Kaieteur News

Govt. continues to work against IDPADA-G – Vincent Alexander

Chairperson for International

D e c a d e f o r

People of African Descent

Assembly – Guyana (IDAPADA-G), Vincent Alexander, on Friday said that instead of working with the organisation, the Government of Guyana has engagedindenigratingit.

D u r i n g a p r e s s conference on Friday, Alexander rubbished the report that was conducted by financial analyst, Joel Bhagwandin,onIDAPADAG's Strategic Plan for 20152024.

He said, “Government's most recent piece of propaganda is a critical review of IDPADA-G's Strategic Plan conducted by JoelBhagwandin.”

Alexander noted that while the body continues to pursue the goals of the Decade, with limited resources available, in spite of the government's continued withholding of subvention without

justifiable cause for the past two years – the government continues to wage a propaganda campaign againstIDPADA-G.

“What's important to note however, if one looks at thestrategicplanonewillsee that there are a number of areas that require state intervention and in this in many regards is in keeping withwhattheUnitedNations specified,”headded.

Alexanderexplainedthat IDPADA-G has embarked on a process of preparing itself to make representation to the government, for it to act in areas that require state intervention.

“Because once you talk aboutinstitutionalissuesand legal framework and things like that, those are not things that organisations can do on itsown.Thosearethingsthat require government

intervention.”

According to the chairperson,sinceJuly2022, IDPADA-G was ready to engage the government. In fact, he said that the organisation had written to President Irfaan Ali requesting a meeting so that they can engage the government, and possibly “motivate them to do what is requiredofthegovernment.”

Unfortunately, he said, while President Ali had promised on a few occasions to engage the body that has neverhappened.

“What we saw instead was an avalanche coming from the Vice President (Bharrat Jagdeo) trying to criticize and denigrate IDPADA-G, that is what we have gotten from the government, rather than the exchanges we were looking for,”Alexanderunderscored.

Moreover, it has been two years since IDPADA-G received its last subvention fromthegovernment.

I n A p r i l , t h e

Government of Guyana said it will disburse the 2023 subvention meant for the advancement of the lives of Afro-Guyanese, but instead of giving it to IDPADA-G, it will hand over the subvention directly to the 55 organisations that make up thatcoordinatingbody Speaking on this yesterday, Alexander noted that as far as he is aware, noneoftheorganisationshas

received the promised subvention from the government.

The People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government has accused the IDPADA-G of being p a r t i s a n a n d Vi c e President Jagdeo had alleged that the agency's Board of Directors were personally benefiting from an almost $500M State allocation.

Colombian children who survived five weeks in jungle released from hospital

(Reuters) - Four Colombian Indigenous children who survived a plane crash in the country's Amazon region and lived for more than five weeks in the jungle have been released from hospital after a 34-day stay, the government said on

size and weight, really they are very well," Astrid Caceres, the director of the country's child welfare institute, told journalists "The second phase of caring andprotectingthembegins." The siblings will remain underthecareoftheinstitute because of a "complex

Friday.The children, aged 1 through 13, survived the May 1 crash that killed their mother and two other adults andwerefound lastmonth.

T h e I n d i g e n o u s children's knowledge of the jungle, as well as the eldest sister's courage, have been credited by officials with savingtheirlives.

"They have recovered

family situation," she said, a n d f i n a l c u s t o d y arrangements for them will bedecidedinsixmonths.

"We're entering a transitional phase for the protection of the children," Caceres added Both the father of the two youngest children and their mother's family have told media they wantcustody

IDPADA-G's Chairperson, Vincent Alexander

Director of the Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF) Astrid Caceres speaks during a press conference in Bogota, Colombia July 14, 2023. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

project...

Fishermen unimportant, invisible to Exxon

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), commonly referred to as ExxonMobil Guyana, has commenced laying the 12-inch pipeline that will be used to transport natural gas from the Liza Field in the Stabroek Block, to the Wales Development site on the West Bank of Demerara.

The disruption to the livelihoods of fisherfolk during this season, which usually accounts for the highest fish catches, have been disregarded by both the Government of Guyana (GoG) and its development partner, ExxonMobil according to Environmental activistDr JanetteBulkan.

Bulkan is a Guyanese scholar and Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Resources M a n a g e m e n t a t t h e University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. She has been an advocate on environmental matters for overadecadenow

In a letter to this publication on Friday, the environmentalist pointed out t h a t , “ T h e s h e e r organisational magnitude a n d e f f i c i e n c y o f ExxonMobil as an industrial power was shown in the M A R A D ( M a r i t i m e Administration) Notices to Mariners numbers 106 and 107 (2023) dated 12 June...theseNoticescoverthe near-shore laying of the pipe for the Gas-to-Energy project.”

Previous Notices by the state agency provided an advisory for the deep-water pipeline laying activities further offshore in the Liza field in the Stabroek Block. The new Notices however indicate that the construction team will be operating closer to shore in an area of 65 squarenauticalmiles(22,500 hectares) out 39 nautical

...as company commences pipeline laying works with no consultation, compensation for disruptions - Janette Bulkan

milesfromthecoast.

An exclusion zone has been identified that stretches from the coast to about 18 n a u t i c a l m i l e s ( 3 3 kilometeres) offshore Guyanaandcoversanareaof about 61 square nautical m i l e s ( 2 0 8 s q u a r e kilometers), according to the MARADNotice.

Bulkan in her missive was keen to note that the exercise and exclusion plot covers a substantial area of traditional grounds of the artisanal coastal fishermen. To this end, she argued, “There has been no public c o n s u l t a t i o n a b o u t schedulingthisworktoavoid conflict with the season which usually provides the largest fish catches (and) no d i s c u s s i o n a b o u t compensation for disrupting the livelihoods of Guyanese fishermen.”

The Environmental activist noted that “the treatmentofourfishermenas invisible and unimportant to Exxon, and apparently to the Government, is evident if you have looked over the sea wallofGeorgetownsincethe Jan De Nul dredgers have b e e n w i d e n i n g a n d deepening the Demerara Ship Channel for Exxon's support vessels and for constructing the VEHSI shorebase (Port of Vreed-enHoop) for NRG Holdings Inc.”

The Science Professor contends that since the d r e d g i n g a c t i v i t i e s commenced to facilitate ExxonMobil's production activities, a different type of mud is now visible from the seawall, stirred with fine sediments and swept eastwards by the inshore counter-current.

Dr.Bulkan explained that the mud from the local and Amazonian rivers provide nutrientsfortheseacreatures which feed the fish that Guyanese fishermen have

b e e n c a t c h i n g f o r generations.

To this end, she reminded that the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)had waived an Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA) for the project, while the fishermen who will face losses as a result were never engaged or compensated for the elimination of their traditional grounds by the new eastwards-sweeping sediment.

The Guyanese Professor said, “In a generation's time, ExxonMobil and the other carpetbaggers will fold their tentsandslinkaway

At the current rate, they will leave behind a despoiled Atlantic Ocean, reduced marine life, including shrimp and fish, and a polluted coastland in which only the richcanaffordadecentlife.”

During the conduct of the EIA by ExxonMobil Guyana forthepipelinecomponentof t h e G T E p r o j e c t , stakeholders were engaged on possible environmental impactsoftheproject.

The operator said fisherfolk were part of these engagements.

In that document, the oil company committed “EEPGL would keep the public informed about the general progress of the Project (e.g., completion of Project stages such as constructionandinstallation) and respond to grievances (i e , specific complaints) filed under the Project's C G M ( C o m m u n i t y Grievance Mechanism) ” However, there has been no update on the project by Exxon since it commenced. In fact, this newspaper made efforts in the past for photos of the ongoing works to be

shared, but was told there were none available at the time. This was over a month ago.

Moreover,Exxonisyetto meet with fishermen directly on how the company's operations to facilitate the GTE project can affect their livelihoods.

Fisherfolkcash-grant

In 2022, the GoG handed out about $150 million in one-off cash grants to about 1,300 fisherfolk amid complaints of lower fish catches that some attributed

to the onset of oil and gas activitiesinthecountry

Though Exxon had alerted the authorities in its EIAs that the activities can pollute the country's waters and impact the industry, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had argued there was no such effect. He explained that it was only a seasonal occurrence.

Weighing in on the government's cash-grant

initiative, Opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson told Kaieteur News that it was merely a band-aid approach to solving the problems that plaguethefisheriessector

Patterson argued that a comprehensive plan was required to offer relief to the dwindlingindustry

Hepointedoutthatavery important component of that plan should entail an independent baseline study into the fisheries sector He

stressed that while ExxonMobil has been conducting offshore studies, itwouldbeoutrightfoolishto believe the company would provide information that suggests negative about its operations, hence the need for an independent baseline studytobeconducted.

Another important alternative Patterson listed was compensation from the oilcompany

He pointed out that the baseline study could help identify whether the oil operation is indeed impacting the country which would then tie the oil c o m p a n y t o t a k i n g responsibility for the damagescaused.

The Shadow Oil and Gas Minister pointed to the urgency of the fishing industrybeingresuscitatedas the subject of food security takes the limelight in the Caribbean.

Environmental activist, Dr. Janette Bulkan

Guyanese fishing boats docked at a local wharf

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Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETS AND PRODUCES

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) finallymet,asmallmiraclebyitself. Immediatelyitcame upwithanugget:anagencyshortfallinvolvingwellovera billion in taxpayers’ monies during the APNU+AFC Coalitionrunningthecountry

Though the reason may sound harmless, viz., the obstacles separating a village community and a leading secondaryschool,theendresultwasthataprojectdidnotget moving,andfundshadtoberechanneled. Allofthiscame up in the long delayed, long pending restart of PAC meetings. It goes without saying that the business of Guyanese was held hostage to the usual political tangles. When the business at hand is about how taxpayers’money wasspent,andhowcleanly,thenthenumerousPACholdups also held Guyanese to ransom about what their elected governmentsdointheirtime,andwiththepeople’smoney.

Runanykindofbusinessacertainway,andbeforeone canblink,itgoesintothegutter.Thiswaswhatwentonwith the business of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Guyana’s parliament. It is about how so much has gone wrong, and so much is preferred to stay safely under the carpet. Nottomeetonceishuman. Nottomeetasecondor evenathirdtimeinsuccessionmaybeexcusable,depending on the circumstances. But not to meet for the number of timesintheunbrokenstringthatitdidnot,andforthesame slippery and specious reason, is an insult to the Guyanese people,andshouldbemadeacrime.

DuetothecontinuingabsenceofPACmembersfromthe Governmentsideofthebenches,theparliamentaryPAChad been paralyzed, doing nothing. There were only the ongoing laments of disappointment over the seemingly nonchalant manner in which attendance at these meetings wasbeingtreated. Guyanesearemorethaninsultedbywhat hashappened,theirtrusthasbeenviolated. Assoonasthe PAC did meet, the revelations came about what got stuck, didn’tmove.

Undoubtedly, time is tight, and Government ministers arelockedinastrugglewithcompetingschedulesandmany conflictsandbottlenecksprevalent. ButwhenthePACdoes not meet, then there is little to no awareness, then the corruptions and gaps that often cannot be explained only multiply under the cover of convenient conflicts and constraints. The PAC must meet regularly Both the government and opposition owe that to Guyanese. The crucial PAC not meeting gives incompetence and possible corruption too many free passes. The PAC meeting and getting on with the sensitive job that falls under its hand is notafavordoneforGuyanese,itisaduty,acompulsoryone. Sadly,therecordhasbeentheopposite.

