Kaieteur News

‘Govt. more interested in self-image than justice’

Man runs away, leaves wife to face bicycle bandits

-Prof.IvelawGriffth

Risks to environment will diminish gains from the oil revenues

...says Guyana faces clear, present dangers

Ag a i n s t t h e backdrop of g r o w i n g concerns over the impacts of f o s s i l f u e l o n t h e environment, Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith says Guyana faces some clear and present dangers in the area of environmental security and he has called on the country's leaders to craft and implement an Environmental SecurityInvestmentPlan.

Griffith shared his views in an OPED titled: Mother Nature at Work: Oil and ClimateChangeinGuyana.”

Hesaidbyenvironmental s e c u r i t y h e m e a n s circumstances where e n v i r o n m e n t a lrelated/caused problems severely compromise the ability of state power holders to exercise normal political, economic, and military rule, which in turn, undermines the state's internal governance or external sovereignty According to him, understandably, citizens of Guyana have and will continuetohaveexpectations

that the country's oil bounty will benefit them. “Yet, there is a great risk that the environmental security challenges on the horizon will diminish individual and societal gains from the oil r e v e n u e s i f t h e environmental security challenges are not addressed withwhattheRev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr once called “afierceurgencyofnow.”

Griffith noted that the rising sea levels might only minimally affect the offshore drilling, however, the rising w a t e r s a n d o t h e r manifestations of climate change will disrupt habitation and societal normalcy—and not just in Georgetown—such that the new wealth might hardly benefit the people there

“Yet, for the first time, Guyana is set to have the resources to undertake a project of this magnitude, thanks to growing oil revenues.

Thus, the country's leaders face a long-term existential imperative: to begin using some of the oil revenue to craft what might

be called an Environmental Security Investment Plan Such a plan could have two components: a short-term one, and a long-term, a transformational,one.”

Professor Griffith said maintenance of the sea defences, clearance, revetment, and maintenance of the canals and kokers, and repair/replacement and maintenance of water pumps

would be key aspects of the first component. Restoration and maintenance of mangrove forests and the r e h a b i l i t a t i o n a n d maintenance of the coastal wall would be key aspects of the second component

Beyond this, he said the relocation of Georgetown away from the doorsteps of the Atlantic Ocean is a sine qua non for the long-term societal transformation that leaders and citizens desire a n d d e s e r v e “ T h e government is to be lauded for the current construction of Silica City, a new urban community 30 miles outside Georgetown and 33 miles from the mining town of Linden, with 3,800 acres of state land. It is envisioned as a “smart city” with residential and nonresidential areas, a tourism district,andaconservationist district, and featuring sustainable urban drainage, alternative energy, and modern waste management. Indeed, one government minister promised it will be “amarvel.”

However, Griffith said

the creation of this new habitationenterprisedoesnot diminish the coastal threat; the environmental security threat to the coast persists and will worsen with the rising sea levels, especially as the oil boom is creating a dizzying pace of commercial and residential expansion in Georgetownanditsenvirons.

“Thus, while the creation of Silica City is desirable, it's not sufficient. The relocation of the capital should still remain a serious long-term project Georgetown's relocation has been contemplated since the 1970s, but has been stymied by issues of political will, societal intransigence, and financingovertheyears.

Foreignassistance

Professor Griffith said foreign assistance certainly would be necessary to help a d d r e s s t h e e x t a n t environmental security challenges, especially the relocation of the capital “Truth be told, the country does currently receive c o n s i d e r a b l e f l o o d mitigation and other climate c h a n g e - r e l a t e d

Copcaughtoncameraassaulting detaineeatEnmorePoliceStation

A police officer was recently caught on camera assaulting a detainee at the Enmore Police Station, located on the East Coast of Demerara(ECD).

Kaieteur News had reached out to police for someclarityonthematter.

However, based on a cell phone recorded video of the scene,thecopreportedlylost his cool after the suspect apparently provoked him by attempting to video his face with a cell phone. The cop grabbed the phone and was involved in a brief scuffle with the individual as she retreated.

The suspect was even heard accusing the cop of choking a woman during the arrest.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the cop might have stopped the person's car for a traffic infraction and was heard instructing the individual, “Walk with yuh licence into thestation”.

Although police have been on the receiving end of

assaults when making arrests, there are standard operating procedures that govern the Force. Ranks must also show some amount of restraint when dealing with suspects especially if they are not violent towards police officers.

Retired Assistant Commissioner, Paul Slowe hadpointedthisoutinaletter he had written to Kaieteur News inMay2022.

Slowe had written the letter, in relation to fight that had taken place between a trafficcopandataxidriver

“It has five levels. Level One is the Complaint Level where no use of force is usuallyreasonable.

Level Two is the Resistive (Passive) Level where the subject does not follow the officer's commands. Force options here include guiding or directingthesuspectthrough hands–ontechniques.Level Three is the Resistive (Active)Level,whichoccurs when a subject actively

resists arrest. Level Three force options include joint manipulation or restraint, leverage techniques, pressure points or even OC (pepper) spray, with a warning given first under propercircumstances”,Slow had written.Based on the minor altercation that took place recently the video did not depict if the suspect might have assaulted the officerfirst.

A request by this newspaper for clarification on the incident was made to the force's public relations department but up to press timetherewasnoresponse.

Based on the evidence seen in the video the suspect followedthecopwillinglyto the police station and was only videoing the cop while m a k i n g u n f o u n d e d allegationsofassault.

M o r e o v e r , t h e government had expended millions of taxpayers dollars to acquire body cameras for some its ranks in December 2019 so that the police can h a v e s o m e s o r t o f

t r a n s p a r e n c y w h e n conducting patrol operations andarrests.

A Kaieteur News article publishedinDecember2019 informed that police officers had already started using bodycamerasduringpatrols.

The article with headlined, “Cops begin patrols with body cameras” Quoted the then police Commander of 'Division FourA'(Agricola,EastBank Demerara to Cummings

L o d g e , E a s t C o a s t

Demerara) Assistant

Commissioner, Edgar Thomas as saying “I am not running any covert operation, I want the public to know that we are using cameras…wearenotspying, we are using technology as part of our crime-fighting strategy.”

According to Thomas, the use of body cams can not only protect ranks from false allegations, or expose corruption, but “can also ensure that the seniors know what their subordinates are doingonthestreets”.

assistance on both a bilateral and a multilateral basis. However, this petropower-in-the-making cannot rely on external assistance to strengthen its environmental security; it needs to put some financial“skininthegame.”

Griffith said in the final analysis, Mother Nature's power and presence in the nation that is five times the size of the Netherlands, an erstwhile colonizer, make true not just the declaration “water, water, everywhere,” butalsotheassertion“oil,oil, plentythere!”

Accordingly, Guyana finds itself on both the negativeandpositivesidesof the climate change balance sheet: it provides a carbon sink but also produces fossil fuels that add to global warming, a key ingredient of climatechange.Inadditionto being the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Griffith is a Senior Associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies as well as a Fellow of the Caribbean Policy Consortium and of GlobalAmericans.

Hewasatthetimeunable tosayiftheuseofbodycams was introduced to other policing districts but a subsequent police report had detailed that ranks in Region Three were being trained to usetothetechnology

Kaieteur News had also

received subsequent information that cameras were also acquired by ranks in Division 4 C where the recent alleged assault was caughtoncamera.

It is unclear if the rank seen in thevideowas using a bodycamatthetime.

Professor Ivelaw Griffith

A screenshot of the cop allegedly assaulting a detainee.

Pres. Ali must press

Blinken on renegotiation of lopsided ExxonMobil contract

...as two officials meet for historic talks in Guyana

With Russia threatening to cut crude oil exports by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in August in a bid to ensure a balanced market, today's meeting between US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and this country's top leaders will take on greater significance. with oil being a high priority, if not the central point of discussion.

Today's meeting provides Guyana with an opportunity totableitsownpriorities,one of which has to be movement to the renegotiation table w i t h t h e l o p s i d e d ExxonMobil contract, advocate for a better oil deal, Glenn Lall has said. He said this is a precious opportunity that must be taken advantage of, and leveraged to the nation'sbenefit.

Blinken's visit no doubt would have been planned long in advance, but it was only on Monday Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that country's plans to cut exports, a not altogether unexpected move. Mr Lall said that the US Secretary of State will more than likely push this country to ramp up itsoilproductiontohelpeven off supplies, although Guyana's take from profit oil a n d r o y a l t y a r e embarrassingly low “We expect the Secretary of State to urge this country to ramp upitsproduction…andthatis in line with what the Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and ExxonMobil have been saying,” Lall told this newspaper Guyanese have increasingly been pushing back at the lopsided oil contract the Guyana Government of APNU+AFC had signed with the US oil giant and which the present PPP/C administration has refused to renegotiate. The US's expected push for more production out of Guyana, and on an accelerated timetable, could be offset by Guyanese leaders seizing the opportunity to push for something to give on the suffocating contract so Guyana can get more for its oilwealth.

announcement of export cuts came minutes after Saudi Arabia said it would extend its unilateral oil production cut of 1 million bpd into August.

“As part of the efforts to ensure a balanced market, Russia will voluntarily reduce its oil supply in August by 500,000 barrels per day by cutting its exports to global markets by that quantity,” Novak said in a brief statement. The top oil official in Russia didn't give any figures as to the volume of the Russian production and exports for August, nor the baseline from which the cutwouldbemade.

TheAugustcutinexports wouldmeananadditionalcut in oil production by 500,000 bpdinAugust,Novak'soffice t o l d R u s s i a n d a i l y Vedomosti. Thesecutscould bode ill for Europe when the weather gets cold and demand for energy steepens, thoughsomecushionsshould be in place following last year's supply shocks and traumas.

Saudi Arabia will be producing around 9 million bpd in both July and August after extending the voluntary cut into next month. “This additional voluntary cut comes to reinforce the precautionary efforts made by OPEC Plus countries with the aim of supporting the stability and balance of oil market,” Saudi Arabia said Monday Russia, for its part, has enjoyed resilient crude oil exports – much higher than anticipated last year –even after the Western sanctionsandthepricecapon its crude and petroleum products.ChinaandIndiaare snapping up cheap Russian barrels, and Russian exports for most of June were still around 250,000 bpd higher comparedtoFebruary,which serves as a baseline for the 500,000-bpd production cut Russia has promised this year

Oil price.com reported that Monday's nearly s i m u l t a n e o u s announcements from Russia and Saudi Arabia are noteworthy, after Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said at

the latest OPEC+ meeting in early June, referring to Russia, “We discussed with Russia the issue of its production and asked it to clarify its data, and we have strengthened the concept of transparency with Russia about its oil production figures.”

Rangeofpriorities

M e a n w h i l e , a Department of Public Information release stated that Blinken and President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali will discuss a range of priorities, including food and energy security, climate resilience, and finance. The US top diplomat will make a stopover here following a visit to Trinidad and Tobago where he met with that country's leaders as well as heads of government attending the Caricom Summit In addition to President Ali, Blinken is expected to meet with ForeignMinisterHughTodd, and key members of the Cabinet.

The US Embassy here had said that the visit by the Secretary of State will build on Vice President Harris' historic June 8 visit to The Bahamas, where she cohosted the U.S.-Caribbean Leaders Meeting. Secretary Blinken will engage on pressing issues in the region with the represented heads of governments, including Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, and incoming CARICOM Chair and Dominica Prime MinisterRooseveltSkerrit.

Wazim Mowla associate director of the Caribbean Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center wrote last week that Blinken's trip to the Caribbean cannot be a wasted opportunity He said on the surface, this is a win for US-Caribbean relations, as it comes off the back of several high-level US visits to the region. According to Mowla for the United States, the consequences of insufficient action so far are

evident, noting that given the enormity of the challenges facing the Caribbean, the region's leaders are seeking solutions to their problems elsewhere.

The writer noted that Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has taken to the global stage to overhaul MDB financing, while Guyana is welcoming investment in its oil sector from all corners of the world, and Trinidad and Tobago is increasing engagement with Venezuela over shared gas reserves. “Other Caribbean leadersseeAfricancountries, India, and China as attractive partners that can provide financing, investment, and aid,” Mowla wrote in the piece which appeared on the AtlanticCouncil'swebsite.

