Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30-08-2023

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and former United Kingdom Prime Minister, Tony Blair visited Guyana’s first man-made island in the Demerara River. The President and former Prime Minister were apprised of the progress of the construction of the artificial island and other components of Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc.’s operations The two leaders also toured the operations of the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) at Houston, East Bank Demerara. (

of the President photos)

The NTC Secretariat was constructed with an allocation of $127.8m and an additional $20m for furnishings. The secretariat includes an administrative building and a dome for meetings. It offers four self-contained rooms for village leaders attending city meetings.

Guyana’s rainforest conservation ‘a rare commodity’

— former British Prime Minister says — acknowledges country’s forest-protection efforts, ability to provide credible leadership at COP 28

By Naomi Parris

AT over 87 per cent forest cover, Guyana is one of the most heavily forested countries in South America, and global leaders are now looking at this small nation to provide guidance at the upcoming global talks about forest conservation and climate change.

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair has said that the country’s forest conservation is a “rare commodity,” and the efforts undertaken by the country’s officials will see Guyana playing a pivotal role in providing credible leadership at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference/ Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC also known as COP 28 in Dubai.

“I think you’re in a very strong leadership position on this because you are one of the very few countries in the

world that actually preserved their rainforests,” Blair said on Tuesday, during a conversation on the environment with Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen campus.

He went on to highlight the country's aptitude to not only preserve its rainforest but also monetise it and strengthen its credibility in the fight against climate change.

“…there have been extraordinary efforts to preserve it …the position of this country in leadership terms at COP28 will be extremely important,” the former British official added.

He also reflected on the work Guyana has been doing throughout the years with the development of its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LDCS) which was first introduced in 2009. The country has since updated its LCDS.

“One thing that I

think is remarkable is that it was done in 2009 when frankly it was quite difficult to do a strategy like that. The President and his team will be able to come to COP and speak from a position of credibility and frankly in the climate debate that is a rare commodity,” Blair said.

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

This marked a milestone as it was the first time a country was issued carbon credits specifically designed for the voluntary and compliance carbon markets for successfully preventing forest loss and degradation — a process known as jurisdictional REDD+.

Following the completion of an independent validation and verification process and approval by the ART Board of Directors, ART

issued 33.47 million TREES credits to Guyana for the five-year period from 2016 to 2020.

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

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

Meanwhile, President Ali said that his government will be pursuing more finance to further protect the environment, not only for Guyana but the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

“We must be able to deal with the climate vulnerability fund. We must be able to deal with the reform of financial systems to address cli-

mate vulnerability and climate financing. We must be able to find a formula through which we pledged resources for adaption…These are first and foremost on my mind as a regional leader and championing these regional issues is key for me and Guyana,” Dr. Ali said.

Guyana’s forests store approximately 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon and the President candidly said that the country should be paid more for its carbon credits.

The price for a tonne of carbon trapped by the trees should be about US$70 instead of the current price of about US$7.

A way to value the carbon trees store is by issuing forest carbon credits by independent verification organisations.

Companies can purchase these tradable credits as a way of recognising that carbon stored in forests is one

aspect of the solution to achieve a global climate, where one tonne of carbon dioxide has been decreased, avoided, or sequestered for every carbon credit President Ali further said that leaders like himself have a responsibility to advocate for funding for citizens and development.

He added: “We have one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world and understanding that value and what it brings not only gives us the good international branding of having a forest that contributes to humanity, and contributes positively in the climate change equation.”

This year’s COP 28 conference is being held with a view to building on previous successes and paving the way for future ambitions to effectively tackle the global challenge of climate change.

Guyana’s forests store approximately 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon (Delano Williams Photo)

Former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in conversation at the University of Guyana's Turkeyen campus (Delano Williams Photo)

‘Confess

thy sin’

President Ali tells Opposition Leader while reflecting on atrocities of March 2020 elections –– points to shift in foundation of support at the grassroots level that will lead to bigger victory for the PPP/C

PRESIDENT , Dr Irfaan

Ali has again called on Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton to admit to his party ’ s defeat at the March 2 , 2020 elections , and to acknowledge the APNU+AFC’s role in the protracted electoral process which lasted for five months.

“ All I am asking him to do is confess his sins

Aww, is that too difficult?

Confess thy sins,” the President said

Guyanese, after casting their votes on March 2, 2020, had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections, as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges

During this time , the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what was described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation with “delay tac-

tics” which were openly criticised by a wide cross-section of society

It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic ( PPP / C ) received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC Coalition got 217,920 votes

Since being elected to office, in a push towards his vision of a unified “One Guyana ,” President , Dr Irfaan Ali has embarked on an ambitious grassroots campaign to bridge the gap between opposing factions to foster genuine transformation from the “bottom up.”

Dr Ali , in an invited comment on the sidelines of the opening day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference, was questioned about consultations with the Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton, who had failed to participate in constitutionally mandated consultations on numerous cases

President Ali said he hopes that those in the Opposition will eventually get on board with the agenda , which is already gaining the support from a number of communities that are considered to be Opposition-aligned grassroots areas

“My work with opposition is my work in every area

President, Dr Irfaan Ali conceived or perceived to be opposition,” he said.

Dr Ali expressed his commitment to connecting with various communities directly, in an effort to gain their support and build common ground

At the June 12 Local Government Elections ( LGEs ), the People ’ s Progressive Party ( PPP ) came out of elections as the big winner, since the party won 67 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs), including seven of 10 municipalities, and 906 of the 1,206 local

government seats

The PPP/C won over 83 per cent of the LAAs, 75 per cent of all seats available and more than 70 per cent of all votes cast The PPP/C not only strengthened its hold on its traditional strongholds, but it made significant inroads in areas where the People’s National Congress ( PNC )- led APNU usually celebrated almost 100 per cent votes in the past

The PPP / C has predicted a “bigger victory”

See page 16

Attempts to obstruct hinterland development will not succeed

— Vice-President Jagdeo affirms; says Amerindian communities being boosted by carbon-credit funds, other crucial investments

By Trina Williams

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

Dr. Jagdeo reiterated the government’s commitment during the second day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Tuesday.

Addressing the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), he said about 10 years ago, his party, which was in office at that time, recognised that there was a way to achieve development without breathing pollution into the environment during the process.

With over 300 meetings within villages and district committees, according to Dr. Jagdeo, the first LCDS was formulated in order to achieve their objectives.

And despite the success of the strategy, the funds earned that were supposed to be directed towards the development of Indigenous communities were not utilised for this purpose by the previous APNU+AFC administration from 2015-2020.

He went on to call out the previous administration for its attempt to replace the LCDS with the Green State Development Strategy “introduced” by former President, David Granger.

“Once he [Granger] flew into Mabaruma to plant two trees, and I said, don't we have enough trees in Mabaruma in that area? They just make a flight to one hour into

the hinterland to plant tall trees there,” the Vice-President said, adding that the flight alone negated the objective, owing to the carbon emissions from the plane.

Since being re-elected to office in 2020, the PPP/C has not only reintroduced the LCDs, but it has enhanced it to incorporate current realities and new projections.

He said that in keeping with his party’s promise, much work has been done to not only ensure progress in the villages, but to also ensure climate change is being tackled head on, along with the protection of biodiversity.

Additionally, the Vice-President said: “… Simultaneously we started working to get our credits certified because we have had a good track record of keeping our forests intact,” and as a result, Guyana received its international certification after nearly two years of hard work by the PPP/C administration.

While calling out certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are trying to take credit for the gov -

ernment’s work, Dr. Jagdeo firmly remarked: “It's a Government of Guyana initiative in collaboration with your communities. Every community will benefit from it

…We will continue to fight to make sure that these funds and even more funds come to the villages… that even more and it will be significantly more because this could go up if we manage to get all of our forest carbon sold at the same rate at which we did; you could have upwards of 400 million USD or G$80 billion coming to the 242 villages alone.”

PROGRESS

Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo also said that the path to development in Guyana is clear and straight; however, there are “man-made” obstacles that are trying to hinder progress.

Speaking on the enhancement of the Indigenous communities from days of neglect to those of prosperity, he said: “We have had, historically, to overcome a lot of these obstacles in our quest

for the development of the Amerindian communities from a historical position of neglect.”

Reflecting on hurdles that the Amerindian communities endured, especially during the 2020 General and Regional Elections period, Dr. Jagdeo commended the citizens for upholding their democratic rights and being bold in the fight to freedom.

Also, while stating that previously a majority of the resources were being utilised mostly on the coastal communities, he said that this practice has been re-examined and now all areas are benefitting.

RAPID DEVELOPMENT

Although Guyana’s constitution entails the protection of all Guyanese, Dr. Jagdeo said Amerindians did not enjoy this benefit in the past, but this is being addressed by the PPP/C.

In the journey to ensure that the First Peoples get the respect and rights they deserve, the Vice-President made reference to the es -

tablished National Toshaos Council (NTC), Amerindian Act (2006), the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, among other implementations that are aimed at protecting the rights of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples.

