Kaieteur News

of

US$20M

feasibility vs returns to citizens study done on oil projects’

Have breakdown of all operating costs

Govts. should have independent Compare projects against similar ones in the industry rate on loans to poultry farmers

Ensure detailed breakdown of borrowing and repayment terms Bandit shot in attempted robbery at supermarket reduced by 3%

Exxon’s full liability coverage case... Citizens file Motion to overturn Justice - Commonwealth Secretariat Advisor

Review companies’ marketing strategy for crude oil, gas, condensate, and natural gas liquids

Pres.Alisays:

Rishi Persaud’s stay, requesting urgent hearing

Govts. should have independent study done on oil projects’ feasibility vs. returns to citizens

-Commonwealth SecretariatAdvisor

ByKianaWilburg

When an oil

c o m p a n y submitsaplan tothegovernmentonhowit wishes to develop a discovery, that document, otherwise known as a Field Development Plan (FDP), should not be accepted at facevalue.

According to the Economic Advisor attached to the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Ocean and Natural ResourcesAdvisory Division, Naadira Ogeer, governments should take care to do independent analysis that determines the feasibility of such projects versusthegainstocitizens.

Inahandbookdeveloped to help government officials make the best decisions for its people when reviewing a company’s FDPs, the expert stressedtheneedforthereto be detailed reviews done by state authorities or the expertstheyhire.

The official said FDPs are documents that ought to betreatedwithahighdegree of importance as they explainhowacompanywill go about developing multimillion dollar projects

Taking this into account, Ogeer said it is critical that the government has a clear appreciation of how revenueswillbeimpactedby changes in key areas of uncertainty e g pricing, production fluctuations, and operatingcosts.

“Ideally,thegovernment

should have independent economic models and experts to conduct independent evaluation of the feasibility of a project and the returns to the country,”Ogeerstatedinthe handbook published by the CommonwealthSecretariat.

Additionally, Ogeer said there are some fundamental piecesofinformationthatoil companiesshouldprovidein FDPs for the government to review She said these include information on the marketing and the sale arrangements for products such as crude oil, gas, condensate, and natural gas liquids.

Ogeer also said oil companies must provide details on the source of fundingfordevelopmentand production including debtto-equity ratio and all borrowing costs and

- compare projects against similar ones in the industry

- review companies’ marketing strategy for crude oil, gas, condensate, and natural gas liquids

- ensure detailed breakdown of borrowing and repayment terms

- have breakdown of all operating costs

- demand to know how estimates are determined

repaymentterms.

Further to this, Ogeer said oil companies should includeintheirFDPs,annual production and expenditure estimates. She said in this regard that the expenditure estimates should include a breakdown of capital expenditure (capex), operating expenditure (opex), and costs associated with the safe removal of project infrastructure after the oil has been depleted. S h e a l s o a d v i s e d governments to request a description of the methodology used to arrive atcostestimates.

The official said governments would be wise to also have FDPs benchmarkedagainstsimilar projectsintheindustry

Oncetheforegoingsteps are followed, Ogeer lauded

that governments would be on the right pathway to getting the most value from theirresources.

HANDBOOK’SORIGIN

The Commonwealth Secretariat, through the Oceans and Natural Resources Division, supports member countries in the sustainable developmentoftheirnatural resources.

The Secretariat also works in collaboration with other organisations to deliver on its mandate. The NewProducersGroup(NPG or Group) is one such partnership. The NPG was established in 2012 by ChathamHouse,theNatural Resources Governance Institute, and the CommonwealthSecretariat.

The NPG’s aim is to achievelastingandinclusive

development outcomes in emergingproducercountries andtohelpthempreparefor aworldbeyondoilandgas.It isanetworkandcommunity ofpracticebringingtogether over 30 countries (Guyana included) which are new to the oil and gas sector, and half of which are Commonwealth countries (CWC).

NPG activities are centred around holding Discussion Meetings, including the Annual Meeting,NationalSeminars, publications which are focused on issues pertinent to emerging producers, and capacity-building initiatives (e g training, mentoring, technical teleconferences, workshopsandwebinars).

Atthe2019NPGAnnual Meeting, government officials identified Field

DevelopmentPlans(FDP)as an area where support was needed. In response, the NPGconductedaseven-day training workshop in O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 o n “Government Review and Approval of Field Development Plans” which was attended by almost 100 officials from 11 countries. In 2021, the Group has facilitated several countries to develop internal governmentprocesseswhich enable the effective review ofFDPs.

To complement the foregoing,thehandbookwas p r e p a r e d b y t h e Commonwealth Secretariat to address key challenges facedbyregulatorybodiesin member countries in reviewing, approving (and m o n i t o r i n g t h e implementationof)FDPs.

Commonwealth Secretariat’sAdvisor, Naadira Ogeer

Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

GOLD – ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT

Gold prices have been up for an extended period, hovering close to US$2000 per ounce. Guyana has more hugeforeigngoldcompaniesoperatinghere,andfromtheir own announcements are poised to rake in millions upon millionsinAmericandollarsfrommegagoldfinds. Amidst thesetwoencouragingdevelopments,thesurpriseisthatthe GuyanaGoldBoard(GGB)isgoingtheotherway Asmore bigcompaniescomeheretoexploitourrichgoldfields,our golddeclarationsaregoingdown.

TheGGBhasbeenrecordinglowerdeclarationsforthe last six years. Local medium-scale miners contribute significantly to the GGB’s declarations. But, with the presenceofnewer,moremuscularforeigngoldcompanies operatinghere,theexpectationisthatgoldnumbersinthis countrywouldbehittingtheroof. ItwasFinanceMinister, Dr AshniSingh,whohadexcitedlyinformedGuyaneseofa fewworld-classgoldminingcompaniescomingtoGuyana totapintoourrichgoldfieldsinthehinterlands.

They are here, and their mining operations are in full swing. Tappingintoour gold richesis an understatement, for their standard of operations is on a massive scale, as effectedthroughblastingdeepintotheearthinthesearchfor great shelves of gold. Where locals make use of dredges andexcavatorsintheirhuntforgold,theforeigncompanies employ the latest state-of-the-art equipment, advanced techniques, and skillful use of explosives to separate the preciousmetalfromitsancientrootsdeepbelowtheearth’s surface The results have been staggering and mouthwatering. The Chief Executive Officer of one foreign gold company had a glowing update for her shareholders:explorationshaveledtothediscoveryofgold in‘unlimited’amounts. Byanystretchoftheimagination, ‘unlimited’breaksintonewterritory,withgreatrichesgoing to the officers and shareholders of that foreign gold company Further, another gold company, also foreign, madethenewsinitsownway:whatisbeingexperiencedin Guyanaisa‘goldfever.’ Goldfever,fromthebeginningof time,andsincemanputaveryhighvalueonthecommodity, hasdrivenmanytomadness. Excitementandmadnessare whatsweepacrossGuyanacurrently,asagreatgoldrushis underway Whatisgoodforforeigngoldcompaniesisnot so good for Guyana. Here we are, the owners of this immense amount of mineral wealth, and the news of huge discoveriesareobtainedsecondhand. Theshareholdersof the foreign companies hear about their good fortune first, whileGuyanesecomebytheirinformationona‘bytheway’ basis. Areasonablepersonwouldthinkthatwithwordslike ‘unlimited’ and ‘gold fever’ from senior people in the differentforeigngoldcompanies,ourgoldnumberswould be blowing through the roof. Nothing of the sort is occurring,andGuyanadoesnotevenhavetheclearest,most accurate, understanding of how many hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, of ounces of gold that are foundhere.

Justasisthecasewithouroffshoreoilwealth,Guyana knows how much gold is produced by the gold companies themselves. They can tell us whatever they feel like, because the Guyanese who should be standing over gold operationsandcloselymonitoringeverythingthatisgoing on in those goldfields are not around, or not welcomed there. We know that the gold companies are here, and miningatanacceleratedrateandthattheyhaveannounced hugefinds. Thespecificsofthosegoldharvestsarenotours toknowatthistime.

So,whatisthebenefittoGuyanafromthepresenceand operations of these mega companies? Our gold numbers should be significantly increasing, and so also our cash inflowsfromroyaltiesandtaxes. Asusual,wehearpolitical leaders foolishly boasting about jobs, and roads the companiesbuildfortheirownbenefit,andnotmuchabout material improvements in contract terms. No company shouldbeoperatingourgoldfieldsatthesamesingle-digit royalty percentages, but at least twice than before. They havetodomorewithbetterjobs,moretaxes,moreforthe environment, and more that make for equal partnership. Onceagain,Guyanesearereducedtospectators,whiletheir wealthdrainsaway,withlittleforthemselves.

TRAPPED INACYCLE OF ETHNO-POLITICAL STRIFE, CORRUPTION,AND MISMANAGEMENT BYTHE PPPAND PNC

DEAREDITOR, Alternativesforpolitical representation in Guyana have been rendered almost non-existent by the collective failure of the PPP and PNC to facilitate the necessary constitutional reforms and to disassociate t h e m s e l v e s f r o m ethnopoliticalpoliticking.

