Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30-07-2023

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo hosted a community engagement, on Saturday, with residents at Albion, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). He was accompanied by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Region Six Regional Chairman, David Armogan and other officials

An aerial view of ongoing developmental works at Silica City along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway

Guyana’s debt among world’s lowest

- ECLAC’s latest ‘fiscal panorama’ report reveals

GUYANA'S economy has experienced significant growth over the past three years, leading to a substantial reduction in public debt, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean’s (ECLAC)’s “Fiscal Panorama of Latin America and the Caribbean 2023” report.

The country's debtto-GDP ratio fell by an impressive 16 percentage points between 2021 and 2022, as a result of a 62.3 per cent increase in economic output in real terms, due to the commencement of offshore oil-and-gas production, ECLAC said.

The latest report highlights: “This increase was due to the central

government’s first withdrawal from the sovereign wealth fund set up to manage the country’s oil revenues (the Natural Resource Fund), with a view to financing public investment in priority sectors.”

Under the leadership of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), there has been active steps to make strategic investments and manage the nation's finances responsibly.

Guyana’s economy has experienced a remarkable transformation, with a rapid increase in economic growth leading to a substantial reduction in public debt

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said that the government has been borrowing prudently to finance crucial investment initiatives and to ramp up

social programmes.

"As the economy grows, our capacity to borrow increases and we intend to use that capacity to finance an aggressive programme to modernise and transform our country and improve the lives of Guyanese peoples," Dr. Singh said in a recent interview.

Despite criticism and naysayers, the PPP/C government successfully reduced the country's debt burden, achieving a debt-to-GDP ratio of only 23 per cent as of 2022.

This achievement places Guyana among the countries with the lowest debt levels globally, highlighting the sound management of the economy under the PPP/C's

leadership.

General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had also recently reaffirmed the government's commitment to a responsible debt policy, opting for fixed-rate loans from reputable international and multilateral institutions, rather than variable rate loans.

While dismissing claims that the PPP-led government is squandering oil revenues, Dr. Jagdeo had said that his party made strategic investments in critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, aiming to enhance the lives of citizens.

$5B for cost-of-living measures still unused

WITH a number of measures already being put in place to cushion the rising cost of living, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, last Thursday, said that the $5 billion that was set aside in budget 2023 has not yet been spent.

While announcing that the allocation has not been touched, the General Secretary said that not only will his administration consult with the people, but it will also examine where the interventions are needed.

“Norton is right on one thing, that we have not

spent the $5 billion that we set aside this year for the cost-of-living measures as yet. So, we will look at it, and we will see where the interventions are needed. We said we need to consult with people and then we will do it,” he said.

Budget 2023 is 41.4 per cent larger than budget 2022, amounting to $781.9 billion, fully financed with no new taxes. Prior to the government tapping into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), central government revenue typically composed of 96 per cent tax revenue and four per cent non-tax revenue.

Moreover, Dr. Jagdeo remarked that although naysayers continue to hurl criticisms from all angles, they have failed to acknowledge the major subsidies and implementations put in place by the PPP government, which are aimed at ensuring Guyanese do not feel the wrath of the surge in the cost of living.

Dr. Jagdeo said: “We then had direct interventions; we removed the taxes on a whole range of items, on data, on electricity, on water, on food items, a whole range of stuff, all of value-added taxes,” adding

that his government has also implemented a number to measures for people who are building low-income houses, in particular, the steel and cement subsidies.

Through the steel and cement subsidies, Guyanese constructing homes to the tune of $6 million and below benefit from 80 lengths of ½ inch steel rods, 60 lengths of 3/8 inch steel rods, and one sling of cement.

In comparison, builders with estimates of above $6 million and $25 million will benefit from two slings of cement.

Noting that other coun-

tries have decided to put pressure on their citizens and increase costs for amenities such as electricity, Dr. Jagdeo blazed the media outlets for not informing citizens about the measures that are being put in place to alleviate the cost of living.

Jagdeo further said: “…Are you aware that throughout increase in prices for fuel, that the government did not increase the price of electricity? Electricity is a huge component of the cost of living, and electricity prices.”

Additionally, he touched on the fact that

the two major components of the cost of living- water and electricity prices- have always remained constant.

“…Are you aware that the government did not increase the price for water, because the government provides water? We kept water and electricity prices constant. What this meant you don't see it, but bigger subventions to these agencies, subsidy, we subsidized those. So, two huge components of costs we observed as part of the government's plan to alleviate the cost of living increases,” the PPP General Secretary said.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

- Dr. Jagdeo says consultation with citizens required before decision is made

Over 500 citizens educated on fire safety

OVER 500 persons were engaged by Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, along with senior officers and other ranks of the Fire Service, in relation to fire prevention and safety, during an exercise at Bour-

da Market in Georgetown. This was according to a press statement from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

Emergency Medical Technicians were also on hand and offered free blood pressure and blood sugar

checks, which about 40 individuals took advantage of.

Additionally, several brochures were delivered to onlookers, and in exchange for responses to questions regarding fire safety, participants were given little

tokens.

It was also said: “The Guyana Fire Service is committed to educating the nation about fire safety and prevention with the hope of stopping fires before they begin,” while adding: “We

will continue to go the extra mile to prevent the loss of life and property by fire and encourage citizens to do their part by being cautious and vigilant.”

Residents were urged to install smoke detectors

and fire extinguishers in their homes and make sure there is a fire evacuation plan in place, and that everyone in the household receives instructions on what to do.

Building Expo preparations progressing smoothly

UNDER the theme: “Building for All: One Guyana, Many Opportunities,” myriad opportunities are being presented for citizens to develop a multitude of networking possibilities in the housing and construction sectors at the International Building Expo.

These are the sentiments expressed by the Minister of Hous-

ticipation in an area we call the transformational zone because that’s an addition we are doing because we just don’t want an expo.

“This is not about someone who has a hardware store and wants to sell a product, this is not about that, this is about enlightening persons who want information about the sector, this is about

that means they are an important player in the sector and they are part of the transformation of our country, so we would have all of that being featured as part of the showcase, so while they will be able to present what they do as a business, it will also be showcasing what Guyana is capable of and what is happening for our country.”

ing and Water, Collin Croal on Friday following a visit to the National Stadium, Providence where preparatory works are ongoing for the August 24-27 event.

“We are pleased about the progress so far, in fact, this afternoon we met with a number of contractors and big players in the construction sector so, that is to get their par-

networking,” he said.

Furthermore, the expo, according to the Housing Minister, also attempts to highlight the transformations that Guyana is undergoing.

Croal related: “You will see the showcase of many of those contractors or persons in the sector who are playing their part, so for example, if you are building the bridge,

“We thought that this will be a feature attraction for persons who want to come and take their pictures, but the intention is to show Guyana in terms of being on top of the world and where we are going and the development that is taking

place, the trajectory path that we are embarking on as a country,” Minister Croal stressed while noting that numerous features and attractions, including a dome and a fountain, are now being built.

It was also said that model houses will also be on display including the ones designed for the new Silica City and there will be some 380 booths, with 60 per cent already secured, leaving just over 100 to be rented.

The National Stadium's area set aside for football, volleyball, and other athletic events, according to Minister Croal, will

function as a temporary display area for heavy-duty machines.

The Housing Minister also said: “We are putting loam and then we are compacting it so you will have a solid area, this area is under the Nation-

al Stadium, and under the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, so we can’t put any stone or crusher run here because here is being utilised for football or other beach like type of activities.”

Some of the booths that will be rented by businesses (DPI Photos)

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal testing the solidity of the ground which will facilitate heavy-duty machinery (DPI Photos)

A Shared Future

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is on a one-week official visit to the People's Republic of China (PRC) where he received a red carpet welcome.

This is yet another high profile trip which provides an opportunity for both countries to solidify relations. The President is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd and other officials.

Guyana and China established diplomatic relations on June 27, 1972, with Guyana having the distinction of being the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to so do. Guyana has also consistently taken a principled position on the “One China” policy.

With China now a global economic powerhouse and Guyana's meteoric rise as a key player on the international stage with major emphasis

on economic diplomacy, it is only natural for both countries to forge closer ties.

Guyana is also home to a significant number of Chinese, many of whom are making their presence felt in a number of areas such as business, trade and commerce and also in the construction sector.

Guyana is small relative to China in terms of economic might, population and geographical size but with the status of the country now as an oil producing nation, its influence on the international stage and strategic importance has been considerably enhanced.

Guyana only recently was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a great honour for a small country.

The contribution by China to Guyana's development

has been significant and this is likely to improve further as a result of President Ali's engagements with that country.

During an engagement between President Ali and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both leaders committed to working together to address global challenges such as energy, climate change and food security. Chinese investment in Guyana is also high on the agenda.

President Ali hailed the role played by China in the country's socio-economic development. According to the President, China has played an important role in the economic and social development of Guyana and the Caribbean region, not only in terms of sharing its experiences but also providing valuable assistance to Guyana and other regional countries in areas of infrastructure, connectivity, med-

icine and health.

President Xi on his part hailed the enduring bilateral friendship of the two countries, emphasising the importance of Guyana and China to “remain good friends who trust and rely on each other.”

He called on the two countries to share opportunities, tackle challenges, seek cooperation and promote development together so as to build a closer China-Guyana community with a shared future.

China, he added, is willing to promote the in-depth docking of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and welcomed Guyana's participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE).

These are all significant developmental initiatives which could, individually and collectively, impact the

trajectory of global development.

We now live in a multi-polar world characterised by growing competitiveness and the pursuit of diplomacy to bolster economic growth. The days of economic and political 'spheres of influence' and big-power politics are now over.

There is no longer the need for small countries like Guyana, as in the past, to align themselves with one or the other superpowers out of some perceived benefit. Guyana’s foreign policy is influenced by domestic imperatives which in essence are aimed at improving the quality of life of the Guyanese people.

Guyana is now an important player on the international stage thanks to the country's newly found carbon riches, and also because of the visionary

and proactive leadership by President Ali on the regional and international stage.

Only recently, Guyana hosted a visit by United States Secretary of State Blinken aimed at strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries. Similar engagements were made by President Ali with other world leaders with the aim of securing the country's best interests.

President Ali must be commended for the high energy level he has been displaying in his engagements with world leaders. He certainly has a packed agenda which includes meetings with other global leaders and business executives with the view to promoting Guyana's development.

President Ali continues to do what is right for the country and its citizens

Dear Editor,

IN Guyana, there are many ambitious political leaders but very few have the traits of good, astute, and inspiring leadership as President Dr Irfaan Ali who over the past three years has displayed some of the most essential qualities of a good leader, such as integrity, consistency, dependability, and trustworthiness.

President Ali’s first goal is to represent the government and the people of Guyana, and even though governance and politics have always been complicated and often messy, he continues to do what is right for the country and its citizens and has lived by the maxim, “The nation before self.”

His actions are a shining example that he is principled, moral and selfless, not

selfish and is grounded in the principles of politeness and decency.

Since taking office, President Ali has focused on the country’s long-term development and betterment, above and beyond any short-term personal gains.

Not only does he have a mixture of charm and honesty, but he also has the capacity to evaluate a circumstance and make a judgment based on what will be better for the country and most of its citizens. This is leadership at its best.