Meanwhile, the DPI said B u r e a u o f We s t e r n Hemisphere Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, Barbara Feinstein last Friday said the Secretary's visit to Guyana will further deepen

America's diplomatic

engagement with 14 steadfast democracies

Blinken's discussions with President Ali will centre on

key bilateral issues, including food and energy securityanddecarbonisation, climate resilience, regional migration, and building local capacity

Duringameetingwiththe Secretary of State in WashingtonDCinJuly2022, President Ali said Guyana welcomes the opportunity to further strengthen its relationship with the US as a strategic partner, particularly during its period of growth. He also highlighted the countries' shared values and their quests to strengthen the region.

In his remarks then, the US Secretary of State said Guyana has been a very strong partner for his country and a global leader The two countries, he added, will continue to advance d i s c u s s i o n s a n d collaboration in areas for cooperation Blinken emphasised that the US is eager to continue to deepen a n d s t r e n g t h e n t h e partnership, which will also redound to the benefit of the region, since Guyana's capital─Georgetown,isalso the seat of the Caribbean Community(CARICOM).

Businessman, Glenn Lall

United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Printed

Guyana.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

TRAFFIC STOPS, TRAFFIC TICKETS, TRAFFIC TRICKS

The roads of Guyana are clogged with vehicles and people,andtheyarealsocloggedbyadensesmogofofficial corruption.Itiswhatcharacterizeslocaltrafficculture.This iswithlessafocusondriversandotherroadusers,foragood part no saints themselves, and more on how the Guyana PoliceForce(GPF)rankscarryouttheirsensitiveduties.It isaboutwhatstartswithatrafficstop,andwithwhatshould beatrafficticket(butisnot)forthoseviolationsthatqualify for such treatment. From the traffic stops and the traffic ticketthatisnonexistent,therefollowsthenextclever,wellpractisedlineinthegame:itisthetraffictricks.

Aviolationhasoccurred,andthetrafficstopbyranksis justified. As a matter of routine, a traffic ticket should be issued,andboththeviolatorandtheattendingrankarefree to move on to other business. But the issuance of a traffic ticketalmostneverhappens,ifatall.Thisisdespitethefact that it was the GPF itself that had informed the public that such and such traffic violations should be issued with a ticket.

The first limitation is that the GPF rank has no ticket book,eitherbydesignorarrangementorindividualpractice. If there is no ticket book available on the scene, then it follows that no ticket can be issued. Regarding why GPF trafficranksshouldbelackingsuchanessentialtoolintheir dailyroadactivitiesisasubjectofmuchdebate. Concerning why ticket books and tickets are not present for use in the stationhousesoftheGPF,onlyaddstothemystery(andthe negativeconclusionsdrawn). Itcouldbethatticketbooks arethere,butnobodyreachesforthem,orcarestousethem.

Now this brings us to the traffic tricks, perhaps premediated,maybeevenprearranged,inthestationhouses from the fertile minds and long experiences of the duty officers,andaspassedontotheranksgoingoutontheroads, either on foot or on wheeled methods of movement. What thenproceedstotakeplaceisthatinnearlyeveryinstanceof a possible traffic offence being committed, there is an officialoffensegatheringenergyandspreadingitstentacles. Itiswherethediscussionbegins,withunsaidandexpected negotiationstofollow,asamatterofcourse.

To proceed to the stationhouse can be interpreted two ways. First, it is of a dedicated police rank doing his duty, following his official training, or in a bow to the guidance from the officer manning the desk, and responsible for oversight of road ranks. Second, it could be a subtle invitation and overture at work to get the matter over and donewithrightthereandthen,withnotimewasted.Timeis money,andthetradeoffthroughwhatisexperiencedbyboth parties (offender and official) fixes everything in a hurry, withnobodyelseanywiser.Paperworkandbureaucracyand magistracy are all eliminated when there is mutual understandingtokeepheaddownandopenupwallet.Thisis whattheabsence,calculatedorotherwise,oftraffictickets in the hands of police ranks reduces traffic enforcement to on Guyana’s roadways. Drivers demanding tickets draw a blankbecausethereisnonetogive.Itispartofwhatisnowa consistent shakedown, as gleaned from the reports of frustratedmembersoftheroad-usingcommunity

To be compelled to travel to the stationhouse eats up time, with more given up there. It is part of the feeling out process, and coming to an agreement. Always, the courts are dangled as where the matter could end up, and who knowshowmuchmoretimewillbeneeded,howmanymore infineswillresult.Mostofthosewhohavebrokenatraffic rule or regulation quickly settle, which is cheaper in time andmoney

The ranks on the streets know this, and so do their officersstudyingthecustomerswhoarehauledbeforethem. Itwouldbeshockingifpolicecommanderswerecluelessof this corrupt practice in play Give traffic tickets to ranks, minimizetemptations,helpsqueezepolicecorruption.

PPP/C HAS RESCUED AGRICULTURE, COALITION FAILED IT

DEAREDITOR, Drainage and Irrigation was always under the Government’s microscope, especially in support of the agriculture sector; and the continuum of interventions included,butwasnotlimited to:

• S i g n i f i c a n t improvement in the o p e r a t i o n a n d implementation of the flood controlstructures;

• Construction of additional drainage outlets countrywide;

• Major rehabilitation of approximately 600 miles of canals and drains, as well as theDawaPumpStation;

• Rehabilitation of pump stations, structures and drainageoutlets;

• Negotiations for financing to optimize efficiency and capacity of theconservancies,especially with the objective to maximize the availability of arable lands for farming activities;

• Installation of the DopplerWeatherRadar;

•Expansionofthehydrometeorological monitoring network

• The Hope Canal; amongothers.

The rice sector is the second most important agricultural industry in Guyana, contributing about 40% of the agri sector GNP, or12%ofGDP.

Through CIDA, support from BCCP concretized an RPA dream, of accessing farmers top-quality seed paddy at competitive prices. Before Hurricane Coalition, RPA General-Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj said thattheAssociationwasalso workingtowardestablishing fuel depots and importing fertilizer in an effort to reduceandstabilize,asmuch as possible within the constraints of world market prices and other factors, the priceofinputsinagricultural production.

Guyana has, since the days of our ancestors, been producing enough food to feedourselves.

However, with the Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture and Guyana’s “Grow More Food” campaign Guyana entered a new dimension in food production and, under Jagdeo’stenureasPresident, broke grounds in vital rice markets, including the Venezuelan and Colombian

markets, which the failed Granger-led administration lost within weeks of accessing the government. Having lost some of our niche markets in Europe the PPP/C Government was not preparedtobuckleunder

Asinthecasewithsugar, when the EU tried to cut the ground under our feet with its restructured import policies and prices, Guyana’s policy-makers in the PPP/C rose to the challenge and strategized to ensure that our rice sector emerged from every setback stronger and more competitive in the global arena. Theground-breaking Venezuelan market is a case inpoint;andthiswasjustthe beginningofGuyana’sclimb into a world player in agricultural products, until the failed Granger-led administration drove the growth trajectory of

Guyana’s forex earners plummeting underground once more, even as they trumpet their own praises to theskies.

Under coalition administration, the sugar industry was inexorably strangled, cash-crop farmers losthope;andthericesector

once more became imperiled.

The nation’s agriculture sectoronceagainawaitedthe re-emergence of a PPP government to rescue it and ensure the continued fructification of Dr Cheddi Jagan’s vision for national, regional and global food security

The current PPP-led government has taken the agri sector to new levels, as did previous PPP-led administrations, and is introducing more nontraditional cash crops in efforts to reduce Guyana’s food import bill and avail Guyaneseoffreshproduce–broccoli, soya, corn, carrots and more in large-scale quantities, untainted by preservatives.

Guyana’s traditional industries, especially agriculture, under every PPP/C administration, would never be superseded by the gas and oil sector, even though the additional revenuesandaccompanying, adjunctive benefits are welcome; but would always be foremost in its national developmentalparadigm.

Yourstruly, AlvinHamilton

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 neighbours, of which we have borders, Venezuela to theWest,BraziltotheSouth and Suriname to the East require considerable care andcaution.

His Excellency can be well advised to secure the experience and wisdom of persons who understand the need to tread carefully in dealingwithourneighbours.

The criticism I make is, perhaps, for parochial reasons, or a fear to seek adviceoutsideofthecomfort zone of party faithful, no matterhowineptandhaving a narrow vision, our President is unwilling or unable to get over this

debilitatinghurdle.

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

As a youngster, a member of the Queen’s College Troupe 27 Scouts, we hosted a Scouts Group fromSuriname.

It was friendly and we had fun, but I recalled that the Scouts from Suriname weresatisfied.

However, there was no doubt 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 countryHolland.

Recall on August 18, 1969 residents of Suriname hadbeeninoccupationofan area of land known as the New River Triangle and

thanks to the bravery of Pilots Roland Da 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.

As a primary school student,theeldestsonofmy mother’s sister, Mrs. Racar, visited.

His name was Roland Racar At the time, I didn’t understand the significance when in speaking with my mother, his aunt, he told us that being half Venezuelan and half Guyanese, he was concerned that we were not handing over part of Essequibo to Venezuela. I remembered this as an adult and political figure, we had tograpplewiththisnotionby

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’sbounty President Ali and his Ministersof (Continuedonpage6)

PresidentAli should understand our neighbours’claims more, how things can change

Allegations against Minister Dharamlall must not be ignored

DEAREDITOR,

The allegations of rape and sodomy of a child, a minority, a young indigenous girl by Nigel Dharamhall, a cabinet minister of the government ofGuyana,haveshockedthe nation and sparked outrage among many and rightfully so.

It is a heinous crime that deserves swift and just punishment,andthefactthat the allegations have been committed by a person in a positionofpower,influence, and authority only makes it allthemoreegregious.

Whatisamongthemany episodes of disappointments is the manner in how the policeanditsrepresentatives

have acted throughout this investigative process, the denial of the child’s constitutional right for legal counselandthequestionable decision of the office of the DPPthatisinconsistentwith allegations of a similar nature is cause for concern andworry

Additionally, what is equally disappointing is the silenceandinactionofmany mothers, grandmothers, aunties, sisters, and women altogether What is equally disappointing is the silence and inaction of our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers,andmenaltogether Why are they not all out in the streets lending their voice to demand justice and

protectionforourgirls,boys, for our children? What is disappointing is the absence ofourreligiousleadersinthe frontline giving leadership. Where are those men and women of the cloth who whole the balance of morality in the society, lending their voice to demand justice? Are you hiding behind the notion of “separation of church and state”? Where is civil society, the business community, NGOs, and the independents on this very serious matter? Where is your solidarity for this child who was and is being victimized even more by powerful political and businessinterests?

Editor, as the statement suggests, justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are equally outraged as those who are directly impacted. In this case,itisimperativethatthe wider community and the government officials themselves show their outrage, take action, and demandaccountability

The first step towards justiceisforthegovernment of Guyana to take definitive action against Dharamhall. Stopthewindowdressingof acting.

Youarenot.Suchahighprofile case demands a transparent and thorough investigation, not only to determinetheveracityofthe

Guyana’s projected economic numbers better than anyone

DEAREDITOR,

The perspective on Guyana’s overall economic future has changed drastically since the advent of the President Irfaan Aliledgovernment.

T h e C o a l i t i o n Government was bereft of ideas of managing the country and demonstrated a proclivity to corruption, leading to a situation where Guyana’s economy was rapidlyspiralingdownward.

The approach of the coalition Government for generatingincomeforpublic coffers by increasing the taxation regime to u n b e a r a b l e a n d unsustainable levels was counter-productive to social development, especially with their penchant for borrowing unsustainably andspendingonprojectsthat lacknationalimportance.

Guyana: 2017Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; IMF report stated,interalia:

“Despite slower-thanexpected economic growth, fiscal revenue increased owing to improvements in tax administration and higherminingroyalties.”

“Improvements in tax

administration” did not take into consideration the ensuingsocialimpactsonthe overall economy as a result of reduced spending power and increase in prices, because businesses could only remain viable by offsetting their increased taxation burdens by increasing costs for goods andservicestoconsumers.

The learnedAttorney-atLaw, Guyana’s Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon Anil Nandlall, often alluded to some of the many violations by the coalition government that infracted the Constitution of Guyana and the prerequisites of international democratic norms and conventions, and especially emphasized on the situation as it related to the corrupt practices of the coalitiongovernment.

One of the numerous infractions of our Constitution was by then President Granger himself when it came to choosing a chairman for GECOM, with Granger rejecting three lists submitted by then

Opposition Leader Dr BharratJagdeo–asrequired by law, on nebulous,

contentious grounds and unilaterally choosing someonewithopenloyalties tothePNC,whichprecluded impartial resonances within GECOM deliberations and decisions.

