Kaieteur News

Somaya Richards Dead: Supreme Richards

Bharrat Jagdeo

Trotman said he felt “discomfort”

F o r m e r N a t u r a l Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman has provided greater insight into the circumstances that led to the signing of the internationally condemned Stabroek Block Production SharingAgreement(PSA).

In his latest book titled, 'FromDestinytoProsperity,' Trotman alluded that there was a high degree of pressurefromExxonMobil's topbrasstosignthecontract, now regarded by some stakeholders as the worst in the oil industry. The former minister said specifically in thebookthathefeltadegree of discomfort prior to signing.

In the publication, Trotman said the former APNU+AFC Cabinet had approved the signing of the revised PSA in June 2016. While the actual draft was not presented before Cabinet, he said the Cabinet Memo contained a brief on all of the main clauses that required approval. Despite

Cabinet's approval,Trotman wrote that there was a delay in moving to sign. He didn't indicate what were the reasonsforthedelay

He said, “The Legal Officer and I harboured some discomfort about signing.Thisdidnotseemto go down well with Exxon's top-brass, so much so, that later in June, a delegation, led by a Vice-President arrived in Guyana for meetings with the President. The meeting was held in June, 2016, and I was one of theMinisterspresent.”

Trotman added, “Suffice tosaythatafterthatmeeting, I left with the clear belief and understanding that the signing of the agreement must be proceeded with forthwith. Thus, the date of June 27, 2016, was earmarked for signing in Georgetown,Guyana.”

The former minister said the signing took place in Guyana on the evening of June 27, 2016, and in the presence of representatives

of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Hess, China National Offshore Oil Co., and Sir Shridath Ramphal who was designated by both the Government of Guyana and Exxon, Hess and CNOOC to be the "keeper" of the Bridging Agreement. That infamous bridging agreement or bridging deed was what paved the way for the 2016 contract to be

extended without Exxon having to relinquish any portion of the Stabroek Block. The deed was also keep secret for some time, only leaked to the media four years after the signing ofthecontract.

TrotmansaidMr Rashid Mohamed, Registrar of the Supreme Court was also in attendance and was the one who sealed and certified the documents. Trotman said, “There was never any secret and clandestine signing of the agreement in Houston, Texasasalleged.”

Trotman has now, in his book, pledged support for t h e c o n t r a c t t o b e renegotiated.However,Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who has rejected calls for a better deal at everyturn,hasindicatedthat thegovernmentisunfazed.

South Ruimveldt youth killed in Mandela Avenue accident

Twenty-year-old Joshua Blackett of Lot 568 Toucan Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown on Thursday lost his life after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a motorcar on MandelaAvenue.

The accident occurred just around 22:00hrs in the vicinity of Space Gym and theBotanicalGardens.

Eighteen-year-old Natasha Mc Kenzie, the pillion rider was also injured in the accident which involved motorcar PNN 9458 driven by 40-year-old Marvin Williams of Lot 249 Grove Squatting Area, East BankDemerara(EBD).

According to the police, Williams alleged that he was heading north along the western drive of Mandela Avenue, when he observed the motorcycle heading south along the eastern drive laneoftheroadatafastrate.

He reported that while in the vicinity of Space Gym the motorcycle started to skid on its side from the eastern drive lane and ended up into his path, causing the collision.

As a result of the collision, the pillion rider and cyclist fell onto the roadway where they received injuries about their bodies The Emergency

Medical Service (EMS) staffed by an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a doctor, were summoned to the scene and pronounced Blackett dead. His body was then transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for storageandisawaitingapost mortemexamination.

Meanwhile, McKenzie waspickedupbytheEMSin a conscious condition and t r a n s p o r t e d t o t h e Georgetown Public Hospital where she was examined by adoctorwhotreatedher She w a s s u b s e q u e n t l y discharged.

Police said a notice of Intended Prosecution was served on the driver of the motorcarafterabreathalyzer test was conducted on him which found no trace of alcoholinhissystem.

An investigation has sincebeenlaunched.

Motorcyclist, Joshua Blackett

before signing worst oil deal in the world - said his hesitancy didn't go down well with Exxon

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

Jagdeo refusing to renegotiate Exxon contract on 11B barrels but condemns Coalition for not demanding more from 3B in 2016

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

on Thursday told reporters during an interview at the Arthur Chung Conference Center that the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU + AFC)

Coalition had a great bargaining chip in its possession- some three billionbarrelsofoil-touseto its advantage to secure a better deal from ExxonMobil when it inked the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) in 2016. Instead, he argues that the administration inked an egregiouscontractthatitnow wantsrenegotiated.

With a growing number of oil discoveries in the lucrative Stabroek Block, Guyanese and international experts have all been calling ongovernmenttorenegotiate the deal to secure more benefits for Guyana and its people, since the contract mostly favours ExxonMobil anditsco-venturers.

When the Coalition government signed the contract, two discoveries were made totaling approximately three billion

barrels of oil. To date, over eight billion barrels more have been found offshore in the 26,800 square kilometers block, increasing Guyana's total proven reserves to over 11billionbarrelsofoil.

D e s p i t e t h i s development, Jagdeo maintains that the contract willnotberenegotiated.

On Thursday, he told selected reporters during an interview that when he saw the Exxon contract initially, he met with the then Head of State, David Granger to expresshisdisdain.

Jagdeo noted that when formerPresident,JanetJagan signed the exploration agreement in 2019, the government was desperately trying to get investors to explore so “practically we were prepared to give everything”.

Meanwhile, he said when the Coalition inked the deal with Exxon three billion barrels of oil was already discovered in the Stabroek Block.

As such, the Vice Presidentsaid,“Theyhadthe bargaining tool, greater bargaining tool at that time andtheydidn'tleverageit.”

While the VP has condemned the now Opposition party for failing to leverage its bargaining power to get more for the Guyanese people from the Stabroek Block deal, the People's Progressive Party has done no different. With an increase of more th n eight billion barrels of proven reserves, the incumbent administration is bent on keeping the existing lopsided arrangement in place.

Infact,Jagdeoreaffirmed this during his interaction with the reporters on Thursday

He explained that while the PPP was not comfortable with the royalty rate for instance in the 2016 PSA, it has moved to address this in the new model oil contracts being finalized to govern future production areas offshoreGuyana.

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael T r o t m a n w h o w a s

responsible for signing the contractonbehalfofthestate recently expressed the view that the oil contract can be renegotiated.

Trotman in a new book titled 'From Destiny to Prosperity' said, “The demand for renegotiation of the Exxon “contract” continues unabated, and my own view is that no contract isinviolable,andtherefore,it c a n b e renegotiated undoubtedly, if Guyana, as a sovereign state wishes to renegotiate the contract to get “better” terms, then I would support suchaninitiative.”

Trotman is known across Guyana and wider afield as the citizen who signed away Guyana's vast riches by binding the country to the abusive provisions of the PSAwith ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation and CNOOC. The contract was signed by the then Minister with responsibility for Natural Resources on October 27,

2016.

In that agreement, Guyana accepted a two percent royalty on its sweet lightcrudeandagreedforthe oil companies to take 75 percent of the revenue towards the recovery of costs fortheirinvestment.

The remaining 25 percentisthensharedequally between the parties guaranteeing Guyana a 12.5 percentshare.

WhenTrotmansignedthe PSA, he also agreed to waive all taxes for the oil

companies, forfeiting billions of US-dollars in revenueforthecountry

Besides the fiscal terms, thecountryhasalsoagreedto a number of other provisions extending an upper hand to the oil companies in the administration of the sector For instance, the PSAshields the oil companies from the passage of new legislation thatcanaffecttheirrevenues. Transparency advocate, Dr Yog Mahadeo had equated this as a mockery of the country'sConstitution.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Guyana.

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

OPPOSITION LEADER NORTON – A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Opposition Leader, Mr Aubrey Norton, cuts a lonelier and lonelier figure nowadays. He standsasmanandleaderthatisincreasinglyout ofstep,amanoutofhisdepth,evenoneoutofplace,with theburningissuesoftheday Thatis,whenhedoesstandfor anythingatall. Wedonothavetheluxuryoffeelingsorry for the Opposition Leader because so much is at stake, so manyGuyanesearelimpingaroundwounded,somanylive withtheagonyofdashedexpectations.

Thoughithasbeensaidathousandtimes,onemoretime will not hurt, it will only reinforce what is settled truth. Guyana needs a political opposition of substance, of presence,andofresonance. Sadtosay,asdifficultasitisto swallow, the Guyanese people do not have an opposition possessingthevibrantstrainsneededtoday Theopposition isfloating,feelingitsway,comingacrossasdeeplydivided. Itislostrelativetowhatcouldbegamechanginginthelives ofhopefulGuyanese,themanywhoareleftbehind.

Hopeful Guyanese go beyond opposition supporters because today there numerous citizens who are disappointed and disillusioned at how the PPPC Government has managed the nation’s oil patrimony Guyanese look for an alternative that can be believed, and they come up empty-handed. Because the political oppositionismissinginpowerfulaction. AstheLeaderof the Opposition goes, so does the opposition itself, for the mostpart. TheconcernisthatOppositionLeaderNortonis goingnowhere,evenintheplacesthatshouldcherishhim, embracehimwithopenarms.

Mr.NortonwenttoLindenintheaftermathoftheLocal Government Elections results, and he was the loneliest of figures. He stood in isolation, whether by choice or the distancing of his comrades, his friends, neighbours, and residentsfromtheplaceofhisroots. Ifthehometownsonis giventhistreatmentintheplacefromwhichhehails,thenit doesnottakemuchtoappreciatehowpoorlyhefareswith therestofGuyanese,particularlythosewhoaresicktotheir stomachswiththeliesandfraudsofthePPPCGovernment.

Also,Mr Nortonkeepsprioritizingthe2020elections, and what occurred through the tricks and sharpness of the thenPPPCOpposition. Fortherehewasproudlycarrying hisplacardtodrawattentiontothefrauds,asclaimed,ofthe PPPCin2020. Itisnearlythreeyearssincethattraumatic timeofdelaysandseriousmisconductbyofficialslinkedto the then-APNU+AFC Coalition Government, and Mr Nortonisprotestingpublicly Sincethatisahighlyprized priorityforhim,wecanonlylookoninsorrowatwhatthe Oppositionhascometo,whenthereisadifferentrealitythat mocksitsactions.

What Mr Norton should know is that the frauds of his own group that were publicized before the world has set backhisparty’ssupportersfirst,andtherestofGuyananext, by a good 50 years. Sincere and thoughtful people in his ownPNCRgroupcametothatconclusionalongtimeago. But the Opposition Leader persists with this wild goose chase of his, which leads nowhere, other than to take the Guyanesepeoplefurtherdownthedrain.

WedonotwantOppositionLeaderNortontoprioritize what we prioritize. But unless he understands that this nation’s oil is the key to individual, group, and collective prosperity, then he is even more lost that we could ever think. If he cannot concentrate his mind to come to grips withthefactthatallthethingsthatheholdsclose(cost-ofliving, elections, and so on) live and die with the grand oil endowmentthatisGuyana’s,thenheisthewrongmaninthe wrongplaceatthewrongtimefightingthewrongbattles.

Theplightoftheoppositionisitsbusiness. Butbecause anopposition(andleader)ofdepthandstrengthcouldmake so much of a difference for Guyana, then that is our business. ThePPPCisonaroll,Mr Nortoneitherfindshis feet and head, or he risks being trampled upon, becoming partofthewashofGuyanesehistory

Guyana Police Force does not convey an impressive, disciplined picture

DEAREDITOR,

I was watching the evening news recently and sawmembersoftheGuyana Police Force marching. It was truly an embarrassment to the Force when one considers how poorly the police marched and how unfit the officers looked.

This showed a clear indication of the lack of preparedness of the GPF Eventheschoolchildrenthat participated in the People’s Parade in previous years where they marched for the President and his senior officials showed better preparationanddiscipline.It used to be said that ‘OnlyA Disciplined People Can Build A Nation’. Given the currenthighlevelofcrimein thecountry,wecanconclude thattheGPFneedstoregain its strength and discipline. Corruptionhasweakenedits very foundations “The Mission of the Guyana Police Force and its Auxiliaries is to serve all citizens and communities of

Guyana in a professional, pro-active and accountable manner” The taking of bribes is unprofessional to say the least, and the lack of accountability within the GPF has allowed the corruption to spread throughouttheforce.

TheAimoftheGPF:

“7. Building a Police Force that through the correcttraining,accesstothe right equipment and technologies and adherence tostandardswillbetterserve thepeopleofGuyana”.

Lack of proper training andnotadheringtothebasic standards of performance is also reflected in the GPF’s inability to better serve our people Each regional commander should be required to participate in an annual parade of his or her regional division as part of an annual evaluation of the GPF’s level of training effectiveness and internal discipline. Financial audits of its leaders and the effectiveness of crime

prevention should also be used continuously to improve the performance of the force. The low presence of officers on the roads will only get worse if a six-story building is built to house them. It would be better to spend the funds to establish and staff police outposts in each community Crime prevention is more effective if the officers are in the communities where the crimehasbeenoccurring.

They were given equipment by the Chinese andtheresultwasnumerous road accidents and the lack ofcareforthehard-to-comeby equipment. The inability ofpoliceofficerstomaintain controlofsomethingasbasic asourroadsisaveryvisible indicator of the urgent improvementneeded.

When our citizens see that the minibuses are no longer speeding and there is order and reduced noise comingfromthissegmentof the transportation system, wewillknowthattheGPFis

headed in the correct direction.Itisdifficultforan officer to be respected by a busconductororabusdriver ifofficersaretakingbribesto turntheotherwayasthelaws are broken When “lef something”isaphraseofthe past, maybe then these individuals will fear the policeandthinktwicebefore attempting to raise their handstoassaultanofficerof The Force. Remember the phrase “You can’t be wrong andstrong”.Letitguideyou in your decisions A significant reduction in crimeisneeded,andtheGPF must start by improving the accountability and internal discipline of its members. It isimportantthattheMinistry of Home Affairs and the leadershipoftheGPFjointly come up with a strategy that willhelptheGPFimproveits performanceandreputation. Withconcern,

Mr.JamilChanglee Chairman

T h e C o o p e r a t i v e RepublicansofGuyana

DPPoffice looks shabby from its failures

DEAREDITOR, Guyaneseresidinginand out of the country are extremely disappointed in PresidentIrfaanAli’srag-tag handling of the minister’s case.

This accusation presents the president with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that he is the real president, and prove to the electorate that he is in chargeandisamanofstature and decisiveness. Sadly, this has not happened, because he was instructed by the honcho and de facto president not to dismiss the allegedchildpredatorwhois hisconfidant. Thiscameon the heels of the disgraced Indian High Commissioner, Charrandass Persaud, who wasrecalledimmediatelyfor his vulgar behavior without any inquiry because as he said, he is not a member of the PPP However, the socalledpresidenthasnotonly called for an inquiry in the alleged rape case, but he allowed the alleged child predator to be released from duty on his own terms. This is the kind of inappropriate and unbecoming behavior that has emanated from the highestechelonsofpowerat StateHouseandtheofficeof the President. It is shameful and regrettable The socalled Head of State is

running the affairs of the country under the directive of the honcho and de facto president, which is like running a cake or rum shop. The so-called President has failed a simple test of leadership on several occasions The entire country awaits the response from the Director of Public Prosecutions as to whether charges will be filed, and if so what type of charges. Manybelievedthattheoffice of the DPP is compromised and as such they did not expectanyseriouschargesto be filed against this alleged

offender Itisknownthatthe DPP office has bungled numerous cases, notably the trial of two murderers accused of killing the Leonora teenager Neesa Gopaul.

Murder accused Jarvis Small is now a free man because the DPP office bungled the case. Abundant evidenceexistsofnumerous (pre-meditated) murderers who were offered plea deals of the lesser charge of manslaughterwhichallowed them to have lesser sentences.

Many attorneys and law

firmshaverefusedtodefend thisshameful,offensive,and disgusting Minister, however, the sworn enemy of the honcho and de facto president who vowed never toawardhimtheprestigious title of senior counsel took the case. As a result, the Amerindian community and many female organizations have condemned the attorney who they claimed should be ostracized from the Amerindian and AfroGuyanesecommunities. Yourstruly, L e y l a n d C h i t l a l l Roopnaraine

DEVELOPMENT HASA COST, CAN BE DISRUPTIVE

DEAREDITOR,

As pointed out by VicePresidentDr BharratJagdeo during his recent meeting with vendors at Plaisance, development is not altogethersmoothbutcomes withacost.

