Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-06-2023

Happy

to our readers

Corentyne River Bridge closer to fruition

–– Jagdeo on Plaisance vendors

In a commendable effort to address the transportation challenges faced by students attending Dredge Creek Primary, Good Hope Primary, Bethany Primary, and Aurora Secondary Schools, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region Two, on Wednesday handed over two boats to facilitate their safe and reliable transport (DPI photos) Modernising

‘We have to find a way to ensure they are accommodated’

By Tamica Garnett

VICE President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday reiterated the People’s Progressive Party / Civic ( PPP / C ) government’s commitment to working along with the vendors of the Plaisance ‘ Line Top ’ to find a practical, accommodating solution as the government proceeds with road expansion works along the Railway Embankment.

Dr Jagdeo, who met with the residents at a community meeting on Tuesday, chided the main political opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for using the situation to gain po-

litical mileage rather than deal with the concerns of the citizens.

“ The government plans to ensure that we will accommodate them; we will try as far as possible to ensure that they can ply their livelihood ,” Dr Jagdeo reassured during a press engagement at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

“We are going to continue to help all of those vendors We have to find a way to ensure they are accommodated We sent back a team today to meet with the vendors.”

The Vice President emphasised that vendors should not have been issued letters without prop-

Foreign Affairs Minister receives updated report from EU Election follow-up mission

er consultations with the vendors and residents of the community This is particularly important because the road construction will not reach Plaisance for some time

Earlier this week letters were issued by the Ministry of Public Works to vendors who are encroaching on the main thoroughfare to facilitate a Railway Embankment expansion project

–– Jagdeo on Plaisance vendors

However, Dr Jagdeo explained that there ’ s an approximately six months window during which the vendors can be consulted with and an amicable solution arrived at before construction reaches Plaisance, so letters should not have gone out to the vendors before consultation

However , after Dr Jagdeo was made aware of the letters , he went into the community on Tuesday and met with the vendors and residents to reassure them that necessary consultations will be held to come up with alternative arrangements

He reminded, however, that the road expansion project was one that everyone knew about and is not an impromptu project brought up to affect the vendors

“We didn’t keep this [ Railway Embankment expansion ] project a secret For the past six months we have been saying we have awarded a contract to build a fourlane road on the Railway Embankment It’s not a sudden thing If you are building a four-lane road on the embankment, ne-

cessity means you will have people on the parapet, reserves that have to be removed We didn ’ t hide it from the public; the public knew that It’s just the manner in which it was done was a crude manner. We didn’t break any promise we made to residents in the area,” Dr Jagdeo said

This, he noted, is why the reaction by the political opposition was simply superfluous politicking and much ado about nothing

“ What bothers me most is that letters help to create the narrative that the opposition has been peddling in the LGE [Local Government Elections ] that we plan to remove vendors in the city and other parts of the country We fed them something on a platter for them to exploit the concerns of the people once again for their own narrow political agenda We know they will seek any attempt to seek relevance for themselves and be disruptive of development . Our approach is working with the people ,” Dr . Jagdeo said

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Hilton Todd, on Wednesday received a courtesy call from His Excellency René van Nes, Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana

During the courtesy call, Minister Todd was presented with a copy of the Report of the European Union Election Follow-up Mission which was undertaken in May 2023 by a team of experts from the European Union to assess the progress of the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the final report which was presented to the government in 2021

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

'Let the system work'

–– AG urges respect for due process in case against Minister

–– calls out opposition for political interference in investigation

ATTORNEY GENERAL, Anil Nandlall , S . C ., has expressed concern over opposition interference in the case against Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall and urged politicians to respect the legal process and avoid in-

terference that could compromise the integrity and pursuit of justice.

During his online programme “ Issues in the News,” on Tuesday, Nandlall urged politicians to allow the justice system to function independently and not use the

case for political gain

The case centres around accusations of rape against Minister Dharamlall by a 16 - year - old girl Minister Dharamlall, who is currently out on $1 million station bail, has denied the allegation and has proceeded on administrative leave

On Tuesday , members of the opposition, along with other individuals , staged a protest outside the minister’s

office in Kingston, Georgetown

During his show, Nandlall stressed the importance of allowing the system to work and cautioned against politicians openly advocating for a particular outcome in the case

He disclosed that the Solicitor General, Nigel Hawke, is offering legal advice to the childcare Protection Agency, as that office holder is enti-

tled and duty bound to do.

“

Mr Nigel Dharamlall, as a citizen, is accorded certain constitutional and legal safeguards by the highest of all laws , the Constitution He’s accorded certain facilities He’s presumed innocent, like every other citizen of this country

“

The investigative arm of the State must be allowed, free from any form of pressure, to conduct its investigatory roles and functions,” he said

Against this backdrop , Nandlall said that the ongoing protests by politicians and others could be considered an interference with the legal process

“I am not saying that one cannot protest But you cannot protest while the process is ongoing , demanding a particular outcome Because you will have already concluded and you have not seen the evidence None of them, as far as I’m aware, has seen the file in fact In fact, there is conflicting statements that are out there that the investigators have to do their job in relation,” he pointed out

The Attorney General expressed his concerns about politicians exploiting the sit-

uation for personal and political gain He criticised those who sought to politicise a serious criminal investigation, branding their actions not in the interest of justice

“That cheap tactic is easily discernible, and it is reprehensible It is a shallow and despicable attempt to politicise a serious criminal investigation That must be rejected out of hand in the interest of justice,” he said

Nandlall also addressed the timeline of the investigation, comparing it to similar cases in the United States

He stated that investigations of this nature often take months to conclude , and legal advice takes weeks

Considering the recent occurrence of the incident and the complexities involved , the government emphasised its commitment to upholding the rule of law and allowing due process to take its course

As the investigation unfolds, the Attorney General urges all parties involved to respect the legal process and refrain from interference that could compromise the integrity of the investigation and the pursuit of justice

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall S.C.

Corentyne River Bridge closer to fruition

–– design, feasibility studies in final stages

–– anticipates signing October

By Cassandra Khan

THE study conducted by WSP Caribbean to determine the optimal design, build, finance, and model for the Corentyne River Bridge has concluded.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill on Wednesday attended a High-Level Decision-Makers (HLDM) meeting with Minister of Public Works of Suriname Dr. Riad Nurmohamed, during which key experts from WSP Caribbean presented the main findings and key considerations of the study to Guyana and Suriname delegations.

The minister said that they are bringing an end to the consultancy phase of the design and feasibility studies, so that construction of the bridge can take place, which is of high priority.

A tender document for this bridge was issued to pre-qualified contractors on May 9, 2023, and it closes August 1, 2023.

The Corentyne River Bridge will be constructed via a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, and according to the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain model (DBFOM).

This means that the successful contractor of the joint venture will be responsible for its final design, construction, financing, operation, and

maintenance.

The list of pre-qualified contractors/joint ventures are the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC); China Railway Construction International Ltd (CRCCI), China Railway Construction Caribbean Co Ltd (CRCCCL), and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co Ltd (CRBG); Ballast Nedam Infra Suriname B.V.; China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC); China Overseas Engineering Group Co Ltd (COVEC), China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co Ltd (CREEC), and China Railway First Group (CRRG).

Minister Edghill said that they are expecting the evaluation of those bids.

“There will be local evaluations, and then there will be a joint evaluation, in that Suriname will do their own evaluation and Guyana will do their own evaluation, and once we have completed that, we meet jointly to have an evaluation,” he explained.

The Public Works Minister said that they intend to have a contract signed by October 2023, so that they could move forward to mobilisation and construction of the bridge.

In May 2022, Minister Edghill joined Minister Nurmohamed for the signing of the US$2 million contract with WSP Caribbean.

Minister Edghill said the bridge is one the infrastructural projects that is high on the agenda for both countries.

“This bridge is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a vision for the further development of two nations being realised. Development practitioners have agreed that bridges are key drivers of economic activity, ensuring the increased efficiency of trade, rapid exchange of ideas, and quick access to services for those who need them most. Co-operation at this level means less delays, and more progress for both of our populations,” he said, adding:

“The Corentyne River Bridge is both a physical connection between two landmasses, as well as a social connection between two peoples. When completed, it will forge stronger cultural bonds and encourage more knowledge-sharing activities across our common border.”

The bridge will remove the constraints of current schedules and space when

travelling with the Guyana-Suriname ferry, the MV Canawaima, and make way for a five-hour-long drive from Georgetown to Paramaribo, resulting in increased efficiency and safety.

Apart from reduced travel time, the bridge will play a significant role in development for both nations in various sectors.

A landing in Guyana or Suriname will afford tourists the opportunity to seamlessly traverse the neighbouring borders, boosting tourism growth in both nations as the bridge will be strategically designed to pass through the untouched lands of Lange Island, in

the Corentyne River.

There is also enormous potential for the commercialisation and development of a free-trade zone with hotels, resorts and all the forms of entertainment that will attract tourists.

The Corentyne River Bridge will provide easy access to deep-water facilities in Guyana and Suriname, enabling easy

movement of goods and services to support offshore activities.

With the new bridge and the opening of fertile agricultural lands, Guyana, and Suriname will be positioned as major food suppliers to CARICOM, achieving the goal of reducing the food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, and Minister of Public Works of Suriname Dr. Riad Nurmohamed

Adjust And Transform

GUYANA, the beautiful South American nation known for its rich natural resources and diverse culture , has been experiencing rapid transformation in recent years.

