Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-08-2023

Multimillion-dollar multipurpose building to transform Suddie

By Indrawattie Natram

RECOGNISING the enormous tourism potential that currently exists for accommodation, medical services and fine-dining facilities in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region, overseas-based Guyanese, Dudley Franklin Stephens, has opted to construct a three-storey multimillion-dollar building at Suddie.

Stephens, 43, who shares his time between Guyana and the United States of America, has invested millions of dollars in his homeland. During

an exclusive interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Stepehns said the multi-purpose three-storey building will house a medical centre, a hotel and a restaurant and bar.

The ground floor, he explained, will accommodate a pharmacy, laboratory, and clinics, inclusive of a dental office; the second floor will boast of the hotel and the third floor will have the restaurant and bar.

The businessman said he aims to offer unique services to the people of Region Two. Stephens has thus far received overwhelming support from his family overseas and

it was his father, Franklin Stephens, who encouraged him to spur development in the region.

He said his siblings were instrumental in the design of the restaurant and bar.

“The vision behind my building is one… there is a new hospital being constructed on the Essequibo Coast but I believe that Suddie need a private 24-hour medical centre and I also opted to have a hotel and a restaurant in the building which can offer American standards with a wide variety of dishes on the menu,” Stephens said.

The menu was introduced

to members of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and a few popular personalities in Region Two on Wednesday last.

“I want Essequibians to be able to experience a different blend of foods, I want to see a couple come out all dressed-up and be able to sit down and have a romantic dinner in a romantic environment; I want families to come out to be able to experience fine dining and different types of foods,” Stephens told the Sunday Chronicle.

He said the menu for the restaurant will be constantly changing to suit the tastebuds

- investor to utilise facility for medical services, accommodation, fine dining

of guests. The businessman added that the restaurant will offer quality and good customer services to guests.

He said plans are also on stream to establish a fishery farm to raise salmon and giant prawns. He hopes to employ some 35 locals. Region Two is already undergoing major transformation as the government allocated in excess of $12 billion towards the regularisation and development of a number of communities.

Of that amount, some $200 million will be allocated towards the regularisation of the Charity squatting area.

The government also identified 251 roads that have to be done in Region Two, totalling some 55 kilometres in length.

Other projects slated for the region include the construction of a $700 million pump stations to help alleviate flooding during the rainy season. Dredges and pumps will also be placed at the mouth of the Pomeroon River towards that cause.

A brand-new hospital of international standards will also be constructed opposite the Lima pump station.

Leguan Stelling contractor misses another deadline

By Cindy Parkinson

WHILE the government of Guyana is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the nation's landscape and infrastructure, it is equally stern in holding contractors responsible for failing to finish their projects within the allocated period.

One prime example is the contractor of the Leguan Stelling, Maraj Contracting Services, who has missed another deadline again to complete the structure, six years after the contract was

signed under the previous APNU+AFC government.

And according to Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, the contractor has requested more money from the government to complete the project despite the fact that a previously agreed-upon cost had already been approved.

"There is light at the end of the tunnel. In that the deck of the Stelling is now cast and the major infrastructural works are completed. However, when I arrived here this afternoon and from what I was told by the contractor,

(Sattrohan Maraj), I would say that it is highly unacceptable to the cabinet and to the government,” Minister Edghill told the Sunday Chronicle during a visit to the island recently.

He added, "I was told that, in order for the minor works to be completed, that is, the installation of the link span bridge, putting in the guard rails, installing the lights, and getting the admin building fixed, the contractor seems to want to have more money; we are not paying more, and Mr. Maraj knows that."

The contract for the rehabilitation of the stelling was signed in 2018 and since then, the contract sum has increased from $413 million to $607 million.

And according to Minister Edghill, "A decision will have to be made if Mr. Maraj cannot finish what is to be done.

“There are many contractors in this country who can get the job done; we don’t have a shortage of contractors."

The new deadline for the completion of the project was July 2023.

He emphasised that after "sitting down, negotiating, and going through all the problems that we have inherited from the APNU +AFC in regard to this stelling, July 2023 was supposed to be the deadline. I am here, August 17, and it still has not been completed. I am not here today to hear about more money and fancy explanations; I am here to see that the final aspect of the work is finished. I want to tell the residents of Leguan that this is your completed stelling, but I cannot tell them that just yet."

Even though the residents are using the stelling at the moment, Minister Edghill related that it is "unfair" and he is "unhappy" that the people of the island have to use an "unsafe" structure, especially in the nights.

Minister Edghill plans to meet with the government engineer on Monday to decide on the way forward; he made it abundantly clear that the company will not get "another dime" to complete the remainder of the work.

Dudley Franklin Stephens aims to tease the tastebuds of Essequibians

The businessman treated members of the GTA and others to dinner recently

Some of the dishes that will be offered

Six years later,

- requests more money - Public Works Minister says contractor ‘will not get another dime’

Minister

of

Public Works, Juan Edghill speaks to the contractor, Sattrohan Maraj (right) A section of the incomplete deck of the stelling

Guyanese businesses secured under PPP Gov’t

- Jagdeo affirms

VICE President of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday, said unlike under the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) regime, Guyanese businesses are protected in the oil and gas sector by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government.

Addressing reporters at a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Jagdeo said, “There was no protection of Guyanese businesses in the oil and gas sector and that is why it was this government that passed the

Local Content Act.”

According to Dr Jagdeo, because of the Local Content Act, which was passed in 2021, Guyanese are now benefitting from the rental of vehicles; prior to the passage of the Act, rentals were being done from companies abroad, particularly Trinidad and Tobago.

In May of this year, ExxonMobil Guyana announced new data relating to the spending in the local economy and the latest employment figures for the oil and gas industry. The oil major stated that com-

bined spending amounted to GY$83 billion (US$400 million) locally in 2022, with more than 1,500 Guyanese businesses, and over 5,000 Guyanese workers employed by the company and its contractors.

ExxonMobil Guyana also stated that the number

of Guyanese workers offshore continues to grow, with over 1,300 Guyanese committed to supporting operations and making up about 48 per cent of the total offshore workforce.

“We believe that the true measure of our success lies not only in the

barrels produced but also in the positive impact we create for our people and the communities in which we operate. By prioritising local talent, partnerships, and investments, we aim to cultivate a thriving and sustainable environment that benefits everyone,” President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge said.

The past year was a prime example of the impact that strong but achievable local content policies can have on the economy. It is expected that with more Guyanese training in the crucial skills needed for the oil and gas sector, the overall number and percentage of Guyanese employed will continue to grow—especially in more technical and higher-level roles.

The Local Content Act

ensures that companies operating in the country hire a certain percentage of local workers and use a certain percentage of local goods and services.

Since then, it has published several related guidelines designed to maximise the participation of Guyanese companies wherever they have the skills and capacity to get involved. That starts with services such as office space rental, janitorial services, laundry and catering services, pest control services, insurance services, supply of food and accounting services and extends through long-term involvement in highly skilled subsectors like subsea installation, geophysical analysis, marine welding and engineering.

PPP/C General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Leguan Secondary eyes off-island markets for shade house produce

By Telesha Ramnarine

WITH a hundred per cent passes in Agriculture Science over many years, Leguan Secondary School is poised to begin sending the produce of its shade house off the island in attractive packages and labels that mirror the quality of the items that the students work so diligently on.

The team that manages the shade house is still in the trial phase, trying out different crops to see just how well they’d grow. Initially, about eight months ago, it started with plants given by NAREI (National Agricultural Research and Extension

and members of the community would line up to make a purchase.

But Head of Department, Agriculture Science, Viren Chintamani, wants to do more than satisfy just the local demand. He is currently working on coming up with a strategy to have the produce get off of the island.

“We are doing trial runs with different crops and hopefully, by the start of next year, we will be able to do something like this,” he shared with the Sunday Chronicle.

The shade house was constructed following a visit from persons of Basic Needs Trust Fund, NAREI, Ministry of Finance and other agencies,

and more beneficial,” Chintamani explained.

According to him, the intention is to begin exporting and to have a proper market-

put out the message to the students that we have tomatoes, for example, for sale, or celery, it’s gone.”

The shade house, with

Institute) - broccoli, celery, sweet pepper – and has come to include other produce to date – lettuce, tomatoes, eschalots, etc.

The intention, though, is to focus on planting one or two crops on several beds to get maximum production so as to expand the school’s marketing strategy. So far, once the school reaps a harvest, there is no problem with finding a market for the produce as students, teachers,

owing to the excellent Agriculture Science results at the school.

“When we started, we got plants from NAREI –– we got a bountiful harvest and after this first phase, we decided to re-boost the soil with our local organic manure, which is our local burnt paddy hull (burnt shell) and cow manure, etc. We decided to rejuvenate the soil with the organic manure because organic fertiliser is more useful for consumption

ing strategy in place. “But the produce is not enough for the local people. As soon as we

raised beds, is designed to avoid pests, the outer walls of which are lined with nets; this

also facilitates less flood-related issues. “Students do not have to toil in the sun anymore to do the practical aspects of their SBAs; they can do it right in here,” Chintamani pointed out as another benefit.

