the country, during the pastweekalone(betweenMarch26 and April 2, 2024) approximately 1000 fires have been recorded in RegionsFiveandSix.

According to information posted on President Irfaan Ali's Facebook page on Wednesday, during that week the two regions saw the most fires occurring in the country “Theregionswiththemost fires this week are East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six) and Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five), whichbothhavearound1000fires. The regions with the fewest fires this week are PomeroonSupenaam, (Region Two) and Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), which both have less than 200 fires,”theHeadofStateposted.

Forest fires and wild fires continue to affect Guyana as the currentdryseasonison.Duringthis weekalone,anumberoffireshave occurred. The Ministry of Home AffairsonTuesdayreportedthatthe Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and Minister Robeson Benn were onsite at Houston, behind John Fernandes Ltd., where firefighters have attended to a grass fire. Preliminary investigations suggest thatthefirewasdeliberatelyset.On Tuesdaynighttoo,theFireService team were at a wildfire which a f f e c t e d t h e Perseverance/Providencearea.

The President on Tuesday also said that the joint services had launched a full-scale response to the wildfires that are threatening Santa Aratak village (Region Three). This operation is being coordinated by Commissioner of Police,CliftonHicken.

OnWednesday,theFireService in an update reported that the Joint Services reconnaissance mission embarked on a critical mission to assess the locations of wildfires affecting Regions Three and Four. KaieteurNewsunderstandsthatthe primary objective of the mission wastoconductanaerialassessment of a significant wildfire ongoing within the Santa Mission/Arrow Pointarea.

This particular fire, situated approximately 3 miles north of Santa Mission and 3 miles from Timehri, was pinpointed, spanning approximately 2 kilometers in length, and was observed to be running from north to west, the GFS disclosed. In addition, the reconnaissanceteamalsoobserved severalsmallpocketsofactivefires in various areas, including La

n, Perseverance, and a large fire at Friendship. The GFS further stated that the

fires at La Bonne Intention, Buxton, Perseverance and Friendship cannot be accessed at this time as they are inland However,theywillbecontinuously monitored.

It was reported by the Home Affairs Ministry that these fires, stemming from spontaneous combustion, human-induced land

Wildfires the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) battled in the East Bank of Demerara area on Tuesday night.

clearing, and waste destruction, have prompted urgent calls for citizens, particularly land developers, contractors, and farmers, to cease burning garbage andotherwastematerials.

Asthedryseasonprolongs,the risk of fires escalating quickly and becoming uncontrollable heightens. The ministry stated that

forecastsindicatethedryspellwill persist until the end of April, so citizens are urged to take all necessary precautions to prevent fireoutbreaks.Inlightoftheactive fires,theEnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) had issued a press release on March 27, 2024, cautioning that air quality in regions Three and Four is

GUYANA’SACTIVEFIRES

categorized as "unhealthy" according to the World Health Organization Standards for Good AirQuality

In response to these developments,citizensarestrongly advised to take preventive measures to safeguard their health duetoassociatedhealthsafetyrisks fromsmokeinhalation.

Map showing the fires currently occurring in Guyana. (Photo courtesy, President Irfaan Ali Facebook)

Fire Records of this week

Govt. to adopt “no nonsense” stance on contract management– Pres. Ali

- says an independent team will be established to manage project files

The government will be adopting a 'no-nonsense' approach relating to contract management to ensure that all ongoing projects that are

p a r t o f G u y a n a ' s transformational agenda are up to standard and finished ontime.

President Dr Mohamed

Irfaan Ali Wednesday announcedtheestablishment of an independent team tasked with rigorously overseeing all project files.

The head of state met with severalprojectmanagersand engineersfromtheMinistries ofPublicWorksandHousing and Water along with other stakeholders to register his government's assertive a p p r o a c h t o w a r d s infrastructural contracts, at StateHouseinGeorgetown.

“As project engineers and managers, we have to ensure that the files are updated, the minutes are r e c o r d e d a n d signed…Becauseaswetake action, we have to get our paper trail and work intact,” President Ali emphasised.

During the morning discourse, President Ali pointedoutthattheAttorney General's (AG) office has alreadybeendirectedtohave aspecialisedunittodealwith contracts and project management. The team will be conducting visits to various ministries to ensure adherence to the terms, conditions, and obligations outlined by all parties in all agreements.

President Ali also disclosedthattheMinistryof

Legal Affairs is working on developinganewstandardto ensure contract compliance withprojectimplementation. The administration is key on ensuringthatpersonshonour

t h e i r c o n t r a c t u a l responsibilities by meeting deadlines,deliveringagreedupon goods or services, and following other stipulations laidoutinthecontract.

“Thisyear,wearegoing togiveincentivestoproject managers…Performance is not just finishing the projects. It is about finishing the projects on time and managing your projects…We have enough technology to help you manageyourprojectfiles,” PresidentAlistated.

P r e s i d e n t A l i underscoredthatanyprojects surpassing their contracted timelines will face strict consequences.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh is mandated to conduct a monthly project meeting with the engineers and

managers to be up to date withthestatusofworks.The president was joined by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister Singh and other officials.

A host of infrastructural projects are ongoing nationwide and among those is the Diamond to Buzz Bee Damfour-lanehighway

This project is divided into 12 lots and will see the construction of over 30 reinforced concrete bridges, 4.6 kilometres of reinforced concrete highway pavement, and two roundabouts for i m p r o v e d t r a f f i c management Only last month, President Ali inspected ongoing works on the Ogle to Eccles four-lane connector highway, which is expected to finish in November Whencompleted, this road will serve as a crucial connection between the East Coast and the East Bank of Demerara in reducing traffic congestion. (DPI)

Body found floating in ‘highway’ creek

Kaieteur News has confirmed that the body of a man was on Tuesday found floating in a creek along the Linden/SoesdykeHighway

The dead man has been identified as 31-year-old Derick Barry He was lastseenaliveafewdaysbefore.Police were notified of the discovery on Tuesdaymorning.

