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ONE Communications back national women’s hockey team for PAHF Challenge   Sep 19, 2024 Sports National Hockey Team set to depart for PAHF Challenge in Bermuda. Kaieteur Sports – ONE Communications, Guyana’s leading telecommunications provider, has reinforced its longstanding commitment to sports by sponsoring the Guyana’s national women’s hockey team as they prepare for international competition. In a brief presentation on Tuesday at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion, the company announced its continued support ahead of the team’s upcoming trip to the 2024 Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Challenge. The squad is set to depart this week for Hamilton, Bermuda, where the tournament will run from September 20 to 28. The PAHF Challenge will see Guyana face off against teams from Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, and host nation Bermuda. The top two teams will earn spots in the PAHF Cup, a key qualifying event for the 2026 World Cup. ONE Communications’ partnership with the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has spanned more than two decades, solidifying its role as a vital supporter of local sports development. Speaking at the sponsorship event, ONE Communications representative Jamisha Wright expressed the company’s pride in backing the national team: “We consistently look for opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of young citizens. This partnership not only showcases Guyana on the international stage, but also provides our young women the chance to compete at a high level and build invaluable experience.” President of the GHB, Philip Fernandes, expressed his gratitude for ONE Communications’ unwavering support. He noted that corporate partnerships are essential for sustaining national sports programmes. “The women’s team is made up of talented and dedicated players, some as young as 14 years old. Their hard work deserves to be rewarded with opportunities to compete regionally and internationally,” Fernandes said. The PAHF Challenge in Bermuda serves as a critical stepping stone, as teams aim to secure a spot in the 2025 PAHF Cup in Uruguay, which in turn serves as key qualifier for the World Cup in 2026. Related Similar Articles

Rehabilitated Annie G Basketball Court at Kwakwani handed over Sep 19, 2024 Sports Regional Vice Chairman Mark Goring receives a clock at the handing over of the refurbish Kwakwani Basketball court. Kaieteur Sports – The residents of Kwakwani, Berbice River, now have a new basketball court, thanks to the help of Exxon Mobil Guyana. The basketball facilities of Kwakwani were in dire needs of repairs. The principals of Exon mobile was approached and decided to give a helping hand in having the facilities rehabilitated. Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Region 10 Regional Vice Chairman Mark Goring was a happy man. He stated that, “It is a proud moment as we celebrated the handover of the newly rehabilitated Ann G Kwakwani Basketball Court. Thanks to Exxon Mobil Guyana, this project has become a reality. Officials and residents at the Kwakwakni Basketball court enhancement project hand over. I am grateful to Exxon’s President, Mr. Alistair Routledge, for supporting the vision of development in Region 10. Through collaborative efforts, Kwakwani now has a top-class facility where our National Basketball Champions, the Kwakwani Untouchables, can continue to hone their talents and thrive.” The court was dedicated in memory of the late coach and player Dave Causeway, whose passion and dedication helped shape basketball in Kwakwani. Goring, encouraged all residents in the area to take ownership of the facilities. He stated, “Let’s work together to maintain and preserve it for future generations.” He said that the community looks forward to more collaboration to develop the communities in the area. He extended a heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a role in making the project a success.  (Samuel Whyte) Related Similar Articles

Isaiah Jones named to League A Best XI Sep 19, 2024 Sports Kaieteur Sports – Following an intense September window of matches in League A of the CONCACAF Nations League, Guyana’s Isaiah Jones has earned a spot in the prestigious Best XI for the Group Stage fixtures. Jones’ selection was cemented by his clinical display against Martinique, where he netted two crucial goals in the Golden Jaguars’ 2-2 draw in Fort-de-France. The Middlesbrough FC winger showcased his exceptional pace, skill, and composure in front of goal, leaving defenders in his wake and keeping Guyana’s hopes alive in the competition. Joining Jones in the Best XI were Jamaica’s Michail Antonio and Kasey Palmer, both of whom had a massive impact on their team’s performances. Palmer, who like Jones plies his trade in the English Championship with Hull City, was a dominant force for the Reggae Boyz. His ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate play in the midfield was vital for Jamaica’s success during the group stages. Antonio, Jamaica’s star forward, once again showed why he’s one of the most feared attackers in the region. The West Ham United forward, known for his physicality and eye for goal, the West Ham striker contributed a goal and consistently troubled opposing defences, taking five shots across Jamaica’s two group-stage matches. The Best XI also saw stellar performances from other regional standouts. Nicholas Hagen, Guatemala’s shot-stopper, earned his place with a series of impressive saves that helped his team remain unbeaten. His highlight performance came in a crucial clean sheet against Costa Rica, proving his worth as one of