Dr. Jagdeo related: “All of these seminal things have been part of that journey to ensure that Indigenous communities can have greater representation.”

Regarding one aspect of development, while highlighting the numerous improvements within the health sector, he pointed out that over $200 million was allocated to upgrade hospitals and US$60 million will go towards building four major diagnostic centres/ hospitals.

Dr. Jagdeo further remarked: “When we were campaigning, I went to one village and the health care workers took me into one of the facilities; we opened a cupboard and it was practically empty… no medication…,” adding that when the PPP/C assumed office, they had to burn $10 billion worth of expired drugs that the previous government had procured.

Additionally, he said that the ability to move without hurdles is being targeted by his administration and hence the massive number of investments within the public works sector.

“It is huge sums of money that you may not see because it doesn't come directly to your village, but it will benefit and change the lives of people in villages in these areas,” the Vice-President remarked.

On the topic of education

improvements, Dr. Jagdeo said that the government has agreed on the construction of seven schools in the hinterland.

“…Just yesterday, we agreed on 10 schools, about seven of which will be in the interior including in Region Seven; either we go in Waramadong or Kamarang…” he related.

On the education side, $4 billion is being expended to build schools in the hinterland, so that students are adequately accommodated to receive quality education.

Additionally, job creation also remains a priority, as Dr, Jagdeo pointed out that another 1,000 part-time workers have been hired in Region Nine, adding to the over 4,500 workers currently employed in various hinterland communities.

“The development of these communities is important to us. Every time we make a promise, we have every intention of fulfilling it,” the Vice-President reiterated.

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo addresses the audience at the NTC conference (Adrian Narine photo)

Artificial Intelligence

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence

(AI) refers to a situation in which human intelligence is being replaced by 'technological' intelligence. This new dispensation is fraught with all kinds of challenges, but it also provides for new and exciting opportunities.

This is why it is so important for the technology to be managed in a manner that optimizes production and productivity levels, while at the same time minimizing its potentially harmful impact on the labour market and human creativity.

At a more fundamental level, artificial intelligence leverages computers and other smart appliances in problem-solving and decision-making skills, which

is critical for the success of business operations. It also allows for machines to 'learn' from experiences and make inputs to the production process in a human-like manner.

Not so long ago, there was industrial action in Hollywood after actors felt threatened by the use of artificial intelligence in terms of salary reductions and its impact on studio operations and streaming services.

And only recently President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, during an address at the opening session of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) congress urged labour leaders to take measures to mitigate the impact

of artificial intelligence on human labour.

According to President Ali, production is becoming increasingly technologically-driven through the use of digitalization and artificial intelligence and unions need to adjust to this changing dispensation in order to protect the rights of workers.

The fact is that technology is an indispensable element in the production process, especially in terms of boosting productivity levels and enhancing competitiveness.

During the early stages of the industrial revolution, workers in Britain blamed machines for taking away jobs and some went so far as to destroy machines and

plants out of frustration and anger.

The application of technology in the production process is inevitable and a necessary element for survival in an increasingly competitive environment. The only way to confront this challenge is to prepare the labour force to become more responsive to the emerging challenges of digitalization and artificial intelligence.

According to President Ali, legislation will soon be introduced in Guyana to manage the application of digitalization and artificial intelligence.

The PPP/C administration has already introduced coding in the school system, designed to prepare children

and young people to meet the challenges of this digital age. This is facilitated under a recent agreement signed between the Guyana Government and the United Arab Emirates.

In addition, the use of smart classrooms will make it possible for children to become more competitive in the changing technological environment which is becoming increasingly data-driven.

Like it or not, we now live in an information age in which competencies in terms of managing information -- sourcing, analysing, interpreting and transmitting -- will be the new determinants of success.

The PPP/C administra-

tion must be commended for its visionary and forward-looking initiatives in preparing our young people to take advantage of this emerging digital environment. A new developmental paradigm is in the making, one that is technologically driven and which potentially poses new challenges to human intelligence. As the country advances along the path of modernization, intelligence, both human and artificial, will play an increasingly critical role in terms of a developmental matrix which will allow for Guyana to be at the cutting edge of this new and exciting global technological environment.

The Ali presidency continues the PPP/C’s traditional ‘people empowerment’ efforts

Dear Editor,

The state of the country under every PNC-led government was devastation, destruction, and a decimation of the socio-economic dynamics and infrastructural landscape; while, conversely, under every PPP/C administration social development, economic growth and infrastructural advancements were near-miraculous phenomena.

Over the decades of advanced development in the country under PPP/C governments, many of the older generation and contemporary society had either forgotten what existence under a PNC government was like; or responded to the usual racist “kith and kin” narratives of PNC political elements; as

a consequence, many Guyanese citizens – even PPP/C supporters are convinced that the PNC-led coalition accession to government in 2015 was an eye-opener and a blessing in disguise for the country; as citizens were enabled a comparison of administrative capabilities between both major political constructs.

This writer stumbled upon Dr. Ashni Singh’s 2013 Budget speech and marveled at how swiftly the coalition government had decimated and reversed all the socio-economic gains of the PPP/C administration within five short years, beginning from days after they had attained power.

PPP/C budgets were always reflective of Dr. Cheddi Jagan's mantra - develop -

ment with a human face, and headlines after Dr. Singh delivered his Budget speech in 2013 read “Nation’s Education receives largest allocation: …as Guyana’s economy maintains positive growth for seventh consecutive year.”

The report continued: “Guyana’s economy has, for the seventh consecutive year, achieved growth and is poised in the coming year, based on initial projections, to continue on its trajectory with the gold and rice sectors leading the way.”

This information was reported to a packed National Assembly, yesterday, as Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, in presenting the nation’s expenditure for the coming year, reported on the performance of the various sectors in the completed fi-

nancial year.

This year’s budget has been presented under the theme ‘Overcoming challenges together, accelerating gains for Guyana’ and saw Guyana achieving growth of 4.8 per cent, even as the growth in the Caribbean and Latin American region borders on three percent.

Dr. Singh said it is important to note that if the performance of the sugar industry isn’t reflected in the overall growth experienced, it would in fact be recorded at six percent… The non-traditional agriculture sectors grew by 5.3 percent, which the minister credited with improved weather and better access to market.

Dr Singh, in a marathon session to Parliament, acknowledged that Govern -

ment’s position on the sugar industry is clear and unequivocal: “The industry is still of sufficient systemic importance to the national economy and to the livelihoods of so many rural communities and has such deep forward and backward linkages with suppliers and distributors nationwide that no effort must be spared to ensure its long term viability, competitiveness, and profitability.”

“He noted that over the years, the government has injected a total of $39.5 billion to recapitalise the industry and to support its operations. As recent as last year, Government provided a transfer of $4 billion to ensure that GuySuCo was able to meet its financing requirements.

“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that,

this year, in support of the company’s plans to modernise the industry, Budget 2013 provides an amount of $1 billion to be transferred by Government to GuySuCo to help the company meet the financing requirements of its transformation plans,” Dr. Singh announced.

He argued that this support by the government to the sugar industry will redound to the benefit of the industry’s 18,000 workers, their families, and suppliers of goods and services to the company and asserted that, together, more than 120,000 persons will benefit directly or indirectly.

He posited that Budget 2013 reflected its commitment that had been outlined in the previous budget and

Continued on page 7

Road carnage is an epidemic concern in Guyana

Dear Editor,

The young and restless love the fast and furious lane in order to satiate a Saturday night fever, saturated with booze, drugs and music and to satisfy a growing pain as the world turns around.

As if there is no tomorrow, they have fun in galore and ride the wind of excitement into the night of darkness while being woefully wild. Of course, not all simulate close to this similarity as some sensible ones settle for safer, simpler and soothing selective.

Likewise, the combination may not incorporate all those imbibing, intoxicating or interfering ingredients.

Those who have succumbed to life’s finite moment will not be able to participate in this questioner. Whatever happened to the designated driver as a default mechanism? What is so costly to hire a cab? Does the flashy car serve to boost an ego? Ever heard the saying “speed thrills but kills?” Remember the old adage, don’t mix alcohol with gasoline?

Doesn’t anyone listen anymore to the song “Tell Laura/Johnny, I love her/ him?” Do we joyfully ride with the five Cs in the driver’s seat or woefully locked in the trunk – care, caution, consideration, courtesy and common-sense?

demise or the overpowering state of drunkenness?

Was losing control a conclusive element due to carelessness and recklessness? Was poor judgement a result of inexperience or the inability of proper application? Was there a tire blow out or mechanical failure or a road hurdle or simply, a human error?

Was there loud music (noise?) playing? We can drive down the highway to no way and perform a post mortem to investigate, examine or probe the reasons to find the cause of the accident, but that will not bring back the lost lives.