He was reportedly found floating facedown.Nomarksofviolencewere seen on his remains. Crime sleuths after conducting preliminary investigations removed the remains and transported it to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home where they await an autopsy to determine his causeofdeath.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali along with other officials at the construction site of the Ogle to Eccles Four-Lane connector Highway

Dead, Derrick Barry

30Anniversary more powerfully

BYGHKLALL

Thirtyyearsisalongtimetobe in any business. It is a good, solid number in the Guyana media business What started from nothing is now a big something, a special something for numerous Guyanese, and a must read for foreigners. The candle of long ago is now a flame that flashes ever so brightly across the towns and villages of Guyana, reaches Guyanese in New York in weekly paper form, and informs readers wherever they are around the world.

Looking for a hard story that others shrink from, then Kaieteur News is the paper to be reading. Seeking a story about the nittygritty of the streets and rough places of Guyana then look no farther, than Kaieteur News. But most of all, if the interest is in the richness of Guyana, and the vast significance of its natural resources’wealth,therecordisthat there is no other than Kaieteur News. This has been the story and life of KN day after day, and with frank and fearless coverage about what matters most of all: the oil wealthofallthepeoplesofGuyana.

First, there must be this disclosure.

It has been seven years since I havehadsomeassociationwiththe Waterfallspaper Itisthefourthof five Guyanese publications in whichIcontributeregularly,partof thecontinuingpublicservicethatI offer to all Guyanese. Frankness requires this statement: there were times when the difference was great,thedistancewide. Today,the differencesareless,butstillpresent to some degree. If there were complete and constant oneness of mind, then there would be no thinking, no distinguishing, no

A score and ten and batting batting

p a rticipatingthatistruetowhat has to be botha calling and a cause As much as there is an understanding that sex and violenceandmayhemarewhatthe publicfeastson,andturnsoverthe engineofthemachinedaily,thereis always the remembering of what Kaieteur has come to make its reasonforbeing.

Aside from the blood and busted vehicles and battered people, there has been dogged reporting about corruption under allthegovernments. Ifthereisone deformed Guyanese component thatcouldbeidentifiedwithoutfear ofcontradiction,itistherampaging corruptionthat is both the national political culture and uninterrupted condition. KN has been all over that, and without letup in its 30 years of media life. PPPC, PNC, orAPNU+AFC, and it has always been the same, with the struggling Guyanesetaxpayersnevergettinga breather,alwayscarryingthecostly load, and crying out over this national pestilence. Covering and writingaboutcorruptioninGuyana is a dangerous occupation for independent media houses. Pointing to the crimes of unnamed politicians has proven to be a fatal waytoearnaliving.

Some good people have been lostalongtheway,andthatgriefis an unforgettable part of the Kaieteur News life story.Speaking to the raw truth about government andleadersinGuyanaplacesthose doingsoinharm’sway Itisnotfor nothing thatgovernments have a loaded armory of weapons, men at the ready, and the money to replenish those to deal with those who stand in their way Kaieteur News knows that it stands in the way, and it will not get out of the way Leadersandfollowersinthe

PPPGovernmentandthePNCand AFC opposition have to get accustomed to that; or learn to coexist with what is a promise, what is now an unchanging practice. Now the arrival of great underwaterlakesofoilshouldbea blessing for all citizens.KN has carried again and again (and then some more) how this oil has becomeablightonthehopesofthe Guyanese people Weak leadership, compromised politicians, and sellout national governmentsarenotthestuffofthe squeamish. Butitiswhathasbeen encountered, and all the bad blood developed for not retreating Through thick and thin, Kaieteur Newshascutthroughthelayersof darkness to bring as many rays of light as it can to the Guyanese people. Ithasnotbeeneasy,butwe canneverbefaultedfornottrying, persisting, and succeeding. For KN,oilnewsismorethanaroutine newsstory,adiversityinthemenu ofdailymediafareatKN. Oilrests onthepinnacleofthepromisesthat should be, those that should have already materialized in some tangibleforms.

Ithasnotbeenso. Oilnewsis aboutthekindofdestinythatevery Guyanese should have:on that is wonderful, delightful, and full of thanksgiving for the generous endowmentsgiventothisland. Itis not of the type, of the soggy substance,of the sickly color that the present, and previous, government,have worked to make possible for 800,000 Guyanese born and bred of this land, and those who spring from their blood and this land. This is where Kaieteur News has come into its own,carvedoutaniche,andstands inaplaceallbyitself. Oilisnota commodity,butsomuchmore. Oil is not only about a great national patrimony, but alsoof what is

incomparable that makes the impossible possible. Oil is more thanadream. Oilisaboutallthose things, and then it is of the grand national destiny of the Guyanese people that has been so slippery to the grasp, so elusive in the experience.

This is what KN has made its mantra from the day of the first announcement that some oil has beenfound. Onoccasion,therehas beenamomentoffalteringortwo; butneverhastherebeenanyletting up on the fulsomeness of the national vision, and the ferocity of the spirit. This is the call of duty that is owed to, must be delivered to, the Guyanese people. This is whether they agree with the material in the newspaper or not, open their minds to welcome what is presented, or turn their backs in disinterest and disillusion. If the fightoftheboldandbraveisnotled by Kaieteur News, then few and frequentlyfrailarethoseremaining topushforwardwiththechargethat mustbecourageous,ifitistomean anythingatall.

If not for the work and light represented by KN, then the invadersandnowgreedilygrasping exploiters, with their sickly local partners in government and business, would sell the same old songtothepoorandbeatendownof Guyana They would tell Guyanese how they have their backs, and their best interests at heart, while they partner with the outsiders to raid and rip out the people’s treasures. This is the big billboard of lying liars and the damnedliesthattheytell.

