Kaieteur News

Alleged killer caught 8 months after murder at Lusignan

By Shervin Belgrave

Police on Tuesday captured an alleged killer eight months after he allegedly murdered a father of three along the Lusignan Prison Road, East Coast Demerara(ECD).

TheGuyanaPoliceForce identified the suspect as a 22-year-oldfisherman;Suraj Jandar called “Flowery” of Lusignan Pasture, ECD Jandar was on Thursday charged with the murder of Delon Hendricks, a 27-yearold man who was murdered onNovember6,2022.

Janbar appeared at the Cove and John Magistrates’ because of the poor quality robbery Hendricks was Court before Magistrate of the video, detectives were reportedly attacked after Fabayo Azore and was not left clueless about the winning cash from a required to plead to the mysterykiller. Superbet outlet at the pool indictable charge. He was The footage showed the shop. His relatives believed remanded to prison until mystery killer knocking that the killer might have October2,2023. Hendricks off his bicycle been in the pool shop that

The fisherman was moments after he left a pool evening, where Hendricks captured eight months after shop in Lusignan. The was last seen alive drinking Hendricks’ bloodied body individual was clearly seen Guinness with friends and was found by an alert man stabbing Hendricks before playingSuperbetgames. living along the Lusignan runningaway,butthequality Hendricks is the third PrisonRoad. of the footage was not good person to be murdered in his

Police at the time had enough to identify the family His uncles were received a cloudy footage person Police however, brutally murdered years ago from a nearby security werepositivethatthemotive and their murders remain camera of his killing but behindHendricks’deathwas unsolved.

Public Works Ministry gets $33B in additional funds

The National Assembly on Wednesday night approved $33B in additional funds to the Ministry of Public Works. The Ministry received the lion’s share of the $61billion in supplementary funds requested by the government.

Addressing the House, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, explained how theadditionalsumswillbeexpended.

He said the sum of $79M will be used to finance additional resources for the Berbice Bridge Company, while the sum of $230M fortheTransportandHarbourDepartment.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

While the 2023 budget allocated some $600M to facilitate works on the Demerara Harbour Bridge, an additional $568M is beingsoughtforcriticalrehabilitationworks, specifically the rehabilitation of high span and fabrication, as well as the rehabilitation have been doing,” the public works minister ofpontoons.Theministerhighlightedthatthe stated. budgetary allocation for this line item has The minister assured that the government beenexhausted,andthesupplementaryfunds is committed to prudent financial areintendedtofinanceongoingcontracts. management to ensure that the well-being of

“The monies that are being sought are to the citizens and the development of the ensurethatthecontractsandtheengagements countryareprioritised. continue,”theministerexplained. “The Demerara Harbour Bridge is a

Theseworks,hepointedout,successfully corporation that earns.When we come to this pilotedbythecurrentgovernment. house,itistosupplementwhattheycannotdo

“We were putting Guyanese at risk by withtherevenuethattheygarnered.Whenwe having them use that bridge in the condition come to this house and ask for additional that we inherited it in 2020. The PPP has support, it is to ensure that what they cannot improved the safety of the Guyanese people, do as a corporation, we support from the by ensuring Span 9 was rehabilitated and consolidatedfund,”headded. replaced, the damages on the high span were Meanwhile, for the community roads fixed, the proper alignment of the bridge and programme, which continues to enhance the thebuoysthatholdthebridgestablearefixed, livesofGuyaneseineveryregion,$25billion and the pontoons are fixed. That is what we

(Continued on page 9)

Murdered: Delon Hendricks

Remanded for Hendricks’ killing, Suraj Jandar

House approves new oil law arming

minister with super powers over

multi-billion dollar industry

By Kiana Wilburg

for 100 years. They have all the powers vested in the Guyanese lawmakers on minister of energy And for Thursday morning approved 100 years, the sky did not the Petroleum Activities fall.” Bill, supplanting the

Nandall said it is the decades-old Petroleum prerogative of the Executive ( E x p l o r a t i o n a n d to repose powers in an Production)Actof1986. elected official instead of a

Presented to the House non-electedofficial. by Natural Resources

“This Executive has Minister, Vickram Bharrat, chosen the model where the this pivotal legislation, once powers fall with the minister giventhepresidentialassent, andwestandandfallbythat. will bestow upon him We included in the Bill that significant authority over a for exceptional decisions he BillincludedMinisterwithin opposition’s amendments, spectrumofactivitiesrelated (the minister) has to consult the Ministry of Public the House then passed the to petroleum from with Cabinet and Cabinet is Works, Deodat Indar; Billasis. exploration and production collectively accountable to Minister of Labour, Joseph OTHER KEY to transportation and parliament and that is what Hamilton; Home Affairs PROVISIONS storage, encompassing even oversightfortheindustry Norton then contended makesusademocracy Minister, Robeson Benn; The PetroleumActivities the geological storage of Thoughhealsocalledfor that the Bill offers “We are holding Culture, Youth, and Sport Bill includes several carbondioxide. royalty to be as high as 15 lawmakers an opportunity to ourselves out as being Minister, Charles Ramson; provisions which state that Bharrat said, “This Bill percent and for full liability demonstrate the maturity of accountable because you and Opposition Members, the minister can delegate seeks to strengthen the coverage for oil spills, his the legislative branch to cannot hold non-elected Deonarine Ramsaroop, some of his powers/duties to current system we have in focus was on a commission produce for the people, one people (appointed to a Vincent Henry, Ganesh an agency. Be that as it may, place, bringing more that would help to insulate of the best laws that protect Petroleum Commission)

Mahipaul, and Dawn he can revoke those t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d the industry from undue their interest in a sector that accountable,” the Attorney Hastings-Williams. delegationsatanytime.Heis accountability to the sector political influence. In its is now the largest revenue Generalsaid.

After rejecting the (Continued on page 10) as well as new capturing current structure, Patterson earner Other speakers on the d i m e n s i o n s n o t said, “This law proposes to He said, “…I wish to contemplated in the old law make the minister the newly warn that we are a small and bringing those aspects appointed emperor over all nation, and when there is too u n d e r p r o p e r thingsoilinthiscountry.” much discretion in one management…”

Patterson’s call for a person’shandsasopposedto

He said too that the Bill Petroleum Commission was clear and unavoidable laws gives the minister the power also supported by his then the big and powerful to grant geological and colleagues AFC Leader, multinational corporations geophysical survey permits Kehmraj Ramjattan and cantakeadvantageofus.” such as those that would be Opposition Leader, Aubrey Attorney General and needed for the Gas-to- Norton. Minister of Legal Affairs, Energy Project. He lauded Norton during his Anil Nandlall expressed the Bill as being a remarks said, “…We are not strongdisagreementwiththe comprehensive document sayingtheministershouldn’t perspectives offered by his that touches on several have responsibility for the opposition colleagues. He aspects of the growing sector but that doesn’t mean said drafters did not produce industry y o u c a n n o t h a v e a theBillinisolationbutdidso

During his contributions commission that is after consultations with the to the Bill, Shadow Minister independent and insulates USA, the UK, Norway, for Oil and Gas, David the sector from political Ghana, Ireland, Angola, Patterson called for critical partisanship and we need to Brazil, and Trinidad and amendments to the draft law dothat. Whydon’tyouwant Tobago. such as provisions which to do it now when you were Hesaid,“InTrinidadand require the creation of a an advocate for it when we Tobago…noonecandispute Petroleum Commission to (APNU+AFC) were in that it has had a successful provide independent government?” model as a production centre

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

Shadow Oil Minister, David Patterson

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Why bidders from only one place?

The Chinese already have a huge presence in Guyana. ThelatestnewsinthemediaisthereareonlyChinesebidders for a US$100 million East Bank Demerara Road project. Another news item is that President Ali hopes that Chinese companies bid for oil blocks when the auction begins. The Chinesearealreadyinvolvedinbuildingbridges,engagedin that cash cow operating under the name of the airport expansion project, as well as mining, oil production, and a newriverbridgethatisonthemove.

Looking at all this, clearly Chinese companies have struck it rich in Guyana with fingers in many sectors of this country’s economy, and we say good for them. But we are concerned as to how much good is coming to Guyana from this massive Chinese involvement here. We look at this sprawlingpresence,andaskifthisdependency,withmoreof it coming, is a good thing for Guyana. Areasonable thought is that Guyana would be better served by diversifying the foreign presences operating here, rather than be linked so tightlywithcompaniesfromasinglecountry

What surprises is that on a US$100 million-dollar project, there are only bidders from China! It is strange that companies from India, North America, and Europe are not competing for road construction business in Guyana. This does not send a good message, when there are these absentees,withthefieldleftopenforbiddersfromoneplace only The Chinese must be the cheapest in the business, but given Guyana’s experience with the Cheddi Jagan Airport Expansion Project, any such claim clashes with reality, and loses. Another pressing idea is that companies from the countries we named before are expected to look on a presenceinGuyana,foranyproject,asafootinsidethedoor to the plentiful downstream oil and gas (and other) business opportunities that could be had. Just being here allows for all-important arm’s length and face time engagements, which are worth their weight in gold, and increases the chancesforpossibleparticipationinmoneymakingventures. Something is not making sense here, unless there is a hidden costofdoingbusinessinGuyanathatmakesinterestinbeing here not worth the time and effort To add to the string of surprises was the media report that Guyana’s PresidentAli is hopingthatChinesecompaniesbepartofthebiddingfortheoil blockscomingupforauctioninafewmonths AChinesefirm, CNOOC, is part of the Exxon-led consortium in Guyana’s offshoreoilfields,andmanyGuyanesedonotlooktookindlyat thatgroup ForwheneverthenameExxonMobilcomesupfor discussion among the poorer class of Guyanese, the result is a combination of anger, bitterness, and disgust. Considering the bad (very bad) experience of Guyanese with the ExxonMobil orchestrated oil contract, any company that is closelyaffiliatedwithit,suffersfromquickdismissalfornot beingaboutGuyaneseinterestsandbenefits.

Because the 2016 oil contract is seen as a vile construction, and a Chinese company benefits handsomely from it, President Ali ought to be hesitant about being hopeful, or inviting, other Chinese companies to bid for our oil blocks. We think that it is better that Guyana encourages other foreign partners. Several local commentators have pointed to India, and have been calling for a closer relationshipwithit. Weseesucharelationship,asitpertains tooilblocks,ashavingabetterpotentialreturnforus.

To be frank, it does not matter where companies come from, India, China, or America, their first priority is always the same That is, how to maximize their profits Maximizing profits for them means minimizing returns for us. Thekeyistoascertainwhichcompanyisthebetterfitfor ourneeds,andwhichoneoffersabetteroverallpackage.The country-company relationship must reflect what is a better balance, and indicates a two-way street from which both partiesfeelgoodaboutthedealsigned.

Guyanese concerns over the airport and mining, naming onlytwoareas,mustwarn. Itisbettertodealwithothersfor projects in the pipeline to reduce concerns that surround Chineseoperationslocally

Where is GuySuCo’s money being gobbled up?