Mr Nandlall was of the view that, “… the smallest childinthiscountrycanread and understand whatArticle 161 (2) of the Constitution says andwhatitmeans.”He further argued, “… simple words that we know from sincenurseryschool,likeOR - or, and what it means, which have thrown this countryintochaos...”

It is being openly touted that Guyana is the only country projected to record double-digit growth from thisyearon.TheWorldBank concludes that Guyana “is set to record real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 25.2 per cent this year, 21.2 per cent next year and28.2percentin2025.”

The Guyana Chronicle, in itsApril 22, 1023 edition, reported “The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC),initslatestreport, projected 37 2 per cent economic growth for this year

allegationsbuttoensurethat such crimes are not allowed tobesweptundertherug.We are seeing what is being done, and it is not good for our people and country A forcedrefusalnottoproceed isnottheendoftheprocess. The government and, more specifically,thepeoplemust demonstrate a firm commitment to hold him accountable, regardless of his political affiliation, his hidden political secrets for the political powers or party status.

andstain,thatchildwillhave tounwillingcarryfortherest ofherlife.

Do you believe she deservesyourvoice?Doyou believesuchachilddeserves your action to demand justiceforher?

If you believe that child is deserving of a portion of your24hoursadaytospeak outforher,toprotestforher in whatever way, then do it forher?

This is the case while other regions are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and recording low economic growth.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had reported too that Guyana is on course to record economicgrowthof37.2per centbytheendofthisyear

“The IMF in its latest publication, the World Economic Outlook:Arocky recovery, reported that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP)growthcouldbeeven higher next year, reaching 45.3percent.

“Recently, the World Bankprojectedthatthisyear is going to be “substantially bleaker” for the Latin American and Caribbean region than it was last year, but Guyana is yet again expectedtostandoutamong its counterparts with economic growth projected to hover above 20 per cent overthenextthreeyears.”

Through prudent and brilliant fiscal management, Guyana is once again becoming “the only shining staroftheCaribbean.”

Yourstruly,

BrianAzore

Furthermore,Icallonthe people of Guyana, all Guyanese home and in the diaspora,tolendtheirvoices louderindemandingjustice. Thesilenceofthepublicand the lack of willingness to take action against corrupt officials have allowed such instances of abuse to go uncheckedforfartoolong.It is only through collective outrage and demand for justice that change can be broughtabout.

Doing what is right should come naturally, but weliveintherealworld,and in this world, you have to fight for what is right and just.

For those who have not yet sounded your voice or acted in support, just for a secondsumupthecourageto imagine your only daughter, sister, niece, who is underaged, innocent, a Virgin, groomedbyamanentrusted by you to serve all people with dignity and love, force himself and violently, beastly snatched away the innocence of that child by rape and sodomy Leaving her with an indelible scare

Lastly, the diplomatic/ international community must also hold Guyana to account The allegations against Dharamhall have drawn attention to the prevalence of sexual abuse andcorruptioninthecountry as in others, including your very own. It is crucial that theinternationalcommunity, government bodies, and n o n - g o v e r n m e n t a l organizations add their voices and take action to push the government to do the right thing and bring accused or the accuser to justice. Nigel Dharamhall’s allegations of rape and sodomy of a child is an egregious crime that cannot and should not be ignored. Again, I repeat Justice will notbeserveduntilthewider community and government officials are outraged and take action to demand accountability It is the responsibility of all to condemn such heinous acts, support the victims, and ensure that perpetrators and predators are held accountable, irrespective of theirstatusinsociety

Yoursrespectfully, H o n . J e r m a i n e Figueira,MP

Welcome Secretary of StateAntony J. Blinken

DEAREDITOR,

A l l o w m e t h i s opportunity to bid US SecretaryofState,AntonyJ. Blinken, a very warm welcome.Iwouldalsoliketo share a few points with Secretary Blinken, and this, notleastbecauseIcanspeak from both the Washington and Georgetown side of things. From the DC angle I spent twenty-five years at the School of International Service, American University, where I taught internationalaffairs.Itisthe largest and among the highest ranked school of InternationalRelationsinthe world.

During that time, I also consulted and/or interacted with the State Department, World Bank, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Council on Foreign Relations,and inter alia,the CarnegieCorporation.

I was Director of Comparative & Regional Studies and served as Interim Director for the Council of the Americas.

Professor Robert Pastor (whoplayedaleadingrolein Guyana via the Cater Center),andIsharedastrong professional relationship Based on the above, I feel comfortable sharing some ideas with Secretary Blinken I offer five

considerations.

Firstly, Mr. Secretary, I would like to take you back to a meeting you had with JoseCardenalinApril1983.

You will recall that

C a r d e n a l , h a v i n g contributedtotheremovalof Anastasio Somoza, came to Bostonwithhighcredibility

Yet, you did not take at face value his charge that the

S a n d i n i s t a s w e r e illegitimate. Here is what you wrote “Some of the “facts” that Cardenal uses for example, “90percent of the Nicaraguan people are against the S a n d i n i s t a s ” a r e impossible to verify”

(Blinken, April 23, 1983).

Sir, the quick analytical determination employed then on Cardenal, could be extremely apt and appropriate for Guyana exactly 40 years later You may recall that on Cardenal you also wrote – “…he carries a certain authority, a certainlegitimacy,simplyby virtue of having lived in Nicaragua

It’s hard to debate Cardenal when you’ve never set foot in Central America” (Ibid)

Well, Guyana is full of Jose Cardenal type personalities even though they were ones onthewrongsideofhistory

The very persons who replaced state institutions

with “party paramountcy” will come in with heavy dosesofnarrationalflourish, bankingontheirlocalnessas the source of legitimacy I feel compelled to request you don the Crimson cap of April 1983 To use that famous expression of President Reagan, “trust but verify.” Secondly, and if I may get into directly to substantivematters,youwill be bombarded with several standardized talking points t h a t h a v e b e e n professionally rehearsed The most important of these is that the primary problem in this country is racial division. No doubt, many who push this line will prey upon the difficult race relations that obtain in the United States. There is no comparisonbetweenthetwo cases and the most elementary employment of ideographic or comparative analysis will quickly expose – shall we say the “Cardenal” dimensions of the claim, namely, “impossible to verify.” Note that many foreign experts make the same mistake on racerelationshere.

T h i r d l y , i n contradistinction to the claimthatraceisthenumber oneimpedimenttoprogress, I have determined that the realissueisthattherearestill

Self-sufficiency and scale

DEAREDITOR,

Although the pursuit of an oil refinery is admirable, we must consider the necessity of scale for operations to be profitable. Thisalsorequiresuslooking atthemakevs.buydecision from an objective perspective.

Ourpastexperiencesasa Nation have guided us towards a self-sufficient bias. Being embargoed for a longperiodoftimedidinstill inallofuswhoexperienced it an appreciation for being abletoinnovateandproduce our own. For this reason, I can appreciate the Government’sdesiretobuild our own production capability and produce our

own goods in a variety of sectors.

If the objective and purpose of Caricom is to be achieved and fully embraced, we must look at our capabilities from a regionalperspectiveinorder to create the needed scale in demand and in order to preventduplicationofeffort. Thebuildingofarefineryfor our oil sector does raise the question ofTrinidad, and its purpose as a partner within Caricom.

It would be in the best interest of the Government and Caricom to have an indepthdiscussiononthepros and cons of such an undertaking. I am certain that a mutually beneficial

authoritariansocialforcesin Guyana.What do I mean by this? Simply stated, those social forces from the mid1960s that backed the capture of state power through rigged elections, combinedwithcoercionand violentintimidation,arestill aliveandwell.AskaboutMr Ogunseye’s threats. If I may put it in the words of the Italian theorist Antonio Gramsci Sir, “[t]he crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.”

Well,wedon’tquitehave a crisis per se, and the symptomsaren’tnecessarily “morbid.”

What we do have is the stubbornrefusalofelements from the People’s National Congressanditscoalitionto abandon their old ways, and to instead, embrace the resolution of political and policy differences through constructive political engagement.

Fourthly, the ABCE configuration had placed muchhopeintheAFCwhen they were cajoled into existencemorethanadecade ago.Theyhaveturnedoutto bearealdisappointmentnot least because of their

transparent attempt to help with election theft in 2020. Theynowlieprostrate,inthe bent heat of ignominy Yet they have the uncanny proclivity to claim movement towards moral recompense.

Anothercrucialpointfor yourconsiderationSecretary Blinken is that the Guyana diaspora is an immense resource for our national development, but a small element of that diaspora breaks American law by long-distance cultivation of conflict, including violent conflict in Guyana. While I have written extensively on migration, sovereignty, and relatedmatters,Iamnotsure ifitislegalforpersonsinthe United States to cultivate violent racial antagonism in aforeigncountry

Fifth,andfinally,youno doubtknowtheoldadageof political realism – “small states don’t matter” We respectfullydiffer,andIfeel confident that you do not subscribe to this realpolitik ‘dictat.’ Against those who reduce international affairs to international POLITICS, where small states have no belonging, I suggest that a functioning world order is impossible without a moral compass that unremittingly pointstoglobaljustice,tothe

equality of existence, and to the proposition that nous sommespetitsmaisavonsde la dignité. I know you are aware and reject how President Wilson reacted to that most foundational Japanese proposal on world equalityatVersailles.

Insomanyways,itisodd that this country has been discursively reduced to oil and gas. Guyana is in fact a delightful land of immense cultural and natural diversity People here have struggled against a formidable Maginot Line of economic and political isolation. Through the sheer dint of hard work and unflagging determination, the people of this soil have taken history into their own hands,climbingtheladderof upward social mobility, creating opportunities for themselves and others, both hereandabroad.

This is a place that has nowfounditsvoice,itsstep, its mojo. We are enjoined here to do nationally what President George W Bush saidofeducationinAmerica, namely, to rid ourselves of “the soft bigotry of low expectations ” Your presencehereisamomentof thatpath.Welcomeagain.

Sincerely,

Dr.RandolphPersaud

PresidentAli should understand our...

arrangement can be made where the excess capacity currently available in Trinidad can be put to use with the involvement of Guyanese workers to obtain a price for the end product that ensures the desired return on investment that would have been achieved from having our own installedcapacity

CRG encourages theAli Administration to relook at all available alternatives before making a final decisiononhowtorefinethe oilfromtheSector

Bestregards,

Mr JamilChanglee Chairman

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

Frompage4 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.

With Venezuela, 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 find the modus vivendi. 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 mark is theirs and the logic 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.

I hope that someone 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 doing so becausewewishtohelpand to make optimal use of our God-givenresources.

HamiltonGreen Elder

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THE DPP STEPS IN

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The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has accepted the purported statement by a schoolgirl declaring that she no longer wishes to pursue the rape complaint against former Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall.

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We believe that the DPPerred in making such a decision, which resulted in the case against Dharamlall being thrown out.

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We have said in this column before that a competent court should have been empowered to decide whether to proceed or dismiss charges.

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By allowing the court to decide the fate of the charges, we would have been upholding the principle that no individual, regardless of their social status, should be immune to the consequences of their actions.

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Our legal system exists to protect and serve the interests of the public, particularly the vulnerable.

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Therefore, it is for the court to examine the evidence, consider the circumstances and reach an unbiased judgment.

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Rowley: Caribbean fast ferry could be costly

Although several h e a d s o f government at this week's 45th Caricom meeting have called for the establishment of a regional fast ferry service, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said it is not something that canbeeasilyafforded.

In fact, Rowley is opposed to a fast ferry altogether Instead, he suggested Caricom invests in single hull, slower vessels. In an exclusive sit-down with Caribbean journalist Julian Rogers at the Office of the Prime Minister which was made available to Guardian Media Limited, Rowley said two to four vessels would be sufficient “I see people talking about a fast ferry service,theydon'tknowwhat they are talking about. We

operate a fast ferry between P o r t - o f - S p a i n a n d Scarborough, that's 80 miles. It costs us a fortune and is heavilysubsidised.Idon'tsee it on the cards because the resourcesarenotthere.

“If we can get two to four vessels that are purposebased built for cargo and passengers, like the Federal Maple and the Federal Palm were built, and just operate them. They have to be single hull, slower vessels, not fast ferries,”hesaid.

He said talks are taking place between Caricom and MiddleEasterncountriesthat areinapositiontofundthose typesofvessels.Rowleysaid it costs Government approximately $200 million to $240 million annually to subsidise the fast ferry service between Port-of-

Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis, left, speaks to T&T Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during Caricom's official flag raising ceremony, held at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre on Tuesday

SpainandScarborough.

