Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-07-2023

–– President Ali tells EU-CELAC partners

Frank, balanced approach, discussions necessary for energy transition

PRESIDENT , Dr . Irfaan

Ali, on Tuesday, during his address to the European Union and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC) summit , called on stakeholders to have a frank and balanced approach to issues relating to energy transition and oil and gas

The Head of State, during his address which was streamed by the News Room, questioned leaders as to what the joint energy strategy is and what the role of natural gas in their energy transition among the EU-CELAC is

He went on to question if stakeholders are willing to have a frank and balanced approach to a discussion on oil and gas, and if the body is willing to invite all stakeholders to the table for these kinds of discussions

“We cannot say that we want to find a common solution and lock out the producers of hydrocarbon from the

discussion,” Dr Ali said

He further questioned how the EU-CELAC is going to have this balanced discussion on the energy mix required for the future, and subsequently went on to ask that if leaders are to say bring an end to hydrocarbon, who will determine who the producer of what is required will be?

It is for this reason that the Guyanese Head of State said that greater clarity is required on these topical issues among the EU-CELAC leaders With that, he reminded the summit that Asia will spur the demand for oil and gas , as that region is growing and will outgrow the US and Europe by the end of the year

Dr Ali said that Guyana is providing great leadership on the environment , and some 20 per cent of the world’s oxygen is created by the Amazon jungle

As such , he questioned when the EU is going to come on board in terms of being a purchaser of carbon credit and contributing to this market, since the bloc is not

yet in this equation

Guyana received the first TREES credits in history in December 2022 from the Architecture for REDD + Transactions (ART); this was

a significant occasion since it was the first time a nation received carbon credits created especially for the voluntary and compliant carbon markets for effectively halting forest loss and degradation (a procedure known as jurisdictional REDD+).

After passing the ART Board of Directors’ approval and the independent validation and verification process, ART issued 33.47 million TREES credits to Guyana for the five-year period from 2016 to 2020

This also 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 represent a major milestone on the

journey towards a vision first set out in 2007

Amidst the progress of Guyana and the region, following the EU-CELAC summit , the council made its declaration in which leaders committed to renewing and further strengthening the long standing-regional partnership, which was founded on shared values and interests

Leaders further committed to reinforcing dialogue to foster extensive peopleto - people contacts and reaffirmed that by working together , the body would be stronger to face the multiple crises and challenges like food insecurity, poverty, supply chain disruptions and rising inflation

Additionally , it was noted in the declaration that the EU - CELAC will cooperate to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

Media must be held to a high standard

greater access to government being enjoyed

MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, on Tuesday , reaffirmed the People ’ s Progressive Party / Civic ( PPP / C ) government’s commitment to work with every stakeholder of society.

Minister McCoy was at the time addressing a statement issued recently by the Guyana Press Association (GPA).

He said that the GPA is an important body which exists as a group representing the rights of journalists, to ensure that they operate in a way which fosters the right environment for journalists

However, McCoy related that this was not the first time a “certain section of the media, and in particular a small group within the Guyana Press Association ,” found themselves aiming towards “ the throat ” of the PPP / C government

The minister related that this statement was issued after a press conference held by President, Dr Irfaan Ali

“ Now , this is an association that kept calling for

frequent press briefings and press conferences by the President I want to say in the first two to three months of us coming into office alone, the President did more press conferences than the former President Granger has ever done in his entire tenure, in just the first few months ,” McCoy said

Outside of press conferences , the minister related that there are other numerous opportunities in which the members of the media are allowed to ask questions, to pursue their issues , and to follow up on matters outside of a press conference “ There are numerous engagements by this government, public events and activities where every single Cabinet member is present, including the President on so many occasions So, there is no limited access, no restriction of access to journalists,”

Minister McCoy said

He added that the President is one of the best examples of access, openness, frankness and transparency right before the eyes of the people of Guyana

, referring to a

statement about longstanding public relations consultant and journalist , Kit Nascimento, by the GPA, Minister McCoy said that the language used was unfair to Nascimento and his work, as well as disrespectful in some ways

“ Kit is a veteran journalist and is 89 years of age

All of us should be proud of his performance before and even at the press conference because what he did at that press conference as a moderator was to remind some people that the universal rules and practices would apply here and in every other case as it ought to be ,” he reasoned

McCoy said that the business of the government is “serious business,” and when the President would find time to engage the media and to update the population on what they are doing as a government, it should be valued time

“So, this is really for us to understand that you don’t have , internationally , any press conference at the level of the President where the journalists are able to walk in at any time, even when the

President is addressing the media,” he said McCoy related that some level of order and discipline at these events should exist.

“Having a media house accredit a journalist and a photographer or videographer to the President’s press conference is not unheard of , and we like to make reference to the USA and the White House well, we must recognise that this is what happens in the White House You have to be accredited,” he said

At President Ali’s press conference , McCoy related that each journalist was given the opportunity to ask questions, with a total of 23

questions asked and the President answered all of them

“ We have a duty and a right to update the public and the media on our activities of government And that’s what the President did However, I am happy that they recognised and they have said that we were able to start the last press conference on time,” he said

Minister McCoy noted that rules are necessary and

said that if they wish to pass on to the next generation , for things to be done at a higher standard, it is the rules as those which they must maintain

“Among other things… you will see periodically across our country, shifting in directions that will put us at the highest level of standards on our operations,” he said.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali addresses the European Union and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC) summit in Brussels, Belgium (screenshot taken from News Room’s stream of the President’s speech)

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs , Kwame McCoy

Rescue operations, narcotics detection tackled during Tradewinds 2023

By Trina Williams

DAY two of the Tradewinds 2023 took aim at boosting maritime security and ensuring that the military is well prepared for rescue operations and narcotics interception.

The exercise, which was held at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at sea on Tuesday, entailed myriad rescue operations, searches for narcotics and other tactical maritime exercises, as well as engineering lessons.

According to Jonathan Gardner, a lieutenant from the US Coast Guard: “The training we’re conducting here is focusing on the sea portion of the Guyana Defence Force’s Operations,” emphasising that: “This [the exercise] is going to aid [the] Guyana Defence Force and maritime law enforcement in ensuring your security of not only your economic interests, whether it be oil, fisheries, or just the safety of Guyana.”

The lieutenant stressed that as part from those core-focus areas, the security personnel were trained on how to respond swiftly to challenges, regardless of what the call is.

Addressing what was happening and how the boatmen

will learn from the detailed techniques, he said: “You’re going to see the small boats underway conducting operations, teaching our basic boat drivers how to properly handle a vessel safely and efficiently.”

One of the main techniques tackled drug smuggling, and security personnel were taught how to measure the ship in order to understand how big it is, and how to document the vessel to locate compartments where hidden objects can be found.

Lieutenant Taylor Tennyson of the US Coast Guard, said: “What we see here is, we have

our partner nations working on space accountability.”

He added: “This is just a systematic process they use to make sure that they completely check the vessel.”

Tennyson related that the newly-introduced technique does not mean that the traditional ones are wrong, but instead, it gives military operatives a new perspective on how to conduct operations.

He said: “Honestly, a lot of our partner nations are very good at what they do and what we’re doing is showing them a different way to approach

something, that can broaden the horizon and if anything gives them more tools in their repertoire of skills they can use in future events.

“You’re getting 100 per cent accountability from the bow to the stern and all spaces on board. So, really it’s nowhere that something could be hidden, that they won’t be able to find if it’s at sea still.”

Meanwhile, Dexroy McGarell, a member of Guyana’s Coast Guard, deemed the new technique being taught to him as innovative and time-efficient.

According to the local of-

ficer, while he and his fellow Coast Guards do not encounter “clever” drug smugglers that often, it is still useful to know this technique for times of need.

McGarell then went on to relate: “So this procedure that they thought us is in case we do meet with a big vessel.”

On the other hand, Brian Sinclair, a Jamaican Able Seaman, referred to the technique as “useful,” and said that he will be utilising it when he returns to Jamaica.

He said: “This is new to me, the measuring technique. So, I’m interested in trying to

understand it better and apply it back home.”

Sinclair further related that the technique tackles better time management. He also said that the traditional technique is not foolproof and leaves room for innovative criminals to sneak narcotics in.

Further, a medical-evaluation exercise was conducted at sea in the Mexico Veracruz, where both Guyanese Coast Guards and GDF ranks were taught how to conduct an evacuation of military or other casualties to hospital in a helicopter or airplane.

Motorcyclist dies in Wales accident

IMMANUEL Lamazon, a security guard attached to the Elite Security Service, is now dead following an accident on the Wales Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD), around 21:00hrs on Monday. According to a police report,

the accident involved motorcycle # CM 3130, owned and driven by Lamazon, of Lot 137 Independence Street, La Grange. Enquiries disclosed that the motorcycle was proceeding north along the western side of the Wales public road at a fast

rate of speed, when the driver lost control of the bike, collided with a light pole, and eventually ended up in a trench alongside the road.

He was picked up by public-spirited persons and the police and taken to the West

Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. His body was then escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Home for storage and a post-mortem. Further investigations are ongoing.

As part of those core-focus areas, the security personnel were trained on how to swiftly respond to challenges, regardless of what the call is (Delano Williams photo)

Day two of the Tradewinds 2023 took aim at boosting maritime security and ensuring that the military is well prepared for rescue operations and narcotic interception (Delano Williams photo)

Over 100 St. Monica, Lima Sands residents benefit from vision care

OVER 120 residents from the Region Two villages of St. Monica and Lima Sands now have better vision as a result of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security ’ s Eye Care Programme

According to a press release from the ministry, with testing conducted just over a month ago, subject Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud returned to the communities to engage the residents and give them their new, free, tested spectacles

Minister Persaud said : “ This is a very impactful programme in the sense that if you are not able to see as well as you should, reading becomes a challenge, work becomes very difficult and school becomes tough , so bringing the spectacles here, we hope this can help you manage better We want to make sure this programme gets to every nook and cranny of this country and since 2021 to now we have managed to distribute just under 3,000 spectacles at no cost to the beneficiaries We are doing this because our government believes that people must have a good quality of life.”

Head of the Difficult Circumstances Unit , Jashudra Seeram , who spearheaded the outreaches said that the programme targets vulnerable persons , primarily

schoolchildren , pensioners and single parents who, for one circumstance or another, cannot afford spectacles despite needing them

Eve Samuels, Toshao of St Monica , which sits 40 miles from Charity on the eastern bank of the Pomeroon River, expressed: “This exercise has never been done in St. Monica and I am very happy for this exercise I know the residents benefitting from it are excited What you find is that it is very costly, and it is not easy to go out and get it and today they are getting it free, so thank God for the ministry for looking at us.”

Nicholas Portman, headmaster of St Monica Primary school, related: “I must say it is a very good initiative for the ministry to come to this village Indeed, I think it is important for us to have eye care, it is costly for us to reach the eye clinic and for them to come; we are happy for the government to come help the people of St Monica and the children will benefit.”