Will temporary or permanent suspension of the driver’s license add to the misery or contribute to less accidents? How about raising the age limit? Is this feasible? Is there a need to revamp the training and educating program for new drivers? Any encouragement on the death penalty?

A revisit to holding bartenders accountable for responsible drinking and driving seems to be in order. Was this line of duty ever pursued? Many are questioning the efficient and effective functioning of the Traffic Department.

decoys is too suggestive?

How about police patrol cars constantly traversing the roads, especially during rush hours, to control the flow of traffic? Seems as if too many speed bumps are both annoying and distasteful. The usage of good, old traffic lights seems to be outdated. Are traffic cops standing in the middle of the road more practical and useful than regulated, functioning traffic lights?

Road carnage is an epidemic concern in Guyana.

thoroughly addressed.”

“There is need for a public awareness program in dealing with this (road accidents),” he said while calling for more visuals, marking and launching a massive road safety campaign.

The re-opening of schools will see more children using the road and heavier traffic snarls. Saving lives is a national concern and each person is a stakeholder with an invaluable input. Drastic times call for drastic measures. Be safe Guyana and “Respect the Road.”

“Hanging out” has trended a norm in this modern-day society and the passion for “can’t wait for the weekend to come” or for the “week to be over”, fashions a weekend chore of partying as a must to be included on the laundry list.

Is this out of necessity, or is it a habit or is it a developed custom which has not strangely but strongly conjectured as a tradition, inculcating as a convenient culture?

Does prevention better than cure serve any meaningful purpose? Do we choose to become a matured driver overnight or to toil by experience and exposure over a long journey with old man time?

Was the now motionless, weekend driver distracted by someone or something suddenly crossing In front of the car or was his attention taken away by someone or something inside the moving vehicle? Was speeding the determining factor for a

In Guyana we say, “Easy lesson good fu dunce.” But what about the sensible ones? Isn’t there a lesson to be learnt from all the accidents which have occurred in Guyana? The police cannot be here, there and everywhere 24 x 7. Will the speed bumps serve as a deterrent?

Will the stop and search be effective? Will the speed guns be persuasive to discourage speeding? Will the CCTVs be the answer? Will higher fines or jail sentences for the guilty ones serve any meaningful purpose?

How sincere and dedicated are all the officers in totality? “Write or left” still seems to be the provoking, proverbial and profitable pretense to prevent the prosecution of prime “perpetrators”. New recruits out of training school are praying for traffic duties.

Patience is no longer virtuous. Due care and attention are not applied. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is much aggrieved. He suggested many remedies because, “drinking and driving, speeding need to be

Who has the stamina to stamp out this stigma? The dedicated and devoted officers on the right side of the road are paying a heavy price for those on the left side. Body cameras on all the traffic officers? Rotating officers perpetually to different areas may be feasible. Setting up

The Ali presidency continues...

From page 6

Dr. Singh, in that presentation, reeled out the plethora of gains and achievements of the PPP/C Government of every sector, which continued the momentum of a skyrocketing trajectory; until 2015, when tsunami PNC took the lead in governance, when Guyana’s developmen-

tal paradigm rapidly plummeted in a downward spiral.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall. warned that the nation must be cognisant of the external factors, such as the global financial realities coupled with Climate Change, among other factors that pose significant challenges to the local gains made.

The current PPP/C government, under the Presidency of HE Dr. Irfaan Ali, has continued the PPP/C’s traditional administrative blueprint, which positions people empowerment at the forefront of national development; and the citizens nationwide are responding to the positivity and eschewing the racist rants and divisive narratives of the opposition collective.

Yours truly, Brian Azore

‘Smallie’ prison escape: Trial of six alleged conspirators to begin September 13

COME September 13, the trial of six persons, including four prison officers, who are accused of assisting death row inmate and convicted mass murderer, Mark Royden Williams, called ‘Smallie’, to escape for the Mazaruni Prison, is expected to begin.

The prison officers are former head of security at the Mazaruni Prison, Alexander Hopkinson, Omar Whitherspoon, Conroy Hosannah, and Oldfield Romulus.

Frangeliz Jugandry Flores Perez of Alexander Street, Kitty and businessman Rajmohan Autar called ‘Chico’ were also charged. They are all out on $750,000 bail.

The trial will be conducted by Magistrate Christel

Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

They are accused of conspiring with each other and persons unknown to assist Williams to escape on May 19.

Williams escaped from the prison around 14:30 hours with the assistance of heavily

armed men in a speedboat. According to the Prison Service, Williams was returning to the Sibley Hall prison on an ATV and was in shackles, after receiving a visit from a female, when the escorting ranks came under gunfire. It is alleged that the ranks dismounted their

ATV and returned fire at the assailants.

It is further alleged by the Prison Service that one of the boat occupants came to shore and continued to discharge several rounds towards the prison officers.

Williams managed to run towards the riverbank before

jumping into the river, the Prison Service claimed.

The gunmen assisted him into the speedboat which headed upstream past Itaballi Landing. Prison guards and police pursued the escapee and his accomplices. No prison officer was injured during the ordeal.

After being at large for several days, ‘Smallie’ and two accomplices were shot and killed by police during a Joint Services operation at 33 Miles in Region Seven.

In February 2017, Williams was sentenced to death when a jury found him guilty of eight counts of murder in relation to the 2008 Bartica massacre, in which a dozen persons, including three police officers, were shot dead.

Several months later, in July 2017, Williams escaped from the prison at Camp Street, Georgetown, during a riot. It is believed that he was the mastermind.

However, he was nabbed on October 9, 2017, at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice (WCB), while travelling in a public minibus.

In 2013, Williams was acquitted after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the charges against him in relation to the 2008 Lusignan massacre, which claimed the lives of 11 persons, including five children.

Last year, he was sentenced to death for the 2008 murder of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer, Ivor Williams.

City Mayor clarifies Solid Waste Director was subject of discussions

GEORGETOWN Mayor, Alfred Mentore, on Tuesday, clarified that the councillors were displeased with the guidance provided by the Solid Waste Director,

Walter Narine, during recent times, and it was not former Mayor, Ubraj Narine, who was the subject of discussions during the City Council’s statutory

meeting, on Monday.

“I want to clarify that it was Walter Narine and not Ubraj Narine that misled the council,” Mentore said in a clarification to an article

published by the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, headlined: “Chase-Green calls for former Mayor Narine to face consequences for ‘incompetence.”

During City Hall’s statutory meeting on Monday, it was disclosed that the council has fallen prey to poor misguidance by the Solid Waste Director.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor, Patricia Chase-Green, had urged fellow councillors to stop aiding in “building castles in the sky,” and put their foot down on those who have failed to

— during calls at recent statutory meeting for there to be consequences for misleading the Council

carry out their prescribed duties.

She said the issue that was discussed is a product of [Walter] Narine’s misguidance, and his decisions have landed the council in a pit filled with challenges.

“Mr. Narine must be sanctioned for his incompetence and misleading this council,” Green said to resounding cheers of acknowledgement from both the PPP and APNU Councillors.

The issue in question in-

volves the previous council’s agreement the organisation’s 2022 subvention should be used to purchase two garbage compactors, valued at $20 million, and a hauler truck.

Following a tender, which was won by F&H Computer and General Merchandise, Town Clerk, Candace Nelson, said that half of the cost for the two garbage compactors was paid and it was agreed that the remainder will

Continued on page 9

Remember this column after the Mahdia report

THE ethnic determinism and class mentality of those that I struggled with in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s have lacerated my psyche in ways that I think I will never mentally overcome.

The son-in-law of President David Granger, Dominic Gaskin, one of the huge leaders of the Alliance For Change put it this way on his Facebook page of July 17, 2020 as the 2020 election was being rigged; “While I empathise with many who do not wish to see the PPP back in power, what will certainly ensure can never justify what is contemplated.”

What did he mean by “what will ensure?” Here is my interpretation and it is based on my experience of all the rigged elections in Guyana after 1964. If you have a country where people cannot vote to change its government then you will have one group in power permanently. This is what happened under the PNC party from 1968 to 1992. People die and lives were broken in that long period in the struggle for free and fair elections.

Gaskin’s simple words need reflecting on. He wrote that he could understand if you did not want the PPP back in power, but don’t tamper with people’s right to vote because what will come after that will be incredible disaster. We saw that disaster from 1968 to 1992 and many that were brave in that period witnessed what happened in 2020.

Gaskin’s position was logical – you don’t want the PPP back in power, okay fine, but

don’t let that desire cause you to prevent people from making their choice. This is the position that those who did not want the return of the PPP should have taken. In this respect, Gaskin proved to be a superior person to them.

What the WPA, Red Thread, the Mulatto/Creole class, individuals like Moses Bhagwan, Eusi Kwayana and others who fought for Guyanese to have the right to vote should have done was to emulate Gaskin. Let the votes be counted, respect the result, then, judge the PPP by its performance and if it did not meet your expectation, then your quarrel with the government begins. But don’t accept the fraudulent manipulation of a general election because you did not like the result and the winner.