This has stifled the evolution of democracy, exemplified by the absence andlimitedsuccessofsocial justice and political grassroots movements. The

proverbial more fuel on the fire is ethnopolitical strife both parties conveniently and calculatingly propagate and persistent financial, economic, and law enforcementcorruption.

The reality in Guyana is thatmanyofourpeoplehave either migrated for a better lifeorarestrugglingtomake ends meet. However, the PPP and PNC don’t want to focus on this. Making up this group are African and Indian Guyanese who somehowbelievethatavote

for either party will make things better We have been hoping for this for over 50 years despite the PPP and PNC showing us their true colourstimeandtimeagain.

The PPP and PNC can alwayscountonpeoplewith the mindset of I vote for the PPP because I am Indian and I vote for the PNC because I am African tovote for them regardless of their daily struggle and mismanagement of our nation’s resources and government.So,wehavehad

governments doing just enough for each group, and the country as a whole, but not too much lest their grip on power over these two groups. Losing their group power means they actually have to perform well and be accountable because there are more and better alternatives.

There needs to be space for democracy to evolve to better serve a small multicultural society like ours.Partoftheproblemis

(Continuedonpage6)

The entire poultry sector has become a political gimmick

DEAREDITOR,

Please allow me to state my dissatisfaction with the state of our poultry sector andIamdoingsoasapoultry farmer Firstly, PresidentAli heldapoultrysymposiumat the Author Chung Conference Center recently where he announced government plans on importing chicken to facilitate a shortage they claimed which I know for a fact there is no shortage of chickeninGuyana.

WhatIdoknowforafact is that there is an adequate amount of chicken but the factthattheyaren’tproperly vaccinated and the poor quality of feed produced locally farmers are running at a loss whereby instead of having 5 to 6 lbs of birds in

six weeks you only get 4 to 4.5 lbs some even worse staggeringat3lbs.Withthis situation, farmers are forced totaketheirbirdsforanother week or two which also drives up the cost per production Presently the cost for producing 100 chickens in terms of feed is 10to12bagsanythingmore isguaranteedyourunningat a loss and I will address the cost of production in a more detailedversionsoonorlater inanotherletter

Now let’s look at the interventionwiththepoultry loans President Ali claimed he intervened in, 5% and below depending on the amount you’re borrowing is great fair enough, but let’s look at it in a way whereby youhaveyoungpersonswho

are now venturing into poultry farming and also those who had already took loansfromthesecommercial banksbutrunatalossdueto poor feed and vaccination quality, now if one looks at the requirements that were set by Demerara Bank Ltd, PresidentAlineedstofirstly tellthenationwherewoulda young fresh poultry farmer find those requirements just to acquire a loan of $500,0000 or less, I say this to say that it’s all a political gimmick. Yes, you got the banks to bring down the interest rates but what about the requirements? There needstobeareviewofthose requirements. Most of our poultry small and mediumscale farmers are operating ontheirownanddonothave

CompareAustralia’s well-being budget against Guyana’s transformations

DEAREDITOR,

A few days ago, the Australian government released its first so-called “well-being budget”, which used 50 different indicators tomeasurethequalityoflife of Australians by reporting on such things as how safe Australians feel, how much time people have for recreation, their economic resilience, job satisfaction, state of mental health, and trust in institutions. For the

record, twenty indicators saw improvement, seven were stable, 12 deteriorated andothershadmixedtrends.

Australia thus joined a growingnumberofcountries that share the ambition of building Wellbeing Economies, countries that have shifted their understanding of ‘progress’

and ‘development’ Societies and governments are moving beyond measuring progress in terms

of GDP, size of national budgets, or average income levelstoevaluatingprogress intermsofqualityoflifeand collective and subjective well-being Compare this people-centered approach with the current situation in Guyana where the President recently gushed about “transformations” occurring inthecountrywhenviewing high piles of sand at a constructionsite.

SherwoodLowe

the kind of collateral the bank is asking for and that’s the hard fact Their requirements are way too much and with that it drives poultry farmers or I should say force them to be taking loans at IPED which has an interest rate of 20% to 30% but their requirements are very much minimal. So in closing, if President Ali is really serious about food securityandmakingGuyana self-sustainable he needs to look at things in a holistic manneranddotherightthing listentopoultryfarmers,and offerrealsolutions.

Your intervention means nothing unless you can negotiate with the banks to review their poultry loan requirements to benefit the small man. I am waiting to see the requirements from the other commercial banks bytheendofthenewweek.

S.Conway

Sand increase will bankrupt low-income home builders

DEAREDITOR,

ThePresidentisaskedto investigate the sudden increaseinthepriceofsand.

One week ago, a small truckloadofsandwasselling at $20,000-$23,000 This past week, the price has surged to between $24,000 and30,000,amorethan20% increase.Sometruckershave upped the price of a large truckload of sand from$32,000 to $ 45,000, a morethan40%increase.Itis believed that some unscrupulous operators –including some sandpit owners and some greedy truck operators are behind

the recent predatory pricing ofsand.

These increases will bankrupt low-income home builders. Sand is a major input in home construction. Now with the rapid acceleration of government roadworks,thereislikelyto be even more upwards pressureonthepriceofsand.

Iamthereforeaskingthe President to intervene to reduce the price of sand and avoid the exploitation of poor people. No one should be paying so much for a commodity that is a natural resourceinGuyana.

ConcernedCitizen

Excellent service by GPHC’s Neurosurgery team

DEAREDITOR, Please permit me some space in your newspaper to acknowledge the sterling services I received from the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation Neurosurgery Team and indeed from the entire staff with whom I cameintocontact.

On the 17th of April 2023, while I was critically ill during a week about whichIhavenorecollection,

my friends and relatives madealifesavingdecisionto flymeoutofRegion9tothe GPHC.

I was told that I was pickedupatEugeneCorreia Airport at 4:30 pm and rushed to the GPHC A&E Department where Doctors andsupportstaffoftheA&E

Department did four differentdiagnostictestsand acompleteevaluation.Itwas recommended that I have

immediate surgery for removing blood clots from mybrain.

By 8 PM or a mere 3 hours later my surgery was successfully done by a team of seven neurosurgeons led byDr Dookie. While recovering, my relatives updated me on the sequence of events leading up to the surgery and about the swiftness and professionalism with which

every member of staff with whom I came into contact respondedtomysickness. I wouldliketogototopofthe mountain and shout out my appreciationtoallofthestaff at GPHC and especially to Drs Dookie, Singh, Fredericks,Alicock, and the restofDr Dookie’steam.

The nursing care I receivedinthesurgicalward was exceptional. Friendly, courteous, professional, and

at times humorous nursing care is what I received Thank you, nurses. The attendants were all caring and supportive and assisted measifIwastheirrelative.I want to say a special thanks tothemtoo.

I have heard and read so many negative things about GPHC, but my experience has been very different. I want to congratulate the managementandstaffforthe

quality of healthcare that is beingdeliveredfromGPHC, despite the capacity and other challenges that they face. Thank you all for savingmylife.

I also want to thank the doctors, nurses, and other staff of the Lethem Hospital also for the care they provided me before I was flowntoGPHC.

Sincerely,

HemwantPersaud

TRAPPED INACYCLE OF ETHNO-POLITICALSTRIFE, CORRUPTION...

Frompage4 that Guyanese have limited alternatives to political representation. The required constitutional changes require political will, that’s it! It could happen by the next sitting of Parliament. However,necessaryreforms such as removing the provision of Executive Presidency, which essentially renders any President of Guyana a dictator,andconstitutionally

e n s u r i n g t h a t Parliamentariansaredirectly elected by the Guyanese people means that it would not be business as usual for thePPPandPNCanylonger It is a telltale sign that democracy has been stifled whenthenationcannotpoint to a post-Independence single grassroots political movement that helped press reform or was unanimously electedtousherinanewera of national governance and

human development. Worse yet, since 1992 there has been zero such grassroots movements in the organic senseoftheconcept.Thatis, a movement with an agenda made up of ordinary people. There may have been attempts to mobilize energy and membership, but this does not constitute a grassroots movement in and of itself. And although the AFC was birthed primarily out of discontent with the

then government’s performance, the economy, quality of life concerns, and crime, philosophically, the partywasconceivedofasan opportunity of convenience and strategy, not a sustained grassroots movement. And the so-called small parties that joined with the PPP for theMarch2020electionsare not grassroots movements, in so much as there are strategic alliances supported by friends for convenience.

Thatis,ifthePPPhadn’tlost the 2015 elections and decided that it was strategically useful to align with parties some of its own top supporters helped to create, it would not have doneso.

Thetakeawayhereisnot thatapoliticalpartyborneof agrassrootsmovementisthe better alternative to one formed from another means or that there’s a preference. Grassroots movements not

only evolve into political parties, but they can also grow into regulatory bodies, and workers’ rights groups, trigger or being a precursor of reform. The takeaway is that grassroots movements are missing which could signal that people are terrifiedofthesociopolitical backlash, complacent, content, uninterested, or too divided.