Whentheydon’ttrytosabotage the operations of Kaieteur News, they have worked aggressively to shut it down. One hole after another has been dug. This is part of the obscene environment that passes for leadership and

governanceinGuyana. Thestorms have been weathered; the paper is still standing. We appeal to those withthepowerintheirhands:bring about a better way for Guyanese, andletitbeabetterday Givethe Guyanese people what is fair and right, and get a friend in KN. Do what is beneficial for every single citizenandtherewillbeharmonyof ideas, and consciences that are at peace. Ithasbeenalongroad,but an exciting one. There have been goodtimesandtimesthatcannever count as good Good has prevailed, as it always does. The times ahead in this new and sparklingeraofoilinGuyanaholds abarrageofchallenges. KN’spast hasprepareditwellforthepresent, and on the foundations of those thereisreadinesstofacethefuture andwhateveritholds.

We can and will promise the readership of this Kaieteur Newspaperthat the same fearlessness will be manifested in the unending quest for truth and justiceforallGuyanese. Whenthe pursuit of fairness stands as the essential substance in our mind, in the genes,then there is mightinessthat cannotbe defeated. God bless all Guyana. Thanks to all Guyanese for the support extended over the years, be such through moral force, or in the power of silence, or by any other means.

Ithasbeenmyprivilegetobea small part of the journey that is 30 years old today A joyful 30th birthday to the entire Kaieteur Newsfamily

Kaieteur News celebrates 30 years of publication as supporters commended the reliability of insightful coverage -RadioStationmarksfive-yearsinbroadcast

AsKaieteurNewsflipsa new chapter, marking 3 0 y e a r s i n t o publicationanditssisterscompany the Kaieteur Radio 99.1 and 99.5 th FM marks its 5 year in broadcasting; supporters commended the reliability of insightfulcoverage.

Amidstthehastinessofpersonsin thestreettogoandflykites,onMonday thispublicationreachedouttoseveral individuals who expressed their satisfaction with the production of newsdeliveredfromKaieteurNews.

According to Romal McKenzie, “KaieteurNewsisone,ifnotthebest

reliablenewsIcanfindtocounton,it doesnotonlystatesthemajorproblems wearehavingrightnowinourcountry, but also the fine details in the little placesthatwedon'tknowwhatisgoing on, I trust in Kaieteur News in delivering the right and truth for our country”

Following McKenzie's comment was another person brazingtheMid-dayheat,Shirland George, he said, “That newspaper, the Kaieteur, I would say is a reliable source you know, it gives outimportantnewsandletscitizen ofthecountryknowswhatisgoing

on,butyeahisagoodpaper.”

Desmond Daniels told this publication,“Ilikethepaper,some daysIdoessitdownandreaditand some of them stories are very interesting,Ididn'tevenknowisso long the paper around,” Desmond then expressed, “ Congratulations tothenewspaperentity!”

Furthermore, Anthony Van Rossum,apoliceofficertoldKaieteur News, “First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the entire administration team as well as the boss, Mr. GlenLall, forreachingthissignificant milestone!” He added, “In my opinion, Kaieteur

News has been providing insightful coverageandservingasthegreatest news agency for readers for many years. It has also been a vital informationsourceandacornerstone of the media community.” In the realms of congratulating the News entity, Shania Mcphoy said, th “Happy30 Anniversary,Iknowthat ithasbeenyearsfilledwithhardwork, challenges and triumphs, wishing the company continuous success on its journey” Anita Arjune a fruits vendorsaid,“It'salright,itsgreat! I have been supporting since they (Kaieteur News) come out, congratulation.”

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Teen shot in foot at Guyhoc

An 18-year-old man was shot in the foot on Tuesday at Guyhoc, Georgetown following a heated argument between him and a man which spilled over from Phagwah day.

Injured is Aydil Francis, a construction worker from South Sophia, Georgetown. The suspect who is called ‘Preggo’ (only name available), is said to be from Plum Park, Sophia. According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 20:30hrs at Guyhoc, Georgetown. Information received from the victim related that he and the

suspect have known each other for several years, but they are not friends. On Phagwah day, a heated argument ensued between them from a misunderstanding.

Around 20:30hrs on Tuesday, the victim claimed that he was sitting at a shop next to the ‘black and white’ bridge in Guyhoc, when he was approached by the suspect, who was riding a motorcycle at the time.

Police said, the suspect allegedly whipped out a handgun from the waist of his pants and fired a single shot in the direction of Francis,

which hit him to his lower left foot. The suspect then rode off on his motorcycle and made good his escape.

Francis was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital

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Corporation (GPHC), where he is a patient undergoing treatment for a gunshot injury. His condition is listed as stable. The investigation continues.

Key opposition leaders call for early elections in Israel

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, a main political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has openly called for parliamentary elections in September in a public briefing Wednesday.

“In order for us to remain united and succeed in the tasks we’re facing, the public must know that we’ll soon ask once again for them to demonstrate their trust, that we won’t ignore the October 7 catastrophe and what occurred prior to it,” Gantz said.

Gantz said that he has notified the Israeli prime minister of his request, but he refused to say if he will leave the coalition if the government fails to decide on an election date.

Gantz has been one of the most vocal opponents of

Netanyahu from within the war cabinet.

Netanyahu’s party responds: The Likud party urged Gantz to “stop engaging in petty politics” while Israel is at war.

“Elections now will inevitably lead to paralysis, division, damage to the fighting in Rafah and fatal damage to the chances of a hostage deal,” the party said in a statement. “The government will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved.”

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called for the current government to resign “as early as possible” in response to Gantz’s statement.

“The State of Israel can’t wait for six more months until this terrible, dangerous and most failed government in this

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz speaks in Kiryat Shmona, Israel, in November 2023. Evelyn Hockstein/ReutersA

country’s history leaves. This government should leave as early as possible so we can bring back the hostages, allow the return of evacuated citizens, win over Hamas and ensure that someone’s caring for the Israeli middle class,” Lapid said in a post on X on Wednesday.

