Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-07-2023

President, Dr Irfaan Ali engages President of Rwanda Paul Kagame on the vaccine-manufacturing deal, as Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland pays keen attention in the presence of other officials in Port-of-Spain (Latchman Singh photo)

Guyana, Rwanda closer to finalising vaccine-manufacturing deal

LEADERS of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), on Wednesday, heard from the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, at a special meeting of the 45th Conference of Heads of Government.

At the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, President Kagame updated the CARICOM Heads about his country’s plans to establish a vaccine manufacturing plant with Guyana and Barbados.

And he said the next step is to now establish

a procurement mechanism.

“As a start, Guyana, Barbados, and Rwanda have embarked on a programme of mutual support for the local manufacturing of vac -

issues between Africa and the Caribbean in terms of transport and telecommunications.

“Digital jobs will be a critical driver for high-quality youth employment for our econ-

cines and medicines. The next step is to commit to a pooled procurement mechanism that will make these facilities sustainable over the long run,” Kagame said.

Discussions on establishing a vaccine manufacturing plant in the Caribbean first started last year in June when President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a BioNTech facility – the first vaccine production facility – to be constructed in Rwanda (Kigali).

It was there that the Guyanese Head of State stated his intention to upgrade Guyana’s framework towards establishing a similar facility at home.

Meanwhile, the Rwandan President encouraged CARICOM leaders to find a solution to the connectivity

omies, and also a key lever for offering our brightest young people an alternative to migration.

“The Commonwealth has a number of initiatives in this area, which can give us a head-start.”

He further urged the regional bloc to “gather strength by working together in our regional organisations, integrating our economies, and sharing infrastructure costs.”

He added, “Building on the co-operation within our respective regions, however imperfect it might be, we are in a good position to collaborate across regions. That really involves enabling the free movement of people by removing obstacles to travel and exchange,” the Rwandan President said.

President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame addresses CARICOM Leaders at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain

President Dr. Irfaan Ali engages the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame in Port of Spain

(Photo: Latchman Singhs)

President Ali, US Secretary of State Blinken to meet today

UNITED States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken will meet with President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali today to discuss a range of priorities, including food and energy security, climate resilience, and finance.

Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, Barbara Feinstein, on Friday said the Secretary’s visit to Guyana will further deepen America’s diplomatic engagement with 14 steadfast democracies.

Blinken’s discussions with President Ali will centre on key bilateral issues, including food and energy security and decarbonisation, climate resilience, regional migration, and building local capacity.

During a meeting with the Secretary of State in Washington DC in July 2022,

President Ali said Guyana welcomes the opportunity to further strengthen its relationship with the US as a strategic partner, particularly

during its period of growth. He also highlighted the countries’ shared values and their quests to strengthen the region.

In his remarks then, the US Secretary of State said Guyana has been a very strong partner for his country and a global leader. The two countries, he added, will continue to advance discussions and collaboration in areas for co-operation.

Blinken emphasised that the US is eager to continue to deepen and strengthen the partnership, which will also redound to the benefit of the region, since Guyana’s capital ─ Georgetown, is also the seat of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The US official’s trip to Guyana builds on US Vice President, Kamala Harris’ visit to the Bahamas just two weeks ago, where she engaged leaders from CARICOM and the Dominican Republic and made commitments on issues of mutual concern.

During the trip, Blinken also visited and engaged the

leaders of Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti on key areas of bilateral concern.

He also met incoming chair of CARICOM, Prime

Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and discussed strong partnership on regional migration, security, and renewable energy.

MERCOSUR Summit: PM Phillips advocates for bridging societal gaps, overcoming trade barriers

PRIME Minister (PM), Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips, underscored Guyana’s commitment to regional integration and to MERCOSUR objectives of advancing the possibilities for business, investment and expanding commercial relations.

The Southern Common Market, commonly known by Spanish abbreviation Mercosur is a South American trade bloc established by the Treaty of Asunción in 1991 and Protocol of Ouro Preto in 1994. The union of countries work as one to secure the well-being of their peoples.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips delivered these remarks at the 62nd Summit of Heads of State of MERCOSUR and Associated States, which was held in Puerto Iguazu, Misiones Province, Argentina, on Tuesday.

He stated that “Guyana remains committed to partnering with the Member States of MERCOSUR in working to advance the objectives of this regional bloc for the economic and social development of our

countries and the prosperity of our peoples.”

Speaking on trade, Prime Minister Phillips noted that Guyana is pleased to be associated with MERCOSUR and called for further expansion of trade partnerships.

“Guyana appreciates that as an Associate Member, it can benefit from trade arrangements that would afford it preferential access to markets. We can do more to expand these arrangements and to encourage increased trade, particularly with the Associate Member States–Guyana and Suriname.”

The Senior Government Official, who also addressed the topic of structural disparities and gaps within societies and across countries, highlighted that “There has to be a conscious effort to pursue solutions towards effective strategies to bridge those gaps and overcome the barriers to trade.”

Additionally, Prime Minister Phillips advocated for the formulation of strategic partnerships in the post-Covid period, em-

phasising food security, climate security, and energy security.

“We can develop strategic partnerships to achieve these objectives. In par-

ticular, we must raise our collective voice at the upcoming COP 27 to ensure that the right decisions are taken with regard to adequate support for adaptation

and climate finance.”

Meanwhile, during the event, the Prime Minister offered his best wishes to His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the

President of Brazil, who has taken up the pro-tempore presidency of the alliance. The Prime Minister also assured him of Guyana’s full support.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips flanked by other officials at the 62nd Summit of Heads of State of MERCOSUR and Associated States, which was held in Puerto Iguazu, Misiones Province, Argentina, on Tuesday

Gov’t committed to universal access to secondary education by 2025

By Cindy Parkinson

THE Government of Guyana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is actively working towards achieving universal access to secondary education by 2025. This ambitious goal aims to provide equal academic and skill development opportunities for all students, ensuring they have the necessary resources for success.

During a public engagement, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, emphasised the urgent need for action in the education sector. She stated, "We have a burning duty to prepare each and every child, regardless of their background, to actively participate in our striving Guyana. We are going to make that happen!"

At the launch of the breakfast programme in Region 10 (Upper Demerara Berbice), Minister Manickchand stressed the state's responsibility to support children in need. She highlighted the importance of proper nutrition, stating, “Children who have full bellies learn better.”

Under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the government has been diligently working to improve the education sector. Efforts include the construction and rehabilitation of educational facilities, re-introduction of the cash grant and school feeding programmes, free distribution of textbooks, implementation of smart classrooms and information and communications technology (ICT).

As part of the government's five-year educational strategic plan,

significant investments have been made in the education sector. This year alone, $94.4 billion has been allocated, with $12.4 billion for building, renovating, and extending

educational facilities. An additional $2.1 billion has been allocated to expand the school feeding programme. Educational funding has received $8.6 billion, with $3.7 billion

going to the University of Guyana, $3.4 billion for textbooks, and $2.5 billion for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

The government's commitment to educational development extends to the implementation of smart classrooms and senior classrooms open to residents of every region. In various regions, 24 schools are currently undergoing renovation and construction, equipped with dormitories, labo -

ratories, teacher housing quarters, music rooms, and more.

The Ministry of Education has introduced literacy and robotics programmes at several primary schools to ensure that every child becomes a fluent reader by grade four while incorporating technology. Initiatives such as the literacy and Animal Friends Learning APP, launched at Tuschen Nursery School, and the ministry's radio station (EDYOU FM) further enhance educational opportunities for learners.

To promote a love for reading and writing, the Ministry of Education organised a literacy festival on World Book Day. The “Read Guyana” challenge campaign was also launched to encourage all Guyanese to improve their reading and writing skills.

In less than three years, the government has made significant progress towards its commitment to providing accessible education at all levels. It remains dedicated to achieving universal elementary and secondary education and enhancing access to tertiary education for all Guyanese.

(Flashback) Education Minister, Priya Manickchand and pupils of Den Amstel Primary School on World Book Day, April last

El Dorado Offshore empowers communities with job camps

EL DORADO Offshore (EDO) recently hosted two successful job camps to build local job capacity across Guyana.

The camps occurred at the Sensation Hall in Corriverton, Berbice, Region Six, and the Egbert Benjamin Exhibition & Conference Centre in MacKenzie, Linden, Region 10. Over 500 enthusiastic attendees collectively participated in the job camps.

The job camps featured various activities aimed at equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their chances of employment.

During the Job camp, EDO conducted a resume- writing workshop, enabling attendees to craft compelling resumes that would catch the attention of hiring managers.