“I am happy to be treated by this ministry, unlike years ago under former governments who never gave us assistance for our eyes; so thanks to the Ministry for making sure the citizens are well kept,” pensioner Garvin Edwards said.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, takes a photo opportunity with villagers from St Monica

The Right Balance

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan

Ali has identified a number of critical issues impacting global development and issued a call for “the right balance” to ensure accelerated and sustainable development

Among the issues identified are climate change, energy and food security These issues are expected to take centre - stage at the ongoing European-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit in Brussels, Belgium

Guyana has taken a lead role in all of these core developmental issues and has already surpassed expectations in terms of climate resilient measures and food and energy security initiatives

These are monumental achievements for a country which only a few decades ago was ranked one of the poorest in the hemisphere in terms of per capita income Guyana was by the late 1980’s categorised as a low income highly

indebted country Today, Guyana has joined the ranks of high income countries, thanks to its carbon resources and good governance

The European Union has been a significant economic partner not only for Guyana but for the region as a whole.

This year ’ s summit is held at a time when there are serious challenges facing several countries of the world due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, climate change and the aftermath of the COVID - 19 pandemic

This summit is expected to provide leaders with an opportunity to re-invigorate bi-regional relations and renew commitments to collectively address major global issues The EU-CELAC countries represent 14 per cent of the world’s population and 21 per cent of global GDP which positions the grouping as a strategic player in the broader scheme of international trade and commerce

As pointed out by the President of the European Union Ursula von der Leyden, the meeting “will explore ways to further connect people and businesses, how to reduce risks and strengthen, diversify supply chains and modernise economies in a way that reduces inequalities and bring benefits to all.”

All of these are forward-looking and commendable initiatives The EU has committed €45 billion for investments in green energy sector, health and education in Caribbean and Latin American countries, but as pointed out by President Ali, there is need for stakeholder-based solutions to address financial gaps in the various areas

The need to strike the right developmental balance cannot be over-emphasised Such an approach to development is firmly rooted in the ‘One Guyana’ philosophy which reaffirms Guyana’s leadership role in a number of critical areas such as climate change, food and

energy security and enhanced economic growth, all aimed at ensuring that the benefits of such growth are utilised to improve the material and cultural lives of all Guyanese

President Ali and the PPP/C administration must be commended for the proactive and leadership role Guyana is playing on the regional and international stage

As pointed out by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh during a recent address to a high-level political forum on sustainable development, Guyana has made a number of gains in the area of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the theme , “ One Guyana : Achieving Low Carbon Sustainable Development for All .” Guyana , it should be noted, has shown significant improvements on the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

GHK Lall’s ‘lunatic centre, lunatic universe’ article calls into question his own status

Dear Editor, SITTING with my cup of tea this morning reading the Kaieteur News ( July 17, 2023), GHK Lall’s article entitled “Guyana’s lunatic center, local lunatic universe,” caught my attention Reading through the article a few times, I couldn’t help feeling a pang of sorrow for Lall

His venomous attacks on Guyana ’ s political parties, leaders, supporters, and the country in general begs the overall question: Why is GHK Lall still residing in Guyana, among all the lunatics he identified and derided?

Pondering my own question while rereading Lall’s column, my mind drifted to Clifford Beers’ (1908) autobiography, “A Mind That Found Itself,” the story of a man who chronicled his life and times in asylums, and I wondered in my silence whether Lall’s autobiography would be, “A Mind that Lost Itself.” I felt some sadness, sadness for a man engrossed in resentment

Why? Let me elaborate

At the outset , Lall used his column to ask three questions as to “who are the biggest thieves, liars, deceivers and con actors in Guyana,” to which he proceeded to answer by stating, “Always the answer is the same: PPP comrades and cronies.”

Because Lall provided his answer with such certainty, one wonders whether he actively participated with the band of thieves, liars

and deceivers which enabled him to answer his own questions without equivocation

And because he provided no documented evidence to substantiate his answer, the question about his surety of “thieves, liars and deceivers” lingered, only to evolve with this “probe of conscience” that queries “whether it takes a thief to know a thief, a liar to know a liar, and a deceiver to know a deceiver.”

After my thoughts drifted from all of the above, my attention centered on the rest of Lall’s article in general, and particularly his use of the word “lunatic” and “lunacy,” which he used 17 times, and if one includes the two times he used it in the title of his article, then the total becomes 19

Why would anyone use the word lunacy and lunatic so many times to describe nearly everyone in society? This led me to the Foucauldian reasoning: “Is the man who calls all others mad is himself the real madman?”

I would not assume that every newspaper reader knows about Michel Foucault so here is a quick peek

French psychologist and philosopher Michel Foucault (1926 – 1984) was a renowned academician and political activist who wrote several books that cut across several disciplines, psychiatry, medicine, and the prison system

He is popularly known for his book entitled “Madness and Civilization,” in which

he explored modern psychology and ides of madness and mental illness This brings me back to GHK Lall’s article

In the article, Lall presents himself as if he is the only sane individual in Guyanese society As this thought of being “the only sane individual” travelled through my mind, it dawned on me that Lall would be an excellent client to a Jungian therapist, someone who capable of exploring his psyche to assess the interactions of the ego, the personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious, along with the detachment of the self from society, to understand the underlying disconnects

With this said, let me be emphatic that I am not passing judgement on Lall, I am simply basing my remarks on the article –assessment - he penned I strongly recommend that the reader examine his article in Kaieteur News

In the article, Lall not only called people liars, deceivers, con artists, he also used such derogatory terms as “patented madness,” “paranoiac,” “confirmed banditries,’ “ fanatics ,” “ land piracies ,” “ thievery ,” “crookedness,” all in his attempt to discredit various groups of people - supporters of the PPP and PNC

In one instance, he hurled insult at the entire population, for he said: “If this is not lunacy, then all Guyanese need psychotherapy.” Here is a newspaper columnist making judgements on the mental state of

the entire nation

In fact, a line in his column makes one wonder whether he is discrediting his own newspaper and media affiliations along with others when he said: “Need a distorter of facts and circumstances, go no further than the newspaper, broader media.”

A sad statement indeed coming from a man who writes for a newspaper with the largest circulation in the country

Finally, it seems as if the country itself was not spared Lall’s described Guyana as an “upside-down country,” in addition to asking that if anyone, “Need acquaintance with the fanatics in the teeming cesspool that is Guyana, then journey into the battlegrounds of cyberspace In Guyana, lunacy is considered to be close to godliness .” Here we see Guyana described as a “cesspool,” a place where “lunacy is considered close to godliness.” How much more insulting can a sane mind be?

The foregoing, my dear readers, leads me back to the Foucauldian question as to who is the lunatic? To this question, I am almost sure my self-made late philosopher fisherman friend from Mon Repos would have said to me, “any sane person would apologise to the country and the people.”

If you knew Ram, you would agree.

Regards, Narayan Persaud, PhD Professor Emeritus

Editor Navendra Seoraj

I assert: Dr. Ali has reached out in ways Granger never did

I MEAN it without insult; I find Raphael’s Trotman’s 50-page booklet amusing. Please see my review of it yesterday . I find many of the critics of the government highly amusing, but I will leave that for another column

I will quote parts of the book and my comment will follow. Q is for quote. C is for comment

Q1 – “The Guyanese people need to hear definitively from me on certain matters.”

C1- Since it is Trotman who selects the issues, why don’t the Guyanese people put to Trotman some other matters For example, during the five months of election rigging, Trotman noted publicly that the then Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield had the sole jurisdiction of asserting the number of votes cast and that there was no law that can dismiss or reject his final report For a rejection of this legal fiction, see my column of July 23, 2020 titled: “The Lone Ranger” starring Lo Lo and directed by Raphael Trotman.” Since the Chief Justice ruled that the CEO cannot be a lone ranger and must be directed by GECOM, does Trotman feel that at the time he misinformed the nation?

Q2- “These writings do not set out to apologise, but to explain…”

C2- There is much in the book that Trotman has to apologise for and explanations are interpretations; they lie in the mind of the describer and may be far from reality Trotman needs to apologise for insulting words he said about the island-states of CARICOM, during the five months of election rigging,

referring to them, as too small to understand the counting of votes in a large country like Guyana For a rejection of this abject insult, see my column of July 15, 2020, headlined, “The crass ignorance of Raphael Trotman.”

Q3- “I recognised the inherent humaneness and greatness in President Granger.”

C3 – This statement about Mr Granger is the opposite that Mr Ralph Ramkarran offered on Mr Granger on Monday night on the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show Mr Ramkarran’s experience in politics in Guyana would be double that of Mr. Trotman. If Mr. Granger is great, then surely Dr Irfaan Ali has to be greater Dr Ali has reached out to the population of this country that no other governmental leader has done since self-government started in the 1950s The Guyanese president has reached out across the racial divide consistently for the past three years and has received substantial embrace in return I have not seen that politics in Granger for the five years he had been in power

Q4 - “ I have heard ridiculous rumours about me plotting to harm Mr Desmond Hoyte and challenging him for leadership Both of these are completely false.”

C4- Why they were not rumours about any other PNC hierarchical personality trying to harm Mr. Hoyte? Why Trotman only? And would it not have been appropriate if Trotman had given the circumstances under which that particular rumour was born? Rumours may have no relation to facts but rumours have origins and sources

I will now offer the context in which the

Is the Press Association being politically weaponised against the government?

Dear Editor,

THE President of the Press Association, Ms Nazima Raghubir, not satisfied with personally attacking me on the matter of how the recent Presidential Press Conference was conducted and having publicly grossly misrepresented the arrangements for the Press Conference, has now enlisted a scurrilous personal attack on me in the name of the Press Association, published in today’s (July 18, 2023) Kaieteur News, but, with no signature to the letter other than Press Association.

I ask the following question: In spite of publishing three letters on behalf of Ms Raghubir, the Kaieteur News has published none of mine Is this the freedom of the press that Raghubir and the Association seek to defend? The Association has happily used the Kaieteur News as a propaganda arm against the government and, me, personally

When Guyana was threatened with the installation of a military dictatorship by means of a naked attempt to rig the tabu-

lation of Region Four results, I ask, where was the voice of the Press Association or the voice of any one of the members of the directors of the Association in defence of much more than press freedom, but the country’s freedom?

In their personal attack on me, the Association has sought to connect me directly to “widespread gagging of the media the non-issuance of radio broadcasting licenses banned importation of a new printing press” and newsprint, in an era long past and of which I had absolutely nothing to do with directly and, ironically, on behalf of a political party of which a number of the members of the Press Association are known to be politically associated.

My final question, I must ask: Is the Press Association being politically weaponised against the government of the day under the guise of defending freedom of the press?