Remember: This is not the first time fresh elections have

been called for. Another minister Gadi Eisenkot also called for the same earlier this year, saying elections are important “to renew the trust, as currently there is no trust.” There have also been large public protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, a significant challenge to the increasingly embattled leadership of Netanyahu.

Jamaican company winds up operations in Guyana...

From page 12 TT$481.28 million (J$10.96 billion) during Q1 with profit before tax rising three per cent to TT$77.42 million (J$1.76 billion).

Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) has had a presence in Guyana since February 2019 which was its first move outside of Jamaica, but does not report the country as a standalone segment. SVL brought horseracing betting

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for its Cayman track operation and sport-themed gaming under the iBet shops. SVL had spent a little under $100 million for its Guyanese entry, which included the Satro building on Croal Street in Georgetown.

SVL’s financials reveal that a St Lucian International Business Company (IBC) Supreme Guyana Incorporated as the direct parent of Supreme Ventures Guyana Holdings Incorporated (SVGH), a Guyanese holding company which owns Supreme Ventures Enterprise Inc, the business which directly operates in Guyana. Supreme Group Incorporated, another St Lucian IBC, is the direct parent of Supreme Guyana and had received $788 million in investment from its direct parent SVL. SVGH owes SVL $40.50 million as per its 2023 audited financials which were released on Tuesday.

FosRich Limited has also begun to build out partnerships in Guyana with NCB Capital Markets Limited beginning operations in Guyana

within the last two years. All of these prospects might be dashed if the situation becomes more embroiled by Venezuela. Although Kerr didn’t express any positive sentiment regarding the situation, he did note that the company would explore other regional opportunities where they present themselves while focusing on growing its Jamaican prospects. The company submitted a request to the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) recently for the consideration to open a new branch. Dolla’s standalone operations grew interest income by 28 per cent to $818.55 million in 2023 with net profit rising by 22 per cent to $297.51 million. Its Ultra Financier subsidiary generated $316.40 million in interest income and had net profit of $116.51 million in its first full year of operations. Dolla’s consolidated total assets closed 2023 at $2.99 billion with a loan portfolio of $2.45 billion. Its total liabilities and shareholders’ equity were $2.01 billion and $981.38 million, respectively. Dolla added

Alison Lynn as an independent director on February 29 following her fit and proper approval by the BOJ. She subsequently joined the audit, remuneration and compliance and risk management committees on the same day. As a result, each committee is now comprised of three independent directors.

Walter Scott, who resigned as chairman of McKayla Financial Services Limited, a Supreme Ventures Limited subsidiary, on November 30 and who was invited to the Dolla board, has yet to be appointed. Xesus Johnston and Andrea Whittaker were invited to Dolla’s board last July, but their appointment is subject to BOJ approval. Dolla’s board now consists of six directors. Dolla’s stock price closed Tuesday at $2.67 which leaves it down 1.48 per cent in 2024 with a market capitalisation of $6.68 billion. Dolla shareholders, on record as of March 22, are set to receive a $0.04 dividend on Friday.

Barbados U-15 cops CWI Rising Stars crown after 192-run demolition of Windward Islands

SportsMax - Barbados copped the West Indies Under-15 Rising Stars title following a stunning 192-run victory over Windwards Islands in the final round of the tournament yesterday.

Jahidi Hinds with a top score of 84 from 105 balls propelled Barbados to 297 runs in 49.2 overs, and later returned to grab two wickets that assisted to restrict Windward Islands to a paltry 105.

Hinds, who slammed five fours and three sixes in his knock, was one of three batsmen that scored half-centuries for the Barbadians at Bethesda.

Captain Damarko Wiggins supported with a 69-ball 62, including five fours and three sixes, while Justin Parris contributed 58

Government of Guyana...

Government of Guyana,” Minister Ramson said.

The triumphant Barbados U-15 team. (Cricket West Indies) from 61 balls.

Earsinho Fontaine was the pick of the Windward Islands bowlers, as he ended with five for 18 from 4.2 overs.

Windward Islands in their reply failed to get going with

Jorden Charles the only batsman to offer little resistance with 32. No other Windwards batsman got to 20, as they were dismissed in 26.2 overs. Javed Worrell, with 3-17 from five overs, led the Barbados bowling, while

From page 31 pool, but what we didn’t have was the collective vision and effort to achieve that objective. Now is the time to invest in our greatest potential.”

Thursday April 04, 2024

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Are you an artist, writer, or musician, Aries? If so, your work may take on a more symbolic or impressionistic tone. Today you're probably more interested in conveying feelings and impressions than details.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Innovative art forms might seem especially appealing today, Taurus. Stay out of gallery shops unless you're prepared to take home a carload of merchandise.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Do you believe in ghosts? Some strange phone calls, emails, or other communications may come your way today, Gemini. One may come from someone who thinks you're someone else.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

An unexpected sum of money could come your way today, Cancer. It probably won't be large, but it will be welcome nonetheless.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Have you been exercising too rigorously lately, Leo? If so, you might feel some little aches and pains. Stay off your feet for most of the day.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

You may feel indecisive today, Virgo, especially in the morning. Other people's actions may confuse you. Don't worry. Concentrate on your projects and goals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Are all of your friends into astrology, divine science, or spiritual matters, Libra? It might seem like most of them are today, anyway. You may have many new friends in those fields.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

A love partner may host a social event or meeting of some kind, Scorpio. It might be interesting to get acquainted with friends of your mate you haven't yet met.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Are you contemplating a trip, Sagittarius, perhaps to a place you've always dreamed of visiting? If you're in doubt as to whether or not you can do it.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

The

Material values may pale beside spiritual ones today, Capricorn. You might consider giving up the rat race and retreating to the wilderness.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

A current or potential romantic partner might seem like the most perfect, wonderful person in the world to you, Aquarius. Your romantic nature could get the better of you today.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You might not be able to concentrate on your work today, Pisces. Your head may be in the clouds and your eye for detail could fail you somewhat.

