Kaieteur News

TeamInfinityTechInc.winshackathoncompetition

The Industry and Tech, Rayon Hunte and underscored. somewhere with our movement in Guyana that forthreeparticipants,adding Innovation Unit’s Lloyd Browman, told the Second-place team project.”

o u r g o v e r n m e n t that this demonstrates a I n n o v a t i o n Department of Public member, Maryam Bacchus CasTech developed an wholeheartedly supports, c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e

New Amsterdam,

to get new training facilities

TheMinistryofLabour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) will be constructing training facilities in New AmsterdamandCorriverton, RegionSix,atatotalvalueof over$83million.

Challenge 2023 Information that they were said she experienced a series automated scheduling and that is using ICT to development of Guyana’s concluded Sunday, at the elatedatthisachievement,as o f m i x e d e m o t i o n s software, called Emailbot, transform our lives. Our youth.Hesaidthismovealso Arthur Chung Conference it is the result of hard work throughout the competition, which aimed to make government is committed to speaks to the value of Centre, and this year’s a n d d e t e r m i n a t i o n since this year’s journey was scheduling appointments ensuring that ICTs are a part private-public partnerships winners aim to promote Outlining the aim and more challenging. The 21- and seeking available time of all sectors in Guyana. We in fostering development increased stakeholder methodology of their app, year-old said, “When we slots more convenient must ensure that our country This year’s innovation collaboration. Rayon Hunte said, “One of were first presented with the During his feature address, can leverage the benefits of challenge is a collaborative The teams competed for the issues we found is that challenge, it was very Prime Minister, Brigadier ICTs and that all persons can effort between the Industry cash prizes, as well as the companies have their different from the previous (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, access these benefits as part and Innovation Unit and opportunitytobenefitfroma internal mail calendars, but years’ challenge. Usually, it emphasised the importance o f t h e f a s t - p a c e d SBMOffshore,andprovided paid internship at SBM they regularly have to meet would be something broad of youth involvement in technologicallydrivenworld a platform for local tech Offshore Guyana. The first- with persons who are andyouwouldhavetocreate ICTs,inpropellingGuyana’s in which we exist today,” the enthusiasts to display their place winner will receive $1 external to the company a solution for that, but this advancement, as well as in primeministersaid. ICT prowess, and foster the million, while second and These external parties don’t year it was a bit stricter It piloting the movement for He also commended the creation of innovative ICT third place winners will get have any insight into the was a combination of stress t e c h n o l o g i c a l contributions of SBM solutions to promote $300,000 and $200,000 calendar Our app aims to and fun. It started to get a bit transformation “You can Offshore for providing the Guyana’s development respectively addressthat.” fun after we started getting contribute to the greater opportunity for employment (DPI) Team Infinity Tech Inc. Meanwhile, Browman was declared the winner of said the intention was to this year’s hackathon, while invent something that is the second and third-place different, while ensuring tokens went to Team maximum functionality. CasTech and Team Logiq “Ideally, we want to respectively Theteamswere encourage collaboration judged on a number of b e t w e e n d i f f e r e n t criteria,includingdesignand stakeholders. We think its implementation, innovation use would be beneficial to and originality, teamwork the current sector, and even and collaboration, and they those who aren’t particularly were tasked with developing into ICT, or government software to address related. We think that all schedulingissues. sectors can benefit from a Members of Infinity programme like this,” he

Two contracts were signed between the government, NK Enterprise Inc, and Perba Trading and Construction at the ministry’s boardroom, Brickdam, Georgetown, on Monday to execute the projects. NK Enterprise Inc is tasked with constructing the training facility in the town of New Amsterdam to the tune of $44.8 million, whiletheothercompanywill build the Corriverton skills the ministry by the build the training facilities Unity,Mahaicatocertifyand centreatacostofsome$39.9 respective Town Councils. that are at the levels of the accreditpersonswhoalready million. In his charge to the Caribbean Vocational haveaskill.

The construction of the contractors and consultants, Qualification’s standards,” Minister Hamilton facilities will commence Minister Joseph Hamilton Minister Hamilton asserted. believes that when persons soon and all efforts will be stressedthateffortsarebeing He said apart from are equipped it is easier to made to ensure they are madetoensureGuyanesenot establishing the two new identify projects in

and allow plots of land identified in the skills,butarecertified. rehabilitation works will be residents there to undertake two towns were provided to “Importantly, we have to conducted on the facility at the

havethe

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, with representatives from SBM Offshore, Industry and Innovation Unit, and the participants of the 2023 Innovation Challenge.

...country earned $93B, lost $107B

Taxes waived for Exxon in 2020 more than what Guyana received from extractive industry for same year- EITI Report

As the Government and earned for that year in its Opposition continue to hold entire extractive sector. back on renegotiation of the According to the EITI 2020 lopsided Stabroek Block Report,theoilandgassector deal,Guyanahasbeenlosing accounted for $65.83 B, billions annually that can be mining $26.37 B, forestry used to fund the country’s $1.24 B and the fisheries development and improve industry$0.34B. thelivesofitspoorcitizens. It was noted that, “Total

Thisisespeciallyevident revenues from the extractive when one analyses the taxes sector increased by GYD alone that were waived for 54 59 billion, ” when ExxonMobil and its partners compared to the previous in 2020- which denotes the year- 2019. The increase in first full year of oil revenue earned by the production in the country extractive industry was as a Guyana’s new Extractive result of the new petroleum Industries Transparency production activities income Initiative (EITI) Report, for which grew by $51 62 the year 2020 has revealed billion. that the country earned a Based on the provisions of the Guyana Revenue some of the most repressive than licensees, which violate to grant EEPGL, CNOOC total of $93.77 billion from of the 2016 Production Authority(GRA). tax provisions of the the Petroleum Exploration Nexen Petroleum Guyana its extractive industries, Sharing Agreement (PSA) As a result of the Stabroek Block PSA with and Production Act (PEPA), Limited, and Hess Guyana comprising the oil, gold, Guyana has agreed to make lopsided terms embodied in ExxonMobil and its a n d t h e F i n a n c i a l Exploration Limited, all diamond, bauxite, timber taxpaymentsonbehalfofthe the contract, Guyanese have partners It wasn’t until Administration (and Audit) companies that are parties to and fisheries sectors among Stabroek Block partners been protesting for the deal February of this year that the Act. the case, concessions of others. The contract stipulates at to be renegotiated to ensure Court handed down its As such, the newspaper extensivetaxexemptions.

During the same period, Article 15.4 that the sum the country benefits more ruling, upholding the waiver publisher had requested F o r i t s p a r t , the country however waived equivalent to the taxes owed from its resources In of the taxes to the oil declarations from the Court ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, over$107billionintaxesfor by the companies will be January last year, Kaieteur companies. that the provisions are Esso Exploration and the oil and gas sector This paid by the Minister News Publisher, Mr Glenn In his application, Mr unlawful, null and void, and Production Guyana Limited means, Guyana lost more responsible for Petroleum to Lall filed a case in Guyana’s Lall had contended among ofnolegaleffect. (EEPGL)hadcontendedthat revenue in taxes than it the Commissioner General High Court challenging otherthings,thatmanyofthe In his ruling however, Lall stepped outside his provisions listed under Justice Nareshwar Harnanan boundary when he moved to Article15.1ofthePetroleum said the minister is vested the High Court to challenge Agreement, dated June 27, with the power under theGovernmentofGuyana’s 2016 between the GOG and Section 51 of the PEPA and decision to grant extensive the oil companies, grant the Petroleum (Exploration tax waivers to the oil exemptions to persons other and Production) (Tax laws) operatoranditsaffiliates.

OMAI discovers significant gold deposits in Region 7

Canadian Company, Omai Gold Mines Corporation has announced that within the firstsixmonthsof2023ithasdrilled11holes which showed significant gold in their Wenotpit,locatedinRegionSeven(CuyuniMazaruni).

In a statement, Omai highlighted additional outstanding drill results, noting that a total of 3,569 metres have been completed in 11 holes in 2023. The results forhole23ODD-063,wherevisiblegoldwas identifiedin37locationsalong299metersof core.

It was stated, that hole 23ODD-063 is at the west end of Wenot, where no previous mining was done below the surficial saprolite. It also shows multiple gold zones within the broad Wenot shear corridor, including wide zones of good grade gold Wenotdeposit,andassuchareconfidentthat mineralizationextendingtosurface. additional drilling can further expand the

According to Omai, the width and the gold resources.AtWenot, 88% of the NI 43down dip extension of this zone and the 101 mineral resource estimate lies above a additional zones, bode extremely well for a 300 m depth and the few holes that tested potential open pit operation. These wide below confirm continuity and suggest that zones of gold mineralization occur within grades may increase with depth, particularly altered, sheared and veined zones within the atthewestendofthedeposit.” metasedimentary package, whereas Kaieteur News had reported in January historical mining at Wenot was 2022thatthecompanyhadstruckthejackpot predominantly within the volcanics on the only in its Wenot Gold deposit. It had found northern side of the main Wenot shear the1.6millionouncesgoldsome400metres contact. south of the Fennell open pit- a pit that has Omai Chief Executive Officer (CEO) produced some 2.4 million ounces of gold and President, Elaine Ellingham, said for Omai in the past and it was located at a “Theseimpressivenewdrillresultscontinue depth suitable for open pit mining. Nine to confirm the magnitude of the Wenot months later, Omai was able to increase its deposit, by demonstrating strike and depth gold resource in theWenot Deposit from the continuityofsignificantgoldmineralization. 1.6 million ounces to 1.86 million ounces-a We have not seen any limitations to the 16percentincrease.

Table showing tax exemptions granted to oil companies since 2015

Omai CEO and President, Elaine Ellingham

Companies in

Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

REFORM DESPERATELY NEEDED ALL OVER

The sordid matter allegedly involving the former MinisterofLocalGovernmentandRegionalDevelopment, Mr NigelDharmalall,confirmsallbelievedtobewrongin thiscountry Thougharivetednationthoughttheysawand heardalot,itwasonlythetipoftheproverbialiceberg. In Guyana’s case, there is nothing proverbial or figurative aboutthesumanddepthofwhatisembeddedhere,butofthe uglyrealitythatGuyaneseareforcedtocontendwithdaily Considering the vastness of national deficiencies in seemingly every government nook and cranny, it becomes blindinglyclearabout how much genuine reform is needed locally.

Genuinereformistheonlykind,withpropertexturesand conscientious officials behind it, that will lead to possible direlyneededimprovement. Onethingisclear:itisnotthe reform that the PPPC Government makes speeches about, andengagesindramaticproductionsover,sincethosehave onlybeenaboutwhatservestheparty’sandleaders’interests morethanthatofalongsuffering,disgustedpopulation. The government’s leading spokespeople have been proud to unveilreforminthisandthatareas,onlyforconfirmationto come quickly that nothing has changed for the better If anything, the worse has occurred, with more tricks and subterfuges being the order of the day, and senior political participantsmakinghayattheexpenseofGuyanese.

WetookaquicklookattheNigelDharamlallmatterand recoiled at what surfaced. Public institution after public institution went into full protective mode so that the real thoroughinvestigation,therealfacts,therealtruthsthatwere so urgently called for, all suffered from what many have concluded to be political expediency There were many willingofficialhandstosteermattersintoasafeharborthat ledtothesingleresultdesired. Aboveallthings,itmustbe that which protects the image of the People’s Progressive Party Government, and its top operators whose already depraved records and tattered reputations simply degraded further

The Guyana Police Force had the opportunity to shine, butallitwascapableofwasmoreofthesamedarknessand rankness that have plagued its command centers and operations for decades and counting, but never as seen recently The Childcare and Protection Agency was wellplacedtobethedrillerforauthenticsubstance,anddojustice byachild,acommunity,andawatchfulcitizenry,onlyforit to prove not up to the task, with folding of its energies, its bonafidesnowinapparentdisgraceandnationalridicule. It is our belief that the DPP’s office could have risen to the occasionanddonebetter:letthedayincourtcometobe,and let this cheap and obscene matter be given the proper sanitizingsunlightthatGuyaneseexpectedtohappen,sothat justicewouldnotonlybeserved,butgiveeveryappearance ofbeingfullyserved.