Additionally, informative sessions were presented, shedding light on the onshore and offshore opportunities available. Participants were offered personalised, one-on-one sessions with recruiters, allowing them to receive expert guidance on optimising their applications and improving their skillsets.

At the heart of EDO's mission is making opportunities accessible to everyone. By bringing their office

directly to the community, EDO is revolutionising the employment landscape and unlocking opportunities for individuals across Guyana. Last year's successful job camps in Regions 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 demonstrated EDO's dedication to providing employment for countless individuals.

“El Dorado Offshore believes that everyone deserves opportunities,” said Sherry Ferrell, Local Content Director at El Dorado

Offshore. “By hosting these job camps and engaging directly with communities, we strive to empower individuals, bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, and contribute to the overall growth and development of the regions we serve.”

EDO's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond providing employment opportunities. The company embraces community engagement and envi-

sions organising more job camps in diverse regions, persistently fostering econom -

ic empowerment not only in Guyana but throughout the entire region.

Attentive audience seeks employment opportunities at EDO job camp held at the Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and Conference Centre in Linden, Region 10

The EDO team conducts productive one-on-one sessions at a job camp in Corriverton, Berbice, Region Six

A prosperous and enduring partnership

THE impending engagement between Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and US Secretary of State

Antony Blinken, marks a significant turning point in the relationship between the two nations.

This meeting, scheduled for today in Guyana, signals immense promise for both Guyana and the United States, paving the way for strengthened diplomatic ties, increased cooperation, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

As this meeting approaches, it is crucial to reflect on the potential implications for Guyana’s development and the deepening of Guyana-US relations.

Guyana, with its abundant natural resources, has been benefitting from

significant offshore oil reserves. This newfound wealth has created a unique opportunity for Guyana’s economic transformation and positioned the country as an emerging player in the energy sector.

Moreover, Guyana’s commitment to democratic governance and regional stability has garnered international attention, making it an attractive partner for global powers.

For Guyana, the engagement between President Ali and Secretary Blinken holds great importance. Guyana’s recent oil discoveries, while offering immense economic potential, also bring forth significant challenges, including environmental sustainability, transparent governance,

and infrastructure development.

Collaborating with the United States, a global leader with expertise in these areas, presents an unprecedented chance for Guyana to navigate these challenges effectively.

Furthermore, the engagement emphasises Guyana’s commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. President Ali’s emphasis on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance aligns with the United States’ foreign policy objectives.

The meeting will likely focus on supporting Guyana’s efforts to protect the environment, diversify its economy, and consolidate its democratic gains, en -

hance transparency, and combat corruption—a critical step towards sustainable and inclusive development.

Historically, the United States has been an important development partner for Guyana, supporting various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, the recent oil discoveries and Guyana’s strategic position in the region present an opportunity for both nations to elevate their partnership to new heights.

The United States, recognising Guyana’s potential as an energy producer, has shown a keen interest in expanding economic cooperation. Increased collaboration in the oil and gas sector, technology transfer, and investment opportuni-

ties would not only benefit Guyana’s economic diversification but also contribute to job creation and social development.

This partnership has the potential to drive sustainable growth, reduce poverty, and uplift the standard of living for the people of Guyana.

The engagement also holds strategic importance for the United States in the context of regional dynamics. Guyana’s geographical location positions it as a gateway to the Caribbean and South America, presenting opportunities for the United States to strengthen its influence and bolster regional stability. Collaboration with Guyana can enhance US engagement in areas such

as security cooperation, countering illicit activities, and promoting democratic values throughout the region.

Through strengthened ties, both nations stand to gain from increased economic cooperation, sustainable development, and regional stability. As Guyana continues on its path of democratic consolidation, transparent governance, and inclusive growth, the partnership with the United States will be pivotal in shaping its future trajectory.

Together, President Ali and Secretary Blinken can set the stage for a prosperous and enduring partnership that benefits the people of both nations.

Guyana is once again becoming ‘the only shining star of the Caribbean’

Dear Editor,

The perspective on Guyana’s overall economic future has changed drastically since the advent of the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government. The coalition government was bereft of ideas of managing the country and demonstrated a proclivity to corruption, leading to a situation where Guyana’s economy was rapidly spiraling downward.

The approach of the coalition government for generating income for public coffers by increasing the taxation regime to unbearable and unsustainable levels was counter-productive to social development, especially with their penchant for borrowing unsustainably and spending on

projects that lack national importance.

Guyana: 2017 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; IMF report stated, inter alia:

“Despite slower-than-expected economic growth, fiscal revenue increased owing to improvements in tax administration and higher mining royalties.”

“Improvements in tax administration” did not take into consideration the ensuing social impacts on the overall economy as a result of reduced spending power and increase in prices, because businesses could only remain viable by offsetting their increased taxation burdens by increasing costs for goods and services to consumers. The

ney-at-Law, Guyana’s Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Anil Nandlall, often alluded to some of the many violations by the coalition government that infracted the Constitution of Guyana, and the prerequisites of international democratic norms and conventions, and especially emphasised on the situation as it related to the corrupt practices of the coalition government.

One of the numerous infractions of our Constitution was by then President Granger himself when it came to choosing a chairman for GECOM, with Granger rejecting three lists submitted by then Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo – as required by law, on nebulous, contentious grounds and unilat-

erally choosing someone with open loyalties to the PNC, which precluded impartial resonances within GECOM deliberations and decisions.

Mr. Nandlall was of the view that, “… the smallest child in this country can read and understand what Article 161 (2) of the Constitution says and what it means.” He further argued, “… simple words that we know from since nursery school, like O-R - or, and what it means, which have thrown this country into chaos….”

It is being openly touted that Guyana is the only country projected to record double-digit growth from this year on. The World Bank concludes that Guyana “is set to record real gross domestic product

(GDP) growth of 25.2 per cent this year, 21.2 per cent next year and 28.2 per cent in 2025.”

The Guyana Chronicle, in its April 22, 1023 edition, reported: “The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in its latest report, projected 37.2 per cent economic growth for this year. This is the case while other regions are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and recording low economic growth.

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had reported too that Guyana is on course to record economic growth of 37.2 per cent by the end of this year.

“The IMF in its latest publication, the World Economic Outlook: A rocky

recovery, reported that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth could be even higher next year, reaching 45.3 per cent.

“Recently, the World Bank projected that this year is going to be “substantially bleaker” for the Latin American and Caribbean region than it was last year, but Guyana is yet again expected to stand out among its counterparts with economic growth projected to hover above 20 per cent over the next three years.”

Through prudent and brilliant fiscal management, Guyana is once again becoming “the only shining star of the Caribbean.”

OP-ED Welcome Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken

By Dr Randolph Persaud

ALLOW me this opportunity to bid US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, a very warm welcome. I would also like to share a few points with Secretary Blinken, and this, not least because I can speak from both the Washington and Georgetown side of things. From the DC angle, I spent twenty-five years at the School of International Service, American University, where I taught international affairs. It is the largest and among the highest ranked School of International Relations in the world. During that time, I also consulted and/ or interacted with the State Department, World Bank, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Council on Foreign Relations, and, inter alia, the Carnegie Corporation. I was Director of Comparative & Regional Studies and served as Interim Director for the Council of the Americas. Professor Robert Pastor (who played a leading role in Guyana via the Carter Centre), and I shared a strong professional relationship. Based on the above, I feel comfortable sharing some ideas with Sec-

retary Blinken. I offer five considerations.

Firstly, Mr. Secretary, I would like to take you back to a meeting you had with Jose Cardenal in April 1983. You recall that Cardenal, having contributed to the removal of Anastasio Somoza, came to Boston with high credibility. Yet, you did not take at face value his charge that the Sandinistas were illegitimate. Here is what you wrote “Some of the “facts” that Cardenal uses--for example, “90-percent of the Nicaraguan people are against the Sandinistas”--are impossible to verify” (Blinken, April 23, 1983). Sir, the quick analytical determination employed then on Cardenal could be extremely apt and appropriate for Guyana exactly 40 years later. You may recall that on Cardenal you also wrote –“…he carries a certain authority, a certain legitimacy, simply by virtue of having lived in Nicaragua. It’s hard to debate Cardenal when you’ve never set foot in Central America” (Ibid). Well, Guyana is full of Jose Cardenal type personalities even though they were ones on the wrong side of history. Those who replaced state institutions with "party paramountcy" will use their local roots to claim legitimacy and

embellish their story with flair.