the region’s top goalkeepers. Costa Rica’s backline was bolstered by the presence of Juan Pablo Vargas and Francisco Calvo, both of whom delivered commanding displays. Not only were they rock-solid defensively, but they also contributed offensively, with Vargas and Calvo involved in critical set-piece situations that aided Costa Rica’s successful start to the tournament. Honduras was represented by midfield duo David Ruiz and Kervin Arriaga. Ruiz, a rising star, stood out with his dynamic play, linking defence and attack with ease. Arriaga, on the other hand, provided the stability and vision that kept Honduras ticking, proving to be the engine room of their midfield. This Best XI line-up showcases the immense talent spread across the CONCACAF region. For Isaiah Jones, this recognition as one of the top performers highlights not only his individual brilliance but also the growing competitiveness of Guyana on the international football stage. The Golden Jaguars are set to return to action on October 11, hosting Guatemala at the National Track and Field Centre. They will then travel to Paramaribo for a rematch against Suriname on October 15. Related Similar Articles

President Ali projects a troubling facility with words Sep 19, 2024 Features / Columnists, The GHK Lall Column Kaieteur News – President Ali has gotten too comfortable with a certain facility with words.  He says whatever is scripted for him or comes to his head in the heat of the moment.  He does get a rush of blood to the head, from time to time, usually at the worse times.  One such moment was his energetic reaction to Dr. Bertram Ramcharan’s take on democracy versus shades of autocracy in Guyana.  The national leader may mislead himself into thinking he has persuaded Guyanese masses into falling for his verbal cleverness.  I help with several doses of unpleasant reality. GHK Lall In response to Dr. Ramcharran, President Ali was all high dudgeon, went on a verbal warpath.  “The most community-based government” he was proud to advertise which, if accurate, would not fit autocracy in action, but only democracy on the move.  In other contexts, the same President Ali was pleased with himself to broadcast that his PPP Government is “the most transparent of all” and ‘the most inclusive of all.’  When the gods thunder, it is safer for mere mortals to seek shelter.  Something is wrong with me, for I must dare the odds and respectfully beg to differ with Guyana’s esteemed leader, Excellency Irfaan Ali. When President Ali speaks of his group being the “most community-based government” he is better advised to exclude the communities of Mocha, Chinese Landing, and Isseneru.  In view of what has been dished out to those savaged communities, I think that the president may wish to rethink.  Because if anyone other than a president or a prime minister had coined such words, they risk being deemed dissociated from truth at best; or lacking in the requisite disregard for dishonesty at worst.  The president could be occasionally given the benefit of his high office and excused for these exaggerations that boomerang back into his face, these verbal exuberances that cut him off at the knees relative to the standing that he should have.  But after a time, they become tiring, boring, and glaring in their blinding contradictions with Guyanese realities. To take this to a more intimate level, I humbly suggest that he leaves out his own Leonora, the homeland of his younger years. It is a community that is under siege, a community that is being held hostage by elements reported to have close ties to his government.  Leonora is not the only community in Guyana that is tortured by appalling noise pollution levels.  It is so widespread as to constitute a national epidemic, I would say even makes a devastating contribution to Guyana’s educational efforts.  When the plights of Lenora and other communities similarly brutalized are left unattended, how could that ever be community-oriented, community-protective, community-based in terms of interests and the priorities of the majority, who are mostly law-abiding? At other times, President Ali has gleamed darkly with claims about being the ‘most inclusive government of all.’  Somebody at the Office of the President must be bold enough to be the kind of keeper that the president needs.  When he is wisely preempted from continuing with his monopoly on inaccuracy, then there is no need for any of the postmortems that it is my tough duty to do.  A truly inclusive government and president are not addicted to an autocracy with thought, an autocracy with words, that bar any differing or, worse yet, any contradicting. When an entity such as IDPADA-G is rendered to the state that it is now in, and all because of this compulsion towards total control, then the lofty inclusiveness of which the president speaks so boldly is dashed to pieces, crumbles to dust.  To make matters more intolerable, the specious grounds under which IDPADA-G fell, shames all claims that PPP Government leaders have made, or may make going forward, about transparency and accountability. When people and entities do wrong, then I am the first to say that they must be fully dealt with, as permissible under the law.  But such must apply to both adversaries and allies. But something else must also be said. To divide based on deceptions and what is patently fabricated drives a nail into any claim by the president relative to being the most inclusive of all.  When communities in the Guyana demographic have been treated unequally, and rent apart with wanton recklessness, then any leadership position about inclusivity suffers from nothing less than unprecedented hypocrisy.  