Above all, our president has shown statesmanship in all his undertakings, which implies possessing the honesty and candour and the ability to stand up for what is fair and good for all Guyanese far and wide, even though it means resigning or losing an

election.

He is a firm believer and proponent of good governance, which includes impartiality, fairness, accountability, and transparency—the key components needed for the economic, political, cultural, and social transformation of the country.

No one knows what the future holds, but what His Excellency has done in those short three years as President is a strong indicator that he has become the most successful President that country has seen so far.

With an abundance of resources flowing from oil, President Ali’s role has become vital to determine the fair allocation of the resources through governmental policies to the various regions of the country.

He has stated on numer-

ous occasions that no one would be left out of the development process regardless of ethnicity, race or party affiliation and all regions, towns and districts. The President’s position is that everyone will be treated equitably.

True to his word, President Ali has not only established solid and purposeful partnerships locally and in the Caribbean, but he has also solidified Guyana’s standing in the international community of nations and affiliation with the United States, Canada, and Britain, as well as the countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, especially India, and China where he is currently visiting and with our Latin American neighbours. As President, he has made decisions that can have a major effect on a nation’s well-be-

ing and the welfare of its citizens in a positive way.

His Excellency is blessed with good and adept political leadership talents, excellent communication skills and a brilliant vision for Guyana that can motivate the citizens and influence them to do the unimaginable.

As evident by his interactions with citizens during his regular visits to the towns and villages, he is optimistic, confident, and hopeful about the future of Guyanese, especially the youths who make up 65 per cent of the population, and the success of his “One Guyana” vision which has gained the support of Guyanese from all walks of life regardless of race, party affiliation, or social status.

Throughout his presi -

dency, His Excellency has encountered many obstacles, but he has kept his cool under the most extreme circumstances and has wisely reconciled them. President Ali is a trailblazer and a judicious and strategic thinker who would think long and hard before making any decision that will affect the progress of the country and the well-being of the people. He has shown that he will stand by his decisions. And most of the times, he has made the right decision at the right time. In doing so, he has gained the confidence of the people and has influenced and inspired them to support his policies and move the country forward.

Yours sincerely, Asquith Rose

Striving to bridge Guyana’s racial divide

Dear Editor,

GUYANA’S societal relations of racial-ethnic segmentation reside deep in the bowels of colonialism with a history of prolonged indifference and suspicion, promoted and nurtured by colonizers to ensure domination and control over Afro and Indo Guyanese, the majority sections of the population.

For anyone to expect cooperation and solidarity between these two groups in just a few years would be foolhardy.

This is especially so since some politicians and their ardent supporters promote racial-ethnic politics to foment strife, discontent, and unrest in order to elevate and prop themselves up as leaders or representatives of the people.

To date, the PPP/C government, with President Irfaan Ali in the forefront, has taken steps to bridge the racial-ethnic divide.

As they continue to seek solutions, they face many challenges in the formation of One Guyana - a unified nation fashioned from the residues of colonization. In their efforts, they must tackle the historical inculcation and indoctrination of racial-ethnic indifference and mistrust – societal characteristics of divisiveness regularly exploited by post-colonial politicians in search of power.

Striving to bridge Guyana’s racial-ethnic divide requires prolonged commitment. While President Ali dealt with some of the everyday concerns through his community outreach campaigns, the core issues of racial and ethnic indifference and mistrust are complex and not altogether eliminable.

Yet, within Guyana, racial and ethnic groups, to

varying degrees, continue to reside harmoniously in integrated and separate communities, even though their social-cultural existences remain distinctive. It is this uniqueness of harmonious co-existence that needs to be harnessed in the formation of a One Guyana.

One of the elements of the cross-cultural uniqueness is Afro and Indo crave for the ‘same wants.’

Guyanese of all persuasions desire the comforts in life, housing, adequate health services, safety, education for their children, and most importantly, equal opportunities for socio-economic success.

These wants factor into the perceptions of racial-ethnic inequality that fuels indifference and mistrust and become fodder for politicians seeking to disrupt societal harmony in their lust for power. However, when equality gradually displaces inequality, indifference and mistrust suffer erosion.

It would be presumptuous to assume that Guyana’s societal inequality can be eradicated, or that total equality in a racially-ethnically segmented society can be achieved. However, what is achievable is the provision of equal opportunities for Guyanese social and economic advancement.

The PPP/C government has already crafted a course towards societal integration as evidenced in improvements of health services, education, pension and old age assistance, provision of house lots, homes, and other infrastructural developments.

However, what seems to lag are opportunities for regular, gainful employment, living wages and better returns for fish, farm, and animal products.

The vast majority of Afro and Indo Guyanese

reside in rural villages, in a country that operates under a dual economic system: a rural agricultural, proletarian-peasant sector, and an urban industrial-professional sector.

This dual economy enabled the small population of urbanites -- residents in the only semi-metropolitan city, Georgetown -- to enjoy socio-economic success while the vast majority, primarily rural residents, remain relatively poor.

Poverty is an equal-opportunity socio-economic suppressor. It also does not discriminate by race or ethnicity. Daily, many rural Afro and Indo Guyanese live this reality. Hence, the government would benefit from prioritizing solutions to poverty, for it will facilitate the normalization of indifference and mistrust between Afro and Indo Guyanese.

This assumption may seem farfetched to some but, when one examines the dynamics of indifference and mistrust, it most often is directed towards the government. Most notably, PPP supporters distrust a PNC government, and PNC supporters distrust the PPP government.

By continuing to address problems of poverty, and providing opportunities for socio-economic success across racial lines, the government would begin the process of lessening Afro-Indo indifference and mistrust – societal relations based on the perception of whether one group benefits more from

governmental power.

What is one thing the poor have in common? It is their labour. What do the poor want most? They want what the rich have. So, the first step is for them to have opportunities to monetize their labour.

In addressing problems of poverty, policy makers must be cognizant that Afro and Indo Guyanese have different perceptions and approaches to opportunities for socio-economic advancement – i.e., how to monetize their labour.

For example, an Indo farmer with five acres of agricultural land may wish for 10 to 15 acres, and an Afro individual raising livestock may wish to expand his stock from 100 to 500. In such instances, policy makers would benefit by being attentive to the peoples’ proposed solutions instead of formulating policies that they – individual policy makers -- think will address poverty.

People often know more about their problems and probable resolutions than elected, or appointed bureaucrats. Their indigenous knowledge would be beneficial to the government.

Hence, instead of monopolistic large-scale agriculture, or livestock rearing that requires, and relies on the exploitation of wage labour, numerous small-scale economic enterprises would better serve the rural population. Local ownerships of small-scale enterprises, embedded within the com-

munity, are more suitable to Guyana’s widely scattered population.

These keep more rural residents gainfully employed while fulfilling local needs. Production that satisfies both local and external markets – along lines of agro-industrial economic developmenthas a greater probability of success in addressing poverty, and alleviating racial-ethnic indifference, and mistrust. Guyana’s predominantly rural, racially-ethnically segmented, and widely scattered population would benefit more from regional planning with varying small scale agro-industrial activities.

It should not be forgotten that many well-intentioned developmental policies, promulgated by the government, without careful regional planning, and local input, have failed to produce expected results. Some may recall Burnham’s PNC ‘Cooperative’ policies which impoverished more people instead of uplifting them economically.

Overall, infrastructural development by itself would not bridge the Afro-Indo racial-ethnic divide within the country, or improving the lives of Guyanese, unless it is accompanied by changes to the dual economy.

Relating to Guyana’s

dual economy, the modernization and industrialization of Georgetown and areas in close proximity - e.g., Ogle to Eccles, cannot employ everyone and uplift the poor who are likely to become poorer. Even the development of another Georgetown would not improve the lives of the majority or bridge the indifference and mistrust between Afro and Indo Guyanese. Access and opportunities for social and economic advancement will.

To date, Irfaan, Jagdeo, Phillips, and the PPP/C in general, have taken several steps to uplift Guyana socially and economically.

Yet, difficulties remain. As the Argentinian philosopher Jorge Luis Borges reminds us in his essay, “The Garden of Forking Paths,” “ The future is dependent on present decisions which in turn is influenced by the past, all intertwined in a labyrinth of converging and diverging choices and decisions, none simple. In short: The task of good governance is one of difficult decisions and few choices.

Regards, Narayan Persaud, PhD. Professor Emeritus

Addressing Guyana’s labour issue

WITH global oil demand expected to remain above 90 million barrels a day until 2050, Guyana has solidified itself as a significant player in the oil production space. This rapid growth and increase in production directly correlates to more oil revenues, more jobs and more opportunities for the country.

Aggressive local

content efforts have also been put in place to prioritise local workers. However, questions remain about how to sustain this massive growth and expansion of the economy with a small country.

Guyana has long suffered from economic challenges related to brain drain and the small size of the labour force. Now, with thousands of Guyanese

employed in the oil and gas industry, there are concerns about how to meet labour needs in key industries beyond oil and gas. For example, it was reported recently that the Oko West mining project is in urgent need of 2,500 skilled workers in Guyana within the next 18 months, according to the Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn. Many of the required

skills are the same ones needed for oil and gas, such as construction, engineering, welding and truck driving and there are limited numbers of these skilled workers in the country. The only way for this and other projects to be successful is if a sizeable and skilled workforce is available.

This need for skilled labour is part of a broader human resources challenge as the country looks to balance rapid economic development and strong local content provisions in a small labour market.

Earlier this year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released a study titled “Prospective occupation skills needs in the Guyanese oil and gas industry 2022-2026”, which provides an indepth overview of the main profiles and competencies needed in the industry over the next four years. The findings were pulled from surveys and interviews with 29 local stakeholders.

The 29 companies surveyed operate across the oil and gas value chain and employ around 47 per cent of total workers in the oil and gas sectors. Over the next five years, the main occupational profiles in demand will be engineers, risk management professionals, and ship deck crews and related workers. Employment is expected to grow with at least 5,000 new jobs created in the most “in-demand occupations” across the value chain, but 81 per cent of the jobs would

require either a higher technical or higher degree of education and training. This would be far beyond Guyana’s current capacity.

For Guyana to become a top oil and gas economy globally within the decade, then the gap between the industry’s labour demand and availability of local skilled workers needs to be bridged expeditiously. The need for skilled labour in the oil and gas industry is the same issue facing the rest of the extraction sector in Guyana, especially as both industries have skills that crossover which creates competition for workers. Many of these jobs also require specialised certifications and other safety training.

Growth can be a challenge in a very small labour market. Since local content laws require the oil and gas industry to use local talent whenever possible, they can sometimes crowd out other industries and make it very difficult for them to hire skilled staff. That challenge must be addressed to make sure the economy remains diverse and to avoid problems like the Dutch Disease.

The government is aware of the increasing need for more human capital, which is why, in January this year, GY$2.5 billion was earmarked for Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programmes in the 2023 budget.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, said, “[the] importance of Technical and Vocation-

al Education Training to our economy cannot be understated, Guyana is currently growing rapidly, and we need a skilled population to further accelerate this growth.”

Many regional economists have long bemoaned the difficulty of immigration from one Caribbean country to another and many have claimed that less restrictive policies could make it easier for the region to share talent and compete globally.

Beyond government, oil and gas companies are also working to address labour issues in the country.