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

rumour started During the period of “mo fyaah/slo fyaah,” the PNC’s central executive committee met and there was a divided opinion on strategy Mr Hoyte advanced the strategy of a dialogue with President Jagdeo in which the PNC would put forward a plan of delivery of resources and services to the African constituencies in Guyana Trotman led the opposition to that direction supported by violent advocacy from Andy Gouveia ( deceased ). Their perspective was that “so fyaah/mo fyaah” should be left to achieve its objective and it was achieving its objective, so there should be no talk with then President Jagdeo. Mr. Hoyte’s proposal won out and there was an attempt to overturn his car when it stopped on Vlissengen Road outside the Office of the President where Mr Hoyte was to meet

with President Jagdeo

The two did meet and the meeting was referred to as the National Dialogue In the meantime, a violent Gouveia was bent on creating mayhem He drove one of his henchmen to Brickdam and threw a grenade in the compound of NTN- Channel 69, killing an innocent employee whose heart was pierced by a sharp piece of wood

Q5- “I was inspired by the Mr Granger’s deep love for country.”

C5- I find Trotman’s book really funny

A man who loves his country in one swoop dismissed 7,000 Indians on the sugar estates in a country that Trotman and Granger knew was always a boiling cauldron of ethnic anger

Some 42,000 families were affected and there were multiple suicides.

Pens always mightier than swords and might not always right!

By Earl Bousquet

LEGENDARY media consultant Kit Nascimento’ s recent response to selective , unwarranted criticism of the professionalism of his handling of President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent press conference reminded me of the oft-repeated saying that “The more things change, the more they remain the same….”

A past-master at well-explaining anything he says, does or defends, Kit offered facts and figures to show that the representatives of the complaining media units and entities were simply crying crocodile tears in an alligator-infested river

Carelessly adopting metropolitan TV news reporters’ penchant to shout and ask anything anywhere and anytime, some reporters expressed grievance about allegedly being disallowed to ignore the subject at hand to instead ask the President of the Republic

unrelated questions of their choice, about a recurring matter endlessly addressed elsewhere for the previous fortnight

But I quite understood the patented Nascimento pokes -- and subsequent drives over the boundary -- of the very slow, powder-puff balls bowled at him by the day’s usual suspects in the President’s “20-over” press conference that went into extra time.

Opposition parties and reporters languishing in the wilderness often hide behind invisible rights and freedoms, or simply create stories to suit their political leaders’ or editors’ pre-determined narratives or headlines

This is so everywhere: reporters simply attend press conferences to try and fish for the sauciest stories in the name of ‘Breaking News’ or offering the proverbial “other perspective.”

In efforts to remain relevant, they more easily rely on creating fantasies from notso-fertile imaginations, even praying their

Chronicles of a Chronic Guyana Chronicler

By Earl Bousquet

expectations for eventually uncovering gubernatorial negatives will be fast-tracked by Fate, in some cases behaving like homicide figures are mere numbers and don’t represent human beings and families

Guyana is reporting reductions in serious gun crime, but, unable to survive alone on a desert island of relevancy, opposition critics are clinging on, for dear life, to the recent political demise of an ex-government minister

And just as that matter started seeming like a molehill of mountainous proportions to the government’s opponents and loudest critics, up came an even-saucier set of fishy allegations fingered in the direction of the government, but without pointing

A supposedly well-respected international media house last week published online an article quoting nameless persons and groups of invisible and supposedly reliable but untraceable sources, making scurrilous allegations, without any proof offered, about owners of a private US-based company doing business in Guyana

Clearly intended to cast serious aspersions by silently hinting in the government’s direction, the team of contributing writers ensured that the article was pregnant with wilful, malicious innuendo intended to malign and intentionally create doubts about the targeted business

See page 9

Pens always mightier than swords ...

persons’ ties with Guyana.

As per usual , this article will be grabbed-on-to by the government’s critics at home and abroad with the urgency of a political life-saving jacket, but here again, the emphasis is more on form instead of content, on implied allegations instead of absence of verifiable facts

As per usual, as well, this increasing tendency by international media houses to hide behind pure speculation by quoting un-named and invisible ‘reliable sources’ has gone boundless, thanks to the acceleration of competition in the IT and AI ages

Consequently, while focusing on trying to ensure that AI is used ‘For Good’, governments and courts are also paying more catch-up attention today to the increasing trends of media houses escaping culpability for sharing calculated fabrications and untruths, due to a now-disproven earlier proclaimed inability to monitor the whole ‘world wide web.’

Increasing attention is being paid in the UK and Western Europe, for instance, to issues such as social media culpability for defamation, with courts redefining defamation by suggesting or ruling that publishers and platforms posting or hosting defamatory online posts should be liable for consideration as legally guilty (of defamation).

Governments haven ’ t gone that far , even though the European Union (EU) has lately slapped heavy fines on transnational IT operators for violating continental privacy laws

As the current major strikes by US screen actors and writers is showing , streaming services are also often used to deny proper earnings, with unions now asking whether defamation is applicable to live streaming

And there’s the narrowing gap between legal liability of traditional print and broadcasting media houses in a limited space determined by readership, listenership and viewership, when one can stream truth and

lies today to the world with similar ease

Clearly, the need is to actually close the gap between what existing aged media laws allow for and the excesses that escape legal scrutiny in the absence of specified legislation

In a recent Saint Lucia case, a fabricated story targeting a reputable local bank, falsely purporting to be a screen shot of an article by a reputable local online news agency, was heavily-circulated and widely-shared at home and abroad by several free online service providers

The bank and the media house were/ are able to prove the fictitious nature of the post and its intent to negatively influence the bank’s shareholders and customers, but the legal fraternity is (not surprisingly) split on whether local courts can oblige international online media entities to declare the author(s) of the intentionally misleading and fabricated post(s).

Same with the Guyana government’s supposed inability to challenge the veracity of a clearly-concocted story with no traceable sources, undoubtedly intended to cast dark shadows over a country where oil and gas ensure that light prevails in brighter and wider proportions by the day, week and month.

But is that really so?

Those who felt Guyana lacked the technical brains to run its own energy business successfully have arisen to several rude awakenings

It mustn’t be felt, therefore – despite recent proof -- that Guyana lacks the legal brain power to take global legal and media goliaths to task on matters of interpretation and definition of right and wrong

And even though things can occasionally still tend to remain the same despite changes, it’s also true that “Change is the only constant” -- and therefore, in itself, guaranteed to never, ever remain the same!

Bar Association mourns the passing of Senior Counsel Joseph Arthur King

THE following is the full statement from the Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana on the passing of Joseph Arthur King, S C.:

THE Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana notes the passing of Joseph Arthur King, S C on July 16, 2023, with deep regret

Mr King was born on March 28, 1930, at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, to John and Barbara King and came from a family of prominent lawyers , including his grandfather and namesake , Joseph Arthur King , who was the Public Trustee , Official Receiver and Crown Solicitor of British Guiana

His father’s brothers included Percy King , who was also the Public Trustee, Official Receiver and Crown Solicitor of British Guiana; Bernard King, who was Registrar of the Supreme Court and of Deeds and an acting

High Court Judge in British Guiana and Arthur George King , who was a solicitor in private practice at Kings Lawyers on Croal Street

Mr . King attended St . Stanislaus College and then worked at Cameron & Shepherd, Attorneys-at-Law, for 18 months between 1950 and 1951 before joining Lincoln’s Inn in late 1951

He was called to the Bar in England in May 1954 and in British Guiana in June 1954

Mr King spent his career in private practice at the Bar between 1954 to date

at Cameron & Shepherd , as an Associate , Partner , Senior Partner, and then as a Consultant on his retirement from the partnership in 2006

He was Judge Advocate of the British Guiana Volunteer Force and acted as a High Court Judge between September 1964 and January 1965

Mr King appeared in 30 reported cases in the West Indian Reports, many of which established and applied principles of commercial and property law in Guyana.

One case decided by the Court of Appeal of Guyana in 1966, Bart v British West Indian Airways , on the carriage of goods by air was , unusually , reported in Lloyd ’ s Law Reports published in the United Kingdom and later cited in several English decisions which was also unusual for the time

Mr King was also an

avid sportsman, competing in rowing, tennis and motor racing He was the Champion Driver at the May 1980 meet at the motor racing

circuit Timehri

Mr . King was never married and had no child and the Bar Council expresses its deepest con -

dolences to his extended relatives, all of whom live out of Guyana, as well as to the staff and partners of Cameron & Shepherd

Over 300 students explore opportunities in aviation

–– during GCAA secondary-school outreach

SOME 320 secondary school students from different parts of the country were exposed to a recent presentation on careers in aviation

According to a press release, the Civil Aviation Training School (CATS), the training school of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority ( GCAA ), embarked on a mission to educate students in grades 11 and 12 , ( Forms Four and Five) about aviation related careers

This education campaign was done during the period June 26 to July 5, 2023 The schools that benefitted included Covent Garden Secondary ,

Camile ’ s Academy Inc ., Diamond Secondary , Northwest Secondary , Port Kaituma Secondary, and St Ignatius Secondary. The programme was done in partnership with the Ministry of Education

The the quest to increase the interest in aviation related careers is fuelled largely by the growing opportunities in the aviation industry, which is facing shortages of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and other key personnel due to retirements, resignations

The outreach is anticipated to create more interest in aviation among girls and serve as a catalyst for

them to seek opportunities available within the sector

The students gained a better understanding of piloting an aircraft and directing traffic in the skies

“It is the hope of the Director General , Lt Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, A . A . that in the years ahead , these 11th and 12th graders will take

an interest in aviation and learn the principles of flying, approach and area control , take - offs and landings and other concepts in aviation,” the

GCAA said The outreach is part of the “NextGen initiative” to generate more interest in aviation among the younger generation

Some 320 secondary school students from different parts of the country were exposed to a recent presentation on careers in aviation

Foreign investments reflect growing confidence in Guyana’s sound leadership

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan

Ali has said that with numerous high - profile engagements on his agenda and a surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Guyana is solidifying its position as an emerging destination for global investors seeking sustainable growth and lucrative opportunities.

The Head of State , speaking at a recent press conference , highlighted the increasing interest and engagement of foreign investors in Guyana as a testament to the country’s stability and sound leadership

The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean ( ECLAC ) 2023 report has listed Guyana as the leading FDI destination in the Caribbean for the second year running

The report, which analysed FDI trends in the region, highlighted Guyana’s impressive growth and its pivotal role in attracting investments

According to the ECLAC report , Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a surge in FDI in 2022 , reaching a record - breaking value of

$224.579 billion This figure represents a significant increase of 55.2 per cent compared to the previous year.

The President said that the influx of foreign direct investment serves as a resounding vote of confidence in Guyana’s leadership and the path the country has charted for economic prosperity

Highlighting the multiple benefits of FDI, including job creation, increased income, and enhanced economic stability, President Ali reiterated the growing interest and engagement

–– President Ali says

from international investors

“ The direct and indirect benefit is the jobs and the spin-off So, for example, we have eight hotels under construction right now where work would’ve started On completion of those hotels, you’re talking about thousands of new jobs being created That is thousands of families who now have more disposable income,” President Ali said

The Head of State related that the creation of new jobs through FDI would result in increased wealth at the individual, family, community, and national levels

The economic growth, he said, stimulated by FDI would lead to additional spending in the economy, driving demand for services and subsequently increasing revenue

“ The fact that investors are streaming in and there is a greater level of interest in Guyana speaks to the level of awareness and confidence in Guyana,” President Ali said He pointed out that the perception of stability, security, and social, economic, and political stability are key factors that investors consider when making investment decisions

President Ali further elaborated that investor confidence in Guyana ’ s leadership and direction was further evident in the numerous requests he received during his international travels.