This cost is not only financial,butalsobywayof temporary disruptions to people in terms of their accustomed lifestyles and in some cases livelihoods These are developmental pains which all societies are faced with as they seek to modernize and upgrade the

quality of life of their citizens.

The construction of a four-lane road along the old railwaylineisundoubtedlya major development that will bring huge benefits not only tocommutersbuttoallthose who live along the once railwayembankment.

For one, it will significantly raise the real estatevalueofproperties,not to mention the aesthetical changes that such major developments bring with them.

The Vice-President must

be commended for meeting with the vendors and listeningtotheirconcerns.

The construction of the four-lane road currently underway at Ogle, when completed,willlinktheEast Coast Demerara with that of the East Bank Demerara. This road, along with the upgrading of the existing railway road will considerably enhance the road landscape, bringing much relief to commuters andthesocietyasawhole.

Faithfullyyours, HydarAlly

Firstthingsfirstmentalhealthprioritized

DEAREDITOR,

Evenasmanyareranting about a Commission of Inquiry into the recent Mahdia school fire, our government must be lauded for its ‘first things first’ approachinthisregard.

Ispeakhereinrelationto the “Mental health training (that was) conducted with Mount Sinai University,” as itseeksto“…toimprovethe mental health services provided to vulnerable communities…” The joint media reports detailed that the exercise was a collaboration of the Health Ministry’s Mental Health Unit and the New Yorkbased Icahn School of MedicineatMountSinaiand it was dubbed ‘train-thetrainers’ Disaster Mental Health Training, for participants from various communities across Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni)

Right off the bat, I am compelled to thank the organisers for this event, as mental health is quite a challengeglobally

Editor, in general, over thepastfewyears,it’sfairto say that most people still don’t have a true understanding of just how big,onerous,andpotentially damagingthe‘mentalcrisis’ really is, on both a societal andpersonallevel.

The numbers simply don’t lie. According to the World Health Organization, around 450 million people currently struggle with mental illness, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide.

JustImagine!!!!

In Canada, a highly developed country, it affects more than 6.7 million. In fact, one in two Canadians have, or have had, a mental illnessbythetimetheyreach 40years.

Alarming statistics like thisonlyunderscoretheneed for governments to get involved in one way or another

According to Health Minister,DrFrankAnthony, this training will help

Kibwe Copeland is the man for Georgetown

healthcare workers in the area to be better able to identify challenges that patients may have, and refer themtoprofessionaldoctors, so that they can get the necessary care needed. As we all know, early detection of health issues precludes majordisasters.

The second thing on my mindisthatinthelightofthe recent Mahdia school fire, the repercussions, mentally, can indeed take a heavy toll on families and community members, and Guyana must actaccordingly

Thus, the government is right in taking the initiative, dispatching several mental health teams in the Region Eight surroundings, where theyareofferingcounselling andmentalhealthassistance.

These local teams comprisepsychiatrists,child psychologists, counsellors andsocialworkers,andthey were supported by specialised counsellors hailing from Mount Sinai, Southcom Health Clinic, Northwell Health, and the Pan American Health Organization(PAHO).

Finally,letmeemphasize that all forms of mental illnesses overall are quite costly to society, as they form the leading causes of disabilityinmanyregionsof the world, preventing a host of people from attending to basicdutiessuchasworkand studies.

In fact, it gets worse, as we think of the reality that thecostthatdisabilityleaves (asaresultofmentalillness) is about double the cost due tophysicalillness.

At the personal level,

many of us do not think of mental illness as something wecandiefrom(inthesame way that people die from cancer, heart disease or diabetes), yet the interrelationship between addictions and other forms of mental illness, and their connection to physical health,isundeniable.

Just look at these findings:

The World Health Organization estimates one persondiesbysuicideevery 40 seconds; People with mood disorders are at much higher risk of developing a long-term medical condition; People with mental illness are two times more likely to have a substance use problem versus the general population; and People with mental illness and addiction are more likely to die prematurely versus the general population. Need I goon?

So then, let us rally around the Health Minister, Dr Anthony, who disclosed that telemedicine services are now being offered in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) communities to improve the level of care availabletoresidents.

He stated that “In the affected villages, telemedicine capabilities have been installed to improve and deliver an expanded level of care to those communities It’s a longroadtohealing,andwe musttakethenecessarysteps towards prevention and control.

Yourstruly, HBSingh

DEAREDITOR, We cannot bring down thedictatorshipifopposition politicianscontinuethesame culture that kept us out of power for twenty-three years. Some of us did not havethevoice,platformand prominence back then to make a significant indentation with regard to pronouncing on the things that matter in opposition politics. That has changed now Leaders were allowed to make any old decisions thatsuitedtheiregoandtheir convenience. I am stating that culture must end under the people’s watch The power to decide belongs to our supporters and constituents Whatever decisions we make in the placement of local leaders must inevitably benefit the struggle to see regime change. A woman accosted me at this year ’s Independence celebrations

inLondonandlamentedthat everyemphasisinmypublic advocacy has to do with “Linden, Linden, Linden!”

She said, “We follow you from all across Guyana but like Linden is the whole of Guyana ” She was completely wrong in her comment, but I understood where she came from I cannot exaggerate the number of calls and messages I received from our supporters in Georgetown and the US asking to advocate strongly for Kibwe Copeland to become the next Mayor of Georgetown The people seemtohavetheirmindsset on that hardworking, dedicated and passionate youngpoliticianthatthePPP is very afraid of and wants nothingtodowith.Copeland is one of our emerging leaders that will be uncompromising with the dictatorship. His passion is

service to the people. He is one of our young Turks that will deliver, and he is impenetrable; he cannot be compromised or bought Such young vanguards must bewellplacedandequipped that they will take 2025 and give it to the Guyanese people as the dictatorship comestumblingdown.

The people (our constituents and supporters) have their minds made up that Kibwe Copeland has to be the next Mayor of Georgetown.Who are we to ignore and slight the very people we are tasked to represent? In my activism, I will never work against the wishes of our supporters especially when their call is right and exact and with merit. Do not close the door onCopeland!

Sincerelyyours,

NormanBrowne Social and Political Activist

Plaisance residents not supportive of road project

DEAREDITOR,

The video, circulating (GDN June 29) with the ministermeetingresidentsof an ECD village on the planned road expansion project (this should have been done prior to notice beingdelivered),followinga meetingwith a high ranking official, depicts clearly the residents are not supportive or enthused by the project. Their general response at best is lackluster and supports the perception that

themovetoremovevendors hasstarted,

They see the road expansion as disruptive, a nuisance really, to their set and settled way of life and have not bought into the vision that the road expansion is part of the development thrust

countrywide.Unlesstheydo, then the project will hit barriers, aided and abetted by forces bent on ensuring the status quo remains the same. Development always comes with this kind of slantedview.

Yourstruly, ShamshunMohamed

Listening to the ones from before

DEAREDITOR, Grandma’ssayings

You can search the internetallday

Read every fat book you need to fetch in a wheelbarrow

Listen to every teacher and stare at every grim blackboard, until your eyes protest withwaterandfire.

But Grandma’s advice that adorned our days and nights, shines through them all likethebrightNorthStar

It’sadifferentworld,but Grandma’s sayings still ring true, liketheplayfulnessofthe Atlanticandthesilenceinits depths.

Grandma had a saying foreverythingunderthesun.

ButthenIwasyoungand itwasallfun,andknewlittle of the worth of Grandma’s sagaciousadvice.

Sometimes they come into my mind like the splendidsunshine, and then sometimes like thespringingofaleopard—

Tread with caution PresidentAli

awarning,ahintlestIbe takenbythewilywaysofthe world.

Theystillregalemyheart andmindlikerichredwine, and who would dare to scornwhatGrandmasaid.

While she fed the needle withthelongbluethread:

“one ounce of prevention better than a poundofcure.

don’t hang your hat where your hand cannot reach.

Younevermissthewater tillthewellrunsdry

What sweet ah goat mouthdoessourhebackside.

Easysnakedoesbitehot.

Moon ah run till day ketcham.

Can’tsuckcaneandblow whistle.

Every skin teeth, is no laugh.

Na tek yuh mattee eye fuhsee.

What you see daytime, don’t look fuh at night with firestick.”

Yourssincerely,

Haimnauth Cecil

Ramkirath

DEAREDITOR, His Excellency the President recently told the nation of his exploits and benefits to the nation in the important area of Foreign Affairs. We were told that over time he has met with sixty Heads of State. This is laudableandimpressive.

However, examining relations with our three neighbors,ofwhichwehave borders, Venezuela to the West,BraziltotheSouthand SurinametotheEastrequire considerable care and caution. His Excellency can bewelladvisedtosecurethe experience and wisdom of persons who understand the need to tread carefully in dealingwithourneighbors.

The criticism I make is for perhaps for parochial reasons or a fear to seek adviceoutsideofthecomfort zone of party faithfuls, no matterhowineptandhaving anarrowvisionourPresident is unwilling or unable to get overthisdebilitatinghurdle.

Inhisrecentproposalsto have the bridge across the Corentyne river to connect GuyanatoSuriname,Isense that our Government is unawareofthehistoryofthe two now independent territories and the lingering beliefsandattitudesextantto ourneighborstotheEast.

As a youngster, a member of the Queens College Troupe 27 Scouts, we hosted a Scouts Group from Suriname It was friendlyandwehadfunbutI recalledthattheScoutsfrom Suriname were satisfied.

However,therewasnodoubt in the mind of these Boy Scouts who came, that as they said the Corentyne River up to the high water markontheCorentyneCoast wastheirsasadvisedintheir history books by the Mother country Holland. Recall on August18,1969residentsof Suriname had been in occupationofanareaofland known as the New River Triangle and thanks to the braveryofPilots,RolandDa Silva, Michael Chan-a Sue, and Captain Jardine, newly independent Guyana was able to expel what we believedtobeintruders.

Eight months earlier, on the2ndofJanuary1969,the same pilots among others were able to put down what is now known as the Rupununi Uprising initiated by a group of Ranchers and trained for this adventure in Venezuelaforreasonswhich arenotobscure.Asaprimary schoolstudent,theeldestson of my Mother’s sister, Mrs. Racarvisited.Hisnamewas Roland Racar At the time I didn’t understand the significance when in speaking with my Mother, his Aunt, told us that being half Venezuelan and half Guyanese,hewasconcerned that we were not handing over part of Essequibo to Venezuela I remembered this as an adult and political figure, we had to grapple with this notion by Venezuela that all of Essequibowasnotours.

But back to President Ali’sbravadoaboutbuilding

a bridge to the East with the cooperation of Suriname Without settling with unambiguouslanguageisthe question of the Corentyne River It is true that in the case of Suriname, Guyana can muster a superior military force to Suriname, but notwithstanding the experience we’ve seen in Asia, Europe, Africa and other parts of the world. Bruteforcenowthatthereis the oil dimension ought not tobeanoptionforGuyana.

We’ve seen tribal, ethnic and other conflicts in Rwanda, Africa, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Pakistan and many others bring devastation, death and distress to citizens who on both sides of our rivers and borders should be able to enjoy the benefits of the Creator’s bounty President Ali and His Ministers of ForeignAffairsandWorks,if they truly care and understand, should tread with great care and perspicacity, seeking the advice of Guyanese at home and abroad with the necessary skill and maneuverability Iknowthat these announcements sound good and can excite Guyanesethatwecanhavea bridge so we can travel with ease to Suriname, Cayenne andpartsofBrazil.

You see Editor, the earlier examples that I gave aboutmychildhoodsuggests that succeeding generations, growingupinSurinameand Venezuela truly believe the narrative they heard and

attitudes ingested from childhood. These are not easy to change. What the Government ought also to recognise is that when Government changes in neighbouring countries, attitudes could change overnight.WithVenezuela,I am aware how the likes of Guyanese, Jai Narine Singh helped to ease tension between Guyana and VenezuelaandthatPresident Carlos Andres Perez, for whatever reason wished to findthemodusvivendi.

In Suriname if there is a changeofGovernment,who knows whether whoever is h e a d i n g t h a t n e w government would truly believe all of the Corentyne River up to the high water markistheirs,andthelogics wouldsuggestanybridge,no matter how high is it, would bethepreserveandproperty of the Government of Suriname.Itisnotnecessary for the purpose of this letter to deal with our borders and neighbours to the south and west, save as a nationalist and a patriot to advise PresidentAlitodotallthei’s and cross all the t’s before advancing on this bridge project.Ihopethatsomeone would listen and not believe that every observation of criticism made is seen as an act of hostility Many of us who make constructive criticism are because we wish to help and to make optimal use of our Godgivenresources.

HamiltonGreen Elder

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NUMBER 5 DONE, NUMBER 6 TO COME

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Guyana should just rubberstamp all these oil projects at the same time.

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Jagdeo should do away with the trickery and just make it official.

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Oil project number 6, number 7, and number whatever.

Just cease with the merry go round, and approve the projects.

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Like the Japanese CEO said, it’s just a formality.

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Guyanese should stop fooling themselves that Jagdeo fighting for them.

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School girl asks police to take

further action’ against Dharamlall

T h e 1 6 - y e a r - o l d Indigenous girl, who accused M i n i s t e r o f L o c a l Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall of raping her, has since informed police investigators that she no longer wish to continue with thematter

On Thursday, the D i r e c t o r o f P u b l i c Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, returned the police file on the rape allegations against the minister, instructing that r a n k s d o f u r t h e r investigationsintothematter

However, Kaieteur News understands that the child, who has been in protective custody for just over a week, told investigators that she no longer wants to proceed with thecase.

Notably, when contacted by this media entity, Crime ChiefWendellBlanhumsaid, “At this time, I am only able to confirm that the alleged victim has given a 'no further action statement' to investigators in the presence of one of her parents and a representativefromtheChild CareAgency

The [file] is currently being prepared to be sent to the DPP for further legal advice.”

However, in an interview with News Source, attorney Dexter Todd said the statement by the Crime Chief isunacceptable.Hesaid,“itis not impossible for her maybe because of the amount of

pressure and they have never at least respected her request which is to have her lawyers present or to be part or to be able to speak with her own lawyers.

A statement stating that she no longer wishes to proceedwiththematterisnot a recantation of her statement Therefore, the D i r e c t o r o f P u b l i c Prosecutions cannot act on that request because she has not gone through the process of identifying that the allegations made against the ministerwereinfactnottrue. If she does that, then the police have to charge her for making a false report and to the best of my knowledge, she never did recant her statement.”

Further, Todd said the DPP must go through a different process in relation to dealing with the matter “No child at 16-years-old should be under the pressure thatshehasbeenunder.”

Theattorneybelievesthat the statement issued by the crime chief is “very premature”.

He noted that the DPP should not act on the child's statement without a “proper psychological interview being done and report being submitted as to her state of mind.”

“It is clear that the girl is not comfortable in the circumstances in which they have her…these long, long interviews,lockingheraway She is tired of it. It is not

surprising that this is the step she has taken…it is an issue ofherstateofmind.”

Todd disclosed in the NewsSourceinterviewthata registered non-governmental organization with a mission to safeguard the physical and mental wellbeing of all children, had interviews with the teen Friday morning and the child never withdrew the statement.

“Actually what she was telling [the named entity] was that I am refusing to answer any more questions on the same issue. I am saying the same thing over again.”

He said the police involved a completely different group which was not involved prior to Friday afternoon. “At this point, this wastheboilingpointforher,” Todd said noting that “she is tiredofit”.

“What has happened is that this girl has been treated as the accused and the accused has been treated as the victim…this is a total reverse of how this thing operates for any rightthinking person. The type of pressure that this girl has come under, the type of interrogation, treatment by theState…nowonderthegirl breaks.”

The attorney said he was never allowed to meet the teen while she was being i n t e r v i e w e d b y t h e authorities “All attempts failed I know the state, throughtheSolicitorGeneral

USSecretaryofStateto visitGuyananextweek

Secretary of State of the United StatesofAmerica (U.S.), Anthony J. Blinken willbetravellingtoGuyana on July 6, 2023 after visiting Trinidad and Tobago on July 5. While in Guyana, Secretary Blinken will meet with President Irfaan Ali, Minister of ForeignAffairs Hugh Todd and other key members of Cabinet to discuss priority bilateral issues including food and energy security and decarbonisation, climate resilience, regional migration, and building localcapacity

A c c o r d i n g t o a statement issued by Matthew Miller, Blinken's s p o k e s p e r s o n , t h e

Secretary of State will participateintheCaribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government

t h meeting and its 50 Anniversarycelebration.