A main example of this is the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) that was created by the Stabroek Block co-venturers in 2021 to support capacity development across the country for the next decade. It has already made several investments in critical areas, including partnerships with TVET and the industry-funded Center for Local Business Development.

A small labour market doesn’t have to be a limiting factor for Guyana and its growing industry. Upskilling Guyanese, especially the youth, and creating policies that will diversify and expand the workforce is integral to ensuring labour needs are being met efficiently.

Guyana is more than capable of being a leading oil producing country, but building a strong workforce is a challenge that will always have to be a priority.

PNC/APNU and emancipation

AS Emancipation Day 2023 is almost upon us, the main opposition party the People’s National Congress (PNC) will make a mockery out of the event and play with the emotions of their members and supporters.

The party will use all the recent political events to twist, shape, and change their minds and instill much ill-will, and race-hate towards the ruling party.

The PNC or A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will send each executive member out into the public at every event that surrounds emancipation to give remarks and make a contribution not only about the event, but also particularly about the state of affairs in the country with respect to Afro-Guyanese who are being allegedly discriminated against.

The party will likely have drums beaten and spirits awakened as they desperately try to get the black people on Aubrey Norton’s side ahead of the next regional and general elections.

Make no mistake about it, the PNC, though divided, will show its opportunistic hand even if it means using the important emancipation events this way to whip up political support and cause hopelessness among the Afro-Guyanese because they want the government of the day to be severely weakened.

They are not alone in this campaign to penetrate the minds of Afro-Guyanese in this clandestine manner.

The International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) and all the extremist Afro-Guyanese groups will observe the occasion of emancipation, but with underlying political themes which will not catch the attention of mainstream media houses and the very gullible social media.

All in all, the aim will be to play up the alleged racism and discrimination by the government against this group of people by looking at all recent events and development of oil resources in a highly skewed

and suspicious way.

This means the PNC/ APNU and those opposition leaders do not care too much about emancipation or exploring why Afro-Guyanese are not thriving, the way they should, in society.

They are not really concerned about wealth creation from Guyana’s resources which are still not equitably distributed among our people but would stop short, in their criticisms, to come up with proposals of a system that would guarantee this happening for blacks or Afro-Guyanese.

They would use the occasion of emancipation to talk about the poverty rate in Guyana and cost of living, but would not state how the people of African descent, who accounts for a majority of this figure, could exploit the many opportunities made available to them by the current government through Afro-Guyanese entrepreneurism and other things.

Instead, they will most likely talk about Afro-Guyanese being part of some rebellion, and Afro-Guyanese withdrawal from the very system which they need.

This is nasty politics and selfishness if they indeed go down this path in the upcoming days.

Norton would have Afro-Guyanese believe that they are in some form of modern-day slavery if it will help him stay at the helm of the PNC’s politics, and be the candidate at the next elections, regardless of if it means not paying attention to emancipation and where Afro-Guyanese are as a people now.

He appears to not care about reparation and the West or Europe paying for the crimes that they committed against the Afro Guyanese.

Where is the PNC’s Emancipation Day proclamation on reparations, not its message that is recycled every year!

How integrated is the PNC in talks with the ruling government on the need to have proper representation at the level of CARICOM and world on this issue,

which is still unresolved more than 260 years since the first slavery rebellion, and 66 years since the PNC was formed.

This is the sad reality of emancipation celebrations, yet Norton, Amanza Desir, Roysdale Forde and the current crop of opposition politicians would not dare address this, but would come to talk and gaff at most events about the current government and what they are allegedly doing to Afro-Guyanese.

This is a symptom of a party that is confused about its mandate at best, and has no clear leadership on the things that are affecting their membership and supporters.

After all, the state of the Afro-Guyanese community cannot be seen as having come about because of the acts of government in isolation from Guyana’s horrific history, which is replete with examples of the hardships of generations of the enslaved Africans and indentured labourers, leaving out colonialism.

Norton and the PNC leaders need to have intellectual stimuli and fortitude to address real emancipation events where the Afro-Guyanese are both conscious and woke. They need to address the issues of reparation, and call on the government to act passionately with its support, not play politics with an issue of this magnitude.

The PNC needs to stop being reactive and tell the people which of the government's hallmark plans they are supporting with respect to developing the lives of Afro-Guyanese. It needs to show, not assume and concoct stories of racism and discrimination, to be taken seriously by the middle classes or even the working-class blacks or Afro-Guyanese.

He must talk about the few accomplishments of the David Granger Administration for the Afro-Guyanese, and slowly he would realise that there are non-existent. Five years from 2015 to 2020 and 1968 to 1992, no significant progress was made, yet the PNC will not change its modus operandi.

Norton and PNC leaders want to suppress the ability for this group to think about their future. Their “control-freakism," as one of their APNU allies says, knows no bounds. They are focused on the demonization of Afro-Guyanese who are fending for themselves and taking up land and opening up businesses with the guidance and support offered by the ruling government.

The Afro-Guyanese communities are welcom-

ing development in the areas where the government could not venture to do things because of PNC-APNU opposition is brainwashing the communities.

Now, Afro-Guyanese make their own decisions and are more trusting of the other side that wants to see everyone eat and live comfortably. They want think tanks on the reparation movement and discussion on improving the state of affairs of Afro-Guya -

nese, and the politics of the PNCR to improve. Sometimes, the people who are guilty of oppressing and enslaving a people are the same seasonal people who are shouting the loudest and the most destructive. They are doing a disservice and are not being constructive for making of unified and strong making of One Guyana. So, let’s wait and see, happy Emancipation Day!

Who do the people trust in Guyana?

ONE of the persons against continuation of the fossil fuel industry in Guyana is a woman named Melinda Janki, who is given colossal space in the two anti-government newspapers, the same of which two competent analysts, Joel Bhagwandin and Professor Randolph Persaud are hardly accommodated.

Why is this so? The question is simple for a school boy to answer. The two newspapers are afraid of the pen of Bhagwandin and Persaud because the gentlemen confronts the superficial adumbrations about the oil industry.

This is the Achilles’ heel of the two newspapers and the usual suspects who want an end to oil production. You see the anti-oil conspiracy is the only game in town for those who want to see the removal of the PPP government.

There aren’t any other grievances that they feel they can milk to undermine the government. They believe the oil industry offers them the perfect avenue to hunt down the government. But there is a problem for the anti-oil conspiracy.

They face daily refutation of their propaganda from learned minds like Bhagwandin and Persaud. The anti-oil propaganda falls flat on its face because Bhagwandin and Persaud have marshalled an ocean of facts to counter the anti-oil lobby. So, Kaieteur News denies publication of the letters of Bhagwandin and Stabroek News does the same to Persaud.

Let’s return to Janki. She has been given space by the two anti-government newspapers last week to make two points. One is that the contract between

Exxon and the Guyana government can be renegotiated. Let’s quote her: “Any law student knows the parties to a contract can always agree to change it.”

The other point is that she argues that the Guyanese people do not trust the government to be firm with Exxon. If Guyanese who want to see Guyana have a great economy do not reply to these untenable, misleading narratives of Janki and the usual suspects, then propaganda becomes effective. It is for this reason patriotic Guyanese must confront the dangerous thoughts of the anti-oil lobby. This column here is a small contribution to that endeavour.

I will reply now to both statements of Janki. While the law students, Janki referred to, may know about contracts, they and Janki know nothing about realpolitik

in international relations.

Janki misinforms people because her argument lacks context and context is one of the foundational sources for acquiring knowledge and understanding how life works. You cannot reduce the agreement between Exxon and Guyana to a normal contract that can always be recalibrated.

Exxon is one of the world’s most powerful transna tional companies backed by the most powerful country in the world that will react if it feels one of its important investors is being bullied and the bully is a small, poor developing country that the US knows it can harm through retaliations.

These are complex dimensions of international relations that Janki and the law students may have no training in and may not have even a cursory understanding of.

There is no need to dwell on the flawed

analogy between a normal contract and the agreement between Exxon and Guyana, so let’s move to Janki’s second point about the Guyanese people not putting any trust in the government in its relation with Exxon. Did Janki and the usual suspects do a poll to determine how the Guyanese people view the oil industry and if the Guyanese nation wants the country to stop oil production because of climate change?

There are only two ways to arrive at hard evidence of what a population wants. One is through tight, scientifically shaped polling or surveys or through elections.

If there is a referendum tomorrow in which the nation was asked if to continue with the fossil fuel industry or immediately come out of it, then Janki and the usual suspects would suffer an ignominious defeat.

The reason is because

the Guyanese people do not trust the middle class elites, many of whom live abroad comfortably. They simply do not trust or admire or respect them for two reasons.

One is that the Guyanese people know that the world needs oil and the world will buy Guyanese oil, so Guyana can have income that can be used to dilute poverty and make Guyana a better place to live in.

The other reason is that the Guyanese people do not trust personalities like Janki and the other anti-oil lobbyists because they feel that the anti-oil arguments is a political ploy to get at the government.

Finally, after three years of constant anti-PPP insanities from the two anti-government newspapers and the anti-oil lobby, voters expressed their feeling for whom they trust by the results of the results of LGEs 2023. Elections matter, don’t they?

The scourge of human trafficking

By Vanessa Cort

IN a recent BBC news programme, human trafficking once again came under scrutiny, along with modern day slavery, as figures revealed that the problem is escalating.

Young women from all over the world are increasingly being lured into exploitative situations under the guise of

of trafficking, leave no one behind”, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called on governments, other agencies and civil society to increase efforts to prevent, identify and support victims.

However, experts, like those at Texas Health and Human Services, acknowledge that, “In order to

The Awareness Days Group points out that people trafficking and modern day slavery are a “massive problem with very few countries immune to human trafficking”. They also state that many, like this young woman in England, are tricked and misled by traffickers into believing that they are being taken to do legitimate work which

force or kidnapped, as happens particularly to people in vulnerable groups, like refugees. But even more tragic are the cases of those whose families are so poor that they sell their children just to survive. Trafficked people, in addition to being forced into hard labour or prostitution, have their documents taken away and live in constant fear

tion of their captors.

They are usually in strange countries where the language and terrain are unfamiliar and so have little choice but to remain in ‘captivity’ until rescued by the authorities or helped by concerned citizens.

Against this backdrop the United Nations notes that “responses, particularly in developing states, appear to be deteriorating” and that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed trafficking “further underground”. The crime is now less likely to come to the attention of the authorities, yet those who do manage to escape reach out to the authorities on their own.

exploitation must end, victims must be supported once they are free of their traffickers and identifiable groups must not be left vulnerable.

The Agency urges citizens to wear blue hearts – representing solidarity with the victims and “the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell their fellow human beings”. Human trafficking falls just behind drugs and arms as a major profit-making industry.

legitimate employment. Many receive seemingly authentic work permits only to find that, on arrival in the host country, they are forced to work for little or no wages.

They are threatened with physical harm, repatriation and prosecution if they seek to leave or even complain about their working conditions. In the UK thousands work in the care system, where they remain ‘under the radar’ and authorities find it difficult to even track down the people behind these operations.

Yesterday, people across the globe celebrated ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’, which seeks to raise global awareness of a problem, which in recent years has been receiving less attention, while the numbers keep rising.