DEAREDITOR, sugarcane crop to satisfy and the Ministry of Minister and Board of

So our Parliament at the their claims or is it Agriculture Speak with Directors if the industry instance of the Government propaganda? Mr Editor, no people in the industry and no makes this 60,000 tons of has approved an additional one really knows how and onecangivelucidanswers. sugar as stated by the Hon. $1.5 B for GuySuCo. It is where these billions of On behalf of many Minister in Parliament this clearthattheyareadjustinga dollars are being gobbled up concerned citizens, I will week. tra

by GuySuCo management offer a public apology to the Hamilton Green

Proud to support FDI in Guyana, including from Exxon

DEAREDITOR, exit, Chad has been thrown expenditure, slow economic unreconstructed 1970s Please allow me to into a worse economic growth, and recessions ideologue who thinks that respond to two letters that situation than it had been in Therefore, bold actions are foreign investments are appeared in the media on before When Exxon needed to reverse this course automatically instances of August7,2023.Thepieceby embarked on the Doba and to spur economic “imperialism.” Mike Persaud is predictably project, which began a little growth”(IBRD). Gary Girdhari has made pretentious. Mike thinks that over two decades ago, Chad The Chadian economy numerous personal attacks a couple of references to was expected to produce declinedby1.2%in2021but against me including in the Steve Coll’s 2012 book – 225,000 bpd. Because of bouncedbackin2022mostly Guyana media on August 6, “Private Empire” would intense nationalism both duetooil.“Thehighrevenue 2023. I hope my response burnish his otherwise from General Idriss Déby (a fromtheoilsectorresultedin will be printed so that Mr vacuous claims about Exxon dictator), and so-called civil a fiscal surplus of 4.5 % of Girdhari gets it. The man in Guyana. Much is made society groups, Shell and GDPin 2022, while the non- frames me as a “professed about what Col had to say Total withdrew from Chad. oil fiscal deficit was at 7.4 % scholar…,” which implies about Chad, namely that the In 1999, a new structure was (C N Temgoua & A thatImisrepresentmystatus. country has no sovereignty formed among Exxon, Savadogo, 7/10/2023). But Here is some data for Gary Well Mike is unaware that Chevron, and Petronas (the now, the oil is gone due to Girdhari You can check Exxon sold its oil interests in latter being a Malaysian Exxon’s divestment, and the Google Scholar where you Chad and neighbouring energy consortium) President Mahamat Déby’s will see I have dozens of Cameroon. Savannah President Déby (following nationalization efforts. publications in some of the Energy (UK) purchased advice like that provided by Would Cde. Mike and Cde. top academic journals and Exxon’s 40% interest in the (OGGN regarding Guyana), Girdhari, please inform the presses in the world. Doba oil project, as well as a chased away Chevron and peopleofChadwheretofind Academia.edu reports that 1081 km pipeline that takes Petronas. That left Exxon foreign investments, or over the past twelve months the crude oil from land- alone, which in turn also otherwise offer any advice alone, scholars from 91 locked Chad through decidedtoboltduetoOGGN on domestic capital countries,543cities,and359 Cameroon. After the deal type advice exercised by formation? u n i v e r s i t i e s h a v e w a s s t r u c k , C h a d General Déby (General Cde. Girdhari deposit in downloaded my work 787 nationalized the oil assets, IdrissDébydiesin2021,and the press is shallow and times. More than 1500 pages preventingSavannahEnergy his son Mahamat, also a elliptical, as is expected. He have been downloaded fromproceedingwithfurther General,tookover). thinks that by using Cheddi Girdhariwantstoknowifmy development of Doba. Mike Here is what the World Jagan’s name, he will “ c o f f e r s [ a r e ] should know by Guyana’s Bank has to say of the automatically have an alibi. overflowing.”Yes, that is his e x p e r i e n c e t h a t situation – “Oil revenues But Jagan, who at one time critique of my defence of nationalization is an extreme have been volatile and was a hard-line champion FDI in Guyana. Don’t you form of exercising national downward trending, against international capital, haveanyshameSir? sovereignty Chad now has declining from 16% of GDP himself modified his Let me be direct about plenty sovereignty, but they in2012to3%in2016.At9% perspective when he became Exxon, Hess, CNOOC, and areinaneconomic,political, of GDP in 2021, it remains president in 1992. Jagan was other companies like Omai, andsecuritymess. low and constrains Chad’s a pragmatic socialist in his the latter being in the mining What Mike does not fiscal space, leading to a later years. This is unlike sector FDIisvitaltothe know is that since Exxon’s d e c l i n e i n c a p i t a l Gary Girdhari who is an (Continued on page 5)

Concerns Regarding the Naming of ‘Gittens Avenue’

DEAREDITOR, genuinely invested in the like Second Street, East and inspiring community It The dawn’s light in w e l l - b e i n g o f o u r Street,andNorthRoad. prompts us to question: was Continental Park/Republic community, I kindly request However, the choice to there no consideration for Park revealed an unexpected your platform to share my name this particular street those who have yet to be change—a new sign proudly apprehensions regarding this ‘Gittens Avenue’ leaves me acknowledged? displaying the name ‘Gittens seemingly arbitrary and puzzled. The term ‘Avenue’ M o r e o v e r , I ’ m Avenue’ on a street that undemocraticaction. typically denotes a broad compelled to inquire winds through both our I i m p l o r e a n road lined with trees—a far whether the naming of cherished neighbourhoods investigation by the cry from the current street’s ‘Gittens Avenue’ was This sudden alteration has responsible Neighbourhood characteristics. officially published in the left us, the residents, Democratic Council to shed Myconfusionismatched Guyana Official Gazette—a perplexed and concerned light on the circumstances by my reservations against step necessary to ensure The lack of consultation or surrounding the naming of naming streets after transparencyandlegitimacy engagement with the thisstreet. residents, regardless of their If we are serious about community, a fundamental Street names are more tenure, social status, or age. elevating Guyana and statutory requirement for than mere labels; they hold Such a practice can showcasing its beauty, we street naming in Guyana, the essence of a place’s inadvertently side-line other shouldembracethenamesof raises questions about the history and character deserving individuals who its flora, fauna, landmarks, process and transparency of Traditionally in Guyana, equally contribute to the Indigenous tribes, and thisdecision. streets have been named neighbourhood’svitality cherishedplaces. Furthermore, no prior after historical events, Guyana boasts an Let our streets echo the official notification was geographical features, abundance of unsung heroes tapestry of our nation, extended to the residents, landmarks, or revered across diverse fields, each paying homage to our roots before the erection of these figures. deserving of recognition andfosteringasenseofunity signs further exacerbating Additionally, some Prioritizing their names in andpride. ouruncertainty names offer a descriptive street-naming endeavours Sincerely, Editor, as a resident insight into their location, couldfosteramoreinclusive Magagula Jackson

Addressing the urgent need to enhance living standards and salaries for public servants in Guyana

DearEditor, is high time that our s a n i t a t i o n , q u a l i t y

and effectiveness of our performance. publicinstitutions. A d d i t i o n a l l y , The government must t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d

Furthermore, investing in acknowledgetheimportance accountability in the

I write to you today as a government takes decisive healthcare, and education. rural development projects of competitive and fair allocationofpublicfundsare concerned citizen of action to uplift the living This divide not only can help bridge the gap salaries for public servants. crucial. Citizens have the Guyana, deeply invested in standards for all Guyanese undermines social cohesion between urban and rural A comprehensive review of right to know how their tax the well-being of our nation and ensure that our public but also hampers our areas, ensuring that the the current compensation contributions are being and its people. Our country s ervants are fairly nation’s overall progress. A benefits of economic growth structure is imperative to utilized, particularly in holds immense potential, compensated for their united, prosperous Guyana aredistributedequitably ensure that these dedicated ensuring that public servants with its rich natural invaluablecontributions. can only emerge when every In tandem with efforts to individuals are adequately receive the compensation resources, diverse culture, The disparity in living citizen is provided with an enhancelivingstandards,we remunerated for their they rightfully deserve a n d h a r d w o r k i n g standards across Guyana is a environment conducive to must address the issue of commitment to public Implementing measures to population. However, it is pressing issue that cannot be growthanddevelopment. inadequate salaries for our service. prevent corruption and disheartening to witness the ignored any longer While One crucial step in hardworking public It is not only a matter of mismanagement of funds persistent challenges that some of our citizens enjoy rectifying this situation is to servants. These individuals financial justice but also a will not only benefit public many Guyanese face in their relative prosperity, a focus on robust job creation play an indispensable role in means to attract and retain servants but also contribute daily lives due to inadequate significant portion of the and the promotion of small maintaining the functioning skilled professionals within to the overall improvement living standards and population still struggles to a n d m e d i u m - s i z e d of our government and the government sector, ofgovernmentservicesand insufficient salaries for our access basic necessities such enterprises. By fostering an delivering essential services therebyenhancingitsoverall (Continued on page 6) dedicated public servants. It as clean water, proper environmentthatencourages to the public. Yet, many of entrepreneurship and them struggle to make ends supports the growth of local meet due to insufficient businesses, we can create compensation. This not only employment opportunities affects their own quality of that uplift individuals and life but also potentially c o m m u n i t i e s a l i k e undermines the efficiency

Proud to support FDI in...

From page 4 andGarycancontinuetolive upliftment of the standard of in a city that is among the living in Guyana. FDI alone, worst polluters in all human however,cannotdothejob. history

It must be accompanied Sincerely, by a solid understanding of Dr Randolph Persaud the needs of our people, the o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d constraints in international markets, the prevailing trends in the multilateral institutions, and the general dynamics of the states’ system

I am certain that the PPP/C administration under PresidentAli is leading us in therightdirection.

In the meantime, Mike

Houseapprovesadditional$1billiontoHealth Ministryforrehabilitationof153healthfacilities

The National Assembly Assembly was exhausted She also some of which rolled over on Wednesday approved an In February, $1.7B was asked the Minister to state from2022. additional $1B to the a p p r o v e d f o r t h e what the supplementary “We have used that Ministry of Health to rehabilitation of a number of fundswillbeusedfor m o n

improve infrastructure at facilitiesacrossthecountry In response, subject approximately $1B to 153 health facilities across Shadow Minister of minister Dr Frank Anthony various regions to fix health t h e c o u n t r y T h e H e a l t h , D r K a r e n said the $1.7B approved in centres in those regions, so supplementary funds were Cummings questioned Februaryhasbeenexhausted we have done about 132 h approved during the 67 whether that sum as and was used to fund a different facilities in the Sitting of the National approved earlier this year number of current projects, various regions. In addition tothat,wehad$109Masroll over projects from the previous year, and then we had set aside $220M to upgrade mortuaries at various facilities countries across the country, and plus we had some work we were doing at several hospitals like Karasabai, at Sand Creek and some other places.”

The minister said, “so that amounted to the $1.7B, approximately 60 percent has already been spent and we are on our way to complete the sum that has across the different regions, minister said work will be beenallocated.” we are also doing works to done on eight facilities in

Meanwhile, the Minister living quarters for doctors, Region One, 30 in Region of Health said that the $1B nurses in these various Two, 16 in Region Three, 24 will be used to complete regions, so that is what the inRegionFour,19inRegion works in the 153 health care additionalbillionwoulddo,” Five, 13 in Region Six, 11 in facilities.

Dr Anthony said on Region Seven, nine in “So apart from fixing Wednesday Region Eight, six in Region additional health centres Of the 153 facilities, the Nine,and17inRegion10.

Addressing the urgent need to

enhance...

From page 5 Guyana where every citizen enjoys the infrastructure Furthermore, investing in benefits of economic growth, where education and professional development opportunities are abundant, and where public opportunities for public servants is vital. By servants are recognized and rewarded for enhancing their skills and knowledge, we theirtirelessefforts. empower them to perform their duties more In conclusion, it is a shared responsibility effectively, ultimately benefiting the citizens ofboththegovernmentandcitizenstoelevate they serve. This investment not only raises the living standards for all Guyanese and the standards of public service but also ensure fair compensation for public servants. communicates to these individuals that their We must move beyond complacency and contributionsarevaluedandrecognized. work actively towards creating a more

The enhancement of living standards and inclusive, prosperous, and just society. The salaries for public servants should be seen as government’scommitmenttothesegoalswill an investment in our nation’s future. It will beatestamenttoitsdedicationtothepeopleit contribute to the overall well-being of our serves. citizens, foster social harmony, and stimulate Let us build a brighter future for all economicgrowth. Guyanesetogether

This endeavour requires collaboration Sincerely, between government, private sector, civil Wayne Lyttle society, and citizens. Let us envision a Journalist

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony (Photo courtesy, Parliament of Guyana)

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

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Spendone,sayfour!

The Court is a place where facts and truths thrive.

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Now Guyanese see a little of Exxon’s jive.

Put in for US$206 million… Have proof for only US$50 million!

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Four to one are nice odds, sweet business!

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

This is Exxon and our oil, this is Guyana’s weakness!