What this conforms is that the president is too quick with sweet words, and all too dismissive of what Guyanese realities wave in his face and shout at increasing volumes in his ear. How long will the president play his games with hollow words that mean nothing, which maintain the façade of the PPP Government being the most transparent of all?  Nothing would give greater delight than to support that when it is solid.  For transparency would mean some accountability, with strides made towards incorruptibility.  All three are what have bedeviled PPP and PNC governments without letup, and the president knows this.  The president could be backed, but only when the secrets in the oil sector are no more.  President Ali himself had given his word to revisit and revise all contracts.  If there is one word that I wish that he had done his damnedest to honor, it would be that one.  Four years later, the president has distanced from his word. I am all for President Ali (or anyone) being freewheeling and pioneering with words, but on one condition only.  What is stated must be evident.  What is promised must be produced.  President Ali hasn’t. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

Mining and the environment Sep 19, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – For most Guyanese who live on the coastlands (and that means almost ninety percent of the population), mining is outside their everyday radar. However, the recent massive cocaine bust at Matthews Ridge and the countless other activities taking place in the hinterland have forced many to deal with the reality that life and “economic” activities go on continuously there, as the wealth under our soils are excavated in one manner or another. Ever since the abolition of slavery, thousands of our citizens went into the interior to seek their fortunes, and in the process founded a new industry – gold mining. Diamonds were also discovered and became a subsidiary activity. Over a century ago, bauxite deposits were identified up the Demerara and Berbice Rivers, and Demba and Reynolds, Canadian and American multinationals respectively, hired or lured additional thousands and built townships near the mines.  Today, as we look at the sector, we notice that it is dominated by the production of gold and diamonds, and a lot of holes in the ground. At the same time the country continues to suffer because the companies large and small operating in the gold industry are not declaring the correct amount of gold produced and many of them have been damaging the environment. As at the end of June 2024, gold declarations stood at 188,160 ounces with the 35.3 percent increase in declarations from the lone large producer, undermined by lower declarations from small- and medium-scale producers, according to the Ministry of Finance Mid-Year Report.  “Declarations from the latter fell from 159,084 ounces in the first half last year, to 119,603 ounces at the end of June this year,” the Mid-Year Report stated. To this end, within the first three months of 2024, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) reported that gold declaration fell to 89,845.8 troy ounces, when compared to the same period last year. It was stated that the dip in the gold declaration was mainly due to lower declarations from small- and medium-scale miners by 24.2 %.  It was explained that the lower declaration is as a result of prolonged dry weather which made access to water limited in many mining areas. In a recent statement the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) quite rightly pointed out that despite the government’s boasts of the extensive perks, concessions and privileges extended to the gold-mining sector, including tax reductions, duty-free concessions, simplified licensing arrangements, expansion of available mining properties in conflicted areas such as Marudi Mountains, and removal of protective regulations, the country was not seeing the results from this largesse. Another issue that confronts this nation and which is not adequately addressed is the environmental impacts of mining. The GHRA had also mentioned that this was often ignored when the administration speaks about its support to the sector. The authorities glibly talk about “sustainable mining,” but factually, this is an oxymoron, since all ores are finite and non-renewable. However, we acknowledge that our mineral resources must be extracted and utilised for our economic growth. The challenge, we posit, is how to conduct mining in an environmentally and socially beneficent manner for the long term. Economic growth models that incorporate natural resource constraints in economic activity stipulate “sustainable development” as non-decreasing consumption over time, and derive the result that all income from non-renewable resources’ extraction must be invested in man-made capital so as to keep the total stock of capital constant. We cannot just consume the (meagre) gains that are thrown our way. Since our natural capital, like wildlife and sanctuaries, and certain ecosystems offer incomparable values, they must be protected. But just as importantly, sustainable development requires that the prices of exhaustible resources should reflect their social costs, and that development must be inclusive in the sense that people displaced or having their lives disrupted because of mining should not be made worse off. Right now very few are listening to the complaints of our Indigenous peoples. Because of the broad negative externalities from mining and the social necessities identified, a more intrusive role for the state is required. Consequently, our mining laws and rules need to be re-evaluated, chiefly with respect to the acquiring of land, determination and use of royalties, linking penalties for violations of pollution standards to the damages, and the introduction of strict liability for mine closures. A portion of the royalties must be identified for building physical and human capital to ensure sustainable livelihood for the displaced and other affected people – including people used for the present mining operations. The environmental impact must include the impact on people, too. Related Similar Articles