Kelani Clarke and Hinds took two wickets apiece.

It was the fourth win in a row for the Barbadians after their opening match against Guyana was washed out without a ball bowled. Last year, Trinidad & Tobago emerged victorious in the tournament which was also held in Antigua.

The annual tournament represents Cricket West Indies continued investment in the development of the region’s rising stars.

Minister Ramson revealed that the Ministry of Sport has forged a partnership with the US Embassy to establish a training programme involving several Olympic medallists, slated to commence in August. Though Minister Ramson didn’t delve into specifics, Kaieteur News has learned that Jonathan Terry, Coach of World Championships 200m silver medallist Erriyon Knighton, is anticipated to participate in the programme.

Ramson underscored that this initiative is integral to the Sport Ministry’s Elite Athlete Programme, which will primarily concentrate on nurturing some of the country’s top athletes. “We were also able to secure, from some overseas Universities, some scholarships for Athletes and their coaches for the respective discipline. Athletes, since 2022 have embarked on scholarships, with support from the

He added, “So, they have used their talents, to advance their academic side of their talent and through the support from the Government, they have been able to do that.” “Many people like to speak loosely, but only elite coaches and elite athletes gets the opportunity to really guide your success.

A person who hasn’t been able to steer the success of persons (who are elite athletes), only person who would’ve had that success, get to speak,” Minister Ramson articulated.

He further mentioned, “But when it comes to harnessing the greatest of talent, you’re talking about marginal gains of growth and that can only come in a study way and a lot has happened since the 1970s.”

Ramson encouraged the athletes to persist in their efforts, pointing their long journey ahead, “what happens between now and the next Olympics, 2028, a lot of that will come from you and just know that you have a partner in the Government of Guyana.”

2024 CWI

Rising Stars U15 50-Over Championships Guyana vs. Leeward Islands

Ram, Lewis fifties help Guyana surge to 147-run win over Leewards in final round

Classy half-centuries from Parmeshwar Ram and Emmanuel Lewis, backed by some clinical bowling, piloted Guyana to a mammoth 147-run win over Leewards when the final roundendedyesterdayatthe LibertaSportsClubGround, Antigua. The Guyanese youngsters posted another formidable score during their final run in the tournament, piling on 258-8 battingfirst.

In-form opener Ram, showed his class yet again, strokingahandfuloffoursin his 60 off 83. Lewis, the Guyana vice-captain, was a bit more aggressive as he smashed five fours along with3sixesonhiswayto60 from55balls.

CaptainAdrianHetmyer (48)narrowlymissedouton what would have been his second successive halfcentury, while Khush Seegobin (19), Shamar Apple (18) and Darvir Seegobin (18) steered the lower-order Leeward IslandsbowlingsawJ’Quan Anthanzae (2-35) and medium-pacer Shawn Harris (2-53) emerging as

the two front-line wickettakers. In reply, Leewards were lefton 111 afterlosing all their wickets in 35.4 overs with pacer Tayari Tongefinishingastheirtopscorer with 28 (4x4 1x6), as they never got going throughoutthechase.

The Guyanese bowling attackthenspokeforitselfas the trio ofArif Khan (2-40), Rivaldo Pereira (2-11) and Ram, who returned to grab 2-32, along with Hetmyer

who finished with 1-10, ran roughshod over their opponents. In other games, Barbados beat Windwards by192runsafterposting297 all out, thereafter bowling outtheiropponentsfor105.

Trinidad and Tobago also picked up a crucial win aftertheyhandedJamaicaan 8wicketdefeat.

T&T made 102-2 chasing a paltry 101 all out made by the Jamaicans who battedfirst.

Guyana secures two teams to participate in 2024 PDC Qualifiers

Flashback of Trials night at Malteenoes! Both teams are eager to compete at this year’s World Cup qualifiers.

Inabidtosecureacovetedspotatthe 2024 World Cup scheduled for Germany, the Guyana Darts Association (GDA) has meticulously named aformidablefour-memberteamtorepresent the Golden Arrowhead at the upcoming ProfessionalDartsCooperation(PDC)Qualifier inSanJose,CostaRica

Thetwo-daytournamentorganisedbythe Championship Darts Latin and Caribbean (CDLC)issettotakeplaceatRikurasBar(La Ruta de Sabor), Hatillo, San Joseì Province, SanJoseì,fromApril6-7

The qualifier will see Guyana pitting its darting prowess among seven other nations for the opportunity to advance to the global stage.Meanwhile,theGDAhashelditslocal qualifierlastFebruaryattheMalteenoesSports Club Notably,toplocalclub,ForeignLinkDarts Club,madearesoundingstatementbysendingthree entriestothequalifiers,allofwhomsubsequently clinchedspotsinthefour-memberteamboundfor Costa Rica Under the banner of Guyana, two formidableteamshavebeenassembledtoviefor glory The first team comprises Norman Madhoo and Sudeshpersaud Fitzgerald, while the second team features Christopher Lochan andAnthony Bissoondyal. With the tournament kicking off this Saturday,

participants will navigate through the group (round-robin) stages before delving into the high-stakesknockoutroundsonSunday Expressing enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming challenge, both the GDA and Foreign Link Darts Club extend warm regards to the four-member team entrusted with representing the Golden Arrowhead. Reflecting on Guyana’s rich history of producing top-tier darts players in the Caribbean, the association remains optimistic about the prospect of securing another spot at the World Cup and further enhancing the nation’s performance on the globalstage.

Brian Lara Cricket Academy to be expanded ahead of T20 World Cup

SportsMax - With the m u c h - a n t i c i p a t e d International Cricket

Council (ICC) T20 Men’s World Cup roughly eight weeks away, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Trinidad and Tobago leg of the tournament confirmed that therewillbeanexpansionof the seating capacity at the BrianLaraCricketAcademy (BLCA) in the twin island

republic. The LOC, in a media conference at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair on Tuesday, provided an update on their preparations ahead of the June 1-29 tournament, which is being co-hosted by theCaribbeanandtheUnited States The Brian Lara Cricket Academy, in Tarouba, will host five matches in the tournament, including four group

matches and the first semifinal Haresh Ragoonath, venue and facilities manager for the T20 World Cup, said the refurbishing of the venue shouldbewrappedupwithin thenextthreeweeks.