The current chair of the PAC, Opposition member JermaineFigueirahadraisedhisconcernsinpublicaboutthe lackofaquorumonsomanyoccasionsthathenowsounds likeastuckCD. Hehasnotgonesofarastoallegeoutright sabotage of the PAC by the PPP/C Government members, buttherecouldhavebeennomisinterpretinghissharpwords and frozen positions. A little while back, he had taken matterstoahigherrungontheladder,whenhecalledforthe resignation of two key Government PAC members. This verbalizing of his frustrations, however, did seem to yield somemovement,inthatthePACmetinsession,anditswork produced fruits about what went wrong, and who was responsible. We can only imagine how much more is waitingtomakeittothelight,whichiswhatmakesthePAC meeting on a consistent basis even more mandatory Guyanese have a right to know how their budgeted dollars havebeenspent.

ThePAChasitsplace,anditisonethatreviewswhathas been examined with recommendations made up the chain. Its utility to the public should not be questioned, neither should it be lost through lack of quorum over a stretch of time. Ifthereistobesuspectaccountingtocitizens,thenlet it not be so blatantly, so disrespectfully The PAC must meet, as scheduled, so that the record of failures and malfeasancesareknown.

Chitlall Roopnarine’s attacks do not do anyone justice, especially himself

DEAREDITOR, Regrettably, I find myself responding to the audacity of Mr Leyland Chitlall Roopnarine, who willingly and unabashedly p r o m u l g a t e d h i s incognizance about geopolitics, and national governance, in a simple letter published in Kaieteur News July 11, 2023

A d d i t i o n a l l y, M r Roopnarine focused a belligerent attack on President Irfaan, which demonstrates some irrationality

Let us look at the supportive evidence that d e m o n s t r a t e s M r Roopnarine’sbelligerence.

Inhisletterentitled“This government cannot be trusted,” Mr Roopnarine questioned the number of overseas trips taken by the President and called on “Guyanese taxpayers to evaluate” whether the trips “will bring the nation adequatereturns.”

Anyone knowledgeable about geopolitics is astutely aware that international travel is extremely essential

in establishing and formalizing relationships with other heads of state. Such travels, especially by PresidentIrfaan,iscrucialif Guyana, a micro-state, and former colony, is to be integrated into the competitive arena of global economicrelations. For too long, Guyana found itself relegated to the backwaters of geopolitics, but with its newfound wealth – oilPresident Irfaan needs to aggressively bring the country into the forefront of world affairs, and YES, this necessitates frequent international travel International diplomacy and economic relations are vital to Guyana’s growth and development, all of which cannotbeachievedbysitting inGeorgetown.

In his bellicose attack against the government Mr Roopnarine’s indifference becomes quite evident. He referred to Irfaan as the “honcho and de facto president,” the “vindictive honcho and de facto president,” “rubber stamp president,” and “so called

President,” in a display s y m p t o m a t i c o f belligerence.

“Honcho,” or boss, is someone in charge. Right thinking Guyanese would expect the president to be in charge.However,describing thepresidentasthe“defacto president” more than once

simply indicates Mr Roopnarine’s willingness to demonstrate some level of irrationality Irfaan became president through fair and free elections, which make himthe‘dejure”(legitimate) headofstate(president).

Is Mr Roopnarine suffering from repressed consciousness? Every Guyanese knows – whether theyacceptitornot-thatitis Granger, and his cabinet, who were the “de facto” regime as demonstrated in their refusal to transfer the reins of government over to the PPP/C, the dulylegitimately- elected (de jure)party

U p o n f u r t h e r

examination of Mr Roopnarine’s letter, his distrust for the government rings clear. Mr. Roopnarine

attackedthepublicserviceas “incompetent and clumsy,” thePoliceForceas“corrupt” andthecabinetas“arrogant, egotistical, narcissistic, and inept,” and the judiciary as “compromised.” In utilizing suchphrasesinanattemptto discredit several sectors of government makes one wonder whether Mr Roopnarine is the sole intellect on governmental affairs.

If attacks on the Guyana government was a sign of one’s intellect, then University of Guyana can closeitsdoors.

Overall, even the First ladywasnotsparedfromMr Roopnarine’s attack which leaves one wondering whether women in Guyana arenotcompetenttoservein government. In his attempt to discredit Irfaan and the Guyana government, Mr Roopnarine simply discredited himself. Having the above as evidence, you bethejudge.

Regards, NarayanPersaud,PhD. Professor Emeritus

Is there no limit to how Kit Nascimento shamelessly insults this nation?

DEAREDITOR,

I am not surprised that Consultant Kit Nascimento would jump at the opportunity to create and peddle the narrative penned in his letter dated 13 July 2023.

It is an insult to the free press, media workers and this nation for me to repeat thatnarrativehere.Fromthe announcement of the P r e s i d e n t ’s p r e s s engagement on July 11th, mediahouseswererestricted to sending only one reporter a n d videographer/photographer One media house, despite arriving early, was not allowed at the press conferencewhilethreeother media workers were turned awaycloseto10am.

The questions were limitedtoONEquestion,and ONE follow up after the President’saddress.

One person challenged that, yours truly, and was berated for doing so. Kit knowsthismorethananyone that the press will be prioritizing more pressing issues when engaging a senior official like the Head ofState.

The fact that the media could not engage the president beyond Kit’s rule hasrobbedthePresidentand the nation of understanding many of his government plans and programmes and critical issues facing everydayGuyanese.

The media are not just a group of people, we interact andfacethepubliceveryday

DEAREDITOR,

It’s no wonder the oppositionishopelesslylost.

If buying votes means this government is building badlyneededroads,building bridges, creating jobs including temporary jobs, cash grants for students including vouchers being given by the Education Ministry, carbon credits for theAmerindiancommunities (hopefully to develop their communities), to improve their standard of living, subsidiestocitizenstoassist in building homes, etc., etc. and so forth; then I say, let’s havemore“VoteBuying”.

and beyond the propaganda peddledbypoliticians. Ifind Kit’s missive to be nothing butaninsulttothisnation.

The fact remains that there is little engagement between the media and the government. Ministers talk to selected media houses; some do not answer their phones and others host oneway social media and

television programmes Imaginebeingaskedtosend questions to a WhatsApp number for a senior government official to respond to? This is what the mediahasbeenrelegatedto?

TheVice President hosts pressconferencesasboththe General Secretary of his partyandVPandmany

(Continuedonpage5)

Who in Albouystown, (an Opposition stronghold, whichisstillpartofGuyana) doesnotlikethenewlookof Independence Boulevard? A lothastobedoneinGuyana, andthegovernmenthasbeen able to articulate the right message in various regions, resulting in a good showing at the most recent Local Government Elections. That ispoliticsfolks,thatishowit is done The American senators, and other elected officials who are voted into government,provideallsorts of projects for their constituents, including cash for this, that and the other (I

wonderwhy?).

I suppose there are those inGuyanawhodon’tbelieve in proper drainage, house lotsbeinggiventocitizensat a rapid clip, don’t want well paved roads, water to be provided to communities, job creation for the young people or green recreational spaces spearheaded by the first lady, well-lit roads, hospitals (hopefully with well medical staff) In summary: Those people do notwantGuyanatodevelop. Thatiswhatsomepeoplecall alosingstrategy Trulyyours, ChiKansi

Vote buying is a good thing, let’s have more of it

PPPLEADERSHIPHAS CULTIVATED CORRUPTION, SERIOUS WRONGDOING BYITS PEOPLE

DEAREDITOR,

One thing about the PPP led governments that Guyanese have learned is that there sooner rather than later, a government official will allegedly use their position of influence to facilitate or partake in corrupt practices or engage in misconduct that warrants police investigation and legalaction. Infact,Idareto go so far as to say that these nationalembarrassmentsare examples of the type of culture that PPP leadership has cultivated within its party The PPP tries to portray that the party and their preferred model of government is a democracy Thisisfarfromthetruthand

many party members are fully aware! Several years ago, I was at a meeting at Freedom House. One of the agenda items involved voting for regional committeerepresentatives. I forget which regions and areasnow,but. Irecallthata gentleman distributing party membershipcardsgavemea card belonging to an elderly Indian gentleman and instructed me to vote for a particular candidate whose name I do not recall at this time.Thispracticecontinues u p t o t h i s d a y Nowthatthepartyisbackin Government, these national embarrassments are manifestations of a party leadershipthathascultivated

corruption at the party level for decades. In the last 6 months,thePPPgovernment has had to go into damage control mode and use its influence over high-ranking police and other public sector officers to assist government officials to get out of the tangled web they weaved Firstly, a police reportwasmadebyafemale Indian animal rights activist against Guyana’s High Commissioner to India CharrandassPersaud. She accused him of threatening her among other things, Mr Persaud was recalled Secondly, the United States Government confiscated the mobile phone and passport of the

NOISE! NOISE! NOISE!

By Haimnauth Cecil Ramkirath

It violates the silence of thesacredspace— damning as invading the temple or any other sacrilege.

It offends the trees, but they cannot leave for MainstayLake.

Theyprotestasbestthey could,butareconstrainedto stay The puppies, kittens, sheep, and chickens bewail theirfate that they dwell among thosewhoneedtoamplify every whisper, every secret,andeverydreamtobe told.

It’s noise, noise, and noiseeverywhere.

Senseless that delight whenothersneedtoforbear, and wish they could be impervioustoeveryboxthat blares

intrunkofvanorcar,on cart along the thoroughfare, oronthestair

You need to unwind to wipe that frown from the face.

And when the light bounces off the ceiling and theDJincitestheparty, you need to gyrate on floor like a multi-colored spinningtop, andshakethosebuttocks and hips like reeds in the wind.

Butthinkoftheinjuryto the ears when the music blaresloud thatyoucannothearyour girlfriend even when she shouts.

I feel for the old and the sick,andworkersinthefield whoneedrest, whenthemusicraisedto the decibel of a screaming jet.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs

MaeThomas as she stopped over in the USA enroute to China. The US Government revokedhervisa,barringher fromtravelingtotheUSA.It was alsorevealedthatshe is on a USA Government watchlist. Thirdly and most recently, the actions and words of Minister of Local Government Mr. Nigel Dharamlallfinallycaughtup with him. A young Amerindiangirlaccusedhim of raping her after coercing her to have a relationship with him for more than one year This is the same government representative that used a gun to threaten a former Inter-American

Development Bank worker after said worker was out with the Minister’s former wife at Palm Court. And readers,Iamsure,canrecall his infamous dildo remarks to a female member of parliament.Fourthly,readers will recall the Vice News undercover investigation of Bharrat Jagdeo, General SecretaryofthePPP,former President of Guyana and current Vice President. The VicePresidentdeniedhehas ever participated in any corruptactivity,eventhough hewascaughtoncameraand implicated Su. Su confessed to working as a middleman for theVP TheVPadmitted hehasdonebusinesswithSu but rejected that Su was a

middleman, facilitating kickbacksforcompaniesand other corrupt transactions involving Government resources and taxpayers’ money Prior PPP governments have not fared better There are several more examples like former Minister of Local Government Kellawan Lall, former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj, former Presidential Advisor on Empowerment Odinga Lumumba, Kwame McCoy current Minister within the OfficeofthePrimeMinister and former Minister of Natural Resources Robert Persaudtolistafew Regards, B.Bacchus

And what respite when the music turned off—the staccato of motorbikes, wailing sirens, and jackhammers pounding beforethewindowsearly inthemorning.