MAJOR INVESTMENT FORUM

“At every single major investment forum, I have been invited to give the keynote address or lead the delegation ; I have

not been able to attend 10 per cent of it. That is because of the interests, and you ’ re seeing this every time we travel… the requests that are there….

So, the FDI is also an indication of confidence in the economy,” the President said

He added that being the leading destination for FDI not only reflects investor confidence, but also demonstrates the trust and belief in Guyana ’ s leadership and its vision for a prosperous future

The increased engagement with international investors and fora indicates the growing awareness of Guyana’s economic potential and the opportunities it offers, the Head of State said

With eight hotels currently under construction and expanding call centres, President Ali singled out one of the tangible outcomes of FDI , citing the creation of thousands of new jobs

He added that this surge in employment not only generates income for families but also fosters a ripple effect of increased disposable income and heightened consumer spending , contributing to national economic growth.

President Ali further elaborated on the correlation between FDI, economic stability , and investor confidence

He added that FDI bolsters Guyana ’ s economy by stimulating demand for services , which , in turn , leads to revenue growth and subsequent investments.

This cycle of increased supply, revenue, and spending is instrumental in sustaining Guyana’s economic development According to

the ECLAC report, Guyana recorded the highest FDI inflows , which totalled US$4.389 billion in 2022

Since the discovery of oil, Guyana has attracted significant attention from the international community and the government is harnessing this interest to showcase the country’s capabilities of addressing pressing global challenges

President , Dr Irfaan Ali has said that Guyana’s intention is to leverage its oil discoveries to foster strong global leadership in these critical areas Of particular importance is Guyana’s commitment to forest conservation and its role in combating climate change

He highlighted a historic deal in which Guyana will earn a minimum of US$750 million from the sale of internationally certified carbon credits to the Hess Corporation over the next decade, with at least 15 per cent of the funds being reinvested in Indigenous communities

As part of this commitment , the government , in December 2021, introduced the Local Content Act. The law identifies 40 sectors or services and requires oil firms and their subcontractors to purchase a minimum percentage of their total expenditure on those services from Guyanese vendors

As a result , the Act creates an enabling environment for the growth and expansion of Guyanese businesses , as well as business and job opportunities for Guyanese nationals The LCA is expected to be updated soon.

Water taxi operators agree to work 24 hrs during three-day bridge closure

WATER taxi operators plying the Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop route have agreed to work for 24 hours per day to transport persons across the Demerara River due to the closure of the Demerara Harbour Bridge from Monday, July 24 to Thursday , July 27 , 2023

The closure will facilitate the necessary replacement of span nine of the bridge

This was agreed during a meeting the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and Coast Guard held with boat operators, on Tuesday afternoon

During the meeting, Director-General of MARAD, Captain Stephen Thomas reiterated that there would be

no change in fares, and that security would be increased along the waterways

Measures to ensure the latter include more frequent coast guard patrols and the establishment of police outposts at the Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop stellings to ensure there is no spike in crime due to the higher volume of passengers

He reminded, also, that a rescue boat, and at least one water ambulance would be traversing the water in case of emergencies

Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force, Ravindradat Budhram, stated that procedures are being put in place based on previous closures of the bridge

He noted that the Guyana

Revenue Authority ( GRA ) and the private sector, as well as the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the joint services would be assisting with boats and patrols throughout the three-day period

He also asked that persons exercise their humanity , by assisting vulnerable persons including the elderly and persons living with disabilities with boarding the boats , and assured that a secure space would be identified for those desirous of parking their vehicles. The Guyana Defence Force has also offered the use of four 30-seater buses to shuttle persons on the West Bank from the Demerara Harbour Bridge to Vreed-en-Hoop. (DPI)

The Ministry of Public Works - Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), hand in hand with the Coast Guard hosted a meeting with water taxi operators plying the Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop route. (DPI photo)

$7B worth of infrastructural works to significantly transform Palmyra

Minister Croal

MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, has said that Palmyra , Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is on the verge of being transformed into a “city.”

During his address at an activity in the region on Monday, the minister said plans for this transformation include the construc-

says structural works, including land - clearing and other preparatory works

tion of young professionals homes, hotels, malls, a hospital, a national stadium, and a regional airstrip

“Palmyra is poised to be basically a little city with the plan approved by His Excellency, President

Irfaan Ali,” Croal said

He added that some $7 billion is being invested in the first phase of infra-

“Land-clearing is ongoing…infrastructure works include road network, the drainage, the culverts and all that is required when you are developing a new area,” Croal said

Earlier this year, President Ali announced investments of over $ 10 billion to be injected into

Palmyra.

He said that the housing development plans include over 700 houses, catering to a mix of young professionals, and moderate - income , and low - income households

The national stadium is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. It will have a minimum seating capacity of 10,000

One dead after accident on Ituni trail

According to a police release, the accident, which occurred around 16:00hrs on Monday , involved an articulated motor vehicle #GAD 6596 driven by Peters (now-deceased). The other occupant in the vehicle at the time was Damian Fraser, a porter of Coomacka Mines

Investigations so far indicate that the articulated vehicle #GAD 6596 was proceeding north along the western side of the Ituni trail, descending a hill

The vehicle approached a right bend at a fast rate of speed which caused the driver to lose control, causing the vehicle to topple

Peters was pinned under the vehicle, while Fraser, who received injuries, was picked up and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was admitted a patient

Around 02:30hrs on Tuesday morning, Peters’ body was retrieved from the accident site and taken to the Mackenzie Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

A post-mortem will soon be conducted on the body

AN accident on the Ituni Trail, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), has claimed the life of 31-year-old Rodwell Peters

Distribution of first batch of solar PV home systems to begin soon

THE rollout of the 30,000 solar PV homes initiative will begin in the coming weeks as the first batch of solar photovoltaic home systems has arrived in the country

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma confirmed to the Department of Public Information ( DPI ) on Tuesday that the first 3,780 systems are expected to be unpacked and transported this week

He also confirmed that the distribution of the systems will begin in Regions

One (Barima-Waini), Two ( Pomeroon - Supenaam ), Three ( Essequibo Islands - West Demerara ), Four ( Demerara - Mahaica), and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Additional batches of systems to form the full complement of 30,000 systems are expected to arrive between now and November of this year

The government ’ s ‘ 30,000 solar home systems’ project will see some

30,000 homes in hinterland communities receiving 150watt solar PV systems as they become available

The project was launched to bridge the energy gap between urban and rural areas of the country, while continuing the shift to sustainable, environmentally - friendly electricity sources

It is expected to be completed by the end of this year

From 2020 to 2023 , solar PV systems were installed at several public buildings across the hinterland regions. These included health centres , community centres , food processing, and educational facilities

In October 2020, Guyana’s first solar farm, which generates 0.4 megawatts (MW) at peak capacity was commissioned in Mabaruma, Region One, emphasising the commitment to the shift to renewable energy

Following the operationalisation of that farm , a one - megawatt solar PV farm was also commis -

sioned at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo ) in 2022 , and another, generating 1.5 MW at Bartica , Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) in 2023

This year , a 0.5 MW solar PV farm is eyed for completion at Wakenaam, Region Three, and a 0.65 MW solar farm has been

eyed for completion in Mahdia, Region Eight

These, along with the installation of solar PV systems in government buildings over the years will take Guyana’s solar capacity from 5.35 MW in 2020 , to an estimated 17.2 MW by the end of this year. (DPI)

Housing issues resolved, land sale agreements signed during Region Six outreach

By Cindy Parkinson

WITH the aim of expediting the homeownership process and ensuring that all Guyanese benefit from the government’s housing development plans, the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal on Monday led an outreach in Region Six.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Croal explained that he and

his team met with residents of Skeldon, Hampshire, the Number 75 scheme, and the Number 76 scheme, who were able to sign their Agreements of Sale for the remaining low-income houses.

Housing-related matters were also discussed and resolved, he added.

He emphasised that the sale agreement gives residents legal ownership of their lots.

"With the sale agreement, people can go to the bank, acquire a loan, and build their homes. The reality is, not everyone has the cash to build their homes, and we are happy that we, as a government, can help give Guyanese a better option. It makes a big difference to people’s lives and the lives of their families, especially their children," Croal said.

Even though the signing could have been done at the

regional office in New Amsterdam, Minister Croal said: "We are looking to bring ease and convenience to the people, so we’ve decided to go to them with our staff. We set aside one day to get these exercises completed, and we also resolved any housing matters that people may have had in their areas."

In relation to the 100 houses that were constructed in the Hampshire area, the minister said that the process

has started, and there were several persons experiencing some challenges.

Those issues, he said, were resolved, and their Agreements of Sale were signed as well.

"Everything that we were hoping to be accomplished we did, so by the end of the month all pending matters [will be] cleared up, and the people can begin to live in their houses," Minister Croal added.

The housing minister also indicated that $1.2 billion is now being invested in the Number 75 scheme programme for infrastructural upgrades.

Meanwhile, in the nearby Number 76 scheme, residents will benefit from about $2 billion in continuous infrastructural investments.

Finally, Minister Croal disclosed that he and his team will be at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office in New Amsterdam on Friday to deal with Or-

dinance Fortlands residents.

He explained that one of the aims is to meet with the people who have been allocated land there and have them sign their Agreement of Sale.

Additionally, it was disclosed that the Hampshire Housing Scheme consists of 100 units, 28 of which have already been handed over. Each unit is 20 feet x 30 feet (600 square feet) and has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and sanitary facilities.

"The beneficiaries expressed their joy at finally being able to see their homes and house lots. Several people stated that being able to acquire their home marks a significant step towards their independence, as they can now provide better shelter for their families and move away from renting or relying on relatives for accommodation," he added.

An aerial view of one of the low-income housing schemes

Minister of Housing Collin Croal (standing in front) engages residents during the outreach in Region Six on Monday

Owners of one of the low-income houses

15 new tourism products to be introduced ahead of Cricket Carnival

THE Guyana Tourism Authority ( GTA ) will be launching a plethora of tourism products and experiences this year that give both local and international travellers a variety of “ Destination Guyana ” experiences

This was according to GTA ’ s Director , Kamrul Baksh, in a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

While some of these products will be launched in the latter part of this year, the GTA will be taking full advantage of Guyana’s hosting of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket matches

Some of the products will also be launched in time for the Cricket Carnival celebrations

“This year, we have the aim of launching at a minimum, 15 new tourism prod-

ucts and we have used the first half of the year to do all the assessments and the training

“You have quite a few experiences that will be launched in the month of August in anticipation of Cricket Carnival which commences in mid-September,” the GTA director said

During this time, an influx in visitors is expected and as such, GTA is making preparations to add to already existing attractions

Baksh said that these new experiences will include nature and adventure-based products, culinary products, and culture and heritage experiences

He referenced the recently launched Product Development Grant, which offers tour operators an opportunity to get up to $1 million to invest in new tourism products

Food security, climate change, agriculture financing top priorities

on Guyana’s national development agenda, Minister Mustapha says

AGRICULTURE Minister , Zulfikar Mustapha , said that the Government of Guyana has aligned the country’s national development pathway to focus on priority areas such as food security , climate change , and agriculture financing as it works to-

wards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), Zero Hunger.