“The needs for the tournament are so great, whenthefacilitywasbuiltit was not designed for T20 cricketasitismodernisedso much right now The

commercialaspectofcricket has grown so much,” Ragoonath told T&T Newsday.

Ragoonath pointed out that the adjustments are being made at the North media tower at the venue, with the installation of eastern and western wings set to see the venue c o m f o r t a b l y accommodating over 120 media personnel. “It’s about

95 per cent completed already.

It should be completed in the next ten to 12 days in timeforthetournament,”he shared.

“There were a couple of areas we identified that had no seats, so we are going to increasetheseatingcapacity of the stadium – all the sections,”heexplained.

“Thishasalreadystarted andwillbecompletedinthe next20daysaswell.

The additional capacity will be increasing by about 2,400,”Ragonathnoted.

P e r h a p s , m o r e importantly, to add to the atmosphereandambiencein thestadium,Ragoonathsaid therewillbemoreseatingto a c c o m m o d a t e approximately 2,400 more spectators, thus turning the already 15,000-seater into a 17,000-pluscapacityvenue.

Guyana Defence Force FC dominate...

Frompage33 weremadebyteammatesLatoyaWilliamsin the 38th and 67th minutes, Shontel Greene scored a crucial goal in the 45th minute, whileTiandiSmithaddedtothetallywitha goalinthe69thminute.

ThiswasfollowedbySashaJames’strike finding the net in the 81st minute. Jenelle EdmonstonandColletteRutherfordwrapped upthescoringwithgoalsinthe83rdand87th minutesrespectively

The Women’s League Division has a diverse range of players, including past champions, national players and aspiring talents.

It serves as a platform for players to exhibit their abilities, vying for selection in national team programmes, pursue scholarships,andevensecurecontractswith clubsbeyondthebordersofGuyana.

April 6 Match: Guyana Defence Force FCtakeonFrutaConquerorsFCat6:30p.m.

The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

Guyana Darts’stars, Sudesh Fitzgerald (left) and Norman Madhoo.

Captain Adrian Hetmyer (left) and Vice-captain Emmanuel Lewis showed out with the bat during the final round.

SunilNarine,AndreRussellcombinetopropel KKRtocrushingvictoryoverDelhiCapitals

SportsMax - In a riveting clash at the Indian Premier League, Kolkata Knight Riders displayed an unparalleled batting spectacle that nearly eclipsedtherecordsetjusta week ago by Sunrisers Hyderabad.

With a blistering onslaught led by Sunil Narine’s career-best 85, Kolkata Knight Riders left the Delhi Capitals in awe with a monumental score of 272 for 7, falling just short of rewriting history by breaking the highest IPL scorerecord.

Narine’s ferocious innings, peppered with seven fours and as many towering sixes, set the stageonfireashefoundan able partner in the form of AngkrishRaghuvanshi

The young talent showcased his mettle with a scintillating 54 off 27 balls, matching Narine blow for blow Together, they formed a formidable partnership that laid waste to the Capitals’ bowling attack

But the onslaught didn’t stop there. Andre Russell, with his trademark power-

hitting, unleashed havoc upon the Capitals’ bowlers, plundering41runsinjust19 deliveries

However, a searing yorker from Ishant Sharma in the final over denied Kolkata Knight Riders the chanceto etchtheirnamein the history books by surpassing the highest IPL score

Despite falling short of the record, Kolkata Knight Riders’colossaltotalproved insurmountablefortheDelhi Capitals,astheysuccumbed to a crushing defeat by a mammoth margin of 106 runs

With this victory, Kolkata Knight Riders soaredtothetopofthetable, joining Rajasthan Royals with three wins from three

matches, solidifying their position as serious title contendersintheIPL.

The Capitals, despite a valiant effort from their batsmen, including notable half-centuries from Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs, f o u n d t h e m s e l v e s outclassed by the Knight R i d e r s ’ c l i n i c a l performance. Vaibhav Arora emerged as the hero for Kolkata Knight Riders with a stellar bowling display, claiming three crucialwicketsforamere27 runs, further sealing the Capitals’fate.

Asthedustsettledonthe electrifying encounter, Kolkata Knight Riders celebrated their third consecutive win in the tournament, marking the first time in their history that they had started a season with three victories inthreematches

Withtheirbatsmenfiring on all cylinders and their bowlers delivering under pressure, Kolkata Knight Riders sent a clear message to their competitors: they were a force to be reckoned with in the race for the IPL title.

Formula Woman driver Sara Misir among winners at JRDC’s Carnival of Speed

SportsMax - Sara Misir tookthecheckeredflaginthe closingraceoftheday,toend withtwowinsandasecondplace finish in the Modified Production Class 4 at the JRDC’sCarnivalofSpeedat DoverRacewayinStAnnon EasterMonday.

Starting third on the grid for the final race of the day behind Oliver Townsend, in Modified Production Class 3, and Allan Gordon, Misir the country’s lone Formula Woman driver, displayed her class and quality throughout therace KevinChuck,started alongside Misir with Lamar Larmond started in seventh position.

On the starting roll, Townsendwontheinitialstart withSaracomingfrombehind on the inside, making it two abreastintocornerone,much to the delight of the crowd Townsend and Misir then drovethroughcornertwoside by side, with Gordon and Larmondcloselybehind

Misir capitalized on the exitofcornertwototakethe

lead, with Townsend, Gordon and Larmond followingcloselybehind.

Townsend then faced gearbox problems and had to retirethecarattheendofthe first lap Still, an intense duel then ensued involving Misir, Larmond, and Gordon, as the nextfourlapsbecameathreecar battle But Misir kept her composureandopenedupthe lead in each lap to run away withmorethanhalfalapbythe sixth She maintained the leadtosealhervictoryonthe eighthandfinallap.