The People ’ s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) government’s commitment to infrastructural development has undoubtedly brought positive changes, but there are challenges that need to be addressed for sustainable progress

One critical issue that demands attention is the encroachment of market vendors on important roadways While acknowledging the need for adequate consultations, it is essential to remove these encroachments in order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and pave the way for comprehensive development

First and foremost, it is crucial to recognise the immense importance of infrastructure in Guyana’s development Modern roads, bridges, and transportation networks are the arteries through which economic growth and social progress can flow

They connect communities, facilitate trade, and attract investment Therefore, it is commendable that the Guyanese government has prioritised infrastructure

projects to improve the nation’s connectivity and unlock its potential

However , a challenge that has emerged alongside this progress is the encroachment of market vendors onto critical roadways While it is understandable that these vendors seek accessible locations to showcase and sell their goods, their presence on the roadsides often leads to traffic congestion and compromises the safety of both pedestrians and motorists It is imperative to strike a balance between the economic activities of these vendors and the broader needs of society

To address this issue, it is crucial to engage in adequate and proper consultations with market vendors, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are taken into account This position was reiterated by Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo following an engagement with Plaisance residents, some of whom were market vendors who received notices of removal from the Ministry of Public Works

Dr Jagdeo maintained that while the vendors may need to be removed to facilitate the moving forward of the road project, the serving of the letters without

proper consultation with the vendors was most definitely not the way to go

“It should have never happened, it was callously done and I’m not going to walk back on that comment I believe that they [ Ministry of Public Works ] could have easily done what we did here today and talk to people first and then subsequently issued the letter,” Dr Jagdeo said

These consultations should involve representatives from the government , vendors themselves, relevant authorities, and community stakeholders The goal should be to find alternative locations or designated spaces where vendors can continue their businesses without hindering traffic flow or jeopardizing public safety

Furthermore , the government has been exploring options for providing infrastructure and support systems that benefit both vendors and the larger community Developing designated marketplaces with proper facilities , such as sanitation services and storage facilities, can create a win-win situation This approach would not only enhance the working conditions for vendors but also ensure that consumers have access

to a more organised and regulated marketplace

It is important to emphasise that these adjustments should not be perceived as a threat to the livelihoods of market vendors Instead, they should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and development.

By relocating vendors away from critical roadways, Guyana can pave the way for a more efficient and safe transportation system, attracting more investors, stimulating economic growth, and improving overall quality of life

However, it is crucial to handle this transition with sensitivity and empathy Proper compensations , training programmes , and assistance for affected vendors should be an integral part of the relocation process

Through adequate consultations , collaborative decision-making, and the provision of alternative market spaces, Guyana can strike a balance that allows for both infrastructural development and the sustainable operation of market vendors

By doing so, Guyana can pave the way for a brighter future where progress and inclusivity go hand in hand

Columnist doubles down on bizarre insults, accusations against Ambassador Lynch and others

Dear Editor,

Columnist GHK Lall has taken his wild, erratic, and bizarre insults and accusations against American Ambassador, Sarah Ann Lynch to new, unacceptable levels.

The insults and accusations have wended their way from boorish and distasteful, to something more cynical, and more consequential

GHK Lall has now , by implication , accused Ambassador Lynch of unethically meddling in the affairs of Guyana Moreover, Lall has questioned Ambassador Lynch ’ s credentials as a diplomat based on her next post at the US Southern Command

GHK Lall has inverted the historical record with the most astounding revisionism possible In his latest missive, David Granger is a poor, helpless victim of the Americans

Here is Lall again – “Our resource curse explains the removal of former President Granger and his group; and his desperate, rearguard actions to stick around in 2020 (KN 6/28/2023).”

“Removal of Granger and his group”? Sir, are you in full command of common sense? “Rearguard action to stick around”? Mr Lall, are you okay up there? Who in the world do you think believes

the following – “Ideas about changing the contract signalled the beginning of the end for him [Granger] and his party”? Are you aware that more than 200 ballot boxes from mostly PPP strongholds were not counted in 2015, and this despite strong protests by the President Ramotar and the PPP/C?

Shouldn’t it be that it was the Granger administration that signed the 2016 PSA , and then the same APNU+AFC administration that made a five-month long attempt to steal the election? Shouldn’t it be that if it weren’t for Ambassador Lynch and others, we would have gone back to the PNC glory days of election theft, economic drudgery, and paramountcy of the party , meaning APNU in this instance? Instead, what we get is this from GHK Lall – “Our resource curse explains the energies, bustles, objectives of Her Excellency, US Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch (and like-minded European cronies)” (KN 6/28/2023).

In GHK Lall’s perverted account, Guyana found oil, but the CIA, Exxon, the US military, European diplomats, and specifically Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch, came together as evil spirits and wove imperialist spells over Dr Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo, who were then “trapped in powerful centrifugal forces

that reduced them to puppets and pawns” (KN, 6/28/2023).

GHK Lall’s attack on American and European diplomats, combined with his insults against Exxon executives have taken Guyana to a new, embarrassing low Further, his attacks against President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo, have become more personal, more malicious, and yes, far more desperate

Up to very recently, no one took GHK Lall seriously. “Nonsense” is the word most people offer when his writing comes up I wish it were nonsense because then I won’t have to waste my precious time as I am forced to do right now

GHK Lall’s writing is part of something larger than himself What he contributes to is the peripheralization of the PPP/C leadership, which he apparently believes is not fit to rule Freddie Kissoon and Ravi Dev have addressed this issue in terms of the desperate attempts to preserve a proto - colonial , urban-Christian, upper-middle class hegemony

Professor Rishee S Thakur has probably offered the most sophisticated description, explanation, and critique of what he called Anglo-Christian hegemony

The foundational assumption of this Anglo-Christian hegemony is that only the

Georgetown-based creole-intellectual class has the cultural competence, and the cosmopolitan sophistication to govern and represent Guyana

The task of the Urban-Anglo-Christian project is what I shall call secular evangelism, whereby the Georgetown intellectuals (plus their overseas compatriots – e g., Alissa Trotz, Melinda Janki, and Nigel Westmaas), want to fully capture the public sphere, usually represented as “civil society” in Guyana These Moray House types think that Bharrat Jagdeo should go back to Unity, Dr Ali should go back to Leonora, and Donald Ramotar should be kept at a distance

The protectors of Anglo-Christian hegemony do not mind rigged elections, economic devastation, or even some political violence

They are so filled with derision for things and people outside of Georgetown and its environs that they are prepared to attack real Westerners – the Western diplomatic community, Western corporations and their executives, and Western states, even if these are the same states that guarantee out national security and territorial

Editor Navendra Seoraj

The Opposition’s view on the Petroleum Bill

Dear Editor,

THE Opposition submitted its initial view on the draft Petroleum Bill to the media and has maintained that the timeframe for consultation is too short, and that they will not be submitting any commentary directly to the government.

This is quite unfortunate on the part of the Opposition However, having reviewed their preliminary views, it would appear that they do not quite understand the nature of Bill, and what it should and should not address

The Opposition argued that the Bill remains silent on crucial issues such as insurance and liability coverage This omission, according to the Opposition, is particularly alarming given the legal disputes that have arisen

The issue of insurance, financial assurance and liability coverage are fully covered under the Environmental Protection Act

Hence, the Petroleum Bill does not need to address such provisions which is already catered for in another legislation Section 31 (1) – (5) of the EPA Act deals exclusively with financial assurance And in so far as the Bill is concerned, sections 92 and 94 addressed “liability and indemnity” and “litigation against the State,” respectively.

With respect to the rules governing the auction process, this is a fair observation, but can be addressed in the regulation following the enactment of the legislation

The concern expressed about the government spending directly from cost oil is not an issue for the Petroleum Bill This is a fiscal matter which is already provided for in the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

The same can be said for the audits that the Opposition argued should be included in the Bill, which is already addressed in the PSA

Lastly, the Opposition repeated a position by the Kaieteur News that the Bill did not address the Petroleum Commission. As I explained in a previous letter, the functions of the Petroleum Commission will be of a regulatory nature and therefore requires a separate piece of legislation

Altogether, the preliminary criticisms by the Opposition lacked much substance

They have missed an opportunity to submit meaningful contributions on the Bill.

Visually impaired individuals gain access to computer literacy training

A COMPUTER literacy programme for visually impaired people is being provided through a collaboration between the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities.

Aiming to close the digital gap, the programme named Computer Literacy Skills for the Blind and Visually Impaired includes people living with disabilities

During the launching

impaired Being a part of this programme will bridge that gap and we will be able to do almost anything that sighted persons can do with the use of the computer ,” Caesar stated

For Rawlesha Poulis being visually impaired had prevented her from participating in many skills training programmes . She said the inclusive nature of the programme makes her happy “ I feel good because I have not been able to partic-

ceremony at the OPM , on Wednesday, participants expressed that the programme will empower them to navigate the digital society.

Colin Caesar told the Department of Public Information ( DPI ) that he was grateful for the opportunity and highlighted the impact that the programme will have on his everyday life

ipate in a programme of this magnitude for a long time,” Poulis relayed

The training will be done utilising the Job Access with Speech (JAWS) Programme designed for visually impaired persons It will be for a duration of 48 hours over three months, in batches of 12 for individualised teaching

specific commands , basic information about the computer, editing and basic formatting of Microsoft Word documents, basic internet and email use, and use of online meeting platforms

Training will begin in early July in Regions Three and Four However, persons from other regions will also be participating

Prime Minister , Brigadier ( Ret ’ d ) Mark Phillips stressed the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, as Guyana moves towards a technological transformation

opportunities for all individuals , beginning with these essential tasks

Our government is continually working to level the playing field to ensure that we honour the convention on the rights of persons living with disabilities,” he said

integrity.

Yours sincerely, Joel

Bhagwandin.

Columnist doubles down on bizarre ...

From page 6

GHK Lall’s latest melodramatic outburst should be of concern to all Guyanese who cherish democratic values, and who are steadfast in their defense of the institutions and partners that guarantee our path to a more secure future.