The shade house has been so effective, he noted, that when the construction was finished, two parents started one at their homes on their own. “We hope that by 2030, more persons will go with the idea. It’s a bit more expensive but the benefits outweigh this.”

The shade house in Leguan is said to be a unique structure with the higher part of the roof being located towards the windward side. It also harvests its own water.

“So, the rain water that falls on the roof goes into the tank and comes out through the drip system. When we turn on the pipe, we can leave it

and do other things while the water would irrigate the soil,” Chintamani shared.

He is thankful that Leguan is one of the few schools that was chosen for a shade house and would be elated if the school can begin doing other things, such as hydroponics.

So far, with the proceeds from the shade house, the school has been able to purchase tools, seeds, and even do repairs to sections of the building and the poultry pen.

Just a few days ago, a team of Agriculture Science teachers and other representatives from several Caribbean countries visited the shade house in Leguan to observe the model and take back details to their respective countries. They were amazed at how well it was maintained.

Head of Department, Agriculture Science, Viren Chintamani

The shade house at Leguan Secondary School

Starting with broccoli, celery, sweet pepper, the shade house has come to include other produce like lettuce, tomatoes, and eschalots

A bed of ‘poi bhaji’ planted by the students in the shade house

Empowering Youths

THE Parliament Office of Guyana must be commended for putting in place the necessary arrangements for the holding of yet another Youth Parliament which was held last August 6-12 under the theme, “Our Generation, Our Voice to Inspire, Encourage Impact.” This was the eighth sitting of Youth Parliament which gave effect to a United Nations declaration to empower young people and provide an opportunity for them to have a voice in the decision-making process.

This theme was particularly relevant at this critical juncture in our country's history when the challenges to development are extraordinarily high. It is no exaggeration to say that this current generation are much

more endowed in terms of opportunities to grow and develop to the full limit of their potential and also to be the main beneficiaries of the unprecedented developmental 'tsunami' currently underway. As such, they have to be provided with a framework for their voices to be heard and also to influence the course and parameters of such developments.

Over 40 students from secondary schools across the country took part in the activities which included training and conducting tours around the city. The students had the opportunity to meet and interact with the Speaker of the National Assembly, current Members of Parliament, and staff of the Parliament Office.

This is indeed a laudable initiative which will go a far

way in terms of empowering our young people to take up leadership roles. The future belongs to the young people and it is therefore important that they have a voice and a role in the shaping and determination of that future.

Guyana has a relatively young population. More than half of the country's population are young people, many of whom are already playing key roles in the country's development. In fact, Guyana has the unique distinction of having a youthful President in the person of Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali who is currently the youngest Head of State in the Caribbean. Former President and now Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo was also the youngest Head of State when he became President of Guyana.

They both continue to steer the Ship of State in their respective roles as President and Vice-President respectively. It will be recalled that Dr. Cheddi Jagan was still in his late twenties when he was elected to the Legislative Council in 1947.

It is an established fact that young people have higher energy levels and are generally more innovative and creative. They are more open to new ideas and out of the-box thinking. This is why they are a valuable and resourceful asset in the national development processes.

It is precisely for this reason that the current PPP/C administration has been paying so much attention on youth development. President Ali in August 2022 launched the

President's Youth Advisory Council during which he urged young people to become critically integrated into the policy-making and policy implementation of the country.

According to President Ali, it is important for our youths to have a thorough understanding on how policies are determined, why they are determined and to become a part of the finalization and implementation processes.

This is how it should be and full credit must be given to President Ali and Vice-President Dr. Jagdeo not only for recognizing the value of youths for national development but also for putting in place the mechanisms for young people to realise their full potential. Indeed, there has never been

a better time for young people to take up leadership roles. Guyana is now in the cusp of monumental and exciting changes and our young people will have to play a lead role in driving the change dynamic.

This Youth Parliament is an important mechanism to prepare our youths to take up leadership roles, especially from a governance perspective. History has taught us that our young people have never been shy or found wanting when it comes to confronting the challenges of the times. Indeed, we owe as a society a debt of gratitude to our young people who rose to the challenges of governance in the past and also to those who currently occupy leadership positions at the various levels.

Dr Roger Forbes Luncheon – remember the name

Dear Editor,

There comes a time in the life of every nation when its history demands the presence of a figure who stands tall, well above the fray, with a commitment and will to lift the life of its citizens for generations.

Guyana found that man, that citizen, that patriot in Dr Roger Forbes Luncheon.

A medical doctor by training, Hamilton Green brought him to serve this country. He came back to his homeland with good

will but soon found out that the Guyana he was promised was in the doldrums, with an economic disaster in motion, and the requiem for democracy already fully composed.

At the reflections for the former HPS on Friday night at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo went beyond the customary blazonries. He hailed Luncheon as a fighter against the politically connected criminal elements who were on a rampage against the soul of this nation in the early

2000s, bent as they were on destroying the remaining strands of democracy that they had not yet wiped out.

This is not the place to repeat or recite all that Dr. Luncheon did for Guyana. The list is just too long, but even more, the people of the land already know his track-record, the dedication and love with which he served, and the indomitable spirit that was a call to life for all those around him.

Vice President Jagdeo was visibly moved during his reflection on

Roger Luncheon’s life and service. They had worked through some of the darkest days in the history of this country, days and days running late into the north of midnight when humanity had fallen asleep. In a touching moment, Dr. Jagdeo told the audience and nation how party comrades physically carried Luncheon up several flights of stairs to the top floor of Freedom House for PPP Ex-Co meetings.

Dr. Luncheon was 74 when he passed away, a comparatively early age

in modern times, but especially so because he had so much more to give. He had already given beyond call and duty to building the institutional and cultural infrastructure of racio-ethnic bipartisanship.

Now the seeds long set in the fertile soils of multiracial possibilities, are contributing to the gathering momentum of the PPP as the only multiracial political force in Guyana. The best tribute one can pay to this great and humble man, is to follow his example. Be good, and work hard for a

better country.

The nation stands today in mourning. Luncheon has left us, but he is not gone. N.K. Gopaul, a past Permanent Secretary at Office of the President and who served with Dr. Luncheon on the Defense Board, commends these words on this occasion, “Do thou the deeds [he died] too young to do” (Matthew Arnold).

Sincerely, Dr.

Randolph Persaud

$500M dredge to boost farmers’ production at Little Diamond

FARMERS and residents from Little Diamond and the surrounding East Bank Demerara villages will benefit from the newly commissioned Cutter Head Dredge. The dredge, which is among the first to be fully manufactured and assembled in Guyana, was built by contractors of S. Jagmohan and Hardware Supplies.

It was procured by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) on contract valuing, G$497,464,600. Although the concept for the project was developed some time back, it was only in 2021

that government funds were approved, while it was completed in May of this year. At the time of its signing, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said the cutter head dredge

was among a list of products and services that were categorised as critical.

The dredge will be used to desilt outfall channels and improve drainage and irrigation in the Little

Diamond, East Bank Demerara area, and Guyana at large. At the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, Minister Mustapha emphasised the importance of the dredge and the impact it will have.

“Today’s commissioning of this piece of equipment is testimony to the government’s commitment in modernising our infrastructure,” the Agriculture Minister said.

He explained that the dredge will not only help but improve production in the Little Diamond area, as he stated, “This will change not only thee residential areas but contribute

tremendously to increased production in the farming community. Today, farming is seen as the bedrock of Guyana’s economy, although we are now an oil and gas-producing country…We are also seeing that the agriculture sector in Guyana is taking us by storm.”

The state-of-the-art dredge is equipped with a global positioning system (GPS), life-saving and fire-protection equipment, propulsion and steering systems. Its operating equipment includes two excavators, a cutter head and engine, a generator, and living quarters for nine

operators among several other amenities.

Also speaking on behalf of the NDIA was its chairman, Lionel Wordsworth who referred to the dredge as one of the most important assets that will be added to agency’s inventory.

“We have had this deficit in this capacity to timely dredge our channel,” he said, adding: “This piece of equipment is the first of its kind that we will have in NDIA, whereby it is a self-propelled vessel, and it is epipod with the component to do the dredging.”

What moves by Tullow and CGX mean for Guyana’s oil potential

THE decision by Tullow Oil to exit the Orinduik license last week points to an underappreciated fact of Guyana’s rapid oil development: companies still face considerable risks offshore. Despite the major series of finds in the Stabroek Block, there have been only a handful of finds to date in other blocks. These have largely been uncommercial, meaning they would not be economical to develop under present conditions. Tullow held 60 percent equity in the block and sold it to Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas for just US$700,000 with additional payments and a small royalty if oil is ever found in commercial quantities. Tullow made two discoveries in Orinduik in 2019 but both proved to be uncommercial. The company is pivoting to focus on its African assets and just applied to extend leases offshore Gabon.