It’s more than enough to enrageasage.

Where’sthatplacewitha semblanceofsilence?

Will they march with machines into the unspoiled hinterland?

Will the Victoria Regia Lily hear screeching ‘brumbrum’ofchainsaws, and armadillos and jaguarsbemoantheinvasion oftheirsacredground?

Will noise, noise and noiseblanketthelandendto end?

It’s already entrenched when every talking is a shouting.

Is there no limit to how Kit Nascimento...

Frompage4 times, he has indicated that he cannot speak to certain issues because he does not sit at Cabinet and our reporters should reach out to the subject minister and we know where this is going.

I say all of this to say the

presidentialandothermedia engagements are vital in the absence of post cabinet and otherpressengagements. This along with the insult meted out by Kit adds to a series of insults within the past months including the limitation to the wider press to certain assignments like

Thursday’s swearing in of the Public Service Commission and the recent Secretary of State visit where two media houses were handpicked for questions.

Yourstruly,

NazimaRaghubir Journalist

DEAREDITOR,

Forthosewhobelieveso, I urge them to Google the following four names: Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Rolf Harris, Bill Cosby

Thereisnostatutorytime limit for these kinds of

charges. I want to hazard a guess that if this was an opposition politician, he would’ve been before the courtswithin24hours,asthe evidencewassographicand damning All those who contributed to this withdrawal will have to live

with their conscience and will have their own crosses tobear Finally,Iunderstand appointments will be made to the court of appeal Readers may want to watch thatspace.

Sincerely,

TanyaRamnaraine

Everything will be done soon

DEAREDITOR,

First a name was given, sometimeagoandeveryone thought it was a one-man commission to look into the devastatingfire.

Nowemanatingfromthe press conference (was it a press conference or midterm report?) it seems more names are to comprise the commission. Wasthisdueto thecolumnist’surgings?

The ad hoc, piecemeal, slothful fashion of naming the full complement of commissioners creates the impression it is not of high concern.

Almosttwomonthssince the devastation and no clear indication when the inquiry will commence. Of course, theTORsareanothermatter

Everything will be named anddonesoon. Wehopeso.

Regards ShamshunMohamed

The Dharamlall saga - how do some live with their conscience?

ASHTON CHASE -AFALLEN TITAN

DEAREDITOR,

Early Tuesday morning, Guyanesewokeuptothesad newsthatMr AshtonChase, a trailblazer on the political and trade union front, and a legal luminary, had passed awayquietlyattheageof96.

Anyefforttoanalyzethe lifeandworkofCdeAshton w i l l t a k e s e v e r a l publications and more indepth research that has to spanaperiodofalmostseven decades.

Hewasthelastsurviving member of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) thatwastheforerunnertothe formation of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950 and also played a crucialroleintheelectionof Dr Cheddi Jagan to the legislativein1947.

Afterjoiningthejuvenile sectionoftheBritishGuiana Labour Union in the 1940s, he rose to the position of

Assistant and later General Secretary of the union. Dr Cheddi and Janet Jagan met Ashton Chase at Joycelin Hubbard bookstore inWater S t r e e t , a n d t h e y subsequentlyagreedtosetup thePACin1946.

W h e n t h e PA C celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 1996,CdeAshtonwasoneof the panelists along with Cheddi and Janet Jagan at a seminar in Georgetown. He stated that the main idea behind the setting up of the PACwastoenhancepolitical awareness and struggle to reduce poverty in British Guiana.

He remarked that two militant PAC groups, one in Kitty led by the late Boysie Ramkarran and another in Buxton led by the then Sydney King actively promoted the idea of the formationofapoliticalparty

in1947.

TheformationofthePPP in 1950 and its subsequent victory in the 1953 election led to Ashton Chase becoming the Minister of Labour, Trade and Industry The government was removed after 133 days in officewiththesuspensionof the constitution and the rest ishistory.

Cde Ashton left for Londontostudylawin1954, after his return in 1958, continued to be active with the PPPbecoming President of the Senate in the 1961-64 period and a member of Parliamentuntil1968.

Hemadeanunsuccessful bid for the President of the GLUinthemid60’s.

Thetradeunionwasvery militant during that period Cde Ashton along with Bertis Bangaree helped transitionedtheSugarEstate ClerkAssociation(SECA)to

National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NACCIE) in 1970, this allowedtheuniontobroaden its membership to represent fieldandfactorysupervisors andsugarboilers.

He was very active promoting the rights of the workersandveryvocalatthe TUC annual delegates conferences.

CdeAshtonactivismwas not only limited to the political and trade union front but was prominent in thehallsofthecourtroom.

He was part of a battery of lawyers that successfully defended PPP activist Arnold Rampersaud on framed up political charges. When the PNC government curtailedpressfreedomwith draconian methods, he successfully represented Eusi Kwayana in the Day-

DEAREDITOR

O u r N D C s a n d Municipalities must by now have developed a vision for the development of their neighbourhoodsandtowns.

They must be proactive and work assiduously to improve the way they do thingsandtheresultsderived therefrom; to facilitate improvementsintermsofthe rangeandqualityofservices provided to residents and so develop viable communities that would sustain its own development programme and,byextension,itself.

Letmepositanumberof measureswhichyououghtto takeorstrengtheniftheyare already in place in order to bring about the desired livelihood improvements aboutwhichIspeak:

Reduce dependency on Central Government for financial resources by inter alia, enhancing and widening your revenue base andreducingexpenses.

Optimise collection of whatisduetotheCouncilin the form of rates and taxes, market fees, building applicationfeesetc.utilizing revenue collected efficiently andaccountingforsame.

Rememberthatunderthe Fiscal Transfers Act 2015, the Local Authority can receive grants from Donor AgenciestofinanceProjects ormeetemploymentcosts.It canalsoborrowmoneyfrom the Commercial Banks and other Financial Institutions, provided it has the required

cleantrialin1976.

He along with Fenton Ramsahoye represented the Mirror newspaper at the Court of Appeal that strangely overturned Justice FrankViera’sdecisionthata denial of newsprint is tantamount to the denial of freedomofexpression.

However, his most famous of legal battle was when Seeram Teemal, a clerical worker at Leanora sugar estate successfully challenged the non-payment of the minimum wage and merit increment by the PNC government agreed upon withtheTUCin1977. After the court decision and in efforttopreventtheworkers from receiving their rightful dues, the PNC passed the controversial Labour AmendmentAct (1984) that wages will no longer have thesafetyaccordedproperty

and could be reduced unilaterally or retroactively bygovernment.

JusticeCliffordBaburam upheld Ashton Chase’s arguments that this a m e n d m e n t w a s unconstitutional, the case was finally heard and successfully settled at the Court of Appeal in a landmark decision on a matter that lasted more than tenyears.

Ashton Chase will be remembered for his positive contributionsonmanyfronts -thepolitical,economicand social - but last and by no means least his writings especially his seminal publication “A History of TradeUnionisminGuyana”. Rest in Peace Cde Ashton, your good work shallliveon.

Regards, RajendraRampersaud

collateral/abilitytorepay

Moremoneyavailableto Council necessarily means that more resources are available to pay better salaries, attract a better quality of staff and to train andupgradethem.

It means also that the Council and its staff can reach out with greater frequency and over a much wider population; listening to their concerns and working with them to address these concerns Moreandbetterservicescan beprovidedtocitizens.

There is a role and contribution to development for Private Enterprise in Local Government Areas; small though their impact maybe. To the extent that these interventions make even a small impact on unemployment figures and provide goods and/or services e.g. clothing and textile, supermarkets, wash bay, restaurants etc., it is neverthelessacaseofaction speakinglouderthanwords.

E x p a n d i n g a n d improving the quality of the infrastructure and other services provided by the Council including servicing of kokers and pumps, cleaning of canals and drains, collection and disposalofgarbage;daycare for elderly, street lighting, market/tarmac facilities, cemeteries etc thereby providing employment and extending the range and quality of services provided

by the Local Authority working in conjunction with PrivateEnterprise. Enhanceservicedelivery and widen citizens’ involvement. Demandproperfinancial accounting and reporting Council’s financial affairs must not be shrouded in secrecy Increase public awareness and education Hold community meetings with greater regularity and have activities such as Flag Raising, Day of Sports and religious events such as Diwali, Christmas day, Eid ul Ahza which bring people of all ages, gender, ethnicity and class together and provide also income earning opportunities on such occasions.

Audits of Financial records of Municipal and Neighbourhood Councils as per requirements of the Local Government and Municipal Legislation must be done and reports, including financial reports, must be presented to the Statutory Meetings of the Council for discussion. So thatwhileeffortstointensify revenue collection must be encouraged; so also, accountabilitytotheCouncil and the residents for these resources.

W e c a n n o t b e complacentifwearetobuild effective local governance with its benefits to the people.

Regards,

NormanWhittaker

We cannot be complacent if we are to build effective local governance

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

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

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

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

GUARD HUT COST

Two guard huts will be constructed over the next few weeks at an estimated $15.7 million.

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

The two structures cost more than a house being built and sold with land for $14 million.

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

The homes feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

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

What could Guyanese taxpayers be paying for in a guard hut that could cost $15.7M???

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

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

Could the government provide a breakdown of how this money will be spent?

Although the administration claims to be prudently managing our resources, such lavish spending only points to the opposite.

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

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

Our people are forced to take home dog food to their children from Chinese restaurants to stay alive in an oil-producing nation while our leaders are wasting our resources on inflated projects.

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

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

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

Will Guyana ever blossom into a great nation with this type of management?

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

Biden administration strikes $39bn in US federal student debt

A l j a z e e r a - T h e administration of United States President Joe Biden has announced that it will eliminate an estimated $39bn in student debt, in its latestattempttofulfilloneof the Democrat's central campaignpromises.

Friday's announcement from the Department of Education is slated to affect nearly 804,000 borrowers enrolled in federal incomedriven repayment plans, which adjust the amount owedpermonthaccordingto salaryandfamilysize.

T h e d e p a r t m e n t , however, has framed Friday's decision as an effort tocorrectpastwrongs.

U n d e r c u r r e n t regulations, a borrower is eligible for student loan forgiveness after completing 240 to 300 monthly payments — roughly the equivalent of 20 to 25 years. Afterthattime,therestofthe

debtisgenerallyabsolved.

But “inaccurate payment counts have resulted in borrowers losing hardearned progress toward loan forgiveness”,thedepartment said.

“At the start of this Administration, millions of borrowers had earned loan forgiveness but never r e c e i v e d i t T h a t ' s unacceptable,” Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal said in Friday's pressrelease.

“Today, we are holding up the bargain we offered borrowers who have completed decades of repayment.”

SupremeCourtsetback

But the move is also the Biden administration's latest action to fulfil a key tenet of his domestic economic platform: to free many households from the burden ofstudentdebt.

That goal was dealt a

significant setback last month when the Supreme

C o u r t r u l e d t h e administration did not have the constitutional authority to erase nearly $400bn in studentdebt.

Biden had sought to exercise his administration's powers under the Higher E d u c a t i o n R e l i e f Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, which allows theSecretaryofEducationto waive or offer relief to financial aid recipients duringnationalemergencies.

Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden unveiled a plan in August 2022 to wipe out between $10,000 and $20,000 in federal student loan debt for borrowers earninglessthan$125,000.