I feel compelled to request you don the Crimson cap of April 1983. To use that famous expression of President Reagan, “trust but verify.”

Secondly, and if I may get into directly into substantive matters, you will be bombarded with several standardised talking points that have been professionally rehearsed. The most important of these is that the primary problem in this country is racial division. No doubt, many who push this line will prey upon the difficult race relations that obtain in the United States. There is no comparison between the two cases and the most elementary employment of ideographic or comparative analysis will quickly expose – shall we say the “Cardenal” dimensions of the claim, namely, “impossible to verify.” Note that many foreign experts make the same mistake on race relations here.

Thirdly, in contradistinction to the claim that race is the number one impediment to progress, I have determined that the real issue is that there are still authoritarian social forces in Guyana. What do I mean by this? Simply stated, those social forces from the mid-1960s that backed the capture of state power through

rigged elections, combined with coercion and violent intimidation, are still alive and well. Ask about Mr. Ogunseye’s threats. If I may put it in the words of the Italian theorist Antonio Gramsci Sir, “[t]he crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.” Well, we don’t quite have a crisis per se, and the symptoms aren’t necessarily “morbid.” What we do have is the stubborn refusal of elements from the People’s National Congress and its coalition to abandon their old ways, and to instead, embrace the resolution of political and policy differences through constructive political engagement.

Fourthly, the ABCE configuration had placed much hope in the AFC when they were cajoled into existence more than a decade ago. They have turned out to be a real disappointment not least because of their transparent attempt to help with election theft in 2020. They now lie prostrate, in the bent heat of ignominy. Yet they have the uncanny proclivity to claim movement towards moral recompense.

Another crucial point for your consideration Secretary Blinken is that the Guyana diaspora is an immense resource for our national development, but a small element of that diaspora breaks American law by long-distance cultivation of conflict, including violent conflict in Guyana. While I have written extensively on migration, sovereignty, and related matters, I am not sure if it is legal for persons in the United States to cultivate violent racial antagonism in a foreign country.

Fifth, and finally, you no doubt know the old adage of political realism – “small states don’t matter.” We respectfully differ, and I feel confident that you do not subscribe to this realpolitik ‘dictat.’ Against those who reduce international affairs to international politics, where small states have no belonging, I suggest that a functioning world order is impossible without a moral compass that unremittingly points to global justice, to the equality of existence, and to the proposition that nous sommes petits mais avons de la dignité. I know you are aware and reject how President Wilson reacted to that most foundational Japanese proposal on world equal-

ity at Versailles. In so many ways it is odd that this country has been discursively reduced to oil and gas. Guyana is in fact a delightful land of immense cultural and natural diversity. People here have struggled against a formidable Maginot Line of economic and political isolation. Through the sheer dint of hard work and unflagging determination, the people of this soil have taken history into their own hands, climbing the ladder of upward social mobility, creating opportunities for themselves and others, both here and abroad. This is a place that has now found its voice, its step, its mojo. We are enjoined here to do nationally what President George W. Bush said of education in America, namely, to rid ourselves of “the soft bigotry of low expectations.” Your presence here is a moment of that path. Welcome again.

CDC conducts shelter management training in Kwakwani

THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Wednesday, wrapped up a threeday Shelter Management Training at the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building in Kwakwani, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice (Region 10).

A total of 15 persons from Kwakwani, Laderns -

ville and Aroaima were trained in various aspects of shelter management, all in preparation for EXERCISE TRADEWINDS 2023. EXERCISE TRADEWINDS 2023 culminates with an oil spill simulation exercise involving all relevant stakeholders. During the preparation pro-

cess, several trainings and activities are planned and will be executed so that all involved parties can be ready for such a hazard.

Participants praised the Commission for its dedication and thoroughness throughout the programme.

CDC facilitators (at far left and far right) with the participants

Dr Randolph Persaud

Infamy: Part 2

Let’s trace the manifestations of infamy in Guyana, before we continue with the manifestations of mob rule as described in Part 1 yesterday. The ubiquity of infamy characterised the APNU+AFC regime. It sacked 7,000 sugar workers that negatively impacted upon the lives of 42, 000 family members and relatives. At the time of this decision, the Stabroek News had (and has) a weekly column, edited by WPA aficionado, and Red Thread official, Dr. Alissa Trotz, named “In The Diaspora ” (ITD) which the strapline states is a column that informs readers in the diaspora about things that happens in Guyana that interest the

diaspora .

Judging from the complete absence of comments on the sugar estate tragedy in ITD, you would think that the diaspora folks of more than one million Guyanese world-wide were no longer interested in their homeland. At the time of the retrenchment, Moray House (MH) was doing a weekly symposium.

Let’s tell you who or what MH is. It is the residence that David DeCaires lived in. After his death, it was converted to an intellectual forum where there would be a monthly symposium on topics that are important to the nation. MH is administered by Stabroek News majority shareholder and daughter of Mr. DeCaires, Isabelle.

MH has weekly tea parties of the Mulatto/Creole Class (MCC) and is the popular site for birthday celebration of members of the MCC.

MH and ITD never featured a discussion on the no-confidence motion and avoided any mention of the five months of election rigging. If that is not infamy, then please define infamy for me, someone who thinks that he is educated enough to understand when an infamy occurs in society. But if you think infamy was the best description of the attitude of MH and ITD then the conduct of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) was incredibly infamous.

GHRA and TIGI in March to July 2020 became some of the most infamous organisations in the history of civil society operations in this country. If you think infamy died after August 2020 when a new president was sworn in, then your head was in another time zone. In Cotton Tree in Region Five, as part of the traditional violence that accompanies election defeat of the PNC, in September 2020, GHRA, other infamous civil society masqueraders, the usual suspects, and the private media turned the homicides of two African youths in a drug dispute into a racial inferno.

Here is a quote from the Stabroek News (SN) editorial of a few days ago (Sunday, July 2, 2023) looking back at that infamy of 2020; “Although originating in the murder of two African teenage cousins, the residents of the area imparted a racist interpretation.” That is an appalling fiction. That is a sickening denial of collaboration. The colum-

nists of the SN (with the exception of Ralph Ramkarran who is not an SN columnist), the SN itself and certain civil society misfits painted the Cotton tree homicides as Africans killed by supporters of the PPP, overzealous at their July election victory.

The SN gave daily coverage to the GHRA that urged with a vehement consistency that the government bring in Argentine forensic experts to scoop the area in search of blood remnants that will prove the cousins were killed by East Indians. The usual suspects wrote their usual long epistles in the newspapers putting a racial interpretation to the killings.

It lacerates every decent bone in one’s body to read last Sunday that SN says the race interpretation was the work of the villagers. No! That’s not the whole story. The villagers came to the racial verdict because they were fed the cool-aid of race baiting by the very names cited above. The infamy

of September 2020 took a tragic slide when African Guyanese brutalized a 16 year old Indian girl and her grandmother as they were going through Cotton Tree to get to the airport. This story of the child and her grandmother that the world has come to know about was because “Kit” Nascimento brought it to the attention of the Guyanese people. You want to see infamy created by civil society, the private press, and others, then read the letter the child wrote about her ordeal and her grandmother’s in a letter she published in the Guyana Chronicle after she made it to New York.

You want to see the existence of infamy in Guyana, then research the silence of the women groups in Guyana over what the child wrote. Part 3 will conclude with a look at the role of the press and civil society in creating further infamy over the Mahdia inferno and the plight of Dr. Randolph Persaud.

Labour Ministry promotes child rights, social justice with art competition

By Cassandra Khan

UNDER the theme, “Social Justice for All; End Child Labour,” the Ministry of Labour held a prize giving ceremony for the Child Art Competition in observance of World Day Against Child Labour, June 12, 2023, where eight of 42 children received prizes, and others received certificates.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, during his address at the ceremony on Wednesday, said that the elimination of child labour, in all of its forms, is one of the Ministry’s top priorities.

“As you are aware, the Ministry of Labour was established as a separate Ministry in 2020 when the PPP/C government took office. This is [in] recognition of the importance of labour in our development agenda and an indication of the government’s commitment to deal efficiently and effectively with issues connected to the labour ecosystem,” he said.

Noting that the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) statistics

estimate that one in every 10 children of all children worldwide is engaged in child labour, he said that this is concerning.

He related conscious efforts must be taken to ensure that policies and programme initiatives are effective so that the commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end child labour in all of its forms by 2025 is achieved.

“I wish to remind employers that they have a responsibility to prevent and eliminate this scourge in society and to ensure that the necessary due diligence in their business processes and supply chain is done to discourage involvement of child labour in the business systems,” Minister Hamilton stated.

Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Dhaneshwar Deonarine, explained that World Day Against Child Labour, which was first launched by the ILO in 2002, brings governments together with workers and employer organisations as well as civil society to highlight the plight of the children involved in work and what can be done to

help them.

He noted that the Ministry would usually host activities to raise awareness on the issues of child labour for the entire month of June. However, the Art competition was one of the new initiatives for 2023.

The Child Art Competition was first advertised on May 31, 2023, and submissions closed on June 12, 2023. The competition was open to children between the ages of eight and 16.

Some guidelines applied were that the entry should portray the theme; the submissions could either have been a drawing or a painting; and an explanation of the drawing or painting in no more than 100 words was needed.

CLO Deonarine said that three independent qualified judges received and judged 42 entries.

The entries were judged based on description, which is observational evidence and informed opinion, based on fact and detail; analysis, application of the evident technical elements and arrangement of the work; interpretation and evaluation, the narrative of the artwork in

relation to the project; the organization of ideas in sequence; and originality.

The eight winners are Joannah Manauf in first place, Subrina Peters in second, Quesana Wright in third, then Aneesah Mullah, Safiyyah Smith, Belinda Mohan, Sumaiya Amin and Sunil Nedd.

Debbie Persaud, the

Marketing Manager of Impressions which sponsored the competition, explained that they believe that the art competition provides a platform for the showcasing of talent, self-development and fostering the growth of healthy relationships for young Guyanese artists.

Persaud explained that the term child labour according to the website of the UN is defined as a word that deprives children of their childhood, their

potential and their dignity and that is harmful to physical and mental development.

“It refers to work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous which interferes with children’s access to education, obliging them to leave school prematurely, or requiring them to attempt to combine school attendance with excessively long head work,” she related.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton with participants of the Child Art Competition and others

First place winner, Joannah Manauf and the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton (Ministry of Labour Photo)

Special Committee concludes works on Single Window Bill – says AG

Bill promises relief from cumbersome planning process

THE Special Select Parliamentary Committee concluded works on the Planning and Development Single Window System Bill on Wednesday, now paving the way for the legislation to be passed in the National Assembly.

The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, made this announcement during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News’, on Tuesday.

The bill aims to ease

the burdensome planning process by introducing a single-window electronic processing system. This system will enhance business efficiency, particularly in the housing and

construction industries, which have been experiencing significant growth.

The proposed legislation includes provisions for the establishment of a

Planning Oversight Committee, which will centralise functions related to land-use preparation and development. It also aims to define the committee’s responsibilities and asso-

ciated matters.

“As you are aware now, to build you have to get planning permission and that planning permission will only be granted once a number of other permissions are granted. That process over the years [has] become a very cumbersome one. It is long, tiring; it is frustrating, and one experiences bottlenecks along the way. The single window system allows you to put in all your allocations for the various permissions at one single window,” Nandlall said.

He explained that the bill paves the way for a machinery to be established which takes an applicant’s various applications and send them to the different agencies to make the system hassle free.

Nandlall explained that the machinery “will then release the applications at the various agencies to ensure that it is not sitting on anyone’s desk for any undue period and will ensure that, at each stage of the process, the file is constantly pushed to avoid delay and to avoid the backlog currently [that] plagues the system.”

Additionally, the AG said that this will save millions of dollars and will remove the horrible administrative and bureaucratic red tapes which plague the system.

Once enacted, several agencies will become part of the single window. This includes Central Board of Health, the Ministry of Public Works, River and Defence Board, Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, National Trust of Guyana, Guyana Office for Investment, Land and registry Deeds registry, Guyana Water Incorpo -

rated, all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the local authorities inclusive of the municipalities among other agencies.

“Depending upon the nature of the project, you have to get permission from these agencies. Currently you have to go to each one, to get the individual approval.

“That is going to change in a fundamental way and you the citizen will be relieved of running from one agency to the other. All you will do is to put your documents in a single window and someone at that same window office will tell you check us back in four months,” AG said.

Against this backdrop, Nandlall said that at the select committee, the government and the opposition enjoyed “great rapport” and agreement on almost all the clauses for the bill.

“It’s a beautiful concept. If we can get this to work, it will save every one of us a lot of time, a lot of energy and a lot of money. So, this bill is one that will revolutionise the way we do business and obtain the various type of permits and permissions. We will be leading the way with this mechanism,” he said.

He added that the Single Window System is the brainchild of President Irfaan Ali, who must be recognised for his “visionary leadership.”

The implementation of the single-window system forms part of the government’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment and improve the ease of doing business through an electronic portal that allows investors to submit planning and building permits and check the status of the permits from anywhere in the world.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

Immediate hiring at GYSBI Career Fair in Region Three

THE Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYBSI), will host a Career Fair on July 9, 2023 at the West Demerara Secondary School, Region Three.

The one-day fair, which will run from 09:00hrs to 16:00hrs will see hiring being done on the spot to fill various positions, including bulldozer operators, excavator operators, front-end operators, roller operators, skid steer operators, mechanics, Human Resources Officers, dispatcher, banksmen, QHSSE officers, operations assistant, among others.

These persons are expected to support a component of the gas-to-energy project, which is being undertaken by the Government

of Guyana and ExxonMobil Guyana.

Gomatie Gangadin, Public Relations Manager of GYSBI, said that the company is desirous of hiring people from that region since it is there that the project will be based.

“Our goal has always been to create opportunities for Guyanese in all facets of our operations and this career fair is geared towards doing exactly that. This project will be executed in Region Three where the gas-to-energy project is being undertaken and as such, we would like to provide employment to persons who are living there,” she said.

The activity will also provide the opportunity

for GYSBI to scope out the skillsets and expertise, which are available in the region, for future employment opportunities on the project.

“So, there are numerous positions that we will be hiring persons to fill directly but it will also give us an idea of what are some of the skills we have over here that we can utilise or tap into when other opportunities open up,” the GYBSI representative noted.

Persons who are interested in these positions are encouraged to walk with their resume, ID card, academic certificates, TIN certificate, COVID vaccination card and two references.

(Flashback) GYSBI Career fair, which was held at the Guyana National Stadium in September 2021

$2B in contracts inked for first secondary school in Kwebanna

By Naomi Parris

SIX contracts worth $2.017 billion were signed on Wednesday to construct a modern secondary school that will benefit over 600 students from Kwebanna village and nearby areas in Region One.

The project comprises a six-lot facility which is scheduled to be completed within seven to eight months. Contracts were awarded to Singh and Son Construction, Bree’s Enterprise, Supreme Contracting and Supplies, and AS Construction.

The facility will have over 30 classrooms, laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Information Technology, TVET, Home Economics, and Industrial Technology. It will also have an auditorium, a staff room, and fire alarm systems, and will be powered by solar energy.

A dormitory to house 250 students and teachers’ duplex living quarters for

25 teachers will also be constructed.

Importantly, the stateof-the-art facility will be designed to meet the policy set by the ministry for improved and universal secondary education.

During the signing cer-

emony at the ministry’s boardroom, Minister Priya Manickchand said the government has embarked on an aggressive programme to provide access to secondary education across Guyana.

Being the first second-

ary school in Kwebanna, when completed, the learning centre will serve the villages of Kwebanna, Santa Cruz, Waikerebi, Chinese Landing, Kokerite, Kariako, Warapoka, Assakata, and Unity Grant. The primary school

Excitement builds as Jehovah’s Witnesses prepare for baptismal event at Regional Convention

MICHAEL Rodrigues of Eccles, East Bank

Demerara eagerly anticipates July 8, 2023, the day he will step into the pool at the Leonora Track and Field Stadium to get baptised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“I grew up around Jehovah’s Witnesses but never took them seriously,” Michael shared, adding, “It has been a long road for me with lots of challenges. However, in the last two years, at the age of 46, I studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in earnest and made the necessary adjustments to qualify for baptism. I am so thankful, as well as excited,

to be just a few days away from the most important moment of my life. I look forward to the opportunities that baptism will allow me to enjoy.”

Conventioneers will look on as Michael joins other congregants who will also be fully immersed in the baptismal pool, highlighting the second day of the three-day “Exercise Patience”! Regional Convention of the Witnesses.

The morning session begins at 9:20 a.m. and culminates with a talk preceding the baptism event. Another highlight of the convention’s second day

will be the first of a two-part prerecorded feature Bible drama.