Other companies are facing similar challenges. Following their recent joint venture, Frontera and CGX Energy are evaluating their future offshore Guyana as the commerciality of the Wei-1 discovery in their Corentyne Block is still to be determined. A decision on whether to ask the gov-

ernment for a development license is expected within three months.

CGX’s previous find, at the Kawa-1 well in the Corentyne, was ultimately plugged and abandoned after more than US$141 million was spent on exploration and drilling. The company had been exploring in the area since 1997 and had given up initial drilling attempts due to the border dispute with Suriname. Even ExxonMobil Guyana, which has made the 30-plus discoveries in the Stabroek Block, has been unable to make a commercial find in its other leases on the Kaieteur or Canje blocks.

These challenges illustrate the high risks and costs inherent in the oil industry.

Offshore drilling remains one of the most capital-intensive parts of the industry— requiring careful analysis, considerable luck, and huge tolerance for financial risk.

Outside the prolific Stabroek Block, Guyana’s oil potential remains unknown, with no current production. Risks remain high. While the discoveries in the Stabroek have been extensive and production is nearing 400,000 barrels per day, the country had zero proven oil reserves just a few short years ago. More than 40 well-drilling

efforts before 2014 failed to yield results and large companies like Shell wrote off Guyanese leases at a significant loss.

As part of Guyana’s production sharing contract, the country does not have to invest anything into exploration or development—everything is funded by companies. That puts these financial risks solely on oil companies when drilling does not work out. When companies take huge losses after failed exploration, Guyana is fully insulated from risk.

The fiscal terms in the model PSA were recently revised to reflect the country’s changed status, but the original ones undoubtably played a major role in attracting investment to high-risk zones like the Stabroek, Orinduik and Corentyne blocks despite Guyana’s frontier status at the time.

Smart fiscal terms can balance the government’s interest in more revenue with the high risks of the industry. If companies see too much risk with too little potential payoff, they will go elsewhere.

The fate of the Orinduik block remains uncertain. Eco (Atlantic) previously held 15 percent alongside Tullow’s 60 percent and TOQAP’s 25

percent. TOQAP is a partnership between France’s TotalEnergies and Qatar Petroleum.

Tullow was operator of the block and responsible for exploration and drilling. Eco (Atlantic) has told reporters after the sale that it will look to craft a “farm-in” agreement with another company in the aftermath of Tullow’s departure. Farm-in deals allow small companies like

Eco (Atlantic) to sell part of their equity to a larger company with experience and manpower to drill offshore. That new partner will likely take on Tullow’s mantle as operator and lead exploration and development.

The level of interest will be an important sign for Guyana. So far, the global oil industry has seen Guyana as an extraordinary opportunity.

The Stabroek Consortium

alone has made or committed as much as US$40 billion to exploration and development and Guyana continues to attract some of the largest investments in the offshore space.

But oil and gas is a highly competitive industry evaluating an uncertain economic future. Keeping Guyana an attractive and competitive opportunity must be a priority.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials cut the ribbon to the new dredge at the Little Diamond sluice

Gone over to what and where?

The guest on the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show last Monday was PNC Parliamentarian, Coretta Mc Donald. This is someone I have known for a long time and we shared activist years together. Norris Witter about a year ago was the guest on the same show. Norris and I shared activist years together as well

I can name Norris and Coretta because what they had to say about the March 2020 elections can be heard by anyone going to YouTube and looking at their pronunciations. I can’t name the prominent African rights activist that I have also known for “donkey years.” In fact, we got to know each other in 1974 when we both entered UG. We remained friends since then and once operated together on the same political terrain.

I cannot name him because if he denies what he told me about the March 2020 elec -

tion, he can sue. I should identify him because he should be bold enough to let the public know how he saw the 2020 general elections. I have an obligation to the Guyana Chronicle to avoid libel. But I will identify him when next I am the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show. What do these three persons have in common as it relates to me? We will start with Norris. He spoke at length about what he saw as government’s violations of laws and norms. I asked him for evidence, and he replied that it was there for all to see. Then I asked him if there is evidence to prove that the 2020 national election was rigged. He said he does not have any evidence about rigging in the election. He actually asked where such evidence is.

Coretta went on and on about the gloom and doom in Guyana. She was completely rejectionist in her attitude towards the govern -

ment. She wants democracy for Guyana, she claimed. Then I asked her about the loss of democracy during the rigging of the general poll of March 2020. Coretta in an upbeat mood, said she does not accept that the election was tampered with. Finally, my African rights former friend (yes, former). He wanted to know why I have not requested a guest to my show to analyze the Dharamlall incident. I told him we had two such guests - Mr. Ralph Ramkarran from the opposition party, ANUG; and Ganesh Mahipaul from the PNC.

As the conversation continued, I brought up the 2020 election rigging. This is what he said to me: “Which election rigging? I don’t know about any election rigging.” Since the March 2020 election attempted fraud which lasted five months, I have heard the lament of so many people that I have shared decades of camaraderie with

that I have “gone over.” Those guests like McDonad and Mahipaul have echoed those sentiments on the show itself.

You can deduce logically that the accusation is that I should still be with them. I should still be with them for me means that I should accept the denial of the right of my wife and daughter to vote and have their votes counted. To continue to be with them for me means that democracy means permanent one-party rule as when we lived under President Burnham. That is what we would have had if the Caribbean Court of Justice, the world and Guyanese freedom fighters did not stop the efforts to bring back one-party

rule in this country.

The people who told me in 2020 and continue to tell me that I have gone over are people whose dangerous minds I did not know even though I spent decades with them in struggle for democratic values. I did not know them at all and I no longer want to know them. Last Friday on the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show, there was a call-in segment, and a caller asked if while at Kaieteur News, I made mistakes about my writings.

This is how I answered him. I admit that I was naïve and that I did not see through the conspiracies of Mr. Glenn Lall. In response, I offered an apology to Guyana and the world. Looking back at my life

in politics, the regrets are enormous. I thought we were all in struggle for a freer Guyana. I repeat here what I have written in black and white umpteen times in response to those who keep telling me I have gone over.

I voted in 2020 for the Amerindian Party of Lenox Shuman. I wanted small parties to be in government to act as deterrent to whichever party was in power. I voted for the Amerindian Party in keeping with my idyllist mind. I have gone over but to where? To my conscience and dreams. And yes, I support Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ally and Anil Nandlall. No apologies whatsoever!

Will another external intervention help and heal or harm and hurt Haiti?

IT’S not-at-all too farfetched to say that all signs point to the distinct possibility of yet another external military intervention in Haiti that will only cost more lives, irrespective of results.

Haiti’s history is littered with the foreign military interventions that immediately followed the triumph of the Revolution and establishment of the world’s first Black Republic in 1804.

These included separate and joint interventions, over time, by European and North American troops, leading to Haiti’s forced payment of reparations by way of 90 million gold francs to French plantation owners, that took over a century to pay-up.

‘Gang Violence’ is only the latest of a continuing deadly series of internal clashes that have haunted Haiti since the military and police were defanged by corruption and infiltration and the type of external subversive political and military interventions that fueled the fires that led to the brutal assassination of President Jovenel Moïse by a foreign-led squad of mercenaries, in the presence of his wife.

External interventions also included assignment of United Nations (UN)led multinational Peace Keeping Forces (PKFs) that were supposed to keep the peace but lost the people’s trust after they broke with usual protocols and started engaging in extra-curricular activities including allegations and investigations involving sexual abuse by international aid agencies.

The UN’s PKF was blamed for introducing a deadly dengue virus that led to deaths of thousands and affecting thousands of families, but instead of

coming to the assistance of the victims by mobilizing international capital to meet the costs of attending to victims, the UN invoked diplomatic immunity to escape its responsibility to the people of the most-populous Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member-state.

The UN earned a bad reputation of betrayal and mistrust among Haitians since the national dengue epidemic introduced by UN soldiers from Nepal, but it’s now seeking to regain lost trust in Haiti by advocating non-UN external intervention -led by Haiti’s CARICOM neighbours and African family, but fully-supported by the UN Security Council, to open the way for maximum support for such an intervention by nations (like Canada, France, USA, UK, etc.) willing to provide the arms.

The approach looks like having CARICOM and Kenyan ‘troops’ lead the way – like in the Grenada invasion of October 1983 – with overwhelming back-up by the real military might of the US’ troops, ships and aircraft.

This time around, however, with the historical inability of external forces to keep peace in Haiti -where the gangs outgun what’s left of the local police and army – it’s clear the approach here is also to use a proxy war, with more black (Caribbean and African) than white American or European troops.

Same with Niger, where the West is depending on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take their fight to the new military-led transition government on their behalf, with multinational African troops fighting an African army on their behalf – and

(like in Ukraine) supplying the weapons.

After so-far spending over US $100 Billion in Ukraine, the West is studiously avoiding directly engaging Russia and both sides are playing Russian Roulette with conscripted forces selectively described as ‘international fighters’, ‘independent brigades’ or ‘mercenaries.’

However, as in Ukraine and Niger, what’s needed in Haiti is peace, not more war; but those fanning the flames of external intervention continue to peddle the impossible solution of bringing peace through fighting, of ending wars by fighting more – and harder.