Yourstruly,

B.Bacchus

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THE PPP GOVT.’S LOVE OF DEBT

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The PPPGovt. loves debt like dogs love vomit.

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US$3B more in debt, and the PPPsays one word: development.

Developing who, where, and what?

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Most likely themselves, their pockets, and their skills at stealing.

US$3B in new debt and the PPPGovt. bring up a picture.

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It is of a pig happily rolling in filth.

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S

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

UNDAY–

JULY16,2023

‘TRUSTTHESYSTEM’

President IrfaanAli was challenged to allow an independent investigation intotheState’shandlingofa horrifying case of alleged sexual violence that has rocked Guyana.The Headof-State said this past week thatitisaninsultingthingto ask for and that it is important to let the system work But every single person who reads this message knows a victim of sexual violence whom the system has failed. When your powerful leaders tell

youtoletthesystemwork,it meansthesystemworksthe way they designed it to work.Asysteminwhichthe rich and powerful evade justice, and the poor and powerless are trampled underitsfeet.

MONDAY–JULY17,2023

WHITHERTHE WESTINDIES?

NorespiteforCaribbean fansofthebeleagueredWest Indiescricketteam.

Still reeling from the team’s early exit from the World Cup, last week’s thrashing by India would haveonlyrubbedsaltintheir wounds with more

humiliationtocome. If something drastic is not done, soon Caribbean people will stop following their team- something that has already started happening. One only had to look at the handful of spectators at the Dominica test match. So, as the fans moan and groan, the big question is where we go fromhere?

TUESDAY–JULY18,2023

OPPOSITION

MOTIONONPAC

The Opposition has tabled a motion for the rescission of the resolution passed in Parliament last

year that changed the configurationofthequorum for the holding of meetings of the Public Accounts Committee. Since the government-sponsored amendment was passed, there have been 11 cancellations of meetings duetolackofaquorum.On each occasion, the PPP/C Members of Parliament were the guilty ones. Their continuing absence from PAC at times paralyzed the body There were only the ongoing laments of disappointment over the seemingly nonchalant mannerinwhichattendance at these meetings was being treated. Guyanese are more than insulted by what has happened, their trust has beenviolated.

WEDNESDAY–JULY19,2023

INVESTIGATE JAGDEOON ALLEGATIONS OFBRIBERYAND CORRUPTION

Over a year ago, allegationsofcorruptionand briberywereleveledagainst Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

It was a Vice News Documentary by two undercover reporters in Guyana who learnt through Jagdeo’sfriend‘Su’thatthe Vice President is allegedly fingeredincollectingbribes to facilitate Chinese businessesinGuyana.

Of more consequence however, Jagdeo’s friend washeardsayingthathealso collectedhugebribesforthe oil sector as well. To date, there has been no investigation into these allegations while the VP remainsinofficeatthehelm of our oil sector With the country’s maiden bid round for oil blocks set to start sometime this year, these revelations, though mere accusations for now are troubling and could spell disasterforourfuture.

An independent investigation should be conducted to ease the discomfort experienced by patriotic Guyanese A President that is concerned about transparency and accountability would never hesitate to order such a probe.

THURSDAY–

JULY20,2023

WHATTHEOILDOING FORYOUGUYANESE?

ThePPP/CGovernment, fromleadersAliandJagdeo to ministers make it their dutyandputonashowabout how much the government hasdonetoboostthelivesof citizens, and give them a taste of what being a recipient of the nation’s oil money means Guyanese have heard with numbing regularityaboutcashgrants, ‘BecauseWeCare’,pension increases, increase in the minimum wage, and more. To be fair, those have their merits and have made a slight difference for short periods. But they are far fromenough,getgobbledup by higher and higher prices for most of the basics of a decent living It is also beyond debate that leaders Ali and Jagdeo have taken good care of their friends in the private sector, and considering how much that grouphasbenefitted,thereis simply no comparison to whattheordinarycitizenhas received.

One way to make this possible is through e n o r m o u s b u d g e t allocationsforinfrastructure

p r o j e c t s , i n t h e transportation, education, health,andsecuritysectors.

It has been drummed into any Guyanese who would listen that the immense spending on infrastructure works is to prepare for the century ahead, and to improve the standards of Guyanese Withoutsayingawordabout corruption, there are elements of substance to thoserepresentations.

FRIDAY–

JULY

21,2023 JAGDEO’S CONTRADICTIONS

Yesterday at 2PM the National Assembly convenedforthe65thsitting ofthetwelfthParliament.At the same time, Member of Parliament and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo was at Freedom House hosting his weekly news conference.

It is not the first time Jagdeo has shown his disregard for the National Assembly Sincehiselection asaMPbackin2020,hehas probablyattendedonlythree sittings.

Thefactthathecouldbe hostinghisweeklyrantingat a time when he should have been in the assembly, is indicative of how low value heplacesontheworkofthat body No wonder most Guyanese do not pay any attention to what happens there, much to their detriment. At a previous occasion, the said Jagdeo was dismissive of Cabinettelling reporters he doesn’t go,althoughheisthesecond vice president and the third ranked official in the cabinet.

SATURDAY–JULY22,2023 EXXONHASGOVT.’S FULL-THROATED SUPPORT

The Government of Guyana has demonstrated time and again, that no matter the consequence to the economy, ExxonMobil will always have its fullthroatedsupport.

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has said he is willing to support the renegotiation of that abomination for a contract governing 11 billion barrels ofoilequivalentresourcesin theStabroekBlock.

But the Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has declined.

He refuses any opportunity to give Guyanese more benefits from its oil resources. Surely, our political forefathers must be turning intheirgravestoseehowthe current leadership is

WHY ARE FOOD PRICES SO HIGH AND THE SUPPLY OF FOOD SO UNSTABLE?

Guyanahasfourclimatic seasons: two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. But it matters not what is the season,onceitgetsdryfora few weeks or wet for a few weeks, vegetables and other cash crops become scarce andexpensive.

It seemed just a few weeks ago that the farmers were complaining that the May-June rains had led to a shortfall in production. Prices naturally increased. But now that we have had a few scorching days of sun, there is an acute shortage of vegetables and other cash cropsinthemarkets.

All of this makes a mockery of President’s Ali drive to make Guyana a majorregionalfoodsupplier If food is unaffordable in Guyana, especially for the poor, how can Guyana ever aspire to help contribute to reducing regional food insecurity?

This column has already unfrocked Guyana’s food security plans. It is nothing more and nothing less than the outsourcing of food securitytonorthernBrazil.It istheBrazilianswhostandto benefit from the plantationscaleproductionofcornand soya for which the Caribbean market will serve as an incentive. It is north Brazilian investors who will plough up our intermediate savannahsandproducegrain for our local poultry industry. Indeed, north Brazil is already supplying

uswithfrozenchicken.

Food security under the presentPPPCgovernmentis not about empowering local farmers and making food cheaper for consumers. It is about enriching the Brazilians.

Guyanawantstobecome a global leader in food security But charity begins athomeandthatiswherethe President’s attention needs to be focused: on how to ensure nutritious food is more accessible (including beingcheaper)andthatsuch foods are more readily available and the food supplymorestable.

Guyana has long been self-sufficient in rice, meat, fish, vegetable, tubers, and roots. Yet Guyanese have a deficit when it comes to proteinconsumption.

The FAO has rightly observed that poverty, uneven incomes, and unemployment are some of the major food and nutrition challenges facing the country Yet the focus of the government has been to ramp up food production. In fact, during his presentation at the Agri-Investment Forum held in Guyana, the President announced a number of food production targets.

The Ali administration likes to speak about CARICOM’s food import bill.ButwhenthePPPCleft office,Guyana’sfoodimport bill was around US$273M, just about the sum Guyana

Dem Boys Seh...

earned from oil revenues in the first year of production. Apart from corn and soya, whatarewedoingtocutfood imports? Imported bread is nowbeingsoldinGuyana.

T h e F A O h a s recommended a number of measures to address food insecurity These include increasing the capacity of farmers to produce nontraditional commodities.

How much has been achievedonthisfront?

In 2019, the Ministry of AgriculturesaidthatGuyana exported around US$ 13 M in non-traditional agricultural exports By 2021, the figure was around the same which means that littlehasbeendoneunderthe PPPC to rapidly grow nontraditional agricultural exports.

The FAO has urged that farmers be trained in appropriate treatments for pre and post- harvest production. Yet today we still hear about 50% of preharvest and post-harvest croplosses.Halfofwhatwe produce is lost before it gets to consumers Merely addressing this single issue would make food more accessible and cheaper for consumers.

T h e F A O h a d recommended encouraging value-addedproduction.Yet, food processing has stagnated. Guyana has an abundance of fruits that are left to spoil because they cannot reach the markets on

De Govt. planning fuh peak in time fuh 2025

D e g o v e r n m e n t expanding roads into fourlanehighways.Anddemore dem do this, de more accidents we getting. Dem driver using dem roads as racing circuits. Dem trucks driving as if dem deh in a videoarcade.