On Monday, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali confirmed to Guardian Media that discussions about

the service were on the agenda for the 45th Caricom R e g u l a r M e e t i n g “Transportation remains one of the most critical issues of

the region. That is why it continuestobeontheagenda but we have been making some progress. At least now there are a number of interested parties who would have expressed interest in beingpartofthesolution,soI think we are moving now

from that conceptualisation stagetoastrongerpositionof finding a solution,” Ali said in an exclusive interview with Guardian Media at Femmes Du Chalet, better knownastheBreakfastShed, at the Port-of-Spain waterfront.

“We would like it to happenyesterday,thatiswhy itisontheagenda.Ithinkthat this update that we get at this meeting would allow us to see how fast we can move and I think what we need to do now is to concretise who the different partners are where we have interest and then pursue those partners,” saidAli. Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves said his country was very interested in having such an option available “We're very interested in that The discussion has been going on along,longtime.The

(Continued on page 9)

The government's sea defence programme is seeing a robust and proactive approach to ensure that coastal and riverain residents and farmers are protected from the threats of climate change.

The approach sees consistent construction, r e h a b i l i t a t i o n a n d maintenance works on sea and river defence structures across the country Budget 2023 allocates a sum of $4.9 billion for the protection and preservation of sea and river defences, to continue these efforts As such, the government through the Ministry of Public Works is inviting sealed bids for the maintenance of sea and river structures within Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. Theworksaredividedinto16 lots, totalling an estimated $198.2 million. Bids will be opened at the ministry's Ministerial Tender Board office, Wight's Lane on Thursday,July20,2023.

An estimated $13 8 million is expected to fund boulderfaceprotectionworks to the river defence structure at Bendorff, Wakenaam Island, in Region Three Works are also slated for GoodSuccessandPalmyrain Wakenaam,andKingstonand Richmond Hill in Leguan.

These consist of the incorporation of timber revetment along the earthen embankments, at a combined

estimated cost of $54 6 million.

Meanwhile, $13 75 millionisexpectedtoaccount for the incorporation of gabion mattress rock slope a l o n g t h e e a r t h e n embankment at Thierens, Leguan Island. The earthen embankment along Queta Bena Island is also slated for maintenance and is estimated tocost$9.15million.Further, the incorporation of timber revetment along the earthen embankment at Patentia Sluice, and at the Catherina Sluice, on the West Bank of Demeraraarepeggedat$27.8 million. For Region Four, maintenanceworkstoearthen e m b a n k m e n t s a l o n g Providence to Great Diamond, Great Diamond to Craig, and Craig to Friendship, on the East Bank of Demerara, are estimated to costsome$28.5million.

An estimated $36 75 million is set to fund maintenance works along the earthen embankment between No.28 Village and Hope, between Hope and No. 7 Village, and between No. 7 andD'EdwardVillages,along the West Coast of Berbice, RegionFive.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , maintenance of earthen e m b a n k m e n t a n d incorporation of timber revetment along Korthberaat Outfall, East Bank Berbice, Region Six are expected to cost$13.85million.(DPI)

Over $198M in sea defence works set for Regions

Three, Four, Five, Six

BUY A NEWSPAPER TODAY!

One politician once described our journalists as lazy This was before the adventofsocialmedia.That politician may not be all of that off-mark if he were to repeatthataccusationtoday

By the time you pick up the newspaper in the morning, most of the headline news would have already been known to the public via social media. But this does not in any way make newspaper reporting redundant.

Yesterday’snewspapers, for example, reported that a Minister of the PPP/C governmenthadtenderedhis resignation. But this news was already streamed on social media since the night before.

Sowheredoesthisleave newspaper journalists who donothavetheluxuryofreal time reporting? Despite socialmediaplatformsbeing able to deliver news in real time, newspaper journalists have an important role to playinenhancingnewspaper news reports and, in so doing, adding value to that whichisalreadyreportedon

socialmediaplatforms.

For example, the news reportsthattheMinisterhad resigned came late at night. But there could still have been time to obtain comments from someone about the resignation. Many persons have made their views known on this issue and it is doubtful when the news of the Minister’s resignation broke that those persons would have been upset at being roused from their sleep to respond to the news.Imaginewakingupthe next day to newspapers’ reports not only indicating that the Minister had resigned but also featuring the reactions of various personstotheresignation.

Another way in which newspaper journalists can addvaluetonewsisbyfactchecking Journalists are supposed to be the gatekeepers of accuracy On socialmedia,thereisagreat deal of fake news. There is also much speculation and rumour Newspaperscanadd value by fact-checking the newsandbecomingasource of credible information for

Dem Boys Seh...

readers. One of the reasons why so many persons still buy newspapers is because theyhavegrowntoassociate newspaper journalism with seeking the truth of matters andnotdeliberatelypedaling falsehoods.

When social media reports a story, they do not have much time to factcheck certain items. And becausesocialmediareports tend to be abbreviated, they areoftenshortoncontext. Newspapers also hold theadvantagewhenitcomes to investigative journalism. Social media platforms do not have the time or the resources to probe deeply behind stories and issues. But newspapers do, except they are not utilizing it to theiradvantage.

For example, from the time the story broke about the fire at the school dormitory at Mahdia, the newspapersshouldhavesent reporters into the area Unfortunately, what is happeningisthatnewspaper journalists are increasingly becoming desk journalists. Theyhopetoscorescoopsby

Money nah talking to poor people

Oil come to Guyana and nuff people slidingintoprosperity Butdemwahdoing good,wahmekkingitbigarethosewhoare already rich or in de right sector such as construction,transportationandlogistics.

Butdesmallmanstillgattodehpona hustle.Demoneynahreachingdowntohe as yet. In fact, he gat things worse dan before. He can’t even ride he bicycle to workwithoutdefeardatsomecarortruck orvancanknockhedown.

Hegointodesupermarketandhehead swinging… from seeing the prices. And whenhedrawheboxhand,herealizedathe can’t afford dah bed or vanity he had he eyes pon because de price gone up. Food get more expensive and he family eating lessandlessthanbefore.

DeEducationMinistrypayoutdecash grant de week before local government elections, which was two months earlier than usual and de money done. Come September, de small man still gat to find moneyfuhoutfitdempickneyfuhschool.

In de meantime, de rich getting richer anddepoorwaitingandhopingfuhanother cashgrantfuhcarrydemthroughderestof de year And when Christmas come dem gan go and line up at de money transfer place fuh see how much dem overseas relativessending.

De rich creaming off all de benefits of de fastest growing economy in de world. Demwininganddiningwithweleadersand demsmilingtoo,alldewaytodebank. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Rowley: Caribbean fast ferry...

Frompage8 question is this—to have a private sector entity with sufficiency of resources and prepared to go for the long haul, with support from governments to do this because there's a need, there'samarketplace,butwe have had private sector entities come forward in relation,” he said in an interview at the Hyatt Regencyyesterday

Gonsalves noted that there WAs need for improvement in flight optionsacrosstheCaribbean and acknowledged that

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) had announced plans to increaseitsflightsacrossthe region.

“In relation to air transportation, that has been rough since COVID but we have seen some tentative steps. CALis increasing the numberofaircraft,theATRs, the turbo props, are doing moreruns.

They're going to put on more planes in the Eastern Caribbean from July 24 They're ramping up,” he said.OnSaturday,theairline confirmeditsexpansioninto the Eastern Caribbean with

sitting at their desks and not going out into the fields to followleads.

Trainedandprofessional journalists,ontheotherhand candelvedeeperintostories and expose wrongdoing They have the time and expertise to conduct interviews, access documents, and cross-verify information They can ensure that what they report is accurate. In fact, most people who buy the newspapers do so because they want a reliable and dependable source of news andinformation.

Then there is context. After the Mahdia fire, there were calls for persons to be held accountable. But not many persons knew about the regional structure and howmuchresponsibilitythis system holds for education. The newspapers could have provided more information about which agencies were responsible for the upkeep and management of the dormitory which was razed

inthefire.

Journalists have the ability to analyze events, trace their origins, and explain their significance. They can connect the dots

a n d p r o v i d e a comprehensive narrative

This will allow readers to make better sense of the news.

Social media platforms havebecomeechochambers for all manners of views, includingthebigotedandthe extreme Newspaper journalists, on the other hand,havearesponsibilityto present a balanced view of the news and to be responsible. By doing so, they help readers broaden their perspectives and even tochallengepreconceptions.

In addition, journalists canofferexpertanalysisand interpretation. Social media updates often lack the insights and expertise that trained journalists bring to the table. Journalists have access to a network of expertsinvariousfieldswho

can provide valuable insights and analysis. By leveraging these resources, journalists can provide indepth coverage, explaining the implications and ramifications of news events.

Newspapers are now under threat because of the advent of social media. But newspapers are still considered a credible and reliable source of information If this advantage is to be maintained, our journalists have to cease this habit of simply reporting what is already on social media and instead try to give their readershipsomethingextra.

(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.)

new non-stop services between Barbados and St Vincent,aswellasStLucia. CAL announced increased capacity to Dominica and Grenada,whiletheBarbados to StVincent route has been increased to seven weekly services, in addition to four new weekly flights between Barbados and St Lucia with directStLuciatoStVincent return flights operating on Thursdays. Gonsalves said there was need for another Caribbean carrier to service thoseislandsanddiscussions are underway (Trinidad Guardian)

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

A SOCIETY WITHOUT MORAL ANCHORS

Resignation!

What emerges, where all roads terminate, is clear: we have the power, we decide who, when,andhow Nobody,no dreadful circumstances, no societal clamor, no victim’s pain,matters. OnlythePPP franchisematters. Smokeit, chokeonit.

Now it is forward with theminister’sserial,episode three, maybe twenty-three. I regret being unable to identify the minister, a brother in distress, by his name. I am working to overcome my own distress first, at the calumnies that

coagulate in this country

What follows next is the next question, several of them,infact;and,naturally, those will be the signal for another frenzied extended moment of hysteria in this country Social media be ready

First up: should the minister have been allowed to resign? Or should our dear beloved President Ali have had the grooming to rise above his partisan protective proclivities and dealt with this matter unambiguously? Ithinkthat word “proclivities” fits and isproper Ididthepresident

afavourbyallocatingtohim the grooming to rise to the demands of the occasion, which they don’t teach in any school, including doctoral ones To my chagrin,thebestthatIcould have done for the minister resigning was that he could haveusedthebreeding.Itis why I appreciateYanks and British so much, they have the word that matches man and moment. Still, there is an understanding that the best of grooming and breeding do sometimes result in, ah, er, mishaps. Men can’t help themselves when near forbidden fruit,

which given the power of politicsislowhangingfruit; and which, considering the antics of the PPP G o v e r n m e n t ’ s Machiavellianbrainbank,is believedtobetherightofthe ruling class, the flesh savoredbythelocalpolitical aristocracy Just have to haveit.

Next in line: the DPP’s office -yeah, that office, whatisgoingonthere? Isit for the state of the people’s interests, their concerns, their fears, their peace and rightsrentasunder? Orisit more flexible and adventurousand,firstforthe state of mind that would prevail in elevated ruling circles of the State’s power apparatus should the people’s cause come first? Asinacharge? Mythinking is that high values, and higher beliefs, would be so sacredthattherightsoffrail and foolish men pale into insignificance, when the rights of a child, and the rights of society, have been abrogated. I hope that the lastworddidnotflypastthe head of the Hon AG. My concern is what do we have for law in this country, and very finitely, to whom do those laws apply only? Somebodyhelpme,please.

A child with a situation indicating harm, a Chinese manwithastorythatpickles a powerhouse, a cohort of women whose stories are stained, smelly, and sickly (party platitudes and ‘pampasettin’ for public relations purposes), a child protection body that can’t determine its head from its heart, and if it has any

holinessleft.

And so on and so forth, ad infinitum and adnauseam. Wheredo I begin, in this Guyana love story of crime and no punishment? Of high crimes reduced to not evenmisdemeanors.

Of Democracy’s ideals condemnedtothecitypound like some flea-ridden, soreinfested, disease-plagued, mangy, abandoned cur. Animals seemingly have more rights in this country than children of lesser gods andcitizensofacertaincast ofmind.

Which president, which former president(s), which Attorney General, which DPP office, which Opposition Leader, would preside proudly over these repeated instances of societal and national incest, chronic depravity, what is rankly predatory? Which society of people will be so reprehensible as to now celebrate for or against this costlybailoutcloakedinthe pristine finery of resignation?