This historical approach of treating Haiti as a permanent failed state that can never find its own solutions from within continues to be manifested in the frequency and volume of calls for and emphases on external military intervention as the only way out for Haiti.

As in Grenada, Ukraine and Niger, all those advocating and promoting external military intervention are interested in preserving or restoring the disturbed geopolitical and security status quo, to gain strategic continental military advantages, and/ or to preserve access to natural resources important to Europe and North America.

But Haiti has seen enough of its blood shed by violence and every previous external intervention has confirmed, by way of fruitless positive results, that violence –whether White-on-Black or Black-on-Black – is never a permanent solution to any festering homegrown problem, even if fertilized by external applications.

With no effective legal government in place, no elected president and no national judicial, legal, security or public entity working effectively, exacerbation of all-round violence and the social disorder that will come with and follow it all, is sure to more hurt and harm than help and heal Haiti.

Like everywhere else, the world’s richest nations, while opting out of leading the intervention they recommend for Haiti, are also leaving on the table the usual clear and distinct possibility of direct intervention, in the usual name of ‘rescuing nationals’ or ‘protecting national interests’…

However, never mind

earlier expressions of support by some CARICOM member-states, it’s important to remind today’s leaders of the lingering after-effects of Caribbean participation in the Grenada invasion by provision of a fig leaf for a US invasion in the name of an invited ‘rescue mission’.

To preserve its Monroe Doctrine approach to treating the Caribbean as part of ‘America’s Backyard’, the US ensured creation of a Regional Security System (RSS), trained largely by the US Armed Forces South Command, since the Grenada invasion almost 40 years ago.

Washington will definitely want to see the RSS replay the role assigned

by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) back then, in providing the intervention invitations and committing their police forces to simply being like laces for foreign jackboots.

However, CARICOM must learn from history and not allow the region to again lead the way with violent approaches to peace, but to instead insist on allowing Haiti (and its Caribbean neighbors) to continue working harder on peaceful, non-violent approaches to starting an end to Haiti’s present troubles.

Haiti has bled too much.

Same script, different cast

THE politics in Guyana is in a terrible state. It does not seem to develop or change with time. The country is moving and growing at a rapid pace, yet still, the politics is the same.

The actors, in the political system, are changing though, but their parties are holding firm to the ideologies of the past, and philosophies that are barely helping Guyana reach its full political potential.

And, unless we could move in a direction of political maturity, Guyana would continue its political deterioration and regression. We could grow and achieve development, through hard work and policy directives, but we would become politically stagnant or stunted. We are not growing as we are still too politically puerile and part of the problem with this is our memories are too short.

Recall, it was former President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who went on record in the early 2000s saying that, in order for Guyana

to move swiftly past the political differences, there needs to be a process that could build trust and good faith. He then presented a ‘White Paper’ on the process of building trust in society. It gave way to several Constitutional amendments that sought to create a series of bi-partisan Commissions that sought to protect our people such as the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Rights of Child Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission, among others.

Also, the bi-partisan Constitutional Reform Commission came up with many workable solutions to many of the problems that had dogged the governance, political system, and power systems for many years in Guyana. It came to a halt with disagreements after disagreements between the then Parliamentarians and political parties.

We missed the opportunity to really reform and change the constitution at this point in Guyana’s

history. We missed a chance at changing the formula that had condemned the country to political savagery and a single winner takes all system. We could not agree on the things that matter then or would matter to us as a nation in the future.

The Opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) and the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) never saw eye to eye again on anything that had to do with politics or governance in Guyana. Again, it played out very similarly to what had occurred between Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham when they parted ways or split in the 1950s.

Throughout the period between 2001 and 2020, Guyana had several missed opportunities to correct its wrongs and faults but it did not because there was political duplicity, double standards, a lack of trust, and widespread suspicion.

The PNC has never changed its true colours and has not entered discussions with the PPP in good faith. There

is still no aura of trust in their relations with the PPP at a political or governmental level. The PNC has gotten less diplomatic in its seeming hatred and contempt for the politics of the PPP, so much so, that they attempted to rigg the last election.

The PPP is no saint, here, either. It has committed its own share of political mistakes but, somehow, they are not at a level that would outdo the PNC.

So, this talk and debate about the ‘supermajority’, shared governance, and power sharing are not new. In fact, they are old and very familiar to the old politicians and Guyanese that understand the concepts. One wonders why we need to entertain this very same discussion each time the PPP has won the presidency or executive.

One wonders why it is only the PPP who must share power and not the PNC or APNU or any other political party in the opposition. One even wonders why the proponents of this vision of doom in Guyana’s politics were not bold enough to speak as they are doing now when it was the APNU’s David Granger, Desmond Hoyte or Forbes Burnham in power. One even wonders why this talk about discrimination is even happening this month when we should be taking introspection on our walk towards freedom, emancipation and the challenges of maintaining our mental freedom.

The discussion on sharing Guyana’s wealth and resources would be better served if it is done in a more constructive and objective manner.

We must desist from making politics about race, and race about government. We blur the lines each time we heap everything about emancipation, slavery and freedoms with the concept of governance, State resources and the political system. They are interrelated but very different and distinct.

Governing alone, as PPP/C has shown, is not bad. The world is not ending and anarchy has not descended upon Guyana. The government has not collapsed or will collapse. The PPP has brightly gone around the politics to secure Guyana’s development if the opposition politicians are not serious.

Eventually, politics in Guyana will become cyclical if it does not change its paradigm. The same script, but a different cast.

African traditions kept alive for 200+years

By Faith Greene

AS part of its ‘One Guyana’ initiative, the Government of Guyana on Saturday hosted the first-ever 1823 Bicentennial cultural festival and concert at the Lamaha Promenade in Georgetown.

The event saw hundreds of persons of all backgrounds coming out to celebrate the vibrant African culture that exists among not only Afro-Guyanese but all of Guyana. In addition to the concert, there was live steelpan music by the Guyana

Defence Force (GDF) Band and Kunjaz Steel Ensemble, among other forms of entertainment. Dancers from the Joro Dance Group and many others graced the stage on Saturday evening, engaging all attending the event.

The concert lineup featured performances from Guyana’s finest, among them, Carlvin Burnette, Vanilla, Diana Chapman, Alabama, Yoruba Singers, the National Dance Company, the National Drama Company, 592 Drummers, Kaieteur Folk Singers, Joro Dance Group, Nekita and the one and only

Jackie Jaxx, backed by the Heatwave Band.

In addition to this, several African-centered businesses displayed their creations in all colours and form, ranging from beaded necklaces and earrings, to wrist bands, leather footwear and bags, African sculptures, African print dresses, bags and pillow cases, and, of course, African food.

Speaking with the Sunday Chronicle was Kelon Lamazon, a representative of 592 Wines, Juices and Shakes. Lamazon said the company participated in the event

to provide samples of their favourite and most popular wines.

“We have the Jamoon Wine, and we have the Capadoola Wine, and then we also put them together with the ‘Aunty Desmond’, and we have a King Wine that we’re doing samples of,” Lamazon said.

Another exhibitor, Kenneth Nelson, who is also known as ‘Judah’, is the owner of Hardcore Arts and Crafts. Nelson usually makes earrings, necklaces, and a variety of handbags; he also does wood carvings and

sculptures.

Nelson said that he is a part of the Main Street Art Group and the Guyana Arts and Crafts Producers Association Inc., and has been in the business for some 30 years.

Jenny Ealy, a representative from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Museum of African Heritage, had on display a number of books based on African Empowerment, and sculptures depicting slavery and freedom from it.

The 1823 Demerara Rebellion was the first massive slave uprising in Demerara,

British Guiana. It broke out on August 18, 1823, and involved an estimated 11,000 to 12,000 enslaved people from about 55 plantations on the East Coast of Demerara, from Liliendaal to Mahaica. This uprising was an attempt by Africans to gain their freedom from an oppressive, authoritarian system that characterised the plantation economy in British Guiana. This year marks the 200th Anniversary of the uprising by these enslaved people who eventually won their full emancipation on August 1, 1838.

Kenneth ‘Judah’ Nelson of Hardcore arts and crafts

Jenny Ealy at the Museum of African History Booth (Adrian Narine photos)

Kelon Lamazon of 592 Wines, Juices and Shakes

Government empowers young people to build a brighter Guyana

GIVEN that the main objective of Youth Parliament is to improve the democratic process within the Commonwealth, enhance participants' awareness of parliamentary democracy, and give them a platform to share their opinions, concerns, and expectations, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, emphasised the significance of the Eight Annual Youth Parliament, describing it as a forum for youth to express their thoughts and plot their way for a better future.

During his presenta -

tion at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Friday evening, Prime Minister Phillips praised the participants for their enthusiasm and reassured them that the government is committed to creating an atmosphere where young people's voices are not only heard but also have a lasting impact while empowering and involving them in building a brighter future for the nation.