“Nothing is Free?” Really? Sep 19, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Kaieteur News – The assertion that “nothing is free” has a familiar ring. It is a refrain as old as modern economics. Recently, this aphorism has been resurrected, proclaiming that the populace must be disabused of the notion that any service provided by the government comes without a price. The argument that “nothing is free” is superficially appealing: someone, somewhere, has to pay. At the heart of this assertion is a misunderstanding of the role of government. What is a government if not an institution that exists precisely to mediate the competing interests of society and ensure that resources—whether financial, natural, or social—are allocated in ways that benefit the overall good of society? In such a system, “free” is not an illusion; it is a tool, a means by which governments balance the inequities and uncertainties of the marketplace with the fundamental rights and needs of their citizens. Let us begin by deconstructing the proposition itself. If “nothing is free,” what then of the air we breathe, the sunlight that nourishes the crops, or the rain that replenishes the rivers? The premise that something must always be “paid for” by someone or someone else ignores the reality of how value is generated and shared in society. The argument that someone else pays for another’s “freeness” is a compelling one in the context of taxation and public spending. It taps into a core sentiment, particularly in more market-oriented economies, that the benefits enjoyed by one group must come at the cost of another. While this notion holds some truth—yes, public services must be funded from somewhere, often through taxes paid by individuals and businesses—it overlooks the fact that freeness is not merely a redistribution of wealth but a strategic investment with far-reaching social and economic returns. Governments collect taxes, which, ideally, are redistributed for the common good. In exchange for these taxes, the public receives goods and services, some of which are ostensibly free at the point of use—public education and public health care, for example. The very structure of modern society is predicated on the notion that, at various points in history, the state must offer some measure of “freeness” to its citizens. Take, for example, the post-war boom in Europe, when governments across the continent introduced free education and healthcare systems. These were not giveaways, nor were they short-term political bribes. They were investments in the future prosperity of the nation. Education, made available to all, regardless of wealth, builds a skilled and productive workforce. Free healthcare reduces the long-term burden on the economy by ensuring that citizens remain healthy and capable of contributing to society. Offering freeness—whether through toll-free bridges, tax relief, or free public services—is not an act of charity. It is an investment in human capital. The removal of tolls on bridges, for instance, may seem like a simple economic sacrifice, but the broader impact—improving the free movement of people, goods, and services—stimulates commerce and boosts productivity. What we often fail to calculate are the benefits that accrue indirectly from these “free” services, which often far outweigh their immediate costs. Consider, for instance, the removal of taxes on essentials such as food and medicine. For the poor, who spend a disproportionate share of their income on these necessities, such measures provide immediate relief. This is not an abstraction. A government that eliminates taxes on basic goods is effectively lifting a significant financial burden from its most vulnerable citizens, allowing them to reallocate scarce resources to other pressing needs, like education or small business investment. The societal gains are manifold: healthier, better-fed citizens are more productive, less dependent on state welfare, and more capable of contributing to the economy. Here again, the government is investing in the long-term health and stability of the nation, an investment that may not yield immediate financial returns but which undoubtedly strengthens the fabric of society. In a democratic society, certain services are not just conveniences but rights. The right to free education, the right to access healthcare  and the right to travel freely within one’s own country without being nickel-and-dimed by toll booths—these are all manifestations of a broader social contract. A society that refuses to provide its citizens with these basic rights is one that implicitly values profit over people, treating its citizens as customers rather than as human beings. The state exists to ensure that certain services are available to all, not just to those who can afford to pay. One need only look at the examples of countries where such services are guaranteed to appreciate the profound societal benefits that accrue. Scandinavian countries, often held up as models of social democracy, provide free education, healthcare, and robust social safety nets. Their citizens enjoy some of the highest standards of living in the world, not because “nothing is free,” but because everything of consequence is: the education that enables social mobility, the healthcare that prevents economic ruin, the infrastructure that facilitates commerce and communication. Governments must, at various times, offer freeness to their citizens—not as a handout, but as a necessary function of governance. Whether in the form of free education, toll-free bridges, or tax exemptions on essential goods, these acts of freeness are investments in the future of the nation. They promote equality, stimulate economic growth, and uphold the fundamental rights of citizens. To suggest otherwise is to misunderstand the very purpose of government. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