How about a medal for long, outstanding, and conspicuous service of an extraordinary kind? Such belongs not only to the farce-filled, folly-infested minister retreating (temporarily) from the public radar, but also to all those who made trumpeting symphonicsoundsaboutthe ruleoflaw,ofdivingintothe offal deeply, and drilling deeper, to get to the bottom of this cesspool that is a nation For starters, I identify the president, the Vice President, and two

female ministers, for a special carved medal for their patented pro forma pieties that are really a worshipful offering to themselves.

The first out of court settlement in this country is cash. Thesecondispolitical clearanceandpassing. And, thelast,isleavingone’spost of infamy voluntarily In other places, even in these moderntimes,itwouldhave been with blindfolds at dawn, a wall, one last cigarette, and the rattle of musketry

President Ali could checkwithhisSaudifriends onhowtheirvicepolicedeal with these things. Clearly, what Guyanese live with is not a government in any sense of the word, but of a gang of irregulars c o n d u c t i n g p r o x y infiltrations of particular rapaciousnessontheirown.

Over a decade ago, I wrote of Guyana as a national cesspool. I had no ideathatIwouldbesoright, and so many times over Well,hereweare,andthisis whatwelivein,andhowwe areforcedtolive,thankstoa classless, standardless, and truthless PPP Government, withagentstomatch.

(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.)

Teen accused in Mahdia dorm fire now facing 20 murder charges, further remanded

The 15-year-old girl who isaccusedofstartingthe deadly fire at Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory was on Tuesday slapped witha20thmurdercharge.

The teen accused appeared via Zoom before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Mahdia Magistrate's Court, where the murder charge was re-read to her, this time including the name of 14-year-old SheranaDanielswhoisthe20thfire victim.

She was charged by police for murder, contrary to section 100(1) (c) (iii) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, chapter 08:01. The accusedwasnotrequiredtopleadto the indictable charges which stated that on Sunday May 21, 2023, at Mahdia Secondary School, Region

Eight, she murdered Adonijah Jerome, Tracil Thomas, Lisa Roberts, Delecia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arriana Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Subrina John, Martha D'Andrade, (and twin) Mary D'Andrade, Belnisa Evans, Loreen Evans, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Eulanda Carter, Andrea Roberts, Rita Jeffrey and Sherana Daniels.

The girl was not required to plead to the charge and she was further remanded to the Juvenile Holding Centre. The matter was thenadjournedtoJuly20,2023,for reportandstatements.

This publication had reported that on May 29, the teen suspect made her first court appearance, when she was slapped with 19

murder charges and remanded.The dayafterthesuspectwasremanded, SheranaDanielssuccumbed. Notably, the laws of Guyana protect the identity of juveniles criminally charged. Section 100 of the Juvenile Justice Act, stipulates that a person shall not publish the name or any information related to a juvenile if it would identify the child or juvenile as having been dealtwithundertheAct.

According to reports, around 23:00 hours on Sunday May 21, 2023, the fire erupted at the dormitory The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) reported that the point of origin of the fire was in the south-western interior of the building,inthelavatoryarea.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) alleged that the fire was

reportedly maliciously set by the teen suspect, who was aggrieved over her phone being confiscated by the dorm mother, Carletta Williams and a teacher At the time of the fire, there were 57 female studentsinthedormitorywhichisa one-flat concrete building measuring about 100 feet by 40 feet, with 26 heavily-grilled windows and five doors that were padlocked.

According to the GFS, when firefighters arrived on the scene, it was observed that the one-flat wooden and concrete building was engulfedinflames.

A female student related to the police that they were asleep and were awakened by screams. Upon checking, they saw fire/smoke in the bathroom area, which quickly

spread in the building, causing several students to receive burns to their bodies and smoke inhalation, whilst several managed to escape. This publication had reported that the fire fighters and public-spirited personshadtobreakthewallsofthe dorm to free the girls that were trappedintheinferno.

Theinjuredstudentsweretaken to the Mahdia District Hospital and were examined and admitted by doctors. At the hospital, five of the female students were pronounced dead.

A search was carried out in the building, which was completely destroyed by the fire, and the burnt remains of 14 human beings were found.

Notably,theboywhodiedinthe fireisthesonofthedormmother

GPHC says one step closer to providing open-heart surgery ...assurgeonreturnfrom three-yeartraininginIndia

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

(GPHC) said it is one step closer to providing open-heart surgery here with the return of Dr Pradeep Ramkoomar from a threeyearfellowshipinIndia.

Ramkoomar, with support from the GPHC, commenced the threeyear fellowship training in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Madras Medical Mission, Chennai India back in 2020 Having successfully completed this fellowship, Dr Ramkoomar is now the only adult open-heartsurgeoninGuyana.

His return to the GPHC in 2023 signifies tremendous headway in

the provision of world class healthcare for the people of Guyana.

In a press release, the GPHC said Dr Ramkoomar's training which included beating heart surgery and conventional on-pump bypass with exposure to robotics and minimally invasive cardiac surgery at the revered super specialty cardiovascular hospital in Chennai has positioned him to pioneer the establishment of a department of Adult Cardiac SurgeryattheGPHC.

This department will facilitate the routine provision of coronary artery bypass surgeries and heart valve replacements and repairs amongotheropen-heartprocedures

for persons with coronary artery and valvular heart diseases, the GPHCsaid.

Additionally, the department will augment the GPHC's current clinical and interventional arms of the Cardiovascular services with the provision of full-time surgical support.

According to the hospital in April 2023, the Global Heart Journal published research undertakenbytheGuyanaProgram to Advance Cardiac Care (GPACC), citing that Guyana has one of the highest rates of cardiovascular mortality in South America with 291.9 deaths for every100,000people–54%higher than the global average. In fact, the

Centre for Disease Control (CDC) cites ischemic heart disease as the leading cause of death in Guyana, accounting for 15% of the total deaths annually With this reality in mind, the availability of the requisite expertise to treat a range of heart conditions is extremely important.

Through the provision of private-public partnerships, significantheadwayhasbeenmade to address the surgical needs of Guyana's adult population but at a cost to patients with some support provided by the Government of Guyana.

However, to ensure that the trajectory of Guyana's healthcare infrastructure is positioned to

Dr. Pradeep Ramkoomar

Probe into rape allegations

against Dharamlall was a sham

...Indigenousbodydisappointedwithoutcome,questionssilenceofAmerindianAffairsMinister

The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) in a statement on Wednesday, c o n t e n d e d t h a t t h e investigation into the allege rape and sodomy of a 16year-old Indigenous girl by Nigel Dharamlall, former M i n i s t e r o f L o c a l Government and Regional Development, was to save faceinsteadofjustice.

The body noted that the investigation into the rape allegation has cemented the fact that Indigenous people are not equal in the eyes of Guyana'sjusticesystem.

As such, it was stated that it is convinced that the outcome of the investigation was never for the delivery of justice.

TheAPAcommentscome on the heels of the announcement by President IrfaanAlithatDharamlallhas resigned from his post as Local Government Minister and Member of Parliament, following the statement by the police that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), ShalimarAli Hack, SC in her legal advice stated that with the child withdrawing her complaint, “there is no legal provision for the Police to proceedwiththematter”.

“PresidentAli'sstatement following the announcement of no charges against Dharamlall is a slap in the faceofallGuyanese.

It sends the message that the system works for some and against the masses when t h e y a r e p o o r a n d disadvantaged.ThePresident said that they have allowed the system to work and never

intervened but how can a system, inherently stacked against the poor and powerless, work in their f a v o u r ? ” t h e b o d y questioned.

T h e A PA q u o t e d

President Ali saying, “Nigel Dharamlall has committed to me that he will continue to support and be a member of the People's Progressive Party and also be supportive

It was stated too that the president's statement shows that party paramountcy trumps their obligation to protect Guyana's children as the sittingadministration.

PRESIDENT ALI's INACTION

“The mere fact that President Irfaan Ali failed to take concrete action against Dharamlall when the

President Ali should explain why he did not order Dharamlall to proceed on leave when the allegations surfaced – instead of waiting for the then minister to request to proceed on administrativeleave.

A l s o , t h e b o d y questionedwhyPresidentAli did not remove Dharamlall from his post, instead of waitingforhimtoresign.

allegations.

Itwashighlightedthatthe circumstances which the child giving a “no further action” statement, wishing to no longer proceed with the matter, remain mysterious as the Police's version of events leaves more questions than answers.

Thebodynotedthatithas been consistent in its call for the protection of the child at t h e c e n t e r o f t h e investigation, but those calls hasfallenondeafears.

It was added, “What we h a v e s e e n i s t h e insurmountable pressure meted out to the child to break her spirit and frustrate her to the extent that she no longer wants to pursue the matter

the Indigenous Peoples Commission reinforces the belief that the protection of Indigenous peoples is not of importance to these two e n t i t i e s , ” t h e A PA underscored.

The body said that the protection of Indigenous womenandgirlsremains“all talkbutnoaction”.

“Weseethisinvestigation and the silence of our representativesasastepback in addressing the sexual assault and exploitation of not only indigenous women and children but also all Guyanese,”theAPAadded.

The body called on Minister Sukhai to advocate for her people and the protectionoftheirrights.

of the government,” noting thatthefactthatthePresident could say that shows that the Government is more concerned about the disgraced minister's loyalty than ensuring justice for the allegedvictim.

allegations surfaced speaks v o l u m e s a b o u t t h e government's blatant disregard for the gravity of the accusation levelled against his Minister,” the bodysaid.

TheAPAhighlighted that

MORE QUESTIONS THANANSWERS

The APA called on Guyanese to advocate for an investigationsurroundingthe procedures adapted by the Police and other agencies involved in the probe of the

Sadly, we have all watched that successfully play out, which led to the DPP recommending that no criminal charges should be broughtagainstDharamlall.”

NO WORD FROM PAULINE, INDGENIOUS REPRESENTATIVES

“The silence of the Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and

Notably, the body highlighted that Indigenous peoples are not only valuable around election time, adding that it is time Indigenous people start demanding respect from those elected to serveandprotecttheirrights.

Finally, the APA called for the implementation of better systems to protect our women and girls from being preyedupon.

‘Govt. more interested in self-image than justice’

The political Opposition, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) yesterday reacted to the President Irfaan Ali statement on the resignation of Nigel Dharamlall, from his ministerial post at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and as a member of Cabinet.

In their statement, the Opposition underscored that the People's Progressive Party (PPP) Government is more interested in self-imagethanjustice.

On Tuesday evening, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealed that with the 16-year-old girl withdrawing her rape allegation against Dharamlall, the Director of Public Prosecution

(DPP), Shalimar Ali Hack, SC in her legal advice to the Police stated thatintheabsenceofthecomplaint, “there is no legal provision for the Police to proceed with the matter”. As such, the rape case against Dharamlallwasdropped.

Hours after, President Ali announced that Dharamlall has resignedfromhispostasaminister and Member of Parliament (MP).

President Ali said, “… Minister Dharamlall has advised that he will tenderhisresignationastheinterest of the government is important to him and he will not want anyone to bring the government into disrepute ” “I've, therefore, accepted his resignation as a Cabinet Member and a Member of Parliament,”AlisaidonhisOfficial

-OppositionsaysonDharmalallrapematter

no remorse or sympathy towards the unfortunate (allege) victim of his now ex-Minister He expressed no empathy for the feelings of the masses of Guyanese who experienced, and continue to experience, shock and moral outrageovertheinjustice...”

APNU said that instead, President Ali sole concern was the imageofhisgovernment.

Leader of

the Opposition,

Aubrey Norton President, Irfaan Ali

FacebookPage.

In reaction to the statement by the president, the Opposition said, “We find Ali's statement to be shameless, pathetic, callous, and unacceptable. Irfaan Ali expressed

“The PPP is not interested in justice, accountability, and the rule of law The PPP is instead bent on putting its self-interest above the human and constitutional rights and welfare of our children, women, and citizenry as a whole,”

itwasfurtherstated.

Moreover, the Opposition called on citizens to not let their memories and sense of moral outrage fade over these acts of atrocitiesbythePPP

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai

Nigel Dharamlall President, Irfaan Ali

Amidstearthtremors,healthriskDutchGovt. toendShell,ExxongasproductionbyOct1

…had ignored earthquake warnings to exploit major gas find – report

On October 1, the Dutch Government is expected to end gas production at the Netherlands' Groningen field.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t announced on Friday June 23, that the decision was made, as it kept its promise to cease gas extraction to limit seismic risks (the hazard associated with potential earthquakes) in the region.