“Building on Vice President Harris's historic June 8 visit to The Bahamas, where she cohosted the U.S.-Caribbean LeadersMeeting,Secretary Blinken will engage on pressing issues in the r e g i o n w i t h t h e represented heads of governments, including Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, and incoming CARICOM Chair and Dominica Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.”

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

was to facilitate access to the victimandallattemptsfailed. No calls were going through. No calls at all were being accepted The amount of times I called the Solicitor General's office today to be given follow up on the arrangements he promised, would be put in place for the girl.Shekeptsayingthesame thing, 'I want to speak with theattorneys.'”

Late last night, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) i s s u e d a s t a t e m e n t condemning and cautioning against the peddling of misinformation on social mediaaboutwhatoccurredin thecase.

It was first stated that no police investigator made contact with the teen on Thursday to conduct any interview after the file was returnedbytheDPP

The GPF claimed that it was on Thursday when the girl informed her parents and an officer of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA)thatshedidnotwantto proceed with this matter any further Thereafter, it was stated that the teen girl and her parents then prepared a statementtoreflectthatsheis withdrawing her complaint. Notably, the Police said that no investigator was a part of thisprocess.

The statement was then delivered to the DPP's Chambers by a parent of the teen, another copy was then deliveredtothePolice.

Itwasexplainedthatonly after receipt of that statement did investigators meet with the teen, her parents and an officerfromCPA.

“At that time, the Virtual Complainant (alleged victim),inthepresenceofher parent and the Childcare official, informed the investigators that she was withdrawing her complaint against Minister Nigel Dharamlall and that she was doing so without anyone forcinghertodosoandofher own free will,” the Police disclosed.

It was stated too that a video recording was made of the teen expressing her wishes. Notably, the Police underscored that every process of the child withdrawing her allegation was done in the presence of her parents and the CPA officer

Giventhis,thePolicesaid the next step will be to send back the file to the DPP for legaladvice.

Moreover, it was stated that, “For emphasis, it must be reiterated that at no time whatsoever, was the Virtual Complainant [alleged victim] interviewed and reinterviewed to exhaustion as isalleged.”

The GPF expressed concerns over the fact that confidential information surrounding the interview, that was conducted by an N o n - G o v e r n m e n t a l Organization, was disclosed to several persons who published details of same on socialmedia.

To this, the Police said, “ T h i s i s a s e r i o u s development which can undermine criminal investigations resulting in serious miscarriages of justice.”

This publication had reported that in a letter to

President Irfaan Ali, the teen girl shared gruesome details about how she was allegedly groomed and later raped by theminister

In her letter, she pleaded with President Ali, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and relevant authorities to look into the matter

According to the letter seen by this publication, the girl first met the minister at an event last year, when she was 15-years-old. She said she was raped three months after meeting the minister and at that time, she was 16years-old. She disclosed in the letter that after continuouslyharassingherto meet up with him, she eventuallyagreedtomeetthe minister The teen said this is when the minister allegedly raped and sodomised her before handing her a sum of money

Following the official report made to the police by the teen girl in the company of an officer from the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA), Minister Dharamlall w a s a r r e s t e d a n d subsequently released on $1Mbail.

Amid calls and protest by civil society for Dharamlall to be sacked, President Ali announced that the rape accused has proceeded on administrative leave to allow for a full probe into the allegations. Moreover, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent interview said that if the rape allegations levelled against Minister Dharamlall are true, the minister would have to face the consequences Jagdeo also stated that while he hopes the allegations are not true, neither the party nor the government “will put its neck on a block for anyone.” Forhispart,thepresidenthad stated that he spoke to the minister who denied the allegations However, he said, “no one will be held unaccountable.”

Man found dead trench at Sophia

Secretary of State of the United States of America

Anthony J. Blinken

(Aurelien Meunier / Getty Images)

An unidentified man was on Friday found dead in a trench at Sophia, Georgetownwithasurgicalbandage wrappedaroundhishead.

Police said that the discovery was made around10:00hrsattheintersectionofDennis StreetandB-FieldSophia.

The dead man appeared to be of East

Indian descent and was clad in a black-andwhitestripedjerseywithlongkhakipants. Police intends to review footage from security cameras in the area and have already questioned several persons in their ongoing investigation to find what happened to the man that resulted in his death.

DATA ALSO HAS ITS PROBLEMS

An interesting letter appeared in the Stabroek News of 14th June 2023. Surprisingly, no one has commented on the contents ofthatletter

The letter writer, Keith Bernard,madethefollowing statement in his letter: “We live in an age where information or data is king, and chicanery and gerrymandering no longer work to convince the citizenry that party loyalty based on race and ethnicity are the key to their prosperity The solution is real politicking that is the crunchingofdatatocreatea focus agenda for all peoples atagranularlevel.”

It is true that today information is considered as king as evident in the emphasizingbeingplacedon data-drive policies and decisions in various aspects of life from personal decisions to corporate and political decision-making

However, when it comes to politics there are drawbacks on relying solely on datadrivenpoliticaldecisions

One of the obvious advantages of relaying on a data-driven approach is that it allows for more objective decision making. When a politiciancanpointtodatato support his decisions, it would be hard for his opponents to criticism his decision as being tainted by ethnic, political or partisan favoritism.

Agoodexampleofthisis whenthedecisionwastaken to build the Berbice River Bridgeatitspresentlocation. There was criticism that it

should have been built further upriver There was thesuggestionthatthesiting of the bridge was meant to bypass the predominantly African town of New Amsterdam. However when the numbers were produced whichshowedwhatitwould have cost in terms of building access roads, those criticisms evaporated. They did not stand a chance because of the data-driven decision as to where to site thebridge.

Guyanese bureaucrats have an aversion to data collection Even when it comes to simple data as to how many passports are processed each day and the residencesofthoseapplying, this data is treated as confidential,ifatallitisever collected.

Another advantages is that by analyzing data sets, policymakers can identify patterns, trends, and correlations that might otherwise go unnoticed and thatcouldhelpthemtomake informed decisions that are grounded in objective facts ratherthanopinions.

ThePresidentofGuyana is going around to communities in order to understandandtorespondto the problems residents face. But the President cannot possibly visit all communities and solve all the problems of every community A much better approachwouldbeforadata collection exercise to be undertaken in every community to identify needs. The data can then be crunched thereby giving the

Dem Boys Seh...

government a richer understanding of the problemsfacedbycitizensin various communities. This will allow for a much better response to the problems of communities.

But data also has its limitations Data alone cannot capture the complexity of human experiences, emotions, and values. Relying solely on data might lead to a narrow focus on quantifiable metrics, overlooking intangiblefactorscrucialfor effective policymaking. The human element should not be discounted, as it plays a vitalroleinpeople’slives

Data driven approaches can also have problems. As Guyanese would say what you put in is what you get out. This is a way of saying that the quality of information depends on the qualityoftheinputdata.

Butthereiswhatknown as algorithmic biases Instructions that are used in data analysis can produce biased outcomes. You just havetolookathowthePPPC is claiming victory to understand that the metrics they are using are selfserving.

Data also do not always give the complete picture. Datadrivenapproachesmay overlook qualitative factors such as historical and cultural factors that should be considered in making decisions.

Policymakers must strike a balance between data-driven insights and the inclusion of diverse perspectives to ensure the

De grand show is in town

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Gaddah roun’ quick an’ lend yuh ears, fuh dis yah one-man show gwine mek yuh belly buss wid laughter!Disyaperformer, he brave like lion, ah tell yuh,tekkin’oneveryrolein dis life’s big-stage drama. Ah tell yuh, it gon’ be a spectacle o’ sheer absurdity!

Yuhcyantmissdisman, me friends. He step pon stage an’ quick like lightning,himchangefrom butcher to baker, from candlestick maker to humble goat-herder Leh meh tell yuh, he mo’ versatile dan a politician at election time! Dis fella dance an’ twist, become hero an’ villain, even

playin’de love interest fuh heself.Boy,dat’ssomeselflove,eh?

But lemmeh holla at yuh, me people. Dis ting ain’t nuttin’ but pure madness!Watchasdishero duz battle wid heself, swingin’ swords an’ actin’ like he cyan defeat heself.

An’when he propose to he own hand, tinkin’ it be he long-lost sweetheart? Ah tellyuh,dewholeaudience buss out laughin’! It’s dis kinda foolishness dat mek we truly appreciate comedy

Wid each scene, we seein’ de ridiculousness o’ one man tryin’fuh embody de whole damn world. He stumble an’ fumble, tryin’ fuh keep up wid all dem

development of equitable and effective policies. By embracingboththepowerof data and the importance of h u m a n j u d g m e n t , policymakers can move towardamoreinclusiveand prosperousfuture. It is useful for the President to engage in community outreaches. He will get a sense of the problems of the people. He will understand human perspectives that cannot be capturedindataseries.

Buthemustalsostriveto ensure that his decisions are data-driven Recently he tookadecisiontopayoldage pensionandNISpensionson the same day Now this may helpsomepersonswhodon’t want to go two times on the roadtocollecttheirmonthly pensions.

But are the majority of pensioners in agreement with this decision. Do all pensioners want to be leaving the post office with allthatmoneyatonetime?A

survey of opinions of pensionerswouldhaveledto a more data-driven rather thanaknee-jerkreaction.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

roles.Buthey,mehpeople, disremindwedatlifeitself is a big, ole jumbie dance, where we puttin’on masks an’playin’parts fuh please deminvisiblespectators.

So meh dear comrades, embrace de madness o’dis one-man circus! Let we enjoy de sweet, sweet absurdity o’one soul tryin’ fuhcapturedevasttapestry o’ humanity Dis man he entertainin’we, he showin’ us dat life is a big joke, where we laugh, we satirize, an’ we see ourselves in all dem beautifully twisted moments. Dem boys seh, dis show, it gon’ mek we laugh till we cyan laugh no more!

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

TROTMAN ERRING, JAGDEO POUNCING

Ibelieve that Mr. Raphael Trotman erred, when he listenedtotheadviceofMr Carlton James, Exxon’s former communications chief. If it is the same CarltonJamesofpastmedia prowess, I am willing to concede that the advice was w e l l - i n t e n d e d , notwithstanding his then American corporate ties, and the counsel that he extended does have its merits.

Itwas‘nevergetdragged intoagutterfight.’ Iagree for gutter fights are for guttersnipes, and my preferenceistotakethehigh ground, and let the audiencescometotheirown insights.

The problem is that Mr Trotman’s error, viz , holding his peace, has presented a wide-open expressway for the wily Dr Jagdeo to barrel along and shower dirt in the face of others, beginning with the formerminister Ithaslong

been known that there is no love lost between the two political adversaries in Guyana, and Mr Trotman’s silenceandthereason(s)for his public withdrawal, was too good a moment for Dr Jagdeo not to pounce. My problem is the grounds that hechosetopounce.

Before proceeding, somethingshouldbetabled. Regardless of what Mr Trotman does he will come in for a sustained hammering. He speaks to clear the air and brimstone poured on his head is his reward.

Hesaysnotaword,and allmannerofinterpretations and conclusions, almost everyoneofthemharshand negative, becomes his sorry lot,hiscrosstocarry

Dr Jagdeo’s position is that Exxon does not decide for him, does not tell him what to say, what to do, and when to say or do so. I am sorry brother Jagdeo, but please tell that to the Marines (he can check with

his American friends at Exxon on the meaning of that string of words), or to somebody now the proud owner of the new Demerara River Bridge years away fromcompletion.

Igiveanabbreviatedlist about which it is my belief that brother Jagdeo felt that Exxon would approve, or whispered commands made theirnuancedwaytohisear concerning what positions he should take, and never move. When Dr Jagdeo holdsontoreportsrelatedto the feasibility of various projects in the Stabroek Block, then who is being listened to, whose stated or unstatedexpectations(more likely orders) are being followed, pretended to be his own. There is every confidence that a man as clever as Dr Jagdeo would know what Guyana’s citizens need to know for such would be to their benefit; and, by the same token, what the powers at Exxon would want to be

keptawayfromthem. Then, when dear brother Jagdeo’s tongue gets trapped in his tonsils that he is powerless to reveal what interest rate Exxon is charging us for its investment loans, clearly thatissomethingthatExxon does not want the people paying the annual interest bill (in the US billions) to know

So, the following questions are put before my fellowGuyanese.

Whoisfollowingwhose advice (American not Guyanese sourced) on what to release and what to withhold? Who is anticipating what brings a nod of approval (from Exxon)intermsofdecisions made and actions taken? And who bends over backwardsordoublesoasto evadeaslongaspossiblethe delivery of such routine matters as audit reports and expensedisclosures?

Ineachoneofthosefew instances identified, Guyanese are better off dealingwiththeopennessof transparency, while Exxon is fully favored and better off by thick and lasting

secrecy

It does not take a genius of the caliber that Dr Jagdeo claims as his calling to figure out that what Mr CarltonJamesofferedtoMr Trotman is still present, and very much in motion, but this time in the absence of any admission from the cagey Vice President. In other words, don’t say anything.

He has a right to protect himselffromanylikelyselfincrimination So, his sounds of silence have a certain silvery (quicksilver) sheentothem. Themorehe says,thelesshehasactually said. I urge my fellows to recall the recent records of brother Jagdeo. Where he has not come up with smokescreens, he has demonstrated a tendency to taketoflight.

A clean pair of heels it has been repeatedly, to the pointthatGuyanesecanread his shoe size, and definitively read him on workdays and holidays too, soobviousheisnow Ifitis not concoction, it is obfuscation; if it is not

hedging, it is dissembling; and if it is not a native s m a r t n e s s , i t i s disingenuousness. In sum, when brother Barry should walkasinglestraightline,he delights in traveling (or circling) on parallel tracks. ItiswhyIfindDr.Jagdeoa revealing political laboratory experiment gone all wrong now that it has blown up in the face of the Guyanesepeople.

Raphael Trotman has placedhiscardsonthetable. Bharrat Jagdeo must do the same, no matter how many jacks and jokers they are. The common connection is the eight-thousand-ton gorilla (sorry, superpower) that is Exxon. Speak, or forever hold peace. There aresuchmarriages.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

Reg. 2 man is country’s latest COVID-19 fatality

Th e H e a l t h Ministry on Friday reported thata64-year-oldmanfrom RegionTwo,whocontracted the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), died on Tuesday while receiving

treatment at a medical facility

As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death tollhasmovedto1,299.

The Ministry via its dashboardrevealedthatfour new cases were recorded

withinthelast24hours,one patient is in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), five persons are in institutionalisolation,68are in home isolation and to date, a total of 72,012 personshaverecovered.

ExxonMobil, Attorney General to submit affidavits in

Defence in case against legality of pipeline Permit by July 14

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall S.C and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), commonly referred to as ExxonMobil Guyana, are now required to file their Affidavits in Defence to the matterfiledbyVandaRadzik and Elizabeth Hughes

c h a l l e n g i n g t h e Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Permit granted for the pipeline aspect of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project by July 14, 2023.

The pipeline is being constructed and funded by ExxonMobil. On March 27, 2023 the citizens moved to the High Court through their

lawyers, Melinda Janki, AbiolaWong-InnissandJoel Ross, seeking an Order of Certiorari to quash the decision made by the EPAto award an Environmental Permit to EEPGL- to undertake the GTE project activities, on the grounds inter alia that the decision was in breach of the p r o v i s i o n s o f t h e Environmental Protection Act (Cap. 20:05), and more p a r t i c u l a r l y , t h e Environmental Protection (Authorisation)Regulations.

The AG and EEPGL were added as a second and third respondent in the matteronJune12,2023.

In a statement on Friday, the Attorney General

explained that the applicants failed to add the AG and EEPGL as the Second and Third Named Respondents to the rubric of the Fixed DateApplication by 16 June 2023, as ordered by the Courton12June2023.

Given their failure to add

the AG and EEPGL to the claim by the said 16 June 2023, the Applicants had to apply to the Court for an extension of time to so do. The extension was granted and the rubric was amended accordingly

The Attorney General however indicated that as a result, all the case management timelines, including the deadline for filing the Affidavits in Defence, have been shifted. As such, the new date for the AG and EEPGL to file their Affidavits in Defence is now 14July2023.

The updated case management timetable issued by Justice Priya Sewnarine- Beharry on June 28, 2023, also indicated that the Applicants are granted leavetoreplyifnecessaryon orbeforeJuly28,2023.