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- Interim Executive Committee

Efforts afoot to thwart court-ordered special general meeting at Credit Union

The Interim Executive ofcourtforfailingtocomply e m p l o y e e s a n d t h e

The said Order was Committee of Guyana withancomplyordertohold executive.Membersfearthat secured via petition in May Public Service Cooperative a Special General Meeting there may be attempts in 2022,andsignedbyovertwo Credit Union (GPSCCU) (SGM) in keeping with a official circles to disrupt the hundred members of the believesthateffortsareafoot request by members of the process of organizing and Guyana Public Service by a league within the GPSCUU. planning for the SGM,”

Cooperative Credit Union GPSCCU to thwart the Mentoresaid. Ltd., pursuant to Regulation

Asaresultoftheirfailure holding of a special general

Askedtoelaborateonthe 16 of the Co-operative to attend the court hearing, meeting ordered by the specific threats, Mentore Societies Regulations, Cap. the Judge had ordered that Court. said, “People have been 88:01. former Chairman of the

The move comes amidst saying that if we go ahead

As a result, the judge had Credit Union, Trevor Benn, c o n t e m p t o f c o u r t and hold the Special General ruled that the petition for a Vice Chairman Patrick proceedings brought against Meeting as ordered by the Special General Meeting Mentore and Treasurer, members of the GPSCUU’s court that will involve was lawful and valid but Rajdai Jaggernauth perform managementcommittee. spending monies not after there was no obvious theirfunctions. approved by the committee move to comply with the

In a statement issued on and therefore, they will be Court order, the contempt Justice Navindra Singh Thursday, Patrick Mentore, making criminal complaints motionwasbought. stripped three officers of who is now acting as the to the police Obviously,

Last month, High Court

However, when the GPSCCU of their rights, interim Chairman of the peoplewouldwantnopartin hearing began the obvious duties and responsibilities Executive Committee that” absence of the respondents withintheCreditUnionafter explained the court-

He explained further that GPSCCU Committee of a p p l i c a n t s M e h a l a i indicated that no one was they failed to attend a appointed executive has there are signs that the Management, are likely to McCalmont et al, members taking the court seriously contemptofcourthearing. already taken steps to act in D e p a r t m e n t o f play a role in support of the of GPSCCU called for since it was apparent also, accordance with the court Chairman of GPSCCU Cooperatives, and the Credit embattled Committee of hearing in the High Court that the court orders had not orders. Karen Vanslyutman-Corbin, Union League, which had Management. before Justice Navindra beencompliedwith.

“There are complaints SecretaryGillianPollardand been silent throughout the Mentore noted that one Singh. The court was told that that persons have been Board Member, Ruth entire matter, and which are legalpractitioneropinedthat The motion was filed r e s p o n d e n t s K a r e n issuing threats against Howard are facing contempt headed by a member of the it would be an act of against the GPSCCU Vansluytman-Corbin, contempt for the department Committee of Management Gillian Pollard, and Ruth andanyotheragencytoissue for not complying with the Howard, who were the anydirectiveoutsideofcourt orders of court made on Chair, Secretary and proceedings.

September 30, 2022, in c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r On July 26, 2023, the Action No. 2022-HC-DEM- respectively,wereoutofthe contemptmotionfiledbythe CIV-FDA-797.

(Continued on page 9)

Interim Chairman of GPSCCU, Patrick Mentore.

Hard choices rather than money is the key to City Hall’s revival

City Hall is now said to be cash-strapped. But this has been the City’s state of affairs for decades Its revenue streams are insufficient to finance a city which has changed drastically over the past 50 years.Butunfortunatelythat change has been for the worse.Forthegreaterpartof those50years,CityHallhas languished in the grip of an unending financial crisis

This situation is not helped byweaksystemsoffinancial a n d a m a n a g e r i a l accountabilitywhichmakeit impossible for the government to offer a bailoutpackagetotheCouncil.

The first step toward resurrecting City Hall from its financial abyss is to establish strong systems off financial and administrative accountability The new Council cannot continue to

operate as before. It has to take steps, and do so urgently,toensurethatevery penny is used judiciously and transparently. This would represent an act of goodfaith.Withoutthistype of overhaul, no amount of financial infusion will yield the desired outcomes. A fresh,accountablestartisthe key to give a new lease on lifetoCityHall.

However, the challenges

PublicWorksMinistrygets$33B...

Frompage2 was requested, and $1 billion for construction and rehabilitation of urban roads. Budget 2023 allocated some $31.9 billionand$1.5billionfortheseprogrammes respectively

Moreover,$2.1billionisbeingsoughtto facilitate the construction of the Wismar Bridge, linking Mackenzie to Wismar, in Region 10. This sum is to advance the project.

Minister Edghill also clarified that there

was no specific allocation for this bridge in the 2023 budget, since, at that stage, negotiationswereongoing.

The supplementary also includes $1.5 billionforhinterlandroads,$600millionfor sea and river defences, $32 million for emergency works at the Kumaka and SupenaamStellings,and$2.5billionforthe advancement of works at the Kingston Goods Wharf, as well as the Morawhanna andPortKaitumastellings.(Modifiedfrom DPI)

Efforts afoot to thwart court-ordered...

Frompage9 countryoncreditunionbusiness.

The court was not amused, and took a serious view of the respondents’ apparent lack of respect since all parties had been informedofthecourtdatepreviously.

The court was persuaded to appoint an interim executive to give effect to the court orders of September 30, 2022, since the initialmanagementcommitteehadshownno inclinationofdoingso.

The general membership of the credit unioniscallingfortheremovaloftheentire Committee of Management and the expulsion and debarring of nine of its

members from ever holding office on the Committeeinthefuture.

The interim executive had noted that in recent days, various members have expressedseriousconcernsabouttheactions of the committee including the level of expenditure and the purposes for which creditunionfundsarebeingutilized.

Amongthemajorareasidentifiedarethe absurd spending of the Credit Union’s money, such as overseas travel, which in a one-year period, has utilized over $31 million spent on meals and other miscellaneous activities with no discernible benefitscomingtothemembers.

Dem boys seh...

MoUs more contagious than COVID

Amanwenthometohis wifedeodderdayandputa paper in front of her “Ah wahisdat?” sheasked.

“IsanMoU?Iwantyou tosignit.”

“But what MoU means?”askedthewife.

“ M a r r i a g e o f Uncertainty”hereplied.

Guyana is now providinggloballeadership in MoUs. De country is nowdeMoU capitalofthe world Guyana signing more Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) dat demgattostartgivingeach oneaZipCodefuhfinditin deforeignaffairsarchive.

We sign MoU with India. We sign MoU with China. We sign MoU with Dominican Republic. We sign MoU with Saudi Arabia.WesignMoUwith the European Union. We sign MoU with Belize. We

sign MoU with Trinidad. WesignMoUwithAntigua andBarbuda.WesignMoU with Brazil. The list goes on.

MOUs becoming more contagious dan COVID. Is everybody signing MoU dese days. Even Su was said to have an MoU.And the Ministry of Health recently signed an MoU with a funeral parlour Dis isnojoke!

But is de proliferation of MoUs in Guyana’s foreign policy dat raising eyebrows Our Prezzy accumulating more frequent flyer miles dan some of de great West Indianbatsmengatruns.Is everytwomorningdeman out of de country And everytimehecomebackis withaMoU.

He nah coming back with de goods. He nah

that beset Georgetown are not limited to financial and managerial accountability

The revenue system at City Hall needs to be made more equitable. The reality which both sides of the horseshoe table scrupulously avoid is that the burden of financing the city has fallen disproportionately on the shouldersofbusinesses.

A comprehensive reevaluation of how the City’s financial burden is shared needs to be undertaken A fair and equitable sharing of the revenue base of the City is necessary to correct the presentimbalances.

Businesses carry a disproportionate share of City Hall’s revenue. They pay the bulk of the taxes in the City while residential properties pay rates that hardly can meet the costs of the services they receive, substandardastheseservices are. Rates and taxes have to be realistic But the government has boxed itself into an inflexible posture because of its local government election campaign promise of not raisingratesandtaxes.

Illegalvendinghascasta shadow over the City’s marketsandbusinesses.The inside of our markets are now like ghosts towns with numerous abandoned stalls. It’s a bitter irony that those who contribute their fair share – the legal vendors within the market – are suffocated by those

operatingoutsidethebounds oflegality Illegalvendingis the culprit because shoppers no longer have to enter the markets to get items; everything is now available on the pavements and roadsides.

Most of the markets should have long been condemned and closed for poor sanitation Going into a toilet in one of the City’s markets is like going into a gas chamber And the drains outside most of the markets are stink and filthy Even the gutterratsareafraidoffalling inthesedrains

Addressing the pressing issues of the City requires nothing short of a comprehensive, holistic approach Georgetownneeds a multidimensional strategy that not only mitigates its problemsbuteradicatesthem attheirroots Thisrequiresthe political will, to confront these bugbears head-on Dodging the challenges of squatting and illegal vending isnolongeranoption

The path to rejuvenated city requires hard decisions The illegal vendors and the squatters have to go Then there is need for a system of service charges to be introduced for residential properties. These services must be based on the cost of the service provided The same needs to be done for drainage and street lights Other rates and taxes should be calculated on the basis of size and with different rates for different wards Ad

valorem rates should be scrapped.

The management of the City needs to be overhauled Thisrequiresstreamliningthe bureaucratic processes No one should have to line up and wait hours to pay their rates and taxes. Sub-offices for revenue collection shouldbeopenedatthePost Officeswherepeoplecango and quickly pay their rates andtaxes.

ThechallengesfacingCity Hall are daunting, but not insurmountable By making hardchoices,Georgetowncan be restored to its former glory But the hard choices which have to be made requires political consensus Thetwomainpoliticalparties thatdominate City Hall have toworkoutamodusvivendi in order to be able to make theboldandbravedecisions needed to relive the crisis at City Hall.All the finances in the Treasury will not help unless there is this political consensus Thisiswhyentities such as the Private Sector should act as a good officer in trying to bridge the political divide around the horseshoe table and to bring the sides together for a joint plan of action to rescue the City

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

coming back with solid investment proposals or agreements fuh aid. Just with a promise of dese things.DatiswhatanMoU amounts to: a promise to seewhatcanbedone.

MoUs have taken center stage in Guyana’s diplomacy Itseemsthatno official visit is complete without the obligatory signingofanMoU.Isdisa need to open a diplomatic dialogue? Everything is an – MoU…Want to set up a foreign embassy? MoU!

Want to exchange pleasantries and reaffirm friendship? MoU. Got an awkward silence at the negotiatingtable?Fearnot, for the MoU shall save the day!