"This platform allows our young people to amplify their position as torchbearers of a brighter future…. You hold in your hands the power to mould

Aggressive marketing, logistics needed to achieve regional food security targets

- says PSC Chairman - ferry service being considered to distribute produce across the Caribbean

IN order for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to achieve its 25 by 2025 food security targets, aggressive marketing and logistics strategies must be developed.

This is the contention of Komal Singh, the Chairman of Guyana’s Private Sector Commission (PSC). Singh was at the time addressing a

mammoth gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Friday, where the country’s third Agri- Investment Forum and Expo was launched.

“It is critical at this point in time that the private sector take the initiative to work on a more aggressive regional logistics approach where we can move our prod -

ucts and services easily around the region,” Singh said.

He reasoned that while progress has been made to increase production, marketing must now come into play to ensure that produce is circulated in the region.

“If we don’t include marketing and moving our finish product into the region then we will

reach a stage where we are at a standstill and we cannot move our products to meet our consumers.”

He added: “Achieving this cannot be done in a tunnel vision; it requires a holistic approach including regional logistics that will allow us to move our product in a manner that is most convenient to all stakeholders while simultaneously improving efficiency.”

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who chairs the special ministerial task force for food production and food security at CARICOM, disclosed that members had talks of introducing a ferry service to transport produce across the region.

“We are working aggressively with other countries; places like Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados,

and I am hoping that we can reach an agreement where we can have a ferry to transport produce in the Caribbean.”

Regional governments, he said, will welcome private investors to explore the establishment of a ferry service for the region.

“If we have private investors and they can do it, that will be welcomed in the Caribbean; also government to government, we are looking to collaborate.”

Stakeholders from CARICOM and the regional private sector are expected to meet in Oc-

tober again, for the third Agri- Investment forum and Expo.

Back in 2022, at the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Belize, it was announced that Guyana would host the region’s first agriculture Regional Agri-Investment Forum and Expo.

The regional conference was among several initiatives undertaken by the heads of government to reduce the region's US$6 billion food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

Komal Singh, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, speaking at the event

Region Nine’s medical advancements: Pioneering surgery removes giant Lipoma

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE surgical clinic at the Lethem Regional Hospital recently accomplished a ground-breaking feat. A historic event in patient care occurred when

fulfill government’s manifesto promises.

These accomplishments are attributed to the exceptional leadership of Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, and Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the

lumps formed due to an overgrowth of fat cells beneath the skin, were discussed by Dr. Mc Watt.

Dr. Mc Watt explained that while generally harmless and causing only cosmetic concerns, these lumps can occasionally lead to serious medical issues requiring intervention.

“The Lethem Regional Hospital Surgical Clinic recently achieved a groundbreaking feat in the field of surgery. The local medical team successfully conducted the first-ever removal of a giant benign lipoma, marking a pivotal moment for patient care,” he noted.

a medical team performed the first-ever excision of a large benign lipoma with success.

Health services in Region Nine have taken substantial strides over the past three years, with notable achievements that

Ministry of Health.

Dr. Cerdel Mc Watt, Regional Health Officer for Region Nine, highlighted the significance of recent medical advancements.

Lipomas, which are non-cancerous (benign)

The patient, a 54-yearold Brazilian individual who had suffered from the condition for over a decade, experienced a drastic improvement in the quality of life following the surgery.

Led by the dedicated surgeons of the Cuban Medical Brigade, including Dr. Vladimir and Dr.

Choyee, as well as local Guyanese medical professionals like Dr. Frank, the surgical team exhibited unparalleled dedication.

Anesthesiologists

Dr. Crespo and Mr. Ray O’Connell, Theatre Nurse

Ms. Kateri James, and Patient Care Assistants

Mr. Paul Alfred and Ms. Yltulien Issacs, along with Dental Surgeon Daryl Watson, played integral roles in ensuring the success of the surgery. The

patient's ability to move their neck flexibly was restored after a decade of discomfort, showcasing a remarkable improvement in their quality of life.

“The success of this surgical milestone is a testament to the collaborative efforts of medical professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The surgical team's experience and competence, combined with the patient's trust and the government's commitment to regional healthcare, resulted in this historic achievement. The renovated Lethem Regional Hospital, equipped with a fully functional theater, has played a crucial role in enabling such advancements,” the Regional Health Officer noted while acknowledging the contribution of Region Nine Regional Executive Officer, Karl Singh and Regional Chairman, Bryan Allicock.

Meanwhile, Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo explained that teams of specialists are now permanently stationed in Region Nine, with surgical services extending to the Aishalton Hospital.

Dr. Mahadeo noted that the newly operational theater in Aishalton has further expanded healthcare capabilities in the region. The commitment of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali's government to improving healthcare in the hinterland is evident in the progress witnessed in Region Nine.

“As the medical community commemorates this milestone, it recognizes the potential for ongoing collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of cutting-edge healthcare solutions. The achievement reflects the dedication to pushing boundaries, transforming lives, and providing exceptional care at the Lethem Regional Hospital. The medical community is poised to continue striving for outstanding healthcare, demonstrating the previously unattainable possibilities for the region. The successful surgery serves as a beacon of hope, resonating with the spirit of progress and commitment to healthcare excellence,” the Director-General underscored.

Before surgery: The 54-year-old old patient and the 10-year-old Lipoma

The patient who can finally have an improved range of flexion and extension in his neck

The surgical team that assisted the doctors in the first-ever removal of a large benign lipoma with success

Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo

Regional Health Officer, Dr. Cerdel Mc Watt

Final farewell to Dr. Olato Sam

GOVERNMENT officials, staff from the Ministry of Education, educators, students, and other mourners paid their final respects to

former Chief Education Officer and adviser to the Minister of Education, Dr. Olato Sam, 54, who was laid to rest, on Saturday, at

the Soesdyke cemetery.

Dr. Sam met his demise on August 4 when he was struck by a stray bullet while enjoying an evening hanging

out with a few of his friends at the Plaisance Railway embankment on the East Coast of Demerara.

Following the two-hour viewing at the Merriman’s Funeral Parlour in Bent Street, Georgetown, the funeral procession was es-

corted to the St Mary’s Anglican Church at Soesdyke for a funeral service followed by burial at the Soesdyke cemetery.

Purchase of ‘MV Hercules’ to alleviate long lines at ports

IN ORDER to ensure that all Guyanese, particularly those who live in Leguan, Wakenaam, Essequibo Coast, and Bartica, have access to effective water transportation, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, says the government is currently testing a private vessel, the MV Hercules, with the intention of purchasing it

“We have engaged the owner of the vessel since the vessel is already in Guyana

to do testing,” Edghill told the Sunday Chronicle in an interview.

He noted with a "rapidly growing economy" such as Guyana's, it is not surprising that more people are "moving, travelling, and touring" from one destination to another in larger numbers.

"Even though we have ferries operating along these routes already, because of the number of people and vehicles that are travelling to Georgetown and other

places across the country for business or pleasure, it is only fitting that we get an additional vessel. Many people, specifically from the areas that I’ve mentioned, have also asked for additional assistance so that they wouldn’t have to be stuck at the different ports with their vehicles."

According to the Public Works Minister, "The MV Hercules has made several trips to Leguan, Wakenaam, Supenaam, and Bartica. It

completed the trips in good time, and we are also looking at the fuel consumption and passenger flow. As it is right now, it is only a matter of finalising the details for the purchase and acquisition and operationalising under Transport and Harbour [department]."

During the testing period, the owner of the vessel had his crew onboard, along with the crew from Transport and Harbour, to observe the operation and take notes as the vessel traverses the different waterways.

"Now that the testing period is going to come to an end, we will do a full review, negotiate the price, and have the vessel in the Transport and Harbour fleet. I also want to tell you that, right now, with the online booking service that is available, the vessel is more than needed to accommodate the additional vehicles that are left at Parika or the other ferry stellings. The vessel is estimated to carry at least 50 vehicles and about 60 persons," Edghill said.

He emphasised that the vessel is feasible and will "greatly" benefit the farmers, especially those in

Wakenaam and Leguan, to transport their paddy to the Parika Stelling and to the rice mills on the West Coast of Demerara.

"The big issue is the value for money in the purchase and its operability in terms of getting it done in a cohesive and structured manner in keeping with the schedules and other requirements," he added.

The Sunday Chronicle reached out to several residents of Leguan, Essequibo, and Wakenaam, who all welcomed the additional vessel.

According to one of the residents of Region Two (Pomeroon / Supenaam), Anjanie (only name given), "I am the manager for a hardware store, and we purchase all of our materials

and supplies from the West Coast of Demerara or in Georgetown. I can tell you that even though we have two boats that are working from Parika to Essequibo, sometimes we are left back with stocks because of the number of vehicles that are crossing; it doesn’t have space.

“And this does put us in a situation with our customers many times; people need their products, but we are stuck at Parika. So, this new boat will definitely be a great help to us in Essequibo, especially for my fellow businesspeople who travel up with their vehicles as well. Thank you to the government for this; it really is a good move. I really hope that they sign off on it."