There were people who were not born yet or too young to endure the tragedies of illegal general polls in Guyana’s post-Independence period, but in 2020 they stood up for the

rule of law and the right to vote. Opposition politician, Timothy Jonas comes to mind. He contested the election, accepted the results, now he is a critic of the current government. But he didn’t side with the riggers because the results put the PPP back in power.

This has been at the heart of my emotional rejection of the people that I struggled with from 1968 to 1992. They revealed for me to see that from 1968 to 1992, there was no innate instinct of freedom, justice and decency in these people. Deep in their Freudian mind, was a choice based on ethnic mentality and class preferences.

In April, the commission report into the 2020 election was made public. Its descriptions of the extent, immorality and degeneracy of the fraud made other previous rigged national polls look like child’s play. The section on the role of the police force indicated that Guyana was moving in the direction of a

City Mayor clarifies Solid Waste Director...

From page 8

be completed upon delivery.

It was said that the solid-waste compactors were delivered late and the specifications were different than what was originally agreed upon. Among several issues, the compactors possessed a higher voltage than what was stated in the contract.

Deeming the two defective compactors as “white elephants,” Green said that the company should face the necessary consequences for their actions even though they agreed to rectify the issue concerning voltage, at their own expense.

“My decision is no. Send it [compactors] back. Send back we money,” she boldly said.

While stressing that the money being spent is finance received from central government, Mentore said that this issue is pushing the narrative that City Hall is always finding itself in complicated legal situations, and the council should not continue to take the blame for persons who intentionally aim to push their own agenda.

The Guyana Chronicle hereby apologises to former Mayor Ubraj Narine and the City Council for any inconvenience caused because of the article on August 29, 2023, under the headline: Chase-Green calls for former Mayor Narine to face consequences for ‘incompetence.”

We retract the publication in its entirety, and, once again, unreservedly apologise. The Guyana Chronicle’s retraction is intended to facilitate rectification, with reference to our initial publication.

coup from March 2020.

To date, the Guyana Human Rights Association; Transparency Institute of Guyana; Red

Thread; In The Diaspora; Moray House; the various middle class women groups; The Usual Suspects; The Women Lawyers’ Association, the Bar Association and many more in the same category have not commented on the judicial report into the 2020 election fiasco.

This is one of the most important documents to have emerged in post-colonial Guyana. In fact, this report can be compared in importance to any completed commission of inquiry throughout the history of this country. Such a report was not historical enough to warrant even a short newspaper letter by any of the groups named above.

Keep this column here of

Wednesday, August 30 and remember these words in this very column- all of the groups named above will rush to publicise their disagreements and condemnation of the report into the Mahdia inferno even before the ink of the chairman’s signature is dried on the paper. It will happen. I am absolutely certain about this. The first reaction will be a letter in the newspapers signed by 25 signatures from The Usual Suspects. If after two weeks there is no such letter, I will stop writing for the Chronicle because it meant I didn’t know these people at all. I will win. I know them at a very deep analytical level.

PM Phillips takes part in ‘tying of the rakhi’

PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips ushered in the Hindu ceremony of Raksha Bandhan with representatives from the Indian High Commission in Guyana and the Brahma Kumaris Yoga Centre.

According to a release, on separate occasions at his office he took part in the traditional “tying of the ra-

khi,” which is an amulet or a good-luck charm that is ceremoniously tied to the wrist of a male by a female. It signifies a strong sibling bond and special blessings.

The Prime Minister first took part in the annual rite with representatives of Brahma Kumaris, Sister Elizabeth Mahadeo and several members of the centre.

Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Shri Rudra Jayanta Bhagwati and representatives of the High Commission of India subsequently joined the Prime Minister for a similar observance.

Raksha Bandhan will be officially observed today, August 30, 2023.

Businessman held for Bartica murder released on $1M station bail — pending further investigations

FOLLOWING advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), a 34-yearold businessman who is suspected of murdering a man at Bartica, was released on $1 million station bail pending further investigations.

According to the police, the suspect who lives at Second Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven, was released on Saturday.

He was arrested following the murder of 40-year-old Mark Braithwaite of Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica, which occurred on August 23 at a Blast Gaming Centre at Second Avenue, Bartica.

Reports are that the

40-year-old was a customer at the gaming centre, owned and operated by a 63-yearold businessman, who is the suspect’s father.

On the day in question, the suspect was left in charge of the gaming centre while Braithwaite, a regular customer, was playing at one of the slot machines.

The suspect and Braithwaite had a misunderstanding over alcohol being spilled on the countertop, and, during the argument, the suspect scolded Braithwaite for what he had done.

Braithwaite reportedly then armed himself with several glass bottles that were nearby and began hurling

them at the suspect, who was in the bar behind the counter.

The suspect later armed himself with a hammer and followed Braithwaite, who at the time had made his way to the front of the gaming centre. There, the suspect dealt the victim several blows to his head and face.

Braithwaite fell to the ground and remained motionless. He was taken to the Bartica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

The body was examined and wounds were observed on the right side of the jaw, above the right eye and the forehead.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips with representatives from the Indian High Commission in Guyana and the Brahma Kumaris Yoga Centre

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips having a rakhi tied on his hand in observance of Raksha Bandhan

FAO provides technical, financial support to farmers' organisations

THE Farmers Organisations for African, Caribbean and Pacific (FO4ACP) FO4ACP programme, which focuses on empowering farmers' organisations to participate in sustainable food value chains effectively, continues to progress well under the partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and PROCASUR.

From August 7 to 14, the partnering team engaged some 60 farmers from eight Farmers' Organisations (FOs) in six regions of Guyana to build functional and operational capacities to improve the quality of services they provide.

This exercise is a continuation from last May when the team visited these FOs following a National Learning Route under the theme "Come up in the Value

Chain."

During those visits, each organisation was tasked with developing a short term inno-

vation plan that will enable them to increase their associative and entrepreneurial capacities.

CJIA installs independent water supply line

— apologises for disruption

The following is the full statement from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport:

“THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is currently in the process of installing a redundant water supply line to improve the water infrastructure of the terminal building.

This new line will provide treated water to the terminal and will serve as a backup to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) water treatment system.

Regrettably, on Sunday, August 27, GWI encountered

challenges while connecting the independent water line to the terminal, resulting in a blowout of the main connecting valve.

Consequently, the terminal experienced a temporary disruption in water supply for several hours. GWI's dedicated contractors and engineers worked diligently to rectify the situation and successfully restored the water supply to the terminal later that evening.

GWI anticipates completing the installation of the additional Water Supply Sys-

tem within one week. This system will not only benefit the airport but also enhance the service provided by GWI to the residents residing in close proximity to the airport environment.

CJIA sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this incident may have caused to our valued passengers and staff. We understand the importance of uninterrupted services and are taking proactive measures to ensure the airport has the necessary resources to operate seamlessly.”

To support the implementation of these innovative plans, FAO and PROCASUR convened a nine-day technical mission to connect the innovation plans with a medium-term organisational development plan that will receive technical and financial support from the FO4ACP programme.

These development plans, which have been individually tailored based on each organisation's unique circumstance, geography, and needs, will focus on a number of areas, including business development, marketing, good governance practices, and production enhancements.

The FOs who benefitted from this exercise were the Central Mahaicony Perth Village Farmers Association

in Region Five; West Berbice Sheep and Goat Farmers Association in Region Five; Pomeroon Beekeepers Association in Region Two; Pomeroon Export Producers Association in Region Two; Gibraltar/Fyrish Farmers Association in Region Six; Mocha Arcadia Multipurpose Agriculture Co-operative in Region Four; Medicine from Trees in Region Nine and Blue Flame Women's Group in Region One.

The FO4ACP project is funded by the European Commission through The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and is implemented across Regional Latin America and seven Caribbean countries, including Guyana. (FAO)

Representatives from West Berbice Sheep and Goat Association with FAO and PROCASUR facilitators

$147M NTC Secretariat commissioned in Sophia

THE $147 million National Toshaos Council (NTC) Secretariat was commissioned on Monday at the Exhibition Centre at Sophia.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, at the commissioning ceremony highlighted government’s commitment to

Guyana’s indigenous people, according to a Facebook post.

The Prime Minister underscored the historical significance of the

occasion, stating that yet another promise made by the government has been fulfilled, while encouraging the NTC to utilise the facility for impactful decisions.

“We recognise the importance of you, our Toshaos, and our Indigenous people, to have a place in Georgetown where you can deliberate on and discuss all the important matters that mean a lot to you and to the development of Guyana,” he said.

Chairman of the NTC, Toshao Derrick John, praised the journey from a humble desk to an independent secretariat building that reflects the government’s commitment. He hailed the secretariat as a testament to a government that supports all Guyanese.

The NTC Secretariat was constructed with an allocation of $127.8 million and an additional $20 million for fur-

nishings. The secretariat includes an administrative building and a dome for meetings. It offers four self-contained rooms for village leaders attending city meetings.