Of this let there be no argument: the former minister is duethepresumptionofinnocence. Alongthesamelines,the poor,naïve,anddependentinthissocietyareowedthebest thattheirgovernmentcanoffer WhenthePresidentshould haveactedboldlyandwithenergy,hewasmorecomfortable distancinghimselffromthefray,whiletheengineofdamage control revved to its maximum. When the wagons were being circled to protect party and comrade, vigilant Guyanese noted who was in the lead by either convenient absence or protective presence. To be sure, not one PPPC Government leader or minister said a wrong word in the throesoftheDharamlallaffair,asalleged. Theyarealltoo schooled, too skillful from long practice, to make that mistake, trap themselves so unthinkingly But they had indications from prior visible excesses, from others who tooktopublicforumstosharetheirexperiences. Aswetalk aboutallthatneedsthemostrigorousreforms,oneelement should never slip our minds. It is that for any reform to be meaningful,tohaveachanceatsuccess,thepeoplepiloting thereformsforwardmustthemselvesbefirstreformed.

The dirty cannot deliver what is clean. The twisted is incapableofstraightness. Reformthepoliticalpeoplefirst, thenreformthepolicies,procedures,andpractices.

THIS GOVT. CANNOT BE TRUSTED

DEAREDITOR,

Guyanese taxpayers needtoevaluatewhetherthe frequentoverseastripsbythe President and his clique will bring the nation adequate returns on these huge sums spent in travelling and room and board expenses. In May of this year, the President wasinIndiawithmanyofhis sidekicks;nottobeoutdone, the honcho and de facto president and the power drunkczarfollowedsuittwo weekslater,andashesaidto close the deal. Is the honcho anddefactopresidenttelling us that the president is incompetent? Earlier, the HeadofStatewasinKuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates which was preceded by his attendance ofthefuneraloftheQueenin Septemberayearearlierand a trip to Belize in the same year Additionally, the First Lady travelled to Singapore merely to smash a bottle of champagne to launch the Lisa Prosperity ship a year ago, while Min Edghill journeyed to Kolkata, India to see the ship MV MA LISHA- which is yet to makeavoyageinGuyanaas there are no docks in the

Northwest for it to sail.Two weeksago,thePresidentwas dancing in a Mandir in Canada. Many are of the opinion that only he and his cabinet are enjoying the oil resourcesinGuyana,notthe people.

Further, his refusal to confirm the acting appointments of the ChancellorandChiefJustice areasmuchanabandonment of the President’s constitutionaldutyaswellas hisillegalactionstoscrapthe Police Service Commission andhiswillfulandsillydelay not to appoint the Public Service Commission. The Commission of Inquiry into theMadhiafireisyettoshift intogearaftermorethantwo months of the horrific tragedy IfonlythePresident could act with some form of alacrity and rectify the problemsintheincompetent and clumsy public service, the corrupt police force and his arrogant, egotistical, narcissistic, and inept cabinet, Guyana will be a muchbetterplacetoliveand raiseafamily Butitwillnot happen because the vindictive honcho and de facto president who are in

charge will not allow him to makeanychanges.

We also know this is not the President area of influence and capability, as highlighted by how vociferous honcho and de factopresidentonsubjectsin regardtothecashgrants,and the awarding of contracts to relatives, friends and supporters of the party This alsoexplainswhytherubber stamp president has not givenafullpressconference since taking office, while journalists are summoned weekly to listen to honcho and de facto president ramble polemics, lies and berating the Opposition, Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall and anyone who speaks the truth about his dishonesty and his mishandling of the oil industry

The Mutt and Jeff dynasty has refused to listen to anyone because they believe that God has given themtherighttoruleoverthe people of Guyana and to spend the taxpayers’ money among themselves. Nigel Dharamlall alleged rape accusationbyasixteen-yearold Amerindian girl and the

refusalbytheDPPtocharge himclearlyindicatesthatthe judiciary has been compromised and is not independentasenunciatedin the constitution It also reveals that there are two systemsofjusticeinGuyana, onefortherichandpowerful andtheotherforthepoorand powerless The people shouldnottakeitlyingdown if the DPP should institute chargesagainstanyordinary person in a rape case or any case based on evidence submitted by the victims, because she has refused to accept the evidence submittedbytheAmerindian girl against the alleged rapist. The PPP government is corrupt, deceitful, nasty, androttentothecore.Thisis why they are not trusted but are hated by most Guyanese at home and in the diaspora. My sincere hope is for the peopletosendthempacking in2025.Timewilltell.Ihave foursimplewordsforthesocalled President and the honcho and de facto president:Charitybeginsat home.

Regards, L e y l a n d C h i t l a l l Roopnaraine

Region has lost an outstanding academia in Caribbean history

DEAREDITOR,

It is with sadness that I learn of the passing of Dr Brinsley Samaroo, retired eminentProfessorofHistory at UWI, a foremost pioneer and specialist on Indian Caribbean history He died onJuly9.Hewas82.

Samaroowasattachedto UWI since the early 1970s and at one time headed the history department. He was eminently qualified to head the department having excelledinacademia.

HeearnedhisBAHistory from the prestigious Hindu College, Delhi University in the 1960s and went on to do hisPhDinEngland.Afterhis PhD,hejoinedthefacultyat UWI teaching history courses.

He was a specialist in Indian history, slavery, and indentureship. In the last coupledecadesofhislife,his academic work focused primarily on Indians –indentured laborers or girmityas and their descendants. He published countlessarticlesandpenned several books He also appeared on many TV and radio programs discussing subjectselatedtohistoryand

politics.Anyonewhostudied Caribbean history or wanted toknowaboutIndiansinthe Caribbean would have read hisworks.

Samaroo was always helpful to all students including struggling Guyanese during the Burnham dictatorship – in their studies in Trinidad, in providing accommodations, and or putting us in touch with his students to provide comfort, lodging, etc. He was overseas examiner for UGforseveralyears.

He was also involved in the struggle against the Guyanese dictatorship providing moral support from 1980 thru the restoration of democracy in 1992 We had a long relationship going back to the late 1970s when a group of us (Baytoram Ramharack and Vassan Ramracha, and myself,amongafewothers) in NewYork involved in the struggle for democracy in Guyana communicated with him to support a similar movement launched by our friendinTrinidad.Heagreed tohelpusalthoughhesaidhe would not do so publicly to jeopardize his job He

encouragedthatweheldand s u p p o r t e d p r o t e s t movements including against Shridat Ramphal when he was UWI Chancellor and visited the campus.

He was not one to take public stances if they were controversial or jeopardize his job He encouraged otherstotakesuchpositions. For example, in his office and in private chats, he said there was racism and discrimination against Indians in Trinidad and at UWI but would not pen it. Similarly, he said UNC would not return to government but won’t write orsayitpublicly Samaroo quietly gave supporttoayouthmovement inTrinidadincludingmaking availableroomsformeetings at UWI to address social issuesimpactingIndians.

We worked closely with him and the then political opposition led by Basdeo Panday (TT Alliance) with whoSamaroowasaffiliated. Weflewdownandassistedin the 1981 election campaign withtheunderstandingthatif it were to win it would support our movement for

free and fair elections in Guyana; the opposition lost. Samaroo did not contest a seat for parliament, but he was appointed Opposition Leader in the Senate by Panday who remained oppositionLeader,aposition heheldsince1976. Samaroo served in the Senate till elections in December 1986 whenhecontestedandwona safe Indian seat (Nariva). Ravi Dev and my group providedfinancialassistance totheoppositionledbyANR Robinson the promised assistance to help restore democracy in Guyana never materialized But over association with Samaroo continued.

Over the decades, SamarooandImetcountless times to discuss issues of significance to Indians. We met in Trinidad, Guyana, USA, India, and Suriname. Likemyself,RaviDev,Prof. MauritsHassankhan,hewas a guest of the Indian government in 2016 to discuss challenges facing Indo-Caribbeanpeople.

The Indian government valued our scholarship

Severalofour (Continuedonpage5)

MAD versus NUTS and the spectacle of nuclear war

DEAREDITOR,

Just a few days ago on July 7, the Department of Defenseannouncedthat“the finalmunitioninthenation’s obsolete stockpile of chemical weapons has been safely destroyed a disarmament milestone decades in the making” (US DepartmentofDefense).On that very day in Kentucky,

“… a joint-venture team led byBechtelNational,Inc.and Parsons Corporation, using neutralization and explosive destruction technologies eliminate[d] more than 100,000 mustard agent and nerveagent-filledprojectiles and nerve agent-filled rockets”(Ibid).Onthesame day,“sarinnerveagent-filled M55 rocket was destroyed

at the Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky” (Ibid) Under-Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment,Dr WilliamA. LaPlantewasonpointwhen hedeclaredthat“[w]ehavea national security imperative andmoralobligationtowork towardeliminatingthethreat posed by weapons of mass destruction.”

Gold mining can and must be safer

DEAREDITOR,

There was a recent documentary on Channel NewsAsia,whichisbasedin Singapore that covered the serious dangers of using mercury in gold mining. It was very saddening to see howthesmallergoldminers and their families were seriously affected by this highlytoxicmetal.

Therecenttragedyatthe GGMC and the concerns uncovered with mercury being in the blood of scores of our workers should have beenawake-upcallforallof usthatwemustfindanother waytosafelyextractthegold needed to support the development of the economy It is said that the mercury eventually enters the food production cycle and does not break down in theenvironment,butinstead enters the water cycle when it is burned and becomes a gas.

It is therefore extremely

important that we move towards banning its use in the gold mining industry There are many healthier alternatives from panning to magnets that can be implemented to effectively protect miners and extract thegold.

Thesafetyofourcitizens mustbecomeandremainthe toppriorityforourNation.

OurAmerindianbrothers and sisters are at the highest risk of being exposed to the harmfuleffectsofthispoison being used to mine the land for gold. The country is already being enriched by the extraction of oil, and we shouldnotbecomegreedyto the detriment of ourselves andourpeople.

The pace of gold extraction should be in sync with the safe methods of mining.

There is no longer an urgent economic gap that needstobefilledbythesale ofgold.

The country can also affordtoprovideamonetary incentivetominerstoensure that they do not suffer any economic hardships due to thetransitiontosafermining practices, which will allow them to safeguard their and their families’ health while earninganhonestlivingina safeenvironment.

CRG looks forward to t h e c u r r e n t A l i A d m i n i s t r a t i o n implementing the necessary regulations and reforms in thegoldminingindustrythat will ban the use of mercury in the industry, improve the requiredsafeworkpractices, and provide the financial package and or jobs needed for the miners to not suffer anyeconomicsetbacksaswe transition to a safer gold miningindustry

Withconcern,

Mr.JamilChanglee Chairman

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

July 7 was a victory not only for humanity, but also formultilateralism.

The US basically delivered on a Chemical Weapons Convention commitmentitmadein1997 under President Clinton Democrats generally are m o r e i n f a v o r o f multilateralism compared to Republicans, something with relevance for the warfighting going on between Russia and Ukraine. That warhasnowenteredaphase of grave danger beyond the theatre(s) of conflict due to another announcement by theUS,namely,thatUkraine will now receive shipments ofclusterbombs.

To proceed with the argument, we need to quicklyreviewtwostrategic doctrines, both of them involvingnuclearwar

Let us start with MAD, which stand for Mutually Assured Destruction. MAD referstoastrategicsituation of nuclear deterrence that emerged during the Cold War but that is still foundational to global military stability among the nucleararmedGreatPowers.

The basic idea is that a nuclear war is unwinnable because even if one country fires off long-range missiles with nuclear tipped warheads, the target country would be able to respond because of its “invulnerable capability” The US and

Region has lost an outstanding...

Frompage4

recommendations were accepted and implemented by the Indian government in itsdiasporapolicy

Samaroo was always warmandsympatheticwhen it came to causes relating to Guyana.

I traveled frequently to Trinidad appearing at UWI campus for exchange with academics sympathetic with our struggle related to Guyana.Samaroo(aswellas other academics such as Ramesh Ramsaran and Kusha Haracksingh) and I talked a lot about Guyana’s and Trinidad’s politics and

history Samaroo also spent considerableamountoftime in Guyana and in NewYork engaging Guyanese and Trinis.Guyanesehostedhim countless times in the USA and he attended Indian Arrival Day celebrations in Guyana as well as in New York.