“The Saturday programme at our annual conventions is always a highlight of the three days,” said Andre Darrell, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The significance of the baptism and the powerfully compelling drama in the afternoon make quite an impact on those attending.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world for more than 100 years prior to April 2020, when the organ-

at Kewbanna is currently accommodating the students and the population there is overwhelmingly increasing.

“We have contractors; more than one. This was divided into six lots because we want to see simultaneous work happening at the same time, so what we want is to be able to not have one contractor do the foundation and walls or plumbing and electricals. As the foundations and walls are going up, electricals and plumbing and landscaping [are] happening so that we can have everything finished at the same time,” Manickchand said.

She warned contractors that they will face penalties if they are unable to deliver on the terms specified in their respective contracts.

“A lot of this will depend on whether the contractors are true to their contract; if you can’t do it according to your contract terms we are going

to have to apply liquated damages.”

The first and second lots of the building will see site development substructure works on the school being done by Supreme Contracting and Supplies.

Meanwhile, the remaining lots will see the construction of a dormitory and teachers’ quarters, which will be executed by Bree’s Enterprise, AS Construction and Singh and Son Construction. Additionally, the facility will be outfitted with a lecture hall, science laboratories, student canteen and cafeteria, student dormitory and visitor area, teachers living quarters and fire prevention mechanisms such as metal ceilings, fire alarms, escape doors and fire-retardant panels.

Recently, two new state-of-the-art schools, the Good Hope Secondary School, Region Four, and the Abram Zuil Secondary school, Region Two, were commissioned.

isation cancelled all its in-person events around the world.

After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, the summer of 2023 marks the first time the Witnesses will gather at much larger regional events around the world.

For more information on the programme or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab. Local Spokesman Darrell can be contacted on 617-9089 or adarrell@jw.org

A contractor along with Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Permanent Secretary Alfred King following the signing of contracts (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

Laluni Leaders using carbon credit funds to boost ‘agri’ production

its have been attracting more global buyers.

Carbon credits, also known as carbon offsets, are permits or tradeable licenses that represent the removal or reduction of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for emissions made elsewhere.

By Naomi Parris

TARGETED initiatives for boosting agriculture production have been planned by community development leaders and residents of Laluni to claim the title as Guyana's leading citrus hub.

These initiatives will be funded by the money they have received from the recent sale of the country’s carbon credits.

Community Development Chairman (CDC), Julian Mohabir, in a recent interview with this publication disclosed that several consultations and community meetings were held with the residents to establish and outline robust plans to meet the needs of the community.

Laluni, which is located just 12 miles off the

Linden Soesdyke Highway, has a population of over 300 persons, many of whom are farmers.

Citrus fruits, such as cherries and oranges, are found in abundance, while they cultivate cash crops on a smaller scale. Livestock is also reared on a small scale.

“The residents of the community decided they want an excavator, we decided to purchase the excavator, and soon the excavator will be in the village,” Mohabir said.

He explained the excavator will be used to construct dams, clear lands, improve drainage and rebuild a few farmto-market roads that were abandoned for several years.

“The excavator is to open back the old road for farmers so they can get to the market, the

road was abandoned, and farmers had to fetch their load a far way to reach the vehicle and that will help them.”

The community has received over GY$24 million and some GY$19 million was set aside to purchase and service the heavy machinery.

Meanwhile, the remaining funds will repair and maintain a community canter to provide farmers with efficient transportation services for their goods.

“The main crop in the village right now is citrus, mainly cherry, Laluni produces the most cherries in the country and the roads and transportation are the main issues most farmers and residents have and this canter will really help them so they could market and sell.”

Additionally, Mohabir disclosed that the council has outlined a 10-year plan, which will focus on diversifying the community’s economy, empowering youths, promoting tourism, and advancing education.

He hopes that these plans can also be funded by carbon credits.

Farmer and former community leader, Zita Daniels, lauded Mohabir for his efforts in making representation for the community, which she believes is often forgotten.

Daniels, who still tills the soil, explained that many farmers would have faced hardships transporting their goods, from the farms to the market.

Daniels usually sells her produce to vendors in the community, who would travel along the Soesdyke highway or to the capital city, Georgetown, to find a market for the produce.

However, her farm is located in an area referred to as ‘number 4’ in the community, which she says has a really bad road.

This road is one of many that the council intends to fix with the use of the excavator.

The Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART), in December 2022, issued the world’s first TREES credits to Guyana.

This marked a milestone as it was the first time a country was issued

carbon credits specifically designed for the voluntary and compliance carbon markets for successfully preventing forest loss and degradation — a process known as jurisdictional REDD+.

Following the completion of an independent validation and verification process and approval by the ART Board of Directors, ART issued 33.47 million TREES credits to Guyana for the five-year period from 2016 to 2020.

This paved the way for a historic agreement between Hess Corporation and the Government of Guyana, whereby the oil giants opted to purchase about one-third of all Guyana’s credits (issued and anticipated) up to 2030.

The agreement will generate a minimum of US$750 million for Guyana over the coming decade and represents a major milestone on the journey towards a vision first set out in 2007.

During a recent interview, Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed that the country’s carbon cred -

While the sale of the carbon credits had garnered mixed reactions with some complaints being made that the funds were inadequate, Jagdeo contended that a look into the global voluntary market showed that the country received a good deal for its lush rainforests and environmental stewardship.

He further explained the arrangement can provide far more money if credits increase in value when traded in secondary marketplaces.

A way to value the carbon trees store is by issuing forest carbon credits by independent verification organisations. Companies can purchase these tradable credits as a way of recognising that carbon stored in forests is one aspect of the solution to achieving a global climate, where one tonne of carbon dioxide has been decreased, avoided, or sequestered for every carbon credit.

Following consultations in over 200 indigenous communities, Dr. Jagdeo in February of this year announced that each community would receive between GY$10 million and G$35 million, which represents 15 per cent of the money the country received from selling its carbon credits.

Laluni is among several indigenous communities that have recently benefitted from the sale of Guyana’s Carbon Credits (Japheth Savoury photos)

CDC, Chairman Julian Mohabir

Leaders have outlined targeted investments to boost the community’s citrus production and ease the transportation woes of farmers

CARICOM's Golden Jubilee: Commonwealth SG hails Caribbean’s leadership, progress

COMMONWEALTH

Secretary General (SG)

Patricia Scotland joined Caribbean leaders and eminent guests Tuesday to celebrate the 50 years of CARICOM’s leadership, unity and progress, while pledging her continued support to the organisation.

She paid tribute to the organisation at the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Port-of-Spain on July 4, 2023. The conference was hosted by The Rt. Hon. Keith Christopher Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and chaired by H.E. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica.

On July 4, 1973, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas in Trinidad and Tobago, which led to

the establishment of the Caribbean Community. Today, CARICOM has 15 members; 12 are part of the Commonwealth and five are associate members.

Speaking on CARICOM’s 50th anniversary, the Commonwealth Secretary General expressed her pride and admiration for the Caribbean, adding: “Today is a great day for the Caribbean

and a special day for the Commonwealth as we come together to celebrate CARICOM’s golden jubilee. The Caribbean, despite its relatively small size, has consistently been at the forefront of tackling the most significant challenges of our time.

“Their contributions have enriched our Commonwealth family in immeasurable ways, and today our partnership,

grounded in principled and practical action, on a wide array of initiatives is stronger than ever before.”

During the establishment of CARICOM, Caribbean leaders confronted a period marred by racism, inequality, climate change and economic issues. Secretary General Scotland, acknowledging their visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, commended their efforts in building a brighter future for generations to come.

She also applauded the Caribbean’s leadership in advocating for the reform of the global financial system, particularly through the Bridgetown Initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, while reiterating the Commonwealth’s full support for the effort.

Secretary Gener -

al Scotland went on to speak about the Commonwealth’s longstanding engagement with the Caribbean, highlighting the remarkable impact of the Climate Finance Access Hub which was launched in 2015 with an investment of US $6 million.

To date, the hub has unlocked over US $276 million in climate finance for 19 Commonwealth member countries, including US $52 million for Caribbean member countries. An additional US $500 million worth of projects are currently in the pipeline.

Recognising the importance of digital skills in a rapidly evolving world, she spoke about the Commonwealth’s efforts to train thousands of young people in digital literacy and bridge the digital divide for small states.

During her address, she pointed out the achievements of the Commonwealth under the leadership of Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal, the first Caribbean and the longest serving Secretary General.

Under his leadership, Secretary-General Scotland added, the Commonwealth led the charge against racism in Southern Africa, played a pioneering role in sustainable development, and raised awareness of the dangers of climate change.