The Applicants are also expected to file written submissions on or before August 11, 2023, while the respondents will file their

written submissions in answer on or before August 25,2023.

It was also noted that Radzik and Hughes will have an opportunity to file written submissions in reply if necessary on or before September8,2023

The High Court will issue its decision on the matterbyOctober2,2023.

Radzik and Hughes in their application to the High Court argue that the decision to grant the Permit to Exxon was “unauthorised and contrary to law, in excess of jurisdiction,failuretosatisfy or observe conditions or procedures required by law, unreasonable, irregular or improper exercise of

discretion, abuse of power, conflict with the policy of the Act, error of law (and) breach of/ omission to performaduty.”

The applicants are therefore seeking a declaration that the

respondent acted in breach of the Environmental Protection (Authorisation) Regulations; a declaration that the Permit is null, void and of no legal effect with costs and such further order theCourtconsidersjust.

In their application to the High Court, Radzik and Deane-Hughes stated that Pursuant to Regulation 17 ( 2 ) ( c ) ( i i i ) o f t h e Environmental Protection (Authorisation)Regulations, an application for an environmental authorization must contain “proof that the applicant either owns the facilityorhasaleaseorother agreement with the landowner or occupier to enable the applicant to conduct the activity without the consent of the landowner oroccupier.”

Be that as it may, the application did not include or provide any proof of ownership, a lease or other agreement with the land ownersofthesaidarea.

Notwithstanding, the EPA granted EEPGL a Permit to undertake the project on November 25, 2022. Subsequently, the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill in January 2023 passed various orders to acquire lands for the purpose of the project, pursuanttothe Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act, Chapter62:05.

Recounts in LGE made no difference in results - CEO

The Chief Elections Officer(CEO)oftheGuyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vishnu Persaud on Friday revealed that recounts were done in the recently concluded Local Government Elections (LGE)butdidnotchangethe outcomeoftheresults.

The ruling Party, the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) reportedly secured a landslide victory winning some 66 Local Authority Areas (LAA) while the Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity(APNU)won14.

As is required by law, the official results of the LGEs must be gazetted but according to the CEO, there was delay in doing so because of requests for recounts in some local governmentareas.

At a press conference held at GECOM's command

center in Fort Street, Kingston Persaud said, “We received requests for recounts in Constituency Six and Four in the Municipality of Georgetown, the request for Six was facilitated while the request for Constituency Fourwasdenied”.

He added that recounts were also done for

Constituency Seven, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the M a h a i c a / A b a r y a n d T o e v l u g t / P a t e n t i a Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) located on theEastCoastandWestBank of Demerara respectively, and Ordinance/Fortlands, CanjeBerbice.

He pointed out too that a recount was requested for Mahdia, Region 8 but it was withdrawn.

“Those recounts did not result in any material change,” the CEO said Following the completion of the recounts the results have sincebeengazetted.

Meanwhile, GECOM's Legal Officer, Kurt Da Silva, explained that unlike the General and Regional Elections,theCommissionis not obligated by law to make anyofficialdeclarationofthe LGEresults.

GECOM CEO, Vishnu Persaud.

GCCI & GTT team up to host National Small Business Week

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in collaborationwithitspartnersponsorGTT, presents National Small Business Week, a prestigious event that celebrates and elevates the micro, small, and medium enterprises(MSMEs)inGuyana.

According to a statement issued by GCCI, the week is filled with activities to foster collaborations and culminating with an expo taking place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on July 29, 2023. The week-long initiative aims to enhance the visibility and success of our vibrant MSME community, and to highlight the need for collaborative efforts in Guyana's growingeconomy

National Small Business Week will showcase a dynamic program, featuring a captivating video series highlighting the journeys of rising entrepreneurs In addition,GCCIcouncillorswillembarkon regional outreaches, bringing valuable support and guidance directly to local businesses.Ahighlight of the week will be the highly anticipated 'Teenternship' program, empowering students with

hands-on training alongside accomplished business executives. Furthermore, participating businesses will offer exclusive discounts on their products and services, creating unparalleledopportunitiesforcustomers.

Dr Rosh Khan, Head of the National Small Business Week, emphasized the vital role of small businesses within our communities. He states, "National Small Business Week, now in its second year, aims to provide our MSME members with invaluable advice and guidance from accomplished business executives. This event is a strategic collaboration for success, as we recognize the tremendous potential of small businesses to drive positive change in the world ofbusinessandbeyond."

GCCI is proud to join forces with various government ministries, corporate sponsors, and business service organizations to ensure the resounding success of this initiative and its continuity as an annual event The comprehensive schedule of activities, enticing special offers, and additional resources can be found on GCCI's dedicated National Small BusinessWeekwebsiteat ashttp://nsbw.gcci.gy/ well as on the official GCCI LinkedIn and Facebookpages.

GEA Head asks Court to dismiss conflict of interest case filed against him

Dr Mahendar Sharma, Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) that was appointed Chairman of the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) has asked the High Court to dismiss the conflict of interest case filed againsthim.

Sharma, along with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural

Resources Mr Joslyn McKenziewerebothlistedas respondents in the matter filed by Danuta Radzik on May 22, 2023. McKenzie is one of the two board membersoftheEAB,chaired byDr Sharma.

In his application to the Court, Dr. Sharma asked that Radzik's application be struck out on the basis that Judicial Review Proceedings cannotbesustainedandisnot available against a private individual. He further argued that the matter be struck out on the ground that it amounts to an abuse of the process of the Court He is being represented by Attorney-atLaw,ArudranauthGossai.

According to Dr Sharma, “there is no reasonable basis

for instituting the said Fixed Date Application, as the Applicant/ first named Respondentdidnotmakeany decision which is amenable toJudicialReview.”

He argues that the orders sought against him all seem to be orders for review of the decision making process of a public body The GEA Head noted that he is not a public body, and the application filed against him appears to be an attempt to use the Court's process, in a “clearly misguided claim to further the personal agenda of the applicant.”

Dr. Sharma contends that the Judicial Review is not available against private individuals but rather against public bodies making decisionsofapublicnature".

Through his lawyer, the public official notes that the applicant did not disclose whatdecisionhemadewhich canbesubjectedtoreviewby the High Court. As such, he submitted that the Court strike out the application to avoid wasting judicial time andresources. K

understands that Mr McKenzie also made an identical submission to the Court. This newspaper was unable to access that document.

Radzik moved to the High Court in May challenging the legality of two serving members of the EAB: Dr Mahendar Sharma and Mr Joslyn McKenzie, in relation to their involvement in deliberating and deciding on appeals against the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) exemption of the government's 300 megawatt(MW)PowerPlant for the Gas to Shore Project from an Environmental ImpactAssessment(EIA).

The 300 MW combined cycle power plant will be financed through a loan the government is seeking from the United States Export Import (EXIM) Bank that Guyanese will have to repay. It is a component of the Gasto-Energy (GTE) project geared towards reducing the cost of electricity by 50 percent.

On February 10, 2023, the government appointed

Sharma, who is Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and a Director of the GuyanaPowerandLightInc. (GPL), and McKenzie, who isPermanentSecretaryofthe Ministry of Natural Resources to serve as Chairman and member of the EAB, respectively The EAB is comprised of another government employee, Dr GarvinCummings,makingit a body comprised entirely of governmentemployees.

The EAB held a public hearing on appeals against the EPA's waiver of an EIA forthepowerplantprojecton March 22, 2023, amidst publicoutcrythatDr Sharma and Mr Mckenzie were in conflicts of interest and should recuse themselves

On May 10, 2023, the EAB issued its decision upholding theEPA'swaiverofanEIA.

The court document filed by Radzik, through her attorney, Mr. Mohamed Ali, provides evidence of what appears to be Sharma and McKenzie's blatant conflicts of interest, which undermine the integrity of the EAB and principles of the rule of law

andgoodgovernance.

Radzik submitted 14 exhibits containing evidence ofallegedconflictsofinterest andactionsshebelieveswere illegallytakenby Dr Sharma andMr McKenzie.

The applicant is asking for declarations that Sharma and McKenzie's specific duties as government employees are in direct and indirect conflict with their duties on the EAB and that they illegally took part in the deliberation and decision of the Board regarding the waiver of an EIA for the

powerplant.

Furthermore, Radzik has askedtheHighCourttoorder that all deliberations, hearings, submissions, and decisions taken by members of the Board in the matter of the EPA's decision to waive an EIA for the 300 MW Natural Gas Power Plant Projectareunlawful,nulland void, and of no legal effect, pursuant to Section 8 of the Third Schedule to the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05, and any further or other orders as the Courtmaydeemjust.

GEA Head and Chairman of the EAB, Dr. Mahendar Sharma

RFP to be issued soon for Amaila Falls Hydro project

Vice President (VP)

D r B h a r r a t J a g d e o , o n Thursday revealed that soon the Government of Guyana (GoG) will be issuing Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 165 Mega Watt (MW)Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, which had been shelved on manyoccasions.

This announcement by the Vice President comes more than a year after he revealed that the Chinese contractor, China Railway First Group, was unable to secure finances forproject.

The Amaila Falls project has been met with many snafus since its introduction sometwodecadesago.

At one of his June 2023 press conferences, Jagdeo had revealed that at least two Brazilian companies are interested in bidding to construct the muchanticipatedproject.

On Thursday, the Vice President was asked for an updateontheproject.

He said, “So we have had several proposals directly from companies and it is our determination that again when you have multiple unsolicited proposals, the best way to move forward is to have a Request for Proposals (RFP) anopenprocess.”

As such, he added that the bestwaytomoveforwardisto issue a RPF to have an open process.

He continued, “So most likelyyouwillseeusreengage the public through an ad to get these proposals and then they can all be adjudicated side by

side, against each other to see whichisthebestdeal.”

Last year, China Railway had secured a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate Transfer) contract with the government. However, the company later wrote to the government expressingthatitwashavinga hard time raising finance for the BOOT agreement and requested to change it to an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract However, the government disagreed and the projectwasparked.

U n d e r t h e B O O T arrangement, the company had to build, own and Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) will purchase power from the operator under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and then 20 years after transfer it to the government forfree.Ontheotherhand,the EPC contract, it would mean that the government would have to secure the finances for theprojectandthattheywould beusedastheEPCcontractor

It should be noted that underthemostrecentiteration of the project as presented, Guyana was to stand the majority of the major risks involvedintheproject.

These include those related to political force majeure, payments risks in the event that electricity sold is not sufficient to meet the PPA demandsandhydrologywhere Guyana stands the risk associated with the likelihood of there being insufficient water supply, meaning if the Amaila Falls runs dry, among otherrisks.

Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project

Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo

Record heat wave strikes Texas, kills 13

AP- Scorching heat blamed for at least 13 deaths in Texas and another in Louisiana blanketed more of the Southeast on Wednesday, stretching government warnings of dangerous, triple-digit temperatures eastward into MississippiandTennessee.

California, meanwhile, was facing its first major heat wave of the year The National Weather Service warned that the dry, hot, windy conditions were ripe for dangerous fires in parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado andUtah.

Mid-week temperatures were forecast to surpass 100 degrees (38 degrees Celsius) in much of the Southeast and high humidity was expected to push heat index values above 115 degrees (46 Celsius) in someareas.

Lingering power outages after weekend storms compounded the heat-related misery in Arkansas. More than 10,000 residents were still without power in the central partofthestate.

In Cabot, northeast of Little Rock,alocalseniorcenterprovided cool air and a place to charge cellphones and tablets for those withoutelectricity

“UsuallyIjustcomeatnoonfor the meal,” Clint Hickman, still waiting for his power to come back on, said in a phone interview Wednesday “It's kind of nice to have a little cool air, so I came a

littleearlier.”

A park in Pearl River, Louisiana, featuring water fountains and overhead sprinklers for children to play in was a welcome respite for Victoria Lee, who was there with her small children.

“I have outdoor kids,” she said.

“They don't like being inside. So, when we're at home and they're outside and they're sweaty, they're just miserable all the time. So this justmakesitaloteasier.”

Amongtheheat'scasualtieswas a man who died late Sunday in Shreveport, Louisiana, the second heat-related death in the state in an

Skeng & Slingerz Records release new song 'Fever’

Jamaican dancehall artist, Stephen Kairu called “Skeng” is ready to set the music scene ablaze with his highly anticipated new summer hit single, ‘Fever’ produced by talented Guyanese brothers, Kevin & Troy Balgobin of SlingerzRecords.

This sizzling track is poisedtobecometheanthem oftheseason,complemented by a visually stunning music video, expertly shot and editedbyXtremeArts,which promises to ignite dance floors and captivate audiencesworldwide.

With its dynamic production, infectious melodies, and the creative synergy between Skeng and his team of talented producers, the song is destined to make waves in themusicindustry

unusuallywarmJune.The49-yearold from neighboring Bossier City had been found lying on a sidewalk in Shreveport, where Sunday's temperature hit 97 degrees (36 degrees Celsius) — 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the average forthedate.

The death of a 62-year-old woman on June 21 in Keithville also was blamed on heat. Relatives found her after she had spent several days without electricity because of earlier severe storms, the Caddo Parish Coroner's Office said.

In southeast Louisiana, the National Weather Service office in Slidell issued an excessive heat warning on June 16, the earliest in the year it's ever done so for that area,ameteorologistsaid.

ElevenoftheTexasheat-related deaths occurred in Webb County, whichincludesLaredo.

The dead ranged in age from 60 to 80 years old and many had underlying health conditions, accordingtoWebbCountyMedical Examiner Dr Corinne Stern, who said the level of heat in the county wasunprecedented.

The area has a higher poverty rate than the state average and that compounds the suffering, Stern said.

“The vast majority do not have air conditioning in their homes. They either have the fans off, or they have fans on but not proper ventilation,”Sternsaid.

“There has been at least one or two that have air conditioning but don'twanttorunitduetothebill.”

Two Florida hikers also died while hiking in extreme heat at Big BendNationalPark.

The heat has prompted the U.S.

Postal Service to allow earlier starting times for letter carriers, according to the National Association of Letter Carriers LonestarBranch.

This comes after the death of a letter carrier who died June 20 in near triple-digit heat. The cause of the carrier's death was still under investigationWednesday

T h e u n u s u a l l y h i g h temperatures were brought on by a heat dome that has taxed the Texas power grid and brought record highstopartsofthestate,according tometeorologists.

That dome is spreading eastward and by the weekend is expected to be centered over the mid-South, said meteorologist Bryan Jackson with the National Weather Service in College Pak, Maryland.

Texas temperatures should then begintodropfromhighsabove100 (38 degrees Celsius) degrees to daily temperatures in the 90s, Jacksonsaid.

“It's relief from the extreme heat,” Jackson said. “It's not really an end to a heat wave; it's just an end to the extreme part of the heat wave.”

Another dome of heat has already developed on the West Coast, and an excessive heat warning is in place in a wide swath in the central part of the state, accordingtoJackson.

“By this weekend there is a risk for record high temperatures exceeding 100 degrees ... close to 110degreesintheCentralValleyof California,”Jacksonsaid.

“Thensomeofthemoretypical mid-summer heat of getting above 115 degrees in the hottest areas of thedesertSouthwest.”

Stephen Kairu called “Skeng”

The June 21 afternoon heat index predicted by the National Weather Service. (NOAA)

Father, children burnt to death in house fire

By Shervin Belgrave

Afatherandhistwoyoung children were on Friday morning burnt to death after their Drysdale Street, Charlestown home went up in flames.

Dead are 40-year-old Michael Richards, his sixyear-old daughter, Somaya Richards and four-year-old son,SupremeRichards.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the fire started around 06:45hrs. Richards' wife was not home and had just left the house for work.Neighbourslivingclose by recalled hearing an explosion coming from the man's home before seeing flames Kaieteur News understands that fire erupted in the bottom flat and trapped themanandhischildren.

The man's elder son, Nick Richards, who does not live with the family, said that he learnt after arriving on the scene, that his father was seen attempting to run out of the building but could not escape. His father reportedly ran back into the building and was

neverseenagain.

Firefightershadarrivedon thescenearound06:48hrsand managed to extinguish the blaze but could not save the trio and the building from beingpartiallydestroyed.