He was opposed to Indian Arrival celebrations andaholidayforitthatsome of us championed in Trinidad.

He voted against the holiday when he was member of parliament between 1986 and 1991; he felt there should be Indian

indentureship abolition celebrations but he never championed the idea of a holidayforit.

My last encounters with Samaroo were at several state functions held in Suriname for visiting Indian President Draupadi Murmu inearlyJune.

Dr Samaroo was the chief guest at a conference onslaveryandindentureship at the University of Suriname to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first arrival of Indians in Suriname.

Several delegates were invited to state functions for

RussiabothhaveSubmarine Lauched Ballistic Missile (SLBMs) which are almost impossible to hit in ‘real time’.Undergroundsystems also offer invulnerability

The country attacked first, c a n s t i l l u n l e a s h unacceptable damage to the “first-strike”aggressor

Itisimportanttonotethat while strategic deterrence is configured mostly around Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), IntermediateRangeBallistic Millies (IRBMs) and shortrangemissilesarealsointhe calculation, though mostly as triggers. Let me explain and tie in to the impending useclusterbombbyUkraine against Russian forces. You shouldknowthattheUSand Russia both have about 3800-4500 nuclear missiles, butthatonlyafractionedare aimed.

The US has a Nuclear Triad, as does Russia, meaning that missiles could belaunchedfromtheground (where they are kept in silos); from the air by B52 bombers; and by sea – the SLBMs.Around400ICBMs (Minuteman) missiles are always at ready Many missiles are MIRVED –meaning a single ICBM can carry up to thirteen nuclear warheads. MIRV capability was one of the reasons PresidentReagan’sStrategic Defensive Initiative (Star Wars)programsfailed.

Zeelandhavebannedcluster bombs. The official reason, and a perfectly good one, is that they pose immense dangers to civilians both during and after the war Cluster bombs are smaller bomblets that ‘spray out’ from an airdropped device andexplodeinlargeclusters. However, it is quite normal fortwopercentorevenmore tobeduds,thatistheydonot explode on impact. When civilians come into contact with them later, they get maimed or killed This problem has caused widespread human and economic destruction in in Angola, Mozambique, Afghanistan,DRC,Vietnam, Somalia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, among a longlistofothers.ManyUS allies are against cluster bombsforthisreason.

There is, however, a more pressing matter The fear is that by all reports, Ukraine is running out of conventionalmunitions,and itsOFFENSIVEwarfighting isseverelycompromised.Its current offensive push has stalledduetotheformidable defensivelines set up by the Russians. Cluster bombs, if used, can go a far way in punching holes into Russian defenses.

thevisitingPresident. On Trinidad politics, he concluded that the opposition will not be returning to government unless there is new leadership.

BrinsleySamaroowillbe deeplymissed. His memory will live on inhisworks.

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

Now,hereisthesituation the world is facing with cluster bombs. More than 100 countries have banned cluster bombs, and another hundred do not need to because they do not have access to any of these devices All of the US European allies, plus Canada,Australia, and New

The problem here is that theRussiansarenotlikelyto be sitting-ducks. It is not politically possible to be subjected to offensive clusterbombattackswithout a response that is commensurate Now, President Puntin has repeatedlywarnedthatifthe military circumstances necessitate it, all option are on the table. The US knows thisalltoowellwhichiswhy, inanactofpre-emption,it (Continuedonpage6)

Wild-wild West on the Georgetown sea wall

DEAREDITOR,

Thepicturesque

Georgetownseawallin Guyanahaslongbeen knownasarecreational spot,providingresidents andvisitorsalikewitha beautifulpromenadeandan opportunitytoenjoythe stunningcoastalviews. However,inrecenttimes, concernshavebeenraised regardingtheunregulated erectionoffastfoodand minibarstallsalongthis iconicseawall.As responsiblecitizensand custodiansofourcity’s assets,itisessentialto questiontheCityEngineer ofGeorgetownregarding theapprovalprocessfor theseestablishments.

LACKOFAPPROVAL

One cannot help but wonder if there was any

official approval granted for theconstructionofthesefast food and mini bar stalls alongtheseawall.

Such structures have a significant impact on the aesthetic value of the area and may also raise concerns related to public safety, environmental impact, and landusage.

The absence of transparency and regulation in this matter is a cause for concern and demands clarification from the City Engineer’soffice.

PUBLICSAFETYAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Fast food and mini bar stalls, especially when concentrated in a particular area, can attract large crowds,leadingtoincreased foot traffic and vehicular

congestion The lack of proper planning and oversight may result in safety hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Additionally, the disposal of waste generated by these establishments, if notregulated,cancontribute to pollution and harm the delicatecoastalecosystem.

PRESERVATIONOF CULTURALHERITAGE

TheGeorgetownseawall holds immense historical and cultural significance, serving as a symbol of our city’sheritage.

The proliferation of unregulated structures along this iconic landmark may compromise its historical integrity and diminish its valueasaculturalasset.Itis crucial that the City Engineer’s office takes into

account the long-term i m p a c t o f t h e s e developments on the city’s heritage and ensures the preservation of its cultural identity

TRANSPARENT

APPROVALPROCESS

To address the concerns surrounding the fast food and mini bar stalls on the seawall, the City Engineer’s office should provide clarifications regarding the approval process for these structures.

It is essential that the public be made aware of the regulations, guidelines, and permits necessary for erectingsuchestablishments in this sensitive area Transparencyintheapproval process will foster trust and accountability, ensuring that thecity’sassetsareprotected

whilepromotingresponsible development.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS

To find a sustainable solution,itisimperativethat the City Engineer’s office engages in open dialogue with stakeholders, including residents, business owners, and environmental experts. By involving all concerned parties in the decisionmaking process, a comprehensiveandbalanced approach can be taken to addressthecurrentsituation. Collaborativeeffortswill enable the development of guidelines and policies that strike a balance between economic growth and the preservation of natural and culturalheritage.

CONCLUSION

The unregulated

constructionoffastfoodand mini bar stalls along Georgetown’sseawallraises serious concerns about publicsafety,environmental impact,andthepreservation ofculturalheritage.

The City Engineer’s office must provide clarity on the approval process for these structures and work towards establishing transparent regulations to guidefuturedevelopments. By engaging in open dialogue and involving all stakeholders, we can ensure that our beloved seawall continues to be a symbol of pride, beauty, and sustainable growth for generationstocome.

the ERC

DEAREDITOR, I wish to address the ongoing discussions surrounding the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). It has come to my attention that the ERC is being labeled as highly political. I would like to clarify the situation and providemyperspective.

First and foremost, it is essential to recognize the importance of the Ethnic

Relations Commission in fostering harmony and understanding among various ethnic and cultural groups within our city and country The establishment oftheERCwasasignificant step towards promoting unity, eradicating discrimination, and mitigating any potential conflicts arising from ethnic d i f f e r e n c e s

IfirmlybelievethattheERC

should be an independent and non-partisan body, devoid of political interference. It is crucial for the ERC to maintain its integrity and impartiality to effectively carry out its mandate of promoting equality, respect, and i n c l u s i v i t y T h e commission’s members should be chosen based on their expertise, commitment tofairness,anddedicationto

the principles of social cohesion However, I acknowledge that concerns have been raised regarding the perceived politicization of the commission. It is regrettable that any organization designed to bridge divides and foster understanding has become a subject of political maneuvering The politicization of the ERC undermines its credibility anderodespublictrustinits ability to perform its duties e f f e c t i v e l y

A s t h e M a y o r o f Georgetown, I urge all

stakeholders, including politicalparties,civilsociety organizations, and citizens, toprioritizethegreatergood ofourcityandthenationasa whole We must work together to ensure that the ERC remains an impartial body that upholds the principles of justice, inclusivity, and equality for all. I call upon the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate any allegations of political interference within the ERC It is imperative that we restore public confidence in this vital institution and allow it

t o c a r r y o u t i t s responsibilities without hindrance. In conclusion, I reiterate my commitment to fosteringunityandharmony within our diverse country The Ethnic Relations Commission plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. Let us work towards depoliticizing the ERC and creating an environment where all Guyanese can live togetherinpeaceandmutual respect.

Pt. Ubraj Narine, JP, COA

Mayor CityofGeorgetown

MAD versus NUTS and the spectacle...

Frompage5

made the July 7th announcement Why –because one commensurate response is to retaliate with chemicalordinances.

Now for NUTS, which

stands for Nuclear Utilization Theory Back in the 1980s, some strategic thinkers floated a counter argument to MAD For them, a theatre-specific nuclear war is winnable. It will be based on Tactical low-yieldTNTdevicesNote also that President Trump had accepted NUTS. The dangerhereistwofold.

First, low-yield or small nuclear bombs give the impression that they are actually usable, and that the damage will be low-level.

The truth is very far from this. In fact, “while lowyield nuclear bombs can rangefrom.1kilotonsto10, 20,or50kilotons,according to Joe Cirincione [of Ploughsrare Funds], the explosive yield from a lowyield nuclear weapon is equivalentto1,000MOABs. That is equivalent to the sizes of bombs dropped by the U.S. over Nagasaki and Hiroshima at the end of World War II” (R. Zipp, 2018).

Secondly, it is necessary togobacktoHermanKahn, an American physicist who developed a 62-step model to nuclear war The USE of what is called ‘Tactical’ nuclear bombs is a sure

trigger to step-level

escalation toward the use of strategic devices The though of thermonuclear weapons is simply unimaginable The dangerous logic is cluster bombs; then tactical nuclear weapons,thentotalwar

The Russia-Ukraine war has now turned into something with far more dangerous than the economic fall-out that has plagued the world since February2022.Onecanonly hope that deterrence theory andpracticewillbecomethe mostrobustever,andthatthe i m p e r a t i v e s o f multilateralism will be fully asserted. MAD must prevail overNUTS.

Sincerely, Dr RandolphPersaud

We must work together to ensure that

remains an impartial body that upholds the principles of justice, inclusivity, and equality for all

Pt. Ubraj Narine, JP, COA Mayor CityofGeorgetown

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

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

VP JAGDEO DODGING

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Disclosing the interest rate on US$50 billion does not endanger ExxonMobil.

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It does not in any way places the company at a competitive disadvantage.

Yet Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo is still to offer a convincing word for what is behind his secrecy with this interest rate inquiry that Guyanese really should know.

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

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By the roughest of calculations, and using either an interest rate of 10% or 5%, the interest charge to Guyana is US$5 billion or US$2.5 billion respectively, and this uses simple interest conventions.

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Even when the lower interest rate is employed, and the smaller number results, this is still a massive sum for a poor population like Guyana’s.

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Regardless of the number, it is something that Guyanese want to know, need to know, and must know.

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

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

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

This is what should be, as a matter of routine, which is why it is so baffling that VPJagdeo digs in his heels and refuses every appeal to provide any answers regarding interest rate, and the amount Guyana pays annually.