Even de APNU seh it need a MoU – More OppositionUnity Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

ExxonMobil could blowup Guyana’s future

W h e n i s t h i s through still more increased Exxon’s cover-ups, to back raise a hand like a traffic cop producing nation recklessness, this corporate production. the company against a wall, and say: halt! Not one inch Exxon is endangering madness going to come to a As Exxon accelerates its tomakeitadmittoanything? (barrel) more! When I think Guyana’s present and stop? Where is the monster production machine Our politicians are of these two Guyanese future prosperity, holding Guyanese political leader to make its heart leap in useless, and they have made brothersinleadershiproles,I our children’s destiny to who has the glandular delight, Guyanese need a the courts all but useless, look upwards, and protest: ransom. For sure, more Exxon boat captain piloted a fierceness to insist and furnacestartedunderthemto with sensitive institutions the burdens I am asked to production means more ship while drunk and persist that this confounded help them leap out of their already in that paralyzed carry; the patience and profits for Exxon; but it also devastated a perfect nonsense has to stop, and it reverie. What I foresee is state, despite the menacing temperatenesstomanifest. represents more perils of environmental paradise must come to a stop now? that as newer production developments that are Not to worry, says the many types for Guyana Talk about ingenuity and it Would this repeated pushing numbers are conjured in the coming out of Exxon’s mannowinIrving,Texas,by Where is Guyana’s Oil was there on display in past the limit even come up company’s ambitious overworkedthroat. Tobegin way of Wichita, Kansas Commissar, Dr Jagdeo, Alaska’s Prince William fordiscussioninacountryof laboratory, the odds are with, an increase of 20% This engineer of the other than lurking beneath Sound. Not to leave the non-coloured people, those against Guyana. The risks over current production is impossible spoke glowingly, Exxon’s bed. Where is British and their ingenuity of WASP lineage and multiply from material and planned for the Liza Destiny maybe convincingly to the Guyana’s Head-of-State, when the BP guys in charge pretensions? Studying these man hour fatigue; one small and Liza Unity floating, slovenly Guyanese political besidesbeinginsidetheshoe of the Deepwater Horizon Confederates from Exxon, slip, one tiny miscalculation, production, storage, and rulership class, about the ofExxon’sleadingpeople. operations in the Gulf of something registers, the one failed process, and all offshore (FPSOs) vessels. ‘ingenuity of [Exxon’s] B y M r W o o d s Mexico blew everything out predominant colour near the finely computerized This means that, all things workforce’, with the unsaid reckoning, Exxon could hit a ofthewater their crown is what makes calibrations fall apart, are considered, a massive message being that all is in millionbarrels prior to 2027, The top Guyanese bulls lose their cool, or some worth nothing. A‘Skull and 80,000 more barrels in daily hand, and all will be well. throughmoreofthisclaimed scrutineer of Exxon’s bills peoplefaint. Bones’society we would be, oil output at our offshore Just trust us. I have an and fabled ‘ingenuity.’ lost crucial people to Exxon

We know that we have whichdoesn’treferenceYale oilfields Is somebody unprintabletwo-wordphrase Many who others thought of and CNOOC. Meanwhile wimps for politicians, but University Of course, playing the jester around for the like of Messrs. Wood as geniuses, and who saw preps to produce more that theydon’thavetobeweasels Exxon has already gamed herewith that announcement and Routledge. Take that themselvesasgeniuses,have generates more expenses, and worms, simultaneously out its contingency scenario. of ramping up production by “ingenuity” and stuff a sock beenfelledbysimilarhubris. but with no qualified The American oil warriors Simply put, problematic 80,000 barrels daily? Since in it My unswerving The Austrian Adolf Hitler Guyanese around to manage come here, and they get developments were not due it was the El Supremo, Mr conviction is that Exxon is was one. The American the store Go, brother Guyanese to dress in white to gross negligence or error Darren Woods himself, this experimenting (endangering Douglas MacArthur was Jagdeo, go. Lift Exxon up, sheets and cone hats to onitspart. WhoinGuyanais is serious stuff, and is going Guyanese) with many another, when he wanted to take Guyana down. This is terrorize the natives who going to trace it to Exxon? to happen, especially since things, in many ways, race across the Yalu River in better contract management, object to the company’s Whatcapabilitiesdowehave neither brother Ali nor thinking that all Guyanese pursuit of elusive Chinese majestic leadership. Where predationsandexploitations, here to thwart possible Jagdeo has what it takes to are certified idiots, irregulars, and nuke China do we get these people from, pushovers. Thisoneisn’t. should it dare to challenge. mostofthem?

Exxonispushingpastthe Yet another American, a (The views expressed in red line and endangering the Yankee this time, Donald this article are those of the environment Exxon is Trump,didthesamewithhis a u t h o r a n d d o n o t endangering the viability of claimed election wizardries. necessarily reflect the this country as an oil- Still another American, an opinions of this newspaper.)

House approves new oil law...

From page 3

This is currently set at a rate of 10 percent. also allowed to review and apply any Failure to pay can see an interest rate of six variations he deems necessary to decisions percentperannumbeingapplied. madebyhisappointees. Additionally, a petroleum exploration,

With respect to revenues, the new law petroleum production licence, or petroleum states that the holder of a petroleum agreement shall provide for the annual exploration licence shall or a petroleum paymentofatrainingfeeduringtheperiodof agreement must pay annually to the State a the licence or petroleum agreement.The law rentalforarea.Thisamounthasalreadybeen explicitly states that, “The training fee shall specifiedtobeUS$1Mannually notbecostrecoverable.”

The PetroleumActivities Bill also paves A petroleum exploration licence, the way for oil companies to pay a signature petroleum production licence or petroleum bonus to the State upon receipt of a agreement may also require a licensee to petroleum exploration licence. Where a establish a programme of financial support licence is granted through competitive for environmental, social and other projects tender the minimum value of the signature to be funded by the licensee, which shall not bonus shall be established in a notice by the becostrecoverable. minister As part of Guyana’s first oil blocks Furthermore, the Minister assigned auction set to conclude in the fourth quarter responsibility for finance may, by resolution of2023,thisissetataminimumofUS$10M of the NationalAssembly, direct the Income for shallow water blocks and US$20M for Tax Act, the Value Added Tax Act and deepwaterconcessions. Corporation Tax Act shall apply to, or in

Whereapetroleumexplorationlicenceis relation to, a licensee subject to such granted through direct negotiation, the value modifications and qualifications as may be ofthebonusistheamountresultingfromthe specifiedintheorder negotiation process. The law also states that The licensee would however be signature bonus shall not be cost exemptedfromthePropertyTaxAct;andthe recoverable. CapitalGainsTaxAct.

The law states that if a company wishes Notably this Bill will only apply to to hold onto a discovery that it is not making ExxonMobil from a management and animmediateuseofthenanannualretention administrative perspective. The oil giant is feewouldapply insulated from all new fiscal terms

The law also states that the holder of a previously outlined which also include a 10 petroleumproductionlicenceshallpaytothe percent royalty, the payment of property tax State, royalty in respect of the gross from 0 to 7.5 percent, and a 10 percent petroleum produced in the production area. incometaxpayment.

HARDTRUTHS BYGHKLALL

Bandits captured after robbing security guard of jewellery

Three bandits were him of three Samsung cell numberPAB9592. captured and a fourth phones valued at $43, 000, A report was made to remains on run after they $32,000, and $26,000 policeanditdidnottakelong robbed a 42-year-old respectively. before ranks caught up with Sherriff Security guard at Police disclosed that the them. gunpoint on Wednesday victim was walking along

“Acting on information nightatCraigOldRoad,East the road when four men in a received, ranks from the

The other three bandits BankDemerara(EBD). silver-grey motor vehicle GoldenGrovePoliceStation were not so lucky and were

According to police, the drove-up alongside him and intercepted a silver-grey nabbed by the policemen. bandits robbed the security stopped. The men came out motor vehicle bearing

They were identified as 24- guard around 23:00hrs of of the vehicle, and one registration number PAB year-old Andy Budhan, 29- one-point of diamond worth placed a handgun to his head 9592. Four men exited the year-old Daniel Singh and a $200,000 along with his while relieving him of his vehicle, and the suspect with 23-year-old Michael Patraj, $156,000 gold chain. They belongings. the gun discharged several all residents of Grove, East also took away a briefcase They then reportedly rounds towards the police BankDemerara(EBD). containing his passport and made good their escape in a and made good his escape,” The ranks also recovered birth certificate and relieved car bearing registration policestated. all of the stolen items and tookpossessionoftheircar Police Commander of the East Bank Demerara district, Mahendra Singh, praised the ranks for their success in capturing the suspects and recovering the stolenitems.

He said that it was their swift access that led to arrestsofthesuspects.

Investigations are ongoing.

‘Rocky’ sentenced to 18 months in jail for breakand-enter and larceny

A 27-year-old labourer of Columbia, Essequibo Coast, Region Two was on Wednesday sentenced to 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to two counts of ‘Break-and-enterandlarceny.’

Heamwant Charritar called “Rocky” appeared virtually at the Anna Regina Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Esther Sam.

Charritar told Magistrate Sam that he wishedtochangedhispleastoguiltyforboth charges. Following his request, he was sentencedto18monthsinprison.

Reports are that Charritar committed the crimes on 27-year-old Lateshia Devanand, called ‘Tasha’, ofAffiance, Essequibo Coast, onMarch22,2023andRamnareshPersaud,a 64-year-old businessman also of Affiance, which occurred between March 26, 2023 and March 27, 2023 at Lot 38 Affiance Back Street,EssequiboCoast.

Man sentenced to 18 months imprisonment; Heamwant Charritar

Michael Patraj

The stolen briefcase recovered by police

No rebuilding of Mahdia Sec. School female dorm

Displaced students to be housed at President’s College New school for Micobie

The Government w i l l n o t b e rebuilding the

M a h d i a Secondary School female dormitory that was completely destroyed by fire in May, Minister of E d u c a t i o n P r i y a Manickchand disclosed on Wednesday

The Minister was at the timerespondingtoquestions posed in the National Assembly during the

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

Consideration of Estimates from that community that relative to the education were once residing at the sector The Ministry dorms. requested an additional $2B

“The decision of the forthesector and given the recent schools countrywide to intention of making the charged with the murders of Cabinet was to build a Minister Manickchand circumstances will restart ensure that fire prevention requisiteimprovements. thechildren. secondary school at Micobie told the Committee of the curriculum from the mechanismsareinplace. “We have done it at all Government has since which would take care of the Supply that it was Grade10level. “Weareworkingwiththe the dorms currently…and pledged financial and other

Micobie students who were determined at consultations Further, the Minister Guyana Fire Service. They we are [looking to make] the forms of support to the in the dorms as well as those with the community and said that come September 4 are assessing schools and changes at every single familiesofthosewhodiedor who are now leaving Grade relevant stakeholders that when school reopens, the then saying to us, ‘This is d o r m , ” M i n i s t e r were significantly affected

Six. And the girls at Grades there was reluctance to have MahdiaSecondarySchool’s what you need’, and that is Manickchandexplained. bythefire.

9,10 and 11 and who are in another dormitory built at male dormitory will also re- howwearegoingtoattendto On May 21, fire ravaged Meanwhile, members of the dorms will come out and thelocation. open those schools for fires,” the the Mahdia Secondary the Commission of Inquiry be housed at the President’s Instead, a decision was Minister Manickchand ministersaid. School girls’ dormitory, (CoI) into the incident were College,” Manickchand made to construct a also disclosed that the Already, the GFS has claiming the lives of 20 sworn in onThursday before said. secondary school at Micobie Guyana Fire Service (GFS) assessed all school children. President Dr Mohamed The Minister added that that would cater to students is currently assessing dormitories with the One person has been IrfaanAli. those who are in Grade 11

Medical Student crowned Miss Global Int’l Guyana 2023

Medical student and model, bursting with pride and enthusiasm LateefahFordehasbeencrownedas as she takes on the esteemed title”, the 2023 Miss Global International the statement said while noting that Guyana. in addition to her captivating

According to a statement issued presence, Lateefah, a medical by the Miss Global International student and model, also made a Guyana (MGIG) Pageant lasting impression on the MGIG Organization, Forde will be organization with her dedication to representing Guyana on the empowering women, promoting international stage on September education, and advocating for 16,2023,inJamaica. environmental sustainability while

“Ms Forde is the first Queen to promoting Guyana’s natural beauty be crowned under the MGIG throughculture. Pageant’s new National Director “Lateefah embodies everything and Franchise Owner, Ms. Reneé that the MGIG Pageant represents –Chester.” a powerful, compassionate, and

The statement continued: “With trailblazing young woman who is this new title, Ms Chester is determined to make a positive passionate about revolutionizing impact in the world,” Chester said. pageantry in Guyana and has “We have no doubt that she will committed to ensuring that the continue to inspire and empower MGIG franchise becomes a model countless individuals during her forthehigheststandardsinthelocal reign.” pageantindustry.” As the newly crowned MGIG

The Miss Global International Pageant Queen, Lateefah will Pageantisrenownedforcelebrating embark on a journey that includes the beauty, intelligence, and inner philanthropic initiatives, strength of young women from appearances at various events, and diverse backgrounds This advocacy for the causes closest to prestigious annual event provides a herheart. platformfortheseempoweredwomen essential leadership skills that will “Through her reign, she aims to to showcase their unique talents, positivelyimpacttheircommunities. upliftandempoweryoungwomen advocate for social causes, and develop “The newly-crowned queen is (Continued on page 14)

An aerial view of the dormitory after the fire.