Noting the challenges ahead, the Secretary-General expressed her unwavering support for CARICOM’s growth and success, affirming her belief in the organisation’s ability to overcome challenges and pursue common goals for the greater good.

Mahdia School Fire: Girl, 15, now faces 20 murder charges

A 15-year-old schoolgirl, who is currently before the courts on 19 murder charges for the devastating Mahdia School dormitory fire, was, on Thursday, charged for the murder of another victim who died days after the fire.

The teen reappeared via Zoom before Magistrate Sunil Scare at Diamond Magistrate’s Court where the charge was re-read to her after the particulars of the charge were amended with the name of Sherana Daniels to make it 20 victims.

The new charge alleged that during the course of arson committed on May 21, she murdered Tracil Thomas, Lisa Roberts, Delecia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arriana Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Subrina John, Martha Dandrade, Loreen Evans, Belnisa Evans, Mary Dandrade, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Sherena Daniels, Eulander Carter, Andrea Roberts, Bibi Jeffrey, Adanye Jerome and Sherana Daniels.

The teen was not required to plead and was further remanded to the Juvenile Holding Centre. The matter was adjourned until July 20, for further report and additional statements.

The police had disclosed that the teen was identified

as a suspect after investigators were told that she set the fire after her cellular phone was taken away by the ‘dorm mother’ and a teacher.

At the time of the fire, there were 57 female students in the dormitory, a one-flat concrete building measuring about 100 feet by 40 feet with

several windows, all grilled, and five doors.

According to the reports reaching this publication, fire/ smoke was first spotted in the bathroom area. Unfortunately, it quickly engulfed the entire building, trapping many of the students and a five-yearold boy. Several of the stu-

dents managed to escape with minor burns and injuries.

Those who were pulled from the burning building were rushed to the Mahdia District Hospital, where five of them were pronounced dead.

After the fire was extinguished, 14 burnt bodies were

found. The death toll from the devastating blaze now stands at 19 young girls and a fiveyear-old boy.

Samples that were sent to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York for DNA analyses, confirmed the identification of the dead children. The cause of death for each of them was

given as smoke inhalation and burns.

A total of 29 female students were injured and were promptly assessed and treated. A 13-year-old girl, who was one of the two listed as critically injured, was transported to New York for urgent specialised care.

Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland

GPHC strengthens cardiac care with Adult Cardiac Surgery Department

— lone open-heart surgeon Dr. Pradeep Ramkoomar leads team

TO provide complex and often costly medical procedures for free, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is investing in infrastructure, specialised equipment, consumables, and human resource development.

This is in keeping with GPHC’s dedication to improving the country's cardiovascular care.

In April 2023, the Global Heart Journal published research un-

dertaken by the Guyana Programme to Advance Cardiac Care (GPACC), citing that Guyana has one of the highest rates of cardiovascular mortality in South America with 291.9 deaths for every 100,000 people –54 per cent higher than the global average.

In fact, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) cites ischemic heart disease as the leading cause of death in Guyana, accounting for 15 per cent

of the total deaths annually. With this reality in mind, the availability of the requisite expertise to treat a range of heart conditions is extremely important.

Through the provision of private-public partnerships, significant headway has been made to address the surgical needs of Guyana’s adult population but at a cost to patients with some support provided by the Government of Guyana.

However, to ensure that the trajectory of Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure is positioned to address the country’s epidemiological profile, there is a need for permanence in the availability of adult open-heart surgery and management.

In 2020, Surgeon, Dr. Pradeep Ramkoomar, with support from the GPHC, commenced a three-year fellowship training in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, India.

Having successfully completed this fellowship, Dr. Ramkoomar is now the only adult openheart surgeon in Guyana. His return to the GPHC in 2023 signifies tremendous headway in the provision of world class healthcare for the people of Guyana.

Dr. Ramkoomar’s training which included beating heart sur -

gery and conventional on-pump bypass with exposure to robotics and minimally invasive cardiac surgery at the revered super specialty cardiovascular hospital in Chennai, has positioned him to pioneer the establishment of a department of Adult Cardiac Surgery at the GPHC.

This department will facilitate the routine provision of coronary artery bypass surgeries and heart valve replacements and repairs among other open-heart procedures for persons with coronary artery and valvular heart diseases.

Additionally, the department will augment the GPHC’s current clinical and interventional arms of the Cardiovascular services with the provision of full-time surgical support.

At present, at least four patients are identified weekly who require open-heart surgeries at the GPHC, in addition

to a backlog of patients awaiting these procedures who may have otherwise had to travel out of the country and pay to access these life-saving interventions.

With the establishment of the department of Adult Cardiac Surgery, the GPHC will have the capacity to provide elective and emergency coverage for services such as minimally invasive valve surgeries and transcatheter aortic and mitral valve replacements.

With continued support from GPHC’s administration, Dr. Pradeep Ramkoomar continues to advocate for the establishment of a sustainable and reliable model of adult cardiovascular care which mimics the more successful centres worldwide which operate independently with clinical, interventional, and surgical arms under their purview.

Dr. Pradeep Ramkoomar

Efforts intensified ahead of Guyana’s CFATF assessment - says AG

— legislation, regulatory reforms target real estate sector and establish compliance commission

GUYANA is taking steps to boost its Anti Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) measures before an upcoming on-site evaluation and examination by a Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) evaluation.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, during his programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday evening, highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s AML/CFT framework.

“Work continues on the AML/CFT as Guyana prepares for an on-site evaluation and examination to be conducted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force of Guyana’s financial sector scheduled to take place in September of this year.… We have implemented a number of administrative decisions and measures, as well as checked many aspects of our legislative architecture,” he said

One area that the government has targetted for regulation is the real estate industry, which has been identified as a risk due to the high volume of property sales and rental transactions taking place in Guyana.

To address this concern, Nandlall revealed, “We have prepared a Real Estate Bill that is now ready to be taken to Parliament after a cabinet subcommittee considers it.”

The bill aims to establish a regulatory framework for real estate agents and brokers, ensuring proper oversight and compliance within the industry.

Nandlall stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders in the process of developing the real estate bill.

He said, “We concluded several rounds of consultation with many important stakeholders, in particular, the real estate agents themselves because they are the main subjects of the regulatory framework that the bill establishes.”

He added, “The bill is a consensual one, meaning that we have received full support from every real estate agent with whom we have interacted.”

In addition to addressing the regulation of specific industries, Guyana aims to strengthen its overall AML/ CFT structure by establishing the Guyana Compliance Commission through the Guyana Compliance Commission Bill 2023.

Nandlall highlighted the need for a dedicated regulatory body, stating, “In our AML/CFT structure, it has been recognised that there are agencies that have no regulator or supervisor to lead them.”

“This compliance commission will act as the regulator and supervisor in areas where a proper regulatory framework is absent, ensuring compliance with international standards,” the AG said.

He also discussed the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which aims to enhance Guyana’s AML/CFT legislation.

He explained that that was in keeping with the People’s Progressive Party Civic-led government’s commitment to staying up-to-date with international recommendations and transparency.

“We have constantly updated this aspect of our laws to keep up with recommendations that emanate from the Financial Action Task Force and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.”

The amendments, which

focus on empowering authorities to forfeit assets and seize proceeds of crime, will be presented to the National Assembly ahead of the CFATF evaluation in September.

Highlighting the significance of targetting criminals’ financial assets, Nandlall said, “It is recognised worldwide that one of the most effective ways of dealing with the criminal is to hit him in the pocket or hit them financially.”

He expressed the government’s determination to strengthen its legal framework for asset forfeiture and proceeds of crime, noting, “Our law was not as strong as it should be in that regard.”

Nandlall acknowledged the international support received, stating that they had received help from the Regional Security Services of the Caribbean and the National Center for State Courts.

The Attorney General underscored the importance of international collaboration in combating financial crimes

“If you’re able to dismantle the criminal empire, then you dismantle the criminal conduct. And that is where our laws are now playing and as a type of enforcement that we will have to focus on in the next few years.”

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

Westminster are Region Three champions

WESTMINSTER Secondary are champions of the Region Three district of the Digicel Schools football tournament 2023.