In a speech announcing the plan, Biden estimated 43 millionpeoplewouldbeable tobenefit.

But the right-leaning SupremeCourtruledina6-3

decision that the plan

overstepped Biden's executiveauthority

The administration lacked “clear congressional authorisation” for the debt r e l i e f s c h e m e , t h e conservativemajoritywrote.

Still, Biden struck a defiant note as he responded to the court's decision, callingit“amistake”.

“I know there are millions of Americans — millions of Americans — in this country who feel d i s a p p o i n t e d a n d discouraged, or even a little bit angry, about the court's decision today on student debt,” he said in a June 30 speech. “I must admit I do, too.”

He also blamed his opponents in the Republican Party for derailing the programme, while pushing for tax breaks for the wealthy

“Republican officials justcouldn'tbearthethought of providing relief for working-class and middleclass Americans,” he said, promising to find new paths forstudentdebtrelief.

C a m p a i g n i n g o n

'Bidenomics'

Biden is currently in the midst of his campaign for reelection, as part of the 2024 presidential race

Despite facing criticism for h i g h i n f l a t i o n a n d governmentspending,Biden has made “Bidenomics” — his economic platform — a central part of his messaging tovoters.

Federal student loans amount to approximately $1.6 trillion in money owed, the White House estimated in 2022. That total affects nearly45millionpeople.

But Republicans were quick to criticise Friday's latest debt-relief effort, calling it yet another

example of the Biden administration exceeding its authority “ B i d e n ' s unconstitutional loan forgiveness scheme is a slap in the face to hard-working taxpayers that have dutifully paid off their student loans,” Representative Lisa McClain of Michigan wrote on Twitter “Rest assured, come hell or high water, I will fight this blatant overreachuntiltheend.” Biden even received flak from fellow Democrat and rival presidential candidate MarianneWilliamson.

“Be of good cheer, kids,” she wrote on Friday. “You'll getreliefin20or25years!”

The move comes as the Democratic administration pushes forward with a campaign promise to offer student debt relief.

US President Joe Biden flashes a thumbs-up with First Lady Jill Biden as he leaves the White House for Camp David on July 14 [Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo]

HOW LONG WILL GUYANA REMAIN A BASKET CASE?

The international community must be wary of Guyana. Ever since 1989, the international community has been engaged in promoting economic liberalism, democracy, good governanceandstability

The international communitymustbecredited with success in terms of the first two goals which are in keeping with the political and economic model which they wished to perpetuate in countriesmovingfromstatecentric political and economic systems However, in terms of good governanceandstability,the West must be disappointed that their efforts have not worked as they would have wished.

The West had assumed that what worked in developed societies would haveworkedhere.Theyhad diagnosed, quite correctly, that national institutions were weak in two regards. Theyneededtobeimproved and made modern, and second, the necessary skills to make them function were lacking.

This diagnosis informed twosetsofpolicyresponses: firstly, was the need to recapitalize and improve systems within national institutions. This process is w h a t t h e y t e r m e d institutional strengthening

The second process was the needtoattractandretainthe skills necessary for the effective functioning of the m a c h i n e r y o f administration. This process was known as capacitybuilding.

The diagnosis was right.

But the West misread the situationandassumedthatit would have been easy to simply transplant these processes into developing countrieswhichdidnothave acultureofstrongandstable nationalinstitutions.

It was like building on shifting sands. It has not worked because in small societies, there are other things which intervene and loosen the very foundations of sturdiness upon which solidinstitutionsareneeded.

This is why despite the legislative and institutional reforms,despitethemillions that were poured into projects aimed at creating workable ministries and departments, good governanceremainselusive.

But it is in the political realm that the West has had its greatest failures in Guyana Elections are crucial to the model of democracy that the West wishes to support its neoliberal policies in Guyana. And elections in Guyana havecomewithahugeprice tag for the West in the early years including and following the historic 1992 elections. Billions were spent to support the election machinery.

In no other part of the world was the donor community required to plug so much resources into the holding of free and fair elections. Considering the size of the population, it must be frustrating to the West that each time there is anelection,thereisalwaysa range of contentious issues. Settlingtheseissuesrequired intheearlyyearsfortheWest

Dem Boys Seh...

to dole out billions of local dollars to support the electoralprocess.

Andbythetimethenext electioncomesaround,there areanumberofissueswhich havetobeaddressedinorder to have elections which would not lead to political protestsandinstability

The West has made a huge investment in Guyana. And its patience must be stretchedthenbyitsconstant engagement in issues which oughttohavebeensettledby now The West has also pluggedbillionsofdollarsin constitutional and parliamentaryreforms;ithas supported the stakeholders’ process and the various politicalengagementsaimed at creating stability and cohesioninGuyana.

Andyeteveryfewyears, a new round of reforms has to be funded Like the problems of Guyana, the solutionshavenoending.

What must have most disappointed the West, however, musthavebeenits failure to animate local civil society, something that is seen as critical to offset the dominant role of political parties and an effective vehicle to conceal the interests of the bourgeoisie class.

Civil society has remained leashed to the existing interests within society They have found neither a voice nor a vessel through which they can emerge, and so long as they remain in this state of embryonic growth, the neoliberal model will remain underdevelopedinGuyana.

Yet there is a solution to

De weather gan change

It look as if de rainy season done. De place hot dese days and de weatherman seh El Nino coming.

But in Guyana, de weather is as unpredictable asalotterydraw Yuhnever know with de weather in Guyana. Yuh could be in fuh a long dry season and thensomethinghappenand isflood.

Dem boys expecting some serious storm clouds. Yuhseeis2weeksinarow Mr Thursday nah hold he pressconference.Tingsnah regular Something wrong andraingancome.

On top of dat, Prezzie heldapressconference.De opening statement was longerthandequestionand answer period. Dem boys

browsing de Guinness

BookofWorldRecordsfuh see if was de longest opening statement in de h i s t o r y o f p r e s s conferences.

Butdemboysknowthat Mr Thursday don’t like playingsecondfiddletohis juniors. And he gan find a way fuh better dat. But de man from Kangress Place nahgivinghenoreasonfuh throw another extended tantrum. So prepare fuh de worse if Mr Thursday is a no-show dis week. Guyana might be in fuh terrible weather

Fuhdetimebeing,dem farmersmekkin’demostof de weather It remind dem boys of de story of de pilot who after take-off began to make an announcement:

both the problem of civil society development and goodgovernance.Theviews ofcivilsocietyarenotbeing heard and recognized because there is no vehicle for them to air their concerns.

At the same time, the government remains unresponsive to the wider concernsofsocietyanddoes very much as it pleases, knowingthatitdoesnotneed toholditselfaccountablefor itsactions.

WhatwelackinGuyana are credible and regular opinionpolls.Ifwehadthese polls then the government would have been hard pressed to ignore the concerns of the wider society Agreat many things thatarehappeningwouldnot behappeninghadtherebeen credible opinion polls gauging and measuring the

reactionofthepublic.

What Guyana needs to animate the voice of civil society and help improve good governance is for funding for a credible local polling organization, one that is independent of the political parties and the government.

This organization would helpthepolicymakershavea better understanding as to how exactly the people feel and give popularity ratings not only of the various political actors but also of p o l i c i e s Itwouldallowcivilsocietya voiceandencouragepersons and organizations to take a more active stand on issues inGuyana,knowingthatthe acceptance of those positions can be measured bythepollsters.

Before, the ABC and E countrieswashtheirhandsof

Guyana and deem their investments in the political and economic realms a failure, they should give serious thought to funding a crediblepollingorganization in Guyana so that the public voice can be heard, not through the filters of the political parties but through the opinions of the people themselves as captured by thepollingorganization.

(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.)

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have excellent weather ahead Shortly after a British Airways flight had reached its cruising altitude, the captain o, sit back,relax,and...OH...MY GOD!”

Silence followed completesilence!

Some moments later, the captain came back on theintercom.

“LadiesandGentlemen, I’m sorry if I scared you. WhileIwastalkingtoyou, a flight attendant accidentally spilled coffee on my lap. You should see thefrontofmypants!”

From the back of the plane,apassengeryelled,“ You should see the back of mine!”

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

ASHTON CHASE - AN OUTSTANDING GUYANESE

People like Ashton Chasewerebeforemytime; yet they became an inerasable part of my time.

Ashton Chase was more than a PPP stalwart of incredible devotion; he was anoutstandingGuyanese,an extraordinary presence in our political seasons

AshtonChasewas,indeed,a PPP man through and through, but he was most of all a man. Much has been

said, and will be, about his legal prowess, more could be said about his contributions to labour law But the most that could be said of men like Ashton Chaseishowtheydoggedly stayed the course, believed in their calling, as such pertainedtopolitics. Ithink now of how this man (and thewomenalso)stucktohis group, his leader For me, this is what sets him apart,

this is what transcends his place in the pantheon of political struggle and the push towards a political oasis, when only the interminable, rocky wilderness was what enshrouded.

To have been with the levers of power in one’s hand, and then dumped into Guyana’s political landfill for almost three decades, and still remain loyal, is a

testimony to the mettle of men like Mr Chase. It wouldhavebeensoeasy,so rewarding,torespondtothe siren call, the seduction of that invitation: come, come here, come and there is a place reserved. There is always a place reserved for those who walk away and crossover, those who close their minds, and open their mouths to be blessed with the gifts expected. Today,

after not even the passageofthreeshort years, there are those calculatedly jumping ship, and skipping town, at the first appearance of some t y p e o f p e r s o n a l consideration. The cookie crumbles too conveniently, toocravenly

Because I do not allow politics (not even religion) to govern my life, there can be recognition of the departed Chase, and hailing himforhiswalkthroughthe sunbaked, rain-soaked, and windswept highways, byways, and alleyways of Guyana. We have been blessed with some sturdy men and women. Some were/arePPP,somePNC. I suppose that makes me into a national heathen, an unforgivableheretic. Ihave gotsomenewsformyfellow Guyanese on both sides of thebottomofthatgutter:itis a good place to be, either damnation. Forifandwhen there is scant regard for those with whom we disagree,thentheonlything that matters to us is the sound of our own thunder, the reflection of our own Gorgon-like shadows. We turnourselvesintostone.

In the departed Chase, there is appreciation for a party man, a loyal man, a family man, a law man, and aman. Iwishthatthesame could be said of some other leading men of today, regardless of their affiliation, notwithstanding theirfirstallegiances. Ihave heard some malevolence hurled at the PNC’s Forbes Burnham -all bad, all wickedness. I disagree, for nomanisallbadorallgood. Along the same lines, the samehascometomethatthe PPP’s Bharrat Jagdeo is all vindictiveness, and all evil. And, just as I say about Burnham, I say about Jagdeo:nohumanbeingcan be that capable of pure, unmitigated, stark, staring, raving madness. There is stillsomespurt,somesplash of humanity’s goodness somewhereinside. Thereis what I believe to be the redeemable, though sometimes it has to be searchedfor,oftenfutilely I look at my fellow

Guyanese, young and old, those with the deepest of roots here, some with the mind of a visitor, and so many concerns rise to the surface It would be encouraging to wrap my arms around their level of integrity It would help to encounter Guyanese who have a pathological conflict with wrongdoing. There would be gratitude to note those who possess some backbone,somefortitude,to stand for something, other than what is about kowtowing, selling of self fortheeasiest,quickesttrek through life. I am sure that Ashton Chase had to have had his difficulties dealing with Cheddi Jagan during the long, dismal years in no man’s land, as brick wall afterbrickwallrosetoblock theirway Itisatributethat he remained unwavering to theend. Ithadtohavebeen a joy to witness his biological children following in his footsteps, and being remembered and recognized by his other political children, later contemporaries.