De need fuh speed providing good business fuhdemfuneralparlour De moreaccidentsyuhgetisde moredeathspunderoads.

And de more four-lane highway yuh build, de harded it is fuh people fuh cross de road. Four-lane highway does only build wehpeoplenahlive.Butin Guyana,wedoesbuilddem

highway alongside dem residential area. People gat to cross de highway and nuff of dem getting lickdown.

But de government nah learning Instead of building a new road, dem trying fuh convert an existing two-lane road into afour-laneroad.Itmightbe cheaper fuh simply build a n e w r o a d b u t d e government don’t always thinkaboutsavingmoney

Dem also building new canals in Region 5 and Region 6. Dem boys want know why dem doing this.

Demboys nahseenostudy which claim dat de regions

timeandnowfarmersarenot being provided with the knowledgeandtechnologies todryandpreservefruits.

The FAO also proposed in a 2017 report that fishing be encouraged as a socially desirable activity The fishing industry is now in tatters In response, the government has launched a projecttopromotefishfarms and the cultivation of brackish shrimp which is in high demand within the diaspora. But the brackish shrimp project has not helped to support lowincomeearners,andtheprice of brackish shrimp has not been substantially reduced thusstillkeepingthissource of nutrition out of the reach

ofthepoor

Guyana is also supposed to be self-sufficient in chicken Yet Brazilian chicken which attracts a tariffcanstillbesoldlocally for $285 per lb while locally-produced chicken, without any taxes, is retailing at $400 per lb., a price that keeps it out of the reachofthepoor.

In the meantime, food pricesandfoodsupplyinour markets remain unstable. And yet the one measure which can be used to help addressthehighcostoffood isnotbeingpursued.Noone is asking the government to abandon commercial farming but if households can reduce their food

i n c o m e s , w i t h o u t compromising nutrition, by 20%, this will be a great relieftohouseholds. Onesimplewayofdoing this is through kitchen gardens.Butthegovernment is so tied into the bourgeois class that even promoting a simple and inexpensive measure such as kitchen gardens has fallen off its radar.

(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.)

need new canals. But oil money flowing and de government gat to find projects fuh excite dem supporters.

Dem planning nuff of dem projects fuh complete in time fuh de 2025 elections. Dat is what yuh does call peaking and is a benefit of incumbency But in Guyana, delays is de order of de day and de government can’t delay elections fuh compensate fuh de delays in dem big projects dem planning. So electionsgancomeanddem roads and bridges nah gan complete.

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

BYGHKLALL

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

FARRAKHAN, MALCOLM, ALI, STOKELY

In my younger days, I misunderstood and disagreed with some remarkable figures in the Black American pantheon. As the years passed, some refined their public expositions, but one hasn’t

to any discernible extent. But, now in the sizzling cauldron of Oil Guyana, I canidentifywith,andfinally appreciate, their pain and anguish, their anger, and theirimpatience. Ispeakin no particular order of

Malcolm X, Louis Farrakhan, Mohamed Ali, Jim Brown, and Stokely Carmichael.

WhenMalcolmXinhis younger days raged against the“whitedevils”Irecoiled in horror, seeking the safety

and ‘purity’ of distance. Along came Cassius Marcellus Clay who transformed into Mohamed Ali, the incomparable boxer batteredforhisbeliefsabout the rights of man, and the plight of his people, I again rushed for a safe harbor, so farIwasfromwhathestood for, what he expounded so sharply, so majestically I was the same when American football immortal, Jim Brown and Trinidadian Stokely Carmichael stoked the awareness of the brutalities metedagainsttheirbrethren. And Louis Farrakhan, who would dare to go near his rants against all things white? From this man who usedhisfollowingandbully pulpit as a barb-edged whip against the atrocities of the white man, I reeled and retched. Too much. Too harsh. Tooextreme.

In retrospect, I must have come across as placid andunconcernedasMichael Jordan, and all those other B l a c k A m e r i c a n multimillionaires who love wheretheyare,thecompany theykeep,howtheyfeedthe hands that rip the cradle of their people to shreds. ‘I hear, but I don’t care’. ‘I appreciate, but from my way, I will not deviate’. Those were their likely attitudes.

Then Guyana called. I came. Like Magic and Ray L e w i s , t h e r e w a s contentment, and psychic strength,fromgivingbacka little, being about some more for and with those whom life had dealt punishing blows. They are myownpeople.

Then Guyana found oil in copious quantities and in the perfect formula: plenty oil, tiny population. Then realization came in swarms and torrents about the activism and realism, the cynicism and criticism, of Malcom and Mohamed and Louis and Stokely and Jimmy I now feel the rage

of singer Harry

and preacher Martin, as subdued and managed as the latterwas.

I understand closely now that the exploitative ways of theWhite man, and the captive confines to which people like me are condemned. I have a better grasp of house slaves and Uncle Toms and Aunt Jemima(s). We are living today in Guyana with more thandivideandrule. Welive with divide and with what destroys. Isn’tthatwhatthe white brothers did in Alabama and Georgia and North Carolina just a few shortdecadesago?

The Anglo Saxons and NordicandGallicwantusto mind our manners, and speaksoftly Buttheydon’t want us to carry a big stick for our patrimony So, they surround themselves with flunkeys and lackeys in the PPPandPNC,andAFC,and push for people like me to behave and identify with thieves and liars, and those who sell the national birthright in fright, and without a fight. I prefer the company of those in America who have been pilloried and excoriated. I now understand completely whysomeinthePPPhaveto play the fool to earn their silver and prove themselves day in and day out. What was the lot of Malcolm is now recognized; and how Mohamed transformed and transcended are goalposts thatbeckon. Istrivetomake theirway,myway AsIsay so, I still must hail and laud the efforts of the honest and honorableWhitepeoplewho gavesomuchforthosewho solittle,oftennothing. They did so at great personal sacrifice, which I embrace.

I,too,muchspeakfearlessly

When the tongue of our so-called mother is taken in the fullness of its breathtaking reach, and hurled into the face of abusers and violators, to

strip their falsehoods, and expose their farces, they get their Guyanese Quislings to attack. They did that in America to the illustrious names I have mentioned, and for a time I thought I knew why What was not known, not readily catered for,isnowfullyknown. Itis the timeworn story of the White man getting one’s own to slash and bash their ownforacheapdollar

This is why one Guyanese colored man dances many a jig. This is why so many non-white Guyanese men and women complainandcondemntheir own because they fear their gravytrainfromthenational wealth being hampered and derailed. The white man robsatwill,andthecallisto behave self, be polite, be circumspect, and be politically correct The white man gave us his manners, his bible, to set us up so that he could rob us blind The sanctity of property supersedes the sanctity of patrimony and assaults the untouchable sanctity of Guyanese citizenry

ThiswaswhatMalcolm X and Jim Brown and Stokely and Harry rebelled against, and before them, there was a man named Garvey IfBarryandAliand Aubreycannotbelikethem, and about what needs to be stood against, then that falls tothoseGuyanesewillingto bear any burden and fight anyfoe. Ididn’tknowbetter before. Thereisnotasingle excusenow

(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

Citizens file Motion to overturn Justice Rishi Persaud's stay, requesting urgent hearing -

said they are

Guyanesecitizens, F r e d e r i c k

Collins and Godfrey Whyte have filed a Motion to discharge a stay granted in June byAppellate Court Judge, Rishi Persaud onajudgmentfromtheHigh Court which demanded an unlimited parent company and/or affiliate guarantee be provided to authorities for the Liza Phase One Project.

The landmark ruling was issued earlier this year by High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon His judgment had outlined that ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), should provide an unlimited guarantee for oil spills from the Liza Phase OneProjectbyJune10,2023 or face suspension of its licence.

prepared to take the case all the way to the CCJ

Exxon as well as the government through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appealed the case Both parties asked Justice Persaud to grant a stay on the order for the unlimited oil spill guarantee p e n d i n g t h e f u l l determination of the case. That stay was granted on the condition that a US$2B parent and or affiliate company guarantee be providedtotheEPA.

Litigants in the case, Collins and Whyte recently filedamotiontodismissthat stay

They said, “We consider that Justice Persaud was completely wrong judicially in granting the stay as requested by Esso and the EPA. The public interest consists of the interests of the sovereign state of Guyana and the people of

Guyana. That public interest overwhelmingly trumps and dwarfs the minuscule interest that any government of the day has in the revenue stream from the Liza 1 operations.”

The men contended that

The two Cessna caravans operated by Air Services Limited (ASL) parked off the runway at Mabaruma on Saturday. The aircraft at left suffered significant damage when its main landing gear broke after landing at the hinterland aerodrome on Friday. The second aircraft- 8R-YAC- returned to Mabruma on Saturday after the pilot observed an irregularity on the instrument panel.