Following a closely contested battle against Leonora at the Leonora Track and Field Centre , Westminster were carried all the way to penalties and won 5-4

Ezra Clarke (10th) and Ezekiel Caesar (20th) were the goal scorers for the winners while Leonora had Tromayne Hercules (14th) and Jashua Medouze (29th)

In the third - place play off , Vreed - en - Hoop won 3-0 on penalty kicks after a two-goal stalemate at the end of regulation time against Patentia

Vreed - en - Hoop had Nicgut Boyce ( 25th ) and Gregory Mckoy (57th) on target while Patentia had Marvin Jeffrey (18th) and Devon Forde (63rd)

In the Region Four (East Bank ) semi - finals , Friendship Secondary won 4-2 on penalties against Diamond Secondary Jadon Gordon (40th) scored for the winners while Simeon James (28th) scored for Diamond

Meanwhile , Soesdyke won 7-1 against Houston with braces from Levi Sampson (22nd 47th and 48th), Antwon Pollard (26th and 31st), along with Joshua Thomas (5th) and Anderson Webber ( 19 th ). Houston had Israel Bermudez (65th) on target

In Region Five, Mahaicony Technical Institute won 4-2 on penalties against Bush

Lot with Duward Wilson (3rd) scoring for the eventual winners and Quancey Fraser (5th ) scoring for the losers

Berbice Educational Institute beat Berbice High 5-1 thanks to goals from Marvin Arjune ( 32 nd and 69 th) and single strikes from Colisi Scipio (54th), Jomal Adams (56th) and T jon Reid (58th).

Berbice High ’ s lone goal came from Reuel Rudolph

Meanwhile , in today ’ s fixtures, Hosororo will play Port Kaituma at Green Park from 13:00hrs in the lone Region One encounter

In Region Two, the regional final will take place at Anna Regina ground with yesterday’s semi-finalist, Abram Zuil and Charity facing off from 14:30hrs Abraham Zuil won 4-0 against Cotton Field while Charity won 4-1 against Anna Regina.

In Region Six , semifinal action continues from 14:30hrs with New Amsterdam and Vryman ’ s Erven clashing at Scott ’ s ground

Over in Region 10, the semi - finals put Christianburg against McKenzie High from 14:30hrs while Kwakwani will play Wisburg from 16:00hrs

Over at the Ministry of Education ground in Georgetown , Brickdam and South Ruimveldt will face off from 17:00hrs.

King’s century leads West Indies to victory

CMC – Opener Brandon King struck a second OneDay International hundred as under-pressure West Indies halted their three-game losing skid with a convincing seven-wicket over Oman in their penultimate game of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers here Wednesday.

Tasked with chasing 222 at the Harare Sports Club, West Indies managed to shake off the ghosts of the last two weeks and reel in their target in the 40th over, with the right-handed King top-scoring with exactly 100 from 104 deliveries

Captain Shai Hope guided his side over the line with an unbeaten 63 of 65 balls, the Caribbean side enduring little discomfort in a straightforward run chase over the Gulf state which only attained ODI status four years ago and is comprised largely of semi-professionals.

Sent in earlier, Oman made a fist of it by gathering 221 for nine from their 50 overs, Suraj Kumar (53 not out) and Shoaib Khan (50) getting fifties, and Kashyap Prajapati (31) and Ayaan Khan (30) chipping in with valuable knocks

Fast bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd, in only his third game of the campaign, finished with three for 44 while medium pacer Kyle Mayers picked up two for 31

The points gained from the win were meaningless, however, with West Indies already eliminated from contention for a place at the World Cup in India later this year following their devastating defeat to Scotland last weekend

“[The performance] is a little too late, unfortunately But I’m happy to see the strides that we have taken especially in the past few games that we played,” Hope said afterwards

“In international cricket now, there are no walk-

overs Every team has quality players [so] you have to respect the game of cricket, and I think that’s what we

Over 2M in Prizes for ‘Keep Your Five Alive’ Football Tournament

THE ninth (9th) edition of Keep Your Five Alive Football Tournament kicked off this month and will bring together 32 teams from across the country, each vying for glory and the ultimate prize of $950,000.

Organised by Kevin Adonis , the tournament , aptly named Keep Your Five Alive, was birthed due to Adonis’ experiences in his youth while living in Tiger Bay, Georgetown

He explained that “We used to play from the crack of dawn, until the final team got tired So, we literally played until we couldn’t anymore and that was the genesis of my tournament, several years later.”

Spectators were treated to an electrifying performance last Saturday, when

the first match of the tournament began The competition’s co-ordinator Adonis, said that this first game set the stage for the remainder of the competition The matches are being held at the National Gymnasium in Georgetown

The games set for July are on the 8, 15 and 22 while those in August will be played on the 5th, 12th and 26th

When asked what persons can expect this year , Adonis said “ Every game is played like a final! You can expect lots of excitement, competitive football, family fun, giveaways and fan interactions.”

As part of the Keep Your Five Alive Committee’s dedication to ensuring fans have a good time, there will be many giveaways Adonis stated that “This year

the concept is 9-5, since it’s our 9th year for Keep your Five Alive So, that’s why the top prize is $950,000! One lucky fan will also pay 95% less for a brand-new scooter , compliments of Rock Auto Trans on Charlotte Street, Georgetown Fans will also have a chance to engage in a half - time kick off competition , when persons who score a penalty will win $ 9500 immediately ! Plus , 5 GT beers will be sold for $950 at our games -- true to the 9-5 concept.”

He added that “This year we’re introducing a female tournament titled the MVP Sports Female Championship. Eight (8) female teams are in the competition this year and will be competing for the top prize of $200,000.”

did today.”

“We played quality cricket from the start Obviously, we got the advantage of bowling first this time around but we’ve got to respect the cricket game.”

Opener Jatinder Singh (8) and captain Aqib Ilyas (1) both fell cheaply to leave Oman 29 for two in the seventh over before Ayaan Khan put on 30 for the third wicket with opener Prajapati and a further 36 for the fourth wicket with Mohammad Nadeem (20) to stablise the innings.

However, a cluster of wickets – three going down for 21 runs – left Oman stumbling at 116 for six in the 32nd over but Suraj and Shoaib bailed their side out in an excellent stand of 85 for the seventh wicket

The 34-year-old Suraj struck five fours and a six off 65 deliveries while Shoaib, 30, counted five fours and a six in a breezy 54-ball innings

Once Shoaib was run out at the non-striker’s end in the 47th, however, Oman lost impetus and there was no grand finish

In reply, Johnson Charles failed again with four – his fourth single digit score in his last five outings – when he was clean bowled by 32-year-old pacer Kaleemullah in the second over with just seven runs on the board.

But any hopes of a shock win were quickly squashed by King, the right-hander hitting 15 fours while putting on 80 for the second wicket with Keacy Carty (29), and 96 for the third with Hope who lashed four fours and two sixes

King , whose maiden ODI century came on last month’s tour of United Arab Emirates, strolled to his fifty off 47 deliveries in the 17th over before reaching triple figures in the 35th over off 102 balls

He unfortunately perished four balls later to a catch at the wicket but Hope put the finishing touches on the chase in a 39-run, unbroken fourth wicket stand with Nicholas Pooran (19 not out).

West Indies face Sri Lanka in their final game on Friday.

(Thursday July 06, 2023)

Brandon King scored a brisk fifty against Oman July 05, 2023 (ICC via Getty Images)

West Indies women defeat Ireland in first T20I

WEST INDIES Women

defeated Ireland Women by 2 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three - match series at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground

Batting first , Ireland were restricted to 112/7 in their 20 overs , thanks to economical and accurate bowling by Hayley Matthews 4-0-22-3, Cherry-Ann Fraser 3-0-22-2 and debutant Ashmini Munisar 4-016-1 Ireland captain Laura Delany top-scored with 34 followed by Eimear Richardson with 22

In their run - chase , the West Indies lost wickets in consistent periods which slowed their scoring and forced it down to the last ball for a result Skipper Hayley Matthews top-scored with 37 followed by Afy Fletcher with a valuable 19 when the game looked like it was slipping away from the home team. But Vice-Captain Shemaine Campbelle guided the team to a final ball single and take victory

The West Indies Women won the first T20 by 2 wickets

Speaking after the match, Matthews said “ A lot of nerves coming down to the end but still a lot of positives

we can take from today ’ s game . We did a good job restricting Ireland to 112 on a really good batting wicket Personally, I was happy to

contribute to the win Ashmini Munisar making her debut, how economical she bowled and taking her first wicket was one of the posi-

tives and it’s a good sign for the future.”