Under the theme, “Reach every victim

reach every survivor of trafficking and leave no one behind, people must be aware of what trafficking looks like and how to identify it when they see it”.

In a bid to make this happen, the Group’s Human Trafficking Resource Center (HTRC) provides training for health care workers on how to identify and assist survivors. This strategy – one which can be adopted worldwide - is based on the knowledge that the majority of human trafficking victims come into contact with the health care system while being trafficked.

The young woman interviewed on the BBC programme, though rescued and placed in government housing, was afraid to show her face. She was still traumatized and living in fear that she would be tracked down and captured by the traffickers.

will enable them to help their families.

Some are taken by

of being discovered by the authorities, while suffering the intimida-

The UN message is clear, emphasising that if persons are not to be left behind then

Perhaps this quote by Edmund Burke, British statesman and philosopher, sums up the responsibility we all have to end such scourges: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”.

Entrepreneur looks to connect locals with Chinese manufacturers - with online shopping website

By Cindy Parkinson

AS a result of the explosive expansion in the country’s economy since 2020, local, foreign, and new investors/entrepreneurs are capitalising on the opportunities that are being created in the various sectors.

One such individual is Huang Xing, a Chinese national living in Guyana, who told the Guyana Chronicle that he made the decision to move from his country to Guyana because of the opportunity that he was given to work for a Guyanese business.

He also related that his love for the country’s culture and people played a significant role as well.

According to Xing, having been married to his Guyanese wife, Ms. Samantha Singh, with whom he also shares a son, he realised that it was a challenge for them to shop online for quality and affordable items from trusted websites.

Knowing that he is affiliated with the right companies and people in China, Xing came up with the idea of setting up and opening his website

stemmed.

He also added that having worked for some time as an interpreter for the company, he wanted to try his hand at something different, and the timing, according to him, was "perfect."

"I realised after about two years that I couldn’t find what I wanted in Guyana, and when I made purchases online, I also saw that sometimes I wasn’t getting what I paid for.

“My wife, many of my followers, and other people on TikTok were also complaining about similar issues as well. I also noticed that many of them were being scammed by the sites that they were buying from; most times they complained about not getting what they paid for, and that is bad," Xing said.

Having experienced the hassle of online shopping and the challenges that it presented, Xing decided to launch his own online company, "China Source."

According to Xing, China Source is an online company that enables Guyanese to get their items from China at an affordable cost. He also

said that his company "guarantees" to deliver the actual product that is shown on the site to consumers.

Xing said that the way the company is set up is that customers make contact with them via TikTok or their telephone number.

He related that they will walk the customers through the process of verifying the items by using photos or videos if the need arises.

He also added that after the verification process is completed, they

will pay an installment before receiving their items, and upon receiving their items, they will pay the balance of their payment.

Singh, who is also a popular entrepreneur, said: "Everyone or most people are on TikTok now, and my husband has been explaining to his followers about his company and what it is about.

“More and more, people are becoming sourcing agents throughout the world, but there are none in Guyana, so my husband will be the first

Chinese person to have direct access to bring products from China, and someone who will ensure that your product is exactly what you wanted and paid for. He will be like the hub for what we need here in Guyana, and I am proud of him for taking advantage of the opportunity that we are given now in our county."

Xing's wife also said that the idea is to make life easier for the people of the country without worrying about whether they will receive what they paid for.

According to her, “We are happy to see that President Ali is meeting with the Chinese government so that we can work together and better our lives in both countries.”

Singh said: “As Guyanese, we need to change and elevate ourselves; we cannot sit and complain about the Chinese taking over our country or taking away our jobs, but we can learn from them. They are getting jobs because they are skillful, so we can do the same and get the same opportunities or better. We can better our lives too by making use of what we have in Guyana

right now."

As it relates to the stigma that’s attached to the products of China, Xing said that, like most places in the world, whatever the cost is for an item, this is what you will receive.

"You cannot expect to pay a $1 for something and get $100 worth of quality," Xing said.

While Xing is very happy to have been living in Guyana for the past four years with his family and is looking forward to seeing his business take off, he encouraged other entrepreneurs to take a chance and make use of the opportunities that the country has to offer.

According to him: "Guyana is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and we can all benefit from it now, it is very hard for any President to meet with the President of China, and for President Ali to do that, it says a lot. Guyana is recognised."

The link to Xing’s website is https://chinasource.mystrikingly. com/, telephone number 592-662-1234, and TikTok handle @chinasource_gy592.

Huang Xing, owner of the China Source online website

Multimillion-dollar X-ray machine commissioned at Diamond Hospital

- first patient describes process as an ‘easy one’

A DRASTIC reduction in transportation costs, faster and more comprehensive diagnoses, reduced patient transfers, and better emergency care are just some of the benefits that can now be expected by residents of Diamond and the surrounding areas.

This comes following the commissioning of a new digital X-ray machine, valued upwards of $100 million, at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, on Saturday, by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

Giving brief remarks following the ribbon-cutting, Minister Anthony said the addition of the X-ray machine will complement the two machines already purchased and placed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in Georgetown, last year.

“What these machines would help us to do, apart from taking the images of the patients, one of our big challenges was how we store the X-rays after we would have taken them. With the analogue form of X-rays, we had to create huge rooms to keep

these X-rays. But now, all of this can be stored on a hard drive, and we can retrieve them when it’s necessary,” he explained.

He also noted that the electronic format of the X-ray images taken by the machine allows the files to be easily shareable with radiologists at the GPHC, so that, where necessary, they can be viewed, and diagnoses made.

A viewing station was also established in the hospital’s accident and emergency room.

“Of course, these images can move around quite easily. They are quite portable, and you can send them on your phone so that people can have access to them quite easily. So, I think it’s a good step for this hospital, and we are moving in the right direction,” Minister Anthony expressed.

He also noted that, by the end of the year, the Ministry of Health is looking to have 10 similar X-ray machines installed across Guyana.

“This (Siemens) is one of the best X-ray systems, and… it is helping to im -

prove healthcare, so that is why we are making these investments,” he said.

Immediately after the commissioning, 44-year-old Kerry Sauers became the first patient to benefit from the hospital’s new X-ray machine. He explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he had injured himself when a roof caved in and fell onto his back.

“Two days now, I’m troubling with a pain… The ceiling for the house fall down and catch me and pin me, and that’s what made me really come…I couldn’t walk good. Only this morning I end up being able to walk, and I come. When I go in there, the doctor told me it’s better I do an X-ray,” he said.

He described the process as an easy one.

“It will help, because… more people will get to be x-rayed. When you come, you will not have to wait, because… many people have things and they don’t know it’s what, so it’s a very good thing for the hospital, too,” he shared.

Regional Health Officer (RHO) for Region Four, Dr. Gavinash Persaud, said sufficient work was put into getting the X-ray facilities aptly modified.

“The process to get here has been a long one, and finally we are here. This is part

of the expansion in which we are digitalising our records. So, the X-ray is completely functional. It required a lot of infrastructural development… to get it here, and the last thing we did was finetune it, so that we receive support from Georgetown

Hospital,” he said. Thus far, New Amsterdam, Mibikuri, Port Mourant, Suddie, Linden, West Demerara, Mahaicony, Fort Wellington, Port Kaituma, and Lethem have been earmarked to receive digital X-ray machines.

SBM Offshore Guyana launches STEM Scholarship Programme for Indigenous women

SBM Offshore Guyana has launched a scholarship programme that is geared towards providing Indigenous women with an opportunity to pursue studies in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the University of Guyana.

This was announced at the launch of the company’s Scholarship Programme for Indigenous Women in STEM on July 19 and is aligned with its support for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal Four— Quality Education, and Goal Ten, Reduced Inequality.

In attendance were SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Martin Cheong; Sustainability and Social Impact Programme Development Officer, Gwenetta Fordyce, and Sustainability Coordinator, Uma Madray.

The University of Guyana’s Vice Chan -

cellor, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin and the Ministry of Education’s Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibil-

ity for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti De Souza were also in attendance.

Mr. Cheong noted that

the company is committed to fostering the development of the country’s young people so that they can benefit from the oil and gas industry.

He said: “Our wish is that the beneficiaries of this programme receive a quality education through the University of Guyana, giving them equal opportunity to contribute to the nation’s workforce and benefit from the oil and gas industry. We believe that nurturing the skills and talents of Guyanese youth will transform the country and encourage them to explore careers in this industry.”

Ms. Fordyce expressed that the aim of the scholarship is to empower indigenous women with the knowledge, skills and academic prowess to give back to their communities. She remarked, “Through this scholarship programme, Indigenous women will acquire an undergraduate degree, resulting in a transformative leadership, improved livelihoods, diversified income generation and job creation.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed-Martin said, “I wish to immediately applaud SBM [Offshore Guyana] for the speed

at which they actually acted upon their idea. It is remarkable that just a few months ago this year, they had this conversation with us, and today we are actually launching this.”

Mr. De Souza lauded the company’s commitment to the development of Guyanese, saying, “This scholarship programme will be playing a great role in the development of Guyana’s human resources, more so, in the development of our indigenous women and girls.”

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be Guyanese Indigenous women now entering the University of Guyana, or a second-year continuing student majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics with a Grade Point Average of 3.2 and above.

Applications can be submitted at https://womensstemscholarship.sbm. gy/. Following submissions, two candidates will be selected based on the criteria outlined on the portal. The deadline for applications is August 20, at 23:59 hrs.

The scholarship programme is one of several programmes offered by SBM Offshore Guyana aimed at developing the country’s human resources. Other capacity-building programmes undertaken by the company include the Graduate Engineers’ Programme and Trainee Technician Programme.

SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Martin Cheong; Sustainability and Social Impact Programme Development Officer, Gwenetta Fordyce; Sustainability Coordinator, Uma Madray with the University of Guyana’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Paloma MohamedMartin, and the Ministry of Education’s Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti De Souza

─ two Indigenous women to benefit from full financial support for academic year 2023/2024 at the University of Guyana

─ programme working in tandem with company’s other initiatives to bolster local content development

25 agro-processors get exposure at GMC ‘Local Day’

THE Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), in collaboration with Massy Stores Mega, held a “Local Day” in the parking lot of MovieTowne, to provide support and exposure to some 25 local agro-processing businesses.

Marketing Officer of GMC, Amarissa Barker, said that they hosted the event to give the agro processors and the local manufacturers a space to promote their products.

“Usually, MovieTowne and Massy has a number of persons coming out to go to both locations so we thought it a good idea. We hosted this last year and this year we are here to promote our local agro processors,” she said.

Barker said that Massy is

looking to have more local products in its supermarket, so procurement officers from Massy walked around and engaged agro-processors. The products which meet Massy’s requirements would be screened to be sold in Massy.

“Last year, we had quite a few persons that actually got into Massy from the expo that was here, today we have about 25 persons out here,” she said.

The Sunday Chronicle engaged some local manufacturers on exhibition who said that they were out there to grow their customer base.

Radhika Basdeo, sole proprietress of Basdeo’s Dynasty, is a manufacturer of mango achar, tamarind achar, plantain flour, pepper sauce, turmeric, and other spices.

She said that she intended to interact with customers and offer samples at the Local Day. Her two-year-old business is based

ucts are probiotic-based.