Miss Global International Guyana 2023

Lateefah

Forde (Photo credit: Trevor Smith Photos (SmithenGy)

Fourth year medical student Lateefah Forde

(Photo credit: Trevor Smith Photos (SmithenGy)

Peace Corps Guyana hosts swearing-in ceremony for 34th group of volunteers

The United States Peace Corps Guyana hosted the swearing-inceremonyfor its th34 group of Volunteers, a statement issued by the United States Embassy in GuyanasaidonThursday

According to the statement, 24 volunteers concluded an intensive tenweek pre-service training and will serve in seven regions across Guyana, partnering to address early c h i l d h o o d l i t e r a c y, adolescent health, and environmental stewardship. Widespread placement of Volunteersispossibleforthe first time since the pandemic.

Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. A d r i e n n e G a l a n e k , administered the oath of service and Peace Corps pledgetothegrouponbehalf of the Peace Corps. Chargé Galanek remarked “I have always admired the extraordinary commitment are here—is the friendships Acting Country Director, commended host families, Health,deliveredremarkson M i n i s t e r P r i y a and compassion that Peace and strong bonds that Jennifer Goette, highlighted partner schools, and the behalf of Minister of Health Manickchand. Corps Volunteers bring to develop with host families, the important work of Peace Government of Guyana for Dr Frank Anthony He Peace Corps first served strengthening nations, one l o c a l c o u n t e r p a r t s , Corps Volunteers and their theirsupportofPeaceCorps’ highlighted the instrumental the people and Government communityatatime. Ithink supervisors, and community local community partners in work. role that his Peace Corps of Guyana from 1966 to that the best part the leaders.” building a sustainable future Dr Leslie Ramsammy, teacher played in his 1971, and returned in 1995, essence of why Volunteers ThePeaceCorpsGuyana f o r G u y a n a S h e Advisor to the Minister of decision to pursue medicine with more than 1400 as a career Ms. Volika volunteers supporting Jaikishun, Deputy Chief Guyana’s communities E d u c a t i o n O ff i c e r- t h r o u g h s e r v i c e , Development gave brief r e l a t i o n s h i p s , a n d congratulatory remarks on p a r t n e r s h i p s f o r a behalf of Honourable sustainablefuture.

Medical Student crowned Miss Global...

From page 13 whilecreatingpositivechangeinthecommunity Staytuned asLateefahbeginsherreignandleavesanindeliblemarkon thepageantcommunityandbeyond,”theorganisationsaid. Follow Forde’s journey on social media using the hashtag#MGIGQueen2023.

AbouttheMGIGPageant:TheMGIGPageantaimsto celebrate the beauty, intelligence, and charisma of young women from diverse backgrounds. More than just a beauty pageant, it is a platform that empowers these women to showcase their talents, advocate for social causes, and develop leadership skills that will positively impact their communities.

For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e c o n t a c t missglobalintlguyana@gmail com or info@jamservices.com

Peace Corp Guyana’s 34th Swearing-in Ceremony

Craig fatal accident: Driver charged for causing death of wife, three others

Fifty-seven-year-old night and involved motor Stanley La Cruise, of Mon lorry GYY 9560 which was Repos, East Coast Demerara driven by a 21-year-old of (ECD), was on Thursday M o c h a , E a s t B a n k chargedforcausingthedeath Demerara,andmotorcarPPP of his wife and three others, 3034drivenbyLaCruise. in a two-vehicle crash at The police reported that Craig, East Bank Demerara the motorcar, driven by La (EBD)onMondaynight. Cruise, was proceeding

LaCruiseappearedatthe south along the eastern side D i a m o n d / G r o v e of the Craig Public Road Magistrates’ Court. He was withsixothersinthevehicle. not required to plead to the Domingo was in the front indictable charges which passenger seat while stated that on August 7, T h o m a s , Wi l l i a m s , 2023, at Craig Public Road, Chappelle and the two he drove in a manner children were seated in the dangerous to the public backofthemotorcar. thereby causing the death of It is alleged that La his wife,Yvette Domingo, of Cruisemadea‘U-Turn’from Mon Repos, and three the eastern driving lane onto others: 60-year-old Eric the western driving lane and, Christopher Thomas, his in the process, collided with wife 56-year-old Annette motor lorry GYY 9560, Williams, and their daughter which was proceeding north Lynette Chappelle, who was along the western side of the reportedly pregnant, all of saidroad.

Charity Squatting Area, Videos of the accident

Essequibo Coast, Region showed public-spirited

Two. persons attempting to free He was placed on persons who were trapped in $100,000foreachofthefour the backseat of the car that charges. La Cruise was also crashedintothelorry charged for driving an After the injured family uninsured motor-vehicle. He was removed from the denied this charge and was wrecked car, they were placedon$50,000bail. rushed to the Diamond Notably, Chappelle’s 7- Diagnostic Centre along year-old son Keron with the driver of the car Chappelle and a 13-year-old They were all examined by a cousin were also injured in doctor theaccident. Thomas, and Williams

According to the Guyana died at the scene of the Police Force (GPF), the accident, and Chappelle and accident occurred at around Domingo died while 21:00 hours on Monday receivingtreatment.

Dead: Lynette Chappelle

Dead: Annette Williams Dead: Eric Christopher Thomas

Charged: Stanley La Cruise with his now deceased wife, Yvette Domingo

WANTED VACANCY

Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker, Cashier, Counter Person, Labourer and Cleaner. Apply at Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts.

One live-in Housekeeper needed to work in Virginia, USA. Ages 30-50 yrs. Call: 592-615-5476/ 845-325-8241.

1 Woodmizer edger Operator wanted. Call: 697-0852.

Looking for a reliable live-in aide for an elderly woman. Call: 686-8051.

Male and female needed to pluck chicken, $3500 per day. Call: 708-4374/ 617-4662.

Live-in Handyman with small family to live and work on Poultry farm, $125,000 per month. Call: 708-4374/ 617-4662.

Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839.

Security Officers urgently needed! Must be able to read and write, $350 and $400 hourly. Contact: 603-5140.

Security/ Handyman needed. Contact: 223-5273/223-5274.

One Driver and Personal Assistant needed to work with private company. Call: 6851735.

General live-in Domestic needed. Call: 660-9093.

Cook, Waitress and one part time Driver needed. Call: 6503680.

Farm Workers needed to work at Hauraruni. Call: 6620469.

Porter wanted. Requirement: Valid police clearance. Call: 265-7311 ( Ext 277).

One Domestic worker needed to work 2 times per week at 192, Duncan St Newtown, Kitty. Call: 6493783.

Tullow Oil sells stake in Orinduik oil block to Canadian company

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One CRV Honda, $3.3M negotiable and 1 Toyota Allion, $3.350 M, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage . Contact: 649-0956.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office.Must have grade 1or 2 Maths and English. Email: techserigy@yahoo.com or Call: 615-9132.

Cleaner, Maintaining Worker, Labourers, Office Assistant and Time Keeping Clerk required. Call: 621-6969, 6157784.

One office Assistant needed. Experience will be an asset. Call: 688-7911.

Sales Clerks, Delivery Clerks, Warehouse Manager & Graphic Designer needed. Apply at: Lens 136 Sheriff Street. Call: 227-2486/ 2271511, lensgy@outlook.com

One Manager for A&S General Store located at Charity, Essequibo. Call: 687-5814.

East Bank Electrical is now hiring Electrical Engineer, Outside Sales Staff & Counter Sales Staff. Call: 604-6394, sales@eastbankelectrical.com

Receptionist, Room Attendant, Laundry Attendant & Security Guard needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

We are now hiring Counter Attendants @ Dian's Deli, Bar St Kitty. Opening hours 6:30 am-12:00. Call: 621-7862, 225-3700/ 225-6478.

One Cashier needed. Must have English & Maths and previous experience. Apply at mikeswholesaledepot @yahoo.com or at their location.

Experienced Hauler/ Lorry Driver required. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda.

Experienced Accounts Clerk. Must have passes in Maths, English & Accounts. Apply in person to Alabama Trading.

Experienced Sales girls needed. Apply in person to Alabama Trading at 65 Robb street Bourda.

One General Domestic needed. Apply in person to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda.

Security Guard needed. Apply in person to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda.

Vacancy for Driver, Salesman, Porter, Bakers, Cleaners, Pastry maker and Baggers at Humphrey's Bakery 38 Ketley st. Charlestown. Call: 225-7864.

VACANCY

Masons and Carpenters needed. Call: 623-1615.

Male Engineer needed, Must have atleast 10 years experience in road & building construction. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

1 Male Project Supervisor (construction field), ages 35-50 years. Must have atleast 5-8 yrs managerial experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

Bobcat & Roller Operators needed. Ages 30 years & older. Must have atleast 5 years experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

Truck & Canter Drivers needed. Ages 30 years & older. Must have atleast 5 years experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

Diesel Mechanic and Skilled Labourers needed for road construction. Ages 20 years & older. Must have atleast 5 years experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855

Handyman needed. Call: 696-9854/ 223-7165.

General Domestic needed to work 4 days per week, must know to cook. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

CNQC is now hiring Construction Workers. Email resume: xu0wying@163.com

Pump Attendants urgently needed at Two Brothers Gas Stations, WCD/ EBE. Call/ WhatsApp: 592-708-3256.

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Reuters - Tullow Oil (TLW.L) agreed to sell its majority stake in the not-yetproducing fields off the coast of Guyana to its minority partner Eco Atlantic for US$700,000 in cash and potential future payments if production starts, the two firms said.

The deal will take Eco’s stake in the Orinduik field, in which TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA) owns 25% and where Tullow drilled what it deemed two uncommercial wells in 2019, to 75% and make Eco operator of the project.

Guyana has become a major oil producer in recent years, with Exxon (XOM.N)

Digital

operating prolific fields in the vicinity of Orinduik.

Tullow in 2020 said it would focus the vast majority of its spending on its existing infrastructure in West Africa, with Ghana at its centre.

Eco said it planned to drill in the so-called cretaceous level of the rock which is the depth at which oil discoveries were made in the adjacent Stabroek Block, operated by Exxon. It added it planned to sell down part of its stake.

If Eco makes a commercial discovery, it will pay Tullow $4 million in addition to a further $10 million if Guyana issues a production licence

Identity Card Bill passed

The National Assem bly on Thursday morning passed the Digital Identity Card Bill, to combine biometric data of citizens into one card.

The Bill, intituled an Act to provide for the establishment of a Registry for the collection of identity data of citizens 14-years and over and non-citizens, including, skilled nationals of a Caribbean Community State and for the issuance of Digital Identity Cards containing digital identity data that were col-

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lected to facilitate electronic governance and to enhance government and other services and for related matters.

It paves the way for the implementation of cards that will cost US$35 million. The digital card is an official document, sufficient and necessary to lawfully identify the person in doing business with a public body or private entity, whether in person or online.

In order to fully implement the digital cards, the government drafted the Digital Identity Card Bill, which was tabled in the House by the Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips.

Patterson, told the Assembly that the Opposition is in support of the implementation of the Bill which will create the framework for the implementation of a digitalized system.

However, he noted that he hopes there are security measures to protect citizens’ data in the event the card is lost or stolen.

Earlier this year, the Government of Guyana signed a US$35 Million contract with a German company, Veridos Identity Solutions for a Single Electronic Identification System and cards that will be issued to Guyanese. The awarding of the contract was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

It is expected that the digital cards are made with high security materials and elements that offer durability, reliability, and exclude any possible alteration, so that they cannot be the object of any fraud and consequently guarantee the identity of the holders of the cards.

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While the Prime Minister was not present, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C presenting on the Bill in the Assembly on Thursday morning outlined, “The Bill that is before us is to create the legal framework, the legal infrastructure that will govern the issuance, the operationalization, the efficacy and the use of the card.”