Attacking two national leaders, President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo, while praising a Head of State (David Granger) who was knee deep in a sustained election-rigging exercise is just plain wrong

Similarly, attacking the diplomats who helped to secure our democracy is not only wrong, but shameful And finally, the infantile attitude to foreign capital and especially investments in our oil and gas sector are exactly that – infantile

GHK Lall owes another round of apologies.

Sincerely yours, Dr. Randolph Persaud

“There has been a tremendous gap between those who are sighted and those of us who are blind and visually

Participants will be exposed to various areas, including keyboard orientation, basics of JAWS settings and

“ Basic computer skills are the doorway to a world of wider possibilities for education, employment, social interaction and personal empowerment Therefore, we must ensure equal access and

NGSA results to be released July 7 –– says Education Minister

THE Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, announced on Wednesday that the results of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), which was taken recently, will be released a week earlier than expected.

In a video statement released to the Ministry of Education’s social media pages, the Minister stated that while initially, they had planned to release the results on July 17,

the ministry is pleased to be able to do it one week earlier on July 7th instead

“I know parents and children and teachers are very anxious about what September looks like for them and being prepared for that date, and so we’re very glad to be able to do this early,” she said

Additionally , she implored those students and parents awaiting results that whatever the results, they are

going to be taken care of in High School as she noted that the government is on an aggressive push to make sure all schools are equal.

The Minister went on to add that they are on a push to ensure that all schools across the country have the necessary facilities like good laboratories, libraries, technical and vocational education infrastructure and better monitoring

This year, over 16,200 pupils at 517 centres across the country sat the twoday examination which serves as an entrance exam to secondary schools

He added that the government will continue to create an enabling environment to promote ICT literacy for Guyanese “ Our government is wholeheartedly committed to transforming the lives of our people through ICTs, particularly focusing on ICTs as an enabler for employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

Such a move is crucial in this digital age,” PM Phillips asserted

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

Colin Caesar Rawlesha Poulis

Reactions to the Stabroek News controversy tell a sad tale

I AM submitting this article here to the Chronicle at 15:05 hrs on Wednesday.

From just after 07:00 hrs on the same day (Wednesday – yesterday) I received three emails. By 09:00 hrs, I received two telephone calls.

By 13:00 hrs on the same day, I was in receipt of a number of emails and cellphone calls about my column on Wednesday which was about the Stabroek News’ (SN) refusal to publish the letters of presidential adviser, Professor Randolph Persaud and the attitude of opposition politician, Timothy Jonas to the controversy.

I will summarise some of the contents then describe my reply to each email and each telephonic contact.

There are those who felt that the political career of Mr. Jonas is over, that for a politician to refuse to defend the right of Dr. Persaud to be heard cannot survive the attention that will come his way.

Some feel that Mr. Jonas has lost the moral right to criticise the state media and the

government. Others feel that the PPP will bring up the SN’s action against Dr. Persaud when elections come in 2025.

I got a few comments that explain to me how a board of directors operate and the people who wrote to me were clear that Mr. Jonas was insincere, that for a top-class lawyer, he knows the function of a board and the board could call on editor, Anand Persaud to offer an explanation.

Of course I know how a board operates and what its jurisdiction is. I sat on the board of UG, named the council of the university for five years and on the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences for 26 years.

Believe it or leave it, most of the emails and calls were about Mr. Jonas and not so much on the editor of SN. For example, one caller asked me if I believe Mr. Jonas when he said he can only remember three board members of SN.

Of course I did not believe him. Some emails were scathing about the President of the Guyana Press Association

(GPA), Ms. Nazima Raghubir, for saying that she cannot speak for the GPA and that I must write to the GPA directly.

A lawyer friend told me Ms. Raghubir needs to speak to an attorney urgently so she can be informed that the head of an organisation can speak on an issue, but must clarify that his/her position is not that of the board. I was advised that one can write the head of any organisation in his/her personal capacity and that person then forward the correspondence to his/her organisation.

One email from a former journalist at SN pointed out that the editor of SN is the owner, thus Isabelle DeCaires and the board cannot speak to him. Though I respect the knowledge of this journalist, my investigation tells me differently.

I was told that the family of SN’s founder, David DeCaires, has majority shares. I could be wrong but as a powerful institution in Guyana, SN should tell us who are its shareholders and board

members.

What was my reaction to the people who made contact? It was one-dimensional. I told every one of them, I would expect them to write a letter to the four daily newspapers and circulate their feelings on social media and on their respective Facebook page. Do you know they all declined? Every one of them took the identical position; “Freddie, we just want you to know; we are not interested in going public.”

I found this reaction sad, but I have been around a long time so I was not surprised. This nation has been a sheep-

ish one for a long time now. But as I write this, I feel anguished at how the leaders of the PPP must be feeling.

They get criticised by the lunatic fringe (TLF), the usual suspect (TUS), the Mulatto/Creole Class (MCC) and the political nouveau lumpen (TPNL – which is my description of anti-government civil society entities) for everything they do.

But when the TLF, TUS, MCC and TPNL are exposed for their hypocrisy, double standards and character flaws, we are afraid of confronting them

This columnist is not.

Those who criticise the government must have a standard from which they do that. If they don’t, then they do not have the moral right to criticise PPP leaders and Guyanese should let them know how they feel.

Timothy Jonas, Nazima Raghubir, Isabelle DeCaires, and the editor of SN do not meet the criterion for criticising the leaders of government. In another column, I will examine, in greater detail, the dangerous consequences for journalism that lie in the attitude of Jonas, Raghubir, DeCaires and SN’s editor.

DPP advises further probe of allegation against Dharamlall

THE Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to conduct further investigations into the rape allegation against Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall.

On June 22, the GPF sent the file for legal advice following the completion of their investigation which began on June 19.

Minister Dharamlall, who is currently out on $1 million station bail, has denied the alleged

rape committed on a 16-year-old girl. He has since proceeded on administrative leave. He has retained the services of the Hughes, Fields & Stoby law firm to represent him and safeguard his interests.

In a statement on

Tuesday, the Office of the DPP which is led by Shalimar Ali-Hack said that it will not be intimidated by the Opposition while it provides legal advice to the police on its case against Dharamlall.

“The DPP’s office

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Shalimar Ali-Hack

will not be intimidated by these individuals who profess to want justice in a criminal matter even while a police file is being given due legal attention,” the DPP said in a statement.

The Office reiter-

ated its commitment to impartiality and reminded the public that the allegations against Dharamlall must be examined thoroughly before any legal advice is provided.

Eid-ul-Adha: Muslims in Guyana rejoice, renew their faith

THE following is a message from His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha:

“ I extend warmest greetings to all Guyanese, but especially to the Islamic community, on this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Adha

Known as the ‘Festival of the Sacrifice’, Eid-ul-Adha is of special significance to Muslims It is a day of joy , reverence , prayer and gratitude Muslims also use this festival for reflection and spiritual renewal, reaffirming their faith and obedience to God It is a day when believers come together to share meals, exchange greetings, and extend their generosity to others.

At the heart of Eid-ul-Adha lies the story of Prophet Abraham ’ s supreme act of faith when he was tested by God Abraham’s love and loyalty to God were put to the ultimate test, as he was instructed to sacrifice his beloved son Despite the obvious inner turmoil this command brought upon him , Abraham displayed unshakeable faith, unwavering loyalty, and

unfaltering obedience to God

Abraham ’ s example stands as the supreme measure of total trust in God

The story of Abraham reminds us that challenges and difficulties are a test of our character, and provide opportunities to strengthen and deepen our faith, and repose our trust in the author of life, God

We read in the Surah Al-Hajj (22:78):

And strive for God with the striving due to Him He has chosen you, and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty The religion of your father , Abraham So, establish prayer, and give zakah, and hold fast to God He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper

In recent weeks, our world and country have witnessed many heart - wrenching tragedies, including wildfires, floods, explosions, terrorism, capsizing of vessels, implosion of a submersible craft and infernos These and other tragedies have resulted in deaths, damage, destruction, suffering and untold grief to the human family

Confronted by these horrific acts, we often ask ourselves where God is in all of this We question why these terrible things happen We search for answers as to why there is so much pain and suffering in life. It is in times like these that our faith, too, like Abraham’s, is tested It is in times like these that we must continue to believe and obey God For we know that it is in moments of our greatest despair that the Creator carries and comforts us We, too, must be agents of care and comfort

On this festival of Eid-ul-Adha, let us be reminded of our duty to give generously to others, including not only material things, but also that which springs from our hearts : Our care , compassion and comfort.

In so doing, may the Creator consecrate our efforts in building a more humane society!

Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak!

CIOG: As-Salaamu Alaikum

WaRahmatullahi-WaBarakaatuh

Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak!

“THIS day, I have perfected your Deen for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your Deen.” (Holy Quran - Surah Al-Ma’eda Chapter 5 verse 3)”

All gratitude is to Allah (SWT), Lord of all creation, peace and blessings on the noble Prophet (SAW), his family and Companions I offer Eid Mubarak greetings on behalf of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana and I ask Allah (SWT), the Almighty, to acept from all of us, our good deeds

Alhamdu-Lillah, Eid-ul-Adha has arrived and it is a season of happiness, family bonding, nurturing mutual compassion, love, and support for the poor; values that are important to Guyanese and the larger community Eid is also an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity We celebrate Eid-ulAdha in the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar which signifies the counting down to the end of another year.

Alhamdu-lillah, any period of great tests require reflection and meaningful action Humanity continues to show great resilience, many returning to faith and having a better appreciation for the overlooked mercies in life

Pilgrims have returned in great numbers back to Hajj to trace the footsteps of the Friend of Allah (SWT), Ibrahim (Abraham). The entire ritual of Hajj is based on the noble family of our Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, the Patriarch.