“My products are about probiotics, so they contain a lot of probiotic that is very good for your overall health. What fermentation does it enriches the food with more vitamins and minerals and it tastes better,” he said.

Persaud related that his business has only been in operation for a few months and is located in Farm, East Bank Demerara (EBD). His products are available in several supermarkets such as, DSL, Foodmaxx, D. Singh, Matthai’s, Survival and more.

Additionally, Leisa Salon n Beauty Supplies, has been supplying and producing hair and body products since 2016 to the public, according to the owner’s son, Theon Gibson.

“We supply and produce products for hair growth, skin care and overall body health. The business initially started in 2016 with our first product, a Hair and Scalp conditioner,” he said.

Gibson said that since they have a lot of products at Massy Stores and a wide customer base, this should be testimony that their products actually work.

With all ingredients locally

in Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), which she started during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I started in the midst of COVID, after being encouraged by my dad to get up and get going to make use of the resources that we have,” the 25-year-old said.

Founder of Healthy Choice Superfood, Tilak Persaud, manufactures fermented hot sauce, sea moss gel, fermented cucumber, carrot and sauerkraut. His prod-

sourced, some of their products include the “botanical pamper me body oil,” hair growth oil, natural body soaps, shampoos and conditioners and hair and scalp conditioner. Their business is located on Alexander Street opposite the Kitty Police Station.

Gibson said that his mother owned a salon for about 12 years, which led to the decision of creating her own products for customers.

Some of the products of Leisa Salon n Beauty Supplies

Owner of Amazon Authentics showcasing some of her creations

Founder of Healthy Choice Superfood, Tilak Persaud

Additional 52 houses to be built in Lethem

- construction of initial 48 progressing smoothly

By Cindy Parkinson

WORKS on the two-bedroom clay brick dwellings are moving at a fast pace under the Lethem (Region Nine) Housing Support Programme that was conceived by the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

According to the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, the objective of the President’s initiative is to provide affordable housing options for the residents of Lethem.

He also said that approximately 600 people

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Housing Minister said: "We have signed up for the first 100 houses; we would have started work on the initial set of 48, and I am happy to say that we have signed the contracts for the additional 52.

“We have more people that are prequalified, but it is all happening in different stages because we also have to engage with contractors to build those. These are low-cost housing projects, and sometimes it is a challenge for us in terms of getting the contractors to do the job. I am

Minister Croal also added that the government is working with the communities to ensure that they are benefiting from the jobs that the projects are creating.

According to Minister Croal, apart from the 100 houses that are already on the way, they are also collaborating with the people from the different communities in Region Nine to build an additional 100 houses through the hinterland housing programme.

The minister said, in keeping with the President’s objective, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will provide support for the construction, and the landowners will also be offered loans from commercial banks at an attractive interest rate.

He further said that the cost of each house is $3 million, but President Ali and his government has extended a grant of $1 million towards the project, and the remaining $2 million will be given through the banks to the people who are prequalified.

an effort to create employment for the people of the region, Minister Croal said they are utilising materials from within the region; that is, they are buying the clay blocks and timber for the structures from communities such as St. Ignatius, Shulinab, Kwatamang, Shea, and Surama.

enticing more residents of Lethem to supply more of the necessary blocks in order to advance the scheme.

He said the ministry will continue to do much more to improve every citizen's quality of life as additional resources become available.

who has the people’s interests at heart.

"We are part of a government that wants to see upliftment and betterment for our people, and that is what motivates us every day to get the work done," the minister said.

stand to benefit from the structures upon their completion.

also happy to say that the first 48 houses are progressing smoothly."

As part of the spinoff benefits of the Lethem Housing Programme and in

Additionally, Minister Croal said that the goal of this effort is to increase the accessibility and affordability of housing for all Guyanese across the country.

He also added that he is

Minister Croal said that the work that President Ali and the government are doing for the development of the country and the people motivates them, and he hopes that the people can be motivated too, knowing that they have a President

The houses are being built at the New Culvert City Housing Scheme and the Tabatinga Housing Scheme. Each unit is estimated at 550 square feet and will comprise two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a restroom.

CANU destroys US$2.5M worth of drugs

THE Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Saturday destroyed 1,009 kilogrammes (kg) of local and foreign marijuana with a street value of approximately US$2.5 million (GY$500,000,000).

The exercise occurred at the former Ministry of Housing tarmac on Homestretch Avenue, where Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, witnessed the burning exercise.

The cases for which the narcotics were being kept for evidence have all been concluded in the Magistrates’ court.

The head of CANU, James Singh, said that the quantity of narcotics burnt was just a fraction of the amount of drugs seized for the year 2023.

CANU through the period of January to June, 2023, seized approximately 677.40 kg of narcotics, consisting of 662.40 kg of cannabis, 14.80 kg of cocaine, 10 grammes of hashish and 90 grammes of ecstasy.

The unit also made seizures of four firearms and a total of 1,087 ammunition seizures encompassing a diverse range of types. For the said period, the unit handled a total of 30 cases and secured 27 convictions.

CANU has also placed great emphasis on the areas of demand reduction and institutional strengthening, collaborating with various agencies in this sector, conducting school drug prevention, sensitisations throughout the country, as well as working on other projects that will facilitate the development of treatment and reintegration of recovering substance users.

Great emphasis is also placed on international cooperation, liaising with international and regional organisations, which significantly enhances the country's ability to combat the pervasive drug situation.

The unit remains committed to ensuring a safer country under the "One Guyana." initiative.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (extreme left) inspecting the semi-completed houses in Lethem earlier this year

One of the completed houses at Lethem (Region Nine)

Security guard dies after reportedly falling off E-bike

A SECURITY guard and a popular tailor of Lot Four Perseverance, Region Two, died suddenly Saturday afternoon after he

reportedly fell off his E-bike.

Dead is Lochan Sookdeo, who was heading to his security work at Jagmohan’s

wharf located at Vilvoorden.

According to his saddened wife, Pamo Sookdeo, her husband left home around 16:00

hrs to go to work, when she said she received news that he fell off his e-bike at Airy Hall, Region Two. She said that he left

Dead: Lochan Sookdeo home in high spirits and they are still shocked by what transpired.

“We got a call that he was lying helplessly at a corner, blood was also oozing from his nose; when relatives reached, it appeared he had already died” the man’s distraught wife said.

The family said the news was tragic and was disappointed that

no one around the area called the ambulance. Sookdeo’s body was picked up and rushed to Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His body is currently at the Suddie Mortuary. He was described as a loving father and grandfather by his relatives. He was a father of two.

Two dead after vehicle crashes into GPL pole, concrete fence

TWO persons, Shelroy

McAlister and Fredrick Frazer, on Saturday, perished in an accident which occurred at 00:30hrs on Dundee Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to a police release, the incident involved motor car #PAB 8723, owned and driven by McAlister of Lot 11 Airy Hall Mahaicony, with occupant Frazer of Huntley Mahaicony.

Enquiries disclosed that the driver of motor car # PAB 8723 was proceeding west along the southern side of the road at a fast rate of speed, when he lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a turn and collided

into a Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) pole and a concrete fence.

As a result of the collision, the vehicle burst into flames. The driver and occupant were both burnt beyond recognition.

Fire tender #106 responded to the scene, and both occupants were taken out of the vehicle and transported to the Mahaicony Public Hospital.

There they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced them dead. The bodies are at the Bailey's Funeral Home, awaiting Post Mortem Examination (PME).

Berbice sugar estates surpass weekly production targets by 12 per cent

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has announced that the Albion/Port Mourant Estate and Blairmont Estate surpassed their weekly sugar-production targets during the week ending July 29, 2023, by 12 per cent after leveraging good weather conditions over the last seven days.

According to a press release by GuySuCo, the second crop of 2023 is in its second week of production.

The release stated that it is reassuring that the respective teams on the estates have harnessed a number of strategies to boost the turnout and unleash the potential of the new equipment bought by the Government of Guyana since December 2020.

“These operational interventions, coupled with good weather played a major role in allowing the two estates to surpass their weekly targets. This good news will boost the income from the members of the sugar fraternity in Berbice as all the workers at

those estates will secure additional remuneration with the weekly performance incentive,” GuySuCo said.

Estate Manager, Yudhisthira Mana, at Albion/ Port Mourant said the achievement was possible due to mainly better turnouts of workers.

The estate team will be visiting the villages to keep the workers and their families updated on the opportunities in the industry. One such visit was conducted on July 25, 2023, in the villages of Manchester, Lancaster and Liverpool with the workers’ union.

Threbhowan Shiwprasad said the achievement was possible through the better quality cane of this crop compared to 2022 and better turnout by the workers. The estate team visited Bath Settlement on July 28, 2023 to interact with the families of workers and to encourage better turnouts.

Qualified workers who worked 80 per cent or more days available for that week will benefit from another weekly production incentive

scheme, which allows tax-free incentives when an estate achieves its weekly production target.

The first crop of 2023 production target was surpassed and the second-crop target is expected to push the annual production over 60,000 tonnes.

The executive management congratulated the management and workers of these two Berbice estates, and urged all grinding estates to strive towards achieving the weekly production incentive.

The executive management also implored workers to remain focused and committed to consistently achieving their weekly targets, as every effort is being made to support the efforts collectively to exploit the opportunity with the better weather during this period.

Additionally, all hands are on deck to complete the final adjustments to the Rose Hall factory as the corporation prepares to commence grinding of sugar in mid-September 2023.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), announced that the Albion/Port Mourant Estate and Blairmont Estate surpassed their weekly sugar production targets during the week ending July 29, 2023, by 12 per cent after leveraging good weather conditions over the last seven days

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday July 30, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Desmond Haynes-152* (Bourda, 1989)

(2) Virender Sehwag-219 (Indore, 20112012)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What are the best ODI bowling figures by a WI versus IND to date?

(2) What are the best ODI bowling figures by an IND versus the WI to date?

Answers in yesterday’s issue

RACING TIPS

SOUTH AFRICA

RACING TIPS

GREYVILLE

08:10 hrs Gimme A

Prince

08:50 hrs Future Pearl

09:40 hrs See It Again

10:20 hrs Dolcezza

11:00 hrs Mr Master Starter

ENGLISH RACING

TIPS

UTTOXETER

09:00 hrs Climate

Precedent

09:35 hrs A Different

Kind

10:10 hrs Ruthless Article

10:45 hrs Aramax

11:20 hrs Ron Burgundy

11:55 hrs My Poem

PONTEFRACT

08:45 hrs Estifada

08:15 hrs Ascari

09:50 hrs Flight Plan

10:25 hrs Auld Toon

Loon

11:00 hrs Tribute

11:35 he's Fleurir

12:10 hrs Muatadel

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

SARATOGA

Race 1 Spendalot Race 2 Vintage Race 3 Growth Capital

Race 4 Ucy Reply Race 5 Ever Summer CANADIAN RACING TIPS

WOODBINE Race 1 I'm Into Mischief Race 2 Admissable Race 3 Patches

O'houlinan Race 4 Calusa Donnie Race 5 Babbo

Yorkshire fined £400,000, handed points deductions following racism charges …Club

accept sanctions but express disappointment at being docked 48 points in County Championship

Yorkshire have been fined a total of £400,000, and handed points deductions in both this year's County Championship and Vitality Blast competitions, following the announcement of long-awaited sanctions from the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC).