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

PAHOtoconvenemeetingtoplanforfuturepandemics

...to propose amendments to international health regulations

The Pan American health, social and economic Geneva, ensuring proper established the Inter- of the yellow fever An effective pandemic H e a l t h impact of the COVID-19 interaction and alignment governmental Negotiating vaccination certificate, and agreement - based on Organization pandemic is not repeated, between their respective Body (INB) to draft and in 2022, to reduce the solidarity among countries -

( P A H O ) i s and that the world is better capitals and permanent negotiate a convention, duration of entry into force is expected to help ensure bringing together authorities prepared to prevent or missions,”hesaid. agreement, or other of future amendments from that health personnel fromits35MemberStatesin respond to future pandemics Until Wednesday, international instrument 24 to 12 months. The face- worldwide are better the U.S. capital this week to t h r o u g h i n c r e a s e d representatives of the within the framework of the t o - f a c e m e e t i n g i n equipped for the next discuss the key components collaboration,exchange,and Ministries of Health and WHO Constitution to Washington is being held in pandemic, and that the and implications for the high-level political Foreign Affairs of the strengthen pandemic preparation for the Sixth production and distribution Region of the future commitment. countries of the Americas prevention, preparedness meeting of the INB (July 17- of vaccines and other pandemic instrument, as “Member States have a will participate in the second and response. This will be 21) and the Fourth meeting medical products is more well as the proposed once-in-a-generation meeting convened by the submitted for approval in of the IHR Working Group equitable. It also aims to a m e n d m e n t s t o t h e opportunity to approve a PAHO Director to “facilitate 2024. (July24-28),whendelegates ensure effective early International Health new instrument and t h e i r m e a n i n g f u l Last year, the World from all WHO member detection and response Regulations (IHR-2005) amendments to the IHR- participation” in the Health Assembly created a countries will continue in- measures against potential

The aim of the meeting is to 2005 to set the basis of a deliberations. The meeting working group of Member depth discussions on the pandemic pathogens, and to share information, promote safer world for all also includes members of States to examine the preliminary draft pandemic improve the response better understanding and humanity,” said Dr Jarbas countries’ permanent proposed amendments to the instrument, chapter by capabilities of health, facilitateconsensus. Barbosa, PAHO Director, in missions to the United IHR, a legally binding chapter, as well as proposed laboratory and research

Both processes are a video message at the NationsinGenevaandtothe agreement to prevent the amendments to the IHR services, among other driven and led by the openingofthemeeting.“Itis Organization of American international spread of (2005). objectives. Member States of the World essential that Member States States(OAS)inWashington. disease The IHR was Health Organization (WHO) continue to engage actively In December 2021, the previouslyamendedin2014, and seek to ensure that the in the deliberations in World Health Assembly to extend for life the validity

Duo remanded for murder of Chesney’s labourer

Vishal Deonarine called ‘Gabbar’

Vishal Deonarine Ramsammy called ‘Max’

Two men were on Magistrates’Court. M o n d a y Police said that the

remanded to incident occurred at prison for the murder of approximately 01:30 h by Leon Aswell Kum, a 29- two males but four persons year-old Kilcoy/Chesney were taken into police Squatting Area, Corentyne, custody Further, police Berbice labourer, when they stated that the deceased was appeared at the New resting in a “camp house” Amsterdam Magistrates’ locatedsome15feetfromhis Court. dilapidatedzinchouse.

The duo, 33-year-old A c c o r d i n g t o Vishal Deonarine called investigators, Kum ventured ‘Gabbar’, aFishermanfrom to the zinc house to get lot 67 Kilcoy/Chesney something to eat and Squatting Area and 23-year- returned to his “camp old Vishal Vickram house”. Shortly thereafter, Ramsammy called ‘Max’ of relatives said they heard lot 130 Kilcoy/Chesney noises coming from his Squatting area, were not “camp house” and upon required to plead to the checking saw two males indictablecharge. “jumping over the fence

The men were not where Leon was sleeping requiredtoenterapleatothe and ran towards the western indictable charge when they direction”.

appeared before Magistrate Relatives subsequently PeterHugh. found Kum lying face down

It is alleged that between on the ground with July 4, 2023 and July 5, lacerations across his throat 2023, Deonarine and and to his left cheek. He was VickrammurderedKum. taken to the Port Mourant

The case was postponed Public Hospital, where he toJuly26,2023andwillthen was pronounced dead on be heard at the Albion arrival.

DID THE SYSTEM REALLY FAIL THE 16 -YEAR-OLD?

Having failed to lynch the Minister of Local Government in the court of public opinion, someofthosewhowereafter his head, ironically in the name of justice, are now claiming that the teenager, who made an allegation of sexual assault against the Minister, was failed by the system.

T h e y w a n t a n investigation into the investigation and they want the same government whom they accuse of failing the child to order such an investigation.Thiscouldnot be more absurd. Those who are now shouting about the system failing the teenager have failed to specifically identify how the system failed the child. But they want the very government which was part of this failure, to investigate and determine where the failure lay He who accuses must prove Those who are charging that the system failed, have an obligation to state precisely where this failure lay and who was responsibleforthefailure.It is unacceptable for a broad accusation of failure to be made without any specifics as to where exactly the failure lay Regardless of what the investigation unearthed,somepersonshad alreadymadeuptheirminds. They have a right to believe what they want. But justice is not based on belief. It is based on proof beyond reasonable doubt or on a balanceofprobabilities.

Justice is also supposed to be blind. This is another wayofsayingthatthejustice system should be impartial and unbiased, treating all individuals equally regardless of their social status, wealth, race, gender, or any other distinguishing characteristic.

Guilt or innocence shouldbebasedsolelyonthe meritsofacase,theevidence presented, and the applicationofthelaw,rather than being influenced by external factors or personal biases.

But some persons had made up their minds even beforeanyinvestigationhad been launched. And now failureisbeinglaidatthefeet of the system. If there was any failure at all, it was within some of the very forces who had determined, even before the police was called in, that the Minister wasguilty Orfailurecanbe attributed possibly to those who impulsively were pressing for the teenager to be placed in protective custody rather than remain under the protection of her parents.

Soonaftertheallegations of sexual assault arose, someonequestionedwhythe child was not immediately placed under protective custody The Child Care Protection Agency then reportedly moved swiftly to place the child in protective care. Placing a child in protective custody or care is not an arbitrary or discretionary decision. It is guided by law and the

Dem Boys Seh...

Protection of Children Act sets out clear and precise grounds upon which such a decisionhastobemade.The law provides 10 conditions which can be used to determinewhetherachildis in need of protective care. Can the Child Protection Agencystateunderwhichof those 10 legal grounds it determined that the child needed to be placed in protective custody? And what was the basis for so determining that the conditions had been met for one or more of those grounds?

How did the system fail the child? Somebody needs to say. The details of investigation have not been made public. So on what basisisitbeingclaimedthat thesystemfailedthechild?

.The police were forced to discontinue the investigationaftertheOffice oftheDPPsaidtherewasno provisiontocontinueinlight of the fact that the complainant had withdrawn the complainant. In other words, no complaint, no charge.

Once the complainant had withdrawn the complaint, a successful prosecution,whetherdonein the public interest of otherwise,wasboundtofail. Thatisbottomline.Thecase broke down not on the basis of any investigative flaws but on the basis of law The withdrawal of the complaint was determined to have brought an end to the investigation In other words,thelegalpositionthat

Turning a blind eye to lawlessness

Bai, yuh wouldn’t believe wah me eyes been witness yesterday pun de East Coast Demerara Public Road. Dem boys bin see wah convoy of motorcyclists passin’ like demdehpunsomekindavictorylap.Butleh meh tell yuh, dis lap had nuttin’to do wid victoryandeverythin’todowidmadness.

Demmotorcyclists,likedemfeelin’dem isbig-timeriders,binridin’bare-headed,no safety helmets in sight. Now, we all know datdisain’tnojoketing.It’sdelaw,plainan’ simple.Butdesefellasbinflauntin’datlaw like it was some kinda fashion statement. Dem boys bin left shakin’ deh head in disbelief,bai.

But wait, de madness nah stop deh. Everyblessedday,yuhgotdemfellasridin’

big bikes past de police like dem deh pon some kinda high-speed parade Dem speedin’by,helmet-less,likedemdehabove de law Wha kinda confidence dem fellas got, bai? Dem actin’ like dem got some kinda special powers or immunity or somethin’.

But de real joke in all dis, yuh know, is dat de authorities wantin’ to license dem electric bike riders.Yuh hear dat right, bai. Dem frettin’ over de silent bicycles while demhelmet-defyingrebelsrunnin’wild.

Dem helmet-less rebels gettin’ a free pass while de electric bike riders facin’de wrathofdelaw It’slikewatchin’acomedy show,bai,butdisain’tnolaffin’matter

TalkHalf!Leffhalf!

was adopted was that once there is no complaint, there canbenocharge.

There has been a competingargumentthatthe DPPshouldhaveallowedthe court to decide whether to acceptthewithdrawalofthe complaint The Kaieteur News carried a front page comment about a precedent in which in once case the DPP still charged someone despite the complainant requestingthatthechargebe

withdrawn. But none of our legalluminarieshavemoved to the court to test whether the law or common law

makes provision for instances in which the court should decide whether a complaintcanbewithdrawn

Itisnottoolateforthosewho are alleging that the system failed the child to file some action demanding that the court should be the one empowered to determine whether the complaint

shouldbewithdrawn.

(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.)

H@RD TRUTHS

RELATIONSHIPS- AN UGLY AMERICAN RECORD

I notice Guyanese awed by our distinguished AmericanvisitorfromState.

Sorry, unlike US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, I don’t bow; unlike Clive Lloyd- I neither kneel nor curtsy

Now there has been much mileage made of US Secretary of State, Mr Anthony Blinken’s official visit to Guyana My recollectionisthatthisisthe first peacetime presence of such a high American official to this flawed, fatal shore. Mike Pompeo’s was in the battlefield traumas of national elections, so that has less gloss, when compared to Mr Blinken’s r e c e n t a r r i v a l

Unsurprisingly, PPP tub thumperstooktotheterraces toheraldMr Blinken’svisit, and how much it is a testimony to what government leaders have donetofosterandstrengthen theGuyana-USrelationship.

I give them a large hand for their efforts, plus another to ease their nuanced ignorance about American relationships.

America pushes around small nations, move leaders

andpoliticalgroupsaboutin the manner of pawns and puppets. Guyana could be ExhibitNumber1,givenour h i s t o r y o f s e l fdetermination,withthemost glaring component being that there is nothing about selfinit.

American self-interests, vital interests, strategic interests, among other interests, command and compelhowthingsaregoing tobe,withGuyanaasposter boy Inathimble,ithasbeen the tragic story of this country from Jagan to BurnhamtoHoytetobackto Jagan (reborn) to Jagdeo/Ramotar to Granger and the latest being back to Jagdeo/Ali. Look at how they have been moved, put inagroove,untilitistimeto reprove. Any Guyanese, high or low, insider or outsider, who disagrees has the choice of sniping from dark alleys or the back galleries I stand unmovingly: Guyana has been a toy to American manipulations and monstrosities. Sixty years later, the scars will ooze bloody memory, racial and racistputridity

Stepping into the wider world,whenAmericasetsit roving eye on the prospects of less powerful nations, it moves with speed and skill. Checkout Iran, and how a despot was protected for decades because of oil, lesser geo-strategic visions. Comebacktothissideofthe world, and observe how Mexico has been dwarfed into a midget (decide which is lower) and dominated by itsgiganticneighbor Come closer,andthereisChile. If America could tie bundle with a mass murderer and criminallikePinochetforits ideological interests, then it can partner with any political autocrat or assassin, any foul felon, such as a Noriega of Panama, to achieve its nefariousends.

Iusethissmallsampling to convey and emphasize to my fellow Guyanese, how my fellow Americans, have been wastrels and miscreants of the lowest sort. I shouldn’t have to return to Guyana to point to PPP heavy breathers that this self-congratulating propaganda about how much it has done, or which

direction it has not gone towards, so as to maintain the Guyana-US relationship hasitsholes.

It is not of what the PPP delivered, but howAmerica could obtain same or more fromanybody Itcouldhave been the PNC doing similarly Itcouldhavebeen a monkey in an evening gown, or a porcupine in pajamas.

There would be people cheering everywhere to say how those dumb beasts (apologies to animal sensitivity activists, and animals) did so much that made so many in America happy with the relationship. And, so, SecretaryAnthony standsasmajestictestimony to the potency of the relationship.

Since energy security has been beaten to a pulp, it is sidelined today Nevertheless, the alpha and omega of this one-sided Guyana-US handshake is that the PPP has bent over backwards, with Guyanese abandoned to their own devices, to appease American expectations, American calculations, and American conditions

Indeed, ‘appease’ has taken on a pitiful presence since Chamberlain and Munich, but this is the reality in this dismal swamp, so that PPP leadersfindfavorandstayin power They play the fool, or try to fiddle around with sacred, binding contracts, and it is the door for them. Play the game, or suffer the same shame as Jagan, Burnham, Hoyte, Jagdeo once, Granger next, and possibly Jagdeo twice Though he bends over, his naked anatomy still shows. America looks on with fascination.