Richards' wife after learning of the tragedy reportedly rushed back to scene and when she arrived fainted and collapsed to the ground. Her son, Nick who wasfightingtoholdbacktears said,“…Ismafatherattheend of the day and duh is ma lil sister and lil brother…ah love them. Only yesterday ma lil buddytellmehemissmeanda

know ma sister miss me too, lookwuhagah wake up to the nextmorning”

I t i s unclear at this t i m e w h a t c a u s e d t h e deadly fire b persons living in area accuse Richards family of “stealing electricity” and suspect that the illegal connection could have started thefire

M e a n w h i l e , f i r e investigators said that the

building was heavily grilled and that it may have contributed to the victims dyinginthefire.

Investigations are ongoing.

Gas bottle leak leaves seven homeless at Non-Pariel

Seven persons are now homelessfollowingafire which destroyed a threestorey apartment building that also housed a supermarket at 360 Section B Non-Pariel, East Coast Demerara(ECD).

The fire occurred at about 18:32h on Thursday Reports are thatagasbottleleakleadtothefire.

The victims have been identified as, 49-year-old Maxine Murrayand32-year-oldGraymond Douglas who occupied the eastern

sideonthetopfloorofthebuilding, Aliza Cummings and her daughter who lived in another apartment on the western side of the top floor, and a family of three: 39-year-old Renuka Muka, her husband 35year-old Kelvin Reddy, and their 12-year-oldchild.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), “The fire was a resultofflammablevaporsreleased from a Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder that came into contact with open flames from a lit

gasstove”

The flames then ignited nearby combustible materials and spread throughout the second and first floors of the build i n g , respectively Two water tenders and a water carrier from the Melanie, Campbellville, andAlberttown fire stations, were sent to the scene after the fire department received a callthatbuildingwasonfire.

“The first appliance [fire truck] arrived on scene at 18:37 p.m. and

firefighting operations began at approximately 18:39 pm,” the fire servicestated.

Despite efforts by fire firefighters, the top floor and second floor of the building and its contents were severely destroyed, while the ground floor suffered waterdamage.

Meanwhile, as the GFS continues its investigation, the firefightingagency“isagainurging citizens to be cautious and put measures in place to avoid the

devastationcausedbyfires”.

“Cooking should not be left unattended, and children should be kept away from the kitchen or cookingarea,”GFSadvised

The GFS also noted that children should be educated on the seriousness of fires and what to do in the event of fire-related emergencies.

It also warned that if you are consuming alcohol, smoking, or using drugs of any kind, avoid usingstovesandovens.

Parts of the building destroyed by fire.

Scenes at the deadly Charlestown fire

Dead: Somaya (left) and Supreme Richards (right)

Dead: Michael Richards

6000 farmers to benefit from IDB loan

Under a US$15 million loan from the InterA m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) for the Sustainable Development Programme (SADP) project, some 6,000 farmers from the coastal Regions are set to benefit from US$3 million worth of inputs and technicalassistance.

The Department of Public Information(DPI)reportedthatthis will be made possible through the provision of Agri specialised extension services, critical machinery, and planting materials thatwereprocuredthroughfunding fromtheIDB.

Component Two of the programme targets farmers from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Ten who will receive inputs such as land tillers, water pumps, drip systems, shade house materials, threshing machines, plucking machines, gestation crates, breeding animals (Cattle, swine,smallruminants,blackgiant chicks), planting materials, etc. to improve their operations and increaseproductivity

The programme will also see farmers benefitting from technical support in areas such as best practices for plant and animal husbandry as well as technological integrationinagriculture.

During a simple handing-over exercise at the ministry's head office on Friday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said the inputs will assist with the government's efforts to assist small and medium-scale farmers with advancing their agricultural practices.

He also said that the government was also working to ensure farmers are exposed to improved technology given the impacts of climate change on the agriculturesector

The minister said that the government will continue to support the nation's farmers and

also encouraged the use of inputs

such as shade houses to

complement climate-smart agriculturalpractices.

“Guyana is leading the charge foragricultureinCARICOMsoour farmerswillhavetocontinuetoput in that effort to produce. Budgetary allocations for the sector have

increased which serves as a testament to the government's unwavering support to you, the farmers as you continue in those efforts.We will continue to support youineverywaypossible.

With the effects climate change is having on the sector, inputs like shade house materials, which will be handed over under this project, are critical for combating the harmful effects climate change has onfarming,”theministernoted.

IDB Country Representative to Guyana, Ms. Solórzano Salazar said that the IDB was pleased to support the government in its efforts to boost the income of small and medium-scaled agricultural producers.

“The project will assist with providing you with support to improve your production This project not only caters for the provision of machinery The ministry has also catered for extension services so farmers will also benefit from technical assistance which is an ingredient to promote production and minimize poverty in the rural areas. As it relates to the adoption of new technologies, we are in an era wheretechnologyisaround.

This is why we need to add the availabletechnologytoourfarming activities,”shenoted.

GLDA Veterinary Services Lab

Tons of meat obtained from various livestock are consumed daily in Guyana. At a time when pathogens are transmissible to humans, a modern Laboratory designated to the surveillance and diagnoses in the livestock industry iscriticaltoprotectthehealthofthe country's population from various diseases. Even more important is certification from a third party that tests are conducted by a laboratory that is certified as meeting the requirements of the National Standard.

In 2014, the Ministry of Agriculture commissioned the country's only Veterinary Services Laboratory under the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).Theagencyistaskedwith protecting the gains of animal production and genetics through the provision of timely veterinary interventions and minimizing the threat of disease from internal and externalsources.

According to the Head of the Laboratory, Dr. Dane Hartley, the Laboratory provides a range of tests in the areas of Pathology, Histopathology, Serology, Parasitology and molecular including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). These tests are conducted for research, surveillance and diagnostic purposes on samples submitted by Veterinarians and other animal

health professionals, the GLDA's genetic farm, the University of Guyana, exporters, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other institutions.

“The Serology Department conducts antibody tests and those cover a wide range of diseases including Influenza, Newcastle disease, several poultry diseases, classical swine fever, African swine fever and others,” Dr Hartleydisclosed.

On April 13, 2021, the facility was certified to the National Standard – General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory (GYS 170:2009) by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). Upon maintaining the requirements of the standard, the

laboratory was recertified in April 2023 since the certificate is valid for two years The scope of certification covers Pathology, SerologyandParasitology Quality Manager Cherie Rampertab noted that certification has boosted the laboratory's capacity to offer services to exporters In this regard, the laboratory is working to offer its molecular biology services to exportersofwildlife.

“We definitely provide results that of are quality to our clients and it also puts us in a situation where we are mandated to ensure everything operates according to the Standard. From every form of management which encompasses the entire quality management

system, we do have requirements which we have to meet so we're always at that level where everything is at the minimum standard requirements,” she explained.

Rampertab added that “it (GLDA Laboratory) is the only Veterinary laboratory in the country, so it is very important for us to provide quality services and results to our clients. Further, it is importantforustoensurethatthere is quality assurance with not only the procedures but the management, documentation and analyses.”The National Standard was updated in 2021 to align with international standards, namely the ISO/IEC 17025 standard which addressesGeneralrequirementsfor

the competence of testing and calibrationlaboratoriesandtheISO 1 5 1 8 9 w h i c h s p e c i f i e s requirements for quality and c o m p e t e n c e i n m e d i c a l laboratories. Currently, professionals at the GLDA laboratory are working to meet the requirements of the new standard and is looking to increase the lab's scope of testing to include MolecularBiology

Following its upgrade to the new standard, the laboratory will commence pursuing accreditation totheISO/IEC17025standard.

“Certification serves as a steppingstone to accreditation so the results that we issue for internationalexportofwildlife, (Continued on page 21)

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials on Friday (Minister of Agriculture photo)

Head of the GLDA's Veterinary Laboratory, Dr. Dane Hartley and Quality Manager, Ms. Cherie Rampertab

Govt. signs G$100M loan agreement with Small Business Development Finance Trust Inc. T

…for additional financing of Small and Medium Enterprises

The Government of Guyana on Friday signed a G$100M loan agreement with the Small Business Development Finance Trust Incorporated (SBDF) to promote the development and expansion of small and mediumenterprises.

The agreement was signed by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for

Finance, Dr Ashni Singh on behalf of the Government and Chairman of SBDF, Mr Sattaur Gafoor Witnessing the signing were Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, staff of the Finance Ministry as well as representativesofSBDF

The signing of the loan a g r e e m e n t f o l l o w s discussions between

President Irfaan Ali and representativesofSBDF

The G$100M financing facility will be utilised by the SBDF through the provision of loans at no more than 8 percent interest rate to individuals or companies wishing to develop and expand their small or mediumenterprises.

Delivering remarks prior to signing and recalling the

history of Government's collaboration with the SBDF toassistsmallbusinesses,Dr SinghsaidthattheSBDFwas founded in 2002 and became operationalin2003.Henoted that it was the brainchild of Mr.SattaurGafoor.

“It started with a capital base of G$21 million of w h i c h M r G a f o o r contributed $11million and then President Jagdeo on behalf of the Government of Guyana contributed $10 million and with that total capital of $21 million, the SBDF embarked on this journey of providing support t o t h e s m a l l e s t o f entrepreneurs in Guyana,” Dr Singhexplained.

Minister Singh related further that since its establishment the SBDF has disbursed 6,835 loans at a total value of $4.5 billion dollars.

“Consider particularly given the modest base with which it began, how many entrepreneurs would have received assistance and how well that portfolio would have had to have performed for the capital base to remain intactinordertofacilitatethe lending, repayment, relending and repayment and repeatedturnoverofthisvery modestcapital,”headded.

The Finance Minister emphasized that the SBDF Board which includes two of Guyana's prominent entrepreneurs (Mr Sattaur Gafoor and Mr Hemraj Kissoon) who preside over their very own respective vast family-owned empires, each of which would have started as a very modest family-owned business and grown tremendously into vast empires. As such, he noted that each small business of today is potentially the medium and large-sized businesses of tomorrow

“That is the environment that President Irfaan Ali is endeavouring to create-step by step-block by block-an

environment where every Guyanesepersonwhowishes to set up a small business is able to do so and is operating in conditions where the business can grow, prosper and expand,” Dr. Singh concluded as he noted that SBDF also provides mentoring and advisorysupport services to small businesspersons.

Minister Waldron while outlining the many ways in which Government has been providing support to small businesses said that small businesses will now be receiving additional assistancethroughtheentity

“Todayweareaddingone more arrow in the quiver or tool in the tool-kit of our mechanisms that we are i m p l e m e n t i n g a s Government to support small-businesses', she said.

“As you know under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce we have the Small Business Bureau established under the Small Business Act to help carve out a space of support for small businesses We have had under the SBB several one-stop shops of trainingandsupportforsmall businesses as well as the help-desk.There is the Small Business Development Fund that's also been established under the Small Business Act, dispensing loans and grants to small businesses,” MinisterWalrondadded.

She related further that there is Government's loan guarantee programme under the Small Business Bureau where Government acts as a guarantor for small businesses facilitating loans for them at commercial institutions. She alluded to theLocalContentActaswell which she said is designed to carve out a space for Guyanese Small businesses to be established and to grow intheoilandgassector

“This loan facility will complementandnotcompete with the efforts of the Small

Business Bureau which offers a maximum of $500,000, ” Minister Walrondexplainedfurther.

Expressing gratitude for the Government's thrust in ensuring that small businesses receive much needed assistance through the entity, Chairman of SBDF, Mr Gafoor said he considers it an honour that Government has partnered with the entity to lend the SBDF G$100 million to assist small businesses, whichhenotedwillgoalong wayinassistingthefund.

“The SBDF has grown over the years meeting a cross-section of demands, more particularly those persons involved in agriculture, and this will most certainly help in meeting those demands,” he added.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance,theGovernmenthas been consistently supporting small entrepreneurs and, in this regard, in March this year, a $900M forestry revolving fund for small and medium-sized loggers was officially launched at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre during a ceremony held to commemorate InternationalDayofForests.

At that ceremony, the Senior Finance Minister had emphasised the need for investments in the forestry sector, noting that forests remain an integral part of environmental conservation andthatthefundispartofthe government'scommitmentto increase focus on small, medium and community loggers.

The Small Business Development Finance Trust Incorporated was established in 2002 and its mission is to strengthentheeconomicbase of micro and small-scale sector entrepreneurs in Guyana through increased access to lending, technical support and non-traditional financialfacilities.

Minister of Tourism, Oneidge Waldron hands over a cheque to Mr. Sattaur Gafoor in the presence of Senior Finance Minister and other representatives of the Ministry of Finance and the Small Business Development Finance Trust Inc.

Commonwealth Secretary-General to attend CARICOM Heads of Govt. Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago

C o m m o n w e a l t h Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, willattendtheConferenceof the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Port-ofSpain from July 3-5, 2023 as aspecialguest.

This year marks 50 years since the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in Trinidad and Tobago in 1973, which led to the establishment of the CaribbeanCommunity

Thenextweek'smeeting will officially launch t h C A R I C O M ' s 5 0 anniversarycelebrations.

Speaking ahead of her visit, the Commonwealth S e c r e t a r y - G e n e r a l commended CARICOM's achievements,stating:

“CARICOM came together 50 years ago to enhance the connections, well-being, prosperity and security of Caribbean countries and their citizens. Those objectives were prescient then, and now, half acenturylater,theyaremore importantthanever.”

She added: “The C o m m o n w e a l t h ' s partnership with CARICOM spans over the past 50 years, and today, our co-operation on a wide array of initiatives is more comprehensive than everbefore.”InTrinidadand Tobago, the SecretaryGeneral will engage with Caribbean leaders, seeking their perspectives and collaboratingonstrategiesto provide more tailored and practical assistance to the region.

She will also update leaders on preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)scheduledtotake place in Samoa from October21,2024.

With 12 of the 15 CARICOM members also b e i n g p a r t o f t h e

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC

Commonwealth, the

S e c r e t a r y - G e n e r a l emphasised the importance of strengthening the collaboration between the twoorganisations.

She will highlight the targeted assistance being provided by the Secretariat to the region, particularly through the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub. As of June 2023, the hub has helped secure over US $52 million in climate finance for Commonwealth member countries in the Caribbean.

During the conference, Secretary-General Scotland w i l l r e a f f i r m t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h ' s unwavering commitment to championing the concerns and interests of small states on the global stage, with a focus on urgent climate action and advocating for a new global financing system that addresses the needs of thesmallandvulnerable.

In particular, she will draw attention to the significant gap between the ambitious climate finance pledges and the limited funding actually being disbursedtohelpdeveloping countries to tackle climate change Secretary-General Scotland said: “We cannot stand by as small and vulnerable states drown in rising seas and suffocate under crushing debt. Small

states, least responsible for climate change, suffer a double injustice – enduring the devastating aftermath of disasters and grappling with exorbitant borrowing costs forrecovery.”

She further highlighted the resilience of the Caribbean region, stating: “For decades, when it has been faced with the worst, Caribbean leaders have showntheirbest.

They have led the world on the issues of the day, and they have shown their true power as a united voice for thosewhoareinneed.”

Acknowledging the recent announcements made at the Paris Climate Finance Summit as “important steps in a much longer journey”, the Secretary-General added that after advocacy from the Commonwealth and the Caribbean, spearheaded by the Prime Minister of Barbados,MiaMottley,with the support of other regional leaders, the reforms to multilateral lending practices are now being seriouslyconsidered.

Thereishope,sheadded, thatthesewillbeamendedto reflect the realities of the climate crisis and the disproportionate impact on vulnerablestates.

T h i s C A R I C O M conference is convened under the chairmanship of the Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime

GLDAVeterinaryServicesLab

From page 19 could stand scrutiny wherever in the world those animals are being shipped to,” the QualityManagernoted.Shelaudedthework of the GNBS Certification team whom she said has helped to make the certification processsimpler “Havinganauditisalwaysa daunting process but the Certification Officers always ensure that everyone is at ease and comfortable. If any errors are identified, the GNBS team explained to ensure that everyone understand andthe processhasbeenprettysmooth,”Rampertab said. The GNBS encourages other testing and clinical laboratories to pursue certification to the National Standard Certification helps these facilities to operate in agreement with established procedures that are based on the requirements of the

nationalstandard. Italsoprovidesthemwith a benchmark for maintaining the laboratory management system and for improving the services offered to clients, thereby increasing clientele. The Bureau offers Technical Assistance to help the management of the laboratories understand the requirements of the National Standard.

Currently, the GNBS' Business Development Team is providing Technical Assistance to the other two laboratories managed by the GLDA; the Genetics Laboratory and the Animal Nutrition Laboratory,towardsgettingcertified.