ASL planes suffer technical problems at Mabaruma

Two Cessna caravans operated by Air Services Limited have suffered technical problems in the last two days in the town of Mabaruma.On Saturday morning, an ASL flight which was being undertaken by one of the airline's c a r a v a n s b e a r i n g registration 8R-YAC departed Mabaruma for Georgetown around 0900hrs. However, the pilot observed an anomaly on the instrument panel and returned to the North West Districttown.

The Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was notified of the incident.Reports are that the aircraft was some 30

minutes into the flight when the pilot observed an irregularityonthepanel.

“We heard that the pilot noticed the lights on the panel in front of him were acting up and also the clock showed he was 30 minutes out when in fact he was in flight for more time, so he turned back,” a passenger at Mabaruma reported.On Friday, another ASL plane, bearing registration 8RASL, landed at Mabaruma around 0900hrs and while taxiing from the runway to discharge passengers and cargo, the main landing gear oftheaircraftbrokeoff.

“We were waiting when we heard a loud noise, the propeller broke after touching the ground when

the wheel break off,” a passengerrelated.

Reports are that the aircraft bounced into a hole on the runway when the incident occurred. The mishap resulted in the plane's propeller sustaining significantdamage.

Both planes were on the ground at Mabaruma on Saturday Morethanaweek ago, a Trans Guyana Airways Cessna caravan also suffered a similar incident with its main landing gear on the runway at Mabaruma. The incident also stemmed from holes on the runway, an aviation source related.The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is investigating recentaircraftincidents.

even though Guyana has suffered economically for several decades because of political malfeasance, it still does not mean that any government can rush to make every dollar at the expense of the public interest, economy, and naturalresourcebase.

“We remind everybody that the order made by Justice Kissoon provided f o r E x x o n M o b i l t o indemnify and keep indemnified,theEPAandthe Government of Guyana. We are appalled that any regulatory agency would appeal against a decision in itsfavourandfighttoprotect

aforeigncompanyinsteadof protectingGuyana,”themen saidThey added, “ As patriotic citizens, we are concerned for the prosperity and wellbeing of our fellow Guyanese and we welcome all revenue streams in abundance, but foreigners must know that Guyana is run by the laws of the land and not by the whims and fancies of men or women.

All we ask is that ExxonMobil Corporation and its subsidiary and coventurers obey the laws of Guyana just as they are required to obey the laws of theUnitedStates.”

They said if necessary, they are prepared to take the matter all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The litigants were also keen to note that they are pleased with the fact that their lawyers, Mr Seenath Jairam, SC, Ms. Melinda Janki, and Mrs Abiola Wong-Inniss, have worked with alacrity and such intensity despite the odds thatareagainsttheminfiling this application with such promptitude.

They also stressed their deep concern in having this matterheardurgentlyasthey noted the extent to which the country remains financially exposed.

“In our motion, we point out that ExxonMobil earned US$56billion in 2022 Guyana's2023budgetwhich the government claims is the biggest budget is a paltry US$3billion in comparison. Yet as a result of the stay Guyana is now liable to bear all the losses and costs of an oil spill from Esso's operations, if Esso does not pay up,” the litigants outlined.

In light of this obscene exposure to economic ruin, they urged the court to hear theirMotionwithoutdelay

$37M contract awarded to build Reg.1 GWI office

Morris Jeffrey Enterprise has been awarded a $37M contract to construct a Guyana Water Incorporated Inc. (GWI) officeatMabaruma,RegionOne.

This is according to the National P

a n d Te n d e r Administration Board (NPT office which revealed on website that following the bidding process for the c o n t r a c t , M o r r i s Jeffrey Enterprise won the contract valued at $37,100,800.

Kaieteur News had reportedthatthisprojectwas e s t i m a t e d t o c o s t $43,063,200, and eigh contractorshadsubmittedbids theworks.

It was also reported that upon completion GWI would be in a better position to connect with its customers across the region thereby improving customer service and water infrastructure.

Additionally, the company said that the

execution of this project will also allow for increased access to clean water, enhanced water systems management, more economic opportunities for Region One residents, and improvedhealthandsanitationofhouseholds andbuildingsintheregion.

Back in 2021, at the site of the construction of the $23 million GWI Lethem office, Minister of Housing and Water C o l l i n C r o a l mentioned that the move to construct regional offices forms part of a bigger plan to consolidate the offices that fall under the purview t h e M i n i s t r y

“As you're aware, GWI has a numberofregionalofficesforwhichwe're renting…sointhelongterm,itisintendedfor us to have permanent regional offices and so we'll have savings in our operational cost but more importantly, the staff will be comfortable,”hehadstated.

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

One of the litigants, Frederick Collins

Interest rate on loans to poultry farmers reduced

President Irfaan Ali o n S a t u r d a y announced that loans to poultry farmers from commercial banks will now be reduced by three percent, an initiative aimed at further developing the industry and advancing Guyana's food securityagenda.

The Head of State made the announcement while delivering remarks at a meeting with poultry farmers atStateHouse.

President Ali explained

by 3% - President Ali

that following weeks of discussions with Citizens Bank, Republic Bank, Demerara Bank, and GBTI, an agreement was reached to reduce the interest rate on loans to the poultry industry from eight percent to five percent.

“That is a three percent reduction in your interest rate.Thosepersonswhohave existing loans at these facilities, this new interest rate will be reflected in the new month. And for those

who want to acquire new capital, this is a new interest rate. This is a tremendous momentforthepoultrysector thismorning.”

The President explained that this reduction is a direct result of the Government's move to remove corporate income tax from interest i n c o m e e a r n e d b y commercial banks on loans grantedtothepoultrysector

He said that the move to lower the interest rate on loans to farmers in the

poultry industry is another measure by his Government to promote food production, increase food supply, and reduce the costs of essential fooditemsforconsumers.

P r e s i d e n t A l i ' s announcement on Saturday comes on the heels of multiple stakeholder meetings with poultry farmers from across the country Those meetings resulted in the recently concluded National Poultry Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where a number of initiatives aimed at improving and expanding the industry were announced, the Office of the Presidentsaid.

Among those initiatives were; strengthening the national poultry association; allocating 25,000 acres of landfortheproductionofrice as an input to feed; procuring vaccines for baby chicks that will reduce the cost per chick by $6; further equipping the G u y a n a L i v e s t o c k Development Authority's ( G L D A ) n u t r i t i o n laboratory; reducing the cost of transport for live birds and feed to regions 1, 2 and 7; construction of an additional 20,000 chicks per week hatcheryandothers.

“Following many requests and engagement withfarmers,thegovernment has already laid out a very comprehensive strategy in the short, medium, and long term. These interventions are

needed to ensure that our industry remains vibrant and competitive.”

In addition to measures and initiatives implemented toimprovethepoultrysector, President Ali also reminded of the number of other policies his government has implemented to improve the entireagriculturesector

“All of these measures have contributed to significant growth in the agriculture sector and lay the foundation for agriculture to continue to be vibrant and dynamic and as part of our non-oileconomy.”

Meanwhile, the Private S e c t o r C o m m i s s i o n c o n g r a t u l a t e d t h e Government on its decision to reduce interest rates on agricultural loans for poultry farmers.

"The Commission regards this decision as a positive step towards enhancing the livelihoods of thepoultryfarmers.

The Commission looks forward to the poultry farmers now utilizing this decision by the government to modernize and upgrade theirproductionfacilitiesand increase their production to ensure that Guyana becomes self-sufficient in poultry production," a statement issued by the PSC on Saturdaysaid.

The PSC said that it will continue to advocate for the growth and development of thecountry

President Ali announces 3% reduction in interest rate for loans to poultry farmers

Waterfalls The Waterfalls

Ronson on creating the music for

‘The movie overtook my life for a year’

Atlantic executives Kevin Weaver and Brandon Davis weigh in on matching the perfect artists with director Greta Gerwig’s vision for the Mattel icon.