Reuters reported that the field, operated by a joint venture of Shell (SHEL.L) and Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), still holds massive reserves of natural gas, but production has been almost completely wound down in the past years as tremors related to drilling caused widespread damage and mental anguish for people livingnearby

Notably, production facilities will be closed permanently in 2024, the government said, but there will be an option to extract limited amounts of gas in

extremecircumstancesinthe comingyear

“If it's very cold and we have problems at a storage, we will be able to restart one or more facilities. But the decision is that production willbezerofromOctober1,”

junior minister for Mining HansVijlbrieftoldreporters.

Vijlbrief added he had “no doubt” that the facilities would be dismantled after October2024,asgasimports and the energy transition wouldensuretherewouldbe sufficient gas for Dutch usersbythen.

It was stated too that, extraction at what once was one of Europe's largest natural gas fields, was limited to the minimum neededtokeepitoperational (around 3 billion cubic metres per year) in October last year, with the aim of shutting the field a year later orby2024atthelatest.

That deadline was the result of an unusually strong earthquake in 2018, which madethegovernmentdecide

torapidlyendallproduction.

A promise it kept despite mounting international pressure to deliver more gas to counter the energy crisis triggered by Russia's

invasionofUkraine.

But in the years before that decision both the government and the energy companies involved had gravely underestimated the

risks of production for the

people living in the province, a parliamentary inquiry concluded earlier thisyear

In March 2023, Kaieteur News reported, that a report

by a parliamentary

c o m m i t t e e i n t h e

Netherlands provides profound insight, on how far will oil companies go for mega-profits.

The report exposed that Shell and ExxonMobil were so hungry, so blinded by theirloveforprofit,thatthey ignored numerous warnings that their efforts to extract gasinGroningenprovincein the north-eastern part of the Netherlands was directly linkedtotheincreasingonset ofearthquakes.

Also alarming is the fact that the Dutch g o v e r n m e n t w a s complicit in the actions of the oil companies. A u t h o r i t i e s w e r e bewilderedbythetsunami of revenues and stayed

silent.

Reuters said that the extraction was even increased to nearly 54 billioncubicmetres(bcm) of gas in 2013 even though Groningen had been hit by the region's heaviest tremor on record ayearbefore.

A gradual series of lowered caps on output wasintroducedonlyinthe years after, as protests by r e s i d e n t s a n d campaignersgrew.

Discovered in 1959, productionhitapeakof88 bcm in 1976 and was still close to 30 bcm only six years ago. Gas from the Groningen field is estimated to have delivered 363 billion euros (US$395 billion) to the Dutch treasury since production started in the 1960s, laying the foundation for the country'swelfarestate.

Security guards charged with possession of unlicensed firearm, ammo

Marcus. Kaieteur News understands that Drake was charged for the Possession of Firearm without License and Possession of Ammunition without License ContrarytoSection16(2)(a)ofthe Firearms Act Chapter

He pleaded not guilty and bail was granted in the sum of $75,000 for eachcharge.

The matter was adjourned to July20,2023andtransferredtothe

Sparendaam Magistrate Court for statements. As for Davis, he was also charged with Possession of Firearm without License and Possession of Ammunition without License which occurred on Tuesday 27th July 2023 at FantasyCasino.

Davis pleaded not guilty to both charges and was granted bail to the tune of $75,000 for each charge. His matter was adjourned toJuly19,2023.

Charged, Sherwyn Quincy Davis

Charged, Derwin Drakes

Groningen Natural Gas field

Public-privatepartnershipsintegraltopromotingdevelopment – Min. McCoy

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, has emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships to promote advancement in Guyana's

The minister was speaking at the launch of the Industry and Innovation Unit's Innovation Challenge 2023 on Tuesday. The challenge is a collaborative effort between the Industry and Innovation unit and SBMOffshoreGuyana.

Minister McCoy said that partnerships such as these create boundless

opportunities, as private sector entities look beyond the narrow confines of profit-makingandembracea holistic, dynamic approach to development. He said the government is building a robust society and driving it towards development and transformational change Minister McCoy cautioned that it is not only about what

PM urges expansion of trade links, creation of strategic partnerships at MERCOSUR confab

P r i m e M i n i s t e r , Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark

Phillips on Tuesday underscored Guyana's commitment to regional i n t e g r a t i o n a n d t o MERCOSUR objectives of advancing the possibilities for business, investment and expanding commercial relations.

Phillips delivered these remarks at the 62nd Summit of Heads of State of M E R C O S U R a n d Associated States, which was held in Puerto Iguazu, Misiones Province, Argentina. He stated that “Guyana remains committed to partnering with the M e m b e r S t a t e s o f MERCOSUR in working to advance the objectives of this regional bloc for the economic and social development of our countries and the prosperity ofourpeoples.”

Speaking on trade, Prime

Minister Phillips, the Department of Public Information(DPI)saidnoted that Guyana is pleased to be a s s o c i a t e d w i t h MERCOSUR and called for further expansion of trade partnerships “Guyana appreciates that as an Associate Member, it can b e n e f i t f r o m t r a d e arrangements that would afford it preferential access to markets. We can do more t o e x p a n d t h e s e arrangements and to encourage increased trade, particularly with the A s s o c i a t e M e m b e r S t a t e s – G u y a n a a n d Suriname.”

The Senior Government Official, who also addressed the topic of structural disparities and gaps within societies and across countries, highlighted that “There has to be a conscious effort to pursue solutions towards effective strategies

to bridge those gaps and overcome the barriers to trade.”

Additionally, Prime Minister Phillips advocated for the formulation of strategic partnerships in the p o s t - C o v i d p e r i o d , emphasising food security, climate security, and energy security “We can develop strategic partnerships to achieve these objectives. In particular, we must raise our collective voice at the upcoming COP 27 to ensure that the right decisions are taken with regard to adequate support for adaptation and climate finance.” Meanwhile, during theevent,thePrimeMinister offeredhisbestwishestoHis Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil, who has taken up the pro-tempore presidency of the alliance The Prime Minister also assured him of Guyana'sfullsupport.

225 Region One residents to benefit from ICT hubs

The construction of three information and communications technology (ICT) hubs is proceeding well and is expected to benefit some225residentsinKariako,Kokerite,and Chinese Landing along the Barama River, RegionOne.

The government in partnership with the AmerindianVillage Councils has allocated a substantial sum of $15.9 million towards the development of the three digital innovation centres ICT Access and eService for Hinterland Poor and Remote Communities ProjectManager,RonaldHarsawacktoldthe Department of Public Information (DPI) on Tuesday, that the projects are expected to be completedwithinsixweeks.

These ICT hubs will see residents leveraging digital resources for education, entrepreneurship, and overall community development. Students will have access to a wealth of educational resources, enabling them to expand their knowledge and skills beyond the traditional classroom setting. Further, budding entrepreneurs in the region will have the opportunity to explore digital

markets,accessonlinebusinesstools,andtap intoaglobalnetworkofpotentialcustomers.

By empowering residents with digital literacy and internet connectivity, the project aims to create new opportunities for employment, commerce, and social progress.Duringthisyear'sbudgetdebatesin the National Assembly, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips noted that 100 ICT hubs will be operationalised in the hinterlandregions.

Beyond immediate benefits, the establishment of these ICT hubs aligns with the government's vision of building a sustainable and digitally inclusive future for citizens. By fostering digital literacy and connectivity in rural areas, the nation takes another step towards realising its wider development goals. Meanwhile, ICT hubs are being built in other villages in the Barima-Waini Region including Assakata, Santa Cruz, Waikrebi, and Warapoka to the tune of $17.7 million altogether Harsawack said these projects are progressing smoothly atdifferentphases.(DPI)

the government does and should do, but also what every single stakeholder does and can do with respect to promoting these partnerships so that Guyana benefits.

“It is about people… the private sector and all stakeholdersmustmakesure that everyone has a role, and everyone's role is so defined that we all work towards the one common objective and vision,” he underscored M i n i s t e r M c C o y commended SBM Offshore for making this investment in local skills, adding that it willpromotesocietalgrowth and smooth integration of Guyana's youth into the ICT workforce.

His position was echoed by SBM Offshore Guyana's Local Content Officer, Garri Fraser According to Fraser, the partnership with the IndustryandInnovationUnit will allow for three participants of the Innovation Challenge to benefit from a three-month paid internship at the organisation.

He spoke about local

of Public Affairs,

content development in the ICT sector and the strong public-private partnership needed to grow the sector Fraser said it is an important aspect of the company's operations which needs continuous investment in localskills.

“Local content for SBM is very important, and this is oneofseveralinitiativesthat our company is utilising to provide Guyanese with the skillsandknowledgeneeded in the oil and gas industry today,”Frasernoted.

The organisation has piloted a number of programmes aimed at upskilling and utilising the local workforce within the oil and gas industry These

include the Graduate Engineers Programme, and the Trainee Technician Programme, aimed at building the capacity of young Guyanese for future roles in the oil and gas industry These work in t a n d e m w i t h t h e organisation's career outreach programme, which targets schools across the country

Both Minister McCoy and Fraser noted these public-private enterprises and partnerships will set the stage for government policy in terms of the ICT sector with respect to investments promoted through Guyana's Local Content Legislation. (DPI)

Minister

Kwame McCoy

GYSBI to host career fair on Sunday

Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYBSI), the premier shore base and logistics provider for the oil and gas sector, will be hosting a Career Fair on July 9, 2023 at the West Demerara Secondary School, Region Three.

WANTED VACANCY

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

Porters, Driver and Salesman needed. Attractive salary offered, experience will be an asset. Call: 226-9800.

One able- bodied male or female staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

Driver with MV licence, ages 25-40 years. location: R.M Bhaichandeen Inc, 78 Church st, G/town.

One diesel Mechanic and Welder Fabricator needed to work in the Interior. Interested persons can make contact on: 701-4000.

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

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

Ladies needed to wash 5 gallon water bottles. Preferably living between Parika and Cornelia Ida area. Call: 6619447.

Experienced canter Driver/ Salesman, to work on water delivery truck. Preferably living between Parika and Cornelia Ida area. Call: 6619447.

Painter, Bobcat Operator, Carpenter, truck Driver and Labourers needed. Call: 2220196.

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

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

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

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.

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

One Salesman, 3 subjects cxc, experience in writing bills, stocktaking & cashing. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

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

Ladies needed to wash 5 gallon water bottles. Preferably living between Parika and Cornelia Ida area. Call: 661-9447.

Experienced canter Driver/ Salesman, to work on water delivery truck. Preferably living between Parika and Cornelia Ida area. Call: 6619447.

FOR RENT

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

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.

One bottom flat and storage space available in Vreed-enHoop suitable for clinics, salon/ barber shop, taxi service, office, etc. Call: 683-4281.

The one-day fair, which will run from 09:00 hours to 16:00 hours will see hiring being done on the spot to fill various positions including Bulldozer Operators, Excavator Operators, Front-End Operators, Roller Operators, Skid Steer Operators, Mechanics, Human Resources Officers, Dispatcher, Banksmen, Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) Officers, Operations Assistant, among others. These persons are expected to support a component of the Gasto-Energy Project, which is being undertaken by the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil Guyana.

Gomatie Gangadin, Public Relations Manager of GYSBI said that the company is desirous of hiring people from that region since it is there that the project will be based.

GYSBI Career fair, which was held at the Guyana National Stadium in September 2021.

“Our goal has always been to create opportunities for Guyanese in all facets of our operations and this career fair is geared towards doing exactly that. This project will be executed in Region Three where the Gas to Energy project is being undertaken and as such, we would like to provide employment to persons who are living there,” she added.

The activity will also provide the opportunity for GYSBI to scope out the skillsets and expertise, which are available in the region, for

future employment opportunities on the project.

“So, there are numerous positions that we will be hiring persons to fill directly but it will also give us an idea of what are some of the skills we have over here that we can utilize or tap into when other opportunities open up,” the GYBSI representative noted.

Persons who are interested in these positions are encouraged to walk with their resume, ID card, academic certificates, TIN certificate, COVID vaccination card and two references.

GPHC says one step closer to providing...

From page 12 surgery and management.At present, at least four patients are identified weekly who require open-heart surgeries at

the GPHC, in addition to a backlog of patients awaiting these procedures who may have otherwise had to travel out of the country and pay to access these life-saving interventions.