Ashton Chase was of that rare breed, like the real life English naval hero, Horatio Nelson, and that Roman of legend, Horatius. They both stayed on the bridgeandheldtheline,and for that the cheers of their peerswillalwaysbepresent instirring,rapturousripples, the echoes blending effortlesslyintooneanother. We still have a few more grizzled Guyanese like AshtonChaseleftinthisthe first quarter of the 21st century But daily they dwindle, as they head off to that reckoning somewhere over the rainbow It was a noble journey, tread softly patriot, and citizen of the firstcaliber

(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.)

HARDTRUTHS BYGHKLALL

Judicial Service Commission members appointed

The members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) were on Friday appointed by President Irfaan Ali at the Office of the President after analmostsix-yearhiatus.

The life of the previous Commission came to an end in2017.

Those who took the oath of office are: Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, Justice of Appeal (Ret'd) Beasraj SinghRoy,JusticeofAppeal (Ret'd) Carl Singh and Chairman of the Public

Service Commission, ManniramPrashad.

The JSC is expected to play a significant role in reducing the burdens being shouldered by Guyana's judicialsystem.

President Ali lamented the deficiencies of judges while expressing optimism

that the newly-appointed JSC will be instrumental in addressingthedeficiencies.

“Our judicial system is not without its challenges. We are woefully short of our full complement of judges andmagistrates.

This naturally has placed greater burdens on our existing pool of judicial officers.

Now that the JSC is in place, it is anticipated that some of those burdens will be lifted, thereby allowing for smooth turning of the wheelsofjustice,”hesaid.

T h e J S C i s a constitutional body responsible for handling matters related to the appointment, discipline, removal, and promotion of judicialofficers.

Article 199 of Guyana's Constitution empowers the JSCtomakeappointmentsto the office of Commissioner of Title, Magistrates, D i r e c t o r o f P u b l i c Prosecutions, Deputy

D i r e c t o r o f P u b l i c Prosecutions, Registrar of the High Court, Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Registrar of Deeds, Deputy RegistrarofDeeds,andother suchoffices.

It also has the power to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in thesepositions.

Moreover, President Ali pledged the government's continuous support in advancing the agenda of the JSC by creating the enabling environment for safe, efficient, transparent, and reliable processes of the judiciary

H i g h l i g h t i n g t h e importance of the judiciary as an independent body responsible for upholding democracy and the rule of law, the president charged the newly appointed members of the JSC to safeguard the independence, integrity, and impartiality of thejudicialsystem.

He said as the country continues along its modernisation path, it is crucial that each arm of the government functions at a pace that is consistent with rapiddevelopment.

“For this to be done, we need the right complement ofhumanresources.Weneed the right structure; we need the right technology and the rightsystem.”

The members of the JSC will hold office for three years and President Ali stressed that through its a p p o i n t m e n t , t h e independence of the judiciary has been fortified, and the body will now be able to further support Guyana'sdemocracy Presentattheswearingin ceremony was Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairs,Anil Nandlall, SC and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance,GailTeixeira.

The members of the Judicial Service Commission and Government officials on Friday

‘Establish footprints here to train nurses’ - Pres. Ali tells accredited Canadian institutions

President Irfaan Ali has turned to a c c r e d i t e d Canadian institutions to assist Guyana and the Caribbeanintrainingnurses. ThePresidentwasatthetime alluding to the shortage of nurses in the Region and encouraged the Canadian institutions to establish footprints here to meet the existingdemand.

then within CARICOM itself, the more attractive markets would pull from within the system leaving further deficit in some countries."

President Ali said it is important for development partners in the Caribbean Region to examine the human resource constraints and identify the areas facing thesaidcountries.

of regional human resource assets to meet the skill deficits of countries around theworld.

“And here is where there is a tremendous opportunity for Canada and Guyana in which we are building the infrastructure for training institutionstotrainforglobal needs.

So High Commissioner, we encourage Canadian

accredited institutions to establish their footprints in Guyana for the training of nurses to meet your own demand, for the training of medical technicians to meet your own demands and also tomeettheRegionaldemand which includes our own demand,” the President shared.

O n W e d n e s d a y , President Ali said that his

government is in talks with the Government of Cuba to have nurses from the Spanish-Speaking country join Guyana's workforce. In fact, President Ali said he s p o k e w i t h C u b a ' s Ambassador to Guyana Jorge Francisco Soberón Luisontheissue.

“ O n l y y e s t e r d a y (Tuesday), I met with a number of nurses at the

Georgetown Public Hospital and they were so happy for the work, they were doing, and that some of them are doubling up on shifts because of the shortage When I spoke to the administration of the G e o rg e t o w n P u b l i c Hospital, it was said they nowhavehundredsofnurses s h o r t o f t h e i r f u l l complement,”herelated.

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday at the reception event hosted by the Canadian High Commission in Guyana to mark the 156th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.

(Photo courtesy, President's Facebook page)

The President was at the time speaking at a reception hostedbytheCanadianHigh Commission to mark the 156th anniversary of the ConfederationofCanada.

The President in his remarks mentioned that just like Guyana, Canada is also faced with human resource shortfalls in different areas and that there is a very deliberateplan“thattheyare embarking on to find that human resource deficit in different fields and in differentareas.”

Pointing specifically to nursing, the Head-of-State said, “This is an area in which CARICOM as a Region is severely challenged as in the cycle of the movement of labour We see more attractive markets, attracting our medical workers, our nurses, leaving a deficit in our system and

The President said while there are talks about a joint approach between countries on the big issues like energy, food, climate change and the exchanging of tremendous ideas and collaboration in many international forums, there should also be a joint approach in addressing issues like human resource deficits.

“It is important I think as we celebrate today that we take a joint approach in terms of the human resource deficitandtoseehowwecan work out a common agenda through which we can build a system to support the requirements of both countries and our region as a whole,”heexpressed.

Further, President Ali said he wants to position Guyana as an important destination for the provision

Region 2 RDC signs $65M in contracts for upgrading of two roads

The Regional

D e m o c r a t i c Council(RDC)of Region Two on Wednesday signed two contracts totalling $65,896,102 for the upgrading of two deplorable roadslocatedinDanielstown andLima,EssequiboCoast.

Signing the contracts in the company of other regional officials was the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ms Susanah Saywack.

On the ground at Lima, t h e R E O i n k e d a $41,250,400 contract with Builder's Hardware General Supplies and Construction for the upgrading of Sandy NetworkEasternroadway

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that this project is expected to be completed within four months and will see approximately 140 meters of the road being upgraded to Asphaltic Concrete accompanied by

speed bumps. The roadway will also be outfitted with lights.

M e a n w h i l e i n Danielstown, the REO signed a $24,645,720 contract with Innovus EngineeringandSuppliesfor the upgrading of Bus Shed Street,Danielstown.

This project which was awarded to Innovus Engineering & Supplies by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board is expected to be completed in three (3) months.

Thenewlyupgradedroad will measure 405 meters and will be done in Asphaltic Concrete accompanied by speedbumps.

In addition, a 40-meter revetment will be included from the front of the street, and the new street will also be complemented by street lights from the front all the w a y t o t h e e n d

Ministry of Health to start health-screening programme in schools

The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday received a n u m b e r o f m e d i c a l equipment and materials as part of consultancy facilitation between Mount Sinai Health Systems and the Hess Corporation, towards its Comprehensive Child and Youth Health Programme (CYHP).

T h e p r o g r a m m e according to the Ministry, intend to facilitate oral, health, hearing and vision screening for children and adolescents with the aim to improve the health of school childrenagesfiveto17.

In a release, the Health Ministry said this initiative which they are looking to launchinacoupleofweeksis in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and will first start with the nurserylevelstudents.

During brief remarks at

Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and Director of Primary Health Care, Dr. Ertensia Hamilton

the handing over ceremony, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony said that a comprehensive programme will be rolled out at the nursery level and later expanded to primary and secondarylevels.

"We have established a set of measures to be implemented at the nursery level which will include

visual, hearing, dental and physical check-ups to address any conditions and prevent long-term issues," Minister Anthony said. He further disclosed that the Ministry aims to screen at least 27,000 nursery-level children.

In addition, the Minister extended appreciation to Mount Sinai Health Systems

and Hess for the equipment which he said will help the staff to commence screening effectivelyinallRegions.

Meanwhile, Mount Sinai Country Director, Josuè Alcàntara, said that both organisations are pleased to support the Ministry of Health for the needed screening in schools across Guyana.

The Sandy Network Eastern roadway in Lima, which will be rehabilitated to the tune of $41 million.

The Bus Shed Street in Danielstown, Essequibo Coast which will be upgraded for $24 million.

‘Operation Clear-up’ launched to resolve land title issues countrywide countr

DPI - President Irfaan Ali has announced the launch of 'Operation Clear-up,' an initiative aimed at regularising communities and resolving outstanding land title issues in thoseareas.

The special operation, spearheadedbytheMinistryof Housing and Water, will see the resolution of longstanding housing matters across the country

The president made the announcement during a land title distribution ceremony in Vergenoegen, Region Three, where 47 families from the Acme Housing Scheme and Railway Embankment receivedtheirtitles.

“So, this is one aspect of operation clear-up. We have many communities across the country, which we will be working to have operation clear-up resolve outstanding matters in terms of land titles,” heexplained.

The president mentioned Blueberry Hill in Region Ten, where the initiative will see nearly 160 titles ready for distribution. this know is access legitimate land,” ( President been 49 s Railway

lots and Vergenoegen South of theRailwayEmbankmentwith 86 lots, making a total of 150 lots.

The regularisation process began in 2021 with block and occupation surveys conducted by the Central Housing and PlanningAuthority(CHPA).In June and July 2023, the Community Development Department and the Surveys Unit carried out verification exercises after completing the finalsurveyplans.

The verification revealed a total of 150 lots, with 94 residential lots eligible for allocation and processing of titles.

dditionally, 24 lots were identified as business premises, and the Planning Department of CHPA is being consultedtoassessandprovide guidanceontheselots.

The Head-of-State has committed to delivering the remaining titles by the end of nextweek.

“So we are confident that by next Friday, every single family would have their titles…except the areas

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali hands over the title to a recipient. Minister Collin Croal and CEO of CHPA, Sherwyn Greaves are also pictured.

WANTED VACANCY

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.

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.

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: 650-0402/ 665-3880.

One experienced low bed Driver needed. Must be able to load and off load equipments. Call: 644-7088.

Domestic (ages 35 years and older) and Handyman. Call: 623-6383.

One Cashier/ Clerk to work in an electrical and hardware store. Must have experience. Call: 619-0900/ 712-2736.

Wanted urgently Electricians. Must be able to work in both domestic and industrial settings. Call: 619-0900/ 712-2736.

One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

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

Male office Assistant & night Guard needed at Lower East Coast. Call: 6189186, 627-9945, 227-5222.

Wanted person to pluck chicken and to purchase live chicken. Call: 618-9186, 6279945, 227-5222.

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

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

Sales Clerks, Delivery Clerks and Porters needed. Apply at Lens 136 Sheriff St, next to Buddy's/ Pizzahut. Call: 227-2486/227-1511.