The minister made this disclosure on Tuesday during a meeting with the Director General of the Inter - American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture

(IICA), Manuel Otero, and other agriculture ministers and officials from across the region

The hybrid meeting took place in Costa Rica and was hosted by the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA) to explore co-operation opportunities, discuss

the visions and perspectives for the sector, as well as determine how IICA can assist with achieving the goals set for the sector by Member States in the Caribbean Region Minister Mustapha , in his virtual address , spoke about Guyana’s role in Ca-

ribbean Community (CARICOM) as it relates to guiding the regional food and nutrition security agenda and how these efforts tie into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); particularly SDG Two

“ The agriculture and food systems sector in Guyana is being repositioned and transformed into an expanded, diversified, modernised, resilient and competitive sector As we work to achieve the SDGs, particularly SDG Two – Zero Hunger, Guyana has aligned our national development pathway to focus on priority areas such as food security, climate change, and agriculture financing

“Moreover, Guyana has emerged as a leader in CARICOM, being the Lead Head with responsibility for Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification, and Food Security within the CARICOM Quasi - Cabinet As the Region implements the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda, Guyana has committed to playing an integral role in fulfilling the goal of reducing CARICOM ’ s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 As we are aware, the Region has a high food import bill which is estimated at approximately US$6 billion per annum,” he said

Minister Mustapha also said that a targeted approach is necessary when addressing food and nutrition security, which he explained, involves the integration of the health, and education sectors along with technology, and climate change mitigation.

“We cannot speak about food and nutrition as if it exists as a standalone in the policy formulation of the different Caribbean countries There must be a targeted approach to food security that involves the integration of the health, education, and technology sectors , along with climate change mitigation, so that food security can better enable national and regional prosperity

“ We cannot confront food security and nutritional security without simultaneously confronting climate change, confronting our education system, and health system and confronting sustainable development To this end, we need the support of our international partners like IICA as we understand and seek to implement initiatives that address the linkages between food production and food security,” he said

The minister also said the government has been taking the necessary steps to

advance food and nutrition security in the Caribbean

This , he added , is being done through increases in budgetary allocation and collaborations with the private sector to establish the necessary infrastructure to support these efforts

“ Recognising the importance of implementing initiatives that address food and nutrition security , the Government of Guyana has increased the budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector by a 150 per cent increase, moving from G$13.3 billion in 2019 to G $ 33.2 billion in 2023

“ We are also working with the private sector so that we can create a stateof-the-art regional food hub in Guyana It is necessary that we do everything within our capacities to ensure we take the necessary steps to advance food and security in the Caribbean Region,” the minister added

Guyana has embarked on several initiatives to bridge the production gap which include the diversification from traditional industries, the development of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate - resilient crop varieties; and the introduction of improved genetics in livestock

There have also been several agriculture input support programmes for farmers , such as fertiliser , and seeds distribution exercises

Investments have also been made to upgrade infrastructure to support the agriculture sector such as drainage and irrigation structures, farm-to-market access roads, laboratories, and processing facilities

The Inter - American Board of Agriculture (IABA) is the highest governing body of IICA, consisting of thirty-four Member States, 14 of which are in the Caribbean Region (Ministry of Agriculture)

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Indigenous Peoples have ‘equal, relevant’ role in ‘One Guyana’ development pathway

Minister Sukhai tells leaders at 16th Session of Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

THE 16th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ( EMRIP ) is being held at the United Nations , Genève , Switzerland

The session is being held from July 17, 2023.

Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Amerindian Affairs and Miriam Andrew - Ming , Legal Officer , are participating in the activities of the session

On Tuesday, July 18, 2023 , Pauline Sukhai , MP delivered a statement on item five of the agenda “Interactive Dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development”.

The following is the minister’s full statement:

“ Building a “ One Guyana,” the brainchild of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, places Guyana on an aggressive path of inclusive, equitable and sustainable development

The Amerindians , Guyana ’ s Indigenous Peoples , have an equal and relevant place on this path Given the historical and geographical challenges that the Indigenous peoples have faced , the Government of Guyana has remained committed to removing any existing gaps through the promotion of policies and decisions to promote Indigenous Peoples’ rights

Cognisant of the outsized role of Indigenous Peoples worldwide in the protection of the forest and its resources, it was only appropriate that the government recognise our Amerindians for their contribution

Subsequently , it is essential to highlight to this session one of our groundbreaking national development strategies,

our Low Carbon Development Strategy which seeks to transform the economy while combating climate change

Guyana maintains the second highest percentage of forest cover in the world and is part of the carbon market Fifteen per cent (15 per cent) of all revenues earned from our sale of carbon credits has been allocated to our Indigenous communities to be expended through Village Sustainable Plans which are approved by the Indigenous Peoples and represents an addition to government sectoral investments

This policy is the outcome of nationwide consultations which included the full engagement with the Indigenous Peoples and endorsed by the duly elected body of Indigenous Leaders in Guyana, the National Toshaos ’ Council, a direct adherence to FPIC

Guyana continues to prioritise Indigenous Peoples development through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs currently being held under my portfolio, which provides direct investment to Indigenous villages and communities to be utilised in a manner that has been determined by

the people

This is done through the provision of “Presidential Grants ” and investments funds which are utilised for infrastructure, social or economic projects within villages; capital investment which enhance long term benefits propelling village economy and infrastructure development to ensure access to amenities and markets , securing land tenure , food security, income generation and employment and Indigenous Peoples ’ sustainable livelihoods

In addition, the government embarks on annual capacity building programs to enhance skills and knowledge of Indigenous leaders and youths specifically through scholarship programs, our novel Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme as well as leadership and governance training

These are all cumulative efforts by the government in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to ensuring not only the promotion of Indigenous Peoples’ right to development but ensuring that their development is informed by their decisions.” (DPI)

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai

Canada’s inflation falls to 27-month low

but underlying pressures persist

CANADA ’ S annual inflation rate dropped more than expected to a

27 - month low of 2.8 per cent in June, led by lower energy prices, data showed on Tuesday , though food and shelter cost increases persisted despite 10 interest rate hikes in less than 18 months.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast inflation to drop to 3.0 per cent from 3.4 per cent in May Monthover - month , the consumer price index was up 0.1 per cent, Statistics Canada said, which was also lower than the 0.3 per cent forecast

June ’ s reading , which benefited from a comparison to the four-decade high inflation a year earlier, means the annual rate was within the Bank of Canada ’ s one per cent to three per cent control range for the first time since March 2021 The bank targets two per cent inflation

“ Inflation is definitely moving in the right direction, but we’re seeing stickier and more persistent core measures,” said Michael Greenberg, senior vice president and portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton Invest-

in May, Mendes said Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, speaking to reporters on a call from India where she had attended a G20 meeting , hailed the inflation report as a “milestone moment” and said inflation was lower in Canada than in any other G7 country Freeland urged Canadian businesses - especially food retailers - “to be responsible right now and to support Canadians and the Canadian economy by a responsible approach to their pricing.”

The Bank of Canada last week raised rates to a 22year high of 5.0 per cent , its tenth rate increase since March of last year, and said it could hike them further if fresh data shows inflation is stalling above its target

The central bank, citing excess demand , said last week that it expects inflation to remain around three per cent over the next year before dropping to the bank’s two per cent target by mid2025, six months later than previously anticipated

ment Solutions

Excluding food and energy, prices rose 3.5 per cent compared with a 4.0 per cent gain in May Grocery prices rose 9.1 per cent year-overyear in June, a tick higher than the increase recorded in May. Prices of food from restaurants slowed slightly in June from May Shelter costs increased a seasonally adjusted 0.5 per cent in June from May

The average of two of the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) core measures of underlying inflation , CPI - median and CPI-trim, came in at 3.8 per cent compared with 3.9 per cent in May

“The Bank of Canada’s preferred measures of core inflation, which exclude significant moves in individual categories, show that underlying price pressures remain sticky,” said Royce Mendes, head of macro strategy at Desjardins Group

The three-month annualized rate of the core median measure remained at 3.6 per cent, while the trimmed mean indicator accelerated to 4.0 per cent from 3.9 per cent

“ We ’ re still not at two per cent ,” said Jules Boudreau , senior economist at Mackenzie Investments. “So there’s still some work to be done But policy is probably restrictive enough at the moment to do that.”

Money markets trimmed bets for a rate hike at the BoC’s next meeting in December to a 20 per cent probability from 25 per cent before the data

The price of gasoline , which led the slowdown , fell 21.6 per cent compared with June 2022 when China, the largest importer of crude oil, eased some COVID-19 public health restrictions that contributed to higher global demand

The Canadian dollar was trading 0.2 per cent lower at 1.3225 to the greenback, or 75.61 U S cents

Reporting by Ismail Shakil and Steve Scherer in Ottawa; additional reporting by Fergal Smith and Nivedita Balu in Toronto; Editing by Dale Smith, Will Dunham, Alexandra Hudson and Deepa Babington. (Reuters)

A person shops in the beverage aisle at a grocery store in Toronto, Ontario, Canada November 22, 2022 (REUTERS/Carlos Osorio/File Photo)

Khan’s Enterprise plans to develop US$2M quarry in Essequibo

GIVEN the high demand for aggregate and the current limitations of supply, as well as the anticipated increase in demand from the emerging oil and gas sector, Khan’s Enterprise will be investing more than US$2 million in the construction of a quarry in Essequibo.

A project summary was recently submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review

According to the project summary, the company seeks to develop a modern, large scale quarry to meet existing and projected demand

“This Quarry Project is being designed to produce 50,000 tonnes of aggregate and boulders per year in its initial capacity This will increase when the project recovers capital expenditure and further invests in expanding production capacity,” Khan’s Enterprise said

The quarry outputs will be transported by barge down

the Essequibo River to Georgetown and other points of demand

This project, according to its summary, will also play a huge role in the economic growth of Guyana by generating revenues and promoting employment, while supplying the materials needed to support the construction industry

The construction of the crushing plant is expected to cover a period of four to six months and employ approximately 60 persons, while after construction, the life span of the quarry is expected to be approximately 20 years and during the operational phase, approximately 30 jobs will be created

The Essequibo quarry project site is located on the right bank of the Essequibo River and all quarry products will be shipped down the Essequibo River by barges for delivery to the market in and around Georgetown

The main objective of the project is to carry the business of prospecting, exploring, developing drilling, blasting, and crushing capabilities onsite for the supply of these products to the market in and around Georgetown

Khan ’s Enterprise said that with this investment , they hope to meet the growing demand for aggregate domestically, as the economy continues to be boosted by increasing construction, infrastructure, and sea defence works, with further expansion anticipated with the coming oil production related activities

Building on the progress made in 2022 through increased public and private investments, Guyana’s vibrant construction industry has been expanding even further in 2023, with continued expansion anticipated

With the local construction industry also expanding further this year, this growth is linked to massive government investments in new and improved roads and bridges, housing developments, educational and health facilities, agricultural infrastructure, and private sector investment in the oil and gas and hospitality industries.