According to the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, their government is setting the pace in integrating the Indigenous population into national life and activities.

She also explained that, while the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is the oversight institution for Indigenous Peoples, it is the elected leaders of the NTC that oversee the administrative functions of the Indigenous communities under the country’s laws.

“The NTC should feel very proud that our government has stepped up to ensure that as a council of leaders, as respected leaders, they should also have their own quarters,” Minis -

ter Sukhai said, adding: “The legitimately elected leaders for Amerindians, they have administrative functions under the law and also other functions under the law that they need to perform.”

And the provision of this secretariat is a key part of the government’s support. The government’s role, she said, is to provide the prerequisites that will ensure the full functioning of the council.

“… we need to ensure that they are provided with the level of accommodation or office space or secretariat and with the level of resources to complement the village councils in ensuring that Amerindians are set at a level where they can rightfully say they are indeed included and have access in an equitable way like every other ethnic group,” she added.

The newly commissioned $147 million National Toshaos Council (NTC) Secretariat at the Exhibition Centre in Sophia

EcoPave Solutions promoting sustainable construction with paving systems

heavy use. Not only is it cost effective, given the inexpensive material, easy installation, and low maintenance, but it also helps with erosion control.

The interconnected cells combat erosion by anchoring the ground

against runoff and heavy usage, maintaining a solid surface.

The EcoGrids can be used for parking areas, driveways, courtyards, patios, pathways and walkways, animal pastures or pens, landscaping, bike paths, golf courses, fire lanes, play-

grounds, sports fields, residential landscaping and erosion control.

Abas said that currently, they are importing the EcoGrids; however, they are looking to have it manufactured locally in Guyana, at some point.

ECOPAVE Solutions

promotes eco-friendly construction and engineering with its EcoGrid paving systems, an alternative to traditional concrete and asphaltic pavements.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zakaria

Abas, a civil engineer from Canada, noted that the EcoGrid technology is currently being used in North America.

“What we are trying to do is raise awareness for this technology, and market it to the Guyanese public and also we are trying to promote sustainable construction, sustainable engineering,” Abas said.

He related that Eco-

Pave Solutions is trying to revolutionize the way that persons build their environment in a sustainable and efficient way without compromising functionality, in order to lay the path to a sustainable future.

“Basically the way it works is that you have these grids and you lock them together and you lay them on the ground and then you fill the cells with sand, gravel or whatever material you have available and you compact it [sic],” he explained.

The grids are crafted from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and recycled plastics for reliable load-bearing capacity which can handle up to 62,000 pounds per

square feet, and allow for driving and walking.

Some features of the EcoGrid are its permeable design, an open-cell structure which enables water to infiltrate, aiding water management and preventing flooding; and its efficient lateral drainage, where the horizontal water flow within pavers prevents accumulation, thereby enhancing drainage.

It also comes in multiple colours to match landscapes. There is green for grass, grey for gravel and beige for sand. The EcoGrid also has geotextile stability, are UV and chemical resistant and can be securely interlocked, providing a stable surface, resisting shifts under

A parking lot paved with EcoGrids (EcoPave Solutions photo)

A full-sized EcoGrid panel (EcoPave Solutions photo)

Caribbean Investment Forum spotlights renewables, agriculture tech, and digital business

By Shamar Meusa

AT the upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum, investment discussions will prioritise Renew -

able Energy, Agriculture Technology, and ICT digital business.

The forum is scheduled for October 23-25 in Nassau, Bahamas, according

to Dr. Damie Sinanan of the Caribbean Export Development Agency.

Dr Sinanan told Guyana Chronicle that this year’s forum is going to

be the largest gathering of business persons in the Caribbean with over 800 persons already on board, and will focus on promoting investments in

the Caribbean region.

Particularly, he indicated that the four main areas of focus this year include Agriculture Technology, Renewable energy, ICT Digital Business and FINTECH and Logistics and Transport. These areas have been selected, he said, as these can be transformational to the Caribbean region.

As part of this year’s activities, he said that there will be presentations on investment projects to investors from around the globe, along with panel discussions on why the Caribbean is ripe for investment.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency, he added, scoured the globe and identified just around 60 investors that have the capital and are looking for projects to invest in these specific areas.

“So, we are bringing them to the Bahamas and trying to get them to network with the companies in the Caribbean so that they can introduce that capital to invest in technology, in innovation to invest in new production processes to really get off the ground so that we can grow as a region, hire more people, increase employment, earn more foreign exchange and so on,” he explained.

He added that the fo-

rum will create space for private sector bodies around the region looking for areas of investment in other Caribbean countries to find the same, while also providing opportunities for companies to invest in government projects across the Caribbean.

The theme for the 2023 Caribbean Investment Forum is, “Building a Bold New Caribbean” and it was chosen as the conference will focus on building resilience and sustainability among Caribbean businesses.

Dr Sinanan added, “This is not going to be a talk shop; it’s not going to be governments talking; it’s going to be business people engaging with business people and learning from business people.”

He added that investors from outside of the Caribbean region have been invited and that the forum is also pushing for and promoting intraregional investment.

Businesses, he added, can come on board if they have opportunities in those or any other areas and work with investors from North America, Europe, India, and Latin America and network with businesses which can bring capital to their projects within those sectors as well.

Dr Damie Sinanan, Manager, Competitiveness and Export Promotion at the Caribbean Export Development Agency

‘Confess thy ...

in 2025, when Guyanese vote at the General and Regional Elections

“It’s why I will go to every community and meet the people directly I will win from bottom up,” President Ali said, reflecting on his determination to address concerns at the grassroots level

He said the support and enthusiasm of the people at the grassroots level would ultimately drive positive change President Ali acknowledged the challenges in attempting to unify opposing viewpoints , but remained optimistic about the gradual shift he perceives.

“Any foundation that shifts, the top will have to shift, and the power of the bottom the power of the people in the grassroots, the power of that foundation is shifting,” he said This , he believes , will exert pressure on those who are resistant to change , eventually leading them to “ shake hands.”

He candidly recounted encounters where he extended his hand to the Opposition Leader twice, only to be rebuffed

Back in 2022, Norton had accused the President of bullying him into a handshake at an event held by the British High

Commission Then again, at an event in Berbice , Norton and other members of his delegation refused to shake the President’s outstretched hand They instead chose to bow their heads

“ What stopped him from reaching out ? I reached out and the man refused to shake my hand twice

What you want me to do, bow before him? He is God?” President Ali asked, highlighting the necessity of humility and mutual respect in political interactions.

LEGAL HURDLES

President Ali also ref-

From page 4

erenced the legal hurdles his efforts have encountered , alluding to the opposition’s attempt to halt consultations

Key among the disputes is the delay in appointing a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice Norton, who assumed the role of Opposition Leader in April 2022, expressed willingness to meet on this issue

However, the lack of progress led Opposition Member of Parliament Vinceroy Jordan to file a case challenging the perceived delay

Justice Younge ruled that both the President and the Leader of the

Opposition bear the responsibility of reaching an agreement on appointments

Although the Constitution does not impose a specific timeline for consultations , Justice Younge emphasised the importance of acting swiftly

“If you can shake the hands of a humble man, what else would you do?” he questioned, hinting at the need for constructive dialogue

Norton has been criticised for the opposition’s refusal to engage in other constitutionally mandated consultations

The appointment of crucial positions such as Police Commissioner and the Police Service Commission (PSC) were met with the opposition’s inaction

Additionally , the opposition ’ s failure to contribute meaningfully

to important legislative amendments , including the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) and the new Production Sharing Agreement ( PSA ), has raised concerns about their commitment to the well-being of Guyanese citizens

President Ali , determined to uphold his responsibilities despite the ongoing disputes , proceeded with the appointment of constitutional commissions despite Norton’s legal threats

The Opposition took legal action to challenge the appointments of the PSC , Clifton Hicken , and the Natural Resource Fund Bill

However, these legal challenges were ultimately dismissed by the courts , validating President Ali’s actions as lawful and within his rights as the Head of State.