LAND FOR SALE

Ideal for apartment building or residence, located at Vlissengen into Lamaha street. Call: 223-6218, 6565544, 623-7805.

FOR SALE

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

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

With the establishment of the department of Adult Cardiac Surgery, the GPHC will have the capacity to provide elective and emergency coverage for services such as minimally invasive valve surgeries and transcatheter aortic

and mitral valve replacements. The hospital said with continued support from GPHC’s administration, Dr. Pradeep Ramkoomar continues to advocate for the establishment of a sustainable and reliable model of adult cardiovascular care which mimics the more successful centres worldwide which operate independently, with clinical, interventional, and surgical arms under their purview.

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.

Aulicio Mining Inc is hiring Accountant, Database Administrator, Hr Assistant, Truck Driver, Human Resource, Operations and Security Manager. Email: ve@officegy.com

Cook needed at Poppyshow, Mid Mazaruni. Attractive salary offered, must know to cook: fried rice, roti, etc. Call/ WhatsApp: 6950337/ 677-0869.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Newly renovated building with 2 sections, ac and 3 bedrooms each, located at Norton Street. Call: 223-6218, 656-5544, 623-7805.

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.

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

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

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

Pure honey, wholesale and retail quantity. Call: 621-4273.

Pure breed Huskies for sale. For more information Call/ WhatsApp: 626-0679.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

Contracts signed for $2B Kwebanna Kwebanna Secondary School

The Ministry of Education on We d n e s d a y signed $2,017,419,996 in contractsfortheconstruction of a brand new secondary schoolatKwebanna,Region One Present at the signing ceremony was Minister of E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a Manickchand. In her brief remarks, the minister said this project is another important one since it forms part of her government’s promiseofmakingaccessto secondary education, universal She said this meansthateverychildacross the country will access secondaryeducation.

She noted that the building of this school and others is being done to addressthespaceconstraints being faced in various schools across the country “Every year, it is a bit of a hassle trying to place children even on the Coast. So in Georgetown we had some placement problems with overcrowding in schools, to having to go on rotation and shifts,” she stated.

The minister added that “In Region Three, we have seriousplacementproblems with the same reasons, and in places like Regions 1,7,8 and 9 we don’t even have schoolsthatchildrencango to,theyendupgoingtotheir primary school for a secondary type education whichinnotpremium.”

In addressing these problems, she explained

that her ministry has embarked on a very aggressive programme to give access to all children all across in Guyana a secondary education Over the past few weeks, the ministry had signed a number of projects for the construction, reconstruction of secondary schools. Also the ministry recently commissioned the Good Hope Secondary and the Abram Zuil Secondary schools.

In her charge to the contractors, the minister urged them to complete the works in a timely manner, and noted that failure to complete the project will have consequences Minister Manickchand added that “we need these schools, this school particularly to be able to offer quality education where it is going to change lives. You are not going to see it celebrated on a front page but this school will changelives.

Sowereallyneedyouto be true to the contract you signed ” This project which is one of several projects undertaking by the ministry has been divided into six lots. In its invitation for bids,theministryhadstated thatitisseekingcontractors to execute site development works (Lot1), substructure worksontheschoolbuilding (Lot2), substructure works forthedormitory(Lot3)and teachers’ quarter (Lot4), to execute electrical works

(Lot5), and sanitation and plumbingworks(Lot6).

The contracts awarded are as follow: Lot1

Supreme Contracting & S u p p l i e s f o r $187,735,280; Lot 2

Supreme Contracting & S u p p l i e s f o r $205,242,780; Lot3

Bree’s Enterprise for $189,413,616; Lot4

AS C o n s t r u c t i o n f o r $157,196,240; Lot5 – Singh & Son Construction for $1,080,915,650; and Lot6 –Singh and Son Construction for $196,916,430. The new state-of-the-art building is said to house over 600 students and over 25 teachers. It will consist of 30 classrooms, space for science laboratories, TVET Centre, Home Economics, and Industrial Artsjusttonameafew

The school will also feature several fire prevention mechanisms and these components of the school include fire escapestairs,escapedoors, f i r e a l a r m s , f i r e extinguishersandmore

Theschoolisscheduled to be completed within seven to eight months and the supervisory firm to overlook the works of the building will be done by C&B Associates As reported, the education

sector was allocated some $94 4B and out of that a sum of $12 4 billion has been dedicated towards the c o n s t r u c t i o n , rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educationalfacilities

Man runs away, leaves wife to face bicycle bandits

Securitycamerason Sunday captured an elderly man runningawayandleavinghis wife in their car after two bicycle bandits attacked theminfrontoftheirhomeat Laluni and Ornoque Street Streets, Queenstown, Georgetown.

Accordingtothefootage seen by this newspaper, the bandits attacked around 00:30hrsonSunday

The couple was seen pulling up in front of their gate. The husband stepped out of the car while his wife remained seated While walking towards the gate, two men dressed in hats, darkjerseysanddenimjeans pulledup.

The footage showed them dismounting their bikes and running towards theman. One of them pulled out what appeared to bea large knife and after

realizing that they were about to be robbed, the

husband sprinted away and attempted to scale his fence,

buthewasnotquickenough. One of the bandits dragged him down from behind, “viced” him while raiding hispockets.

His wife attempted to escape from the car toobut before she could do so, the other bandit shoved her back intothecarandheldherdown as he snatched something from her purse Kaieteur News understands that the bandits robbed the couple of their cell phones and some cash As the bandits were escaping on their bicycles, the heavily built woman stepped out of the car and fired some blows behindthemastheyrodeoff

She was also seen firing some blows behind her husband as well perhaps for trying to run away leavingherstranded.

The layout of the school which will be built at Kwebanna, Region One

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand alongside ministry officials and contractors at the signing of contracts for the construction of the Kwebanna Secondary School in Region One.

Screengrab from the security footage of the bicycle

GSA/Guinness National Senior’s Squash C/chip underway

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA)

2023 National Senior’s Squash Championship, sponsored by Guinness, commenced on Tuesday at the Georgetown Club Courts (GTC) on Camp Street, Georgetown.

The opening day showcased eighteen exhilarating matches, including two Women’s National draw matches, four Men’s Veterans Over-50 matches, and twelve Men’s National draw category matches.

The competition kicked off with great intensity on Tuesday, as Larissa Wiltshire and Kirsten Gomes secured early victories in the Women’s draw matches.

While in the Men’s Over50 category, Joseph Mekdeci,

Rob Edwards, and Narendra Singh displayed dominant performances on the opening day.

The largest draw of the tournament, the Men’s draw, witnessed a mix of results between young stars and senior squash players, raising expectations for day two of the competition.

The first match featured Joseph Mekdeci against Michael Atherly, with Mekdeci prevailing 3-0 due to his experience.

In a closely contested matchup, Dennis Dias fell short against Rob Edwards, losing 3-1 in favour of Edwards (12-10, 5-11, 11-7, 1210). Lloyd Fung-A-Fat also suffered a 3-1 defeat against Narendra Singh in the final Men’s Over-50 match of the

Thursday July 06, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A heightened level of intuition and understanding of others might catapult you to the center of attention at a gathering, Aries. Knowledge combined with experience results in wisdom today.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Communication with friends who have traveled widely could have you hankering to make a future visit to a distant place that you've always wanted to experience.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Dreams or visions could put you in touch with deep feelings that you may not have been aware of before, Gemini. This could enable you to release traumas from your past and give you a new sense of lightness.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Relationships of all kinds are likely to be strengthened by an increased level of understanding today, Cancer. Your thinking is greatly enhanced by your emotional intuitiveness.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Today your emotional intuition intensifies your mental abilities, Leo. Friends and family members are likely to grow closer to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Relationships with those closest to you, particularly friends and love partners, should be enhanced by an increased understanding of their emotional world, Virgo.

evening.

Over in the Women’s division, Larissa Wiltshire comfortably defeated young

Safirah Sumner in three games, with scores of 11-2, 112, and 11-6. While in the other Women’s National draw

match, former female U19 star Kirsten Gomes dominated the talented Malia Maikoo, securing a convincing 3-0 victory with an impressive 11-1 win in all three games.

Summing up the Men’s National draw on the opening day, Regan Pollard defeated Avinash Oditt 3-0, Nandishraj Singh lost to Mohryah Baksh 3-0, and Deje Dias emerged victorious against young Demetrius DeAbreu with scores of 11-6, 11-6, and 11-7.

Ben Mekdeci defeated Josh Verwey in three games, while Nicholas Verwey overcame Jeremy Ten Pow 11-6, 11-3, 11-4. Jason van Djik triumphed over Chad DeAbreu in an exciting display of squash, with scores of 11-7, 11-3, and 11-4.

Steven Xavier demonstrated that experience prevails over skill, in a hardfought contest against Andrew Peroune, securing a 3-0 victory.

Peter DeGroot defeated Richard Rodrigues 3-0, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal outplayed Justin Ten Pow in three games, Jerazeno Bell raced to a three-game win against Lee Fung-A-Fat, Jonathan Antczak defeated Dane Pereira, and reigning U19 champion Michael Alphonso concluded the evening in style with a convincing win over Miguel Wong (11-0, 11-2, 11-6).

Guinness proudly serves as the title sponsor for the national seniors squash championship for the second consecutive year.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Dealing with the ups and downs of other family members could be easier for you today than usual, Libra. You're less inclined to be logical and more apt to identify with what other people feel.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Today your mind is strongly influenced by feeling and intuition, Scorpio, so you'll be able to communicate especially well with others. You might sense what they need to hear before.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

You generally like to think of yourself as someone who faces life logically and rationally, Sagittarius, but today your intuitive side could prove a valuable resource.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Your intuition is usually very strong, Capricorn, and your level of empathy enhances your relationships. Today, however, a burst of logic could enable you to see many things.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Your intuition is heightened almost to the point of telepathy today. Aquarius, you may be able to sense what others want and need even before they know it themselves.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Getting in touch with your closest friends could bring about some intense communication, with many revealing some of your deepest concerns, Pisces.

Brian Wong (left) congratulates Rob Edwards after their encounter on the opening day.

Gentle advances into semi’s in the GTA Open tournament

The Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) One Guyana Open Singles tournament, which kicked off on July 1st, continued with thrilling matches on Tuesday at the National RacquetCentreonWoolford Avenue in Georgetown. The t o u r n a m e n t ’ s commencement marked the beginning of an illustrious 2023 season, featuring five days of fierce competition among the nation’s top tennisplayers.

On Day five, the spectatorsintheNRCstands witnessed an impressive performance by Afruica Gentle, the CIAA Player of theYear, as she advanced to the semi-final stage. Gentle secured her spot after defeating the reigning Ladies champion, Renola Jordan, during their intense quarter-final encounter Notably, Phillip Squires, Nathan DeNobrega, SurrendraKhayyam,Aubrey Younge and Ronald Murray all emerged victorious on day five of the inaugural GTAOpentourney

In the Women’s Open Singlesquarter-finalsmatch; Afruica Gentle faced off against Renola Jordan, with Gentle dominating the reigning champion and securingaconvincing6-1,60 victory Her exceptional

display of skill and technique left the audience inawe.

Meanwhile,intheMen’s Open Singles category, Phillip Squires defeated Zack Panday in their round of64encounter,securinghis place in the round of 32. Nathan DeNobrega, seeded at number five, showcased his prowess by defeating Jeremiah Kalekeyzi 6-1 and 6-0, utilizing his solid serve and backhand, forehand strokes.

Kalekeyzi’s valiant efforts fell short against the versatile and talented DeNobregaintheirroundof

16match.

Surrendra Khayyam d e m o n s t r a t e d h i s exceptional experience, overpowering the talented Malik Barker in a two-set victory (6-4, 6-2). Aubrey Younge also displayed his prowess by defeating Leroy Chapman 2-0, while Ronald Murray crushed Elwin Levius by an identical scoreline in the round of 32. Thesevictoriessecuredtheir respective places in the round of 16, further intensifyingthecompetition. T h e e x c i t e m e n t continued to unfold at the samevenueyesterday

West Indies Women win thriller in opening T20I

GROS ISLET, St. Lucia- West Indies Women defeatedIrelandWomenby2 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.

Batting first, Ireland were restricted to 112/7 in their 20 overs, thanks to economical and accurate bowling by Hayley Matthews 4-0-22-3, CherryAnn Fraser 3-0-22-2 and debutant Ashmini Munisar 4-0-16-1 Ireland captain Laura Delany top-scored with 34 followed by Eimear Richardsonwith22.