Earlierintheday,inRace Two, Misir faced brake fading problems, but

managed to finish second in class behind Allan Gordon. Gordon, MP4, and Oliver Townsend of MP3 were locked in a heated battle for the overall win in race two, but Sara stayed in close quarters, clinching the third spot on the podium after Larmond was run off the trackintheclosinglap.

Misir ended the day on 27 points to take the early leadinMP4,whileGordonis in second with 24 points. Misirexpresseddelightwith theday’sresults

“I performed pretty well duringSunday’stestinguntil wediscoveredacrackeddisc padinthefrontbrakes.After replacing the pads on Monday, I had to bed them in, which caused brake overheating issues and reduced my stopping power a bit. I’m happy to end the day ahead and look forward to Jamwest in May,” Misir said The JRDC series continues with the second meet on May 26 at Jamwest MotorsportsParkinNegril.

BYRAWLETONEY

The Government of Guyana is set to sow the seeds of track and field success for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, USA, as announced by Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr

Guyanahasyettoclaima track and field medal at Olympics The country’s only medal to date was earned by Michael Parris at the1980OlympicGamesin Russia.

Minister Ramson made the declaration during the welcome reception for Guyana’s CARIFTAGames athletes on Tuesday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Guyana concluded the 51st hosting of the CARIFTA Games in St. George’s, Grenada, with an impressive medal tally of

eight–comprisingfourgold, twosilver,andtwobronze.

The gold medal feat marked the country’s most significant achievement since the inception of the games in 1972, spearheaded b y o u t s t a n d i n g performances from Tianna Springer, Athaleyha Hinckson, Malachi Austin, and their record-breaking 4x400MMixedRelayteam.

Springer’s remarkable time of 52.31 seconds to secure victory in the U20 400m establishes her as the fastest in the world for an athlete under 18, as recognized by World Athletics.

Meanwhile, Austin’s impressive time of 46.35 seconds in the U20 400m currently ranks as the thirdfastestU18timeintheworld this year, trailing behind the USA’s Wilson Quincy

(45 19s)

Additionally, Guyana’s stellar performance in the 4x400m Mixed Relay, clocking in at 3:23 51, currently holds the title for the fastest U20 time in the world.

“The fact that Guyana, rightnow,isdominantinthe sprints,thefactthatwewere able to beat Jamaica, is not small accomplishment,” M i n i s t e r R a m s o n proclaimed.

Ramson said he’s “confident, that on these shores, Guyana has its very firstOlympicTrackandfield medalinasearlyasthe2028 Olympics and we have to start planning and training fromnow.

No one can tell you that wedon’thavethetalent

(Continuedonpage29)

and Youssouf AbdelazizDJibrine(45.28s) ofQatar

Sara Misir

Sunil Narine hits a careerbest 85. (AP/Getty Images)

Cabana Marketing gifts Mahdia $70M gym, Play Park

In a generous gesture

aimed at enriching community life, CabanaMarketingdonateda $70 million Play Park and Gym to Mahdia, Region Eight.

A s o d - t u r n i n g ceremony was held last month for the park and gymbeingspearheadedby Cabana Marketing and FantasySports

Inareleasethesponsor

stated, “Cabana Marketing and Fantasy Sports held a sod-turning ceremony on March 21st, 2024 to officially launch the build out of a play park and gym totheMahdiacommunity. This playground and gymwillbe100%fundedby Cabana Marketing and will beopentoallmembersofthe Mahdia Community as part ofanewinitiativetobringa smileoneverychild’sface.

Cabana owns and operates Fantasy Gaming Lounges, Fantasy Sports and a number of small businesses

The Guyanese company believes in local content and is proud to have 100% localmanagementandstaff. The company intends to continue its efforts in supporting local sport and culture.(Storycomplements ofNewsRoom)

Darthan Racing trio gears up for GMRSC Circuit Championship opening round

As the countdown to the opening round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) Circuit Championship intensifies, all eyes are on D a r t h a n R a c i n g ’s formidable trio: Paul Jiwanram, Azaad Hassan, and Troy Muir With their sights set on victory, these seasoned drivers are poised to kick off their season campaign with a bang at SouthDakotaonApril21.

Paul Jiwanram, reigning Street Tuner Champion, is new to the winner’s circle after years of hard work. Known for his consistent driving and never-say-die attitude, Jiwanram is determinedtodefendhistitle and secure another championship victory “I’m ready to hit the track and

showwhyDarthanRacingis aforcetobereckonedwith,” Jiwanramremarked.

Azaad Hassan, reigning Sports Tuner Champion, brings his trademark speed and agility to the circuit. With impressive victories, Hassan is eager to continue hiswinningstreakandmake hismarkonthecompetition. “I’mhungryforsuccess,and I’mpreparedtogiveitmyall on race day,” Hassan affirmed.

The 2022 Street Tuner Champion, Troy Muir completes the Darthan Racing lineup. Known for his fearless approach and coolrunnings,Muirisready to take on the competition andstakehisclaimasoneof the top drivers in the championship. “I’ve been traininghardandfine-tuning my skills for this moment.

It’stimetoleaveitallonthe track,”Muirdeclared.

Behind the scenes, ArshaadHassanservesasthe chief mechanic, driving the team’s success with his expertise and dedication

With his keen eye for detail and passion for motorsport, HassanensuresthatDarthan Racing’s vehicles are finely tunedandreadytoperformat their peak. “I’m proud to be part of this incredible team and excited to see what we can achieve together this season,”Hassanstated.

WiththeGMRSCCircuit Championship season beginning, anticipation is building for all competitors. Darthan Racing’s trio of Jiwanram,Hassan,andMuir are ready to showcase their talent and passion for racing as they vie for victory at SouthDakota.

Guyanese Referee ColinAbel...