(BillBoard) -As they CarolineAilinandLipa. [Haim] were allowed as kids began working on music for “I didn’t want to make was [from Barbie] probably Barbie, director Greta the Barbie song too bubble- from the early ‘90s. They supported us in our music offerings as we could that movie]overtookmylifefora Gerwig, music supervisor, gummy or something that knew every song, and they vision. We were able to couldreachdifferentpartsof year, but it was completely George Drakoulis, executive would have been really startedsingingthemoverthe navigate through whatever the Barbie and the music worthit.” soundtrack producer, Mark obvious,” Ronson says phone,”Ronsonsays. the challenges might have audience,”Davissays. BarbieTrackListing: Ronson and Atlantic “There’s a toughness to it,” One goal from the start? beenaroundthattocomeout Though many of the Lizzo,“Pink” Records executives, Kevin he says of the retro, Land Minaj, whose fans are the other side with this songs already out, Weaver Dua Lipa, “Dance the Weaver and Brandon Davis infectious tune. (The other known as Barbz ”I was incredible end product andDavisareexcitedtohave Night” started a text chain titled song performed in the movie like, ‘I don’t know how we Ultimately, it’s a family fans see them in their natural Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice, BarbieWeave. is “I’m Just Ken,” written by have a Barbie soundtrack brand and a kid’s brand. We setting. “These records are “BarbieWorld”(withAqua” “It was quite the lively Ronson and Wyatt, which without Nicki Minaj on wanted to be very sensitive all strong enough to live in a Charli XCX, “Speed chat. It was pretty much serves as a humorous, it?’” Ronson says “How do to that; but at the same time, world by themselves,” Drive” active 24 hours a day, seven existential ode for Ken — you not have the person Greta has made a very Weaver says. “But what’s so KAROL G, “WATATI” days a week,” says Weaver, played by Ryan Gosling — who’s kept the word forward thinking non- amazing is people are now (feat.AldoRanks) Atlantic’s west coast as he tries to navigate his life ‘Barbie’ alive in music traditionalfilm.” goingtogettoexperiencethe SamSmith,“ManIAm” president. “It was a very inBarbie’sshadow ) culture the past 15 years?” The offerings for the songs within the four walls Tame Impala, “Journey inspiring, colorful, creative As they began to cast the However, securing Minaj, soundtrack are as colorful as of the film and it’s going to totheRealWorld” chatgroup,”agreesRonson. soundtrack, the music team her duet partner, Ice Spice the movie itself. The album givethemawholenewlife.” Ryan Gosling, “I’m Just The chat, which was reached out to individual (RonsonmetIceatmidnight c o m e s i n s e v e r a l For Ronson, the movie’s Ken” supplemented with bi- artists, not with the mandate in his studio to show her the configurations, including release is the culmination of Dominic Fike, “Hey weekly Zoom calls, became to write a song specifically movie) and samples of hot pink, blue and more than 12 months of Blondie” their non-stop repository for about Barbie or Ken Aqua’s 1997 hit “Barbie transparentpinkcassettes,as intense work, as he and Billie Eilish, “What Was their wish list of artists and Instead, Weaver says, “We Girl” included in their song, well as CD and hot pink Wyatt ended up scoring IMadeFor” moonshot musical ideas for said, ‘Watch the scenes and “Barbie World,” required vinyl There are covers Barbie as well. The pair had The Kid LAROI, the fantastical Warner spend time with Greta and some high-level negotiation featuring Barbie, as well as a written temporary music for “Forever&Again” Brother movie, which, like Mark and us and let’s talk and persistence, as did dedicated Ken CD cover the opening credits, but once Khalid,“SilverPlatter” the soundtrack, arrives about what the musical landingmanyoftheartists The idea was to appeal to Gerwig saw they had some PinkPantheress,“Angel” Friday(July21). vision is for that bespoke Ronson says he’d never fans of the movie, Barbie themes,“Theystartedgiving GAYLE,“Butterflies”

The result is an often need, and then come back been so involved in the collectors and fans of the us a few more bits to score at Ava Max, “Choose Your frothy, upbeat, immersive withideas.’” b e h i n d - t h e - s c e n e s individualartists. a time,” to the point where Fighter” soundtrack full of pop gems The music and film fed administrative process ”We worked really “we didn’t want anyone else FIFTY FIFTY, “Barbie from a wide-ranging, global off each other. “As [Greta] before in his movie work, closely with our incredible to touch the music of this Dreams”(feat.Kaliii) who’s who of top pop was meeting with artists and and Weaver’s diplomatic marketing team here and at film,” he says. “We were Brandi Carlile & hitmakers including Lizzo, showing them scenes and skills left him in awe. “He the studio and at Mattel to like, ‘This is ours!’ It was a Catherine Carlile, “Closer to Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, artists were coming back could honestly just become make as many unique music ton, ton, ton of work. [The Fine”(BONUSTRACK) Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice, with demos, it was really chiefnegotiatorattheU.N.,” SamSmith,KarolG,FIFTY- informing how she was Ronson jokes. “Some of the FIFTY and Tame Impala, working with the film and thingshepulledofftogetthe amongothers. the cut,” Weaver continues. soundtrack over the finish

At their first in-person “It felt like there was this line [between] samples and meeting, Ronson played really reciprocal, cool thing egos and superstars and some themes and Gerwig happening between how she other record labels…. All showed several images, both wasmakingthefilmandhow Greta and me had to do was of which served as an entry music was forming that dreamitupandgetitoverthe point for the musical processforher.” finishline,buttheclearances curation, says Davis, Some artists wrote very and the playing détente with Atlantic’s EVPand co-head specifically to Barbie’s Sony and Universal… and of pop/rock A&R. ”Seeing brightly colored world. For labels being like, ‘This is some of those scenes, and example, Lizzo’s opening happening over my dead even some of the stills early track, “Pink, ” even body,’ to like, two weeks onewasreallyinspiringtous namechecks Barbie’s best later getting these things. tohelppaintthepicturefrom friend Midge. Others went What he pulled off to get the themusicalpointofview.” for broader themes that actualsoundtrackisinsane.”

The first song to come captured the spirit of their For Weaver, who has together was Lipa’s “Dance scenes, like Charli XCX’s served as soundtrack album the Night,” which is “Speed Drive,” which producer for such film and performed in the movie and incorporates elements from TV projects as The Greatest serves as a tentpole musical Toni Basil’s 1982 hit, Showman, Suicide Squad, moment. Gerwig had sent “Mickey.” Furious 7 and Daisy Jones & Ronson a disco-inspired Not surprisingly, given The Six, navigating with the playlistthatincludedtheBee Barbie’s ubiquity since labels, the studio and Mattel Gees, leading Ronson, who Mattelrolledheroutin1959, wasallinaday’swork. lined his New York studio many of the acts had a deep “Mattel was very shelves with Barbie and Ken affinity for Barbie from their involvedinthemakingofthe dolls, to come up with youth that they brought into film, but they trusted Greta “Dance the Night,” co- the creative process with implicitly,” Weaver says written with Andrew Wyatt, them. “The only VHS that “Greta really backed and

Margot Robbie in ‘Barbie’

{Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures}

ON SEPTEMBER 11, SMALL ISLAND STATES GET THEIR DAY IN COURT

BySirRonaldSanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely hisown.)

Inthefaceofunremitting climate change threats and unfulfilled promises from industrialized nations, leadersofsmallislandstates have courageously taken mattersintotheirownhands. Their frustration with lacklustre funding and inadequate solutions to fortifytheircountriesagainst theeffectsofclimatechange has led them to pursue the power of the international legal system They are seekingjusticeagainstthose nations whose excessive greenhouse gas emissions pose an existential threat to their peoples The InternationalTribunal of the LawoftheSea(ITLOS)has consented to hear their groundbreaking case in which they are aiming to ascertain the legal responsibility of States for carbon emissions, marine pollution, rising sea levels, and the resultant damage inflictedonotherstates.The landmark hearing will take place in Hamburg from September11to13,2023.

It was just a short 21 months ago that the Prime Ministers of Antigua and

BarbudaandTuvalu,Gaston Browne and Kausea Natano respectively, showed extraordinary foresight and bravery by embarking on a novel legal journey to combatthethreatsofclimate change to their peoples’ survival. An historic accord was signed on the sidelines of the COP26 meeting in Glasgow,givingbirthto The Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) as an international body, registered with the United Nations Secretariat, withamandatetopursuethe implementation of international law regarding climate change. Today, their daring initiative is reaping results Supported by an international team of legal experts and representatives from five other small island states, their plea for an Advisory Opinion was submittedtoITLOSonJune 16, 2023 Two crucial questions are posed to the tribunal:Firstly,whatarethe State Parties’ obligations to prevent, reduce, and control marine environment pollution, due to climate change effects, including ocean warming, sea level rise,andoceanacidification, allspurredbyanthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions?

Secondly, how must the marine environment be protected and preserved in the face of these climate change impacts? Their choice to engage the international legal system is the culmination of years of f r u s t r a t i o n o v e r

industrialized nations’ seeming lip-service and labyrinthine funding mechanisms, proposed at overyearsofmeetingsofthe UNCommitteeoftheParties (COP). Often the pledges that are made do not offer additional money; in many cases the funds are repurposed from other promises that were not kept. Additionally, the dizzying number of new mechanisms thataresupposedlysetupare not only narrow in their purpose, but the means of accessing them are both obtuseandrestrictive.

Among these are the Global Shield Solutions Platform, which builds on the Insuresilience Solutions Fund and a Global Shield Financing Facility set up at theWorldBank;theClimate Vulnerable Forum & V20 JointMulti-DonorFundthat promises to establish a loss and damage program utilizing the GEF Small Grants Programme structure to make smaller funding amountsdirectlyavailableto affectedcommunities.