In their run-chase, the West Indies lost wickets in consistent periods which slowed their scoring and forceditdowntothelastball for a result. Skipper Hayley Matthewstop-scoredwith37 followed by Afy Fletcher

with a valuable 19 when the game looked like it was slippingawayfromthehome team But Vice-Captain ShemaineCampbelleguided theteamtoafinalballsingle and took victory by 2 wickets.

Speakingafterthematch, Matthews said “A lot of nerves coming down to the endbutstillalotofpositives we can take from today’s game.

We did a good job restrictingIrelandto112ona really good batting wicket.

Personally, I was happy to contribute to the win Ashmini Munisar making her debut, how economical she bowled and taking her first wicket was one of the positivesandit’sagoodsign forthefuture.”

Match tickets are available online from the

Windies Tickets service, presented by MastercardTickets windiescricket com - at a discounted price of U S $ 6 / E C $ 1 6 (USS3/EC$7 50 children and seniors) with tickets available on the day at the box office at a price of U S $ 7 5 0 / E C $ 2 0 (US$3 75/EC$10 for childrenandseniors).

For fans unable to get to the games in St. Lucia, the CG United ODI Series will beexclusivelyliveonRUSH Sports in the Caribbean and on BT Sport in the UK & Ireland.

Thematcheswillalsobe shown around the world on FanCode (India), ESPN+ (USA), Sky NZ (NZ), SuperSport (sub-Saharan Africa) and in all other countries on the Windies CricketYouTubechannel.

Afruica Gentle and Renola Jordan share photo after the Women’s Open quarter final.

King scores even 100 as West Indies defeat Oman by seven wickets for first Super Six points

SportsMax - Player of the Match Brandon King scored his second ODI century as the West Indies defeated Oman by seven wicketswith62ballstospare in the 2023 Cricket World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe yesterday

Chasing 222 for victory theWestIndiesreachedtheir target in the 40th over King scored an even 100 and Captain Shai Hope, an unbeaten 63 to secure their first win in the Super Six stageofthetournament.

With both teams already eliminated from contention from qualifying for the ICC WorldCupinIndialaterthis year, the match was of academicinterest.

However,theWestIndies

Brandon King scored a brisk fifty against Oman. (ICC via Getty Images)

got31andAayanKhan,30,in the face of accurate bowling fromRomarioShepherdwho took3-44andKyleMayers231fromsevenovers.

Kevin Sinclair, who replaced the injured Yannic Cariah in the West Indies squadfinishedwith1-42

With the West Indies lookingfortheirfirstpointsof the Super Six stage, they Caribbean side lost Johnson Charles for four with only sevenrunsontheboard.

However, Keacy Carty and King settled nerves with

an 80-run second wicket partnership before the latter wasrunoutfor29 Fromthere theWestIndieswerecruising asKingandHopesteeredthe West Indies to the brink of victory with a third-wicket partnership of 96 that was brokenwhenKingfeathered a catch through to wicketkeeper Kumar off the bowling of Bilal Khan for 100.HissecondODIcentury came off 104 deliveries and included 15 sublime boundaries.

Hope and Nicholas

Pooran scored the remaining runs without much bother with Hope scoring his 23rd ODI50alongtheway Pooran wasunbeatenon19attheend TheWestIndieswillplay their final match of their failed campaign against Sri Lanka on Friday Sri Lanka has already qualified for the ICCWorldCup.

Scores: West Indies 222 for 3 (King 100, Hope 63*, Kaleemullah 1-49) beat Oman 221 for 9 (Suraj 53, Shoaib 50, Shepherd 3-44) bysevenwickets.

were looking to save face afterlosingtotheNetherlands and Scotland in consecutive matches After winning the toss, Hope asked Oman to takefirststrike

The bulk of the scoring came from Suraj Kumar, whose unbeaten 53 and Shaoib Khan, an even 50, helped Oman to 221-9 Opener Kashyap Prajapati

8thDigicelSchoolsFootballChampionships… Buxton Secondary are East Coast Champions

-Region2finalesetfortodayatAnnaRegina

On Tuesday evening, Buxton Secondary School became the East Coast Regional Champion of the 8th Digicel’s Schools Football Championship, following a stunning 2 – 1 victory in the finale against President’s College, at the Ministry of Education (MoE)Ground.

Itwasatestingmatchfor both sides, but the eventual victor was the first to draw bloodwhenLeonMcFarlene scored in the 27th minute, then made it a twopossession game two minutes later when Ovid Brownfoundthebackofthe net.

The match, which got a bit physical, saw Shamar Barrington pull one back in the 38th minute for

President’s College, however, the equaliser eluded them for the entire match, even though Brown was dealt a red card late in thesecondhalf.

These two finalists will nowmoveontotheNational Championships.

InRegionSix,Vryman’s Erven logged a historic win overCentralCorentynewith awhopping25–0scoreline at the regulation time whistle.

Therewasasupersixand three fivers that contributed to the tally; Joshua Dougall firedinsixgoals(2’,23’27, 38’,46&53’),whileAkeem

Hosannah(4’,31’,35’,37’& 51’),RoyanCaptain(6’,30’, 40’, 54’ & 59’) and Keron

Gorge (14’, 30’, 32’, 52’ & 53’)eachscoredfivegoals.

ShumarBeresford(56’& 57’)firedintwoquickgoals while Stephen Frank (19’) found the back of the net once Central Corentyne wereundersomuchfirethat ShemThompsonevengifted theoppositionanowngoalin the17thminute.

InRegionTwo,Abraham ZuiltrouncedAurora4–0at Tapakuma as Omar Kendall (27’ & 43’), Lester Noel (38’)andTravenEvans(60’) accounted for the goals while Cotton Field were award with a walkover win againstJohannaCecilia.

In the Region Six, Tutorial Academy triumphedbythesamescore (4 – 0) over Canje at Scott Ground. Done Singh’s hattrick (6’, 46’& 58’) led the way while Clevon Cort

supportedwitha48thminute goal.

Today, Region Two’s champion will be crowned at Anna Regina following two intriguing semifinal showdowns, which took place yesterday atthesamevenue.Inthefirst semi Abraham Zuil took on Cotton Field while Charity battled with Anna Regina; the winners advance to today’sfinale.

In Regions Six and Ten, the finalists will be

decided following the highly anticipated semifinalstage.

At Scott Ground in the Ancient County, New Amsterdam andVryman’s Erven will collide in the zone’slonematchoftheday at14:00hrs.

In the Mining Town, Wisburg Ground is the venue that will host the double-header which begins at14:00hrswiththe first match between Christianburg/Wismar and

Mackenzie High then Kwakwani meet Wisburg in theothersemiat16:00hrs.

The action also continues in Region One at Green Park, where Hosororo and Port Kaituma are scheduled to battleat13:00hrs. There is also a lone Region 4 – Georgetown fixture that features Brickdam and South Ruimveldt, which kicks off at17:00hrsattheMinistryof EducationGround.

and Street

The adrenaline-

fueledlocalriders aregearingupfor anexcitingshowdownatthe upcoming South Dakota GrandPrixpoweredbyEnet thisSunday Riders from across the country are set to compete in various classes, but eyes will be specifically set on the street bike and super stock classes. As the championship race intensifies, let’s look at the top contenders and their prospectsforsuccess.

StreetBikeClass

In the street bike class, Nicholas Boodhram

currently holds the championship lead Boodhram’s consistent p e r f o r m a n c e s a n d exceptional skills on the trackhavepropelledhimto thetopofthestandings

However, he cannot afford to rest on his laurels, as Dowayne Caesar trails closely behind in second place.Caesarhasshowcased incredibledeterminationand talent, making him a formidable opponent for Boodhram.

AndtobenoticedisJohn

Bennett, currently in third place, who has shown great potential throughout the season.

The street bike class promises to deliver highspeed action and fierce battlesforsupremacy

SuperStockClass…

The super stock class boasts a lineup of renowned riders vying for glory. At the forefront is Stephen Vieira, a seasoned competitor who has dominated the series so far with an impressive 68 points Vieira’s unmatched speed and exceptional race-craft has made him a force to be reckonedwith

H o w e v e r , t h e competition is fierce, and Stephon Boodhram, with 45 points, is hot on V i e i r a ’ s h e e l s Boodhram’s consistent podium finishes have kept him within striking

d i s t a n c e o f t h e

championship lead

Following closely behind are Matthew Vieira with 43 points and Kevin Persaud with 42 points, both hungry for victory

Shem Chattersingh, currently on 20 points, will also aim to make his presencefeltonthetrack.

As the South Dakota Grand Prix powered by E n e t a p p r o a c h e s , anticipation reaches a fever pitch The event promises an actionpacked spectacle with motorcycle racing enthusiasts on the edge of theirseats.

The skill, bravery, and determination these riders display will leave fansinawe

While the focus may be on the championship contenders, it’s essential to acknowledge the dedication and talent of all the riders participating in the South Dakota GrandPrix

Each competitor brings their unique style and passion for the sport, making the event a celebration of motorcycle racing.

Action starts at 10:00hrs on Sunday Tickets cost $2000 for adults, $1000 for children and $5000 for clubhouseentry

EnetSouthDakotaGrandPrix…

Superstock

Bike to ignite fans with two-wheel action

New Traffic Plan Set For Guyana Cup 2023

Horseracing fans h a d t h e i r appetiteswhetat the just concluded Breeders Cup meet and now their sights are fixed on the Guyana Cup on the 13th of nextmonthattheRisingSun Turf Club. The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) had a chance to test their systems after promising a much improved Guyana Cup from lasttime.

Head of the organising team, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jnr,hasalreadybeenatwork for the big event and hit the ground running announcing ahead of one of the largest events in Guyana, that the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee met with SeniorPoliceOfficersofthe Region5Districttomitigate the incessant traffic emanating from the annual Guyana Cup Horse Racing event.

Due to the massive attendance in 2022 their where thousands of patrons and commuters who were stuck in bumper to bumper trafficforhourswhiletrying toreachthevenueorsimply pass the festivities. After careful examination of the shortcomings for 2022 the JJTRChascollaboratedwith the Guyana Police Force to initiate a five-step plan to eliminatethetrafficproblem inthebestpossibleway

TheTrafficManagement Plan:

1.Analternate4lanefree flowing entrance will be set to accommodate over 2,000 vehicles. The said access will be designed for a nonstopflowofpatron’scarsoff of the public road. Patrons who do not possess a ticket

Guyanese horseracing fans had their taste whet with the Breeders Cup, now attention is set on the big event, the Guyana Cup.

willbeusheredtoaninternal booth where they can purchase their tickets and enter through one of the 5 access lanes. Absolutely no coolerswillbeallowedinthe venue.

2. 500 feet of temporary partition rails and rope will be erected to cordon off specifically for Guyana Cup patrons, while vehicles can move freely in both directions outside of the partitions Patrons proceedingtotheRisingSun from Berbice and surroundingareascanutilize the lane behind the barricades on the extreme right 250 feet before the venueforquickaccesstothe carpark,whileVIP&Horse Trailers stay on the left. Patrons proceeding east from Georgetown can also enter the lane on the left behind the barricades for easy access whileVIP’s and HorseTrailersstayright.

3. There will be a new access point for all patrons who arrive on foot minimizing the huge buildupseenin2022.

4 All horse owners wouldbegivenaccesstothe venue with their mobile stables through the red gate which was previously used in 2022 by VIP’s. All horse owners must be in the facility before 8am. Any horsearrivingafter8amwill

not be allowed accesses and willforfeittheirfee.

5.Securitytowerswould be erected around the venue to ensure no patrons access thevenuewithoutathorough search.

Gates are expected to be opened at 8am sharp to ensure all patrons get first preference on seating and

parking. Immediately after the featured race, the “The Guyana Cup” the attention will be placed on the international stage set-up by popular sound company Travelers Sound System. A huge international cast is expected to be launched on Friday7thJuly,2023tostep the momentum us a notch.

The organizers have been workingfeverishlytoensure promotion for the entire monthreaches70percentof Guyana where persons can win tickets on the Guyana Cup Road Show or on the Sea Wall every day leading up to the event. Stay tuned for more info to be released soonbytheorganisers.

Nasrudeen Mohamed Jnr and team have the wheels turning for a top class event for fans.

Romario Shepherd struck first for West

sending back Jatinder Singh. (ICC via Getty

Kevin Persaud leads Matthew Vieira at a previous meet. (Ackeem Thomas photo)