India to play all three formats on South Africa tour

(REUTERS)- India will play traditional Boxing Day and New Year test matches in South Africa in the 2023-24 season, preceded in December by six white-ball fixtures, officials said on Friday.

The first test will start on Dec. 26 in Pretoria, with the second on Jan. 3 at Newlands in Cape Town.

"The Boxing Day Test and the New Year’s Test are among the most important fixtures on the international cricket calendar and the schedule has been planned particularly around these marquee dates," Honorary Secretary of the BCCI Jay Shah said in a media release from Cricket South Africa.

The tour will kick off with three Twenty20 In-

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips

Uttoxeter

09:40 hrs Rock On Tommy

10:10 hrs Police Academy

10:40 hrs No Getaway

11:10 hrs Secret Trix

11:40 hrs Junior Massini

12:15 hrs Inchester D’amsyl

Catterick

09:22 hrs Campaign Trail

09:52 hrs La Forza

10:22 hrs Emirates Angel

10:52 hrs Oso Rapido

11:220 hrs Obee Jo

11:57 hrs High Opinion

Yarmouth

12:35 hrs Desert Falcon

13:10 hrs Etoile D’alexandre

13:40 hrs Bailar Contigo

14:10 hrs Rajindri

14:40 hrs Gatwick Kitten

15:10 hrs Mucky Mulconry

Irish Racing Tips Killarney

ternationals in Durban, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and Johannesburg from Dec. 10-14. They will then switch format for three One-Day Internationals between Dec. 17-21, played in the latter two venues and Paarl.

India tour to South Africa 2023-24:

Dec. 10: First T20, Durban

Dec. 12: Second T20, Gqeberha

Dec. 14: Third T20, Johannesburg

Dec. 17: First ODI, Johannesburg

Dec. 19: Second ODI, Gqeberha

Dec. 21: Third ODI, Paarl

Dec. 26-30: First Test, Pretoria

Jan. 3-7: Second Test, Cape Town

11:45 hrs Is That Love

12:20 hrs Deepone

12:50 hrs Toll Stone

13:20 hrs Unless

13:50 hrs Soi Dao

14:20 hrs Golden Freckle

14:50 hrs Folly Beach

15:20 hrs Master Dunraven

American Racing Tips

Saratoga Race 1 Freddy Flintshire Race 2 Vigano Race 3 Maddie’s Grace Race 4 Dontbelate Race 5 Magical Ways Race 6 Khozy Colby Race 7 Lisa’s Vision

South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville

08:15 hrs Player X

08:50 hrs Riccardo

09:25 hrs Beechamwood Boy

10:05 hrs Dandolo

10:40 hrs Cheeky Laddie

Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford signs new contract until 2028

ENGLAND forward

Marcus Rashford has signed a new deal to stay at Manchester United until 2028.

The 25-year-old had been in talks with United for a considerable period, with his previous contract due to expire in 2024.

The striker enjoyed a resurgence under new manager Erik ten Hag last season, scoring 30 goals in 56 games.

Since his debut in 2016 against Midtjylland, he has scored 123 goals in 359 games for his boyhood club.

Rashford said: "I joined Manchester United as a seven-year-old boy with a dream. That same passion, pride, and determination to succeed still drives me every time I have the honour of wearing the shirt.

"I've already had some amazing experiences at this incredible club, but there is still a lot more to achieve and I remain relentlessly determined to win more trophies in the years ahead.

"As a United fan all my life, I know the responsibility that comes with representing this badge and feel the highs and lows as much as anyone.

"I can assure you that I will give everything to help the team reach the level we are capable of, and I can feel the same determination around the dressing room. I couldn't be more excited for the future under this manager."

Rashford was one of three England players to suffer racist abuse after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final defeat

by Italy.

He then had shoulder surgery in August 2021, saying he must "listen to his body" before struggling in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's final season in charge at United, scoring only five goals in the 202122 campaign.

He was subsequently left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad in June 2022 for four Nations League matches.

Rashford's form last season turned following the World Cup, scoring 10 goals in as many Premier League games after the restart.

He helped Manchester United qualify for the Champions League and scored a goal in the Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle United. (BBC Sport).

Marcus Rashford has spent eight seasons at Manchester United

Shakeel double ton and Salman resistance lead Pakistan's recovery

…Ramesh Mendis' five-for could not prevent Pakistan from racking up 461 after struggling at 101 for 5

PAKISTAN's first five wickets cost 101, and their next five amassed 360. Of that Saud Shakeel accumulated 208.

He would end the innings unbeaten, having frustrated, pummelled and ground down Sri Lanka, and in the process put Pakistan in total control at the end of the third day's play in Galle.

The visitors would eventually be bowled out for 461, having batted on for 121.2 overs - no mean feat in Galle - with Ramesh Mendis picking up the fifth five-wicket haul of his career.

Sri Lanka's batters saw out 20 minutes of play at the end, without loss; though the real business will start tomorrow,

when an already fractured wicket will likely break down even further.

But as for today, it belonged to Shakeel through and through. In fact, such was his dominance that after a point Sri Lanka simply stopped trying to get him out, with much of the afternoon and post-tea sessions resembling a glorified net session as Sri Lanka allowed him to freely turn over the strike to the tailender at the other end, who offered valiant support.

(Scores:Sri Lanka 312 and 14 for 0 (Madushka 8*, Karunaratne 6*) trail Pakistan 461 (Shakeel 208*, Salman 83, Ramesh Mendis 5-136) lead by 135 runs

Shakeel's innings could be broken down into two parts: before and after Agha Salman. Sri Lanka felt the pinch while Agha

was at the crease, as the pair rattled along at nearly five runs an over; with their partnership of 177 scooting at 4.96 per over.

During this period, Shakeel was completely in his element, working singles with ease, never searching for the boundary but graciously accepting any when the opportunities came around. In Agha, he had a like-minded partner at the other end, one who was equally adept at rotating strike and finding the ropes.

Together they tormented Sri Lanka's bowlers, especially their primary weapon, Prabath Jayasuriya, who racked up 145 runs in his 35 overs - well above his Test career economy rate of 2.93. While Agha utilised the sweep to great effect, Shakeel used his feet, either coming down the track or using the depths of the

crease. Neither batter allowed Jayasuriya to settle into the lines and lengths that have devastated other visiting batters. The leftright combo aided them further in wearing down the Lankan bowlers.

But when Agha fell, going for an ill-fated charge against Mendis only to find himself well out his crease and stumped, Shakeel began to show the other side of his game, one characterised by resilience and solidity that Sri Lanka just could not find a way past. He strung together partnerships of 52, 16, 94, and 21 for the final four wickets.

But that's not to say there weren't chances - two came by, in fact. The first was when Shakeel was on 93, as he sought to work a length ball from Ramesh, around the corner. But the fielder at backward short leg, who didn't have to move, spilt a low grab. The ball not sticking in the hand indicated that it was Shakeel's day after all.

The second was Angelo Mathews grassing a dolly at deep midwicket. If the first was a genuine mistake coaxed out of the batter, this was Shakeel at his most carefree, looking to up the scoring rate with a big slog sweep. He was on 139, with Naseem Shah for company, their partnership worth just 13 at the time. Shakeel would spend a couple of hours, shielding Na-

seem from the strike and inching Pakistan's lead forward. Of the pair's 94-run stand, Naseem scored just six runs.

During that period, it seemed Shakeel and Pakistan would bat for as long as they wished, as the Lankan bowlers wilted in the face of the batters' endurance. Naseem had an lbw call overturned and was beaten once or twice on the outside edge, but aside from that he was sturdy in defence. Shakeel would bat out the first four deliveries of an over, time and again before turning over the strike on the fifth delivery - no field placement was good enough to contain him.

It was only once Naseem fell, castled by one that was tossed up and dipping from Mendis, that Sri Lanka felt the end was nigh. There were a few lusty blows from the last man Abrar Ahmed - and Shakeel, too, joined in to reach his double ton with a carve through point. Abrar would eventually hole out to Mathews, who completed a good catch running the boundary at long leg.

But by then the pitch had started spitting and Sri Lanka were 149 in the red - at Galle that can be a death sentence. Sri Lanka's batters will know they have an uphill task ahead of them tomorrow if they're to save this Test, let alone win it. (Cricinfo)

Pollard, Pooran fail in MI New York loss to Bravo’s Super Kings

DALLAS, Texas, (CMC)

– Captain Kieron Pollard got a first-ball ‘duck’ while fellow former West Indies white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran also failed, as MI New York went down by 17 runs to Dwayne Bravo’s Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket on Monday night.

Chasing 155 at Grand Prairie Stadium, MI New York were restricted to 137 for eight from their 20 overs, with opener Shayan Jahangir top-scoring with 41 from 38 deliveries.

Pollard was hit in front by a Mohammad Mohsin googly in the 14th over while Pooran perished for 19 in the preceding over, run out after finding himself short on a second run.

Earlier, Super Kings rallied to 154 for seven from their 20 overs, led by New Zealand opener Devon Conway’s 74 off 55 deliveries.

The 32-year-old left-

hander struck eight fours and a six, putting on 38 for the second wicket with Cody Chetty (12) and a further 54 for the third wicket with South African David Miller (17).

When Conway fell in the 17th, his fellow countryman Mitchell Santner arrived to belt a 13-ball 27 with a four and two sixes, to keep the runs flowing at the back end.

In reply, Jahangir posted

43 for the second wicket with Steven Taylor (15) and 37 for the third wicket with Pooran, to pull the innings around from four for one in the second over.

Pooran’s dismissal proved the turning point, however, as the innings declined swiftly following his departure.

Veteran medium pacer Bravo finished with one for 33 from his four overs.

Saud Shakeel's rescue act gave Pakistan a 149-run lead • AFP/ Getty Images

Former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard

Unbeaten Leguan Warriors cart off 15-over crown

…OSCL dedicates tournaments to former president Ramcharran

UNBEATEN Leguan Warriors maintained their 100 per cent record, carting off the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) Division B 15-over crown, when they inflicted a resounding 90-run victory over Ramblers in last Saturday’s final, played at Ellesmere Number 2 ground, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.

In a lopsided affair, Ramblers proved no match for the well-oiled Leguan Warriors outfit who raced to a challenging 176 for five in their allotted 15 overs before limiting their hapless opponents to 86 for eight when their 15 overs expired.

Apart from the first four overs, when Ramblers were able to somewhat restrict Leguan Warriors to 38 for three, the rest of the innings proved a nightmare for the Ramblers attack.