The punishments relate to Yorkshire's handling of Azeem Rafiq's revelations of institutional racism at the club, for which they admitted to four amended charges at the original CDC hearing in February. In those, they accepted that their conduct between 2004 and 2021 had been prejudicial to the interests of cricket and had brought the game of cricket into disrepute.

On Friday, the CDC panel - comprising Tim O'Gorman (chair), Professor Seema Patel and Mark Milliken-Smith KC - issued the club with an official reprimand, in addition to a £400,000 fine, an immediate 48-point deduction in the 2023 County Championship, and a four-point deduction from the 2023 T20 Blast.

Neither points deduction is likely to make any material difference to Yorkshire's on-field ambitions this season. They finished fifth in the North Group standings in the Blast, and so missed out on a quarter-final berth of a competition that concluded earlier this month, while they are off the

pace for promotion in Division Two of the Championship, after managing one win in their first ten fixtures.

The official breakdown of the fine is as follows:

£80,000 in respect of Charge 1 (the mishandling of Rafiq's case);

£50,000 in respect of Charge 2 (the deletion and destruction of data);

£135,000 in respect of Charge 3 (not taking action relating to racist behaviour); and

£135,000 in respect of Charge 4 (the systemic use of racist language over a prolonged period)

Of this sum, £300,000 is to be suspended for a period of two years.

Responding to the CDC's decision, Yorkshire issued a statement acknowledging that they accepted the sanction, but added that they were disappointed at the points deductions, echoing the concerns of their head coach, Ottis Gibson, who believed the club's new regime should not be punished for past failings.

"Following representations by the board at last month's hearing, the CDC and ECB have today acknowledged the vast amount of work done by YCCC to overcome the cultural issues that existed within the club, which allowed racist and discriminatory behaviour to go unchallenged," the statement added.

"We are accountable for these issues, and we

accepted four amended charges as part of a continued commitment to ensure we are able to move forward.

"We are disappointed to receive the points deductions which affects players and staff at the club, who were not responsible for the situation. They have worked tirelessly on and off the field to rebuild Yorkshire into an inclusive and welcoming club that reflects the communities it serves. Greater clarity over our

situation will allow us all now to look ahead.

"There remains much to do, but we have made significant investments to put in place best practice processes and procedures, as well as driving equity, diversity and inclusion through a new framework and taking important steps to improve the matchday experience to encourage greater inclusivity and tackle discrimination. This is in addition to the real progress we have seen on our Performance Pathway, ensuring

young cricketers from all backgrounds can take part regardless of their economic circumstances.

"We look forward to continued dialogue with the ECB to ensure the financial penalty does not hinder our ongoing commitment to build on the strong foundations that have been laid. We remain focused on efforts to secure YCCC's sustainability, ensuring the stability required to create a brighter future for all associated with Yorkshire Cricket."

Speaking after Yorkshire's fixture against Division Two leaders Durham at Scarborough ended in a draw, with bad weather washing out days three and four, Gibson said: "At least next year we know where we stand. We have four games left in the Championship this season, and that's 96 points that we can play for. We'll try and win the next four games. That's all we're trying to do - win every game we play." (Cricicnfo)

Jamaica record first-ever Women’s win to knockout Panama

JAMAICA won their first-ever Fifa Women's World Cup match as Allyson Swaby's goal gave them victory over Panama in Perth.

Swaby rose highest to head home from a Trudi Carter cross in the 56th minute as the Reggae Girlz recorded a historic win - and in the process knocked Panama out of the tournament.

France and Jamaica are joint top of Group F and now face final decisive group matches against Panama and Brazil respectively on Wednesday, 2

August.

Lorne Donaldson's side, who were without captain Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw after she was sent off in the dying seconds of their goalless draw against France, have shown significant progress since 2019, when they lost all three matches on their only previous tournament appearance.

Atlanta Primus was particularly lively in the first half as Jamaica looked to dominant proceedings, having two shots blocked and firing high over the bar from distance.

Drew Spence's curling freekick just before half-time was also pushed onto the bar by Bailey as Jamaica looked to break the deadlock.

Jamaica went even closer when Vyan Sampson struck from the edge of the area looking to curl into the top corner before Panama goalkeeper Yenith Bailey sprung to her right and palmed it behind.

Drew Spence's curling freekick just before half-time was also pushed onto the bar by Bailey as Jamaica looked to break

the deadlock. After Swaby finally found a way through, they were then de-

nied a penalty in stoppage time at the end of the second half after the video assistant referee ruled

Wendy Natis did not handball to block Drew Spence's shot.

Meanwhile, debutants Panama are still searching for their first goal in the competition.

Panama captain Marta Cox created her side's best chances of the match but saw a shot blocked before shooting wide from 12 yards out after seizing on a loose defensive clearance.

Ignacio Quintana's side piled on the pressure in added time, with Emily Cedeno having a shot blocked following a delivery into the box from Cox, but could not find an equaliser. (BBC Sport)

Sweden demolish Italy to reach last 16 of Women’s World Cup

SWEDEN turned on the style to demolish Group G rivals Italy and secure a place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup with one game to spare.

The 2019 semi-finalists showed why they remain heavy-

weights of the women's game as Amanda Ilestedt, Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius scored in the space of seven minutes at the end of the first half.

New Arsenal signing Ilestedt opened the scoring with a

glancing header from Jonna Andersson's corner before Rolfo, a Champions League winner with Barcelona, used her knee to double the lead after another corner.

Italy, who had recorded clean sheets in six of their previ-

ous 13 World Cup matches, conceded a third when Blackstenius, another Arsenal player, finished from close range.

In front of a crowd of 29,143, it went from bad to worse for Le Azzurre when Ilestedt added the fourth - her third goal of the tournament - with another header from another corner.

And substitute Rebecka Blomqvist added the fifth in the 95th minute.

"I really want to pay tribute to the players," said Sweden boss Peter Gerhardsson. "Not for the first time I'm impressed by these players."

Andersson, the former Chelsea defender, was a real threat with her corners as she provided two assists prompting Gerhardsson to add: "We have been good at set-pieces for a long time."

Sweden will face one of the United States, the Netherlands or Portugal in the knockout stage.

Italy remain second in the group with three points from two games, but need to defeat South Africa next Wednesday back in Wellington (08:00 BST) to make sure of progressing in the tournament

Italy remain second in the group with three points from two games, but need to defeat South Africa next Wednesday back in Wellington (08:00 BST) to make sure of progressing in the tournament.

Sweden turn on the style

Former finalists Sweden needed a 90th-minute winner from Ilestedt to overcome South Africa in their opening group game.

They had no such problems dispatching Italy in New Zealand's capital.

After reaching the semi-finalists in France four years ago, they made it to the Olympic final two years ago before making the semi-finals of Euro 2022.

Will they reach the World Cup final for the first time since 2003?

With the team based about half an hour's drive from Wellington, Sweden have attracted lots of local support in New Zealand's capital.

The locals in the Saturday night crowd lapped up the goals as Sweden showed their ruthless side, with defender Ilestedt now joint leading scorer at the tournament with Brazil forward

Ary Borges.

Italy left shell-shocked

Italy do not have long to recover before they face South Africa in a match they must win to make sure of joining Sweden in the last 16.

They secured a narrow 1-0 win over Argentina in their first group game as Cristiana Girelli headed an 87th-minute winner.

But they were completely overwhelmed in this all-European encounter, with their defending from corners a major concern for boss Milena Bertolini.

"For the first half an hour we

gave them a hard time, we tried to fight them but didn't succeed," said Bertolini.

"We were a bit fragile mentally because after conceding the first two goals we were not able to stay calm.

"We need to work on our mental strength."

After the men's national team failed to qualify for the past two World Cups, the women are flying the flag on the world stage. Yet they need a much-improved performance against South Africa to stay in this tournament.

Le Azzurre started confidently and should have taken the lead when Sofia Cantore's attempt was spilled but Lucia di Guglielmo fired into the side-netting.

But once Ilestedt opened the floodgates, Italy were second best.

Allyson Swaby's header was enough to secure a historic win for Jamaica

This was Sweden's second biggest victory in FIFA Women's World Cup history, following their 8-0 win against Japan in 1991

Amanda Ilestedt has scored three goals - all headers from corners - in two games at the 2023 Women's World Cup

Next Men's T20 World Cup set to be played from June 4 to 30, 2024

By Nagraj Gollapudi

THE 2024 Men's T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played from June 4 to 30 next year in the Caribbean and the USA, across 10 venues, ESPNcricinfo has learned.

It is understood that this week an ICC team inspected some shortlisted venues in the USA, which will be hosting an international global cricket event for the first time. These include Lauderhill in Florida, which has hosted international matches already (and is set to host West Indies vs India in the coming fortnight), Morrisville, Dallas and New York, for tournament matches and warm-ups.

Morrisville and Dallas are currently hosting the inaugural edition of Major League Cricket in the USA. The grounds in Dallas (Grand Prairie Stadium), Morrisville (Church Street Park) and New York (Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx) are yet to get international venue status, which is manda-

Florida, Morrisville, Dallas and New York among shortlisted venues inspected by ICC, with USA set to co-host tournament with West Indies

per 8 teams will be split into two groups of four each, with the top two in each group reaching the semi-finals.

The 2024 T20 World Cup is the first of the eight men's global events in the ICC's next commercial cycle from 202431, which was finalised in 2021. The decision to appoint the USA as a co-host was part of a strategic move by the ICC with twin goals in mind: one, the North American market was identified as a strong market for growth of the game.

tory as per ICC rules. A final decision on the venues will be taken by the ICC together with Cricket West Indies (CWI) and USA Cricket (USAC) in the next few months.

This week Ireland, Scotland and Papua New Guinea qualified for the 20-team T20 World Cup via the regional qualifiers pathway put in place by the ICC. While PNG

topped the East Asia-Pacific Qualifer, Ireland and Scotland finished in the top two positions in the Europe Region Qualifier. Qualifiers from the Americas (for one spot), Africa (two spots) and Asia (two spots) regions will be determined in the coming months.

Twelve teams had already qualified for the

tournament before the regional qualifiers, including hosts West Indies and USA, and the top eight teams at the 2022 T20 World Cup - Australia, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan and Bangladesh qualified by virtue of their spots in the T20I rankings, completing the 20-team roster.

The format for the 2024 World Cup will be different to the last two editions (2020-21 in the UAE and 2022 in Australia), where the first round was followed by Super 12s. Next year, the 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five each for the first round, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super 8s. The Su-

And two, the ICC's ambition to have cricket feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).

The USA being pencilled in to co-host a major cricket event, the ICC felt, would only help in the push for cricket's inclusion in LA28. The ICC made a presentation to the LA28 team, with a final decision to be taken by the International Olympics Committee later this year.

Maloney 10th in sprint race, but Rodin Carlin teammate wins

STAVELOT, Belgium,

(CMC – Teenaged Barbadian race car driver, Zane Maloney, finished 10th in the Formula 2 sprint race of the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, but his Rodin Carlin teammate, Enzo Fittipaldi, of Brazil brought home a long-awaited first win.

Starting seventh on the grid, the 19-year-old finished the actual race 11th, but the post-race disqualification of Van Amersfoort Racing driver, Richard Verschoor, of the Netherlands from second enabled Maloney to move up in the

official result.