Highlighting these inadequacies is the muchlauded ‘loss and damage’ fund, discussed for the first time at the 27th COP meeting in Egypt. While it w a s h a i l e d a s a breakthrough,therealitywas a mirage. The practiced and clever negotiators of the industrialized states at COP27 did not establish a fundnorthemeanstomakeit operational; they merely agreed to set up a Transitional Committee

comprising representatives from 24 countries—10 from developed countries, including the United States, and 14 from developing countries.Thepurposeofthe Committee is to make recommendations to COP28

in December 2023, including on what countries should contribute to the fund, how the fund will be administered, and what funding arrangements might be possible When these convoluted mechanisms are coupled with a 13-year failure by industrialized nations to deliver on the promise of providing US$100 billion annually in climatefinanceforlow-and middle-income countries, the resolve of small island state leaders to seek justice through the international legal system is fully understandable. In pursuing the establishment of COSIS and seeking an Advisory Opinion from ITLOS, the

leaders of small island states were f r e q u e n t l y discouraged from their path by governments of industrialised nations. The latter fear edicts from international legal bodies which, at the very least, establish their obligations; they much prefer non-binding negotiationssuchastheCOP process in which their considerably greater skills and leverage give them an advantage. Nonetheless, the small island state leaders pursued their cause relentlessly, understanding thatthestakesaretoohighto acquiesce to pressure. Their commitment resonates with the words of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who declared, “The time for empty promises is over.” Theleadershavebeenjoined by 33 other countries and 9

Sir Ronald Sanders

international organizations in making submissions to ITLOS The upcoming ITLOShearinginSeptember is a significant milestone, with implications that could redefine the climate change landscape. The fight waged bytheleadersofAntiguaand Barbuda, The Bahamas, Niue, Palau, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, andVanuatuthroughCOSIS is not just for their nations. It’safightforclimatejustice that will resonate across the globe.

Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Manslaughter, murder sentencing

Fifty-three-year-oldRaymond O’Selmo, called ‘Goadie Man’ formerly of North Sophia, Georgetown, was on Thursday s e n t e n c e d t o 1 0 y e a r s imprisonment for fatally stabbing Nadina Kalamadeen, a mother of fivebackin2019.

O’Selmo was sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Demerara High Court. He was arraigned for the capital offencebutoptedtopleadguiltyto the lesser count which is manslaughter During the sentencing hearing, O’Selmo told the court that to this day he still cannot recall what transpired the day Nadina was killed because he

andotheritems,beforeescaping. wasintoxicated.

The State Prosecutor asked the

Nevertheless, in his address to court to consider the aggravating the court, he asked the deceased’s factors, and to send a strong family to forgive him for what he message to like-minded offenders. has done and he also begged the old Jageshwar Ghanie, also called The court heard that the trio court to be lenient with him when ‘Toto’. premeditated to rob and murder handing down his sentence. In his

Last month, the trio was found Dookie after seeing him with a plea of mitigation, O’Selmo’s guilty by a 12-member jury that large stack of $5000 bills. The lawyer, Teriq Mohamed asked the was empanelled for the murder court heard that the men bought courttoconsiderthathisclienthas trial. The jury returned with three ‘high wine’ to imbibe while opted to not waste the court’s time guilty verdicts for the capital waiting on the place to get dark and pleaded guilty He also noted offence. The three accused had beforetheyattackedDookie. thatthefactthatalcoholabusewas deniedthechargewhichstatedthat It was stated that the men were involved. between July 24 and 27, 2017, at armed with knives and an axe.

In this case the State was Uitspa Village in the Demerara After invading Dookie’s home, represented by Prosecutors Mikel River, they murdered Dookie. The one of the accused reportedly used Pooran, Latifah Elliot and Carissa 51-year-oldvendorwasreportedly the axe to lash Dookie to the back Henry In his address, Pooran stabbedtodeathduringarobbery of his head after he refused to tell asked the court to consider the

On Thursday, their sentence them where the money was aggravating factor which is that was handed down by Justice hidden. They then inflicted more the attack involved the use of a Sewnarine-Beharry in the wounds to Dookie before weapon,namelyaknifewhichwas DemeraraHighCourt. escaping. used to inflict six incised wounds

Jailed, Harrilall Ramdhan, also called

Jailed,

According to report, Dookie’s Notably, Ramdhan was about Nadina’s body The body was found with multiple stab reportedly committed the crime of Prosecutor also highlighted that wounds on Thursday, July 27, murderingDookiewhilehewason the court should consider the 2017. It is believed that he was bail for attempted murder In her prevalence of violence against killed three days earlier The sentencing remarks the judge women in Guyana and the nature stated that the aggravating oftheoffence.

O’Selmo noted that, he saw guided by the weapon that factors far outweigh the According to the facts of the Nadina and attempted to follow was used and the mitigating factors which are matter, on February 27, 2019, her to her destination. However, physiological trauma of minimal effect She Nadina was walking on Second the court heard that he told the caused the mother of the considered that the men Street, North Sophia, Georgetown police later that he does not know deceasedaswellasherfive premeditated the crime, when O’Selmo approached her whatgotintohisheadafterNadina children, three of whom noting that they burned andattemptedtoholdherhandand got him upset because she did not are minors. The judge Dookie’sphone,theirbloody followherontheroad. wanthimtofollowher took into consideration clothes and washed the

Nadina pulled away her hand

According to the caution that early guilty plea and weaponstodestroyevidence. and the accused then took out a statement, he was drunk and could the fact that the accused is She added that the three knife that he had in his pants waist notcontrolhispassionsohepulled remorseful She then accused while robbing and stabbed the woman several out his knife and chopped Nadina sentenced O’Selmo to 10 Dookie bludgeoned and timesaboutherbody to the face. He told the police that years imprisonment and stabbed him repeatedly Whilestabbingthewoman,the after she started to scream, he ordered that the four years causing him to die, and the accused was interrupted by some stabbed her several times he spent on remand be sentencing must reflect the passersby who yelled at him. The O’Selmo said too that by the time deductedastimeserved. gravityofthecrime.Notably, court heard that this caused he woke up he was in the hospital Shortly after O’Selmo the judge also considered the O’Selmo to flee the crime scene andheardthatNadinawasdead. was sentenced, Justice mengoodbehaviourwhilein but he was chased after and The court heard that on July Priya Sewnarine-Beharry prison,thefactthattheywere intercepted by public-spirited 6th, 1990, O’Selmo was jailed 15 handed down three life not previously convicted and persons. He was reportedly beaten years for raping a 12-year-old girl sentences for the 2017 that they cooperated with the before he was handed over to the and on September 14th, 2011 he m u r d e r o f t h e police. Justice Sewnarine- police.

was fined for discharging a loaded S o e s d y k e / L i n d e n Beharry then sentenced the

According to the post-mortem firearm. H i g h w a y v e n d o r , mentolifeimprisonmentand examination (PME), Nadina died vendor was stabbed twice to his In her sentencing remarks, Dhanpaul Dookie, called noted that Ramdhan and Persaud as a result of six incised stab abdomen, one time each on his Justice Sewnarine-Beharry took ‘Pauline.’ are to serve 30 years behind bars wounds, to her face, neck, cheek, lower back, hip, forehead, and into consideration the aggravating Those jailed are: 50-year-old before they are eligible for parole. wrist and right and left breast. In above his right eye. It was stated factors, the nature and prevalence Chandrapaul Persaud, also called The judge said too that given his hiscautionstatementtothepolice, that after committing the act, the of the offence, as well as the fact ‘Raju’ or ‘Duffy’; 61-year-old age and genuine remorse, Ghanie O’Selmo reportedly stated that on trio raided the vendor’s home, thattheuseofalcoholimpairedthe Harrilall Ramdhan, also called is eligible for parole after serving the day in question he was carting off with cash, jewellery accused judgment. She was also ‘Baba’ or ‘Roshan’; and 36-year- 25years. imbibing. It was stated that

By Renay Sambach

Killed, Nadina Kalamadeen

Jailed, Raymond O’Selmo

‘Baba’ or ‘Roshan’

Jageshwar Ghanie, also called ‘Toto’

Jailed, Chandrapaul Persaud, also called ‘Raju’ or ‘Duffy’

Murdered, Dhanpaul Dookie

Dream Abs (Part 3): Howtosafelystrengthenyourabs

ByDavinaBagot

Afew weeks ago we began examining how we can achieve our dream abs; continuing with our seriesthisweekwewillbelearning howtosafelystrengthenthispartof ourbodies.

Whilesomeofusmaybesuper excited to gain a solid six pack, there are others who are more focusedontheupperorlowerparts of their bodies. A strong core is howeverkeyinavoidinginjuriesin ourdailylives.

According toAraceli De Leon, anAmerican Council on Exercisecertifiedhealthcoachandcertified personaltrainer,“Everythinginthe body is connected: muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. If there is a ‘weak link, ’ compensation, imbalance and injuryarepronetohappen.Astrong core allows someone to have proper balance, body alignment andpostureandadecreasedriskof injury Corestrengthbringsproper

stability and balance to the way a personmoves,regardlessoffitness levelorage.”