Left-handed opener Krishna Deosarran plundered four fours and seven huge sixes off a mere 35 balls while sharing an even century fourth wicket partnership with Faoud Mohamed whose 46 off 36 balls was decorated with two fours and four sixes. Lall “Dingo” Singh, who caused the early damage, finished with the impressive figures of three for 16 from his three overs.

Ramblers, in reply, huffed and puffed their way to 86 for eight when their 15 overs expired with Kenrick Shivrattan being the lone standout with 23 off 17 balls, hitting three fours

and a six. Kamal Khan ended with three for 10 and Javed

Flower in talks with two teams; SRH looking for new coach

AFTER Lucknow Super Giants, who are done with their recruitment of a coach by roping in Justin Langer, SunRisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals seem to be on the hunt for new coaches. Reports suggest that Andy Flower, who was recently let go by LSG, is among the contenders for the Royals coaching position while he is also in talks with another team.

Gaznabie two for eight.

At the presentation ceremony, which followed, both the winners and runners-up teams received trophies. The respective Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards went to Faoud Mohamed of Leguan and Lall “Dingo” of Ramblers.

Leguan Warriors are also assured of the regular season title, having won all seven of their matches to date. They will be aiming for a clean sweep of the Division B titles, having the T10 and T20 knockout titles in their sight.

Both the A and B divisions T-15 tournaments were dedicated to former OSCL long-standing President Albert Ramcharran, who OSCL President Shiv Persaud pointed out, played an integral part in the promotion of the grassroot game in Canada.

(Frederick Halley)

2026 Commonwealth Games in doubt after Victoria cancels

By Tiffanie Turnbull BBC News, Sydney

THE 2026 Commonwealth Games are in doubt after the Australian state of Victoria cancelled its plans to host due to budget blowouts.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) struggled to find a host before Victoria volunteered in April 2022.

But the premier said the projected cost had now tripled and become "well and truly too much" for the state to bear

The CGF called the decision "hugely disappointing" and said it is "committed to finding a solution".

The Commonwealth Games are a multi-sport tournament that take place every four years. They have only ever been cancelled during World War Two.

To be eligible to participate in the games, competitors must be from one of the Commonwealth's 56 members. Most of the countries in the Commonwealth were once part of the British Empire.

Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, said on Tuesday that his state had been "happy to

help out" when approached to host last year, but "not at any price".

Downing Street said the cancellation was "disappointing" for fans and athletes.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesman said the UK government hoped "a viable solution" could be found by

the Australian authorities and the CGF.

He rejected a claim the move was a sign of the decline of the Commonwealth as a whole, suggesting the King's coronation showed "the strength of the Commonwealth and commitment of countries to it."

Organisers had originally estimated the event - hosted across cities including Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat - would cost A$2.6bn (£1.4bn; $1.8bn) and the state government had billed it as a boost for the regions.

But now the 12-day tournament was expected to cost more than A$6 billion (£3.13bn; $4.09bn), Mr. Andrews said, adding that the new figure was "more than twice the estimated economic benefit" it would bring to Victoria.

"I've made a lot of difficult

Although there has been no official confirmation from either party, the IPL circle is buzzing with talk of potential discussions between Flower and the Royals. The negotiations are unlikely to affect the job of Kumar Sangakkara though. The Sri Lankan, the current director of the Royals, is expected to retain his position regardless of the outcome of talks.

Flower boasts an impressive track record in various franchise leagues, having led St. Lucia Zouks to the runners-up position in the CPL (2020) and secured titles for Multan Sultans (2021) and Gulf Giants (2022) in the PSL and ILT20 (2023) respectively. Notably, under Flower's guidance, LSG reached the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023, demonstrating his continued desirability as a coach in the IPL.

SunRisers, who finished at the bottom of the IPL table in the 2023 season, are understandably looking for a new coach. This has led to speculation about Brian Lara's position as head coach being at risk. While the franchise and Lara have not officially addressed the issue, the word is that the cricket legend may be parting ways with the Hyderabad side due to the franchise's dissatisfaction with his coaching style.

Elsewhere in the IPL, the management of Royal Challengers Bangalore has remained silent regarding reports of potential changes

calls, a lot of very difficult decisions in this job. This is not one of them," he told a press conference.

"That is all cost and no benefit."

The government will still complete the stadium upgrades it had promised ahead of the games, while using the money it is now saving on housing and tourism initiatives.

Mr. Andrew said the government had considered "every option" including moving the games to Melbourne, before in-

to their coaching staff. The franchise maintains that they have not yet initiated a review of their performance in the 2023 season, during which they failed to make it to the playoffs, and the contracts of team director Mike Hesson and head coach Sanjay Bangar are still intact. For the record, it must be mentioned that Hesson has his contract till August 31 and Bangar's deal with the franchise runs till December 31. Under the duo, which took over in 2019 after the team had two bad seasons backto-back prior to that, made it to the play-off for three consecutive years before running into a red hot Shubman Gill, who ended their play-offs hopes in the latest season with a brilliant century in the must-win last game.

It appears that the contracts of the two coaches are unlikely to be renewed, but the franchise sources emphasize that no final decision has been made yet. The franchise is known for its commitment to a professional review process, and as such, it may take some additional time before reaching a conclusive decision regarding their future. It may not be a surprise, if the Bangalore franchise ends up choosing Flower given his track record.

(Cricbuzz)

forming CGF of their decision. "Amicable and productive" meetings had occurred in London overnight, he added.

But in a statement on Tuesday, the governing body said they were blindsided by the decision.

"We are disappointed that we were only given eight hours' notice and that no consideration was given to discussing the situation to jointly find solutions," it said in a statement. (BBC Sport).

MVP Faoud Mohamed collects his award from OSCL Treasurer Natasha Sue

The victorious Leguan Warriors players and supporters with OSCL executive members. President Shiv Persaud is extreme right

Sunrisers Hyderabad might let go of Brian Lara

Cyclists compete at the 2022 Commonwealth games in the UK

Tour de France stage 16

Vingegaard keeps yellow jersey and blows away Tadej Pogacar

JONAS Vingegaard tightened his grip on the yellow jersey in the Tour de France after he blew away Tadej Pogacar in the individual time trial on stage 16.

The Dane won the 22.4km route from Passy to Combloux in 32 minutes 36 seconds on a decisive day of the Tour.

Vingegaard's impressive ride increased his overall lead over Pogacar from 10 seconds to one minute and 48 seconds.

Britain's Adam Yates moves up to third place and is five seconds ahead of Carlos Rodriguez with five stages left.

Two-time winner Pogacar now faces a huge task to claw back ground on the defending champion before the Tour finishes in Paris on Sunday.

"Is the Tour de France over? No. There's still a lot of

hard stages to go. We have to keep fighting for the stages to come," Vingegaard said.

"I think it's the best time trial I have ever done and I think today I surprised my-

self with the time trial I did. I did not expect to do so well, it's my first time trial win in the Tour de France.

"I was feeling great today and I am really happy with the victory. I want to say thanks for the team. They guided me well today."

This was only Vingegaard's second career time trial win, following his success at the Gran Camino in Spain at the start of the season, and it appears to have put him in complete control of a Tour that, before Tuesday, was exceptionally close.

The 26-year-old produced an awesome show of strength to destroy his nearest rival, who was still the second-fastest finisher on the stage but lost time on the race leader almost from the moment he rolled off the start ramp.

Vingegaard reached the first checkpoint at 7.1km with

a 16-second advantage over Pogacar and had stretched his lead to 31 seconds by the time he reached the foot of the Cote de Domancy.

While the Slovenian switched to a lighter road bike, hoping to make up time on the climb, Vingegaard stayed on his time-trial bike and was still much quicker up to the finish.

Vingegaard's team-mate Wout van Aert was third on the stage, with Simon Yates fifth and Adam Yates seventh - enough for him to overturn his 19-second deficit to Rodriguez and move into the podium positions.

The race returns to the high mountains today for stage 17, a daunting 165.7km route from Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc to Courchevel that features four huge climbs. (BBC Sport)

Ponting dissects Cummins' captaincy during Ashes campaign

AUSTRALIA great Ricky

Ponting has used the latest episode of The ICC Review to dissect the captaincy of Pat Cummins during the Ashes and provided some insight into how tactically different the opposing skippers are.

Decisions by both captains have been put under the microscope during the opening three games of an enthralling series, with many eyebrows raised when England skipper Ben Stokes declared early at Edgbaston and then further scrutiny arose when Cummins used inexperienced spinner Todd Murphy sparingly in the final innings of a tense contest at Headingley.

Cummins defended his decision not to bowl Murphy much in Leeds on the basis that the pitch was not conducive to spin and Ponting has come out in support of the Australia captain when speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review.

“I think this has been one of the most tactical series that I could remember, because of the two different styles of play, probably two contrast-

Lewis wins GTA Open men’s division

THE Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) One Guyana Open 2023 tournament has been described as the pillar of the emerging National Sports Academy; an initiative which is funded by the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S), and by extension the Government of Guyana (GoG).

ing styles of leadership as well,” Ponting said.

“Pat (Cummins) is more of an old-fashioned sort of Test match captain where he sort of lets set fields and lets plans sort of unravel and is happy to do it over a long period of time, whereas Stokes is a bit the other way. He's sort of trying to make something happen every ball and therefore sometimes plans never really have a chance to eventuate.”

England’s decision to push Moeen Ali up to No.3 could also have influenced the decision to hold back Murphy, according to Ponting.

Although Ponting admitted the decision surprised him, he also pointed out that the pitch wasn’t taking too much turn and that Australia had fair reason to not use the spinner.

“The only surprise that I had from the second innings of that game was that he (Cummins) probably didn't use Murphy a little bit earlier, which would have given him a chance to get into the game," Ponting noted.

“And the longer he was

held back, the harder it was going to be to introduce him into the game. So that would be the only question I would have had.

Shardul Thakur had to face the brunt of Pat Cummins' fiery fast bowling.

“But as I said, they had their rights and reasoning behind not bringing him into the game.

“Yes, there was some grass on that wicket at Headingley, but it was also really dry underneath. But come day four, it still wasn't turning.”

Ponting was certain that Murphy needs to stay in the XI for the Test in Manchester.

“I've got no doubt that he stays in the side. And I think when they get the chance, when Pat gets the chance, he might look at getting him into the game a little bit earlier next time," Ponting said.

Ponting predicts Warner’s fate and Australia’s XI for Manchester Test Cummins is still fairly new to captaincy, having first led the side in 2021. In the six series prior to this where he has led the team, Australia

have lost only one (in India in 2023).

In 18 Tests as captain, Cummins has led Australia to wins in 10, with just four losses, three of them coming in Asia.

“Look, Pat is still fairly young in the job,” Ponting said.

“Let's not forget that he's only been doing it for a couple of years now and I'm sure he's learning along the way."

Ponting also reminded that it was important to wait until the end of the series before throwing verdicts on the tactics from both sides.

“I'm not going to question Pat at all,” he said.