Verschoor was found to have used a throttle map not in compliance with Article 3.6.5 of the technical regulations for both the formation lap and race start, but this did not help Maloney add to his points tally for the season.

Campos Racing driver Ralph Boschung of Switzerland was moved up to eighth and the final point-paying position, so Maloney remained stuck in 10th in the 23-driver F2 standings on 66 points with three more 14 races on the schedule for this year.

Fittipaldi saved his me-

dium tyres right to the end and snatched the victory from the clutches of Verschoor with a daring move on the penultimate lap.

Art Grand Prix driver Théo Pourchaire of France was third on the track, but moved up to second following the Verschoor disqualification, and MP Motorsport driver Denis Hauger of Norway finished fourth on the track, but he was awarded third.

Maloney had good position early in the race, but he was passed by Art Grand Prix driver Victor Martins of France at Blanchimont for eighth.

Verschoor inherited the

lead on the fourth lap, but the safety car was deployed when Invicta Virtuosi driver Amaury Cordeel of Belgium spun and stalled on track.

When green flag conditions resumed on the fifth lap, Hauger got the perfect run down the Kemmel Straight to repass Prema Racing driver Frederik Vesti into Les Combes.

Australian Jack Doohan, the other Invicta Virtuosi driver, kept the pressure on Maloney, going deep at the Bus Stop chicane as he tried to go the long way around the Barbadian driver.

Doohan got the job

done one lap later through Les Combes, and Maloney failed to mount a serious challenge after that.

Up front, Fittipaldi, starting third on the grid, whittled way a healthy two-second gap that Verschoor had built, taking half-second out of the Dutchman’s advantage on the 13th lap of the 17-lap race.

The Brazilian driver worked his way to within DRS range of the Verschoor driver, and he nailed his run out of La Source on the penultimate lap.

Fittipaldi got the slipstream along the Kemmel

Straight and sealed the position into Les Combes and drove out the race for the win.

The Rodin Carlin driver crossed the finish line 2.3 secs clear and became the 11th different winner on the 2023 grid.

Maloney will start the F2 feature race on Sunday from fourth on grid and will be hoping for better results, and Fittipaldi will start eighth.

Formula 2 is the second tier to Formula 1 racing organised by the FIA, motor sport’s world governing body, and held on select circuits on the F1 schedule.

Spectators pack the West Grandstand at Florida's Broward County Stadium (Peter Della Penna)

The Ashes 2023:

England set up chance to level series with Australia

ENGLAND gave themselves a golden opportunity to level the Ashes series on day three of the fifth Test before Stuart Broad announced his retirement.

The home side piled up 389-9, a lead of 377 over Australia at The Oval, with Broad unbeaten on two when he spoke at the end of the day to confirm this will be his final game of cricket.

Almost all of the top order made contributions. Zak Crawley set the tone by driving Mitchell Starc's first ball of the day for four, laying the platform for an opening stand of 79 with Ben Duckett.

Crawley made 73 and Duckett 42, the same score as captain Ben Stokes, who was promoted to number three in place of the injured Moeen Ali.

When England endured a slight wobble in losing two wickets for nine runs, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow combined for a fifth-wicket stand of 110. Root fell nine runs short of a deserved century, while Bairstow was out for 78.

Moeen, batting at number seven, added a cameo of 29, but was part of a flurry of England wickets late in the day. Starc picked up 4-94 and off-spinner Todd Murphy 3-110 as England lost 4-19.

By that stage, England had already got to the stage where Australia would need to complete the highest-ever successful chase in a Test on this ground.

There is rain forecast for Sunday, though not enough bad weather to emulate the wet end to the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford or ruin what will be an emotional farewell to Broad, England's second highest wicket-taker of all time.

England are looking to draw the series 2-2, while Australia are looking for the 3-1 win that would give them a first success in this country for 22 years.

England dish out one last Bazballing

This match was beautifully poised after two days, both first innings complete with Australia only 12 runs

ahead, leaving England's batting effort on Saturday to shape the contest.

What followed was one last show of England's swashbuckling style, a final Bazballing handed to the Australians to send them on the plane with their heads spinning. It was never reckless or careless, but a supreme demonstration of controlled aggression, positive intent and crisp shot-making.

England wiped out the deficit inside the first over and never looked back - never before has an Australian bowler leaked more than the 13 runs conceded by Starc in the opening over of an Ashes innings. Australia instantly retreated and were powerless to stop England building their lead on a true pitch.

In contrast to Australia's crawl on day two, when they scored only 54 runs in the morning session, England had as many inside 10 overs. When Root reverse-scooped Mitchell Marsh for six, it was England's 41st maximum of the series, an Ashes record. Only once before in Ashes Tests have England reached 300 quicker than the 57.4 overs here and that was at Old Trafford last week.

The late collapse took some of the shine off England's day and left them short of where they might have been.

When last man James Anderson made his way to the crease, Australia dawdled long enough to ensure they would not have to bat on Saturday evening, meaning

his batting partner Broad will emerge to a hero's welcome on Sunday morning.

Crawley and Duckett set tone

For the first time in more than a decade, Crawley and Duckett have removed questions over England's opening partnership. Both men end this series with their reputations enhanced.

Any suggestion that England might find themselves under early pressure was removed by Crawley, who repeated his sensational boundary from the first ball on the opening day of the series.

With Duckett busy and Crawley elegant, the England openers set the tone for the rest to follow. Australia's bowlers lost their discipline; fielders were scattered to all parts of The Oval.

They were only parted when Duckett edged a drive at Starc and was given out on review. Stokes, though, emerged to a stirring reception and picked up the baton.

Crawley and Stokes added 61 for the second wicket before Crawley's drive at Cummins resulted in an edge to second slip.

Stokes was angry with himself when he dragged Murphy to mid-on, ending a stand of 73 with Root, and, in the next over, Harry Brook edged a beauty from Josh Hazlewood.

Root and Bairstow push on in scoring 412 runs, Root has enjoyed his most successful Ashes series with the bat since before his spell as captain.

He batted with all his trademark class, poise and urgency. He looked destined for a hundred before Murphy got one to keep low, the second time in as many matches Root has been undone by variable bounce and he left visibly frustrated.

Bairstow was a reassuring presence when England needed it, doing the bulk of the scoring in his partnership with Root. He crunched the ball through the off side with meaty cuts and drives.

After being left on 99 not out at Old Trafford, he had a first Test ton for more than a year in his sights, only to edge behind off Starc.

Moeen, struggling with a groin injury, was given a rousing ovation in what is likely to be his last Test. On 10, he top-edged a hook off Starc that a diving Hazlewood got nowhere near at fine leg, a moment that summed up Australia's day.

With the lower-order swiping, Moeen, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood all holed out, leaving Anderson fending off Starc bouncers in the company of Broad, the veteran bowlers batting in tandem in what will be their last Test together.

When Anderson reverse-swept Murphy in the final over and followed up with a slog for back-toback boundaries, it drew the loudest cheer of the day, almost matched when he successfully overturned being given out lbw. (BBC Sport)

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has paid tribute to Raphick Jumadeen, the former West Indies spin bowler who passed away in his homeland Trinidad on Tuesday. He was 75.

As a left-arm spinner, Jumadeen played 12 Test matches between 1972 and 1979 taking 29 wickets. His best figures of 4-72 came against Australia at Sabina Park, Jamaica in 1978.

He was also one of the leading bowlers for Trinidad and Tobago and played 99 first-class matches in which he took 347 wickets at an average of 27.9.

Following retirement from the game, Jumadeen was a coach and selector in Trinidad and was a member of the West Indies senior men’s selection panel.

“Raphick Jumadeen was an outstanding servant of the game and gave his all on and off the field. He was a stand-out performer for Trinidad and Tobago in the Shell Shield and was one of the most successful wicket-takers at the regional level,” CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow said in tribute to the fallen former West Indies bowler.

“He returned to serve West Indies cricket as a senior selector. Raphick made an invaluable contribution to the game as a coach in his country, where he played a hand in the development of many young players. He has left behind a legacy of service, commitment, and giving back to the game he loved. CWI extends our condolences to his wife and other family members, loved ones, and the cricket family in Trinidad and Tobago.”

The West Indies team paid respect to Jumadeen by wearing black armbands during the first match of the CG United ODI Series powered by YES BANK against India at Kensington Oval on Thursday. (Sportsmax)

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow -- two of the major England performers on the day (Getty Images)

CWI mourns the passing of former Test bowler Raphick Jumadeen

Raphick Jumadeen played 12 Test matches between 1972 and 1979 taking 29 wickets

Hope’s unbeaten 63 guides Windies to series - levelling win

...head to T&T with hopes of winning their first series against India in 17 years

A well crafted unbeaten 63 from Skipper Shai Hope led West Indies to a series-levelling six-wicket win against India in the second ODI yesterday at the Kensington Oval to head to Trinidad for the final game on Emancipation Day, hoping to win their first series against India in 17 years.

The host, who broke the streak of nine ODIs defeat to India, opted to bowl against a team which ‘rested’ premier batters Virat Kholi and Skipper Rohit Sharma and dismissed India inside their allotted 50 overs.

After Ishan Kishan, who hit six fours and a six in his run-a-ball 55 and Shubman Gill, who fell for 34 with five fours, put together 90 for the first wicket nobody else reached 25 as India fell for 181 off 40.5 overs

Gudakesh Motie took 3-36, Romario Shepherd had 3-37 and Alzarri Joseph captured 2-36 for West Indies who replied with 182-4 in 36. 4 overs.

The 29-year-old Hope played a captain’s knock with a well calculated unbeaten 63 from 80 balls with two fours and two sixes and featured in an unbroken 19-run fifth part-

nership with Keacy Carty, who reached the boundary four times in a 65-ball undefeated 48.

Kyle Mayers blasted four fours and two sixes in a 28ball 36 but could not convert his good start into a big fifty.

Pacer Shardul Thakur, who took the first three wickets, finished with 3-42.

When West Indies began their chase, Mayers came out with a positive mind-set and got going with three imperious cover driven boundary

while pulls for sixes were pugnacious, as the lefthander oozed confidence and dominated the opening stand with Brandon King.

King looked shaky at the start but broke the shackles with a pair of thumping offside boundaries in an over from Kumar as the 50 was posted in 50 balls.

But Thakur struck twice in the space of a run when he had Mayers caught at short fine-leg off a miscued pull while King was lbw for 15

with three fours. Hope joined Alick Athanaze at 54-2 in the ninth over but Athanaze (6) tried to hook at a ball high over his head and skied a catch to the keeper as Thakur struck again at 72-3 in the 12th over.

Shimron Hetmyer never suggested permanence and was soon bamboozled by a googly from wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and was bowled for nine in an inauspicious return to ODI cricket for first time in two years.

Hetymer’s demise left West Indies on 91-4.

But Hope, who reached his 24th ODI fifty from 70 balls with two fours and a six, and Carty saw their team with sensible batting and good running between the wickets.

Earlier, India slipped to 97-3 after Kishan and Gill had built a solid foundation with positive stroke play.

Guyanese Motie and Shepherd took three wickets in the spare of three overs.