Eid-ul-Adha cannot be celebrated without remembering our patriarch, the friend of Allah (SWT), Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him

This festival commemorates the sacrific-

es made by Prophet Ibrahim and his family He (peace be upon him) is described as the forefather of all the prophets who came after him, including Moses, Jesus, and our Beloved Muhammad (SAW).

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is accorded the highest status in the Holy Quran and is described in Surah An-Nahl Chapter 16: verse 120), as an “Ummah,” a nation Imagine one person referred to as an Ummah This is partly because the amount of good, his exemplary submission to Allah (SWT), his sincerity in worship, all embodied to the degree of an entire Ummah, a nation He was given the title of Khaleel-lullah, or friend of Allah

“When his Lord said to him ‘submit’, he said ‘I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.” (Holy Quran - Surah Al-Baqara Chapter 2: verse 131)”

Eid ul-Adha starts with the glorification of Allah (SWT), and its pinnacle is total submission to the Creator Our journey begins by understanding and moving through the levels of our Nafs. If one overcomes lower desires, detaches from all material desires , and truly humbles before Allah (SWT), one will understand the essence behind this celebration and can take the best out of this Eid This was the example of our Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

Eid al-Adha is the celebration of the reformation of the human condition from that of servitude to other men to that of devotion to the Creator of all living and non-living things Do not fall into the trap of considering yourself better than others; Remember Allah (SWT) says, “People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that

you should get to know one another Allah (SWT) reminds us, “The most honored of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware.” (Holy QuranSurah Al-Hujraat 49: verse 13).

Considering Eid as a unifying factor for all the Muslim Ummah, I humbly request you to join me in raising our hands in Dua Supplicating to The Almighty for Blessings and Protection of our Muslim brethren and all of humanity Let us pray for peaceful co-existence in Guyana and the entire world

Change begins with the person in the mirror . Our actions must prove that we mean no ill to anyone and we are all part of one humanity Each one of us must be the change that we desire Change yourself in order to set an example that encourages others to change Verily, Allah (SWT) will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. (Holy Quran - Surah Ar-Rad chapter 13: verse 11)

As Allah ( SWT ) says in his Majestic Quran , “ Indeed , the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this Prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the Wali (protector and helper) of the believers.” (Holy Quran - Surah Al-Imran 3: verse 68)

Our Father, Prophet Ibrahim, peace be

upon him, when thrown into the fire by his own people he was inspired with the words in the verse of the Quran:

Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).”

(Holy Quran Surah Al-Imran 3: verse 173)

May Allah ( SWT ) continue to bless you and your families and make us people who strive to bring benefit to others Let us work on improving ourselves and those around us.

Together we work to become agents of peace, instilling harmony among people regardless of ethnicity and creed Let us be protectors of each other, ensuring we respect the rights of each other May GOD bless our nation as we all strive for a better country May Allah (SWT) show us right as right and help us to follow it and show us evil as evil and enable us to stay far away from it

Let us be like the great Prophet , the Patriarch, our father, the Friend of GOD Ibrahim ( Abraham ), peace be upon him and his family; and remember, when faced with insurmountable hurdles , utter the words of our father Ibrahim ( Abraham ) peace be upon him when he said, Hasbunallah - wa - na ’ mal - wakeel – Allah , GOD (alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of our affairs

Eid Mubarak Eid Mubarak Eid Mubarak

Wa-Alaikumus-Salaam-WaRahmatullahi-Wabarakaatuh.

Shahabudeen Ahmad President-CIOG

His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

Guyanese teen’s dedication leads to valedictorian title in US school

By Cassandra Khan

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD

Guyanese Devona Alonzo

on Tuesday attained one of her goals when she graduated at the top of his class at the Aspirations Diploma Plus High School , New York , United States of America

Alonzo previously attended the Westfield Prep Schools and then later Saint Stanislaus College , where she graduated in 2022 after writing 12 subjects for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate ( CSEC ) examinations She then left Guyana in October 2022

The young adult , previously of Lodge, Georgetown, said that one of her greatest challenges was transitioning from the Caribbean and Guyanese education system to that of the American one

“ It was a bit difficult considering the fact that it’s two completely different

educational systems So I had to figure out a way to navigate that as well as learn how to deal with the students, considering the fact that Caribbean teaching is a bit different than America’s system,” she explained

Alonzo said that her mind was always set on graduating as valedictorian, so she just went after her goal and studied hard She noted that the high school she attended was a transfer school, which a lot of emigrant Caribbean students attended

“I just remained focused, I knew my goal . I knew what I wanted, and my mind has always been set on being valedictorian So that’s what I went after; just kept focused on that As a matter of fact , the school that I attended pretty much had a lot of Caribbean students,” she noted

Alonzo related that she received two scholarships from a church that one of her

teachers attends regularly

“ She told her church about me, I did an interview with them, and they gave me two scholarships,” she said Alonzo shared that she was overjoyed since all her hard work paid off, and she says that she is very proud of herself

“

I was extremely happy that my hard work paid off, all the sleepless nights and all the early mornings paid off, so I was very, very proud of myself And I knew that my family would be proud of me as well They were proud of me,” she said Her next step is attending York College, Queens, New York to further advance her studies in Accounts. “I’ll be attending; as of right now, York College accepted me I should be doing two years there and I’ll do two years at a college that is upstate,” she said

During her address as Valedictorian , Alonzo thanked God, the principal,

support staff and her parents, as well as other family members , for the support they gave her to make the day possible

She noted that in addition to her being from Guyana, there were quite a lot of challenges that fashioned and formed her to be the person she is today

“

For those who know me, I’ve always been willing to work hard and sacrifice for what I wanted , especially when it came to my grades , however , never would I have thought that I would’ve been here, in America , on this day , graduating and giving this Valedictorian speech,” she said

Alonzo related a famous quote by Confucius which read, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”.

She urged fellow graduates to use the quote as an inspiration that no matter their background or whatever it is that they may have gone through , they can still achieve great things.

‘Rasta’ gets 20 years for girlfriend’s murder

FOUR years after 30-yearold Itesha Frank was brutally slain and dumped in a trench at Crane Street, Queenstown, Corriverton, Berbice, her lover was, on Wednesday , sentenced to 20 years for the crime

Durn Hunt called “Rasta ”, 38 , of Crane Street , Queenstown was sentenced by Justice Simone Morris - Ramlall at the Berbice High Court for the capital offence of murder which occurred on October 15 , 2018 He had pleaded guilty to the capital offence.

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday , a probation officer presented disturbing details about Hunt’s mental state, revealing a history of threatening behaviour towards individuals in his community

It was further disclosed that Hunt was a regular user of illicit drugs , including marijuana. Villagers referred to him as “Beast” and “heartless ,” stressing their belief that he should remain incarcerated to ensure the safety of the community

In a plea for leniency ,

Hunt ’ s attorney , Surihya Sabsook , appealed to the court to consider her client’s plea and his purported remorse for his actions

Hunt himself addressed the court, expressing his remorse and claiming to have sought treatment for his mental health issues while also ceasing his use of drugs

“I’m very sorry I’m taking my treatment and I stop smoke weed,” Hunt said during his address to the court State prosecutor, Muntaz Ali , in his address to the court, said that offences such

as men killing women have become a trend in society and need to be stopped He also asked the Judge to send a strong message to like-minded individuals that such acts cannot be tolerated

In her sentencing remarks, Justice Morris-Ramlall noted that violence by intimate partners cannot be condoned, and such crimes are a plague in society “ His conduct towards her was cruel and callous He evidently did not value her life as he snuffed it…,” the Judge said.

Eighteen-year-old Valedictorian, Devona Alonzo

Durn Hunt called “Rasta” Itesha Frank

Brutal attack, rape of elderly woman results in 20-year sentence for assailant

A 47-year-old Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) man was sentenced for the brutal assault , robbery , and rape of a 64-year-old pensioner in 2021.

Broan Luke called ‘Brian’ pleaded guilty to charges of rape, robbery, assault, and burglary during a hearing held before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Berbice High Court

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, the court heard from a probation officer of the lasting trauma suffered by the victim The woman is unable to sleep in her own bed and continues to be haunted by the memories of Luke’s barbaric actions

Police Prosecutor Muntaz Ali emphasised the necessity of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in society He pointed out that Luke broke into the woman’s house and subjected her to brutal and inhumane treatment

In delivering her sentenc-

ing remarks , Justice Morris - Ramlall expressed her concern over Luke’s lack of remorse and the severe psychological trauma endured by the victim

The judge took into consideration the nature and prevalence of the offenses committed by Luke, aiming to send a strong message to potential offenders with similar intentions

Consequently, Luke was sentenced to 20 years in prison

According to reports, the incident took place on August 15, 2021 The victim, who shared her home with her granddaughter , had secured the premises before retiring to bed around 6:00 p m However , at approximately 2:00 a m the following morning, Luke forcibly entered her house

Luke went into the victim’s bedroom, gripping her neck and threatening to kill her if she made any noise

He held a knife against her neck and began assaulting her, repeatedly striking her face, head, and neck He then pulled her hair, dragging her off the bed, and demanded money and gold

The victim’s granddaughter woke up during the terrifying ordeal and started crying Luke ordered the

Son sentenced to 12 years for mother’s death

A 38-year-old man, was, on Wednesday, sentenced to 12 years in prison for the death of his 77-year-old mother, Jagranie Ramotar.

Totoram Lalta of Adelphi Village, East Canje Berbice, last month appeared before Justice Simone Ramlall at the Berbice High Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter after initially being indicted for murder.