Agriculture Ministry confirms MMA/ADA staff fired, scam at GMC being investigated Sep 19, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, The Ministry of Agriculture wishes to categorically reject the false allegations and proclamations made in a Kaieteur News Editorial published on September 16, 2024 that clearly seeks to irresponsibly disseminate false narratives. Such sensationalized narratives are misleading and irresponsible. The ministry has consistently demonstrated its commitment to agricultural advancement and national development, earning respect from citizens, particularly farmers. The significant achievements during this administration stand in stark contrast to the previous APNU+AFC Government. The editor’s critique, especially from someone who typically supports agricultural progress, is both perplexing and disingenuous. The ministry’s commitment to enhancing agricultural practices, ensuring food security, and uplifting rural economies has made a perceptible difference and this is evident in the lives of many. Since the commencement of his tenure, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has made significant strides in his policies and programmes introduced. The entire food sector was revamped, and crop yields have increased. The country has seen the adoption of modern and sustainable farming techniques, and enhanced market access for local farmers. Agricultural officers have been working around the clock to achieve the 25 by 2025 target for the entire Caribbean region. Today, Guyana is leading food security in CARICOM, with Minister Mustapha being the lead spokesperson on these issues. Yet, the editor’s disparaging remarks present a contradiction that requires examination. It is essential to consider the motivations and implications behind such negative commentary. Media narratives significantly shape public perception, and when they fail to align with the observable achievements, in this case, within the agricultural domain, skepticism arises. A critical perspective on the Ministry’s actions could stem from a broader discourse on agricultural policy, yet it detracts from the collective recognition of the positive strides that have been made. Addressing the erroneous claim regarding the “theft of sugar at Rose Hall Estate,” the ministry wants to make it clear that no theft has occurred. An audit revealed an overstatement of sugar production by 243 tonnes, resulting from serious breaches of standard operating procedures. Appropriate disciplinary actions have been taken against responsible staff. This was shown from an audit conducted of the estate’s first-crop sugar production in 2024. This audit is an established practice of the corporation at all estates at the conclusion of each crop to verify the accuracy of the sugar declared by the estates. Regarding the allegations of corruption at the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority, (MMA/ADA), the ministry assures stakeholders and the general public that any misconduct will be thoroughly investigated, and the necessary disciplinary actions will be taken. The records are there to be verified. An incident was recently uncovered and it was dealt with accordingly, and the staff was fired. It is the duty of the MMA/ADA to uphold the principles of integrity and transparency, according to its mandate, duties and service to farmers. The authority recognizes the profound impact that misinformation can have on public perception and the reputations of those involved within the organisation. To set the records straight, the Authority has been performing excellently, accounting for multiple of successes over the past four years under the stewardship of the Minister of Agriculture. These investments that are being made now have been able to cushion the hard effects that affected the lives of over 2000 farmers. Another issue was raised in the editorial as it relates to the “two officials at the Guyana Marketing Corporation being fingered in yet another scam.” A case of discrepancy was reported to the ministry and an audit is being conducted by the internal auditor which will be verified and certified by the Auditor General’s Office. The ministry is awaiting this process to be completed. The editor also spoke of “scandalous procurement of pumps to corrupt award of contracts.” The Ministry of Agriculture, along with its executing agency, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), wishes to inform the editor and the general public that all construction of pump stations have been followed in accordance with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board’ regulation. The ministry has recognized the pivotal responsibility that editors and media entities hold in disseminating information. However, it is imperative for these institutions to prioritize accuracy and reliability in their reporting. The ministry urges the editor and media entities to ensure that all statements presented to the public are grounded in thorough research and factual evidence. Sincerely, Ministry of Agriculture Related Similar Articles