He also stated that the Digital Identity Bill will go hand-in-hand with the recently passed Data Protection Bill.

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The minister said, “So you will have in due time a digital reservoir of person information from which we can draw as a country to satisfy any data requirements. The card will draw from that pool.”

Moreover, Opposition Member of Parliament, David

The cards should meet the relevant international standards, including those of the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The Bill outlines offences persons can face if they knowingly apply for more than one card or uses falsified or altered card. One such penalty is a fine of $5M may be liable to a person found guilty of fraudulently obtaining or using a digital identity card. President Irfaan Ali had said that the card’s capabilities are also in keeping with his Government’s commitment to promote eGovernance to improve the productivity of businesses and the delivery of Government services through the introduction of eHealth, e-Education, e-Security, e-Agriculture, electronic permit, and licence processing among other areas.

Guyana exit: Tullow Oil’s chief executive Rahul Dhir.

Photo: Cairn

and royalty payments on future production, the firms said.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C

Mines Officers partially responsible for low gold declarations declarations - Miners Association

The Guyana Gold and Diamond M i n e r s Association (GGDMA) on Thursday said that Mines Officers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are partly responsible for the declineinthecountry’sgold declarations.

A c c o r d i n g t o GGDMA, the officers c o m m o n l y k n o w n wardens are allowing illegal mining to take place in goldfields legally owned by small and medium-scaleminers

“Most worrying is that it seems as if the illegal operatorshavefoundways t o m a k e s o m e GGMC/Core of Warden Officers “look the other way,” GGDMA sated while explaining that the increase in “raiding” and illegal operations have negatively impacted the industry

GGDMAsaidthateven when reports are made, “some GGMC/Core of Warden Officers often frustratetheprocess ”

“ They act slowly, taking more steps to nitpick at infractions by the legitimate tenure holders while not taking

the condign steps to stop theillegaloperations”,the Miner’sAssociationadded.

GGDMA said that despitemultipleceaseorders being given to stop illegal mining, the operators do not comply and the Mines Officers do nothing to enforce the laws or remove therepeatoffenders.

“Itistheillegaloperators whorobtheStateofrevenue andhaveanoverallnegative i m p a c t o n g o l d declarations,” GGDMA said.

In its statement, GGDMA urged the Government to clamp downonthewholechainof illegal mining activities, including illicit shops, illicit landings, illicit miners/raiders and the illicitpurchasersofgold

“The GGDMA does not support these activities and calls on the Government for immediate action,” the organisation stated It called too for the authorities to take the necessaryactiontoremove rogue elements in the industry with the hope that the gold sector can recover by the last quarter of this year

Apart from the illegal miners and mines officers

who turn a blind eye to the illegalities, the GGDMA listedotherfactorsthathave contributed to the decline in golddeclarations.

Among those factors, accordingtoGGDMA,isthe ongoing competition for labour, driven by the explosion in construction and job opportunities in the oilandgassector

The Miners Association added, “This has been compounded over the last

three years, with above normal rainfall and the subsequent flooding in miningareas.”

GGDMAalso said there is a need to improve accessibility to minerals with new infrastructure such as roads to access new a r e a s w i t h h i g h mineralization

In July, Kaieteur News reported that over the past six years, Guyana’s gold declarations have been

falling, even with the massive discoveries being announced

This year, the trend continues, with the Bank of Guyana (BoG) reporting a decline in declarations for the first three months of the year when compared with thesameperiodlastyear

The BoG in its first quarter statistical report on the performance of the economy has said that gold declarations were lower by

5 3 percent, as local and l i c e n s e d d e a l e r s ’ declarations contracted by 23 9percent

T h e f i n a n c i a l institution, however, reported that, “The declarations from Aurora Gold Mine Inc (AGM), ZijinMining’ssubsidiaryin Guyana, the sole operating foreign company, increased by 65 4 percent, when compared to the same periodoneyearprior.”

NationalAssemblygreenlightsDataProtectionBill

The National Assembly onThursdaypassedtheData Protection (Amendment)

Bill 2023, which aims to protect a person’s right to privacy with respect to the processing of personal data. Itprovidesfortheregulation of collection, keeping, processing, use and dissemination of personal data.

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, presenting the Bill for its second reading on behalf of Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, said that the Bill is a critical component in modernising the country’s legislative framework and facilitating the implementation of egovernance.

He noted that the Bill is long overdue given that Guyana’s public and private sector move towards digitization.

“Guyana is well on its way into traversing the digital age. We are at the commencement of a

transition to e-governance, and we now have to prepare every aspect of our governmental machinery as well as the private sector infrastructure to allow for this digital electronic transformation to take place as we join the rest of the world in this age of i n f o r m a t i o n a n d technology,”hesaid.

The AG noted that the Bill underwent widespread consultation, and is fashioned in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the International Covenant on CivilandPoliticalRights.

Nandlall said, “Guyana by this Bill will now be joining a large number of countriesnotonlyacrossthe Caribbean but across the globe in putting in place a legislaturethatwillallowfor thelegitimateaccumulation, use, traversal, storage and update of data to be used in electronic and digital transactions.”

He explained that the

increased advancements in t e c h n o l o g i c a l communication and integration of ICT in everyday life, coupled with the rise in cybercrimes necessitate legislation to p r o t e c t p e r s o n a l information.

TheBilldefinespersonal data as any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. Personal data includes data pertaining to a person’s private life, including professional activities, and information concerning a

person’spubliclife.

Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Khemraj Ramjattan said, “We on this sideoftheHousedosupport thisBill...Consumersshould have protection for what is donewiththeirdata”.

“I have not read this Bill myself but I have spoken to thelearnedAttorneyGeneral and he indicated to me that the pattern of this Bill is out of the European Union which has a modern data protection legislative

arrangement that is even superior to that of the Americans who have advanced considerably in this regard Despite my shortcomingsinthesector,I would like to say that I supportthisBill.”

The Data Protection Bill aimsaretodefinethegeneral principles of data protection and the rights of data subjects, protect personal data, and provide for enforcement mechanisms for failure to process personal data in accordance withthelaw

It outlines that personal data must be processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparentmanner,andonly collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes Moreover, this data must be accurate and kept up to date, and processed in a manner that ensuresappropriatesecurity

Additionally,theBillsets out the principles governing the conditions of consent, imposing that consent must be freely given, informed,

specific and unambiguous, andcanbewithdrawnatany time.

It also makes provisions for cases where consent is notrequired,andestablishes the Data Protection Office, with a commissioner who is appointed by the president, and responsible for the administration and implementationoftheAct.

Meanwhile, as he expressed his support, Ramjattan expressed dissatisfaction about the lengthy time spent in the National Assembly. He calledformoresittingsofthe House to allow for adequate onparliamentarymatters.

“This has been almost a grievous injury staying here from 10:00 yesterday [Wednesday] morning until 7:00 am [Thursday] today We must not allow this selfinfliction. What I urge from members of the government is that we have more sitting within than two o’ clock in the afternoon to 8:00 and

:

evening, ” Ramjattansaid.

Mining operations in Guyana’s interior Guyana’

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC

Opposition Member of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan

CoI members sworn-in to investigate Mahdia dorms fire

The members of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) investigating the tragic fire at the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory in RegionEightwhichclaimed the lives of 20 children on May 21, 2023 were on Thursdaymorningswornin.

Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus administered the Oath of Office to the commissioners in the presence of President Irfaan Ali, during a ceremony held at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.

Present at the ceremony was Minister of Education, PriyaManickchand.

Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh, was sworn in as Chairman, while Attorney-at-Law, Joycelin Kim Kyte-Thomas and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John are the other m e m b e r s o f t h e Commission.

Notably, Attorney-atLaw, Javed Shadick will serve as the Secretary of the CoI Fire destroyed the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School on May 21, 2023. The fire which reportedly started in the lavatory area of the buildingclaimedthelivesof Adonijah Jerome, Tracil Thomas, Lisa Roberts, Delecia Edwards, Lorita

Williams, Natalie

Bellarmine, Arriana Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Subrina John, Martha D’Andrade,(andtwin)Mary

D’Andrade, Belnisa Evans, Loreen Evans, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Eulanda Carter, Andrea Roberts, Rita Jeffrey and SheranaDaniels.

Notably, a 15-year-old girl is presently before the court facing 20 murder chargesinrelationtothefire.

During his address, President Ali noted that the CoIrepresentsacrucialstep towards ‘understanding and healing’, deriving lessons to improvesafety,andensuring such a tragedy never recurs. He emphasised that the intention is to ensure a ‘balanced, impartial, and thoroughexaminationofthe fireandrelatedissues.

President Ali noted that theweightofthelossextends beyond personal boundaries

andresonateswiththeentire nation.

He recognised that rushingintoaninquirycould potentially ‘aggravate’ the immediate trauma being felt bythoseaffected.

The Head-of-State expressed confidence that theCommissionisnowwellpositioned to carry out its work in a more conducive environment.

“I’m sure, with your experience,yourconfidence,

your professionalism, your abilitytobehuman,thatyou will be able to conduct yourself and to conduct this inquiry with diligence, experience, impartiality and integrity,” he told the Commissioners.

The President urged persons to cooperate and supporttheworkoftheCoI.

Followingtheceremony, President Ali informed reporters that the Commissioners are

scheduled to visit Region Eightasapartoftheinquiry

A traditional Patamona ceremony will take place at thesiteofthetragedybefore theCommissioncommences itswork.

Further, President Ali saidtheCommission’swork is anticipated to last approximately two months, with a willingness to extend t h i s t i m e f r a m e i f circumstances so warrant.

(ModifiedfromDPI)

Bystander shot dead, another injured during fight over property at West Ruimveldt

A bystander was shot dead on Thursday afternoon and another injured while they were spectators of a property dispute between a group of men in a pick-up and a soldier at West Ruimveldt,Georgetown.

DeadisDexterHorsham, a 43-year-old construction worker and wounded is Corwyne Abraham, a 38year-old taxi driver from Charlestown. The shooting, according to police took placearound16:50hrs.

Investigators said that the soldier, Private Ezekiel Subhan,25,toldthemthathe was at home with his common-law wife when he heard someone knocking at his door and calling out for “inside”.

He looked outside from his front door and was reportedly confronted by a man telling to him evict the property “The man claimed that heboughtthehousefromhis (Subhan’s) great-uncle

However, Subhan told the man that he was not going anywhereandthatheshould getthepoliceinvolvedsince he did not come with a document of ownership for theproperty”,policesaid.

His response led to an argument and six other men reportedly exited a black pick-up vehicle, GLL 7950, parked on the street close to Subhan’s house and entered theyard.

The soldier claimed that themenwereaggressiveand rushedathim.

Bythistime,acrowdhad gathered to witness the commotionandamongthem were Horsham and Abraham.

Whiletheywatchedon,a fight ensued between the soldier and the men. One of the men reportedly pulled out a handgun and fired off threerounds.

Horsham and Abraham were hit and the men retreatedtotheirpick-upand droveoff.

The victims were taken to the Georgetown Public HospitalCorporation,where Dexter Horsham was pronounced dead. He had reportedly sustained a gunshotwoundtotheback.

Meanwhile, Abraham remains hospitalized and according to police, his conditionislistedasstable.

The suspects were reportedly followed by an eyewitness in her vehicle aftertheydroveoffandshe managed to record the licenceplatenumber

That information was passed on to police and they found the car abandoned in a yard at Aubrey Barker Road and National Avenue, South Ruimveldt,Georgetown

Contact was made with the occupant of the said address, Delon Bart, a 32year-old businessman and he told the investigators that an individual by the n a m e o f M a j e s t y Fernandes owns the vehicle but does not live there He disclosed, however, that the property is owned by a relative of Fernandes.

Bart claimed that he l e f t h o m e a r o u n d 07:00hrs Thursday for work, and returned around 20:30hrs to find thepolicethere

He said that he did not g i v e F e r n a n d e s permission to park his vehicle in the yard, did not see him for the day or knowofhiswhereabouts The vehicle was c o n f i s c a t e d a n d investigationsareongoing.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus along with the Commissioners (DPI Photo)

Suspects in the pick-up.