Email: lensgy@outlook.com

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

Person needed to assemble bicycle. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda.

Counter Clerk needed. Call: 697-8160.

Receptionist, Room Attendant, Maintenance Guy, Laundry Attendant & Security Guard needed at 233, South Road Lacytown, ages 25-50 years old. Call: 225-2304.

Vacancy exists for male Bond Clerk to work for a Construction Company. Contact: 225-5818 or WhatsApp: 6249505.

Bike Rider needed to work in Georgetown. Call: 2237301-3 or email: info@ splashmins.com

Accounts, Office & Bond Clerks, Lorry Drivers, Sales Rep & Supervisor, Cashier and Porters needed @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Call: 609-2995, survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

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

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

VACANCY

Truck Driver, Excavator Operator, Loader Operator, Motor Grader Operator, pick-up Drivers, Flagman and Labourers required. Call: 700-8131/ 600-6073.

Chainsaw Operators and Labourers needed for wood concession. $5000-$6000 per day. Call: 626-0936.

Masons, Labourers, Carpenters & Skilled men needed. Wages $7,000-$10,000 per day & Labourer 5-6K per day. Call: 650-1394, 692-7110.

EDUCATION

Enroll Now! Classes 26th July,2023. Cake, pastries and cake decoration. Contact Sharon: 612-4193/ 609-9671.

FOR RENT

1-8000 sq ft Modern Warehouse/Manufacturing facility located in the Eccles Industrial site. $10,000 US per month. Telephone: 695-0333.

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

One and two bedrooms furnished apartments for rent in Providence and Diamond. Call: 604-6664, 682- 6238 or 216-2299.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

LAND FOR SALE

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

trade name in your daily newspaper in occurrence with the requisite criteria and law in obtaining a Money Lender Certificate. Pursuant to section 4, Money Lenders Act) Osafa Bess of Lot 111 Miles Mahdia, Pataro Siparuni, Region 8 and Athoya Ramsarran of Lot 15 Rahaman’s Park East Bank Demerara, hereby give notice that WE have applied to the Magistrate of Essequibo District to be held in Mahdia, Pataro Siparuni, Region 8 for a Certificate under the Money Lenders Act authoring to grant us a Money Lender’s Licence to Carry on the Business of Money Lender under the Title of BESS’S JEWELLERY & PAWNSHOP located at Lot 111 Miles Mahdia, Pataro Siparuni, Region 8. NOTICE of any objections to this application should be sent forthwith to the CLERK OF COURT OF THE ESSEQUIBO MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT, and a copy of any such Notice should be sent to the Subscriber Osafa Bess and Athoya Ramsarran.

TO: COLERIDGE ANDRE

ARTHUR

Last known address

Kuru Kua

Soesdyke Linden Highway Republic of Guyana

TAKE NOTICE that on the 9th day of February, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by

JENNIFER ALLISON

WONG nee PADDY AKA

JENNIFER ALLISON

GRAVES nee PADDY the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER

TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 5th day of June, 2023 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service ofher Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Guyana Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND

FOR SALE

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

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

Used Nikon D700 DSLR+ Tamron lens+ many accessories. Pristine condition, $170,000 neg. WhatsApp: 625-0044.

Indian male seeking female for serious relationship. Call: 691-0391.

LEGAL NOTICE 2

Filing Attorney: MS. SHAMEKA TAITT

SERVICES

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

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

GUYANA LEGAL AID CLINIC “Maraj Building” 185 Charlotte & King Streets Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/2259246 Email: legalaid@networksgy.com

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD241

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION

FAMILY DIVISION

PETITION NO. FD-241

BETWEEN: -

WONG (JENNIFER

ALLISON) nee PADDY AKA

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 5th day of September, 2023 at 9:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 779 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

GRAYES (JENNIFER

ALLISON) nee PADDY

Petitioner/Applicant

-and-

WONG (COLERIDGE ANDREARTHUR)

Respondent

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on

PEN PAL

LEGAL NOTICE 2

Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 28th day of June, 2023.

GNBS newly certifies Agro-Processor, Medical Laboratory

DPI - The list of businesses certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) grew by two this week as the National Standards Body certified agro-processed products of Luke’s Manufacturing under the Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme and the Caribbean Endocrinology Institute Inc.

on behalf of his company was Mr. John Luke, who was more than delighted to have his Cassava and Plantain Porridges, Honey and Cassava Sauces and Cassava Cassareep Made in Guyana Certified.

LEGAL NOTICE 3

Filing Attorney: MS. NIKITA EDWARDS

GUYANA LEGAL AID CLINIC “Maraj Building”

185 Charlotte & King Streets Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/225-

9246 Email: legalaid@networksgy.com

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD615

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION

FAMILY DIVISION

PETITION NO. FD-615

BETWEEN:(RODNEY) DEON

Petitioner/Applicant

-V(RODNEY) SHANNAH

MARISSA nee

THORNHILL Respondent

TO: SHANNAH MARISSA

RODNEY nee THORNHILL

Formerly of Meadow Bank, Ruimveldt

Georgetown

TAKE NOTICE that on the 14th day of April, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by DEON RODNEY the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 22nd day of May, 2023 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of- her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Guyana Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online). AND FURTHER

TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE

Laboratory under its Laboratory Certification Programme. These certifications were conducted on Tuesday, July 11 and Friday, July 14, respectively.

The GNBS presented the Made in Guyana Certificate to Lukes Manufacturing during a simple ceremony held at the Bureau’s Head Office, National Exhibition Site, Sophia, Georgetown.

Receiving the Certificate

LEGAL NOTICE 3

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

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for

Directions Hearing on Friday the 11th day of August, 2023 at 9:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Dated the 14th day of June, 2023.

“Luke’s Manufacturing worked hard to become certified and to bring standards to manufacturing, not only in Guyana but throughout the world to access markets” Mr. Luke said.

The business owner admitted that although the GNBS is stringent in the implementation of its requirements, he would still encourage other businesses to become certified ‘because it is the way to go’.

“When you work with the Bureau, they will give you the tools you need”.

Also, in attendance at the ceremony were several Representatives of Partners of America, an international NGO which provides farmer to farmer support.

Speaking on behalf of the NGO, its Country Director of USAID – US Agency for International Development Farmer-to-Farmer Program, Mr. Kelvin Craig, lauded Luke’s Manufacturing for being one of the agro-businesses on the Essequibo Coast that have stayed the course.

Mr. Craig extended hearty congratulations to the business for attaining Made in Guyana Certification of its products, while at the same time he reminded those gathered at the event of his NGO’s commitment to work with

farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture and the GNBS.

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on the local and international markets and is a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese Products.

Certificates are valid for one year after which it is renewed.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Endocrinology Institute Inc. Laboratory received its certificate on Friday, July 14 at its David Street, Kitty, Georgetown facility.

The scope of certification covers Haematology, Biochemistry, Serology, Urology and Endocrinology.

Chief Executive Officer of the facility, Dr. Caleb

McCloggan said he began pursuing certification to the GYS 170:2021 – General Requirements for the operations of a Laboratory National Standard, since launching the business.

Achieving this milestone he said, means a lot for him and other doctors attached to the laboratory.

“Becoming certified by the GNBS speaks a lot about us…it confirms that we have standards here at the Caribbean Endocrinology Institute Inc…this will also help us to reach out to other health institutions and offer our services,” he said.

Offering congratulations on behalf of the GNBS was Head of the Certification Services Department Mr. Keon Rankin who urged the management of the facility to pursue International Accreditation.

“This national standard was developed using the ISO 15189 and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards, therefore making it easier to achieve accreditation once certified.

The standard is a baseline for accreditation, so I am encouraging you to not stop here but to pursue accreditation to the international standard,” he told those gathered at the ceremony.

The GNBS certifies Clinical and Testing laboratories to the National Standard to ensure that customers receive accurate and reliable test results.

Owners of laboratories which are not certified are urged to join the certification process to boost recognition and improve their operations. For more information, contact the GNBS on 219-0064/65/66 or WhatsApp 692-4627.

Italians outraged after court clears man of groping a teen because the contact was under 10 seconds

AP - Italians are using social media to denounce a court verdict clearing a school janitor of a sexual assault charge for groping a 17-year-old student because it only lasted “around five to 10 seconds.”

The teenager said the man came up from behind her as she was pulling up her trousers while walking with a friend up the stairs in a Rome high school, and slipped his hand beneath her underpants, according to court documents.

Pulling on the undergarments, he then lifted her slightly in the air. He admitted to groping her in the April 2022 incident but claimed it was a joke.

A court in Rome ruled last week that the groping was

“just a few seconds” and wasn’t sexual, and that it was so brief that his argument that it was a joke was convincing even if “inopportune.”

The verdict will be appealed, the teen’s lawyer, Andrea Buitoni, told The Associated Press. Italian law allows acquittals to be appealed by both the prosecutor and the defence.

Actor and comedian Paolo Camilli, who appears in The White Lotus, posted a video on TikTok this week fondling his chest in front of the camera as a chronometer countdown 10 seconds.

“If this is not molestation, I don’t know what is,’’ he said.

The video has spawned copycats, with both men and women fondling their chests

to a countdown clock.

Other satirical videos include a woman apologetically excusing a man who has grabbed her rear end after he said he touched her for fewer than 10 seconds, so had committed no crime.

The victim has been following the social media reaction “with mixed feelings,’’ her lawyer said, “even if she is heartened by knowing that the judge’s decision is seen by many as an injustice.”

The case has been criticised by women’s rights organisations.

“This kind of verdict is unacceptable. It makes us go backward, and we cannot allow that,’’ Cristina Ercoli, who heads the anti-violence centre at Differenza Donna, told

The Associated Press.

She said that the younger generation mobilising on social media were making clear that “they have no doubt” that decision was wrong. “They don’t need us to say that it was a crime,’’ she said of the janitor’s action.

In a similar case, Italy’s highest court in 2001 upheld an appeals court decision overturning the conviction of a manager of sexual assault for patting a female employee’s bottom.

While the court acknowledged the act had occurred, it ruled that there was no evidence it was “an act of libido.” He had been found guilty by a lower trial court and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Agro-processed products of Luke’s Manufacturing

Ashton Chase laid to rest

One of the founders of the precursor to the People's Progressive Party Ashton Chase, OE, SC, who died earlyTuesdaymorningatthe age of 96, was on Friday laid torest.

The funeral service for the former Member of Parliament was held at Parliament Buildings, Stabroek,Georgetown.

Delivering his tribute, President Irfaan Ali described the late Chase as a simple and humble man who selflessly dedicated his life toGuyana.

“We are celebrating a man who had all the attributes of integrity, a man who constituted the social, political, and economic development of our country… who has shaped the lives of many Guyanese, but more importantly, has shaped the course of the history of our country, and has shaped it in a form in which today, we enjoy a free and democratic society,” the presidentexpressed.

President Ali also described Chase as a legend, one who shied away from attention despite the many lives he impacted, as well as one who stood up for justice and offered his services whenever he felt there was aninjustice.

“At the time when he would have led the movement for workers and for political freedom and

democracy, it is important for us to understand that that was the era of ideological positioning, and we cannot divorce the ideological debate and discussions that characterised that era,” said theHeadofState.

He continued: “That is what positioned the thinking and work of people like ComradeChaseintheglobal context. Because they were part of a global conversation in which philosophical and ideological positions were debated in the interest of service to humanity and we must not forget that,” PresidentAlifurtherstated.