For more information on the GNBS Laboratory Certification Programme, visit our website at gnbsgy.org or call 219-006466 or the GNBS Hotline 219-0069 or WhatsApp692-4627.

Minister of Dominica – the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral'scountryofbirth.

CARICOM conference, the Secretary-General will embark on an official visit to The Bahamas to

take part in the country's celebrations for the 50th a n n i v e r s a r y o f independence.

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at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE

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Domestic/ Cook needed. Contact: 223-5273/74.

Diesel Mechanic wanted. Contact: 688-0417/ 2235273/74.

Honest Driver and Saleman needed. Must have experience in sales and Lorry licenses. Contact: 233-3512 Email-prestigefoodsguyana @gmail.com

RJD Construction is hiring Experienced Carpenters and Mason for ECD & EBD area.Contact: RJD Construction 614-7669/ 628-5738.

Female Domestic/ Maid for house keeping $4500 daily, Male Labourer $5000, semi skilled $6000, skilled $7000$8000. Call: 6825230, 6154414.

FOR SALE

Farm produce for sale: pumpkin, plantain, lemon, lime, cayenne and apple banana. Call: 688-0417.

Kitchen Assistant, Supervisor, Chef and Salesperson needed. Call: 659-5559.

One Salesman, cxc subjects, experience in writing bills, stocktaking & cashing. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 615-9132 or 645-8443.

One Clerk needed for TSI Eccles office. Must have English and Mathematics. Email:techserigy@yahoo.com or Call: 615-9132.

Hick's Ville Hotel is now hiring Receptionist and Hotel Attendant. Required to work shifts. Call: 6400673, 227-7714. Email: info@vegeworld.net

Water delivery Driver and Porter needed at E.C.D. Call: 676-1363/692-6768.

Cashiers & Stock Clerks urgently needed at Two Brothers mini-mart. Experience will be an asset. Call/ WhatsApp: 592-708-3256.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Vacancy exists for one Driver, ages 20 - 60 yrs. Must know to drive Manual and must have car, van & motor lorry License. Contact: 679-7391.

Vacancy exists for Sales Representative at Innovations America. Contact: 679-7391.

Vacancy exists for Junior Book Clerk at Innovations America. Contact: 679-7391.

FOR RENT

Fully furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in Albert Street, Alberttown. Preferably students, no smoking and no pets allowed. Call 231-5695/ 611-9134.

One bedroom apartment for rent in Cummings Lodge, U.G, not suitable for family. Call: 222-3435.

1-8000 sq ft Modern Warehouse/Manufacturing facility located in the Eccles Industrial site. $10,000 US per month. Telephone: 695-0333. One, two and three bedrooms furnished apartments for rent in Providence and Diamond. Call: 604-6664, 6826238 or 216-2299.

2 bedroom Apt Vreed-enHoop, kitchen with granite countertop, ac, fence yard, security cameras, grilled. $40000 monthly. Call: 6825230, 6154414.

LEGAL NOTICE 1

Legal Notice:

To: MERESSA GHANIE last known address 560 South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown. Take Notice that you are required to attend the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court 1 on Friday 7th July, 2023 at 9:00hrs in the matter of Akima Sandiford-Simmons -VS- Meressa Ghanie for Claims.

NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within thirty-five (35) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

LEGAL NOTICE 2

Filing Attorney: MS. SHELLON BOYCE GUY ANA LEGAL AID CLINIC “Maraj Building” 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/ 225-9246

Email: legalaid@networksgy.com2023HC-DEM-CIV-FD-201 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 24th day of July, 2023 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious. via Zoom meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

3.UBRAJ NARINE

4.MEENAKASHI HARRICHARRAN

5.DRORAM RAI

6.THE REGISTRAR OF DEEDS

Defendants

Jointly and or Severally

NOTICE:

TO:

DEORAM RAI

Lot 21 Tuschen East Bank Essequibo

TAKE NOTICE that a Statement of Claim was filed on 29th day of August, 2022 issued against you the Respondents to appear before the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature at the Law Courts, Georgetown, in which the Applicant claims is for:

SERVICES

For the completion of US & Canadian non-immigrant visa applications and Guyana passport applications. Call/whatsApp: 592645-5695.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040.

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.

FAMILY DIVISION

PETITION NO. FD-201 (ABDOOL) KAMAL Petitioner/ Applicant -and(ABDOOL)SHANTOSHIMA nee CHITRAM

Respondent TO: SHANTOSHIMA ABDOOL nee CHITRAM

FOR SALE

Pure breed German shepherd pups for sale. Call: 680-1828, 632-9022/ 639-4966.

Farm produce for sale: pumpkin, plantain, lemon, lime, cayenne & apple banana. Call: 688-0417.

For Sale: cement mixer & pump truck, mini excavator and concrete batching plant. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.

Foden twin steer dump truck, 3 ton canter, Leyland DAF Hiab truck & Foden hauler truck for sale. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.

Good quality parkay and vinyl with glue. Please Call: 693-1071/ 232-0269.

For sale rice farmers-132 laverda rice combine, 290 Massey tractor, 110-90 fiat tractor. Call: +592695 2220/ 9544648614.

Address Unknown TAKE NOTICE that on the 1st day of February, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by KAMAL ABDOOL the Petitioner/

Application in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 4th day of May, 2023 the Petitioner/Application was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 18 th day of May, 2023.

(i) An Order that the Execution Sale of the property advertised in the Official Gazette dated 25 th June, 2022, numbered 141 for the county of Demerara, situate at:Lot 606, part of Plot ‘S’, part of Block 1, portion of a tract of Government Lands defined as Section ‘G’, part of La Penitence, in the City of Georgetown, in the County of Demerara, in the Republic of Guyana and subject to the terms and conditions as more fully set out in Transport No. 1864 dated 12 day of August, 1968.

And held at the Supreme Court, Demerara on the 12th July, 2022 in Action No. 2016-HC-DEM-CIVCD-1054 and sold by the First and or Second Defendants to the Third and Fourth Defendants in the sum of seven million dollars ($7,000,000.00) was unlawful and not in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules 2016:

(ii) An Order that the said Execution Sale of the aforesaid property by the First and or Second Defendants to the Third and Fourth Defendants is contrary to law, null and void;

(iii) An Order that the said Execution Sale of the aforesaid property by the First and or Second Defendants to the Third and Fourth Defendants be set aside;

(iv) An Order directing the First Defendant to readvertise the aforesaid

property in the Official Gazette for sale at the Execution Sale to be next held after this Order; (v) An Order restraining the Sixth Defendant, her servants and or agents from passing Transport of the aforesaid property to the Third and Fourth Defendants pursuant to Execution Sale thereof advertised in the Official Gazette dated 25th June, 2022, numbered I41 for the county of Demerara and held on 12 July, 2022 at the Supreme Court, Demerara; (vi) Damages; (vii) Costs. UPON

APPLICATION in

person to Ms. Pauline Chase, Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at “Alton Covey” 217 South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, Demerara. Tele No. 226-4722, Email:altoncovey@yahoo.com or the Supreme Court Registry, copies of the Statement of Claim, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you.

AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within forty-two (42) days after the final publication of this Notice, prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form 10C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the Applicant’s Attorney-at-Law, Ms. Pauline Chase, Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at “Alton Covey” 217 South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, Demerara. Tele No. 2264722, Email:altoncoyey@yahoo.com and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 (four) days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you fail to file such Affidavit and/ or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.

Dated this 22nd day of March, 2023

Climate nears point of no return as land, sea temperatures break records, experts say

Reuters - The target of keeping long-term global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) is moving out of reach, climate experts say, with nations failing to set more ambitious goals despite months of record-breaking heat on land and sea.

As envoys gathered in Bonn in early June to prepare for this year’s annual climate talks in November, average global surface air temperatures were more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels for several days, the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said.

Though mean temperatures had temporarily breached the 1.5C threshold before, this was the first time they had done so in the northern hemisphere summer that starts on June 1. Sea temperatures also broke April and May records.

“We’ve run out of time because change takes time,” said Sarah PerkinsKirkpatrick, a climatologist at

Australia’s University of New South Wales.

As climate envoys from the two biggest greenhouse gas emitters prepare to meet next month, temperatures broke June records in the Chinese capital Beijing, and extreme heatwaves have hit the United States.

Parts of North America were some 10C above the seasonal average this month, and smoke from forest fires blanketed Canada and the U.S. East Coast in hazardous haze, with carbon emissions estimated at a record 160 million metric tons.

In India, one of the most climate vulnerable regions, deaths were reported to have spiked as a result of sustained high temperatures, and extreme heat has been recorded in Spain, Iran and Vietnam, raising fears that last year’s deadly summer could become routine.

of Technology.

in Africa.

LEGAL NOTICE 4

APPLICATION FOR MONEY LENDERS CERTIFICATE

PURSUANT TO SECTION

4 OF THE MONEY LENDER’S ACT. I, DERVILLE EQUIANO HARRY, of Lot 18 Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara, Guyana

hereby give Notice that I have applied to the Magistrate of the Georgetown Magisterial District for a Certificate under the Money Lender’s Act, authorizing the grant to me of a Money Lenders License to carry on the business of a Money Lender under the title of PHOENIX

PAWN SHOP at, Lot Stall# 3 Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara, Guyana. NOTICE of any objections to the application should be sent forthwith to the CLERK OF COURT OF THE GEORGETOWN MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT and a copy of any such Notice should be sent to the subscriber, DERVILLE EQUIANO HARRY, Applicant.

Dated at Georgetown, Demerara. This 30th day of June, 2023.

Countries agreed in Paris in 2015 to try to keep long-term average temperature rises within 1.5C, but there is now a 66% likelihood the annual mean will cross the 1.5C threshold for at least one whole year between now and 2027, the World Meteorological Organization predicted in May.

‘QUADRUPLE

WHAMMY’

High land temperatures have been matched by those on the sea, with warming intensified by an El Nino event and other factors.

Global average sea surface temperatures hit 21C in late March and have remained at record levels for the time of year throughout April and May. Australia’s weather agency warned that Pacific and Indian ocean sea temperatures could be 3C warmer than normal by October.

Global warming is the major factor, said Piers Forster, professor of climate physics at the University of Leeds, but El Nino, the decline in Saharan dust blowing over the ocean and the use of low-sulphur shipping fuels were also to blame.

“So in all, oceans are being hit by a quadruple whammy,” he said. “It’s a sign of things to come.”

Thousands of dead fish have been washing up on Texan beaches and heat-induced algal blooms have also been blamed for killing sea lions and dolphins in California. Warmer seas could also mean less wind and rain, creating a vicious circle that leads to even more heat, said Annalisa Bracco, a climatologist at the Georgia Institute

Though this year’s high sea temperatures are caused by a “perfect combination” of circumstances, the ecological impact could endure, she said. “The ocean is going to have a very slow response as it accumulates (heat) slowly but also keeps it for very long.”

THE ROAD TO DUBAI

Climate experts say the extent and frequency of extreme weather is increasing, and this year has also seen punishing droughts across the world, as well as a rare and deadly cyclone

The Worldwide Fund for Nature, however, warned of a “worrying lack of momentum” during climate talks in Bonn this month, with little progress made on key issues like fossil fuels and finance ahead of November’s COP28 climate talks in Dubai. “It was very detached from what was going on outside of the building in Bonn - I was very disappointed by that,” said Li Shuo, Greenpeace’s senior climate adviser in Beijing.

“We are really getting

to the moment of truth ... I am hoping that the sheer reality will help us change people’s moves and change the politics.” Talks between the United States and China could resume next week with U.S. climate envoy John Kerry set to visit Beijing, though few expect it to add momen tum to climate negotiations. “This is more a trust-building exercise,” Li said. “I don’t think either side will be able to push the other side to say much more than they are willing to do - the politics won’t allow that.”

Dozens killed in Kenya road crash

Thirty people are also seriously injured after a truck lost control at a busy junction in western Kenya, police say [local minibuses] that were packed at a bus stop, running over those matatus and injuring passengers and pedestrians who were standing by the bus stop,” Mayek said.

Aljazeera - At least 48 people have been killed when a truck apparently lost control and rammed into other vehicles and pedestrians at a busy junction in western Kenya.

“So far, we can confirm 48 dead and we are suspecting one or two are still trapped under the truck,” local police commander Geoffrey Mayek said after the accident on the highway between the towns of Kericho and Nakuru on Friday night.

“Thirty people have been seriously injured and rushed to various hospitals. The numbers could be more but as of now we are sure about 30.”

Regional police commander Tom Odera confirmed the death toll stood at 48.Heavy rains are hindering rescue operations, local media reports said.

“We are suspecting a truck which was being driven … towards Kericho lost control and rammed into matatus

Peter Otieno, a driver, who witnessed the accident said: “I saw a speeding oncoming trailer. I swerved and escaped hitting him head-on.

The person who was behind me thought I wanted to buy something.

He overtook me and that is when he was hit.

The trailer went off the road and hit other vehicles.

“I saw about 20 bodies with my own eyes. There were other bodies that were under the vehicle.”

‘The country mourns’

The Kenya Red Cross said the truck rammed more than six vehicles and ran over pedestrians. Images posted by local television stations showed several mangled vehicles.

“My heart is crushed,” Kericho governor Erick Mutai

said on Facebook. “It is dark moment for the people of Kericho. My heart goes out to the families who have just lost their loved ones.”

Bottom of Form

The death toll makes the accident one of the most deadly on Kenya’s roads in recent years.

Last year, 34 people died in central Kenya when their bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river valley.

The number of people killed on Kenya’s roads has increased in recent years, according to government statistics.

“The country mourns with the families who have lost loved ones in a horrific road accident in Londiani,” Kenyan President William Ruto wrote in a tweet.

“It is distressing that some of the fatalities are young people with a promising future and business people who were on their daily chores.”

The sun shimmers through a cloud cover near Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway, April 8, 2023. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File photo

$14M estimated to build shed at Leonora Technical Centre

The Ministry of Educa-

Vocational Centre at an estimated cost of $14,971,845. During the recent opening of

tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). it

was revealed that only one contractor, KNV Designs Construction & Supplies,

submitted a bid for the project. The contractor bid $14

million. Below are the companies and their bids:

Eight-year election ban for Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro

BBC - Brazil’s Supreme Electoral Court has voted 5-2 to bar ex-president Jair Bolsonaro from running for office for eight years.

Mr Bolsonaro was found guilty of abusing his power ahead of last year’s presidential poll. He had been accused of undermining Brazilian democracy by falsely claiming that the electronic ballots used were vulnerable to hacking and fraud.

Mr Bolsonaro’s lawyers are expected to appeal against the verdict.

They have argued that his statements had no bearing on the election result.

The ban is backdated to 2 October 2022, when the presidential election took place.

If the verdict is allowed to stand, Mr Bolsonaro will not be eligible to take part in the next presidential election in 2026, but will be able to run again in 2030.

He will also be barred from municipal elections due in 2024 and 2028.

Mr Bolsonaro called the decision a “stab in the back” and said he would keep working to advance right-wing politics in Brazil. The case against the ex-president re-

Bolsonaro

volved around a speech he gave while he was still president in 2022.

On 18 July, he invited foreign diplomats to his residence in the capital, Brasilia, where he falsely claimed that the electronic voting machines used in Brazil were prone to being hacked and open to large-scale fraud.

Mr Bolsonaro maintained that he “simply explained how elections work in Brazil” and did not criticise or attack the electoral system. But the speech came amid a polarising presidential campaign which saw Mr

Bolsonaro being challenged for the top job by his arch-rival, left-winger Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The bitterly fought election went into a run-off on 30 October and was won by an extremely narrow margin by Lula. Mr Bolsonaro never publicly acknowledged his defeat and left Brazil for Florida two days before Lula was sworn in as pr esident. His supporters, who refused to accept the outcome of the election, stormed Brazil’s Congress, the presidential palace and the building housing the Supreme Court on 8 January.

Supply, Installation and Commissioning of Uninterrupted Power Supplies.

Supply and Delivery of Computer System.

Ministry of Education Construction of Shed - Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre.

Supply and Delivery of Musical Equipment- Unit of Allied Arts.

Supply, Delivery, Installation, and Testing of Tools and Equipment- Technical Institutions Lots 1-4.

tion will soon build a shed at the Leonora Technical and

Ex-president Jair

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Procurement of Surgical Instruments.