Frompage33 runners-up and the two highest-ranked third-placed teams, will progress to the knockoutphase.

Qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024 will be reserved for the top four finishers.

Costa Rica enters the tournament as the champions, having secured their fourth Concacaf Futsal Championship title in Guatemalabackin2021.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Referees Department is confident in Abel’s capability to represent Guyana with distinction at the championship, highlighting that his selection confirms his status as an exceptional talent.

“The GFF continues to place high emphasis on trainingandnurturingmatch officials, with the goal of elevating football standards in Guyana. Our nationwide recruitmentdriveisaimedat strengthening the pool of proficient referees countrywide, equipping them with the requisite expertiseforeffectivematch officiating.”

Employees of Cabana Marketing and Fantasy Sports and other officials at the sod-turning ceremony for the facility. (Photo: Cabana Marketing)

Darthan Racing trio (L-R) Azaad Hassan, Troy Muir and Paul Jiwanram.

Seven athletes, two relay teams qualify for U20 World Championships

- Team size contingent on finance

ByRawleToney

T h e A t h l e t i c s Association of Guyana (AAG) is aiming to send a delegation of seven athletes and two relay teams to the 20th edition of the U20 World Championships, scheduledforAugust26–31 inLima,Peru.

President of the AAG, Amanda Hermonstine,

expressed that the team’s size is subject to financial considerations. However,ifsuccessful,it will mark the largest contingent of athletes representing Guyana since the inauguration of the Championshipsin1986.

Leading the charge for Guyana’s team is Tianna Springer, the reigning

world’s top-ranked U18 athleteinthe400mcategory Springer has qualified to competeinthe100m,200m, and400mevents.

Malachi Austin, presently ranked as the world’s third fastest U18 athlete in the 400m, has secured his place in his specialtyevent.Joininghim

(Continuedonpage27)

Round 2 Women’s League Division One... Guyana Defence Force FC dominate points table with 66 goals in 6 matches

The Guyana Defence Force FC has closed out the month of March as the frontrunners in Round Two of the Women’s League Division One, netting an impressive 66 goals in just six games since the March 14kickoff.

Theyhavenotchedupsix straightwins,tallyingasolid 18 points. Guyana Police Force FC is in close pursuit with 18 points from seven games,boastingsixwinsand justoneloss.

Fruta Conquerors, another Georgetown club, holds the third spot with 12 points, secured from four wins and three losses

Meanwhile, Potato Strikers FCoccupiesthefourthplace withfourpoints,comprising one win, one draw, and four losses.

The Parkuri Jaguars FC finds themselves in fifth place with a record of one win, one draw, and five losses. At the bottom of the table,SantosFCsitsinsixth position without a single point, having suffered five consecutivelosses.

Fans were treated to exhilarating matches this month.GuyanaPoliceForce FC emerged victorious in

The

commandingfashionintheir finalgamesofMarch. Fruta Conquerors FC secured a 5-0 victory over Pakuri Jaguars FC in St Cuthbert’s MissiononMarch24. Goals were scored by Marissa Frank in the 12th minute, Ceara Glasgow in the21stminuteandAmanda McKenzie adding three goals in the 28th, 46th, and 71stminutes.

TwodayslateronMarch 26,theGuyanaPoliceForce FCcruisedtoacommanding 15-0 victory over Fruta Conquerors FC at the Guyana Football Federation

Guyanese Referee Colin Abel to officiate at CONCACAF Futsal Championship in Nicaragua

Guyanese referee Colin Abel has been selected as a match official for the prestigious Concacaf Futsal Championship slated for April 13-20 in Managua, Nicaragua.

Abel, who earned his spotontheFIFARefereelist forFutsalforthesecondtime this year, said he was honoured to officiate at the competition,whichservesas the Confederation’s qualifyingeventfortheFIFA Futsal World Cup in SeptemberinUzbekistan.

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive such an appointment. I am excited to represent myself and my country at such a prestigious event and I look forward to gaining as much knowledge and experience andalsointeractingwithmy fellow colleagues from Concacaf.”

Abel and other referees will be overseeing matches within Group A, featuring Costa Rica, Mexico, Suriname, and Haiti. Group B will see action from Panama, Cuba, Canada, and Nicaragua, while Group C

Abel

been selected as a match official for the Concacaf Futsal Championship this month in Managua, Nicaragua.

will include Guatemala, the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic.

After the round-robin stage, the teams topping theirgroups,alongwiththe

(Continuedonpage32)

(GFF) National Training Centre in Providence, East BankDemerara.

Eight players found the net to propel their team to victory on March 26, spearheaded by Lakeisha Williams who opened the scoringinthe8thminuteand addedtwomoregoalsinthe 12thand33rdminutes.

However, stealing the spotlight was Akeelah Vancooten, delivering an outstanding performance with five goals in the 16th, 22nd, 43rd, 49th, and 54th minutes.

Additionalcontributions

(Continuedonpage30)

AAG president, Amanda Hermonstine.

Tianna Springer is currently the world’s fastest U18 400m athlete. world’

Malachi Austin is currently thethirdfastest u18 400m athlete.

Guyanese referee Colin

has

Guyana Defence Force FC are the leaders of the league after round 2.

Government of Guyana sets sight on Athletics success at 2028 Olympics

- Minister Ramson talks Elite Athletes Programme Minis thletes

Darthan Racing trio gears up for GMRSC Circuit Championship opening round

Seven athletes, two relay teams qualify for U20 World Championships

- Team size contingent on finance

2024 CWI Rising Stars U15 50-Over Championships Guyana vs. Leeward Islands

Ram, Lewis fifties help

Guyana surge to 147-run win over Leewards in final round

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr

Guyanese athletes at the opening of the 51st CARIFTAGames.

Troy Muir’s Toyota Starlet returns to South Dakota Circuit.

Darthan Racing trio (L-R) Azaad Hassan, Troy Muir and Paul Jiwanram.