UG launches investigation into allegations of Nepotism surrounding World University Games team

The University of Guyana has commenced an inquiry into allegations of nepotism pertaining to the selection process for athletes representing Guyana at the World University Games.

These concerns were initially raised by Kaieteur News sports journalist Rawle Toney and further echoed by the University’s Student Society through its president, Shaquawn Gill.

The team, entrusted with representing the nation at this esteemed event, was formed with the participation of individuals purported to be athletes.

Notably, the World University Games, attended by prominent global figures in-

cluding President Irfaan Ali, were shadowed by the unsettling displacement of several student-athletes from the University of Guyana. These displaced athletes

Friday August 11, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Don't try to fit into a mold you simply don't belong in, Aries. You may have gone through a major transformation lately in which you went from being a square peg to a round peg.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

There may be subtle messages in people's words today that you need to attend to, Taurus. Other people could be trying to send you hints in order to push your buttons.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't keep playing along with the games if you no longer want to repeat the same drama, Gemini. By placing yourself in a victim role, you're opening yourself up to manipulation and control by others.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Today is excellent for you, Cancer. You should be encouraged to take action in any artistic realm. Cook a scrumptious dinner and share it with a loved one.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Go weed the garden, Leo. If you don't have a garden, start one. It's important for you to get into the Earth today, so roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

There's great opportunity for romance today, Virgo. Love the people you're with, but don't smother them. The more you loosen your grip on a situation, the more you will gain control of it.

AMBC Elite, Youth & Junior American Boxing C/ships...

Amsterdam cops Light Heavy Silver medal - Allicock secures bronze

Guyana’s Desmond Amsterdam bettered his AMBC Elite, Youth & Junior American Boxing Championships record when he finished with a Silver medal in this year’s tournament in Cali, Colombia.

Guyana’s representatives at the World University Games in China.

expressed dissatisfaction, questioning the eligibility of an individual who lacked a recognisable athletic background.

In fact, the individual in

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The active and receptive natures of your being are coming together, Libra. There's a balance between these two aspects. You're able to attract the prosperity and love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Today is a fantastic day for you. Your sensual, caring nature will be appreciated, Scorpio. Whether you actively pursue it or sit back and relax, you will receive the love and good fortune you desire.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Being married to someone for many years takes work, Sagittarius. No one said it was going to be easy. Hollywood promotes a fantasyland that can make your life look drab and boring by comparison.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Today is a great day to make your big move, Capricorn. If there's something in the love and romance department that you feel you need to act on, this is the day to do it. It's now or never.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Take your focus off you and concentrate on someone else for a day, Aquarius. This doesn't mean focusing so the person will stop and pay attention to you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

It might take an extra few minutes to get out of bed today, Pisces, but it will be worth it when you do. You will find that the more honest you've been with people, the more payoffs.

question even failed to show up for their event at the games.

Social media posts have drawn striking parallels to a reminiscent incident at the World University Games involving a Somali athlete who astonishingly completed the 100m race in over 21 seconds.

Just as in the present case, this Somali athlete gained access not through athletic merit but through connections with a country official.

Consequently, the Minister of Sport in Somalia issued an apology to the Games’ organisers, and the head of Somali athletics was subjected to suspension.

The situation involving the University of Guyana is deeply disconcerting, underscoring concerns about fairness and transparency in the realm of sports representation.

The University of Guyana, through an official statement, expressed profound apprehension in response to the questions raised about the team’s selection. Acknowledging these concerns, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor promptly initiated an internal investigation on August 7th, 2023.

This rigorous investigation seeks to identify potential violations of the University’s regulations, ethical standards, selection protocols, and transparency expectations. A thorough examination is projected to conclude within two weeks following the team’s return to Guyana. The University is unwavering in its commitment to upholding the highest standards while adding that the gravity of the situation has deeply troubled them, motivating a proactive approach to verifying information, comprehending the nuances of the situation, and addressing it judiciously.

As this process unfolds; the University remains dedicated to transparent communication and ensuring that integrity and accountability prevail within their sports programmes, the release noted.

the Pan American Games, which is slated to take place from October 20 to November 5, in Chile, at the La Reina Community Sports Center.

The Pan American Games is the first direct qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Competing in the finale of the Men’s Elite 75 - 80KG Light Heavy weight class, Amsterdam lost to Canada’s Keven Beauséjour.

Amsterdam is half of the two-member team, which includes Keevin Allicock, that competed at the Championships. Unfortunately, Allicock’s campaign ended in the semifinal round and he was also awarded a bronze in the 54 - 57KG Feather Weight Class.

Meanwhile, both boxers have gained qualification to

In 2022, Amsterdam competed in the middleweight division at the Elite Continental Championships and was the lone pugilist of the threeman Guyanese team to cop a medal at the prestigious event.

The Guyana Boxing Association’s boxer of the year secured a bronze medal after defeating Venezuela’s Eldric Sella on his way to the semifinal, where he lost and as a result, shared third place in the event that was hosted in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Digicel Schools’National Football Championship 2023... Carmel and St. Ignatius battle for the crown

- Finale shifted to MoE Ground

The finale for the eighth edition of the Digicel Schools’ National Football Championship has been set following an intriguing semifinal round, which took placeonWednesdayevening at the Ministry of Education (MoE)Ground.

Carmel Secondary School and St Ignatius Secondary School are the twosidesthathavemadeitto the final while Desrey Caesar-Fox and Waramuri

Top will contest the thirdplace showdown, when the tournament culminates on Sunday, August 13, at the samevenue.

In the season’s final double-header, the battle for thirdkicksoffproceedingsat 17:00hrsthenthetitlematch getsunderwayat19:00hrs.

The National Champion

will receive $1,000,000 and the championship trophy with second, third, and fourthplacefinishersgetting $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000, respectively. All monies will go towards a school project with prizes alsoexpectedforthehighest goal scorer, best goalkeeper andmostvaluableplayer Wednesday evening’s actionsawCarmelpersevere to defeat D.C Fox 3 – 2 on penaltykicksaftertheywere deadlocked in a goal-frenzy at 5 – 5, when the full time whistlesounded.

D.CFoxdidwelltogain an early lead as Carrington Isaacs (20’), Ronaldo Johnson (22’) and Bevon Jones (24’) scored in quick succession to secure a comfortable 3 – 0 margin at thehalf.

Inthesecond45minutes,

Carmel came alive and staged an amazing recovery withShemJamesmakingita one-possession game when he found the back of the net inthe54thand59thminutes.

H o w e v e r, w h e n Anthonio Isaacs slotted one home in the 71st minute for D.C Fox, it became a twopossession game once more astheyled4–2.

Nine minutes later, James completed his hattrick and five minutes after, Carmel’s MVP, Ian Daniels, madehispresencefeltwitha stunning equaliser which poisedthematchat4–4,just before the regulation whistle.

The deadlock sent the matchintoextratime,where Johnson (90’+4’) gave his team the lead once more. However, it was Daniels (116’) with the second

Wins for Wolves and Rising Stars in Bartica and Hopetown in Berbice

Wolves United eked out a 1-0 over AK Galaxy, while RisingStarsswampedLazio 5-0 when the Bartica FA’s Senior Men’s League continued last Wednesday at the BarticaCommunityCentreground.

Regan Kippins opened the scoring in the1stminuteofplayandaddedanotherin the 25th minute. Chad Edwards then duplicated with a double of his own in the 31stand33rdminutes.Kippingcompleted his hat-trick in the 73rd minute for a comfortable5-nilwhippingofLaziobythe RisingStars.

The other match of the double-header resulted in victory for Wolves United over AK Galaxy with Malcolm Augustus on target in the 12th minute with the decisive strike.

In the Ancient County of Berbice, Hopetown Rangers disposed of Fyrish FC 3-1.JakeimCrandongaveFyrishtheleadin the 10 minute, but 8 minutes later Justin Williams equalised for Rangers. Within 2 minutes,CourtneyBobbnettedforRangers to take the lead and 3 minutes from halftimeMatthewDorissealedthewinwiththe 3rdconversion.

GuyanashattersCYG...

Frompage24 showing in Trinidad and Tobago, pushed Guyana’s overallmedalcounttoseven throughoutthehistoryofthe Commonwealth Youth Games, dating back to the inauguralgamesin2000. Reflecting on the past, the2008GamesinIndiasaw accomplished Amateur boxer Clevon Rock facing a

defeat against England’s John Quigley in the Men’s Bantamweightfinal.

In2015,inApia,Samoa, LarissaWiltshire andTaylor Fernandes-Henry secured a bronze in the Squash women’sdoubles.

The 2017 Games in The Bahamas witnessed Allicock’s participation in the men’s flyweight final,

marked by a controversial outcome against England’s EithanJames.

Notably, boxing and squash were not included in the 2023 Games held in TrinidadandTobago.

Guyana was also represented by swimmers Ariel Rodrigues, Elliott Gonsalves, and Shareefah Lewis.

equaliser as he completed a braceandsenttheshowdown intoapenaltyshootout.

In the other match, Region 9’s Champion, St. Ignatius, continued to produce one impressive performanceafteranotheras theytrouncedWaramuriTop 3–1toadvance.

The two teams battled to a goalless first half despite both threateningto take first blood on numerous

occasions, but the second half was a different ball game.

A goal each from St. Ignatius’RomelErnest(52’) and Morgan Taruma (55') created some cushion between the sides but Danesh Williams’ 68th minute goal for the opposition kept the eventual winnerontheirtoes.

Ernestreturnedtoputthe victory beyond doubt with a

goal in the 75th minute that was backed with some resolutedefending. Meanwhile,thisedition’s organiser, the Petra Organisation,hasannounced a switch in venue for the finale Originally, the culmination was billed for theEdinburghFacilityonthe West Coast of Demerara but will now take place at the MoE Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Cyclist Jeremiah Joseph receives special reward from sponsor of 50 miles cycle road race in Berbice

Keepingapromisemade to National Junior Cyclist champion Jeremiah Joseph, the sponsors and organisers of the recently held Rajkumar Churaman memorial 50 miles cycle road race, which was help along the Corentyne highway, has presented him withaspecialreward.

Joseph,whohasbeenoff the saddles for some time, has recently recommenced training. He was the only cyclist from the Corriverton area that participated in the event.Hewaspromisedthat being the only cyclist from the area participating, once he completed the event he will be rewarded by the sponsors.

He not only promised to finish but finish in good order Although he finished outofthemoneyhekepthis side of the bargain and finishedinthepack.

The race, which was sponsored by RaJ and Daughter Motor Bike Shop, was held in memory of

In picture Jeremiah Joseph receives his special reward fromAnita Churman owner of the sponsor of the 50 miles road race.

Rajkumar Churaman. It was organised by the FlyingAce CycleClub(FACC).

Josephwassubsequently presented with cheques for an undisclosed amount by Anita Churman wife of the late owner She assured him of more rewards as long as hecontinuestoprogress.

Joseph,whoispreparing

for a four stage race in TrinidadandTobagolaterin the year, was very appreciative and thankfully for the reward given. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who has helped him so far especially Coach Randolph Roberts and members of the FACC (SamuelWhyte)

The undefeated St. Ignatius led for the entire semi-final match against Waramuri Top.

AAG addresses cancelation of both Youth and Senior’s Athletic c/ship

In a significant update, the Guyana Athletic Association (AAG) held a concise media briefing yesterday at the National RacquetCentre.Thepurpose of this gathering was to address the pivotal factors that led to the unfortunate cancellation of both the Senior’s championship and the Youth and Junior’s athletic championships, originallyslatedforJuneand July

Leading the press conference were several

prominentfigureswithinthe AAG Acting President Sheryl Hermonstine, General Secretary James Cole, First Vice President Keith Campbell, Vice President Nial Stanton, Competition Secretary Kenisha Headley, and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee Tyrone Smith took the forefront in presenting the information.