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Lalta’s sister delivered an impact statement in court, pleading for leniency on behalf of her brother. She expressed forgiveness, stating, “I know in his heart he didn’t mean to do it.”

Lalta’s attorney, Surihya Sabsook, also requested leniency from the court and disclosed her client’s remorse and potential for rehabilitation.

However, State Prosecutor, Muntaz Ali, revealed that Lalta had a history of assaulting his mother, with a previous conviction for attacking her.

Ali informed the court that Lalta’s actions were unprovoked and reckless at the time of the incident, urg-

ing the court to consider the severity of the case.

In her sentencing remarks, Justice Morris-Ramlall highlighted the breach of trust committed by Lalta against his mother, who had nurtured and cared for him.

She added that parents deserve to be honoured and cared for, particularly in their later years. The judge noted that Lalta’s behaviour went against this trust and involved a pattern of abuse, with several police reports documenting his mistreatment of his mother.

Considering all the evidence presented, the judge sentenced Lalta to 12 years in prison, with credit given for the time he had already spent in custody.

According to reports, on the night of October 19, 2019, Lalta had been drinking with a friend and returned home the following morning to find his mother in the kitchen. In a fit of anger, he repeatedly slapped her and forcefully pushed her, causing her to fall and hit her head.

Realising that his mother was bleeding from her nose, Lalta left the scene and went outside. The woman was

woman to silence the child, despite her pleas not to harm the innocent girl.

According to the prosecution’s account, Luke later dragged the victim to the inner stairway, still holding a knife to her neck, and ordered her to remove her underwear under the threat of stabbing her He proceeded to sexually assault her both vaginally and

orally

The horrifying attack lasted for approximately an hour, during which the victim lost consciousness Luke also forced the victim to hand over $100,000 that she had kept in a safe

When the victim regained consciousness, she immediately contacted her son, who then reported the incident to

the police Police officers arrived at the scene, and the victim was taken to the hospital for medical attention Luke was subsequently arrested at his residence

During police questioning, he admitted to consuming vodka and marijuana before arriving at the pensioner’s home

subsequently taken to New Amsterdam Hospital on October 14, 2019, and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she remained as a patient until November 6, 2019.

She was then transferred back to the New Amsterdam Hospital. Tragically, on November 14, 2019, she passed away at her home while still in an unconscious state.

A post-mortem examination conducted after her death revealed that she had suffered a chronic subdural hematoma resulting from blunt trauma to the head.

Broan Luke called ‘Brian’

JAILED: Totoram Lalta

Building Young Leaders: 88 apply for Young Influencers Programme

EIGHTY EIGHT young people applied for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security's Young Influencers Programme, which is aimed at empowering youths nationwide, according to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud.

Minister Persaud was at the time reflecting on the previous batches of participants and the progress made to date, while sharing her aspirations for the new participants on Friday.

“I believe learning from the first two, there are other areas that we want to see them participate in more,

which they started in the second batch which is the youth debate and parliamen-

tary debate. We want them to be more national in their visibility; we want them to

be able to have more expression on an international platform or many international platforms, and we will be reviving the youth unfiltered television and social media series so you can look out for that from this new batch,” Dr Persaud stated while speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The youth initiative is geared towards encouraging and empowering young people to make a meaningful impact in their communities through their skillsets and talents, while reflecting the characteristics of a positive role model and ambassador for young people.

The ministry aims to foster community engagement among young influencers and extend their impact.

“We also want them to be more present in communities and galvanise more young people. We are striving for a grassroots community approach, where their projects involve not only their batch of young influencers but also a broader spectrum of youths. Additionally, we will be working harder to ensure that they mentor more young people in the future,” the minister added.

Currently, the ministry is reviewing the 88 appli-

cations received for 2023, carefully considering the potential of each candidate.

Minister Persaud assured that the announcement of the new batch of influencers will be made soon, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the next wave of talented young voices.

As youths make up a significant proportion of the population, the ministry’s Youth Influencer Programme stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to inclusive decision-making and youth empowerment. Applicants will be chosen from each administrative region.

Regional Chairman:

New Amsterdam to get state-of-the-art hospital

nouncement of His Excellency, they have actually sent out tenders for the hospitals and so as soon as that procurement process is completed, the hospital will start…so hopefully it might, if it’s not the end of this year, it will be next year,” the chairman relayed.

The establishment of the hospital will see residents within the region having access to an upgraded facility with a wide range of free services, as opposed to travelling to the city or private institutions for the same opportunities.

The facility will have state-of-the-art technology to provide critical medical procedures like open-heart, kidney transplant, and pancreatic surgeries, currently unavailable at New Amsterdam Regional Hospital.

“Another brand-new hospital is going to be built here

in New Amsterdam which is a three-storey hospital, which will cater for different kinds of surgery that we cannot presently handle in Berbice,” Regional Chairman, David Armogan told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Tuesday.

He disclosed that the construction of the multi-million medical centre is expected to begin later this year into 2024, while the bidding process for tenders has already commenced.

“Based on the pro -

Further, Armogan announced that the construction of two health centres in Chesney Village and New Cane-field Settlement has begun.

The establishment of the health centres will enable residents of the two villages and nearby communities to conveniently access primary healthcare, thereby reducing obstacles such as distance and financial burden.

In addition to revolutionalising healthcare, these initiatives will introduce employment within the county, as healthcare professionals are an essential part of the functioning of these facilities.

A NEW hospital in New Amsterdam will soon be available to residents of East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) as the government continues to strive for better health care.

Regional Chairman, David Armogan

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud

Modernising Guyana’s Health Sector: New Public Health Act draft takes shape

GUYANA’S health sector is rapidly being transformed, and a draft of a new public health act is being developed to support this overhaul.

This was revealed by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, on Tuesday, while he was delivering remarks at the launch of the sixth edition of the Family Health Manual at the Ministry’s headquarters.

During his address, he noted that, since entering office, the government has constantly been updating the country’s legislation to fit into the modernisation that is taking place across many sectors.

Over the last year or so, he stated that the government, more specifically his ministry, has been working on new omnibus legislation for the country’s public health sector.

“One of the things we have been working on over the last year or so is a new legislation that deals with

public health. We have old public health ordinances that are totally outdated,” the Minister said.

While he highlighted the coming legislation, it can be noted that Guyana’s health sector is currently governed by the Public Health Ordinance of 1934, which since its assent has not been updated.

However, he added, “So

the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, in previous reports, have told the Guyana Chronicle that it is necessary for the piece of ‘archaic’ legislation to be updated.

we are now writing legislation to deal with public health and it’s going to be an omnibus legislation, meaning that it would cover every aspect of public health. It would affect various sectors and we have been working with those sectors.”

Currently, the Minister indicated that for the draft just around nine chapters have already been done, and the health ministry will continue working with a team from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to be able to conclude the draft piece of legislation.

Since entering office,

In a 2021 interview with this newspaper, Nandlall stated that the public health ordinance was outmoded and unfitting to reflect the current realities of society and since then a new public health act was being formulated.

At that time, he was quoted as saying, “Guyana’s public health infrastructure is radically different from what it was in 1934, and the COVID-19 pandemic has graphically revealed how almost dysfunctional the law is.”

However, upon completion of the drafting of the new public health act, consultations are expected to follow with it then being tabled in parliament, debated and subsequently passed.

Guyana’s Public Health Ordinance of 1934

Ingram Micro has no partnership with Tagman Technology

- US-based company clarifies

SUPPLY chain and technology brand developer, Ingram Micro, has categorically refuted reports that it entered into a partnership or is associated with Tagman Technology based in Guyana.

Earlier this month, Tagman Technology issued a press release stating that the company and Ingram Micro forged a partnership to “propel digital transformation in Guyana.”

The press release was carried by the Guyana Chronicle and other media outlets based on the claims by Tagman Technology.

However, Ingram Micro has since dissociated itself from the claims made in the press release issued by Tagman Technology.

“This article was not approved or authorised by our company and contains a series of misrepresentations and has misled local technology companies in Guyana. We are sending a communication to Tagman,

to cease to publish any new articles with these sorts of statements, and to request an immediate rectification in all the news outlets where this article was published,” Ingram Micro said in a letter sent to this publication on Tuesday.

According to Ingram Micro, it has never had any meetings, conversations or plans to partner, participate in a joint venture or collaborate as associates with Tagman Technology or their affiliate companies (Tagman Media or Houstly (sic) Designs).

The Tagman Technology press release, which was issued on June 16, had mentioned that the partnership would have brought several key benefits, including an expanded product portfolio featuring named renowned vendors.

Ingram Micro, however, clarified that these are false claims which has had repercussions for the company.

“There are vendors (such as Apple, Cisco,

Adobe) mentioned in the publication, and Tagman does not have the appropriate authorisations to resell their products, because those companies require a prior registration with them,” Ingram Micro said.

Ingram Micro has operations in over 60 countries, with over 27,000 associates, covering six continents.

APOLOGY AND RETRACTION

The Guyana Chronicle hereby apologises to Ingram Micro for any inconvenience caused by the publication of the Tagman release on June 18, 2023, under the headline: “Tagman Technology inks partnership with brand developer Ingram Micro.” We retract the publication entirely and, once again, unreservedly apologise to Ingram Micro.

The Guyana Chronicle’s retraction is intended to facilitate rectification, with reference to our initial publication.

Wales Fire Station nearing

CONSTRUCTION of the modern Wales Fire Station in Region Three is nearing completion and will soon serve residents of the community and surrounding areas.

This update was provided to the Department of Public Information (DPI) by the engineer attached to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Narendra Guyadin,

on Wednesday.

The project was executed in two parts, including the construction of the fire station at a cost of $69 million carried out by AYN Construction and General Services. This aspect is practically completed, Guyadin explained.