Dr Olato Sam’s wife, relatives and other mourners at the Merriman’s Funeral Parlour (Adrian Narine photo)

Portrait of Dr. Olato Sam at the Merriman’s Funeral Parlour on Saturday

(Photo: News Room)

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

The ‘MV Hercules’ transporting vehicles during one of its testing voyages

Job creation has been at the centre of the government’s agenda. This is being achieved through public investments in various initiatives, and policies/interventions that create a more conducive environment for business

Government empowers young people to...

FROM PAGE 12

our tomorrows, to redefine what it means to be the change we wish to see.

“When young people engage in activities such as these, their participation serves as a powerful re -

minder that the issues they care about, be they climate change, social justice, education, or healthcare, are

not abstract concepts but real challenges that require practical solutions. When we sit at the table with our

young people, we allow their ideas to breathe life into policy discussions, shape legislative agendas,

and make their concerns part of the national conversation,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that programmes such as the President’s Youth Advisory Council and Youth Entrepreneurship are intended to empower youth and incorporate their interests into the national agenda.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the government will continue with initiatives to support young people in obtaining jobs, purchasing a home, and developing their ICT skills. He further explained that programmes such as the Youth Parliament are a crucial component of a larger strategy to raise young people’s standards of living and prepare them to take on important roles as local and global leaders.

He praised the young lawmakers for their active participation in the ongoing debate and their proactive initiatives. He also applauded their capacity to address specific problems and put up workable solutions that would strengthen Guyana.

"Young people's voices, ideas, and actions are desirable and essential. Your generation, equipped with a unique blend of technological prowess, global connectivity, and an unquenchable thirst for justice, has unprecedented power to steer societies towards progress and equality", Minister Phillips explained.

The Eighth Annual Youth Parliament underlined the crucial role played by young people in developing laws, institutions, and policies that reflect the variety and aspirations of society.

The event was attended by the Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the National Assembly; lawmakers; Deputy British High Commissioner. Judy Kpogho; Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susan Rodrigues; representatives from the University of the West Indies, other government officials, and some of the members of the opposition.

‘Sunny’ killed after altercation at Kumung Kumung Backdam

- three arrested

POLICE are investigating the murder of a man who has only been identified as ‘Sunny’; the incident occurred tween August 17 and 18, 2023, at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Puruni River, in Region Seven.

Police visited the scene at about 17:30 hrs. on Friday.

According to a police press release on Saturday, the ongoing investigation revealed that Sunny was drinking with two Venezuelan women and other individuals at a shop on Thursday night at around 23:00 hrs. and requested to dance with one of the women.

Police said that the Venezuelan woman declined his advances which caused him to become annoyed, and he held on to her. She pushed him off, and an argument ensued between them.

According to witnesses, the female broke two bottles and threatened ‘Sunny’.

Persons at the shop attempted to calm the situation, but ‘Sunny’ began to behave disorderly and assaulted two of the men who tried to sub-

due him. The two men reportedly cuffed and beat Sunny about the body and he was later taken to his camp in an intoxicated state where he retired to bed.

According to the Police, at about 06:00 hrs. on Friday, the female Venezuelan was seen running away from Sunny’s camp; he was later discovered covered in blood, lying motionless in his hammock.

Upon arrival at the scene, Police examined the body, and one stab wound was seen to his upper left side chest, two stab wounds were below his left armpit, and one to his upper left side back. A Crime

Scene Technician processed and photographed the scene.

Oriamna Naomi Silva Figuera, the 23-year-old female from Puerto Ordas, Venezuela, who allegedly had an altercation with the victim and who was seen running from his camp, was taken into custody by the Police and is now assisting with the investigation.

Police also arrested Joel Moore, called ‘Alligator’, a 23-year-old miner and Elton Booker, called ‘Ratty’, a 22-year-old miner, who are the two persons that allegedly assaulted the victim in the shop as investigation progress.

CANU seizes $11M in cannabis at Sandaka Creek

IN an operation carried out on Saturday, Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) officers, during an operation at Sandaka Creek, East Berbice-Corentyne, discovered multiple bags nestled within bushes along the creek, each containing parcels suspected to be cannabis.

The seized cannabis

The retrieved substance, suspected to be cannabis, was subsequently transported to CANU's Skeldon Office in Corentyne Berbice.

Rigorous testing confirmed its composition, weighing approximately 37.4 kg (equivalent to about 82.4 lbs.). That cache of cannabis possesses an

estimated street value of around GUY $11.2 million. While the operation yielded no arrests at the time, ongoing investigations are underway to uncover the origins and those responsible for the concealed cannabis hoard

Grace Kennedy Money Services throws its support for Strikers All Female Dominoes Tourney

COME Saturday, August 26th Strikers Sports Club will come alive as Grace Kennedy Money Services (GKMS), which is the umbrella brand for the services offered by Western Union and Bill Express and FX Trader, were the latest to embrace Strikers Sports Club Summer Special All Female Dominoes tourney, which is being played at its clubhouse in Meadow Brook Gardens.

The presentation saw its local Marketing Officer, Mrs. Tina Seabra-Gibson doing the honours in handing over the second prize trophy, medals and sponsorship cheque on behalf of GKMS during which she posited the company’s excitement and commitment to being a proud sponsor of Strikers Sports Club All Female Domino Tournament in which the event encapsulates the es -

sence of strategic thinking, camaraderie and entertainment which resonates deeply with the company’s corporate social responsibility in which they are proud of supporting this amazing event. She also congratulated Strikers Sports Club on its 15th year anniversary.

This initiative was birthed four years ago by “Three the Hard Way” to cater for the inequality women folks has to endure when competing against their male counterparts in dominoes. Some of their all- female events include Strikers Sports Club annual Christmas Bonanza, which began in 2019, annual salute to mothers birthed in 2021, its annual all female Strikers Sports Club Anniversary celebration,, which began in 2019, and its annual Strikers Tribute to Mothers which started in 2019.

The idea behind these

initiates were birthed because women are always made to compete against men and most of the time they are at a disadvantage because the numbers are highly stacked against them especially in the domino arena i.e. if there is a tournament consisting

of twenty seven (27) teams (more or less) we seldom find three (3) all-female teams that can compete. Because of the stigma attached to their participation (a woman’s place is in the kitchen etc), and this does not augur well for them.

Female teams are usually booted (knocked out) by their male counterparts before, as we would say in Guyanese parlance, “Seeing the Promised Land” to a final six participating teams of the said competition. Hence, we at “Three the Hard Way” in association with Strikers Sports Club has taken the initiative to invite FEMALE TEAMS ONLY for this event.

Entrance fee is slated to be $12,000 per team in which the winning team will walk away with $250,000, Trophy and 9 medals; first runner-up will receive $125,000, Trophy and 9 medals; third place will be $75,000 richer inclusive of trophy and 9 medals. A bonus Fourth place is added and will receive $40,000 and a trophy. Once again as an incentive, Triple M Investments and Mr. Ryan Rambalak, have donated two hampers each for the top

players of the winning teams.

Last year’s tourney was won by Yarrowkabra Ladies who took the top prize of $200,000 compliments of Strikers Sports Club; Big Boss Girls settled for second place with $125,000 compliments of GKRS; In Time in a disappointing third with $75,000 compliments of VSH United Guyana, while the promising All Seasons Angels were adjudged 4th with $40,000 compliments of HJ 94.1 Boom FM.

Other sponsors that heeded the call and are on board for this initiative include VSH United (Guyana) Inc; 94.1FM; Austin’s Imports, Patterson Associates, Luminous Consultancy & Electrical Services, Big Boss Transportation Services, Dynasty Sports Club, Star Party Rentals and Raphael’s Trading Enterprise to date.

Three things that keep Usman Khawaja playing Test cricket

AUSTRALIA opener, Usman Khawaja, says he will keep playing Test cricket just as long as he continues to tick three crucial boxes.

It's a case of so far, so good for the 36-year-old, who topped the Ashes batting aggregate across both sides in the recent 2-2 series draw in England that ensured Australia retained the urn.

Khawaja was asked at Cricket Australia's Play Cricket Week campaign, in Brisbane, if the home Ashes series of 2025-26 was still in his sights.

"In 2025 … one series at a time I go with," Khawaja grinned. "You can get ahead of yourself and look to that time [in 2025] and think, 'I can probably get there', but I don't want to [do that].

"I like playing one summer at a time and seeing how the body is going, how the mind is going and whether

I am enjoying it. It is those three things. I am ticking those three boxes at the moment so I will keep playing."

Khawaja has had a few weeks to reflect on this year's thrilling Ashes series.

"I have had so many people come up to me and tell me how good the Test series was. So for cricket...cricket definitely won," he said. "I've had more than 50 people tell me the last couple of weeks

how much sleep they lost watching the Ashes.

"We would have loved to have won but we have now retained [or won] four Ashes series in a row...2019 and 2023 in England. The

last time England won in Australia was 2010-11, when I debuted.

"So we've been dominating Ashes cricket for a long time and that is the bigger picture. England is going to have to come back here and beat us and do something they haven't done for a very long time."