The core focus of the press conference revolved around the rationale behind

the regrettable cancellation of these crucial sporting events.According toTyrone Smith, Chairman of the LOC, the decision to cancel the Senior’s and Youth and Junior’s championships initially arose due to issues concerning timing and the unavailability of the National Track and Field Centre (Leonora), which was undergoing necessary repairs In response, the AAG made an immediate plea to utilize the National Stadium at Providence;

however, this option had to be discarded due to India’s WestIndiestouroverlapping withtheproposeddates.

Subsequently, the championship was rescheduled to take place at the Police Sports Club ground from August 11-13. The association made an officialvisittothevenuelast Friday, according to Smith, they observed that sections of the venue’s track was adverselyaffectedbythesoft turf and unevenness caused by the inclement weather

during the May/June rainy season. The feasibility of relocating the event to the track in Linden was raised, but Smith clarified that this was not a viable alternative asthetrackinLindenlacked approval from the International Amateur AthleticsFederation. Despite the unfortunate cancellation of these championships, the AAG remains committed to providing athletes with the opportunity to compete on the international stage, as

Guyana continues to see notable achievements in the athletic realm More so, Emanuel Archibald and Aliyah Abrams, Guyanese athletes, are poised to participate in the forthcoming World Athletic ChampionshipsinBudapest, Hungary, scheduled for August 19 to 27. While our youth athletes continue to experience commendable success in the ongoing Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

Savannah Milk National Junior Golf Tournament tees off in Essequibo

The Ministry of Education and Guyana Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy will host the Savannah Milk National Junior Golf Championship, thefirsteverinthecountry’s history that covers Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to allow for greater participation by players around the country

ThereisNOFEEtoenterand the contest will feature players in various age and skill categories- 10-13; 1417and18-22,

The tournament is

Savannah Milk, Sylvie’s

Sunshine Snacks, Guyana Beverages Inc , Sterling Products, Tri-Stone Auto,

Party Castle, Giftland Mall, Caliper

Drones, The intent is to identify talent for the National Team that will

,

x

s and Orlando, Florida under a range of partnership agreements that have been established by the Guyana GolfAssociation.

traveltoGeorgetowntotake part in the National Junior Golf Championship which will be held onAugust 19 at the Nexgen Golf Academy, Scout Association Ground onWoolfordAvenue.

According to office of the Chief Education Officer Mr Saddam Hussain, “This is a continuation of the activitieswhichtheMinistry

of Education, through the Unit of Allied Arts, has collaborated with the Guyana Golf Association to implement Golf not just at the CSEC level but with the intent to introduce the sport to all levels of interested secondary school learners in the months ahead.”

GGA President Aleem

Hussain stated, “The first ever National Junior Chip, P u t t a n d D r i v e competition has been made possible through the efforts of the GGAin just two years, an amazing fact considering that the sport had been in existence in Guyana for over 50 years but was never made accessible to

theaverageGuyanese.” Registration for the tournament can be done at the various Education Departments in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 or with the official GGA affiliated Golf Clubs in Berbice, Essequibo, Rosignol, Georgetown, Leonora and Bladen Hall, by Whatsapp to645-0944

AAG Head Panel at yesterday’s briefing, from L-R LOC Chairman Tyrone Smith, Competition Secretary Kenisha Headley, VPNial Stanton,Ag President Sheryl Hermonstine and General Secretary James Cole.

Guyana shatters CYG 4x400m mixed relay record!

…Double gold for wonder girl, Tianna Springer

ByRawleToney

Malachi Austin, Javon

R o b e r t s , N a r i s s a McPherson, and Tianna Springer delivered an electrifying performance in the 4x400m Mixed Relay final, clinching not only the gold medal but also shattering the existing Commonwealth Youth GamesRecordfortheevent.

The Hasley Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, witnessed a fitting conclusion to the seventh e d i t i o n o f t h e Commonwealth Youth Games, as Guyana won the final event while breaking the previous record set by Australia.

In 2017, Australia established a new record of three minutes and 25 08 seconds in the Mixed 4x400mrelay

In 2023, Springer anchored Guyana to a new Games’ record time of 3:22.07,securingthegold.

England (3:22 29), narrowly trailing behind Guyana, also surpassed Australia’s2017recordtime, while Nigeria, victorious in the 4x100m mixed relay, secured the bronze in the 4x400mmixedrelayfinals.

This performance marked one of Guyana’s best showings at the Commonwealth Youth Gamessinceitsinceptionin 2000

Priortothe2023Games, Guyana had amassed three medals: two silvers in boxing and a bronze in squashwomen’sdoubles

However, during the seventh edition in Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s medal tally increased to four, with Springer’s exceptional performance in the women’s 400m earning Guyana’s first-ever gold medal

Hailing from Plaisance, the 15-year-old Springer clocked in at an impressive 53.55 seconds in the final to

wingold.

Narissa McPherson secured the one-three finish for Guyana in the women’s 400m, claiming third place withatimeof54.82seconds.

Meanwhile,Austin, who enjoyed a fruitful competition, achieved a Personal Best of 47 97 seconds in the Men’s 400m, securing a commendable secondplaceinthefinals.

BothSpringerandAustin alsoparticipatedinthe200m events, with Austin achieving another Personal Best (22 27 seconds) However,hedidnotadvance totheevent’sfinal.

On the other hand, Springer, after clocking 24.39 seconds in her semifinalrun,wasdisqualifiedin thefinalduetoafalsestart.

Roberts, a key member of Guyana’s historic gold medal-winning Mixed Relays 4x400m team, alongsideAttoyaHarvey,did not make it to the finals of their respective 800m and

1500mevents.

Harvey’s personal best time of 4:45.10 in the women’s 1500m finals placedherin11thposition.

Roberts, the 800m

C A R I F TA G a m e s Champion, with a personal best time of 1:55.69 in the Men’s 800m, secured fifth

place in the qualifying rounds in Trinidad and Tobago.

TheTrackathletes (Continedonpage22)

ECB Chairman of Cricket Competitions lauds GCB Academy, return of cricket for developing its 4 national U13 players

EssequiboCricketBoard (ECB) Chairman of Cricket Competitions, Kumar Das hailed the efforts of the 4 young Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Academy players,whoexcelledaspart of the Guyana U13 team, citing their potential as limitless.

All-rounder Ethan Silas, Makayah Holmes the only player from Moruca, Bhomesh Lall from

Wakenaam and wicketkeeper/batsman Justin Dowlin also of Wakenaam, all played key roles in Guyana’s success on tour of Trinidad & Tobago where theydefeatedthehosts3-0in the Invitational 40-over Bilateralseries.

Das pointed out that the return to cricket in the County, backed by the opening of the GCB Academiesacrossthespread of Essequibo, played huge roles in developing and shapingtheyoungplayersat

arapidpace.

The 4 Essequibians had good showings at the Silas U13 Pathway, sponsored by the parents of Ethan, which was aided by the Republic

Bank 5FORFUN cricket initiative which allowed moreyouthstobeopentothe sport and join up with the academies.

Those activities served

asgoodtrainingaheadofthe GCB UI13 Inter-county whichfurtherhelpedthemto evolve ahead of the recently concluded Bilateral U13 tourney. Regarding the

feedback from theAcademy personnel within the Academies and from across the cricket zones in Essequibo, Dasnotedthatthe Progression has so far been tremendous.

“I think at this age the players are really excited and hungry to play cricket but there’sstillmoretodo It’sgood thattheyhaveafairchanceand opportunity to develop as part of the Academy which helped them to be well prepared for the U13 series, both physically and mentally.”

He said another good areas outside of the performance on-field, was thedisciplinetheyoungcore exhibitedontour,something hesaidhasbeenakeyaspect oftheAcademies.

“Intheacademywehave the coaches and various training personnel who are working diligently with these youngsters in order to buildtheirmentaloutlookas

well as instill that fearless mentality, which they have been displaying as of recent,”hesaid.

Das credited the likes of Holmes; the young Morucan who he said has made one of the biggest jumps, having never bowled a ball before enteringtheAcademy

He said the all-rounder is one of the most naturally talented players in the county and one of the leading young stars from the Moruca Community

In closing, he indicated thattheECBplanstorollout a huge intense training schedule which will fall neatlyalongsidethegoalsof theAcademy

He said every month, a select group of academy stalwartswillbeplacedonan additional year training plan whichwillpushthemU13to U17 and further allow coaches to monitor and evaluate these players on a personallevel.

Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman of Cricket Competitions, Kumar Das (first from right) alongside coaches and ECB executives.

Historic trio! Golden Girl, Tianna Springer (centre), flanked 400m silver medallist MalachiAustin and 400m bronze medallist Narissa McPherson.

GCB President meets National under-17 players as encampment ends

OnWednesdayafternoon the Guyana Cricket Board ( G C B ) P r e s i d e n t , Bissoondyal Singh, visited thenationalunder-17teamat the hostel. The team had their final session Wednesday as the team completed preparations for the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Regional Under-17

Tournament scheduled for August 11 to September 1, 2023, in Trinidad and Tobago(TT).

Intheshortmeetingheld, Singh met with the players and management where he encouraged the group to be inspired by the Guyana under-13 team that returned witha2-0seriesvictoryover their TT counterparts. The

England’s James gets two-match ban for stamp and red card v Nigeria

(Reuters) - Lauren James has been handed a two-matchbanforstamping on Nigeria player Michelle Alozie, meaning James will miss England’s Women’s World Cup quarter-final tie against Colombia, world soccergoverningbodyFIFA saidyesterday.

James, England’s top scorer at the tournament with three goals, received a red card for a bad-tempered stamp on Alozie’s back in

the87thminuteofMonday’s game The 21-year-old Chelsea player, who will also miss the semi-final if England qualify for the last four, apologised for the incidentonTuesday. Englandwerereducedto 10playersformorethanhalf an hour but went on to beat Nigeriainapenaltyshootout after the match ended 0-0 followingextratime.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a

victorious under-13 squad stopped by the hostel proudly displaying their hard-earned trophies to the GCB President and the under-17 boys before returning to their respective counties.

The GCB held a 12-day training camp for the national under-17 team wheretheyplayedtwo2-day

practice matches and a 50overs match Under the guidance of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Level 2 coach Quasen Nedd and Neil Rudder, who was a member of the discipline force, the team underwent intense training sessions in mostly favorable weather conditions unlike the rainy weatheralltheothernational

teams experienced during their encampment period prior to their respective tournaments.

This preparation should make for a prepared and confident unit seeking to becomethefirstteamtowin the regional under-17 tournament This year’s regional under-17 tournamentwillhavea2-day

format as well as a 50-overs format.

The GCB President handed over cricket equipment to some of the playersafterthemeeting.He closedbygivingtheteamhis full support and encouraged them to do their best as the GCB and Guyana are confident they can return as champions.

two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James...,” FIFA said in a statement.

“The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture followingthat.”

England face Colombia tomorrow, Saturday The Football Association (FA) declined to comment on the suspension.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Paul claims historic silver medal at UCI World C/ships

SportsMax - Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Paul madehistoryonMondayby winning the silver medal in the men’s sprint final at the UCIWorldChampionships.

Paul, 24, became the mostdecoratedcyclistinhis country’s history with the achievement, surpassing the previousrecordofonesilver medal set by Roger Gibbon in1967.

Paul lost the final to Olympic champion Harrie L

consecutiverides.Inthefirst ride, Paul started from the front and made an early move, but Lavreysen was able to come back and edge him out at the line. The secondridewasnotasclose, asPaulmadeaslightmistake that allowed Lavreysen to

Despite the loss, Paul’s silver medal is a major accomplishment for the youngcyclist.Heisnowthe only person from Trinidad and Tobago to have won a medal at the UCI World Championships, and he is one of only a handful of ridersfromtheCaribbeanto haveachievedthefeat.

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh (seated left) during his meeting with the U-17 team.

Lauren James was sent off for stamping on Nigeria’s MichelleAlozie in the last 16. (FIFAvia Getty Images)

Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Paul in action.