Meanwhile, infrastructural works valued at $23.9 million were executed by

NK Engineering Services. This aspect of the project is 90 per cent completed. The remaining works include rendering and painting.

When completed, the modern fire station will facilitate the expansion of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) to Region Three and will house two fire tenders and one EMS

nearing completion

ambulance. It will also significantly assist the firefighting and prevention capabilities of the Guyana Fire Service in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region.

Chief Fire Officer (ag), Gregory Wickham, during the contract signing ceremony for the project, had explained that apart from increasing capacity in the

region, it will service the shore base facilities that are being constructed in these areas.

Minister Robeson Benn also stressed the importance of a fire station being established there, especially since a multi-million-dollar gasto-shore energy project will be constructed at Wales. (DPI)

Picture saved as Wales Fire Station Caption: Wales Fire Station

Wales Fire Station

Linden Riverfront Festival Committee advocates for comprehensive riverfront development

By Faith Greene

THE annual Development Forum of the Linden Riverfront Festival Committee is scheduled for this Friday, coinciding with the start of the Riverfront Festival.

According to the Director of the Linden Riverfront Festival Committee, Samuel.

A. Wright, the festival started eight years ago, with its main purpose being to promote the development of the Riverfront.

He explained that the thought behind the festival was to have an event that not only showcases the regu -

lar activities that occur along the riverfront, but to push for the development of that area.

These activities, he shared, include a market on the riverfront, boating and cycling

to name a few. Wright says that the festival was almost a no-go this year. The reason for this, he stated, was because although the event’s purpose is to promote the riverfront development, neither of the relevant authorities responsible for the development of this area is doing anything to upkeep the riverfront.

He said it felt as though the effort placed into this festival to promote the riverfront was wasted when they do not see the same equal investment or cleaning up or managing of the riverfront being made by those persons.

He continued, “The

riverfront is one of the most important parts of Linden. Historically, Linden almost started on the riverfront.”

Wright said that most of the first churches are on the riverfront, and so are most of the original schools, businesses, and historical monuments like the Washington Monument that are there as well.

The Festival Director noted that the riverfront development would have to address topics including the up keeping of the riverfront, the ending of pollution, and sustainable enhancements of that area. Wright identified Linden as a port, saying

that they not only ship bauxite, but other products as well.

Wright has, in previous times, advocated for proper development of the riverfront. He has stated that it’s more than just about the beautification of these areas. He said, “We have to address all those things in the riverfront development. So, it’s not just aesthetics and making things pretty, but really addressing environmental issues, social issues, shipping, waste management and all of that, because it’s all concentrated on the riverfront.”

Electric bike registration begins next week

- existing owners granted three-month voluntary registration period

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that, commencing July 4, owners of electric bikes can register their cycles at the Licence Revenue Office, Lamaha Railway Embankment, Camp and Lamaha Streets and Integrated Regional Tax Offices (IRTOs) countrywide.

This is in compliance with the recent Amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, which was successfully passed in the National Assembly on May 10.

The newly added amendments allow electric bikes to be subjected to the same regulations as motorcycles and will address the alarming increase in road fatalities and incidents involving electric bikes.

Owners of electric motorcycles are advised to present a completed motor vehicle registration application form, purchase receipt or affidavit of lost purchase receipt and a valid identification (National ID card, Passport or current Driver’s Licence) when registering their motorcycles.

According to the GRA, owners of existing electric motorcycles that do not have a chassis or frame number will be issued a unique identification number by the GRA.

“It is the responsibility of the owner to engrave this number onto the frame of the motorcycle before proceeding to the Guyana Police Force to apply for the Certificate of Fitness,” the GRA explained.

Importantly, GRA, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will allow a three-month voluntary registration period, after which, the law will be enforced by both agencies.

“Additionally, please be advised that the standard rate for registration and motor vehicle revenue licence will apply. You must be the holder of a valid driver’s licence to use these electric motorcycles on the roadways,” the advisory stressed.

Meanwhile, the GPF has been taking steps to educate road users on the recent amendments made to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act Cap 51:02 about the regulation of e-bikes.

Samuel. A. Wright, Director, Linden Riverfront Festival Committee

Defects rectified: Health Ministry shifts operations to new Brickdam facility

OPERATIONS are being moved to the Ministry of Health's new building at Brickdam as defects have been corrected.

This is according to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who made this disclosure while speaking to members of the media on the sidelines of an event on Tuesday.

When asked about the building, the Minister stated that lots of corrections had to be done during the building’s construction, which he said had to be corrected before they moved ahead to use the building.

“These windows that you see here, they were probably non-existent, because the building was a lot of concrete, these glass things and so forth… so it wasn’t ideal because not a lot of light was coming in and a whole host of other defects had to be fixed,” he said.

However, currently, he noted that the building is pretty much done and teams are just now moving furniture into

the building, even as various departments have begun moving into the new building.

He said, “So as they do some finishing touches, we feel that it’s good enough for us to start utilising it.”

While standing in the building’s boardroom, the Minister noted that they have already held quite a few events there previously and it has already proven to be a cost saver based on the number of training sessions and events that the ministry usually hosts.

Earlier this year, the National Assembly, to aid in the building's completion, approved some $74.1 million where construction began in 2018.

During the consideration of estimates, the health minister revealed that the contract with a previous contractor that was working on the building was terminated following breaches of the agreement.

As such, he noted that the sums approved would go to-

wards completion and to correct defects of the previous contractor.

The Ministry of Health’s Lot 1 Brickdam building which is almost complete

Updated Family Health Manual prioritises wellness, care standard

By Shamar Meusa

THE Ministry of Health released the sixth edition of the Family Health Manual on Tuesday, which will guide healthcare workers across the spectrum and inform healthcare delivery throughout the country.

The new edition of the manual was launched at the Ministry’s boardroom Brickdam, Georgetown Office, where Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, noted that it comes at a fitting time as the country’s healthcare sector is currently undergoing major transformation.

According to Dr Anthony, this Family Health Manual has a very long-standing tradition, and they have been working steadfastly to bring improvements to the manual.

He said, “It’s very

The health minister emphasised that the manual's interventions address crucial points, explaining why health interventions are necessary at that stage and how they should be implemented. He stressed the importance of implementing them on a wide scale, rather than just piloting them.

He added that many of the concepts included have been tried and tested before and have worked in other countries and can be considered best practices.

As a result, he noted that it can move quickly from piloting to getting it to scale and the manual will help the Ministry of Health to do so.

Meanwhile, Director of Primary Health Care services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, during her address at the ceremony, stated that the document will be considered to be

Additionally, Dr Hamilton revealed that the document was not intended to be used in isolation, but should be used together with the package of essential health services.

She revealed that one of the key concepts that needs to be brought to the attention of the users of the manual is that it not only looked at health from the perspective of making sure nobody gets sick but also from a wellness perspective.

Among recent additions to this edition of the manual, she said that when people look at the previous versions, it can be seen that it was very focused on women and children but lacked on the side of men and elderly persons.

However, according to Dr Hamilton, they intended to break that mould and ensured that this edition

timely in that the Ministry is undergoing a lot of transformation and we need to upgrade a lot of the things that we are doing to make sure it fits with the direction which the ministry is going.”

What is being seen in the new edition of the manual, according to the Minister, is the compilation of the science that ensures that it can cover care for someone’s entire life course, with a focus on the health of persons in various stages.

the main guiding document for how services are delivered for all persons even as she mentioned that policy guidelines are also included.

“Now we use evidence-based principles and practices to ensure that the document is updated and it’s giving a good overview of what happens not just within the context of our country but practices that would’ve been proven in other parts of the world,” she said.

was more rounded and ensured that services go from cradle to the grave while also looking at equity and gender.

She said, “Everyone everywhere should be having access to the same services at the same level.”

The manual was subsequently handed over to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh, by the Minister of Health and its use for care will be implemented.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, hands the manual over to Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh (left) on Tuesday (Delano Williams Photo)

The 6th Edition of the Family Health Manual (Delano Williams photo)

Eid-ul-Adha Messages…

EID -ul-Adah reminds us of unbridled humility, and the willingness to selflessly make sacrifices in obedience to God.

Its message is seen as pertinent to the spiritual upliftment of all Mankind, which redounds in peace and togetherness It comes during the annual Holy

Pilgrimage to Mecca, The Hajj, a journey that embodies sacrifices in the quest to fulfill religious obligations, and which is demonstrative of the teachings of equality

Its observance continues to exemplify humane characteristics of generosity , morality, and love for others, especially

the less fortunate

In a multi-religious society like Guyana, these attributes have proven their value not only in catalyzing and strengthening bonds among our people, but also in forging a better understanding and appreciation of our cultures

As our Muslim brothers and sisters cel-

R3PSInc: “As the joyous festival of Eid-ul-Adha dawns upon us, we extend warmest wishes to all members of our esteemed organization and their families

THIS auspicious occasion holds great significance as we come together to celebrate faith, unity, and the spirit of sacrifice.

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah’s command It reminds us of the values of devotion, selflessness, and compassion that are at the core of our beliefs

On this blessed occasion, let us reflect on the teachings of Eid-ul-Adha and strive to embody its essence in our personal and professional lives Let us be reminded of

the importance of sacrifice and the rewards that come with selfless acts of kindness and generosity

As we gather with our loved ones to offer prayers and share in the joy of this festival, let us also remember those who are less fortunate Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, embodying the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha by making a positive impact in our communities and contributing to the betterment of society

May this Eid-ul-Adha bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to our organisation and its members May it strengthen the bonds of unity, and foster an environment of harmony

and collaboration within our team Let us use this occasion to renew our commitment to excellence, and work towards the collective growth and success of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc).