Australia play Pakistan and West Indies in the coming months, with Khawaja looking forward to opening alongside David Warner in what will be his good mate's last summer of Test cricket. He said the future looked bright in the opening ranks, no matter who replaced Warner in Tests.

"Marcus Harris has been travelling with us a lot, everywhere we go. It would be remiss to think that he is not the next in line to open the batting for Australia," Khawaja said.

"[In Queensland] Matt Renshaw has been around and playing some beautiful cricket, and scored a Test hundred in Sydney early on [in his career]. Then there's the likes of Cameron Bancroft, who played really well too in WA and has played for Australia also."

Khawaja said the Play Cricket Week initiative, which features approximately 150 high-profile cricketers around the country, was vital to encourage kids to take up the sport.

"Participation is the beall and end-all for cricket," Khawaja said. "It is great to see the young boys and now it is really exciting to see the females in participation. When I was younger it was very different. The amount of girls that come up to me these days and ask for an autograph is pretty cool."(Cricinfo)

In photo, Marketing Assistant, Mrs. Tina Seabra-Gibson, hands over the sponsorship cheque to one of the organisers, Roderick Harry, who thanked GKRS for its continuous support

Jess Jonassen and Usman Khawaja promoting Play Cricket Week • Cricket Australia

Liverpool fight back to beat Bournemouth with 10 men

Summer signing Alexis Mac Allister was sent off in his first home match for Liverpool but the Reds still overpowered Bournemouth in a thrilling Premier League game at Anfield.

The Cherries, who had already had a goal disallowed because Jaidon Anthony was offside, scored inside three minutes when the Reds gave away possession and Antoine Semenyo fired sweetly into the bottom corner.

Jurgen Klopp's side eventually got into their stride in a frantic first half and scored twice in an eight-minute period.

Luis Diaz got the equaliser when he collected Diogo Jota's low cross, flicked the ball up, spun and volleyed home.

Summer signing Dominik Szoboszlai then went to ground after a challenge at the corner of the box by Joe Rothwell and Mohamed Salah converted the rebound after his penalty was parried by Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto.

Argentina World Cup winner Mac Allister, signed in a £35m deal from Brighton, was shown a straight red card midway through the second half when he caught the foot of Ryan Christie.

But the 10 men of Liverpool scored a third as Szoboszlai's low shot was pushed out by Neto

and Jota netted from close range. Controversial decisions and great entertainment

The win means Liverpool now have four points from two matches this season after they began with a 1-1 draw at Chelsea while Bournemouth have just one point from their opening two games.

Both managers may be unhappy with refereeing decisions from Thomas Bramall, with Liverpool's penalty appearing a soft decision as Rothwell made

minimal contact with Hungary captain Szoboszlai as he stretched out his leg.

Klopp will be disappointed with the decision to send off Mac Allister for what seemed a genuine attempt to win the ball.

While there did not look to be any malice in the challenge, the former Brighton midfielder's boot was high as he caught Christie.

The Liverpool fans booed the decision while Klopp tried to provide some words of comfort

for the Argentine as he walked off the pitch after an inauspicious end to his Anfield debut.

Reds deserve win but credit to Bournemouth

This summer saw Liverpool lose captain Jordan Henderson and fellow midfielder Fabinho to Saudi Arabian clubs on top of James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving on free transfers.

They have completed deals for Mac Allister, Szoboszlai - in

Powell urges patience with young Royals

GROS ISLET, St Lucia,

(CMC). New Barbados Royals captain, Rovman Powell, has urged patience with his young side after they suffered a chastening 54-run defeat to St Lucia Kings.

Chasing 202 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Thursday night, Royals produced an inept batting effort to collapse to 147 all out, in their opening fixture of the Caribbean Premier League.

At one stage, they were tottering on 21 for four in the third over but 22-year-old Nyeem Young blasted a top score of 48 off 39 balls after arriving at number eight, to add some respectability to the total.

“We have to keep on improving. If we can improve in the batting, bowling and fielding that would do us well,” said Powell, in his first year as Royals captain after leading Jamaica Tallawahs to last year’s title.

“You know, it’s a young

team and as a young team, you’re going to need just a little bit of time – a little bit of time to get it right. Hopefully the next game can go better.”

Royals had their top order decimated by lively pacer Matthew Forde, the 21-yearold right-armer snatching three of the first four wickets to fall.

Rahkeem Cornwall was run out off the first ball of the

chase before Forde bowled both Justin Greaves (0) and Kevin Wickham (10), and then finished off an outstanding spell by having Powell taken in the deep, also without scoring.

Powell said he had warned his side about the critical nature of the opening power-play.

“With a 200-run target at the half-way stage, I said to them we cannot win the game

a £60m transfer from RB Leipzig - and Japan midfielder Wataru Endo, who moved in a £19m deal from Stuttgart on Friday and looked neat and tidy when he came on in the second half after the Argentine's dismissal.

However, two of Klopp's key midfield targets - Moises Caicedo and Romeo Laviahave chosen to join Chelsea from Brighton and Southampton respectively, leaving Klopp light on central midfielders.

Nevertheless, Liverpool have four points from their opening two matches and their excellent run at Anfield continued - they have now gone 13 Premier League matches since they lost at home, when Leeds United beat them in October 2022.

Bournemouth were a lively presence if a little open and Liverpool threatened to run away with the match after the Diaz and Salah goals settled them down.

Trent Alexander-Arnold,

on his 200th Premier League appearance, had a shot saved while new captain Virgil van Dijk headed wide and the impressive Szoboszlai saw an effort deflected off-target.

That pressure was maintained at the start of the second half as Jota shot wide when Neto had headed outside of his penalty area, and Salah fired at the goalkeeper from a tight angle.

Mac Allister's red card in the 58th minute threatened to change the direction of the match and give Bournemouth hope of winning at Anfield for the first time.

However, the south coast side's hopes were quickly dashed four minutes later when Jota pounced after Neto could not gather Szoboszlai's strike.

Despite a late flurry from the visitors that saw Alisson make fine saves to deny substitutes Justin Kluivert and Hamed Traore, Liverpool claimed a deserved three points.(BBC Sport).

Hibbert comfortably through to men’s triple jump final at World Championships

in the power-play; we only can lose it in the power-play and I think we did exactly that,” said the Jamaican, recently appointed West Indies Twenty20 skipper.

“I think when you look back on it, young Nyeem Young had a good game –that is one of the positives that we can take from it.”

Royals’ malaise started from the time they were asked to bowl, conceding 65 runs in the first power-play and then watching as Zimbabwean Seam Williams (47), captain Faf du Plessis (46) and opener Johnson Charles (30) all played key roles with the bat.

“It was a tough one. I think we didn’t stick to our plans as a bowling unit to start off with and as a batting unit, to lose four or five [wickets] in the power-play we were always going to be behind the game.”

Royals face Tallawahs in their second game at the same venue this morning.

TEENAGE sensation, Jaydon Hibbert, safely advanced to the final of the men’s triple jump on day one of the IAAF World Championships in Budapest, Hungary on Saturday.

The 18-year-old NCAA Indoor and Outdoor champion and record holder opened his qualifying series with a 16.99 effort before booking his spot in the final with a massive 17.70m in the second round.

That distance is the fourth furthest jump in the world this year and the second furthest of his career, trailing only his world leading and world junior record of 17.87m, done at the SEC Outdoor Championships in May.

Hibbert will enter Monday's final as one of the big favorites for gold, especially after the withdrawal of Olympic champion, Pedro Pablo Pichardo, on the eve of the championships. (Sportsmax)

Mohamed Salah missed a penalty in the 1-0 loss at Bournemouth in March when he shot wide, but this time he was able to convert the rebound

Barbados Royals captain Rovman Powell gives instructions to young left-arm seamer, Obed McCoy, during Thursday night’s defeat to St Lucia Kings (Photo by CPLT20/Getty Image)

Teenage sensation, Jaydon Hibbert, advances to final of the Men’s triple jump on day one

Sweden beat Australia to end third at Women’s World Cup

KOSOVARE Asllani's stunning second-half strike sealed victory for Sweden as they beat Australia to finish third at the Women's World Cup.

She rifled in a shot from the edge of the area to add to Fridolina Rolfo's first-half penalty as Sweden won the bronze medal match for the second World Cup in succession.

Despite the defeat, this represents co-hosts Australia's best ever World Cup finish but the Matildas were unable to end on a high.

Rolfo's penalty gave Peter Gerhardsson's side the lead after a video assistant referee (VAR) check confirmed that Claire Hunt had clipped Stina Blackstenius in the box after 26 minutes.

And on the hour mark, Blackstenius played a superb square ball to Asllani, who stroked in a first-time shot to double their lead.

"It was an incredibly important match and the final 10 minutes were really tough," said Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson.

"So, when that final whistle went and we had won, there was a great sense of relief and it was a wonderful feeling.

"It's great to win a match of this magnitude -- there's been a lot of attention paid to this tournament back in Sweden."