Close to 60 entered for Kennard Memorial Turf Club CARICOM Horserace meet on Monday Mike Pharmacy latest on board

All systems are already in place for the much anticipated Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) CARICOM Day horse race meet set for Monday 3rd July at the club’s track, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice. More sponsors and horses have come on board as they clamour to be a part of the big day with Mike’s Pharmacy and Rice Miller Kissondyal of Mahaica being the latest to enter the sponsorship column. Trophy Stall

has already presented and donated trophies for the big day.

There are close to 60 entries and turfites are expected to turn out in their thousands for what is expected to be an exciting days of racing. With six races and over $4M in cash trophies and other incentives on offer, horse owners and punters have been taking no chances. The owners are busy fine tuning their animals as they go through their workouts in

Saturday July 01, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today you could learn a lot from other people who are similar to you, Aries. They have the ability to get involved easily and go straight to the heart of any problem. The world is in constant flux.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

The stars will compel you to clarify your position within the collective, Taurus. You have a lot of power when you're part of a group, but you're sometimes clumsy about communication.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You've always wanted to change the world, and you'd like to share your dreams with your friends, Gemini. But today you don't have enough enthusiasm to fulfill these dreams.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

You have the tendency to plan everything, Cancer. You need to feel in charge of things. Today you should try to listen to others around you. Let yourself go for a while,

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

You're attracted to eccentric individuals with very strong personalities. But realize that behind this attraction lies a very strong need for freedom, Leo. In your life,

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Today will destabilize you, Virgo. You're trying to rebuild your life on new foundations. Perhaps should you try to change your point of view.

preparation for the big day. The feature event, which is for the animals classified G3 non winners and lower, has a top notch line up with the best in that category penciled to go. Nuclear Fire will be looking to burn up the track with its power, but American Traveler will want to travel all the way for the win. Memories will be looking for a memorable performance in its quest to cross the line first. The likes of Amerceable Kate, Republican and Pocoyo have all

been looking good at gallops as they look to work their magic to capture the $500,000 and trophy available for the winner over 7 furlongs.

The other races listed for the day are the event for J1 and lower over 6 furlongs.

The contest for three years old maiden horses also over 6 furlongs.

A race for the Guyana Bred two years old horses over 5 furlongs.

While the remaining two races are, the L class Open animals matchup and one for J and L non-earners over 6 furlongs.

Outstanding performers will receive accolades compliments of Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall and the organisers.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

You have a tendency to get very involved in your projects, Libra. Today the stars will compel you to clarify your situation. It's already clear that you aren't afraid to work long hours to ensure that your projects.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Today the stars advise you to get back into the swing of things, Scorpio. You will forget your past frame of mind and be able to prepare for a new adventure.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

There's a certain quality in your personal relationships that motivates you in life, Sagittarius. This is one of the reasons why your emotions play an important role in the scheme of things.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The

This period is full of difficulties and you will tend to question yourself, especially today. You will start thinking about your personality. Your ego risks bruising, AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

It would be fair to say that you love being recognized, Aquarius. Today will enable you to show off your leadership skills. You will organize the day. You will accept your responsibilities.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You have a dynamic personality, Pisces. With today's celestial energy, you should try to avoid expending your energy on pointless conversations. Try to be a little more pragmatic.

The day’s event will be conducted using the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA). Race time is 13:00 hrs.

Interested persons can make contact with Club Secretary Niketa Ross 662-4668, Ivan Dipnarine 331-0316, Basil Bactowar 661-7815, Fazal Habibulla 657-7010 or Isaac Dalloo 689-0629 for last minute information. (Samuel Whyte)

A smiling Mrs Chan Kennard receives trophies from Supervisor of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market, Amy Anuradha Gomes.

Banks DIH Guyana Cup 2023 officially launched; set for August 13 -Ticketsgoonsaletodayonlineonly

The15theditionof the Banks DIH

Guyana Cup Horse Race Meet was officially launched yesterday at the Roriama Duke Lodge in Kingston ahead of race day, which is slated for August 13 at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC),locatedontheWest CoastofBerbice.

Present at the simple ceremony were Banks DIH CommunicationsExecutive, SonyaForrester,Presidentof the Jumbo Jet Thorough Bred Racing Committee (JJTRC), Nasrudeen Mohammed, GPF’s Assistant Superintendant

Henry and JJTRC’s Irshad Mohamed.

Forrester said, “On behalfofBanksDIH,weare proud to once again be the title sponsor for another editionoftheGuyanaCup.It is one of the biggest events we look forward to on the calendar and this year promisestobebetter.”

She added that Banks DIH is always pleased to support the event, which givesbacktothecommunity and the horse racing fraternity

T h e o r g a n i s i n g committee, JJTRC, has addressed several issues from the staging of the 14th

edition, most of which have been rectified with the refurbishing of the RSTC into an all-weather facility by businessman, Nasurdeen Mohammed.

The major issue was the congestion of traffic, which Assistant Superintendant Henry stated will be rectified, due to the installation of a 4-lane road from the Highway into the 2000-lot Parking Area Additionally, persons buying tickets at the venue will have to make those purchasesattheboothsinthe ParkingAreaandthenmake theirwayintothevenue.

Themaingateswillonly

be used for the Horse owners.

ASP Henry added that therewillbealotofhisranks on the road and inside the venue to ensure the smooth flowoftrafficandthesafety ofallpatrons.

Meanwhile, Mohamed confirmed International Horses from Brazil, Suriname and the United States of America with the currenttotalinthatbracketat 13. They will of course add to the scores of locally-bred horsesthatwillbeonshow In-depth details about theracecardwillcontinueto emerge as race day approaches.

Bakewell renews sponsorship of RHTYSC teams for 24th successive year and annual cricket academy -PantheraSolutionssupportAreaHinternalfenceproject

West Indies teams including Kevin Sinclair, Esuan Crandon, Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Kevlon

Anderson, Shemaine

Campbelle, Shakabi

Gajnabi, Jonathan Rampersaud, Dominic Rikhi, Askhay Homraj, Delbert Hicks, Khemraj Mahadeo, Jermey Sandia, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Matthew Pottaya, Sheneeta Grimmond, Erva GiddingsandSlyusTyndall.

The very successful relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS and Bakewell was renewed for the 24th successive year on Wednesday last at a simple presentationceremonyatthe Company’s Triumph, East CoastDemeraraheadoffice.

Secretary to Bakewell General Manager, Natasha Bhikhari, handed over the sponsorship to RHTYSC

Secretary Hilbert Foster in presence of club executive TyronePottaya. Foster, who is also the

President of the very active Berbice Cricket Board, noted that Bakewell is the second longest sponsor of the RHTYSC after Farfan and Mendes Ltd, which has been on board for twenty seven years. The company hassponsoredtheclubunder 17andseconddivisionteams at the cost of four hundred andfiftythousanddollarsfor 2023, while it pumped in another two hundred thousand dollars for the RHTYSC CricketAcademy Thecricketteamsareamong the best in Berbice and

Foster recalled that the company first sponsored the second division team before adding the strong under 17 teamtothesponsorship.

Thetwoteamshaswona total of over twenty tournamentandtheunder17 team in 2023 has so far reached the finals of the BCB/AliBakerytournament where they play arch rivals Albion for championship honors The teams since 2000 have also produced dozens of players who have gone on to play for either Berbice, Guyana and the

Foster noted with pride that the relationship had produced 12 players who have played cricket at the international level and this was a result of the investment made by the popular bakery Foster expressed thanks to the companyandhailedthemas atruefriendoftheRHTYSC over the years. Under the sponsorship, the teams are expected to undertake close to forty community projects/programmes under the name of the company These would include the distributionoffoodhampers, educationalmaterials,award ceremonies, feeding of the needy, clean up campaign, television programmes and campsforyouths.

The company also renewedtheirsponsorshipof the club cricket academy which bowls off at theArea HGroundonthe17thofJuly with at least 120 youths in attendance The academy will be conducted by head Coach Winston Smith and a battery of coaches including Ryan Algu, Davindra Ramdihal and Eon Hooper. The main objective of the academyistomakesurethat the rich tradition of the club continues in the future by producing outstanding players who are all rounded individuals.

Players would not only be trained how to be proper cricketersonthecricketfield buthowtoberepresentatives of the club. The club would provide all the gear for the academy and also prepare snacks for all the attendees for the two weeks programme which starts at 9am daily A total of four hundred thousand dollars worth of prizes would be shared out to the top awardees Each of the players at the academy would also receive a school bag and a collection of educationalmaterials.

Foster expressed thanks

to Bakewell General ManagerRajinGangaforhis support over the years and reassured the company that the club would continue to represent its brand with discipline,passionandpride. Meanwhile, Panthera Solutions, a member of the Farfan and Mendes Ltd Company, has come on board to sponsor the repairs of the Area H Ground front internal fence. The sponsorship would enable the RHTYSC cricket teams to replace the fence which has been destroyed by animals. Foster expressed thanks to the company especially Andrew Dinsdale and Ray Austin for their support. The company has over the years supported the clubwithsponsorshipforits cricket development programmes and annual Christmas Village. Repairs to the Area H Ground main pavilion would soon commence shortly with the assistance of West Indies white ball allrounder Kevin Sinclair, while overseas based friend of the club, Dr Frank Denbow has pledged to donate a motorized grass cuttertowardstheupkeepof thevenue.

Panthera Solutions Denisha Mickle hands over the sponsorship to Foster in the presence of RHTYSC Executive Tyrone Pottay

JJTRC President, Nasrudeen Mohammed

Antagonising defeat for Men’s Hockey team at CAC Games

ByRawleToney

Guyana’s men’s hockey team now faces an uphill battle, requiring a herculean effort or even a miracle to advancetothesemi-finalsof the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games following their surprising 23 defeat against the DominicanRepublic.

Atthe2018CACGames in Barranquilla, Colombia, Guyanahadatriumphant3-1 victory over the Dominican Republic, displaying an exceptional performance that propelled them to the semi-finals.

However, at the 2023 games, Coach Robert Fernandes observed an improvement in the DominicanRepublic’sgame and acknowledged the need foradjustmentsonGuyana’s part, as he mentioned in an interview with Kaieteur News.

Both teams commenced the tournament with losses, as Guyana fell 1-4 to Trinidad and Tobago, while

the Dominican Republic facedasimilardefeatagainst defendingchampionsCuba.

Given Cuba’s 6-3 win againstTrinidadandTobago, the game against the Dominican Republic becamecrucialforGuyana’s chancesofprogressingtothe medalrounds.

The first half ended without any goals from either side. However, at the start of the second quarter, Captain Robert France scored from an open play, granting Guyana the advantage.

TheDominicanRepublic swiftly responded with a goal from Argeny Cabrera four minutes later, followed byapenaltycornergoalfrom Jamraj Assnah, putting Guyanabackinthelead.

Not to be outdone, the Dominican Republic equalised just two minutes later,thankstoLuisMora.

Withtheexcitingsecond periodendingat2-2,thetwo teams continued their intense battle in the third

...Coach Robert Fernandes disappointed at defeat against Dominican Republic

quarter, with Jose Lopez slipping through the Guyanesedefencetoputthe Dominican Republic ahead inthe33rdminute.

Trailing 2-3, Guyana launched an offensive in the fourth period, and Shequan Favorite came close to scoring,onlytobedeniedby a save from Wander Rodriguez “That was a tough loss to swallow,” expressed Fernandes in an interview with Kaieteur News.

“We were the better team.We had the lead twice and should have secured the victoryearlyon.Instead,we allowed them to stay in the game, and their confidence grew.”

Fernandes noted that his teamstruggledtohandlethe long balls played by the Dominican Republic in the second half and lacked composure towards the end, despite two Dominican Republic players receiving yellowcardsinthefinalfive minutes.

Jose Lopez celebrating what would be the winning goal for the Dominican Republic against Guyana at the CAC Games Men’s Hockey championship.

Heconsideredthelossas a valuable lesson for his mostly young team, emphasising the need to remain focused on the

upcoming match against poolleadersCuba.

“We are all deeply disappointed, but we must learnfromtheseexperiences

and continue to grow,” Fernandesadded. Guyana’s final game is scheduled for Sunday againstCubaat4:00pm.

Chandradat Chintamani

hands over sponsorship to BCB President Hilbert Foster

BCB Ivan Madray tournament sponsorship renewed - Chintamani hails outstanding work of cricket board

tournament would be West Berbice, Blairmont, Police, Young Warriors, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Albion, Port Mourant, RHTYSC,UpperCorentyne and Skeldon. The tournamentwouldbea20/20 knockouteventwiththetop two teams playing in the final for a winner prize of eightythousanddollars.

into a two day tournament. The other members of the BCB appointed committee are Vemen Walters and CoachRyanAlgu.

Th e B e r b i c e C r i c k e t Board{BCB}on

Wednesdaylastlaunchedthe fifth edition of the Ivan Madray 20/20 tournament forfirstdivisionteamsinthe ancient county BCB President Hilbert Foster attended the official launching ceremony in the

officeofsponsorChandradat Chintamani in Water Street, Georgetown.

Foster stated that the memorial tournament was firstheldin2018,theyearof his presidency and over the years has become very popular among the teams and the general public. The teams that would play in the

The BCB President disclosed that the Madray Cupisexpectedtobeoneof four first division tournaments that the pro active board intends to host in 2023 for first division teams The tournaments would be at the 20/20, 40 oversand50/50levels,while a three man committee headed by Balram Samaroo was recently set up to look

Foster expressed thanks to Chintamani, the nephew of the late Ivan Madray, for his support of Berbice cricket over the years Chinatmani, who is the General Manager of Muneshwar Ltd, has sponsored the tournament sinceitsinceptionin2018in memory of his uncle, who played a major role in his upbringing Ivan Madray was the third Berbician to playfortheWestIndiesatthe testlevelafterJohnTrimand Rohan Kanhai The Port Mourant player played two test matches before retiring at a young age to migrate to

Englandwhereheplayedfor a long time in the English League.Madraywouldsoon be honored when the BCB and the University of Guyana unveiled a historic Wall of Fame at the Tain Campus. A total of thirty players who played for the West Indies at the 20/20, ODI and Test levels would be honored They would includeRohanKanhai,Basil Butcher,AlvinKallicharran, Leonard Baichan, Sew Shivnarine, Roy Fredericks, Clayton Lambert, Joe Solomon and Shimron Hetmyer Chintamani in brief remarks stated that he wasproudtoberelatedtothe legendary cricketer and recalled the huge role that Madray played in guiding himwhenhewasayouth.He

recalled his uncle been a disciplined and hard working person who always setthebarveryhighandwas a perfect role model to everyone around him. He expressed satisfaction with the organising skills of the BCB and noted that as a Berbicianhewasveryproud of the work of the Hilbert Fosterledboard.

YouthPlayerslikeKevin Sinclair, Kelvon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Isai Thorne, Rampertab Ramnauth and Jonathan Rampersaud have all emerged from playing in thetournament.

He expressed the hope that similar players would emerge from the 2023 edition of the tournament as partoftherebuildingofWest Indiescricket.

Sunshine cart off ORSCA/KP Employment Solutions Inc. “Test” Format trophy

It was no sunshine last Saturday at Dixie-407 ground in Brampton, Ontario, due to rain clouds butSunshineteamprevailed by eight wickets against Masters to lift the Ontario Round-ArmSoftballCricket Association (ORSCA)/KP Employment Solutions Inc.

“Test”Formattrophy

In hazy conditions, Sunshine won the toss and opted to bowl and it was alwaysgoingtobeasenseof justificationbythatdecision from captain and Canadabased Guyanese Anil Mahadeo as Masters were limited to 52-9 from the 12 allotted overs Sunshine replied with 87-7 off 12overs perhaps enjoying a leadof35.

Masters, in their second innings, rattled up 93 runs from the 12-overs despite losing eight wickets leaving Sunshine to get 59 for victory

They (Sunshine) galloped to the win with 6.1 overs to spare, thanks to Keyon Sinclair for hitting 25. Scores in the match: Masters 52-9 (12) and 93-8 (12);Sunshine87-7(12)and 59-2 (5.5). Young Sachin

Dudnauth demonstrated his immense batting talent with arobust38forMastersinthe second innings. His knock contained five sixes and a four as Jeetendra Beharry snapped up 3-10 from three tidyovers.

InSunshine’sfirstinnings appearance, another

Guyanese-born Ramiz Mohamed hit a top-score of 27. Captain Mark Nazir claimed3-17offtwoovers.