On behalf of the entire R3PSInc family, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed Eid-ul-Adha

May your celebrations be filled with love, happiness, and cherished moments Eid Mubarak!

R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan

ERC: “The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warmest Eid–ul–Adha greetings to Muslims and all other Guyanese on this annual observance

THIS national holiday, which translates to the ‘festival of sacrifice’ in Islam, is important for all humanity; obedience to God and the priceless value of sacrifice.

The ERC urges all to heed the universal message of Eid–ul–Adha for a better Guyana; render support, and inculcate the lessons of sacrifice for peace and brotherhood

Sharing during this holiday to the less

fortunate, neighbours and friends is characteristic of Eid-ul-Adha, and reflective of the brotherhood that exists among Guyanese The observance remains a beacon of inspiration, guidance and motivation for all of us to build and promote national harmony The lessons of sacrifice and humility must inspire us as Guyanese

Moreover, the Commission supports the thrust of this countrywide observance, which strengthens ties with other ethnic

groups in our multi-cultural society. The ERC is positive that our status as ‘One People’ is given deeper meaning during Eid–ul–Adha celebrations every year

Eid-ul-Adha represents another veritable example of the peaceful co-existence, and religious freedom all Guyanese enjoy

The ERC wishes that Guyanese of all ethnicities learn the important messages and principles from today’s observance, and its recurring theme.

ebrate in traditional ways, the Party urges reflection on the pertinent messages of the occasion, and the many sacrifices Guyanese have made over time for self-advancement and nation - building , with the common objective of a better life and future for all

Once again, the PPP extends best wishes for the occasion Eid Mubarak!

PPP: “THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings and best wishes to the Muslim communities here in Guyana and in the Diaspora on the sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Adah

Digicel Schools Football tournament…

Zeeburg, Westminster score wins

THE

Digicel

Schools Football tournament continued across Guyana yesterday, with games at several venues.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West

Demerara) at Leonora, Essequibo Islands went down to Zeeburg 6-0, with goals from Akeino Abrams (6th, 12th, 16th and 26th), Mark Medas (20th), and Sydell Joseph (50th).

Meanwhile, Westminster beat Stewartville 6-2, with a hattrick from Dorwin George (19th, 41st and 50th), along with goals from Teyon Kennedy (7th), Ezra Clarke (9th), and Ezekiel Caesar (65th). Stewartville had Shakeel King (55th) and Shawn Pilgrim (58th) on target.

Vergenoegen beat L'Aventure 4-0 with a double from Quan Jackman (45th and 57th), while Kevon Williams (40th) and Devon Williams (55th) added one each.

Over on the East Coast Demerara, President’s College slipped past Bladen Hall 2-1 at Buxton Ground.

President’s College’s brace from Micheal Joseph (36th and 65th) undid the single strike from Joel Lallman (4th).

Bygeval were also 2-1 winners over LBI, thanks to Deandrea Pierre (6th) and Carl Nunes (43rd), their goals overturning the single strike of Jason Thomas (51st).

On the East Bank Demerara, Alpine Academy beat Friendship 2-0 at the Ministry of Education Ground, thanks to Antwone Denny (37th) and Keyron Williams (57th). Covent Garden went down to Houston, 3-4, on penalties after a twogoal stalemate. Dishon Stephen (43rd and 50th) accounted for Covent Garden’s goals, with Brandon Narine (45th) and Kadon Bacchus (60th) bringing Houston level on both occasions

In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Bushlot won 8-7 on penalties. Meanwhile, matches continue today.

In Region One (Barima-Waini), Matthews Ridge will play Port Kaituma at Canal Back from noon, while Karaburi plays Kamwatt at Two Miles Ground from 13:00hrs.

Waramuri and Kwabenna will clash at 14:30hrs, while Manawarin will play Santa Rosa at 16:00hrs. Both matches are set for 2 Miles Ground.

In Region Three, Uitvlugt plays Vreeden- Hoop at Leonora Ground from 14:30hrs, with Zeeburg taking on Patentia Secondary from 16:00hrs.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday June 29, 2023)

Arsenal sign Germany Havertz

(BBC) - Arsenal have signed Germany forward, Kai Havertz, from Chelsea on a five-year

The fee for Havertz, who scored nine goals for the Blues last season, could rise with odds-on.

He moves across London as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his Arsenal side following qualification for the Champions League after a six-year absence.

In a statement on his social media channels, Havertz said it was "with a heavy heart" that he was saying goodbye to Chelsea's fans.

"A big thank you for all your support, we achieved a dream of winning the Champions League together," he added.

Speaking on the Arsenal website after his transfer had been announced, Havertz said his aim was to "win trophies" with his new club.

"The mentality in the Arsenal squad is very high and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons why it has been so hard to play against Arsenal recently.

"The aim is to win trophies and I'm going to give everything to do that for the supporters and everyone at the club. I'm now looking forward to meeting all the players and the staff when we come back for pre-season."

Arsenal have also submitted a third bid worth £105m for West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice.

Chelsea are seeking to reduce their squad size and sold Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City on Tuesday, while fellow midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is close to joining AC Milan.

N'Golo Kante has agreed a deal with a Saudi Arabian team, while goalkeeper Edouard Men-

dy and defender Kalidou Koulibaly have moved to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli.

Midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko has also left the club as a free agent.

The new ownership at Chelsea want to avoid letting players enter the final two years of their deals and Havertz, whose contract had been due to run out in 2025, did not agree an extension at the club.

deal until 2028 for £65m. The 24-year-old spent three years at Stamford Bridge after joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £71m.

Havertz has scored 19 goals in 91 Premier League appearances and hit the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.

"It's super exciting for me to be joining this amazing club and to be part of the Arsenal family," said Havertz. "This club has such a big history, and I hope we can achieve lots of things.

English Racing Tips

Kai Havertz has scored 13 goals in 37 appearances for Germany

Hamid Foundation /Caring For Others Linden Schools U-15 Basketball…

Tournament suspended due to Exams

The

Hamid

Foundation / Caring For others Linden

Schools Under- 15 basketball tournament has been put on hold due to the endof- term examinations at various schools.

The tournament, which is being staged at the Mackenzie High School hardcourt in Linden is organised by long serving basketball coach, Abdulla Hamid.

It will resume on completion of those examinations sometime next month.

The tournament, which was battling the inclement weather which caused a number of false starts, had

only a handful of matches played thus far.

In the opening match of the competition, home team Mackenzie High School registered a 39-11 win against Harmony Secondary with the leading scorers for the victors being Earl Tappin and Isaiah Lamazon each with nine points.

Owen France, Terrence Mohabir and Mortimer DaSilva got six points apiece for the winners.

In another completed game, Linden Foundation Secondary School were winners over Wisburg Secondary, 16-8, with Josiah

Cumberbatch getting eight points for the winners and Trevor Liddell scoring four, for the Wisburg Secondary School.

Another result was Linden Foundation Secondary defeating New Silvercity Secondary, 31-11 with terry Simmons the leading scorer for the Linden Foundation Secondary School with 20 points.

Trophies and medals which are at stake have been donated by the Caring For Others Organisation and the Abdulla Hamid Basketball Foundation

Smith, Head give Australia day one honors

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Steven Smith and Travis Head gave the opening-day honours to Australia at Lord's, but the scorecard was not quite as bleak for England as appeared likely shortly before the close until Joe Root burgled a double-wicket over after what had been a largely uninspired performance from the home side.

It may only have been day six of the series, but as Smith and Head were combining to add 118 in a bit over 20 overs for the fourth wicket, it felt as though Australia were taking a significant step towards having a stranglehold in the Ashes. A close-of-play total of 339 for 5 may yet end up proving decisive but England were clinging on.

Head had played in what has become his trademark style as he flayed 77 from 73 balls, catching up with Smith who had a 43-run head start when he joined him at the crease. But having deposited Root down the ground he could not resist trying again and this time he was beaten convincingly, although Nathan Lyon will have noted the turn on offer.

Two balls later Cameron Green played a very out-of-character hoick, miscuing Root to mid-off, and

Australia's good work was in danger of unravelling. However, Smith remained immovable and was closing in on Test century No. 32 on the ground where he was felled and concussed by Jofra Archer four years ago. As had been expected, there was not going to be two Tests in a row where he and Marnus Labuschagne did not contribute.

David Warner, riding a little bit of luck along the

way, had helped lay the early foundation under slategrey skies which looked tailor-made for bowling although the surface itself was much less green than the days leading into the game. When he departed shortly after lunch, during a terrific over from the recalled Josh Tongue, England threatened to hit back but first Smith and Labuschagne, then Smith and Head shut them out before Root's late incisions.

On an overcast morning where light drizzle and a pitch invasion by Just Stop Oil protesters, which required orange powder to be removed from the square, caused a couple of delays Ben Stokes was happy to insert Australia but England failed to take advantage of conditions. As at Edgbaston, catching - this time from the slip cordon - was one of the key reasons.

Usman Khawaja, on 1,

survived a low edge to first slip which just reached Root. Then a much more clear-cut chance escaped Ollie Pope at fourth from Warner off Stuart Broad when he had 20. Dismissal No. 16 went begging. Pope later spent much of the day off the field nursing a shoulder injury after diving to intercept a ball.

Although Australia did not initially race away with the scoring - they were 39 for 0 after 17 overs - they

had weathered the early window, albeit with a little bit of good fortune going their way. Warner had not been afraid to try the unconventional, twice stepping outside off stump to effectively sweep Broad, the first of which brought smiles between the batter and bowler.