Australia capture the nation's imagination

The Matildas' achievement in finishing fourth cannot be understated in a country where football is not the number one sport.

Their 3-1 semi-final defeat by England was the most watched TV event in Australian history with 11.15 million viewers tuning in.

But they seemed deflated on Saturday and put in a tired performance, with even their talisman Sam Kerr struggling to make an impact on the game - in fact, she had the fewest touches of any player on the pitch in the first half.

Their best chances fell to Hayley Raso and Clare Polkinghorne, but they were both denied by Sweden goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic.

"We wanted to have some hardware to take home, it wasn't to be," said captain Kerr.

"We've proved to the world - and also within Australia - that we are a footballing nation."

Australia, who had only ever reached the quarter-fi-

nals once previously, in 2015, were the first hosts to reach the semi-finals since United States in 2003.

Their efforts in this tournament have certainly captured the hearts of the fans in green and gold and the hope will be that that leaves a lasting legacy.

"We have a massive amount of work to do now to capitalise on this," said Australia's coach Tony Gus-

tavsson.

"Now there needs to be long-term investment to really make sure we really benefit from this crossroads moment in women's football in this country."

Sweden win bronze again Sweden have plenty of experience of playing in the third-fourth place match, having reached the semi-finals on five occasions but only making the final once - in 2003, when they were

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday, August 20, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -- 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Shamar Brooks - 109* (JT vs GAW, Providence)

(2) Kyle Mayers - 4/4 (BR vs SLK, St. Kitts)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who was voted Man of the Match in the CPL 2022 final?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Tournament?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

beaten by Germany.

And they dominated the game to win bronze for a fourth time.

They were already on on top before Rolfo beat the dive of Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold with a well-placed penalty into the bottom left corner to give them the lead.

And Asllani's super strike secured victory in a game of a few clear-cut chances.

It has been another fine tournament for the Scandina-

vians who topped their group with maximum points before knocking out defending champions the United States in the last 16.

An impressive victory over Japan followed, but their failure to successfully negotiate a semi-final once again after their dramatic exit at the hands of Spain, will be their lasting memory of this tournament.

Rain frustrates

TKR, Patriots

allowed only three overs before forcing a no-result in the third game of the Caribbean Premier League between Trinbago Knight Riders and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots here Saturday.

GROS

Sent in at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, TKR had reached 19 for one after half hour when the rain arrived to drive the players from the field.

While the rain abated and the covers were subsequently removed an hour later, the adverse weather returned while players awaited the restart, forcing officials to call time on the encounter. In the time available, New Zealander Martin Guptill missed a drive at left-arm speedster Sheldon Cottrell and was bowled for 11, just three deliveries before the game was halted. The game was the first one for both teams.

ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC). Rain

Sweden players celebrate another third-place finish at the Women's World Cup

GFF donates gear to villages competing in Upper Mazaruni games

CLUB Managers from the eleven villages participating in the Upper Mazaruni District Games in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) this week received cones, balls, bibs and hurdles from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) through its groundbreaking Members Financial Assistance Programme (M- FAP).

Over the last two months, GFF has donated millions of dollars and football gear to its Regional Associations, clubs and villages as part of its drive to ensure the continued promotion of football through successful August tournaments across Guyana.

On August 15, managers representing Kako, Wax Creek, Phillipai, Imbaimadai, Jawalla, Kamarang, Wara -

madong, Paruima, Kaikan, Araw and San Juan villages received their gear to be used during training sessions to better prepare the players

participating in the August 13 - 20 Upper Mazaruni District Games.

“We continue to distribute football gear across the coun-

Archibald qualifies for Budapest World Championships' 100m semifinal

try through M-FAP to ensure that players are prepared for competitions which ultimately lifts the level of the game,” GFF Technical Director, Bryan Joseph, shared.

The Upper Mazaruni District Games are held annually in Region Seven over several days and feature athletes in various disciplines, including football, archery, athletics, swimming and volleyball.

GFF President Wayne Forde launched M-FAP in 2020 with the full approval of Congress to provide support to the Federation’s members under four pillars: Administration and Operations, Equipment and Material, Competition and Technical Development, and Infrastructural Development.

Malinga replaces Bond as Mumbai Indians' fast-bowling coach for IPL 2024

LASITH Malinga will return to Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024, this time as their fast-bowling coach. He will replace Shane Bond, who had held that position for the past nine seasons.

After retiring in 2021, Malinga had joined Rajasthan Royals in 2022 as their fast-bowling coach, a position he served for two seasons. This will be Malinga's second stint in Mumbai's support staff, having served as their mentor in 2018. A year later, Malinga returned to the field to share the bowling duties with Jasprit Bumrah, with the pair playing a key role in Mumbai winning their fourth IPL title.

Overall, Malinga won five titles with Mumbai: four IPLs (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019) and the Champions League T20 in 2011. Malinga played 139 match-

es for Mumbai in all, taking 195 wickets at an economy rate of 7.12. Out of those, 170 wickets came in the IPL, the joint-sixth-most in the league.

Bond had joined Mumbai in 2015 and played a key role with Rohit Sharma and Mahela Jayawardene, who served as head coach from 2017 to 2022. It could not be confirmed whether Bond will continue as the

head coach of MI Emirates in the ILT20, which started in January this year, where the franchise finished third on the points table in the six-team tournament before losing the second Qualifier to eventual champions Gujarat Giants.

MSK Prasad joins Super Giants as strategic consultant

MSK Prasad, the former India wicketkeeper and

chief selector, has taken up the role of strategic consultant with the Super Giants franchise, which owns Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and Durban's Super Giants in the SA20.

Prasad played six Tests and 17 ODIs for India from 1998 to 2000. In 2016, he replaced Sandeep Patil as the chairman of India men's selection committee and served in that role till 2020. Apart from that, he was also the director of cricket operations at the Andhra Cricket Association.

"His involvement at RPSG Sports will be instrumental in providing essential guidance across a spectrum of critical domains as head of talent search, talent development and our academy business," Super Giants said on their website. (Cricinfo).

GUYANA’s Emanuel Archibald, who ran earlier yesterday morning to progress to the heats, successfully went one step further as he booked his spot in today's semi-finals of the 2023 World Championships men's 100m event.

Archibald finished joint third with a time of 10.20s, along with Japan’s Hiroki Yanagita, behind South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who won the final heat in 9.97s, just edging American Cristian Coleman (9.98s).

There were no surprises, as Jamaica’s trio of Oblique Seville, Rohan Watson and Ryiem Forde all secured their spot in the men’s 100 metres semi-finals after safely navigating their respective heats during yesterday's opening day of the World Athletic Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

After a series of delays and false starts, Seville ran a comfortable race from lane seven in heat five and stopped the clock in 9.86s to be the fastest qualifier. Gold medal favourite, American Fred Kerley, cruised to 9.99s in that heat.

Jamaica’s national champion Watson recovered from a slight stumble at the start to place second in the following heat.

He clocked 10.11s, behind Japan’s Sani Brown, who clocked a season’s best 10.07s, with Italy’s Olympic Champion Lamonth Jacobs, also finishing in a season’s best 10.15s, as he continues to work his way back to form.

Earlier, another Jamaican, Forde, also comfortably secured his spot, clocking 10.01s for second behind Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, who clocked a flat 10.00s in winning heat one.

Joint favourite Noah Lyles was the second fastest in qualifying, as he stormed to 9.95s in heat two, with the powerfully built Kenyan, Ferdinand Omanyala, (9.97s), joining him.

Heat four was won by Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo in 10.11s.

The recipients take a photo-op with the gear received from M-FAP

Emanuel Archibald

Lasith Malinga is back for Mumbai Indians, this time as fastbowling coach • (BCCI)

2023 Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys Boxing C/Ship Ninvalle declares tournament open

THE Winfred Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Championship got underway on Friday night at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, following remarks by President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle.

The 2023 Championship is the largest to date since its inception in 2016 with a total of five countries participating. Those nations are hosts Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago (T&T), Grenada, St. Lucia and Barbados.

During his address, Ninvalle, who has been an ad-

ministrator for many years and knows the hardships in preparing and sending teams to participate in overseas tournaments, explained that, “I understand fully what it took to reach these championships. And, I am happy that you made sure that you sent a team to the most important

tournament that we will have in the Caribbean.”

Ninvalle continued, “If we do not have good Schoolboys, Juniors and Youths (boxers), then we may not have good elites (boxers). This is where it starts and that is why the Caribbean sees it fit to have this tournament.”

Ninvalle welcomed referee/judge assessor, James Beckles from T&T, and underscored that, “Boxing is not a one-pronged sport, we need good officials, administrators, coaches and referee/ judges. These are important elements in our journey to having great boxers”

He concluded that, “This tournament is not about one country winning. This is about nurturing the nursery of our sport.”

The three-day boxing championships concludes this evening. Fight time is 18:00hrs.

(From left) Steve Ninvalle, Technical Director of the GBA; Terrence Poole M.S., and Assistant Secretary, Seon Bristol

Team Guyana (Adrian Narine photos)