“The fact that Australia are 2-1 up says he's done a good job to me. There'll always be little things in a game. When you lose, there are always little things in a game that people are happy to talk about.

“But at the end of the day, I think the tactics are better off waiting to see what the result is at the end of the series and then we'll be able to critique both captains on the result.”

(ICC Media)

Gavin Lewis stormed to his third Men’s singles title with a 6/1 – 5/7 – 6/1 win over Phillip Squires on Monday at the National Racquet Centre, Woolfrod Avenue.

“This tournament was really special for me, not only because it’s my first men’s title since winning GBTI in 2019, but also because it was the first time I invited my family and a few friends to watch me play,” Lewis said.

“After the pandemic, I went through some difficult times, but I always had the support of my family, friends, and Roraima clubmates. I won this tournament for us.”

Prior to the championship match, Lewis had only conceded 10 games in eight sets, and he seemed poised to maintain that dominance through his title-winning run when he led Squires 6/1 – 5/2 in the championship match.

Lewis failed to close out the match in straight sets after suffering from muscle cramps and that allowed Squires to build some momentum, and that along with the help of his supporters, Squires won five straight games to take the second set over an ailing Lewis.

Momentum shifted from player to player in the opening two games of the decisive set. Squires attempted to capitalise on his opponent’s injury with both players trading breaks of serves to level the match at one-all.

Lewis, who was in pain, showed great grit and shot

accuracy to sprint out to a 3/1 lead before play was suspended due to some lighting issues on Sunday.

Lewis and Squires returned to the court on Monday afternoon to compete for the chance to be the first player to lift the GTA One Guyana Open Men’s singles trophy.

Serving at 3/1, Lewis lost the first two points after Squires showed off his versatility and shot-making abilities. Lewis didn’t seem perturbed and continued to advance, winning 13 of the last 15 points of the championship match.

“It was really tough out there physically and mentally. I was one game away from bringing it home before the muscle cramps got the better of me. I was in a lot of pain, I could’ve barely walked, let alone run,” the Men’s champ said following his victory.

He continued, “I even thought about giving up, but I couldn’t. I wasn’t thinking about the money during the match. I was thinking about having my family, friends and clubmates out there supporting me. My four-yearold niece is a swimmer, and I wanted to show her that champions don’t make excuses, we never give up. Champions find a way to win, and that’s what I did.”

The awardees of the GTA One Guyana Open 2023 are as follows:

Men’s Open Champion: Gavin Lewis

Runner-up: Phillip Squires

Ladies’ Open Champion: Afruica Gentle

Runner-up: Paula Kalekyezi

Men’s 35 Champion: Phillip Squires

Runner-up: Aubrey Younge

Men’s 45 Champion: Aubrey Younge

Runner-up: Sunil Bianchini

Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard had started the day only 10 seconds ahead of his nearest rival Tadej Pogacar

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle (left) presented the championship trophy to Gavin Lewis

Goal explosion in Berbice as football resumes

AFTER two consecutive weeks of no action in the 2023 Berbice FA Senior Men's League, play resumed at the Rosignol Community Centre Ground last Sunday with emphatic wins for Monedderlust FC and home side, Rosignol FC.

Double strikes from Tyrone Delph (14' &27') and Kevin Cotty (36' & 63') accounted for half of Monedderlust's tally in the 8-1 drubbing of Ithaca FC. Raul Semple started the goal-shout as early as the 3rd minute of play, while also netting one a-piece were, Jamal Fraser (43'), Atlin Brown (45') and Eli Nurse (87'). Fabian Thuesday got the solitary conversion for Ithaca.

The other match resulted in a 5-2 triumph for Rosignol over NA United. The first half ended even with a goal at each end, compliments of Carlos Grant in the 14th minute for the host and Nicquan Samuels in the 40th.

Two quick goals in the 47th and 48th minutes by Nial Reynolds and Michael Jordan left the NA side stunned, but Samuels in the 66th completed his brace

and gave a little hope. The home side then added goals in the 72nd and 90th minutes thanks to Anthony Alexander and Terique Benn.

Also last Sunday but in Georgetown, Beacons maintained their perfect run with an easy 2-0 win over East Veldt to move to the top of the table after three games.

Anthony opened the scoring in the 3rd minute and the inform Master, Anthony Abrams added the second three minutes from the end to find the back of the net for

the 3rd consecutive game.

The former national forward, in continuing his rich vein of form, scored his fifth goal of the competition to lead all scorers.

In the opening game of the triple-header, Riddim Squad waited for their 3rd match to open their goal account and stay unbeaten. A treble by Ian Mars spearheaded the dismissal of Order and Discipline FC. Mars netted in the 29th, 55th and 59th minutes of play, while Jermaine Harry opened the scoring in

the 2nd minute and Kalvin Gordon followed up three minutes later. Riddim Squad now move to five points.

The feature game never came off as internal club problems led to the no-showing of Camptown FC in their match up with Pele FC securing the three points to push to four points.

At the Timehri Red ground on Sunday as well, Soesdyke Falcons proved too strong for Swan FC, clipping them 4-0. Nicquan Hooke produced the only goal of the first period after breaching the citadel of Swan in the 15th minute.

Three quick goals in eleven minutes grounded the Swan side in the last half of play with Terrence Glasgow starting the demolition in the 50th minute. Eight minutes on it was Gladwin Williams and the final strike came in the 61st minute from Tyrone Khan.

In the other encounter, Timehri Panthers and Herstelling Raiders played to a 1-all stalemate. Kevin Scott was on target for the Panthers and Orlando Dickie for the Raiders.

TEAM Guyana won nine medals in the singles at the CASA Senior Championship while the doubles category began last evening in the Windward Island of St Vincent.

The South American country won three gold, three silver and three bronze medals in the singles while the doubles were scheduled to commence last evening.

Guyana’s Nicholas Verwey beat Alex Stewart 11-3, 11-0 ,1210, 11-1, 11-6 in the Boys U-19 final while in the Girls Under-19

Sumairaa Suleman defeated

Kirsten Gomes 3 - 1 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-6

Boys Under-17

Louis Da Silva vs. Mohryan

Baksh

1 - 3 15-17, 11-9, 4-11, 7-11

Girls Under-15

Somers Stevenson vs. Avery Arjoon

11-3, 7-11, 5-11, 6-11

Girls Under-13

Kaylee Lowe vs. Lenna Hamati

1 - 3 7-11, 7-11, 12-10, 2-11

Boys Under -17

Mohryan Baksh vs Louis Da

Silva

1 - 3 15-17, 11-9, 4-11, 7-11

Other Results

Girls Under-15

Somers Stevenson vs. Avery Arjoon - Final

0 - 3 7-11, 5-11, 6-11

Boys Under-19

Jace Jervis vs. Michael Alphonso 3rd/4th

2 - 3 15-13, 11-8, 10-12, 7-11, 7-11

Girls Under-13

Kaylee Lowe vs. Lenna Hamati Final

1 - 3 7-11, 7-11, 12-10, 2-11

Girls Under-15

Safirah Sumner vs. Mehar Trehan

Girls Under-15

Emily Fung A Fat vs. Josie Thong

Boys Under-13

Justin Ten Pow vs. Levi Jack

Girls Under-13

Tiana Gomes vs. McKenna

McDonald

THE Guyana Football Federation announced the appointment of Troy Peters as its Director of Competitions, effective July 17, 2023.

Peters is a seasoned Corporate Communications Professional with a wealth of experience in Communications, Sports, Management and Administration, having had exposure to areas such as Media Management, Sports Administration, Public Relations, Journalism, and Event Management.

Peters is a graduate of the Institute of Commercial Management (London) and the Caribbean Publishing and Broadcasting Association.

In the appointment of Director of Competitions, Mr. Peters will be responsible for overseeing all GFF competitions and tournaments.

His role includes working with key stakeholders within the GFF Regional Association Football Administration, Private Football Promotion organisations and coordinating the implementation of the GFF-MoE, Nationwide FIFA Football for School (F4S) Competition programme for nursery, primary and secondary schools.

Peters will also be responsible for communicating with officials, Referees, Coaches and Clubs regarding their expectations during and post competitions.

He will also ensure a participative and collaborative style of management to foster teamwork, monitor the compliance of all GFF Competition Rules and Regulations, and act as Club Licensing Manager of the GFF.

“Troy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this very important role, and I would like to assure him of our complete support and wish him every success.” said President Forde. (GFF)

GFF appoints Troy Peters as Director of Competitions Champions

CUP holders Rivers View will be looking to make it four wins in a row and stretch the lead at the top when the Bartica FA's Senior Men's League continues this evening at the Bartica Community Centre Ground.

After disposing of AK Galaxy, Potaro Strikers and Wolves United, the champions next opponent will be Lazio at 17:00 hours in the first of two matches as they seek to maintain the perfect run. The supporting match set for 21:00 hours will feature 2nd placed Beacons FC against Wolves United.

The results of the latest fixtures played last Monday left all four teams with a point each after two stalemates that produced two goals. Wolves and Lazio, in the opening encounter, scored a goal each thanks to Fenton Wessle who gave Wolves the lead seven minutes before half-time. Lazio's Delroy McIntosh cancelled out the advantage five minutes after the break. Both teams earned their first point of the season.

The night cap served up the first game of the league competition without a goal being scored as Beacons and Potato Strikers played out a dull draw.

The one point moved Strikers to four points from three games while Beacons pushed on to seven points from three games as well.

Goal scorers for Rosignol United (from left): Carlos Grant, Anthony Alexander, Terique Benn, Nial Reynolds and Michael Jordan

The Guyana boys and girls’ teams in St Vincent at the Doubles opening Ceremony

Double success for Kwakwani Secondary School

KWAKWANI Secondary School emerged victorious in both the boys' and girls' divisions of the ExxonMobil National School Basketball Festival (NSBF) U18 Championships, following intense battles last Sunday evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

In the boys' division final, Kwakwani overcame President's College with a close score of 71-68 to claim their seventh championship title. Kelon Phillips stood out with an impressive performance, contributing 32 points and five rebounds.

Kasim English; the MVP of the division, also played a crucial role, accumulating 27 points, six rebounds, and an equal number of steals.

President's College, appearing in their third consecutive finals, had Ezekiel Saul making history by recording the first triple-double in the final's history. Saul delivered an

exceptional performance with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and an outstanding 10 steals. Additionally, Judah Ferreira netted 19 points, while Alvin DeFreitas achieved a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

In the Girls’ division final, President’s College were again the bridesmaid after being down 37-31 by Kwakwani that won their fifth under-18 Girls’ Championship. Sherel Leacock netted 14 points with nine rebounds and six steals for the champions and she was supported well by Deandra Hodge (13 points, four rebounds) and girls’ MVP; Malia Samuels, who had six points, four assists, eight rebounds and nine steals.

For President’s college ladies, Akeelah Campbell top scored with 13 points to go along with her seven rebounds and six steals while Krizel Wells netted seven points and four rebounds to support.

Kwakwani Secondary under-18 female team

Kwakwani Secondary under-18 male team

ExxonMobil NSBF U-18 Championships