Warner, who passed his tally from the 2019 Ashes in three innings this time, scored more freely than Khawaja and it appeared the pair would take Australia to lunch without loss. However, Tongue, whose first three overs had cost 24 - including a hooked six by Warner to reach fifty - brought one back down the slope and Khawaja judged poorly as he left it alone.

After the interval, Tongue got the better of Warner during an over where he produced an inside edge that narrowly missed the stumps then sliced him in half with a delivery that went for four byes before bowling one a touch fuller to obliterate the middle and leg stumps. Warner, though, has done enough to ensure he gets the rest of the Ashes, and probably the Sydney farewell he has mapped out.

Linden Foundation Secondary against Wisburg Secondary

Steven Smith and Travis Head added 118 off 122 balls (ECB/Getty Images)

Rosignol United FC tops of Berbice league

THE National Milling Company (NAMILCO) Thunderbolt

‘Flour Power’ Berbi -

ce Football Association (BFA) under-17 league has reached the fourth round, and Rosignol

United FC remains unbeaten with a perfect record.

The league leaders’

purple patch continued last week following a 7-0 drubbing of Cougars FC at the Scott School Ground, New Amsterdam.

Amazingly, there were six different goal scorers for the winners

League standings

and one own-goal by Cougars’ Jovan Lambert one minute before full time. On the scoresheet for Rosignol United were Tyrone Delph (Header 35th minute), Jaden Thom (Header-

43rd minute), Winton Hartman (Header- 68th minute), Terrence Lewis (70th minute), Luke Langevine (76th minute) and Tyrone Delph (83rd minute).

Contrasting scorelines as Santos, Western register wins Sinclair to replace Cariah in West Indies side

THERE were contrasting scorelines at the end of Tuesday evening’s latest round of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) KFC-sponsored Elite League.

Played at the National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Santos registered a drubbing of Ann’s Grove while Western Tigers needled Police.

Darren Niles led the onslaught against Ann’s Grove, netting Santos’ first two goals in the 8th and 17th minutes. Then came a Shane Jones double in the 25th and 44th, accompanied by solitary strikes from Azandee King (26th), Stefan Reynolds (34th) and Lennox Young (41st) to give Santos a 7-0 lead by the end of the first half.

In the second segment, the goal scoring eased

considerably but Niles went on to complete his hat trick in the 72nd, while Young secured his double in the 69th minute.

Shemar Koulen beat the keeper in the 79th to bring the score to 10-0.

Ann’s Grove had their

fair share of opportunities, the biggest chance to at least secure a consolation was handed to them just at the resumption of the second half, but the penalty kick was expertly intercepted by Santos’ keeper.

Meanwhile, a monu -

mental showdown was up next as Western Tigers and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC, who sit at second and third on the league’s points table, matched strides.

Backed by the boisterous crowd, neither side could find the back of the net until Western earned a penalty opportunity. A composed Curtez Kellman took on the herculean task of converting successfully in the 64th minute, to seal the 1-0 victory for Western Tigers.

The League continues on Saturday, Julys 1st, at the same Providence, EBD venue, where Den Amstel FC and Milerock FC will go head to head from 18:00hrs, while Santos FC and Western Tigers FC match strides from 20:30hrs.

CMC – Off-spinner

Kevin Sinclair has been named to replace leg-spinner Yannic Cariah, who has been ruled out of West Indies’ World Cup qualifying campaign with injury.

The 23-year-old Sinclair, who has played four One-Day Internationals since making his debut last year, is set to arrive in Zimbabwe today ahead of the Caribbean side’s first Super Six game against Scotland.

Sinclair was part of the West Indies A tour of Bangladesh recently and was subsequently called up for the ODI tour of the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, where he featured in the finale of the three-match series.

The 31-year-old Cariah suffered a nose

fracture when he was struck in the face during a training session ahead of the opening game of the qualifiers.

He subsequently underwent surgery but according to a media release from Cricket West Indies on Wednesday, the player has “unfortunately not recovered sufficiently to resume playing at this stage.”

Cariah has taken nine wickets from eight ODIs.

West Indies’ World Cup qualification hopes are hanging by a thread following successive defeats to Zimbabwe and the Netherlands.

They face the challenge of having to win all three Super Six matches to stand any chance of reaching the showpiece in India later this year.

Rosignol United FC goal scorers

Namilco ‘Flour Power’ under-17

Tuesday night action in the KFC-Sponsored elite League had varying scorelines

KFC/GFF elite League…

GOA supports GRFU for RAN’s U-19

THE Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) recently supported the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) in order to facilitate the U-19 Men's Na -

tional Team's participation in Jamaica at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) U-19 Championships from July 12-16, 2023.

At the handing-over ceremony at the Olympic House on

June 6th, President of the GOA, Godfrey Munroe, opined that it gives great pleasure for the GOA to lend support to the Federation's members.

AP Invitational cancelled due to incompletion of NTFC

Aliann Pompey, Guyana's two-time Commonwealth Games 400m medallist, has announced the regrettable cancellation of her AP Invitational Track and Field Championships.

The event was originally scheduled for June 24 at the National Track and Field Centre.

However, due to the incomplete state of the country's only synthetic facility that possesses the necessary certification and accommodations for international events, the decision to cancel was made.

"After careful consideration and exploring alternative options, it has become apparent that the required renovations for the facility will likely extend beyond the rescheduled competition date," Pompey stated in a press release.

She further explained, "Athletes need a certain level of certainty to plan their competitions as they prepare for the World Championships later this

year. Without being able to provide the necessary guarantees, it was concluded that it is in everyone's best interest to cancel the event."

While acknowledging the difficulty of the decision, Pompey said efforts were made to minimize the impact and salvage some aspects of the endeavour.

As an alternative, Pompey emphasized her collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), and the Athletics Association of Guyana to organize a series of clinics and training sessions. These initiatives aim to benefit coaches, administrators, and athletes involved in the sport.

This year would have marked the fifth edition of the AP Invitational and the first since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

"The cancellation of the event has been met with disappointment from numerous athletes, particularly those from Guyana who considered this the highlight of their season. With this in mind, we are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to

ensure a stronger and better return next year," Pompey expressed.

In February 2020, the AP Invitational was introduced as part of World Athletics' structured World Athletics Continental Tour. The establishment of the Continental Tour was aimed at providing more opportunities for competition and earnings to athletes.

During the 2018 AP Invitational, Kirani James, the 2012 Olympic Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist, achieved a time of 44.99 seconds, not only winning the 'AP' Invitational 400m event but also setting a new Track Record.

The AP Invitational, which began in 2016, saw 11 overseas athletes qualify and compete at the Olympic Games in Rio.

GCF to focus more on women, junior and juvenile cycling

President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), Horace Burrowes, has disclosed that the GCF will be focusing on women’s cycling.

This follows the successful staging of the recent National Cycling Championships which culminated with the 97 miles Elite Road Race Championship.

That event was won by Brighton John last Sunday in Linden.

Speaking at the end of the championships, Burrowes commented: “We are to work more towards women cycling. I am really happy to see how many participants we had in terms of women. And we will work towards that and we will work also

towards promoting juniors and juveniles.”

Burrows, who was recently elected back at the helm of cycling in Guyana after a four year break, offered, “the development will be concentrated there, and we will do our utmost best to bring a lot more women to the sport. I will sit down with Sean and Paul and as soon

as we complete the Racing Committee we will sit down and have a plan to actually develop the sport.”

Burrowes explained, “I am happy to be back in the federation to help develop the sport of cycling. I was here from 2015 to 2019 and I left and asked to come back now to develop the sport. It is not always going to go in

the right direction. There will always be ups and downs. But I am happy to be elected with some very noble people.”

The new GCF Executive Committee comprises President Burrowes, 1st Vice President Enzo Matthews, 2nd Vice President Paul Choo-Wee-Nam, 3rd Vice President Nigel Lon-

don, General Secretary Ms. Carina Westford, Assistant Secretary Ms. Maria Leung, Treasurer William Howard, Assistant Treasurer Kwame Ridley, Racing Secretary Sean Chin Chan and Assistant Racing Secretary Terrence Nursery. (Joe Chapman)

From left, Secretary of the GRFU, Petal Adams receives the cheque from Godfrey Munroe in the presence of GOA Secretary-General, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon

Arinze Chance (left) pips Trinidadian Deon Lindore in the men’s 400m final

GMRSC South Dakota Grand Prix

Three-way battle emerging for Renegade Starlet Cup

A three-way battle for the 2023 Renegade Race fuels Starlet Cup is well underway and is expected to intensify at the South Dakota Grand Prix.

Round two of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s circuit racing championship will see the resumption of the battle for the coveted title come July 9.

Currently, the group has three front-runners for the 2023 title.

Anand Ramchand and Vitality Inc Starlet leads the standings with 50 points from three races having won the first and third races of the first round while Steven De Nobrega sits second with 48 points.

De Nobrega’s consistent run at the last outing with two third-place finishes (races one and three), along with one second-place finish (race two) has him just two points off the lead head-

ing into the second round.

Third, and seven points off the lead is Rameez Mohamed and the BM Soat/Prem’s Electrical-sponsored Starlet with 43 points finishing second in the first race and winning the second race.

In fourth sits Nyron Maraj and the Trinis Autoworks Starlet with 33 points having picked up one third-place finish in race two and a second-place finish in race three. He is also very

much in contention for championship and a strong round two could make the difference.

Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin sits fifth with twenty-four points as he looks for a performance turnaround with Syad Hassan and Afraz Allie both tied on ten points.

With three more races carded for the July 9 meet, those at the bottom of the table have their work cut out.

Anand Ramchand (911) and Rameez Mohamed (19) will reignite their duel come July 9th (Ackeem Thomas photograph)

Kevin Sinclair has been named as the replacement for the injured Yannic Cariah