Mr Blinken came here for security, which is about oil, and then more concerning that same oil. American security (and corporate prosperity) is inextricably linked to stability in Guyana, and the realityisthattherearesome mighty unhappy people in thiscountrycurrently

To give a clue, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton had his own little powwowwiththemanfrom by the Potomac, plus a loaded dossier of all that

could be upsetting to American equilibrium Amongotherthings,itisthe same transparency and inclusivity that the same Anthony Blinken lectured PresidentAliandVPJagdeo about when he had them hauled to DC. How could Guyanese with any quality of character forget, or pretend to forget, that development? Moreover, how can any Guyanese, especially PPP uneasy, not remember the Chinese, and Americananxietyovertheir massivefootprinthere. Two superpowers in the same oil kitchen are a symphony for theclumsy

Tosummarize,Secretary Blinken didn’t come here because of PPP doings, he cameinspiteofthem.

(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.)

800 people receive house lots along East Coast corridor

Approximately 800 low and moderate-income earnersonMondayreceived house lots in Lusignan and Two Friends Housing Schemes along the East Coast of Demerara, as part ofthegovernment’snational housingdrive.

The allocation was done during the Ministry of Housing and Water’s ‘Dream Realised’ exercise, at the Arthur Chung ConferenceCentre(ACCC), Liliendaal.

Orin Blackman, one of the beneficiaries who receivedhislandintheTwo Friends Scheme, shared his prideinfinallyreceivingthe landhehadbeenwaitingfor after several years “It’s something that I have always wanted, it’s been in the waiting and today it’s like that dream came through, ”he told the Department of Public

government’s national housing drive, noting that it is a great opportunity for Guyanese to achieve homeownership He also encouraged individuals to c a p i t a l i s e o n t h e

Duringhisaddressatthe openingceremony,Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said the initiative is part of the government’s manifesto promise to provide 50,000 house lots to Guyanese by 2025. He highlighted that the ministry has already allocated approximately 4,000houselotsthisyear,in addition to the over 20,000 lots allocated since August 2022. Minister Croal stated that while land allocation is taking place, billions of dollarsarebeinginvestedin ongoing infrastructure projects within new and existinghousingschemes.

contracts signed for at least about $36 billion for development areas, where personslikeyourself,willbe accessing.” He stated that the ministry is actively seekingtoacquirenewlands to meet the nationwide demandforhousing.

Some persons waiting to receive their house lots

not believe in keeping people in bondage or have you pay rent for the rest of yourlife,andwecanachieve empowerment through homeownership and land o w n e r s h i p , ” s h e underscored. Meanwh

the allocated lands are heavily subsidised, with the cost of developing each house lot exceeding $3.5 million.

(

) Blackman commended the

“Ifyoutakeoutthefourlane roads, we have

New areas have already been identified in Regions One,Three,Four,Five,Six, Seven, and Ten for allocationsthisyear Minister within the ministry, Susan Rodrigues spoke of the ongoing infrastructural development on the east coast, mirroring what is happening on the EastBankofDemerara.She emphasised that the objective is to provide opportunities for citizens to attain homeownership as well as to ensure their prosperity within thriving a n d w h o l e s o m e communities “Our government is about empowering people. We do

,

hief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and PlanningAuthority(CHPA), SherwynGreavesstatedthat

However, the lots are being sold at remarkably affordableprices,startingas lowas$100,000.

He also noted that apart fromthe800availablehouse lots in the communities, specific areas have been

identified for a place of worship, two playgrounds, 12governmentbuildings,as well as commercial and industrial activities Technical employees of the ministry were also on the ground addressing other housing matters. Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally, and representatives from the respective NDC areas were alsoinattendance.

Apprentices graduate from Republic Bank’s Youth Link programme

Thirteen young men and women, on Friday last at

t h e G u y a n a Marriot Hotel, celebrated their achievements at the conclusion of their sevenmonth training programme at Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited.

This event concluded the t w e l f t h a n n u a l Apprenticeship Programme. Each apprentice received a Caribbean Vocational

Qualification Banking

Operations Level 1 certificate approved by the Council for Human and Social Development of CARICOM through the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) With this qualification, the apprentices will be eligible for jobs within the CARICOM Region, the banksaidinapressrelease.

During the course of the Bank’s network from also exposed to public youths enjoyed a day of fun awards were also presented Guyana in 2008 primarily to programme, each apprentice November 2022 to June speaking by participating in with a guided Essequibo totheapprenticesforvarious bridge the gap between the was also continually 2023, where they were the effective presentation River tour, with stops at Fort areas such as for ‘Best All end of the participants’ evaluated on performance in trainedandprovidedwiththe component. Island, Bartica, Bara Cara Rounder’, ‘Best Business school life and the start of several areas. This was tools that would assist them The apprentices engaged Falls, and the Sloth Island Proposal’, ‘Most Effective theircareers. facilitated by a team of in their integration into the in a community outreach Resort.

Presentation’ , ‘Most Republic Bank (Guyana) Republic Bank (Guyana) worldofwork. initiativeatthePtolemyReid This allowed for an Disciplined Apprentice’, Limited remains committed Limited Assessors, trained H a v i n g r e c e i v e d Rehabilitation Centre, and appreciationofourcountry’s ‘Most ImprovedApprentice’ to the development of the by the CTVET and the knowledge in several areas were exposed at an naturalbeautyandrelaxation and ‘Most Congenial youths in Guyana and will Bank’s Learning & Talent of banking operations, the interactive session on First afterhardwork. Apprentice’. continue to inspire, motivate Development Centre. The apprenticeswereeachtasked Aid facilitated by the T o c o n t i n u a l l y T h e Yo u t h L i n k and instill proper work apprentices were attached to with preparing a Business GuyanaRedCrossSociety encourage high level Apprenticeship Programme values and ethics in those various branches across the Proposalforreviewandwere Through a field trip, the performances, special was first introduced in whoentertheprogramme.

Govt. borrows US$76.2M from

CDB

to upgrade water supply systems

T h e C a r i b b e a n and the installation of s a f e , r e l i a b l e , a n d Development Bank (CDB) transmission mains and sustainable water and has approved a USD 76.2 water meters to vastly sanitation is an area of high million loan to the improve the quality and priority identified for Government of Guyana for reliability of the water support from the CDB to the Guyana Water Supply supply to Bush Lot, Tain to propel holistic development Improvement Project under No. 50 Village, Walton Hall which will enhance quality which the water supply to Charity, Wakenaam and of life, improve health and systems serving five coastal Leguan Island. In a press safety and ensure greater communities will undergo release CDB said nearly well-being among citizens majorupgrades. 15,000 households in these acrosstheRegion.”

The infrastructure communities will benefit He added: “The Guyana development initiative fromtheinterventions. Water Supply Improvement involves the construction of CDB’s Vice President, Project is also in alignment five water treatment plants, Operations, Isaac Solomon withGuyana’sdevelopment complete with storage tanks, said: “improving access to (Continued on page 16)

Moruca man nabbed with ganja

Ganja found in stoby’s possession

Police on Friday arrested a Moruca, waist.

Weigh of ganja

Region One man for being in possession of It was also reported that a further search 22.2gramsofmarijuana. was conductedand theyfound in his pocketa

Accordingtothepolice,AnthonyStoby,a transparentplasticbagcontaining19zip-lock resident of Moruca, North West District plastic bags, each containing a quantity of (NWD), was arrested during a mobile patrol leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be at Kumaka Waterfront, (NWD), after they CannabisSativa. observed him behaving disorderedly, and the The police said the man was told of the waistofhisright-sidepantswasbulky offence committed, cautioned, and taken to The police requested to search him and the Acquero Police Station. There the ganja they allegedly found a knife in his pants wasweighedanditamountedto22.2grams.

Youth Link Apprentices with DCEO-Technical, Ministry of Education, Dr. Ritesh Tularam and Senior Management of Republic Bank

CommonwealthandCaribbeanDevelopmentBank joinforcestoadvancesustainabledevelopment

Th e combining expertise and better chance of success in Our organisations share a Commonwealth resources to undertake joint tackling these challenges if common vision and purpose Secretariat and activities to promote good weworktogether in advancing the agenda of

the Caribbean governance, economic “Therefore, we are developing countries, and it Development Bank have growth, climate action and delighted to build a strong is through collaboration and agreed to deepen their technological innovation in partnership with the mutual support that we can collaboration on sustainable Commonwealth countries Caribbean Development achievesignificantprogress. development in the that are members of the Bank By pooling our “Our collective efforts Caribbeanregion. Caribbean Development expertise, knowledge and must be centred around

An arrangement was Bank. Speaking about the resources, we aim to support evidence-based decisionreached during a meeting a g r e e m e n t , t h e smallstatesintheireffortsto makingandtransformational between the Commonwealth Commonwealth Secretary- address their development actions. By leveraging our Secretary-General, the Rt. General, the Rt Hon Patricia challenges and improve the expertise, resources, and Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Scotland KC, said, “Climate lives and livelihoods of networks, we can effectively and the President of the change, debt burdens, and people throughout the address development Caribbean Development the aftermath of the Caribbean, ensuring no one challenges faced by our Bank, Dr Hyginus Leon, pandemic have converged to isleftbehind.” region, especially in the held in Port-of-Spain on 4 create a perfect storm of The President of the areas of technological July 2023 on the margins of devastation. No one is more Caribbean Development innovation and climate the Conference of the Heads affected than small states, Bank (CDB), Dr Hyginus action. “CDB is committed of Government of the particularly those in the L e o n , s a i d , “ T h e to working closely with the CaribbeanCommunity Caribbean, facing long- Commonwealth Secretariat Commonwealth Secretariat

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, with the President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr Hyginus Leon on July 4, 2023 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

T h r o u g h t h i s lasting implications for their has been a valued and to drive the region’s collaboration, both development trajectories steadfastpartnertoCDBand development agenda, organisations will explore And we know we have a the entire Caribbean region. promoting sustainable economic growth, enhanced resilience, and improving the livelihoods of the people collaboration and joint of government operations in the Caribbean. Let us action include assisting and services. The activities f o r g e a h e a d w i t h countries to protect the will support knowledgedetermination,guidedbyour ocean and the environment, sharing, exchange of s h a r e d v a l u e s a n d harnessing the potential of expertise, capacity-building aspirations, towards a artificial intelligence to a n d j o i n t r e s o u r c e b r i g h t e r a n d m o r e u n l o c k e c o n o m i c mobilisation to drive prosperousfutureforall”. o p p o r t u n i t i e s , a n d sustainable development in Possible areas for improving the performance membercountries.

Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean up by 55.2% in 2022

In 2022, Latin America geographic relocation of total and ranks as the No. 5 and the Caribbean received production in the face of a destination for global FDI), US$224.579 billion dollars changing globalization,” followed by Mexico (17%), i n F o r e i g n D i r e c t said ECLAC’s Executive Chile (9%), Colombia (8%), Investment (FDI), a figure Secretary, José Manuel Argentina (7%) and Peru that is 55.2% above 2021 Salazar-Xirinachs, who (5%). levels and marks the highest presented the study’s main Costa Rica was the main value on record, the conclusions during a press Foreign Direct Investment Economic Commission for conference in Santiago, recipient in Central Latin America and the Chile.