Motie broke the partnership when Gill lofted him to long-on at 90-1 in the 17th over before fellow Berbican Shepherd had Kishan brilliantly caught at point by Athanaze at 95-2 and in his next over had Axar Patel (1) caught behind, playing a loose drive at a ball which left him.

It was soon 113-4 when Sanju Samson (9) fell to Yannic Cariah in overcast conditions.

With rain in the air, Jayden Seales dismissed stand-in Captain Hardik Pandya (7) without addition to score when a short shower sent the players off the slow outfield which took a pounding from heavy overnight and early morning rain.

After a delay of 47 minutes, India resumed on 113-5 in 24.1 overs in hazy sunshine.

Watched by a disappointing crowd for a Saturday and with many India flags evident among their fans, Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took the score to 145 before Shepherd struck again.

Jadeja (10) pulled a short ball and was taken on the long-leg boundary before Motie struck in the next over when he had Yadav, who hit three fours in 24, caught at backward point at 148-7.

Thakur and Yadav carried the score to 167-8 before Joseph trapped Thakur (16) LBW when another shower stopped play for 20 minutes.

When play resumed, Joseph removed Umran Malik (0) first ball, at 167-9 before Motie dismissed Mukesh Kumar (6) as India were bowled out.

Hope, who made 43 in the first ODI, was named Man-of-the Match India is using this series as preparation for the Asia Cup and the World Cup which they will host in October and November.

Eight athletes for Commonwealth Youth Games in T&T

GUYANA's representation at the upcoming seventh Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, known as Trinbago 2023, comprises eight gifted athletes from Athletics and Swimming disciplines.

The games are scheduled to take place from August 4th to 11th and will feature seven categories, involving young athletes and para-athletes aged between 14 and 18.

In the Track and Field events, the team will include Tianna Springer, Javon Roberts, Attoya Harvey, Malachi Austin, and Narissa McPherson; all of whom have earned CARIFTA medals. They will be under the guidance of

coach Julian Edmonds.

For Swimming, Ariel Rodrigues, Elliott Gonsalves, and Shareefah Lewis will be showcasing their skills in the pool, with coach Syhka Gonsalves supporting them.

The Guyanese delegation of 13 members is completed by Dr. Victor Allen; Physiotherapist Vanessa Wickham, and Team Leader Nalini McKoy, who will provide crucial support to the athletes during the Games.

Godfrey Munroe, the President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), expressed his belief in the competitive potential of the selected athletes. He emphasized that the Commonwealth Youth Games provide an excellent opportunity for young talents from the Commonwealth region to showcase their abilities and compete on an international stage.

Coach Edmonds has high expectations for the team, given that they consist of medallists from the recent CARIFTA Games. The aim is to perform well and secure podium finishes in their respective events.

Swimming coach Shyka Gonsalves stressed the importance of the athletes' preparation and mentioned that the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) expects them to give their best effort, perform exceptionally, and enjoy the experience.

For Guyana, Tianna Springer and Elliott Gonsalves will proudly serve as flagbearers.

Shai Hope (left) and Keacy Carty featured in an unbroken stand of 91 to seal the win (Photos: Getty Images)

(From left), Narissa McPherson, Attoya Harvey, Javon Roberts, Malachi Austin, Tianna Springer, Elliott Gonsalves, Shareefah Lewis and Ariel Rodrigues

Renard hits late winner as France beat Brazil

Manager Renard joined in too, high-fiving everyone.

Then, as it appeared they would have to settle for one point, captain Renard arrived at the back post unmarked to head in Selma Bacha's deep corner.

"I told you I trusted my girls," manager Herve Renard said. "I was fully confident they were going to pull it out of the bag.

were not connected and could not see that many combinations. I apologise for that, it should be better than that."

Brazil improved after the break and earned a slice of luck for their equaliser on 58 minutes.

Kerolin's pass took a deflection to fall perfectly for Debinha, and the

Brazilian number nine calmly finished past Peyraud-Magnin.

Ultimately though they were outfought by France, and not even the introduction of the iconic Marta for her 22nd World Cup appearance could inspire another equaliser.(BBC Sport).

Captain Wendie Renard headed a late winner as France beat Brazil in a thrilling game in Brisbane at the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup.

Eugenie le Sommer put the French ahead after 17 minutes, before Debinha pulled Brazil level in the second half.

There was end to end action as two of the pre-tournament favourites delivered a game which lived up to expectations.

But it was Renardwho had been an injury doubt - who headed in the decisive goal with seven minutes to go.

"She is the leader of the team," France manager Herve Renard said of his captain. "If she was not able to play today then it wouldn't be the same. We were lucky to have her today."

Brazil would have qualified for the last 16 with victory but instead must wait until the final matchday to try to book a knockout spot.

Pia Sundhage's side

meet Jamaica in their final group match, while France take on Panama. Both games will be played on 2 August, kicking off at 11.00 BST. Eugenie le Sommer scored her 90th international goal to extend her record as France's top goal scorer

Following a disappointing draw in their opening game against Jamaica and fitness concerns for key players - in particular Renard, who started having been touch and go with a calf problem - this was a make or break game for France.

The stakes were further heightened by a frenetic atmosphere in Brisbane, where the overwhelming majority of fans were in the yellow shirts of Brazil. When the Brazilian anthem was sung, you could have closed your eyes and imagined you were in the Maracana.

But France rose to the challenge, as their two on-pitch leaders - Renard, and all-time top scorer Le Sommer - took charge.

Their first goal was excellent. Sakina Karchaoui started the move with a left-footed cross from deep, Kadidiatou Diani kept it alive and Le Sommer was there with a perfectly cushioned header to steer the ball past Brazil keeper Leticia..

It was her 90th goal in 181 caps, and calms concerns about the French attack following the blunt showing versus Jamaica - which had led to recriminations among the squad, Le Sommer revealed.

"I think the turning point came from Jamaica," she said. "Things got heated in the dressing room.

"Today we were up to scratch. We hope we can use this to improve even more so but it's three points in the bag and we showed what we were made of."

The celebrations after Le Sommer's goal were telling. Goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin ran to the bench and jumped into a scrum of about 10 celebrating substitutes.

"Sometimes, it is good to get off to a shaky start as that sets the alarm bells ringing and then you can get back on your feet. We knew not to make any mistakes.

Sundhage bemoans slow Brazil start

In their opening demolition of Panama, Brazil looked like the most cohesive attacking unit at the whole tournament. They were not allowed to be that by France.

The midfield became a battlefield, tough challenges aplenty. Brazil's Luana and France's Sandie Toletti were especially combative, both picking up first-half bookings for aggressive tackles.

As a result, Brazil's quick and skilful forwards were often starved of service in a below-part first half which Sundhage bemoaned as the main reason for defeat, rather than the failure to mark Renard for the winner.

"I don't believe in individual mistakes, it is about the team," she said.

"It is team work and I'm more concerned, not about the goals, but about the first half where we

Thambarran and James...

From page 31 could have pulled it off in such a spectacular manner, so can she."

Moore further posited that tournaments of this nature engineer and equip the pugilists with the necessary experience that is required to challenge fighters at the higher strata, noting, "It's Very important. These tournaments would prepare them for a higher level of competition and make them formidable replacements for the senior boxers when the time for the "changing of the guards" comes along."

Meanwhile, Guyana Boxing Association President Steve Ninvalle said, "Performance is empirical; that is unques-

tionable, and it is often the best response and output in the confirmation of developmental policies. The ongoing OECS Championship is once again a testament to and confirmation of Guyana's continued dominance within the English-speaking Caribbean in the sport of boxing."

He further said,

"The GBA will continue its unrelenting mantra and drive in the development of its most cherished and important department, which is the nursery, as we believe that international tournaments, especially in the Caribbean community, are the ideal avenue and platform for exposure and development."

Shakquian James Joshua Thambarran

Eugenie le Sommer scored her 90th international goal to extend her record as France's top goal scorer

Digicel Schools Football Tournament 2023...

Dolphin, West Ruimveldt produce outrageous scorelines

THERE were outrageously large scorelines when the National Championship rounds of the Digicel Schools Football championships commenced at both the National Insurance Scheme and Ministry of Education Grounds.

In the opening game of the day, it was Dolphin Secondary who managed a 16-1 drubbing of Brickdam Secondary while West Ruimveldt beat Friendship 14-0.

Tucville were also winners 4-0 against Belladrum while Vryman's Erven were swallowed up 0-5 by Waramuri Top. St Ignatius Secondary also beat out President's College 11-0.

Details in tomorrow's edition.

Thambarran and James win gold af OECS boxing Championships

GUYANA's unrivaled dominance in the English-speaking boxing fraternity continued on last Friday evening as Joshua Thambarran and Shakquian James captured gold medals in the 57kg junior and 67kg youth divisions, respectively, at the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St. Lucia.

Featherweight Thambaran outboxed Jaquan Grant of Barbados to win via unanimous decision, while Welterweight Shakquian James stopped Barbadian Nathan Walcott at 1:42 in the second round.

Probed on the performance of his charges, head coach Clifton Moore, during a brief comment, said, "Ex-

ceptional; they both weighed in far below the weight of their respective opponents."

Tambaran had a 6.3 kg disadvantage, and James had a 5.6 kg disadvantage. I advised them to avoid too many clinches by using lots of lateral movements and to concentrate on more straight punches.

Moore, who hails from the Vergenoegen gym in Region #3, affirmed that he is confident in a positive display from Guyana's solitary female pugilist, Tianna Moore, who is scheduled to enter the squared circle.

He explained, "My expectation has got to be positive. This is her first outing, like Tambaran, and if he

— Finals moved to National Stadium under lights on August 12

Rain Dampens Day One of Kares One Guyana T10 Blast

THE Finals for the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Tournament will now be held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence under lights on Saturday, August 12, 2023.

This was a result of the inclement weather conditions experienced yesterday.

Inclement weather on Saturday shifted the finals of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Tournament to the Guyana National Stadium, Providence under lights on Saturday, August 12, 2023.

However, matches will continue today at the Everest Cricket Ground.

Fixtures for today,Sunday, July 30

At 09:00hrs, the Village Rams will play Ministry Housing in the first match. At 11:00hrs Mahdia Movements Family will play Big B's of Blairmont followed by Eccles against The Guards at 13:00hrs. 15:00hrs will see the final game contested between Diamond Gunners and VNet Vipers

The show will go on, with the Castro Brothers and Simon Naidu still taking the stage today.

Unfortunately, the celebrity match has been cancelled due to the high volume of

matches set to be played on August 12. The donation will still be made to a charitable organisation.

The Corporate Village organised to promote brand awareness has been postponed to August 12. Some of the companies Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., Guyana Tourism Authority, ANSA Motors Guyana, Continental Transport Inc., Gafoors, and Premier Insurance are just some companies are still set to be on show.

The organisers of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Tournament would like to thank their sponsors who have made the tournament possible.

Corporate support has come from Kares Engineering Inc., Banks DIH through their GT Beer Brand, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Assuria Insurance , E-Net, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Cricket Zone USA, First Change Builders, Impressions, Jacob’s Jewellery, Beacon Café, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Zeus Enterprise, Hits and Jams Entertainment, Montra Restaurant and Lounge, and Trophy Stall.

Saturday was filled with action but rain curtailed the matches