Khemraj Harrinarain also bowledwellforSunshinewith impressivefiguresof3-17off twooversintheinitialinnings

Beharry was named player-of-the-match, while Dudnauthcoppedtheprizefor beingtheplayer-of-the-match forMasters

At the post-match presentation and award ceremony, Masters Players received a medal each while theirteamtookhomeatrophy

For the victorious combination, each player was awarded with a trophy whiletheMahadeocollected thechampiontrophy

Both Beharry and

Dudnauth also were recipientsofatrophyapiece for their outstanding performances.

Nazir thanked his team for the commitment of making it to the final and e x p r e s s e d h i s congratulations to Sunshine fortheirsterlingdisplay Mahadeo also echoed similarsentimentsandstated that his team played well to reach the final and more

importantly performed remarkably against a top team.

President of the ORSCA

MitchBacchuswasonhand to witness the action and congratulatedbothteamsfor participatinginthefinal. Hemadespecialmention of Sunshine for coming out

Guyanese team depart for CARICOM 10K

The Guyanese team, consisting of defending

CARICOM 10K Champion Marlon Nicholson, Winston Missenger, and Attoya

Harvey, has departed for Trinidad and Tobago for the eventtakingplaceonJuly2.

Starting at Pier 1, the 10kmracewillprogresswest along the Western Main Road towards the Military Gate at Chaquacabana Beach, before returning east along the same road to the finishlineattheConvention Center

At the 2022 event in Suriname, Nicholson clocked 33 minutes and 25 seconds to win the Men’s event, while Jozeanne Harris of Jamaica was the first female to cross the line, doing so in 44 minutes and 49seconds.

This year’s 10K marks the 16th edition and serves as a pre-event for theAnnual Meeting of the Conference of Heads of

its

triumphantaswell.

Furthermore, Bacchus tooktheopportunitytothank Pete Sukhu, the Managing DirectorofKP/Employment Solutions Inc for his continuedsponsorship.

Executives of the association also came in for highpraisefromBacchusfor

their continued dedication andcommitmenttohelprun theaffairsofsoftballcricket. All the participating teams were also lauded for their continued involvement and highlighted that his association would run off more tournaments very soon.

Bascombe appointed new CWI Director of Cricket

ST.JOHN’S,Antigua–

At a Board of Directors meeting on Friday 30 June 2023attheCoolidgeCricket Ground in Antigua, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has appointed Miles Bascombe as the new Director of Cricket, on a three-year contract.Bascombewilltake over from Jimmy Adams, who had been in the role for thepastsixyears.

Bascombe, 37, played one T20 International for the West Indies in 2011 and played first-class cricket between 2007 and 2017, for both the Windward Islands and the Combined Campuses and Colleges

He is a graduate of the University of the West I n d i e s w i t h b o t h Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and is a certified coach Bascombe, who was a CWI Men’s Selector between 2019 and 2021, has been the Technical

Director at the Windward IslandsCricketBoardover thelasttwoyears

Under his technical leadership, there have been a remarkable turnaround of fortunes for bothmaleandfemalecricket across different levels, including an unbeaten firstclassseasonin2023.

Johnny Grave, CWI Chief Executive Officer said: “Following a thorough recruitment process,Milesstoodoutto the panel with his skills, experience and intimate knowledge of our cricket system, especially at TerritorialBoardlevel

His passion and understanding of the game a t a l l l e v e l s a r e outstanding

He is a critical thinker withastronganalyticaland strategic mindset, which willbehugelybeneficialto us as we embark on formulatingournew4-year strategicplan.

(L-R) AAG’s Nadine Trotz, Marlon Nicholson, Attoya Harvey and Winston Missinger prior to their departure to Trinidad and Tobago.

The victorious Sunshine team strike a pose just after the game with the championship trophy

Concacaf Gold Cup from Glendale: Mexico streaks past Haiti at State Farm Stadium

AZCentral|TheArizona

Republic - It took Mexico lessthanaminutetoscoreits opening goal Sunday in Houston, in a rout of Honduras in both teams’ ConcacafGoldCupopener

On Thursday at State Farm Stadium, it took a full halfplus45secondsintothe second half, but once “LamborJimmy” got rolling once again, it was too hard foranotheropponenttostop it. Henry Martín headed in Mexico’s first goal against Haiti, and Mexico finished numerous scoring chances with more regularity in the second half in its 3-1 Gold Cupwin.SantiagoGimenez also scored, and Mexico’s attack forced a major mistakewhenHaitiprovided anowngoal.

Mexico was the better teamallnightlong,attacking the Haiti end with a faster tempo that has the players playing with more confidence under new head coach Jaime Lozano. “LamborJimmy” is a reference to Lozano’s strategy of more movement upthefieldforhisplayers,a riskier proposition but one that has produced goals and lifted the spirits of the team anditslegionsoffansinboth MexicoandtheU.S.

Uriel Antuña provided two assists, and fans got to see Mexico’s first win in GlendalesinceJulyof2021, whichwasa3-0victoryover Honduras in the Gold Cup. Since then, Mexico lost 3-0 to Uruguay last year and drew 1-1 with the U.S. in Aprilofthisyear

Mexico earned its sixth win at State Farm Stadium alltime,in12matches.Ithas lost only twice with four draws.

“In getting to know the players, I’ve tried to make things easier,” Lozano said in Spanish “This result doesn’t guarantee anything but the players look content

and confident We had options,wehadtheballalot and we were moving it and doingalotofdamage.”

Mexico has all but assured itself passage to the knockout round of this year’s Gold Cup, with two winsintwomatches.Haitiis on three points with a win and loss, and Honduras and Qatar are still alive with a point each from a draw in GroupB.

In the earlier game of Thursday’s doubleheader in Glendale, Alberth Elis scored in the dying seconds ofthematchforHondurasto force a draw with Qatar Afterward, both teams scuffled on the field, Qatar clearly miffed as a missed opportunityforawin.

But most of the 34,527 weretheretoseeMexicoand Lozano’s new style that has histimeasheadcoachoffto astrongstart.

That crowd wasn’t the 50,000-and60,000-plusthat has been typical of Mexico games in Glendale, but perhaps some fans still feel that Mexico still has a ways to go after losing 3-0 to the U.S.intheConcacafNations League semifinals two weeksago.

The loss and some other factorswithintheteamledto the dismissal of former coachDiegoCocca.Mexico was already coming off its w o r s t Wo r l d C u p performanceindecades.

More entertaining soccer, and certainly wins, could result in Mexico’s soccer federation keeping Lozano in place on a more permanentbasis.

“We’re playing happier and calmer We’re finding the best in each of the players,” Mexico’s Jorge Sanchez said. “This is a tough competition but the roster is in good form and we’re finding the best characteristics of each other.”

L o z a n o s e e m e d indifferent about the nickname in the post-match press conference, but he’s happywiththeresults.

“Well,Idon’tknowwho startedit,”Lozanosaid.“But any coaching staff is what it is because of its players. Every day that passes we grow more together and we’re feeling more comfortable. We took an important step forward, but wehavemoretodo.”

Haiti proved to be a big and athletic team, and when Danley Jean Jacques got on the end of a corner kick not marked well by Mexico and sent the ball past Guillermo Ochoa in the 77th minute, thescorewas 2-1withHaiti pressingforthedraw

But Mexico was having none of the comeback Antuña came up with his second assist of the night, serving a perfect cross off the counterattack to Gimenez for the decisive goalinthe83rdminute.

Gimenez got a huge ovationwhenheenteredthe game as a second-half substitute, as he is regarded as one of Mexico’s most popularplayersbythefans.

“I think we’re buying intohowJimmywantsusto play,”Ochoasaid.

Honduras had several chancesinthesecondhalfto draw even with Qatar and wasthebetterqualitysideon the field throughout the game, but a seventh-minute goal looked like it would hold up until Elis overpowered his defender andputawayadeflectionas timewasrunningout.

Qatar was playing in Glendale for the second time In July 2021, the eventual World Cup hosts defeated El Salvador 3-2 in thequarterfinalsoftheGold Cup Qatarlost1-0totheU.S. inthesemifinals.

Mexico players celebrate one of their goals against Haiti.

Khawaja adds to England’s Ashes agony after Starc strikes in 2nd Test

AFP-Australia’sUsman Khawaja dug in to put Australia in control against England after the hosts’ batting collapse in the secondAshes Test at Lord’s yesterday

Ashes-holders Australia werestronglyplacedat1302 in their second innings, a lead of 221 runs, when rain forced an early close to the thirdday’splay

Conditions for batting, withthefloodlightsswitched on to counter the gloomy skies in London, were challenging.

But Khawaja, whose hundred at Edgbaston last weekhelpedAustraliatakea 1-0 lead in the five-match series, held firm to reach 58 notoutatstumps.

Steve Smith was u n b e a t e n o n s i x following his 110 in Australia’s first-innings

416 Khawaja and fellow

left-handed opener

David Warner, who made an unusually restrained 25 off 76 balls, were content to defend in traditional Test-match fashion against the moving ball

And when Stuart Broad overpitched, Khawaja stylishly drove him through cover-pointforfour.

Australia’sapproachwas in marked contrast to the aggressive ‘Bazball’ style

that led to several England top-order batsmen throwing away their wickets against theshortballonThursday

Khawaja was reprieved on 19 when he pulled fast bowlerJoshTonguetoJames Anderson at forward square only for the ball to go through the hands of the England veteran, who did notappeartopickuptheball earlyenough.

England eventually

broke through after repeatedly beating the outside edge when Ashes debutantTonguenippedone back to have Warner lbw, leavingAustralia63-1.

Marnus Labuschagne was given out lbw for just three,onlyforthedecisionto beoverturnedonreview

-Englandcollapse-

Labuschagne, however, was dismissed for 30 when hesteeredAndersontoHarry Brookatbackwardpoint.

B u t K h a w a j a , combining attack and defence, completed a 105ball fifty, with 40 of his r u n s c o m i n g i n boundaries

Earlier, Mitchell Starc led the world Test champions’ charge as England collapsed to 325 all out in a subdued atmosphereatLord’s.

The home side, who had resumed on 278-4, added 47 runs in 15 2

overs as the wickets tumbled,withAustralia91 runsaheadonfirstinnings.

Starc, the only change to the Australia XI that enjoyed a thrilling twowicket win at Edgbaston, took3-88in17overs

Several England batsmen, including opener Ben Duckett, who was out for 98, fell into a blatant hooking trap late on the secondday

England suffered a further setback off just the second ball of Friday’s play

whencaptainBenStokesfell forhisovernight17.

Adelivery from left-arm expressquickStarcleaptoff alengthandtooktheoutside edge, with Cameron Green holding a sharp catch at secondslip.

It was a moraleboostingstarttothedayfor Australia, bidding for a first Ashes series win in England in 22 years, after off-spinner Nathan Lyon was unable to take the field aftersufferingacalfstrain.

England rising star Brook, 45 not out overnight, completed a 63-

Australia celebrate the wicket of England’s Harry Brook in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s (Ian Kington)

ball fifty but his determination to attack provedhisundoing.

Brook backed away from a short Starc ball and triedtoflat-batthedelivery down the ground, only to slice to extra-cover, where Australia captain Pat Cummins held a simple catch.

At 293-6 England were left looking to Jonny Bairstow, the last of their specialist batsmen, to get onlevelterms Bairstow, however, had only managed 16 when he chipped fast bowler Josh

Hazlewood to Cummins at mid-on in search of quick runs with only the lower orderforcompany Part-time spinner Travis Head, filling in for Lyon, took two wickets in five balls, a charging Ollie Robinson caught behind, before Broad, previously shaken up a Green bouncer, waslbw Scores: Australia 416 and 130 for 2 (Khawaja 58*) lead England 325 (Duckett 98, Brook 50, Starc 3-88, Head 2-17, Hazlewood 2-71) by 221 runs.

Ready to conquer the track again after recovering from injury

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce:

SportsMax - Five-time world 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, has expressed her unwavering confidence and determination as she prepares to open her 2023 season at Jamaica’s national championships in Kingston from July 6-9 and begin her campaign for a recordextending sixth world 100m titleinBudapestinAugust.

After recovering from a kneeinjuryshesufferedback in May in Kenya, FraserPryce is more determined thanevertogetbackontrack after her record-breaking seasonin2022.

Reflecting on her journey, Fraser-Pryce, in an interview with Black Enterprise shared, “You know, I’ve always said that no two years are ever the

same. You plan and you work,andyoujusthopethat everythingfallsintoplace.”

Her last year was filled with joy and achievement, especially after winning an unprecedented fifth World 100mtitleandrunningunder 10.7seconds,arecordseven times, which laid a solid foundationforherambitions thisyear

However, the sprinter experiencedahiccupearlyin theseasoninKenya,forcing adelayedstarttoherseason.

Determined to bounce back stronger, she returned to the drawing board to ensure her knee was in excellent condition.

She knew that the outdoor season would demand not only mental fortitude but also peak physical performance. Her

goal was to be in top form and leave no room for setbacks.

Speaking about her preparations, Fraser-Pryce stated, “So far, training has been going great, and I believe I’m in a much better place now I’ve been able to tweaksomethingsandreally revisit areas that needed work.”

A three-time Olympic gold medallist, FraserPryce’srelentlessworkethic anddedicationhavebeenthe driving force behind her successful career, and she remains focused on finetuning every aspect of her performance.

Throughout her journey, Fraser-Pryce has relied on her spirituality, trusting that God will always guide her path.

The Inaugural Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) Open Single’s tournament, falling under the ‘One Guyana’ flagship, commencedyesterdayatthe National Racquet Centre (NRC) on WoolfordAvenue inGeorgetown.Theopening ceremony,whichmarkedthe beginningofthe2023Tennis Open event, was a brief but ceremoniousaffair

Leading the event were Christy Campbell, President of the GTA, and Steve Ninvalle,DirectorofSports. They addressed the players, parents, and coaches in attendance, emphasizing the significance of the GTA OpenSinglestournament.

This two-week long competitionfeaturesvarious categories,cateringtoawide range of skill levels and age groups. The tournament includes Men’s Open Singles, Women’s Open Singles, Men’s 35 Singles,

and Men’s 45 Singles. Each category promises fierce competition as participants viefortheirrespectivetitles. The matches will follow a best-of-three sets format, consistent across all categories.

During her opening speech, GTA President Campbell expressed

gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCY&S), as well as the NationalSportsCommission (NSC), for their support in bringing this prestigious tournament to fruition She alsoexpressedherdelightat being given the opportunity to commence this inaugural tennis championship which

isdubbedtohavethelargest cash prize in history of the sport locally The competition offers an impressive two million in cashandprizes

According to Campbell, matches will take place every day from Monday to Friday between the hours of 15:30 to 18:30. While on

weekends, matches will begin at 14:00 hours and conclude at 18:30 hours, ensuring an exciting schedule for both players andspectators. With the op

ning ceremony concluded, the InauguralGTAOpenSingles tournament has officially begun.Playersandfansalike

One Guyana GTA Open Tennis tourney underway Dominican Republic down Guyana at CAC Women’s 3x3

are eagerly anticipating the intense matches and the crowning of the deserving championsineachcategory

Guyana’s short-handed women’s 3x3 team faced a challenging match at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in El Salvador, ultimately losing 8-21 against the DominicanRepublic.

Duetoflightdelaysfrom the US to San Salvador, the Guyanese team had to compete without Ruth Adams,aprofessionalbased inSpain.

This left Shania Sears, JamaicyOgle,andKennesha Leacock to confront a strong Dominican Republic team Leacock,thesoleplayeronthe team with prior international 3x3 experience, displayed resiliencedespitetheodds,but their struggles with shooting as a team hindered their performance.

Capitalizingontheirsize advantage, the Dominican Republic women outmatched their Guyanese counterparts with relative ease Following yesterday’s match, Guyana willpressoninthetournament and face off against Centro Caribe Sports today at 3:00 pm (RawleToney)

Kennesha Leacock

Match #1 of the One Guyana GTAOpen Singles tournament got underway at the NRC.

GTAPresident Christy Campbell

Among the officials present at the launch of the Banks DIH Guyana Cup 2023 were Banks DIH’s Communication Executive, Sonya Forrester (3rd left), JJTRC President, Nasrudeen Mohammed (2nd left), JJTRC Executive, Irshad Mohamed (2nd left), Banks DIH’Mortimer Stewart andASPHenry.

Banks DIH Guyana Cup 2023 officially launched; set for August 13 Antagonising defeat for Men’s Hockey team at CAC Games

-Tickets go on sale today online only

...Coach Robert Fernandes disappointed atdefeatagainstDominicanRepublic

Part of the action between Guyana and the Dominican Republic at the CAC Men’s Hockey Championship.