America In Guatemala, Caribbean (ECLAC) The senior United these flows showed a revealedonMonday Nations official emphasized significant decline due to an This result is mainly that “the challenge is not extraordinary value attributabletotheincreasein onlytoattractandretain,but recorded in 2021, but they FDI in some countries, also to maximize FDI’s returned to their historical particularly in Brazil; to c o n t r i b u t i o n t o average. There was also a g r o w t h i n a l l t h e development,andtothisend positive change in FDI components of FDI, countries must focus on inflows to the Caribbean, especially earnings p o s t - e s t a b l i s h m e n t fueled mainly by greater reinvestment; and to the productive development i n v e s t m e n t i n t h e increase in FDI in the policies, which include the Dominican Republic, which services sector This promotion of productive was the second-largest dynamic is consistent with linkages, policies for adding recipient country after the post-pandemic recovery value and moving up value Guyana. At a regional level, and it is unclear whether it chains, for human resources 54% of Foreign Direct will stay at similar levels in development, infrastructure Investment went into the 2023, according to the and logistics, and building services sector, although annualreportForeignDirect localcapacities.” both the manufacturing and InvestmentinLatinAmerica The global FDI scenario natural resources sectors andtheCaribbean2023.FDI in 2022 was heterogeneous, also rebounded. Financial inflows to Latin American ECLAC indicates While services; electricity, natural andCaribbeancountrieshad these flows grew in Latin gas and water; information not topped US$200 billion America and the Caribbean and communications; and dollars since 2013. These and in other regions of the transportation-related flows also increased as a world, they decreased in the serviceshadthelargestshare share of regional GDP in United States and in some of investments in the 2022, accounting for 4.0%, European Union countries. servicessectorasawhole. the document states. “The Overall, global FDI inflows The United States (38% challenge of attracting and shrank by 12% versus 2021, of the total) and the retaining Foreign Direct totaling $1 29 trillion European Union (17%, Investment that contributes dollars. According to the excluding the Netherlands effectively to the region’s report, nearly all the and Luxembourg) were the sustainable and inclusive countries of Latin America main investors in the region, productive development is and the Caribbean received while FDI coming from more relevant than ever more Foreign Direct countries within the Latin

There are new opportunities Investmentin2022.Leading America and Caribbean in an era of reconfiguration the list were Brazil (which regionexperienceda of global value chains and received41%oftheregional (Continued on page 16)

WANTED VACANCY

One live-in Housekeeper needed to work in Virginia, USA. Ages 30-50 yrs. Call: 592-615-5476/ 845-3258241.

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

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

Office Clerk needed, ages 1725 years. Must have CXC Maths & English and must be computer literate residing on WCD or WBD. Call: 2540087.

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One general Domestic needed to work 3 days per week in Campbellville, Georgetown. Must know to cook. Call: 616-8842.

Qualified Welder and Mechanic, Wanted for mining operation. Call: 688-6575.

Experienced male Cooks wanted for mining operation. Call: 688-6575.

1 Concrete pump truck Driver /Operator and 6 Mixer Driver. Contact: 6500402/ 665-3880.

Govt. borrows US$76.2M from...

From page 14 priorities which include stimulating future growth through clean energy and sustainable activities, and several Sustainable Development Goals including those relating to improving access to clean water and sanitation, and the promotion of healthy communities and good health and wellbeing.”

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

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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.

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

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VACANCY

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

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

The CDB said that the five communities to benefit from the programme are currently supplied by wells that have no water treatment facilities. Also, the water supply is currently subject to disruption due to pump failures, line breakages, and flooding of water supply infrastructure.

The initiative is one of the first to be carried out under CDB’s Guyana Country Engagement Strategy (2023-2025). The Project will support the GOGY’s efforts to increase the percentage of persons having access to treated water to 90% by 2025. At present, although 96% of the population has access to potable water only 53% of the supply meets the aesthetic standard of the World Health Organisation due to the high iron content.

CDB’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment indicated that an increase in the availability and accessibility of improved wa-

ter will address several of the challenges that residential and commercial water users in the earmarked communities currently experience such as the need to purchase drinking water, and the extended time necessary to clean domestic items or hardware affected by the use of the untreated water which is currently supplied. In addition to the time and money savings projected, the intervention will be particularly beneficial to persons living in lowincome households, and women and girls, who typically have primary responsibility for water-related chores. The Project, which will be implemented over three years, is scheduled to start in March 2024.

In this year’s budget, government had allocated $17.7 billion to further improve the water sector. Of that amount the government said $13 billion will go towards improve water quality for more than 250,000 residents, across the country. This entails upgrade of water transmission systems in areas including: Pouderoyen, Vergenoegen, La Parfaite Harmonie, Caledonia and Cummings Lodge. The government also promised to build new wells at Onderneeming, Lima, Central Ruimveldt, Cummings Lodge, Caledonia and Amelia’s Ward.

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Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America...

From page 15 significant increase, rising from 9% to 14% of the total.

In fact, the document Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2023 points to a more than 80% increase in FDI from Latin America and the Caribbean to destinations both inside and outside the region. In 2022, the amount invested abroad by transnational Latin American

companies, known as translatinas, reached a historic high: $74.677 billion dollars, which is the highest figure recorded since this series began to be compiled in the 1990s.

transition, facilitating technology transfer and enabling emerging technologies.

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Furthermore, the amount of FDI project announcements in Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 93% in 2022, totaling nearly $100 billion dollars. For the first time since 2010, the hydrocarbons sector (coal, oil and gas) led the announcements, with 24% of the total, followed by the automotive sector (13%) and renewable energies (11%). The study also includes two chapters that analyze FDI trends in non-renewable and renewable energies in the context of the energy transition and fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, they address the key role of governments in this area, identifying challenges and opportunities and making policy recommendations.

Governments must lead the coordination of strategies for the energy transition’s success in the region, the Commission underscores.

“They are responsible for making sure that non-renewable energy activities are reduced radically, as required by the climate commitments, while managing to mitigate their negative effects and their economic and social costs, especially in terms of investments, employment and income. One of their central functions is to develop long-term policies that promote investments in renewable energy sources, so that the transition is rapid and secure, and does not leave the region lagging behind in a context in which energy from clean sources is a factor of competition,” the study states.

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The energy transition is identified by ECLAC as one of the sectors driving economic growth that can become a major engine for the region’s productive transformation, which means that countries and their territories should prioritize it within their productive development policies and agendas.

The percentage of installed capacity of renewable energy in Latin America and the Caribbean is higher than the global average, and the electrical power generation matrix is among the cleanest in the world. Therefore, if the region were to increase its supply of renewable energy, it could become a place of origin for the production of goods that are being produced today in countries with comparatively less clean matrixes. FDI can play a critical role in accelerating the energy

Nonetheless, ECLAC also warns that in this process, consideration must be given to the importance that the non-renewable energy sector still has for some countries in the region, especially in terms of generating revenue to address social demands, those related to productive development and to energy security. Beyond the challenges of the energy transition, the report insists that Latin American and Caribbean countries must improve the design of policies to attract investment and strengthen their institutional capacities in this area. It is essential that progress be made on articulating efforts to attract FDI with countries’ and territories’ productive development strategies, and that FDI begin to be used with greater directionality as a strategic tool for furthering sustainable productive development processes.

Bids open for engineering services for construction of New Amsterdam Health Science Institute and School of Nursing

During the recent master planning, design and opening of bids construction supervision

at the National servicesfortheproject. Procurement and Tender The firms that submitted Administration Board bids are: Kalitech Inc , (NPTAB) office, the Meridian Designs and Ministry of Health received ServicesInc.,VikabGuyana eight proposals from firms LIMITED, Innovative interested in providing Engineering Consultancy engineering services for the S e r v i c e s , S k y l i n e s construction of the New Architectural Inc , GR Amsterdam Health Science Engineering Company, Institute and School of E n g i n e e r i n g a n d Nursing.

Final distribution for ‘Because We Care’ cash grant set for Thursday

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

Covering of Concrete Pitches- Guyana National Stadium.

Agricultural Consultants

It was revealed that the Inc.,andAlvairGuyanaInc. engineering consultancy B e l o w a r e t h e firm would have to provide companiesandtheirbids:

Ministry of Health Professional Engineering Consultancy Services for the Master Planning, Design and Construction Supervision of the Construction of the NewAmsterdam Health Science Institute and School of Nursing.

Guyana RevenueAuthority (GRA)

Supply and delivery of Microsoft - Dynamics 365 software, Guyana RevenueAuthority Headquarters.

The Ministry of Education on Monday announced that its final distribution exercise for the ‘Because We Care’ cash grantissetforThursday

Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

The strengthening of the institutional framework the partnering government agencies and developing a communication Change Management Strategy for ESW stakeholders.

This will cater for the children whose parents/ guardian were unable to collect the cash grant during the initial exercise.According to the ministry, the distribution will take place at the following locations: Region Two at the Department of Education office; Region Three at the Department of Education building; Region Four (East Bank area) at the Department of Education building located at Friendship, and for the East Coast of Demerara area it will be attheDepartmentofEducationlocatedatTriumph.

Guyana National Bureau of Standards

Procurement of metrology equipment for Lots 1 to 4.

National Parks Commission

Supply and Installation of IPTV CCTV Networks at the National Park.

Office of the Prime Minister Procurement of Cooling Solution for the NDMA.

Ministry ofAmerindianAffairs

Construction of Central Stores Hinterland Scholarship Dormitory Lilliendaal.

Ministry of HomeAffairs

Procurement of fire fighting kits.

Ministry ofAgriculture

Procurement of two outboard engines.

Procurement of two wooden boats with shed.

ForRegionsFive,Six,Seven,NineandTenitwillbeatthe respective Department of Education buildings in those regions.As for the Georgetown area, distribution will be held attheQueen’sCollegeauditorium.

Thedistributionexercisewillbeginat09:00hrsandendat 17:00hrs (5pm). It was reported that this year each school childwillbegivenacashgrantof$40,000.

Guyana has been pumping oil at record speed

Lured by oil: foreign investors pumped over US$4B into Guyana in 2022

…ECLAC says figure represents new regional record

A report by the United investment project in the these investments were N a t i o n s E c o n o m i c country made in the initial Commission for Latin Thereportalsonotedthat (upstream) phase of the America and the Caribbean Guyana has been expanding v a l u e c h a i n I n a (ECLAC) has revealed that not only its oil reserves each hydrocarbon market that is Guyana, once again, year, but also the oil increasingly competitive, in recordedtheregion’shighest produced and the revenues terms of both price and Foreign Direct Investment derived from the resources. carbon intensity, Guyana’s (FDI) inflows, which It said, “The share of the oil, oil is highly competitive,” totalled US$4.389 billion in coalandnaturalgassectorin the report said while noting 2022. Guyana’s FDI flows that most of the resources

The report titled: averaged71%between2016 extracted in the country are ‘Foreign Direct Investment and 2021, when the first of the light variety, with low in Latin America and the investments linked to exploration costs and an rebound of foreign direct million in 2022, lower than 16millioninFDI,down41% Caribbean, 2023’, states that discoveries in the Stabroek emissions intensity below investment. In 2022, FDI thepreviousyear(-20%),but from 2021. FDI inflows to this result is similar to the blockweremade.” theworldaverage. inflowstotheregiongrewby in line with the levels Suriname remained negative record inflows in 2021 (only ECLAC’s report further ECLAC also noted that 55.2% compared to 2021, received in the years prior to in 2022 (- US$ 5 million). a -1 5% change) This noted that projections royalties and tax revenues reaching a record high of the pandemic. Investment However, the variation was performance, ECLAC said, indicate that Guyana will from exploration of the US$ 224.579 billion. Since inflows into Grenada positive compared to 2021 is due once again, to foreign consolidate its position as resource are projected to 2013, annual FDI inflows to continued to recover (96%), when this figure had investors’ interest in the the world’s fourth largest total US$13 billion by 2029. the region have remained following the decline in beenhigher country’s hydrocarbon offshore oil producer by “These figures highlight the below US$ 200 billion, 2020, and totalled US$ 160 Lastly, Trinidad and sector Hence, the natural 2035, ahead of countries economic importance of oil meaning that the recovery in m i l l i o n , u p b y Tobago recorded negative resources sector accounted such as the United States, production for Guyana, and 2022 marks an important 14%comparedto2021.After FDI inflows (-US$ 914 for 99% of FDI inflows into Mexico and Norway It said the potential for the investment milestone for the recovering sharply in 2021, million)in2022.Ananalysis the country in 2022, the dynamic performance of country’s future productive preceding decade This FDI in Saint Vincent and the of the components of FDI although inflows into the thesectorissupportedbythe development represented by recovery was seen in the Grenadines totalled US$ 86 shows that the most sectorwere2%lowerthanin volume of oil development the use of these resources,” main recipient economies million in 2022, down 46% significant disinvestments 2021. project announcements in thereportsaid. and was characterized by a fromthepreviousyear wereduetotherepaymentof

The report further stated thecountry.