Guyana to unlock vast potential for rainforest research

–– as new facility opens; promises to inspire youths, promote academia and environmental conservation

By Naomi Parris

A NEW rainforest centre that offers vast potential for terrestrial , freshwater and marine research has been established at the confluence of the Cuyuni, Mazaruni and Essequibo Rivers

The centre, Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre non - profit facility funded by David Lammy MP , a British member of parliament of Guyanese heritage and Nicola Green , was on Tuesday inaugurated at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT), University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus

The event was attended by President, Dr Irfaan Ali and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair who is currently visiting Guyana

Lammy in his remarks to the gathering of students and government officials, said the facility will assist and better equip students here in Guyana to understand and protect their environment

“[It’s] a space for young Guyanese to be inspired and to inspire others ; to better

understand and protect the vitally important rainforest and to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to champion their environment for generations to come,” the British official said

The centre will also build the country ’ s capacity to campaign for forestry preservation It is expected that the facility will complement the conservation efforts of the Iwokrama Research Centre

“ Sophia Point is about building capacity in this great country ; if you look around the globe at compa-

rable countries you can see what the standard is Costa Rica , a country four times smaller than Guyana, has 44 research- stations,” Lammy said

Comparably, Panama is three times smaller and has 12 interconnected sites run by the Smithsonian Institute. Guyana , he said , deserves more and Sophia Point will do just that

“Capacity must deliver a sustainable future for Guyana’s rainforests and Sophia Point hopes to achieve that,” Lammy asserted

The centre will partner with the likes of the Protected Areas Commission ( PAC ), the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS), the South Rupununi Conservation Society ( SRC ), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Lammy said that the centre will make the environment accessible , providing a platform for students, particularly academics and researchers, to study unbroken forests in the area

He said that it has been a

dream of his to return to Guyana, the place of his parents’ birth, to make an equitable contribution

The centre, located just two and a half hours away from Georgetown, will also facilitate education beyond the biological sciences

The facility is solar powered and was designed in consultation with academic

field practitioners and locals

It spreads across 40 acres of expansive rainforest and is strategically positioned to provide an immersive environment for students and scientists alike

The Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre represents a pioneering initiative in Guyana, offering unprecedented accessibility to wild-

life and rainforest research

Lammy reiterated that it will serve as a hub for studying critical ecosystems and biodiversity . It will also play a pivotal role in safeguarding the rainforest and creating opportunities for young Guyanese , empowering them to emerge as tomorrow ’ s leaders in the sciences

From left: Founders of the Sophia Point Research Centre, Nicola Green, David Lammy; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohammed; former British Prime Minster, Tony Blair, and President Dr Irfaan Ali unveil a plaque to commemorate the centre’s establishment (Delano Williams photos)

Co - founder of Sophia Point, David Lammy MP, a British member of parliament of Guyanese heritage

Berbice overall champion of RBL/LGC Golf Programme

On Saturday August 26, 2023, the curtain came down on the Republic Bank (Guy.) Ltd. / LGC Junior Golf Programme at the Lusignan Golf Club.

In the end it was Berbice who prevailed, having walked away with a total of eleven medals, while Linden came in second with Region Four bagging third. Saturday's national drive, chip and putt competition saw a total of 144 participants (Region 4- 55, Linden - 37, Berbice - 52) competing, following three weeks of training.

During the three weeks leading up to the grand finale, the young golfers were introduced to the game, taught the rules and familiarized themselves with the various clubs and their uses.

Speaking on behalf of Republic Bank (Guy.) Ltd. was Manager, Marketing and Communications, Jonelle Dummett, who stated that Republic Bank (Guy.) Ltd. is proud to see the results and support from the various participants across Guyana. "As we bring the curtains down on a successful, few weeks of golf, I want to say kudos to all our young golfers. We are proud of you; you have shown great determination over the last few weeks as you showcased excellent sportsmanship in a competitive environment. Republic Bank (Guy.) Ltd. is proud of its partnership with the Lusignan Golf Club and looks forward to continued collaboration as we continue to empower youths and propel the sport of golf in Guyana. We are very keen on investing in communities through our Power to Make a Difference programme," Dummett posited.

Dummett further divulged that she is happy with the excellent work that the club executed during the camp. She also relayed that through the camp many lives were impacted and the experience gained is invaluable as they look to the future.

LGC President, Patanjilee Persaud, said, "I want to thank everyone for showing up and for the enthusiasm they have shown. I want to thank the coaches and Republic Bank (Guy.) Ltd. as without you guys this camp would not have been a resounding success. For everyone that received their certificates, I want you to keep that as a badge of honour. We hope that at our next event, with the help of Republic Bank (Guy.) Ltd. we can span this camp to all administrative regions. I want to thank all the parents for supporting this event, be good fellow human beings and help each other when you are down."

Full results below:

Boys 5-9

1st Curtis Millington

2nd Randy Semple

3rd Aiden Olivere

Boys 10-12

1st Kevin Woolford

2nd Elijah Hero

3rd Mark Simeon

Boys 13-14

1st Rasheed Bob-Semple

2nd Jerimiah Briggs

3rd Chris Lillah

Boys 15-16

1st Timothy Dobson

2nd Devon Hinds

3rd Jaheim Samuel

Girls 5-9

1st Angel London

2nd Okeisha Mcalmon

3rd Urika Sam

Girls 10-12

1st Olivia Kendal

2nd Simone James

3rd Shanice Hollingsworth

Girls 13-14

1st Akola Carmichael

2nd Anastacia Henry

3rd Shadiya Kendal

Girls 15-16

1st Atasha Williams

2nd Andelike Hollings

3rd Favor Duke

144 children participated in the camp

Spanish Football exploring options over sacked head coach Vilda

(BBC) - The Spanish Football Federation is exploring its options over whether it can sack Women's World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda.

Vilda remains in post despite most of his coaching staff resigning in protest against federation president Luis Rubiales' refusal to quit for kissing squad member Jenni Hermoso after their World Cup win on 20 August.

Eighty-one Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, have also said they would not play for the team again while Rubiales remained in position.

Vilda was spotted applauding Rubiales at the Spanish federation's (RFEF) extraordinary general assembly on Friday, when Rubiales repeatedly insisted he would not resign, though Vilda has since criticised his behaviour.

The RFEF believes all those incidents combined may give them enough of a case to sack Vilda.

Federation regional leaders held an extraordinary general meeting with interim president Pedro Rocha on

Monday where they called for a restructuring of the federation to start a new era.

However, a third of the local football association bosses do not want to push Rubiales out of a job so they only went as far as releasing a statement calling on him to resign, which he has so far refused to do.

Rubiales stood by Vilda in September 2022 when 15 national-team players pulled out of the squad, saying that Vilda's management was affecting their emotional state and health.

Of those 15, only three opted to return to the Spain squad which went on to beat England in the final in Sydney.

Rubiales, 46, has been widely criticised after the incident that followed that match. Hermoso, 33, said the kiss on her lips was not consensual.

Spanish prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault, while Rubiales was suspended on Saturday by world football's governing body FIFA.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday August 30, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Lendl Simmons - 446 runs (GAW)

(2) Ravi Rampaul - 18 wickets (Tridents)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who cracked the highest score in CPL 2014?

(2) What were the best bowling figures in a single game in CPL 2014?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Luis Rubiales (left) and Jorge Vilda celebrated together in the aftermath of the former's kiss on Hermoso, which the player has said was non-consensual

Medvedev, Zverev through to US open second round

(BBC) - Third seed Daniil Medvedev needed just 74 minutes to cruise into the second round of the US Open with a dominant win over Attila Balazs.

The 2021 champion hit 41 winners as he beat the Hungarian 6-1 6-1 6-0.

Despite his brilliant win on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Russian said he "does not care" all the attention is firmly on Novak Djokovic

and Carlos Alcaraz.

The emerging rivalry of top two seeds Alcaraz and Djokovic has dominated the build-up to the men's event.

"It's normal they're the biggest names right now," Medvedev, 27, said.

"I don't care. My goal is to try to play well to get to wherever they are and try to win."

Medvedev will play the winner of the all-Australian

encounter between Max Purcell and Christopher O'Connell for a spot in the last 32.

But Medvedev's compatriot and 11th seed Karen Khachanov was upset 6-2 6-4 6-2 by American Michael Mmoh.

Elsewhere on day two, 12th seed and 2020 finalist Alexander Zverev beat Australian Aleksandar Vukic 6-4 6-4 6-4.

Former Wimbledon fi -

nalist

The Italian will face another Frenchman in Arthur

second

Richarlison goal fails to prevent Tottenham from Carabao heartbreak

(BBC) - Richarlison scored but could not prevent Tottenham going out of the Carabao Cup as Fulham won a penalty shootout to progress to round three.

After a Micky van de Ven first-half own goal gave Fulham a deserved lead, Spurs levelled in unusual circumstances.

The home side were temporarily reduced to 10 men when Kenny Tete had to change his boot and Spurs took full advantage when Richarlison headed in.

But Davinson Sanchez's penalty was saved as Fulham won the shootout.

It was Tete - with a new boot on - who scored the decisive spot-kick to send the home side through.

It was ultimately a deserved win for Fulham, who should perhaps have been out of sight before Richarlison levelled with his first goal of the season after the hosts dominated the first half against a sluggish Spurs side.

Fraser Forster made an

excellent save just before the break to deny Rodrigo Muniz, who also had a couple of decent chances before then.

Tottenham improved after the break and Manor Solomon almost got a dream winner against his former side late on, but his curled effort from the edge of the box was saved.

Substitute James Maddison also hit a free-kick into the wall but penalties were needed to settle the tie, with Fulham successfully converting all of theirs to send Spurs out.

It was overall a very encouraging performance by Fulham, whose manager Marco Silva had to watch the game from the stands after picking up three yellow cards in the first three Premier League games of the season.