The President said the intellectual work that characterised the lives of G u y a n a ' s f o u n d i n g members, including Chase, showedthebrillianceoftheir thinking in speech and writing, and therefore, their work must not be forgotten as an important part of Guyana'shistory

Attendees at the funeral service of the late Ashton Chase, OE, SC

Ashton Chase

IPL: Langer takes over from Flower as LSG head coach

(Cricinfo) - Langer replaced Andy Flower, who served as the head coach at Super Giants since the franchise became a part of the IPL in 2022. LSG did not renew Flower’s contract after the end of the two-year term, during which they finished in the top four on both occasions.

“Lucknow Super Giants are on the journey of building a great story in the IPL,” Langer said in a statement released by the franchise. “We all have a role to play in that journey and I am excited to be a part of the team moving forward.”

Langer has never held a coaching role in the IPL but has a rich pedigree as a coach in T20 cricket, having helmed

Perth Scorchers to three Big Bash League titles. He was also the head coach when Australia won the T20 World Cup for the first time in 2021 in the UAE. He resigned as Australia’s head coach early in 2022 after rejecting a shortterm extension offer.

He has previously worked with Gautam Gambhir, Super Giants’ director of cricket, when Gambhir was trying to resurrect his international career in 2015. A casual chat on the sidelines of the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2014, where Gambhir was captaining Kolkata Knight Riders and Langer coaching Scorchers, turned into a oneon-one mentorship a year later. Gambhir spent a fort-

Saturday July 15, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Some kind of settlement, grant, or bonus that you've anticipated for a long time may finally show up, Aries. This should make your day! You may want to celebrate.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Today you may put a lot of energy into your romantic relationship, Taurus. The astral energy is encouraging you to focus on romance. Give your significant other a special gift.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Too much work and the resulting pressure over the past few days may have you feeling too tired to do anything more, Gemini, although your optimism and enthusiasm are still intact. .

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Romance blossoms for you, Cancer, perhaps after a long standstill. A new stability and security may settle on love relationships as well as close friendships.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

You might host a social event in your home tonight, Leo. You may be nervous at first, wondering if all will go well. Your efforts should produce the results you want.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Paperwork, perhaps contracts or other legal documents, might need attention so you can move ahead with your projects, Virgo.

Justin Langer coached Perth Scorchers to three BBL title wins (Getty Images)a

GSCL’s Ofimak softball tourney to bowl off July 28

RECOGNIZING the need for the return of softball at the local level, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc, through sponsorship from Regal Stationery and Computer Centre of 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, is inviting entries for a tournament, set to start on Sunday, July 30.

egory must be 40 years and older, similar to those in the Over-50 who are required to be 50 years and older. Trophy Stall balls will be used in all three categories.

Interested teams have until Friday, July 28 to submit entries along with 15 registered players.

night in Perth then to work on some technical issues and mental toughness through mixed martial arts and gymnastics.

After the stint, Langer stated that he was “impressed with Gambhir’s desire” to work on his game at that stage

in his career, after having led Knight Riders to the IPL title twice apart from having played a key role in two world titles with India - the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.

Flower, who worked closely with Gambhir, had a good run with the franchise that finished in the playoffs in both their seasons. In 2022, their first season in the IPL, Super Giants finished third, and in IPL 2023, they were knocked out in the Eliminator.

According to the GSCL, the 20-over tournament will be played in three categories – Open, Over-40 and Over-50 under the Ofimak office supplies brand of which Regal Stationery and Computer Centre are the sole distributors in Guyana.

Matches will be played at various venues in Georgetown and East Coast, starting at 9.00hrs and teams are will be allowed half hour grace periods after which walkovers will be granted. Players in the Over-40 cat-

The winning teams in the Open and Over-40 categories are guaranteed $100,000 while the runners-up will take home $50,000.

The Over-50 division, which is expected to have a larger influx of teams, will see the winners carting off $200,000 and the runners-up $50,000.

Winners and runners-up trophies plus other incentives will also be up for grabs.

Interested teams are asked to contact the following phone numbers: 6107902, 611-8073, 6621021.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Your financial picture continues to improve. At some point during the day, Libra, you might have the feeling that you aren't working hard enough to keep up your current forward motion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Even though all continues to go well for you, Scorpio, your mood may vacillate today. In spite of all the great things in your life, at some time during the day you might feel a little blue.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Trying to get too much work done in the course of the day could prove self-defeating, Sagittarius. Your energy isn't what it usually is, and you're probably operating on adrenaline.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

A despondent friend may need some cheering up. Your ability to nurture and listen sympathetically will definitely prove beneficial, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Many projects to complete before a deadline might have you feeling pressured, Aquarius, but your determination is likely to drive you to try to get it all done even if it seems impossible.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You've been doing very well, Pisces, but today you might feel more focused than ever. The path ahead seems clear and well defined.

One of the most established coaches in the T20 circuit, Flower is currently in a consultancy role with Australia at the men’s Ashes.

Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Super Giants franchise said, “I have enjoyed my interactions with Justin Langer. He seems to bring in a huge amount of aggression and a lot of clarity.”

Digicel’s Schools Football Championships 2023… Georgetown’s finalist to be decided today

The eighth edition of the Digicel Schools Football Championship continues today with the Region Four (Georgetown) semifinals at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground as the tournament moves one step closer to crowning the ninth RegionalChampion.

Thus far, the Regional Champions of the 2023 edition are Santa Rosa (Region 1), Charity (Region 2), Leonora (Region 3), Region 4 (East Coast) –Buxton, Region 4 (East

Bank) – Soesdyke, Mahaicony TI (Region 5), BEI (Region 6), Kato (Region 8), St Ignatius (Region 9) and Mackenzie High(Region10).

R e g i o n F o u r (Georgetown) and Region

Sevenaretheonlyremaining zones left to crown a RegionalChampion.

In the final-four showdowns today, the first match is pitted for 16:00 hrs

between West Ruimveldt and Dolphin while the second battle features

goal scorers

Excelsior and Charlestown, whocollideat17:30hrs.The winners of these two

Kennard Memorial Turf Club says than you

The Board of Directors and

members of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) would like to express gratitude to all who contributed in one way or the other in making their one-day horserace meet a success. The event which was held on Monday3rdJulyattheKennardMemorial TurfClub,Corentyne,andBerbicereceived overwhelming support from sponsors, horse owners and spectators. The day’s eventwasincidentfree.

The management committee which is ledbyMatriarchMrs.ChanKennardwould liketosayabigthankyoutoamongothers Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Demerara Distillers Limited, Delmur Company and Elcock Racing Stables, Patsan Trading, Horse Shoe and Goodwood Racing

Services,DalipTrading,Mike’sPharmacy, Cyril’s Taxi Services, Mohammed Enterprise,PeterPartasoon,JoeJagmohan, M and B Contractors, Rus Gas Station among others Despite the inclement weather the event was well organized and cameoffwithabang.

Another feature was the payment of winners and outstanding performers after therespectiveraces.

The committee looks forward to continued patronage from all for the next racemeet.

ThefeatureG3nonewinnerseventwas won by Pre-race favourite American TravelerofthePersaudStableafteradingdong tussle with the much improved Republican of the Elcock Racing Stable.

(SamuelWhyte)

matchesmoveontothefinal. Meanwhile, four more matches are scheduled to

precede the semis with games being played at the MoEandNationalInsurance

Scheme(NIS)Grounds.

A t N I S , N e w Campbellville and North Ruimveldt lock horns at 13:00hrsthenSt.Winifred’s trashesitoutwithTucvilleat 14:30 hrs. Over at the MoE venue, the action start at 13:00 hrs with Richard Ishmael versus Tutorial and North Georgetown versus EastRuimveldtat14:30hrs.

OnWednesdaytheaction in the Georgetown zone continued with one match that saw Excelsior destroy MarianAcademy10–0.The eventualwinnerwasledbya hat-trick from Antonio McArthur (15’, 21’ & 28’) while doubles came from Solomon Reginald (11’ & 46’)andDwayneJames(26’ &51’).

Adriano Wharton (31’), ShaquilleSargeant(52’)and Tyrese Lyle (60’) accounted fortheothergoals. This tournament is sponsored by Digicel Guyanaandorganisedbythe PetraOrganisation.

2023 Republic Bank CPL…

Evans and Ahmad join Barbados Royals

QaisAhmad

Laurie Evans has joined the Barbados Royals for the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League. Evans replaces Rassie van derDussenwhoisnolonger availableduetointernational commitments.

An English top order

batter, Evans has extensive experience of T20 leagues around the world and has also played at the CPL with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Evanshasscoredcloseto 6000 runs in T20 cricket along with three hundreds

and38fifties.

The Royals have also confirmed that Afghanistan legspinnerQaisAhmadwill be a temporary replacement for Maheesh Theekshana who will be at theAsia Cup for the first part of the tournament.

Excelsior’s

were (L-R)Antonio McArthur, Dwayne James, Tyrese Lyle,Adriano Wharton, Solomon Reginald and Shaquille Sargeant

Five cars from Balram/Team Trans Pacific at Drag Wars 2.0

Balram Ramdeo, the principal of Balram Auto Mechanic, is confident that he will reclaim the title of ‘Best Mechanic’ at the upcoming Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC) Drag Wars 2.0. Theeventwillbeheldatthe SouthDakotaDragStripand will feature drivers from at least three countries competing for top honours andbraggingrights.

In an interview with the media, Ramdeo revealed thathiscamp,inpartnership with Team Trans Pacific Motor Spares &Auto Sales, will be entering no less that five cars in the competition, which speeds off on July 30th at the Timehri 1320ft dragstrip.

Ramdeoboldlypredicted that his vehicles will dominate their respective classes. His garage boasts a

formidable lineup of 100% locally built cars, including an unlimited class Alteeza powered by a 2Jz engine, which he will personally drive.ThePrincipalofTeam Trans Pacific, Krishna Ramsewack, will be driving

a 2Jz Toyota Verossa, while Romeo Singh will be in control of a 5e Toyota Glanza. Anil Singh will be behind the wheel of a 2zz Allex, and Bunty Ramdeo willpilotaMarkII1Jz.

Ramdeo expressed his

optimism for a competitive andthrillingouting,provided that there are no hiccups In previous drag meets, Balram has been plagued with mechanical issues, preventing the 2Jz machines from unleashing their true

power

However, Ramdeo assured that this will not be thecaseintheupcomingmeet laterthismonth

Inaddition,henotedthat it will be Team Guyana defendtheirterritoryagainst tough competition from

Trinidad & Tobago and Suriname,aboveallelse. Tickets for the event are priced at $2,500 for adults and $1,000 for children, offering fans an opportunity towitnesstheexcitingracing action.

RHTYSC Grade 6 cricket summer camp bowls off July 17

The Rose Hall Town Youth and

Sports Club (RHTYSC) will bowl off their 14th annual Grade 6 CricketSummerCampfrom July17.

The 4-week long programwillbehostedatthe Rose Hall Town Primary School and is set to cater would to about eighty students who recently wrote the National Grade Six

exams and are preparing for secondaryschool.

The students would be taught four subjects-Maths, English,ScienceandHistory along with several topics of interest including the

- More batting cages, cricket equipment presented

importance of Discipline, Peer Pressure, Personal mannersandpersonalcare.

Each child that successfully completes the campwouldreceiveaschool bag and educational

materials.