OTHER NATIONS marked interest in services, Investments in Saint intercompany loans The that project announcements Expounding in this Overall, ECLAC noted renewed interest in Lucia also decreased (by o r i g i n s o f t h e s e registered in 2022 by an regard, ECLAC was keen to that in 2022, global foreign hydrocarbons and continued 22%), totalling US$ 67 disinvestments were mostly Exxonmobil-led consortium note that while projects direct investment (FDI) interest in manufactures in million in 2022. FDI inflows from the United Kingdom indicate that the country’s totalling US$ 8 million were inflows fell by 12% the countries that have built to Dominica amounted to (negative inflows of US$ hydrocarbon sector will announced in Guyana in compared to 2021 and the largest capacity With US$ 28 million in 2022, 2.232 billion), as well as continue to receive large 2020(thefirstinvestmentsin totalled US$ 1.29 trillion, a this increase, FDI inflows to down16%fromtheprevious from Canada, Barbados, the investments in the coming the oil sector since 2013), a decline that was due largely the region also rose to 4.0% year.In2022,SaintKittsand Kingdom of the Netherlands years. In this connection, the total of US$ 33 million was to significant divestments in ofGDP. Nevis was unable to sustain andSaintLucia.Meanwhile, United States-based oil announced in 2021, and in Luxembourg In Latin With respect to Antigua therecoveryininvestmentin investments from the United company ExxonMobil had 2022 the figure surged to America and the Caribbean, and Barbuda, ECLAC said it the aftermath of the States amounted to US$ announced a US$ 10 billion US$ 10.033 billion. “All of however, there was a record saw FDI totalling US$ 196 pandemic and received US$ 1.337billion.

IDB Invest urged to work closely with private sector to build local capacity

Senior Minister in the Office of institution. Meanwhile, Country the President with Responsibility Representative of the IDB Group, for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh has Lorena Solórzano highlighted that strongly advocated for the Inter- already, US$58 million in American Development Bank transactions have been approved (IDB) to work closely with the for Guyana’s local private sector. private sector, in an effort to This, she said, is a testament to the increaselocalcapacity financial institution’s commitment

Dr Singh was speaking at the to working with Guyana’s private launch of the IDB Invest, sector Caribbean- Suriname and Guyana

“To date, we have approved Edition Workshop, at the Marriott eight transactions in agriHotel, Kingston, Georgetown on business, transport, and logistics, Monday financial, in energy sector and it’s

With Guyana being the first our commitment to keep rolling Caribbean nation to benefit from those numbers,” Solórzano stated. the workshop, Minister Singh said The series of workshops is theoccasionisextremelyimportant “I would urge IDB Invest to Similarly,MinisterSinghurged IDB, if you want to do business designed to match the local private and the government is delighted to work closely with as many the local private sector to take with major companies around sector needs with the IDB’s private seetheIDB’sprivatesectormaking Guyanese companies as you can, advantage of opportunities that are the world, including the oil and sector in various areas including strides in getting more involved to bring them up to the point in store and to consider IDB Invest gas sector, chances are you are energy, modernisation of the with Guyana’s private sector where they’re able to access as a viable option for raising going to have to comply with a g r i c u l t u r e s e c t o r, a n d However, there is much more to be financing from the IDB, not only financesforinvestments. most of those standards strengthening the transportation done, the minister highlighted, in the interest of concluding a “It might seem, initially, that anyhow,”heexplained. systemamongothers.Itsawprivate noting that there are endless transaction but also in the the barriers to entry are a little The private sector was also sector stakeholders, local and opportunities in Guyana’s interest of them being able to bit high, but the reality is that in urged to engage representatives of foreign entrepreneurs with projects economic landscape, whether it be participate in the modern world, today’s world, even if you don’t IDB present at the workshop, to in Guyana, and medium to large large, medium, or small the modern way of doing meet those standards in relation better understand the requirements companies among other relevant investments. business,”Dr.Singhexpressed. toraisingyourfinancingwiththe for financial assistance from the stakeholdersattending.(DPI)

A section of the local private sector representatives at the workshop hosted by IDB Invest.

Lewis, DeNobrega book GTA One Guyana Open Semifinal spots

The GTA One Guyana No.2 seed Gavin Lewis Open 2023 Tournament is a advanced to the semifinal of pillar of the emerging the GTA One Guyana Open NationalSportsAcademy;an with a 6/2 – 6/0 win over initiative which is funded by SandeepChand.

the National Sports “It was a good win today Commission (NSC), the compared to my last match. Ministry of Culture, Youth Every match is different and and Sport, and by extension important. I stayed focused theGovernmentofGuyana. throughoutthematchandI’m happy to be back in a Men’s Singles Semifinal,” the formerNo.1said.

Tuesday July 11, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

A close friend or romantic partner may seem in a rather quiet mood, Taurus, and disinclined to communicate withyou.Youmightwonderif this person is angry with you or if you've said or done somethingthatwasn'tOK.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

A close friend or romantic partner may seem in a rather quiet mood, Taurus, and disinclined to communicate withyou.Youmightwonderif this person is angry with you or if you've said or done somethingthatwasn'tOK

GEMINI(May21–June20)

The possibility of your pursuing new career opportunities, perhaps with more pay, might cause doubts and insecurities among family members,Gemini.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Worries about a relative who lives far away might plague you today, Cancer The situation isn't helped by the fact that you may not be able to reach them by phone or email

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

A check you may have been expecting in the mail may be delayed, Leo, and you might notbeabletocontactwhoever is sending it.You could worry over whether or not you will getitatall.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Youcouldsuddenlyexperience an overwhelming wave of affection for someone you've just met, Virgo, perhaps a potential romantic partner Fantasies of the future could waftinandoutofyourmind

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

New ideas for increasing your income, particularly if they involve extra work, could suddenly seem vague and uncertain today, Libra. Doubts andinsecuritiescouldsabotage theplansyouweresoreadyfor yesterday

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

Romancemaybeverymuchon your mind today, Scorpio, though not necessarily in a positive way Doubts and insecurities could take over yourthoughts.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Your emotions may surprise youtodayasunexpectedissues crop up out of nowhere. Take time to smooth the wrinkles in your current plan of attack regarding your involvement withtheworld.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Someone could call and want to share some troubles with you, Capricorn Your sensitivity and compassion may attract more than one unhappy person in need of sympathyandadvice.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Uncertainty about money could plague you today, Aquarius You might have doubts about income now, particularly if you're selfemployed. Be careful not to makeyourselfcrazy

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

A love partner may seem too quiet, Pisces Perhaps you haven't heard from your friend for a day or so. If you let it, this could start your doubts and insecurities, causing you to wonderifthispersonstillcares orifthey'regoneforever

Lewis, the 2019 GBTI Champion, won the last seven games of the match. It was the pairs’first meeting at thesingleslevel.

“Usuallyaroundthistime I’m competing at the GBTI Tournament in Bel Air, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete at such a high level against some of the best players in Guyana,” Lewis said “Special thanks to the GTA and the Government of Guyana.I’mlookingforward to more tournaments of this calibre.”

Meanwhile, No. 5 seed Nathan DeNobrega beat the seasonedLeylandLeacockin a comeback match to reach his first Men’s Open Singles Semifinal with a score of 1/6 –6/4–3/0(ret.).

In their first encounter, DeNobrega, one of Guyana’s top junior players, initially trailedLeacockbyasetanda break. The youth displayed some incredible athleticism to force the errors off Leacock’sracquetandsecure thesecondset.

After trailing 0/3 in the decisive set, an ailing Leacock was forced to retire, and subsequently denied a spot in his first Men’s Open Singles Semifinal in seven years.

Next up for the junior player – former Men’s Champion,PhillipSquires.

OtherResults

Men’s Open Singles Roundof16:SeandenDavidLonge defeated Martin Campbell6/1–7/6(4).

Men’s Open Singles Quarterfinals:PhillipSquires defeated Anthony Downes 6/4–6/3.

Men’s 45 Singles Round Robin: Aubrey Younge defeated Harry Panday 6/4 –6/2.

Men’s 45 Singles Round Robin: Sunil Bianchini defeated Patrice Stewart 6/0 –6/1.

CWI Rising Stars U19 tournament

Ramdoo, Jaggesar bat

T&T to 6-wicket

win over Guyana

Trinidad & Tobago completed a solid 6-wicket win over Guyana thanks to a strong showing form their top-order, as theCWIRisingStarsU19tournamentprogressed.

Itwasacompetitivegamebetweenthetwosidewhohave been arch rivals over the years. Guyana earlier, again had an upside/down batting performance with Kurt Lovell (33) leading the way Shamar Yearwood (29), Ravaldo Phillips (20) Rampertab Ramnauth (16) continued to gather some runs,whileMavindraDindyal(18)cappedoffthebatting.

Trinidad bowlers were slightly efficient as Andrew Rambaran starred with 4-27 while Joshua Davis shipped in withRonilisterPereiraChippedinwithstingyfiguresof3-8.

In reply the Twin Island Republic team Justin Jaggesar (31), Kyle Ramdoo (37), Rajeev Ramnath (21) led the run chase but the rain stalled action with T&T needing just 11 runs.T&T

Guyana’s Jeremy Sandia was consistent for yet another game, grabbing 2-35 from his 10 overs but not much could comefromGuyana’sstarbowlingline-up.

ThecompetitioncontinuesThursday

Inothergamesplayed:

LeewardIslandbeatBarbadosby5-wickets.

JamaicaU19beatWindwardIslandsby9-wickets.

Berbice River Bridge

Closure to Road Traffic

TuesdayJuly11,2023

ForOceangoingVessels&Trawlers11:10hrs

For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs

TuesdayJuly11,2023

ForOceangoingVessels&Trawlers23:30hrs

For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs

No.2 seed Gavin Lewis No. 5 seed Nathan DeNobrega

32 star-studded teams finalised for Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast

Kares Engineering was the first to grab the role of title sponsor.

The registration process for participation in the inauguralKaresOneGuyana T10 Tapeball Blast is completed, and confirmed bythetournamentorganizers –FLSport.

The leading 32 teams across the country have inked their commitment to the historic two-day tournament on July 29 and 30inGeorgetown.

The ten overs per-side tournament will be played in sport.”

Irfaan Ali, former national a straight knockout format Ramsinghalsoexpressed and international cricketers, with matches on the opening immense gratitude for the entertainers, sponsors, day at the Guyana Defence s u p p o r t o f K a r e s media members, athletes, Force Ground, Police Sports Engineering, who quickly former and current Club Ground, and Queen’s committed to being the title Ministers, and other College Ground, while the sponsor, and Mohamed’s influential persons in semi-finals and grand final Enterprise, who funded the Guyana. will be on July 30 at the first-place prize and offset T h e C o - D i r e c t o r Everest Cricket Club the transportation cost for reminded that it is not only Ground. teamMoruca. players, who will walk away

To progress to the More so, Banks DIH, with their pockets filled as championship match, a team through GT Beer for fueling there will be numerous must win three matches on the weekend, Star Party instant prizes for the fans day one and their semi-final R e n t a l s , A v i n a s h who participate in cricket ondaytwo. Contracting and Scrap Metal novelty activities while the

They will then qualify to Inc., ENet, Regal Stationery children will be pampered compete for the first prize of and Computer Centre,V-Net with free rides, games, and $1M cash and the specially Communications, Trophy treats in the Banks DIH Fun craftedOneGuyanaTrophy Stall, Premier Insurance, Zone.