Richarlison relief as he gets off the mark

Tottenham have had a good start to the season in the Premier League with an opening-day draw followed by back-to-back wins against

Manchester United and Bournemouth.

Consequently, this EFL Cup match offered Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou the chance to rotate his squad and give others the opportunity to impress.

Richarlison was one of just two players - along with Van de Ven - to retain his place in the side from the 2-0 win against Bournemouth, and this was a chance for the Brazilian to finally get off the mark for the season as he looks to fill the void left by Harry Kane's departure.

It looked like another opportunity would pass him by as he was largely anonymous in the first half, having one shot of note that was easily blocked by the Fulham defence.

But he showed his predatory instincts to nod home a fine cross from Ivan Perisic and, despite this defeat, Postecoglou will hope this will give him the confidence to kick on and start scoring in the Premier League.

Matteo Berrettini beat French 29th seed Ugo Humbert 6-4 6-2 6-2.

Rinderknech in the

round after he beat Argentina's Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-4 6-2.

Daniil Medvedev is seeded third behind Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at this year's US Open

Richarlison scored his first Tottenham goal since April

BCB/Minister Mustapha Under-15 Tournament

Baksh spins Albion to Championship honours over Port Mourant

THE Berbice Cricket Board, on Saturday last, hosted the long-awaited finals of the Zulifar Mustapha Under-15 tournament.

The tournament started in late 2020 but the final was delayed due to a number of reasons

The BCB, under the leadership of its president, Hilbert Foster, was determined to successfully complete it

Port Mourant won the toss and elected to bat first in hot, humid condition in front of a sizeable crowd Port Mourant was given a solid opening partnership of 60 runs by Navin Boodwah and Devendra Samaroo in fourteen overs

Samaroo was the first PMCC batsman to be dismissed, when on 17, caught off the bowling of Feaz Baksh Port Murant was then blown away for a meagre 33 runs more as their nine remaining wickets fell quickly

Baksh was the main destroyer with 6 -13 runs from 10 overs while Chmesh Sewnauth had figures of 10-3-17-3. Battering for Port Mourant were Navin Boodwah 33, Vishal Williams 07, Asgharath Nabbie 00, Parmanand Kushlay 01, Vikesh Roopnarine 05, Richard Sewmangal 00, Nitendra Panachee 02, Aryan Dasrat 06 and Bhesham Etwaru not out 01

Needing to score 94 runs from their allotted 50 overs, Albion were given a solid opening stand of 36 in nine overs by Farhan Balle and Chamesh Sewnauh before Balle was run out for 9 National Under-13 batsman, Nathaniel Ramsammy, was then stumped for 05 off Nitendra Parchae at 41 for 2 Sewnauth was trapped LBW by D Sammaroo at 69 for 3 but

Man of the Final, Feaz Baksh, collects his prizes level-headed batting by Devin Lalbehari 27 not out with two sweetly timed boundaries and Man of the Final, Feaz Baksh, with a level headed eight not out led Albion to a crushing seven wickets victory and hold on to the Minister Zulifar Mustapha Berbice Under-15 title

Bowling for the runners-up, Devendra Samaroo and Nitendra Parachee took a wicket a piece for 14 and 10 runs each

BCB president, Hilbert Foster, stated that the board was happy to play off the finals after a long delay due to reasons including the COVID pandemic and he hailed the support that his administration is receiving from the general public

Mention was made of Minister Mustapha for his support of the game in his home county

Foster stated that apart from his sponsorship of the Under-15 tournament, the Minister is also a sponsor of a University of Guyana education scholarship for an Under-19 player

Region Six Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain, who represented Minister Mustapha, congratulated Albion on a well-deserved victory and encouraged the Port Mourant players to keep their focus

Hussain was full of praise for the administration of Berbice Cricket and special mention was made of Foster, who was described as a hardworking and dedicated Cricket administrator

Guyana rakes in silver medals at Trinidad series

AKILI Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani picked up a Silver Medal in Mixed Doubles at the Trinidad International Series 2023.

Priyanna also won Silver in the Women’s Doubles with Monyata Riviera (Barbados).

The tournament which started on August 23, 2023 was attended by a two-member team of Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes, who competed in the Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles and Women’s Doubles Categories

This tournament attracted players from around the world who are seeking to qualify for Olympics 2024

The Guyana Badminton Association is very pleased and happy with these results and thanks the Guyana Olympic Association in helping to make this tournament possible.

Carnival Style Domino Competition

THE Government Office Assistants Promotion Committee will host a ‘Good Old Day Carnival Style’ domino competition on September 8.

The domino tournament is catering for all Ministries and Government agencies, while cash incentives along with trophies will be at stake on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th September, 2023

Teams will be in action at the Ministry of Agriculture Canteen, Regent Street, Bourda from 4:30 pm on Friday and from 11:00am on Saturday Cash prices: first $80,000, second price $60,000 and third price $30,000 along with trophies

The event’s Co-ordinator, James ‘Uprising’ Lewis, can be contacted on 688-0073 for more information

Team registration closes on Monday, September 4, 2023.

Akili Haynes (left) and Priyanna Ramdhani

Region 6 Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain hands over the winner’s trophy to the Albion captain, Farhan Balle

World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting C/ships

DOMINIC Tyrell is set to compete today; Romeo Hunter, tomorrow Confident in giving a very good account of themselves, the Guyanese duo of Dominic Tyrell and Romeo Hunter are set to unleash their strength at the 2023 edition of the World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting Championships which are taking place in Romania.

The 23-year-old Tyrell in his final year at this level will be going all out to make an indelible mark against the rest of the world when he takes the platform today from 10:00hrs Guyana time, 17:00hrs Romania time It has been a long time coming for Tyrell, who is the reigning Guyana Junior 74kg champion and a member of the One Barbell Gym in T&T where he resides He is intent on making himself and Guyana proud, in Romania.

The quiet but fierce junior strongman who holds all the 74kg records (squat, bench press, deadlift, total) is a graduate of the University of the West Indies with a Bachelor of Arts in French, Upper Second-Class Honours

Tyrell, who will be taking on 19 other athletes from countries including Canada, Spain, India, France, Italy, Singapore, Hungary, Mexico, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain, Philippines, Kuwait, and Turkey, said he is positive of making his family and nation proud and has expressed gratitude to all who have assisted him in reaching this level including his father, mother, and brother, Delroy, who just returned to the USA to continue his studies whilst also focusing on his swimming career

And, 16-year-old Romeo Hunter who is making his debut at this level with quite a few more years in the pocket, will be seeking to hit the platform with a bang tomorrow when he takes centre stage from 11:30hrs Guyana time, 18:30hrs Romania time.

At such a tender age, Hunter, a member of Unity Gym, has already racked up a name for himself in powerlifting and bodybuilding Already competing for the past three years, having been introduced to the sport four years ago, young Hunter has been high in praise for his father, Oudit Seenarain, who is also his coach Hunter is currently ranked 9th in the world in the 83kg class and is the current holder of 18 National records in the Open and Under-18 (Sub-Junior) division His aim at these championships is to be in the top three overall whilst seeking a gold medal in the squat, as well as gold in the bench press with a possible world record.

His task would be made more challenging as he has on his path to glory, 20 other lifters from Finland, Italy, USA, New Zealand, Great Britain, Slovakia, India, Czechia, Ireland, Canada, Turkiye, Thailand, South Africa, and Japan.

Accompanying the athletes in Romania is IPF Category 11 Referee, Franklyn Brisport-Luke, who has been very active as a Referee

Meanwhile , President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation ( GAPLF ), Franklin Wilson , on behalf of his executive , members , and fans of the sport , has extended the nation ’ s best wishes to the team in Romania and assured them that the nation is fully behind them as they fly the Golden Arrowhead aloft Fans interested in following the action can do so via the International Powerlifting Federation’s YouTube channel

Dr. Tulsi Dyal/BCB Cricket Clinics 2023…

Over one hundred benefits from BCB Coaching programmes

THE Berbice Cricket Board as part of its intense coaching programme continues to invest heavily into youths across the county.

The board hosted two cricket clinics for youths in two sub zones

The first clinic was held at the Cotton Tree Ground for youths in the West Berbice area while close to fifty thousand attended the other clinics at the No 72 Cut and Load Ground for youths in the Upper/Central Corentyne sub-zone

The West Berbice Clinic was organised by President of the West Berbice Cricket Association , David Black , and attracted youths from Cotton Tree , Bath , Bush Lot United , Achievers and D’Edward

Head Coach Winston Smith stated that he was highly impressed by the passion and commitment showed by the West Berbice youths

He explained that emphasis was placed on the six principles of batting including stance, grip, back swing while the five principles of bowling grip , run - up , gather, release and follow through.