For fans unable to get to the games in St Lucia , the CG United ODI Series

will be exclusively live on RUSH Sports in the Caribbean and on BT Sport in the UK & Ireland The matches will also be shown around the world on FanCode ( India ), ESPN + ( USA ), Sky NZ (NZ), SuperSport ( sub - Saharan Africa ) and in all other countries on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel

FULL SQUAD: Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain ), Aaliyah Alleyne , Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser , Shabika Gajnabi , Zaida James , Djenaba Joseph , Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams,

T20 International Series:

1st T20I: West Indies won by 2 wickets

2nd T20I: Thursday July 6

3rd T20I: Saturday July 8

Prem’s Electrical Championships concludes Sunday

EXCITEMENT is building as the Prem’s Electrical Group 2 Championship reaches its climax this Sunday at the South Dakota Grand Prix , powered by ENet The championship is tightly contested with top drivers Shan Seejatan and Chet Singh tied at 43 points each . Their fierce competition has set the stage for an epic battle on the racetrack, while Peter Morgan , Mark Williams , and Rameez Mohamed closely trail behind

Shan Seejatan: The Dominant Force

Shan Seejatan has been a dominant force in Group 2 racing , showcasing both exceptional driving skills and consistency throughout the season Despite suffering a DNF (did not finish) in the opening round, Shan quickly rebounded and secured

a win in the next race with his Honda Civic With one victory and an impressive points tally , Shan aims to extend his lead and clinch the championship title

Chet Singh : A Former Champion’s Determination

Chet Singh , a former champion in Group 2 racing, is determined to reclaim his throne Although Chet faced adversity in the early rounds, including a DNF, he returned with a resounding victory in the third race, demonstrating his unwavering determination With his eyes firmly set on the championship, Chet seeks to halt Shan Seejatan’s domination and again establish his supremacy

Rameez Mohamed: The Challenger with a Revamped Honda Civic

Rameez Mohamed has quietly been making waves in the Group 2 champion -

ship Despite sitting in fifth place , Rameez has shown flashes of brilliance , culminating in a race victory during the opening rounds Fueling his ambitions, Rameez has invested time and effort into completely overhauling his Honda Civic , hoping to unleash its full potential at the South Dakota Grand Prix With a rejuvenated car and a desire to dethrone the reigning champions , Rameez poses a significant threat to Shan and Chet

Peter Morgan: The Podium Consistency

While Shan , Chet , and Rameez have grabbed the spotlight with their victories, Peter Morgan has been the epitome of consistency With a Ford Fiesta that has proven reliable and fast, Peter has consistently finished on the podium, accumulating valu-

Rameez Mohamed and Shan Seejattan are expected back in action (Ackeem Thomas photo) able points race after race

Despite trailing the leaders by just one point, Peter understands that a strong performance in the upcoming race can catapult him to the top of the standings

The Mechanics’ Battle

Behind every successful driver is a skilled and dedicated team of mechanics . The Prem’s Electrical Group 2 Championship also witnesses a captivating battle among the mechanics who strive to deliver the best-performing cars for their driv-

ers. Brian Ten Pow, Mark Barker, and Balram Ramdeo have been tirelessly working to fine-tune their respective cars , ensuring the perfect balance of speed, handling, and reliability The outcome of the championship hinges on the ability of these mechanics to extract every ounce of performance from their vehicles.

The Prem ’ s Electrical Group 2 Championship at the South Dakota Grand Prix powered by ENet promises a thrilling event in an ac -

tion - packed season With the top contenders Shan Seejatan, Chet Singh, Rameez Mohamed, and Peter Morgan battling it out for glory, fans can expect intense wheelto - wheel action and fierce rivalries on the track As the drivers push their limits and the mechanics fine-tune their machines, the outcome of the championship remains to be determined

The stage is set for an unforgettable race determining who will emerge as the championship leader

GMR&SC South Dakota Grand prix

Darthan Investments looking to build on good form

WITH the days swiftly closing in for the second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Circuit racing championship, one team is looking to springboard off their round- one performance.

Paul Jiwanram with his Suzuki Swift, Azad Hassan with his Toyota AE91 and Troy Muir with his Toyota Starlet make up the Darthan Racing team sponsored by Darthan investments

The team had a favorable point hall in round one and will be looking for another successful race meet come this weekend in the South Dakota Grand Prix

HASSAN LEADING SPORTS TUNER (1600CC )

Hassan, who drives the Green GUYOIL/Darthan Racing AE91, currently leads the Sport Tuner class with a clean sweep of round one -- three wins from three events

His nearest competitor is Ryan Raha-

man who sits on 51 points and Mohamed Ahamad who has 48

“ We are looking to continue this good run of form for my class especially I’m looking forward to that this coming Sunday and I think that we have the car to do just that.”

“I think its most important though that we do not get carried away and take it race by race The Darthan team has been behind me in the days leading up to this event and the result will be just as much mine is it is theirs.”

MUIR AIMS HIGH FOR STREET TUNER GLORY (1500)

On the converse side, Troy Muir, the 2E GUYOIL / Darthan Racing - sponsored Toyota Starlet is currently fourth in the Street Tuner (1500cc) class and will have some work to do as he heads into round two

Currently on 36 points , Muir has Jorge Ramirez (37 points), Naresh Alves ( 38 points ) and Vickey Persaud ( 50

Guinness Senior National C/ships Competitive Squash highlights opening night

By Sean Devers

WATCHED by a fair - sized gathering at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street, competitive Squash highlighted the opening night of Guinness Senior National Championships on Tuesday with Brian Young and Brian Edwards matching racquets in the longest game of an entertaining evening

With the not so young Brian Young jumping out to an 11-3, 11-7 lead, the third game tested the stamina of the over-50 veterans as both players refused to lose Edwards took an early lead in the third set but Young got back into the contest with some excellent squash to level the scores at 10-10

But everytime Edwards was on game point Young would win the next point until an exhausted Edwards finally managed to take the game 19-17

However , that was the only game Edwards won as Young took the fourth stanza 11-2 to win the match 3-1.

Rob Edwards beat Dennis Dias in an-

other energy-sapping match-up between the pair as Dias looked to turn back the clock before Edwards eventually took the over-50 match 12-10, 5-11, 11-7, 12-10 while Narendra Singh defeated Lloyd Fung-a-Fat 11-7, 11-7, 11-13, in the other over-50 contest

In the Women ’ s National draw , Kirsten Gomes beat Malia Maikoo 11-1, 11-1, 11, while Larissa Wiltshire got past Safirah Summer 11-2.11-2, 11-6 in the other Women’s match of the Evening.

In the Men’s draw, Ben Mekdeci beat Josh Verwey 11-1, 11-4, 11-4, Jason Van Dijk beat Chad De Abreu 11-7, 11-3, 11-

4, Steven Xavier got the better of Andrew Peroune 11-4, 11-4, 11-5, Peter de Groot beat Richard Rodrigues 11-3,11-1, 11-3, Samuel Ince - Carvalhal defeated Justin Ten-Pow 11-3, 11-4, 11-5, Jerazeno Bell beat Lee Fung - a - Fat 11-2 , 11-6 , 11-1 , Jonathan Antczak defeated Dane Pereira 11-2, 11-8, 11-7 and Michael Alphonso beat Miguel Wong 11-0, 11-2, 11-6

The action was scheduled to continue last evening.

points) all ahead of him

The task, however, is not daunting

“Last event, I had two second place finishes and one Did Not Finish (DNF) and that DNF cost me But there is nothing I can do about it now I just need to put my head down and drive to recover those points.”

“I think the car is good enough to do the job and the Darthan team have again done a massive job of preparing the car as we head into round two,” Muir added

JIWANRAM SEES PROMISING SIGNS FROM THE SWIFT

Meanwhile, the Suzuki Swift of Paul Jiwanram showed promise in round one despite him exiting the first race early due to a damaged back hub

He, however, returned in the second and the third race, finishing fifth both times to cap off the weekend

“Round one started well for us, the car was showing promise in the street tuner until we had an unfortunate in-

cident with another competitor That ended our first race.”

We were able to back out in races two and three and I think we did decent considering the damage the car had sustained in race one This round we are aiming for podiums.”

“But these [incidents] are some of the things I think the officials need to look at and rope in; there are a lot of new drivers on track not observing the rules and etiquette of driving It is something I hope the stewards and race officials look at come Sunday for round two.”

Jiwaram’s Suzuki is sponsored also by Leading Technology , Ad Nation Guyana , Helix Signs , Emagination , Ricks and Sari, and Elite Imports.

All the cars are built and maintained by Arshaad Hassan of A’s Automotive with the team’s manager being Davin Pandy

Sunday ’ s second round of the GMRSC Circuit Racing Championship commences at 10:00hrs.

Ben Mekdeci (left) beat Josh Verwey (Sean Devers photo)

One of the goals scored in the Georgetown leg ( Adrian Narine photo)