According to the Co- USA Cricket Zone, Beacon Participating teams: Director of the tournament, Café, Continental Transport, Avery Lounge, Tarmac John Ramsingh, “Initially, Ministry of Culture, Youth Titans, Movements Family, we wanted 16 teams, but the and Sport, National Sports Guyana Power and Light, demand and interest were C o m m i s s i o n , R S 5 3 The United Crew, Village enormous, and we had to RestoBar and Lounge, Rams, V-Net Vipers, Ariel expand to 32 [teams]. These Jacobs Jewelry & Pawn XI, Eccles All Stars, East teams are from across the Shop, First Change Builder Coast Express, Eastsyde, country, a testament to our Inc. Impressions Inc. and CentralAll-Stars, MS 13 XI, intention of bringing teams SickoMode. Laluni, Team Corruption, together from all over The first-ever champions Housing and Water One Guyana.” will pocket $1M, while the Guyana, Young Steppaz,

He further stated, “From losing finalist will collect Moruca XI, Continental the squads submitted, it $300,000. Transport, Spartan Strikers, promises to be exhilarating The two losing semi- Storm Chasers, Diamond action at its best, and we finalists will walk away with Gunners, PB General hope all teams follow the $100,000 each. There will Contractors, Name Brand, rulesandexercisediscipline. alsobeprizesforoutstanding CJIA XI, Big B’s Blairmont We know this tournament is individualperformances. Blazers, Avinash All-Stars, in its infancy stages and will Additionally, there will Hero Riders, Ministry of grow with more corporate be a celebrity match before Human Services and Social support in the future the championship match Security, Bartica Bulls, Additionally, the support of where the winning side will Team Upsetters, and Region HisExcellencyDr IrfaanAli be rewarded $200,000, ThreePolice. has been pivotal since he which will be donated to a More information can be accepted to be the charityoftheirchoice. found on the One Guyana tournament’s patron and has The celebrity match will T10 Ta

displayedhiscommitmentto feature the President, Dr Facebookpage.

Co-Director of the tournament, John Ramsingh.

Falcons and Eagles collide in the opening round today DCB Franchise tournament…

at Queens College ground 6.NamitBalkissoon

from 9:00 am with the 7.BalashankarNarine

Falcons battling the Hawks

8 Jayden Narayan Balkishun in the opening round of the Persaud

competition.

9.RondelSemple Bishundial

1 0 N a t h a n i e l TheHawks will be played with a pool of Sukhanadan

TheseFranchisematches

1.JoshuaBaler(captain) players divided into four

11.KristoffTracy

2.JermaineGrovesnor teams: the Falcons, the 12.NikeshKhan

3.PatriceFraser Eagles, the Hawks, and the 13.NicholasRukhdeo

4.MarioSingh Crows.

14.ShivrajPersaud

5.AmirGainda

Players who perform

15.SatendraShivdarsan

6.MakaiDowlin well in this tournament will Manager:KevinRoss

7.AdrianKissoon earn selection to the under- Coach:KenroyJoseph

8.SamuelHeeralall 13countyteam.

TheEagles

9.NathasnPuran

10.BrandeisRollox July 11, 2023. Team Falcon

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 1.RiazLatif(Captain)

11.NishantRamesar will face Team Eagles at 3.ProsperJacobas

2.NathanBishop

12.IntafKhan Queens College Ground,

4.HezenkiehHohenkirk

13.TylerNeed while Team Hawks will

5.GaneshAppanah

14.JuniorRuelDindyal battleTeamCrowsatEverest

15.JadenKargho Cricket Ground.All matches

willbeginat10:00hrs.

6.DanielGeorge

7.ShankarRamesh

8.NimradKing Ganesh

Teamlist:

9. JagdeshLatif

Coach:DarienBest TheFalcons

10.HemeshLatif TheCrows

GCB U17 Inter-county tournament..

Van Lange 158 pilots Demerara to 202-run win over Essequibo

Ab r e a t h i n g century from

Johnathan Van Lange led Demerara to a whopping 202 run win over Essequibo yesterday at Everest, when the GCB U17 Inter-county tournament continued.

Demerara posted a mammoth 272 for 9 in 50 overs thanks mainly to their skipper who hammered 158 from just 85 balls with a record 17 sixes and just 4 fours, destroying the oppositionbowling.

S u p p o r t w h i c h seeminglywasn’tneededbut still provided, saw opener Vikash Wilson hitting (34) and Nityana Mauthra (25) giving good accounts of themselves.

Just Guclcharan Chulai who claimed 3-11 and Royden Morris (2-17) managed to land significant blows with the ball for Essequibo.

In reply the total was too much and Essequibo folded for just 70 runs with Govin Persaud leading with 17. Demerara bowlers were relentless as Mathura, Stephon Sankar Van Lange and Shane Prince all bagged 2 wickets apiece to keep Essequibowelloutthegame.

Centurion Jonathan

Van Lange scored a big hundred yesterday for Demerara.

1.KyleGibson(Captain)

Pres. Ali pledges Govt. support for Archibald

...Sprinter hails CAC Gold as biggest achievement

By Rawle Toney

world championship and Pan-Americangameslaterin President Irfaan Ali has the year.” Archibald’s gold reaffirmed his government’s was Guyana’s lone medal at unwavering support for the 25th CAC Games, where Guyana’s history-making the country competed in the sprinter, EmanuelArchibald, disciplines of men’s hockey, as he continues his track and fencing, track and field, field journey Archibald archery, badminton, etched his name in Guyana’s women’s 3x3 basketball, sporting history by swimming, table tennis, and becoming the first sprinter to weightlifting. win gold in the 100m at the Archibald now joins Central American and RalphGomes(1959-800m), Caribbean (CAC) Games, June Griffith (1982 - 800m), crossing the finish line in Oslen Barr (1986 - 800m), 10.24sinElSalvador and Brenda Archer (1962Accompanied by his HighJump)astrackandfield father, Archibald proudly athletes who have won gold displayed his gleaming gold attheCACGames. medal to President Ali at Guyana’s other gold StateHouseyesterday medals in the history of the During their meeting, CAC Games were earned by Archibald shared his plans Squash queen Nicolette and emphasised the Fernandes (2006 singles) dedication required to bring andthemen’sseven’sRugby home another Olympic team (2010) Before medalforGuyana. President Archibald’s outstanding Ali congratulated Archibald performance, the last time o n h i s r e m a r k a b l e Guyana earned track and achievement and assured field medals at the CAC him of the government’s Games was during the 2010 continuous support in his event in Puerto Rico, where professionaldevelopment. Cleveland Forde came third

Meanwhile, speaking in the Men’s 5000m, Marian with Kaieteur News, Burnettsecuredbronzeinthe Archibald said being the women’s 800m, and Aliann only medallist for Guyana in Pompey finished second in the100mattheCACGames, thewomen’s400m. shows his improvement in In the 2018 Games held thesport. inColombia,theSquashpair He said he’s elated with Ashley Khalil and Taylor his accomplishment in El Fernandes won Guyana’s Salvadorbutadded,“It’sjust only medal in Barranquilla one step forward in the right by finishing third in the direction as I prepare for the Women’sDoublesevent.

Tianna

Springer heading

to Youth Commonwealth Games

By Rawle Toney

Tianna Springer will look to make history once again afterbeingnamedbytheAthleticsAssociationofGuyanaas one of the representatives at the Youth Commonwealth GamesinTrinidadandTobago.

During this year’s South American U20 Athletics Championship held in Colombia, Springer not only represented Guyana but also set a new event record in the girls’ 400m. With exceptional performances, she broke her Personal Best not once but twice, ultimately securing the goldmedalwithanimpressivetimeof53.32sinBogota.

Moreover, her outstanding performance set a new South AmericanU20ChampionshipsinAthletics400mrecord.

Springer was only two years old when Brazil’s Bárbara de Oliveira established the previous record of 53.44s at the ChampionshipsinSãoPauloin2009.

Adding to her accolades, Springer also clinched victory in the 400m event at the CARIFTA Games held in The Bahamas. Now, she aims to add a medal from the Youth CommonwealthGamestohergrowingcollection.

Springer will be joined by Javon Roberts, who won gold inthe800matthe2023CARIFTAGames.

CARICOM 10k winner Attoya Harvey, Malaki Austin, and DeJon Grant will also represent Guyana at the Youth Commonwealth Games Julian Edmonds has been appointedastheteam’scoach.

Boxer Keevin Allicock’s silver, achieved at the 2007 games in The Bahamas, is Guyana’s only Youth CommonwealthGamesmedal.

President Irfaan Ali during a meeting with Emanuel Archibald and his father, Emanuel Archibald Snr.

Ramsammy and Campbell reclaim coveted Mr. Bodybuilder and Mr. Physique titles - at Stage of Champions C/ship

The recently held Stage tosecurethesecondplace,as of Champions event at the Lewis Samganaseed from Ramada Princess Hotel in Barbados took the thirdProvidence showcased the place. remarkable achievements of In the Under-164 LBS Guyanese athletes in the Bodybuilding weight class, bodybuildingarena. Guyana’s Selwyn Grogan

Among the standout came the second to performances was the B a r b a d o s ’ L e w i s incredible display by Samganaseed who pocketed Darious Ramsammy, the the first-place honour in the reigning Mr. Guyana and respectiveweighclass,while crowd favourite; reigning Joel Caldeira also out of Mr. Physique champion Guyana secured third. In the Emmerson Campbell. Over-177 LBS weight class, Notably, the outstanding witnessed impressive achievements of these performances by local boys G u y a n e s e a t h l e t e s Julio Sinclair and Nickolas highlighted their dominance Albert, who secured the and skill in the bodybuilding second and third positions arena. They have proven respectively As Surinamese themselves as formidable Bodybuilder, Anthony competitors among some of Nekrey emerged victorious, thebestintheCaribbean. claimingthefirst-place.

Meanwhile, in the triple- Across in the Mr weight class of the Mr Physique leg, Emmerson Bodybuilding category, Campbell, CAC games Ramsammy’s domination in silver-medalist and the the Under-176 LBS weight reigning Mr Physique class secured him the champion, put on an coveted Mr Bodybuilding excellent performance and overall second-place in the positionsrespectively bodybuilders reigning by New GPC Inc, Western t i t l e R a m s a m m y ’s reclaimed the coveted title. division,andOdelCatofrom Surinamese Chavelle Novice Miss Bikini queen, Scientific, Guyana Outdoor exceptional skills and Campbell proved his Grenada,whotookthethird- Meyer was later crowned Melitha Anderson and Sports, Camille Academy, overall scores allowed him prowess, competing against place spot Trinidad’s MissBikinichampion,inthe Christiana Ramsammy, who WestIndiesSportsComplex, to clinch the title, talented athletes like RichardJacobandGuyanese highly anticipated Miss secured the second and third TwinsManufacturing,Space Surinamese, Anthony S u r i n a m e s e R a f e a l athlete Romelton Siland Bikini category Despite the positionsrespectively Gym and Fitness Express, Nekrey impressed the crowd Komokarge, who secured an secured the fourth and fifth solid performances by local Theeventwassponsored UnityCabsandUnityGym.

GBBFF President, Keavon Bess (right) and competition organiser, Vedesh Sookram (far left) with Mr. Bodybuilding winners: Darious Ramsammay (center), second place, Anthony Nekrey (Suriname) and Barbados’s, Lewis Sanganaseed.

Digicel Schools Football Championships 2023…

BerbiceEducationalInstitutewinRegion3title

Berbice Educational Institute began their reign as the Region Six Champion of the 2023 Digicel’s Schools Football Championship, which is organised by the Petra Organisation, when the tournament continued yesterday acrosstwoRegions.

AttheScottGroundinRegionSix,BerbiceEducational Institute joined the list of Regional Champions when they defeatedVryman’s Erven in the finale, 3 - 2.The combined efforts of Colisi Scipio, T’Jon Reid and Jomal Adams for BEIovershadowedthatoftheopposition.

Prior to the final, New Amsterdam collided with TutorialAcademywiththelatterprevailing4–3onpenalty kicks.Attheregulationwhistle,theteamsweredeadlocked at 1 – 1, which sent the showdown into a penalty shootout, whereTutorialsecuredthirdplace.

In Georgetown, the double-header was billed for the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground as MarianAcademy defeated St. Winifred’s 3 – 1. The other match featured Carmel and Charlestown, however, scores were not availableuptopresstime.

Thus far, the Regional Champions of the 2023 edition are Santa Rosa (Region 1), Charity (Region 2), Leonora (Region 3), Region 4 (EC) – Buxton, Region 4 (EB) –Soesdyke, MahaiconyTI (Region 5), BEI (Region 6), Kato (Region 8), St. Ignatius (Region 9) and Mackenzie High (Region10).

Champion.

The only remaining zones left to crown a Regional ChampionareRegionFour(GT)andRegionSeven.

Berbice Educational Institute celebrate becoming Region Six’s Digicel U-18