Work was also done on improving the players fielding and catching standards and thus overall understanding of the game including its history, laws and tradition

Level three Cricket Coach Winston Smith was assisted by Cricket coaches,

including Trewayne Smartt, Travis Hardcourt and Shamal Angel

At the No 72 Cut and Load Ground , the sessions were conducted by Berbice Cricket Coach Leslie Soloman, who hailed the sessions as a resounding success He was supported by Coaches Bhim Ramkission , Junior Blair and Floyd Benjamin

Like in West Berbice , special emphasis was placed on batting, bowling, fielding and physical fitness The youths were also engaged in some intense batting sessions in the batting cage using the bowling machine.

Treasurer of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Associations , Deodat Tharkudin , expressed satisfaction with the work of the coaches and

the impact on the players

He hailed the support of the BCB especially its president, Hilbert Foster, towards the development of the game in the Upper Corentyne area Foster who visited the clinic at the Cotton Tree Ground, spoke to the players involved and assured them that his administration was fully committed to the development of every one of them

He recalled that the area has benefitted greatly from cricket balls , cricket gear , uniform , scorebooks , coaching manuals, bicycles, educational grants , cricket practice nets, catching cribs, coaching equipment , batting cage, bowling machine, among other things as the BCB strives to assist as much as possible

Region Five also has four

cricket coaches attached to clubs with the Co-operation of the Minister of local Government

Foster also announcement that dozens of youths at the Under - 13 level will shortly receive over one million dollars’ worth of cricket gear under the Zamal Hussain Trust Fund, while clubs across the county will also benefit for the fifth successive year from the Shimran/ Nirvani Trust Fund.

The two coaching sessions were sponsored by overseas donor Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, who is the largest BCB sponsors Dr Singh , in 2023 , sponsored coaching programmes, cricket tournaments, trial matches, cricket academy and bowling machines for the county.

Republic Bank GCB Nat U-23 Club 50-Over cricket Albion, Blairmont clash in Berbice final

ALBION Community Centre and Blairmont Blazers have booked their place in the final of the Berbice leg of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Republic Bank National U-23 Club tournament 50 overs tournament with comfortable victories in the semi-finals

Albion defeated Skeldon Estate Community Centre by five wickets

Skeldon was bowled out for 54 in 16.1 overs with Sarwan Chaitnarine leading the way with 28 Afraz Budhoo bagged 6-6 off 5

overs for Albion who finished on 58-5 as Orin Boyce took 4-7

In the other Semi-final, Blazers beat West Berbice Achievers by 10 wickets.

Achievers were bowled out for 89 in 25.5 overs with no batter passing 15

National players Nigel Deodat (521) and Seon Glasgow (3-30), along with Hemchan Ragbeer 2-4, were the chief destroyers

The Blazers, in reply, raced to 90-0 from 11.4 overs, led by Farouk Subhan (59*) and Suraj Bissoondyal (16*).

Lusignan beat Better Hope by

202 runs

After Anil Singh (51) and Chanderpaul Ramraj (59) led the charge as Lusignan piled up 269-9 in 45 overs despite a spirited performance from Josh Behari, who grabbed 5-57 for Better Hope.

In response, Better Hope were dismissed for 67 in 23 overs with Brandon Jordan top scoring with (17) and Moin Persaud scoring 15 Ramraj returned to bag 3-14 as Neeran Bani was the leading bowler for Lusignan with 4-14.

Participants of the West Berbice Clinic pose with coaches and BCB officials

At the end of the two flights of competition, Guyana’s marquee lifter, Carlos Petterson -Griffith, competing for the first time 105kg Men's Open category, won the three-way battle against Tremel King and Paul Meusa for the gold medal and added Overall Best Lifter Accolade along with a Fitness Express hamper

The Female Best Overall Lifter trophy and Fitness Express hamper went to Keisha Abrigo who won gold in the 76kg Women's Raw competition.

In crafting victory, Petterson-Griffith also set new squat, deadlift, and total records. His best s quat was 310.0kg (683.433lb), benchpress 165.0kg, deadlift 350.0kg (771.618lb), total of 825.0kg (1818.814lb).

Abrigo, too was in record-breaking mode, setting new standards in the squat, deadlift, and total. She recorded 162.5kg in the squat, benchpress 75.0kg, deadlift 200.0kg (440.925lb), and a total of 437.5kg (964.523lb).

GAPLF Raw Nationals 2023 – 15 Records Smashed

The 2023 edition of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Raw Nationals concluded on Sunday last at the National Gymnasium where a total of 18 athletes, including 5 females, entertained the small but appreciative gathering. A total of 16 records were reset on the day.

At the end of the two flights of competition, Guyana’s marquee lifter, Carlos Petterson-Griffith, competing for the first time in the 105kg Men's Open category, won the three-way battle against Tremel King and Paul Meusa for the gold medal and added the Overall Best Lifter Accolade, along with a Fitness Express hamper.

The Female Best Overall Lifter trophy and Fitness Express hamper went to Keisha Abrigo who won gold in the 76kg Women's Open Raw competition.

In crafting victory, Petterson-Griffith also set new

squat, deadlift, and total records. His best squat was 310.0kg (683.433lb), benchpress 165.0kg, deadlift 350.0kg (771.618lb), total of 825.0kg (1818.814lb).

Abrigo, too, was in record-breaking mode, setting new standards in the squat, deadlift, and total. She recorded 162.5kg (358.251lb) in the squat, benchpress 75.0kg, deadlift 200.0kg (440.925lb), and a total of 437.5kg (964.523lb).

The GAPLF is expressing gratitude to the following sponsors for making the event a success: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; the National Sports Commission, Fitness Express, Space Gym, E-Master Corporation, Sunny & Sweetie Roti Shop, Unity Cabs & Unity Gym, Dr. Billy Mack / Eye Wear Optical, Chung’s Global Inc., Prodental Dr. Harry Hannoman and Associates-Giftland Mall.

The

GAPLF

GAPLF Raw Nationals 2023 – 15 Records Smashed

The GAPLF is expressing gratitude to the following sponsors for making the event a success. Ministry of Culture, Youth National Sports Commission, Fitness Express, Space Gym, E -Master Corporation, Sunny & Sweetie Roti Shop, Unity Gym, Dr. Billy Mack / Eye Wear Optical, Chung’s Global Inc., Prodental Dr. Harry Hannoman and Associates -Giftland

The full List of new record breakers was:

The 2023 edition of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Raw Nationals concluded on Sunday last at the National Gymnasium where a total of 18 athletes including 5 females entertained the small but appreciative gathering. A total of 16 records were reset on the day

At the end of the two flights of competition, Guyana’s marquee lifter, Carlos Petterson -Griffith, competing for the first time in the 105kg Men's Open category, won the three-way battle against Tremel King and Paul Meusa for the gold medal and added the Overall Best Lifter Accolade along with a Fitness Express hamper

The Female Best Overall Lifter trophy and Fitness Express hamper went to Keisha Abrigo who won gold in the 76kg Women's Open Raw competition.

In crafting victory, Petterson-Griffith also set new squat, deadlift, and total records. His best s quat was 310.0kg (683.433lb), benchpress 165.0kg, deadlift 350.0kg (771.618lb), total of 825.0kg (1818.814lb).

Abrigo, too was in record-breaking mode, setting new standards in the squat, deadlift, and total. She recorded 162.5kg (358.251lb) in the squat, benchpress 75.0kg, deadlift 200.0kg (440.925lb), and a total of 437.5kg (964.523lb).

The GAPLF is expressing gratitude to the following sponsors for making the event a success. Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, Fitness Express, Space Gym, E -Master Corporation, Sunny & Sweetie Roti Shop, Unity Cabs & Unity Gym, Dr. Billy Mack / Eye Wear Optical, Chung’s Global Inc., Prodental Dr. Harry Hannoman and Associates -Giftland Mall.

The full List of new record breakers was:

Athlete

Men's Master 2 Raw - Ramesh Seecharan, Squat 132.5kg, Benc hpress 70.0kg, Deadlift 165.0kg, Total 367.5kg

105kg Men's Open Raw - Paul Meusa, Squat 205.0kg, Benchpress 125.0kg, Deadlift 265.0kg, Total 595.0kg

1st 93kg Men's Master 4 Raw - Frank Tucker, Squat 115.0kg, Benchpress 90.0kg, Deadlift 140.0kg, Total 345.0kg

1st 120+kg Men's Open Raw - Yogaishawar Seecharan, Squat 230.5kg, Benchpress 115.0kg, Deadlift 230.0kg, Total

Photo name: Lift 1

Caption: The five females that competed at the GAPLF Raw Nationals from right, Xusha Stoll, Kezia Joseph, Keisha Abrigo, Junica Pluck, and Kean Andrews.

Photo name: Lift 2

Caption: The Overall Best Male and female lifters showcase their silverware in the presence of sponsors.

five females that competed at the

Raw Nationals from right, Xusha Stoll, Kezia Joseph, Keisha Abrigo, Junica Pluck, and Kean Andrews

The Overall Best Male and female lifters showcase their silverware in the presence of sponsors