The best student would carry home -an electric bike while over three hundred thousand dollars worth of prizes would be shared out with the top students

including cycles, household items,tabletsandhampers.

TheentrancefeeisFREE and parents are invited to registertheirkidsasearlyas possible.

Forms are available at ourArea H Ground from 3 to 530am on working dates

The camp is been sponsored by Republic Bank and others Also, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) recently completed its fourth batting cages, under the sponsorship of ContractorPeterLewis

T h e c a g e w a s constructed at the Bush Lot United Sports for youthsintheWestBerbice area with other clubs such as RHTYSC, Canje, Port Mourant and as scheduled for upgrade next, the No 72 Cut and Load Club, housing the new training construction

Four clubs have also received batting machines whiletwomoreclubswillbe recipientsshortlyastheBCB continues its developmental programme across the AncientCounty

(This is an official releaseoftheRHTYSC)

BalramAuto Mechanic’s ToyotaAllex

Ashwin’s seven-for sews up India’s innings win

R Ashwin finished with 12 wickets in the match as IndiabeatWest Indies by an innings and 141 runs in the first Test at Windsor Park.

After debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 171 enabled India todeclarewithaleadof271, Ashwinpickedup7for71as West Indies folded for 130 onthethirdevening.

With the pitch offering plentyofturnandbouncefor spinners, Rohit Sharma had AshwinandRavindraJadeja operatingintandemafterthe fourth over of West Indies’ second innings The duo didn’t take long to make an impact and, using aroundthe-wicket angle, they ran through West Indies’ top order Ashwin dismissed right-handers Kraigg

Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood and Jadeja accounted for left-handers

TagenarineChanderpauland Raymon Reifer. That reducedWestIndiesto32for 4 despite Ishan Kishan droppingBrathwaiteonzero offJadeja.

Athanaze and Joshua Da Silva took the side past 50 but their stand was worth only 26 when Mohammed Siraj trapped Da Silva lbw Athanaze, dropped on 1 by Jaiswal off Ashwin, was trying to stay positive. He

had hit a couple of fours in Ashwin’s first spell but the offspinner returned to have him caught at short leg with Jaiswal making no mistake onthisoccasion.

Indieshadtheopportunityto dismiss Kohli in the sixth over of the day, when Warrican got him to push uppishlytowardsextracover but Brathwaite dropped the catch.Kohliwason40atthe timeandhehadtoworkhard for his runs. It took him 147 balls to bring up his halfcentury, his third slowest in Testcricket.Therun-scoring becameslightlyeasierwhen, around 25 minutes before lunch, Brathwaite deployed Athanaze from one end and himselffromtheother Kohli andJadejausedthatwindow to score a couple of boundaries each and take Indiato400.

not allowed to bowl for two hours as he had gone off the field with a chest infection beforelunchondaytwo.

Kemar Roach

AlzarriJosephwalkedin aheadofRahkeemCornwall for the second time in the Test, and tried to survive by wayofattack.HehitAshwin over long-off for a six but holedouttodeepmidwicket when he went for another slog. For his fifth wicket, Ashwinswitchedtooverthe wicket and had Cornwall caughtatshortlegwithabig offbreak

didn’t last long either, and while Jomel Warrican entertainedforabriefperiod, ittookAshwinonlyacouple of overs after the scheduled hourstohavehimlbw.Jason Holder resisted for 50 balls buttherewaslittlehelpfrom theotherend.

In the morning, as Jaiswal and Virat Kohli resumed India’s innings from 312 for 2, West Indies started with a couple of handicaps. Joseph couldn’t openthebowlingbecausehe was off the field for 28 minutes before stumps last evening. Cornwall was also

Wimbledon 2023: Djokovic and Alcaraz win semi-finals

(BBC Sport) - Novak

Djokovic reached the Wimbledon men’s singles final for the fifth successive year with a dominant win in the last four over Jannik Sinner

SecondseedDjokovicwon 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) against the Italian eighth seed, leaving himonevictoryawayfroma record-equalling eighth men’s title. The 36-year-old Serb could also earn a recordequalling24thmajortitle.

Spanish top seed Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Daniil Medvedev6-36-36-3,willtry tostopDjokovicinSunday’s final.Alcaraz,20,outclassed theRussianthirdseed-inthe second semi-final also played under the Centre Court roof later on Fridayto reach his first final at the AllEnglandClub.

By contrast, Djokovic has reached his ninth Wimbledon showpiece

It will also be a record 35th Grand Slam final

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Italy’s Jannik Sinner embrace after their semi final match. (Reuters)

surpassed the tally he previously shared with AmericanChrisEvert.

Djokovic has not lost a completed match at Wimbledon since 2016 and hasnotbeenbeatenonCentre Court since 2013 “In the semi-finals, it was always going to be a very close and very tense match,” said Djokovic,whois14yearsand 86 days older than Sinner

“That was the case and the scoreline doesn’t give the realityofwhatwashappening on the court. It was super close.

“Jannik has proven why heisoneoftheleadersofthe next generation and one of thebestplayersintheworld.

“Itriednottolookatage as a hindrance or a factor of theoutcome.Iguess36isthe new26.”

On a pitch that was slowing down with every passing over, Jaiswal had no trouble driving on the up against seamers. The opener pickeduphisfirstboundaryof the day with an on-drive off Holder Three balls later, he becamethethirdIndianafter Shikhar Dhawan (187) and Rohit (177) to score 150 or moreonTestdebut.

JosephreplacedHolderas soonashewaseligibletobowl

BythenJaiswalwaslookingto

score quickly He uppercut Joseph over backward point forfour to bring up the 100run partnership with Kohli, before skipping down the ground to launch Warrican forastraightsix.

Joseph then pulled his length back, bowled five successivedotballstoJaiswal, and had him caught behind withthesixthastheleft-hander lookedto punch off the back foot.

AjinkyaRahanefailedto account for the slowness of the pitch and fell for 3, chippingRoach’sfirstballof the morning to cover West

Just after lunch, Kohli got another reprieve on 72. Drivingawayfromthebody, he edged Roach behind the stumps, and Da Silva, despite his one-handed diving effort, couldn’t hold on to the chance. Kohli’s innings eventually came to anendon76whenheflicked Cornwalltolegslip.

Like the fellow debutant Jaiswal, Kishan also took a long time to open his account. Jaiswal had got off the mark off the 16th ball; Kishandidsoonthe20th.As soon as Kishan scored his first run, Rohit declared the innings.

Major League Cricket… Texas Super Kings dominate Los Angeles Knight Riders in opener

(SportsMax) - The TexasSuperKingssecured a resounding 69-run win over the Los Angeles Knight Riders to kick off the inaugural season of Major League Cricket in theUnitedStates.

The Knight Riders, led by Captain, Sunil Narine and including the likesofAndreRusselland Rilee Rossouw, won the toss and elected to field first at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday

The Super Kings, including Dwayne Bravo, posted 181-6 from their 20 overs thanks to halfcenturies from David

MillerandDevonConway

Millerblasteda42-ball 61includingtwofoursand four sixes while, earlier, Conway hit 55 off 37 balls includingsevenfoursanda sixatthetopoftheorder

P a c e r s L o c k i e Ferguson and Ali Khan each took a pair of wickets fortheKnightRiders.

The Super Kings then used early wickets and disciplined bowling to restricttheKnightRidersto 112 all out in just 14 overs intheirreply

The Knight Riders lost fivewicketswithinthefirst six overs and were never abletorecovertomakethe gamecompetitive.

Only Andre Russell offeredsomeresistancefor the Knight Riders with an aggressive 55 off 34 balls including seven fours and threebigsixes.

Jaskaran Malhotra (22) and Narine (15) were the onlyotherbatsmentoreach double figures as legspinner Mohammad Mohsin backed up some good bowling at the top from the pacers with 4-8 fromthreeovers.

Earlier, Rusty Theron took 2-16 and Gerald Coetzee took 2-22 in four overs between them Dwayne Bravo also chipped in with 1-10 from histwoovers.

RAshwin is mobbed by his team-mates (Associated Press)

2023 RAN Championship…

Guyana U19 ruggers to play for 5th today

In a challenging d i s p l a y o f sportsmanship, the Guyana National Under 19 R u g b y T e a m experienced a series of losses at the 2023

Rugby America’s North (RAN) tournament in Kingston Jamaica, losing allfour matchesinPool-B, includingtwodefeatstothe host Jamaica

The RAN tournament commenced on the 12 July and will culminate on 16 July at the University of the West Indies, Mona Bowl Campus

The tournament, which featured Men’s U19 teams from Bermuda, Cayman Island, Trinidad and

Tobago, Guyana and host Jamaica

The young Green

Machile campaign began withhighspiritsastheytook

to the field against

B e r m u d a

Unfortunately, they faced a difficult start and were unable to secure victory in their opening match against Bermuda; losing48-0.

The subsequent games proved equally challenging, leaving the players grappling with adversity on multiple fronts; losing to Jamaica

36-0 to close a woeful

opening day of the tournament Day two, they met

with Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica for a

second match, they

eventually loss both encounters, 33-0 and 370 respectively. Despite displaying resilience and determination, the young ruggers faced an uphill

battle against their

motivated opponents

Notably, throughout the tournament, the young players showcased moments of brilliance, demonstrating their potential and dedication tothesport

While the tournament did not yield the desired outcomes for the U19 boys, it servesasavaluable learning experience for the buddingathletes.

Meanwhile, the team will now regroup, reflect on their performance, and identify area s for improvement with the guidance of their coach Larry Adonis, as they focus on their Fifth and Sixth-place clash with CaymanIslandtoday

TheMen’sU19finalwill be played between host Jamaica and USA South at 15:00hours.

Van Lange to Captain Guyana team for CWI Regional U17 tournament

- Bowls off August 9 in T&T

Demerara skipper Johnathan Van Lange will lead astrong14-mansquadasthe Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) announced their national team for the upcoming Regional U17 2Day and 50-Overs tournament.

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) youth tournament will bowl off in Trinidad and TobagofromAugust9andwill feature some of the West Indies’topupcomingstars.

Van Lange, who struck a majestic158intheGCBU17 Inter-countytournamentafew days ago, will have tons of talentwithinhisranks.Vikash Wilson, the U17 Inter-county MVP, Vice-Captain Matthew Pottaya, opener Rampersaud Ramnauth, Sanjay Algoo, Nicholas Shiopersaud and othertop-performerswillaim tocontinuetheirformonthe Regionalstage.

Guyana also named the likes of ;Dave Mohabir, Stephon Sankar and Harold De Mattos, three standout players from the intercounty, in their standby bunch, further adding to the

Johnathan Van Lange

Meanwhile, the National U17 team alongside coach Quasen Nedd and Manager Neil Rudder will commence encampmentfromJuly22nd attheGCBLBIfacility Guyana U17 Team: Johnathan Van Lange (C), Rampersaud Ramnauth, Kevin Kisten, Vikash

nson, Romeo

Deonarine, Ari Afrizal Kadir, Nityanand Mathura, Sanjay Algoo, Matthew Pottaya,Golcharran Chulai, Nicholas Shiopersaud, Salim Khan, Bruce Vincent andDarwinJoseph.

Standbys: Harold Demattos, Dave Mohabir, Shane Prince, Romesh Bharrat,StephonSankarand NatronGill.

Guyana’s Green Machine in action against T&T Men’s U19 at the RAN Championship