So how do we strengthen our coresafely?Whilewemaydevelop our own workout program with a loaded routine of abdominal exercises, the best way to strengthen our core is by actually focusing on exercises that target theentirebody.

De Leon told Yahoo Life, “Compound exercises are a great way to target multiple muscle groups and the core ” Some

examples include deadlifts, squats, pull-ups and standing overheadpresses Anexercisethat De Leon says is “essential” for core stability and strength is the plank According to her, “Exercises thattargetthecoredirectlyaregreat

accessory exercises, but should not be your first and only form of strengthening your core ” She explainsthatwithallexercises,itis importanttomakesurethatproper alignment and form is the focus rather than weight, repetitions or thedurationofyourplank.

De Leon believes, “The most important thing to understand aboutwantingandhavingsculpted absisthatitisanaestheticgoal—it is not a health goal.” She says, “A

Goblet squat with weights

person can beveryhealthyandstrongandnot haveadefinedsix-pack.”

While the aesthetics of a six pack can be appealing, sculpted abs for some would mean they have to go lower than what is a recommendedbodyfatpercentage for men or women. De Leon says that is neither sustainable nor healthyasthemainpriorityshould beyourhealth

Plank

Deadlifting with a barbell

This Day in History - July 23

Military seizes power in Egypt

July23,1952

Naguibfrompower,andproclaimedhimself

In Egypt, the Society of Free Officers primeministerofEgypt. seizes control of the government in a Forthenexttwoyears,Nasserruledasan military coup d’etat staged by Colonel effective and popular leader and Gamal Abdal Nasser’s Free Officers. King promulgated a new constitution that made Farouk,whoserulehadbeencriticizedforits Egypt a socialist Arab state, consciously corruption and failures in the first Arab- nonaligned with the prevalent communist Israeli war, was forced to abdicate and and democratic-capitalist systems of the relinquish power to General Muhammad Cold War world. In 1956, he was elected, Naguib,thefigureheadleaderofthecoup. unopposed, to the new office of president.

The revolutionaries redistributed land, He died still in office in 1970 from a heart tried politicians for corruption, and in 1953 attack. Nasser was a consistently popular abolished the monarchy In 1954, Nasser and influential leader during his many years emerged from behind the scenes, removed inpower.

Miss America resigns over nude photos

July23,1984

On July 23, 1984, 21-year-old Vanessa WilliamsgivesupherMissAmericatitle,the firstresignationinthepageant’shistory,after Penthouse magazine announces plans to publishnudephotosofthebeautyqueeninits September issue. Williams originally made history on September 17, 1983, when she became the first Black woman to win the Miss America crown. Miss New Jersey, Suzette Charles, the first runner-up and also African American, assumed Williams’ tiara forthetwomonthsthatremainedofherreign.

Vanessa Lynn Williams was born March 18, 1963, in Millwood, New York, to music teacher parents She attended Syracuse Today,itprovidesover$45millioneachyear University and studied musical theater In in cash and tuition assistance to contestants 1982, while working a summer job as a on the national, state and local levels. In receptionist at a modeling agency in Mt. 1954, the competition was broadcast live for Kisco, New York, photographer Thomas the first time. Beginning in the 1980s, Chiapel took the nude pictures of Williams, contestants were required to have a social telling her they’d be shot in silhouette and platform, such as drunk-driving prevention that she wouldn’t be recognizable. After of HIV/AIDS awareness, and Miss America Williams became Miss America, the winners now travel an estimated 20,000 photographer sold the pictures to Penthouse milesamonthforspeakingengagementsand without her knowledge Williams later public appearances. In 2006, following a dropped lawsuits against the magazine and decline in TV ratings, the pageant moved photographerafteritwaslearnedthatshehad from Atlantic City for the first time in its signed a model release form at the time the history and took place in Las Vegas, where a photosweretaken. new Miss America was crowned in January

The MissAmerica pageant, which prides insteadofSeptember itself on projecting a wholesome, positive Vanessa Williams rebounded from the image of women, began in 1921 in Atlantic Miss America scandal and went on to a City, New Jersey, as a stunt developed by successful entertainment career as an actress local businessmen to extend the summer and recording artist, performing on tourist season. In 1945, the Miss America Broadwayaswellasinmoviesandtelevision Organizationhandedoutitsfirstscholarship. andreleasinganumberofalbums.

Detroit Riots of 1967 begin

July23,1967

throwing rocks and bottles at the police, who

The 1967 Detroit Riots were among the quicklyfledthescene.Lootingbeganon12th bloodiest in American history The strife Street,wheretheclubwaslocated,andshops occurred during a period of Detroit’s history andbusinesseswereransacked. when the once-affluent city was struggling Bydawn,thefirstfirebrokeout,andsoon economically, and race relations nationwide much of the street was ablaze By wereatanall-timelow midmorning,everypolicemanandfiremanin

The Detroit Police Department’s vice Detroit was called to duty Back on 12th squad often raided illegal drinking Street, officers struggled to control the establishments in the city’s poorer crowd. neighborhoods, and at 3:35 a.m. on Sunday

The rioting continued all week, and the morning, July 23, they moved against a club U.S. Army and the National Guard were thatwashostingapartyforreturningVietnam calledintoquelltheworstoftheviolence.By War veterans. The early-morning police the time the bloodshed, burning and looting activity drew a crowd of onlookers, and the ended after five days, some 43 people were situationrapidlydeteriorated. dead,manymoreseriouslyinjuredandnearly

Soon thousands of people had spilled out 1,400 buildings had been burned or onto the street from nearby buildings, ransacked.

Guns’ N Roses make popular breakthrough “Sweet Child O’ Mine”

July23,1988

Guns’ N Roses

Guns N’ Roses, the band that made its big

In the 1980s, Los Angeles was a mecca popular breakthrough on July 23, 1988, for so-called “glam rock” bands and the when their first hit single, “Sweet Child O’ “sex, drugs and rock and roll” lifestyle with Mine”enteredthe Billboard Top40. which they came to be associated. On any To the guys in pop-metal groups like given night inside clubs like theTroubadour Poison, Guns N’ Roses might have seemed andtheWhiskyaGoGo,youcouldnotonly atfirsttobejustanotherfellowhairband,but hear bands like Hanoi Rocks and Mötley Axl Rose and the rest of the classic GN’R Crüe or, later, Winger and Warrant, but you lineup Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff could also witness an expression of that McKagan and Steven Adler were lifestyle as decadent as any the music world interested in rock and roll that was much had seen. The rise of “grunge” bands like more raw, angry and honest than what the Nirvana and alternative rock effectively put pop-metal bands were playing. Originally an end to that scene in the early 1990s, but formedoutoftheashesoftwoother thefirstblowwasstruckbyoneoftheirown: (Continued on page 33)

Compiled by Richard Francois. (From history.com)

Colonel Gamal Abdal Nasser

1984 Miss America, Vanessa Williams

InterestingCreatures...

Demon Shark found in Australia

(ABC News-Australia)

The glowing white eyes of a new species of demon catshark that has been discovered in northern WesternAustralia could lead to a better understanding of the evolution of sharks, a scientistsays.

News species of shark found; Demon Catshark

The demon catshark was d i s c o v e r e d o ff t h e Kimberley coast, about 300 kilometres west of Broome, dark green or just black some particular reason, not in one other shark species Dr White said it was a genusinAustralia. after researchers found a eyes,” he said. “It has been just within one species, but andwereuniqueamongegg- long process “It’s “[It was] frustrating, collectionofitseggs. found only in one other within a group of species,” layingsharksinAustralia. interesting,becauseweoften because we didn’t have an

The senior curator of the deepwatersharkspecies—a hesaid. MrHumanconnectedthe get an idea that something actualanimaltoworkwith.” CSIRO’s Australian member of a closely related Eggs crack case egg to a collection of similar mightbeanewspecies,butit After looking at the fish National Fish Collection, speciesfromNewCaledonia In 2011, researcher Brett eggs discovered on a marine can take a long time for us to collection’s databases, Dr Will White, said the andPapuaNewGuinea.” H u m a n f o u n d a n expedition off the Rowley resolve and compare with White found a specimen that creature’s distinctive white Dr White said the unidentified shark egg while Shoalsin1989. otherspecies,”hesaid. had been identified as a iris was a rare feature for characteristic could help to he was volunteering at the He identified them as “We very quickly differentspecies. deepwatersharks. establish links between WAMuseum. belonging to the genus worked out that those cases But when he examined is “Normally, they’re similarspecies. Its strong T-shaped Apristurus, but could not don’t match any other closely, he found it was a always very dark — either “Itmusthaveevolvedfor ridges had only been found determinethespecies. species that belong to that pregnantfemale.

D r W h i t e a n d researchers came across the same ridged egg cases inside thespecimenandunderstood the creature was an entirely separatespecies.

Dr White said this species of demon catshark was found in water with a depth of more than 700 metres, where it was laying eggsonsomecoral.

“We don’t see a lot of them because of the depth theyoccur,”hesaid.

“If you look at that coastline, where it’s usually quite steep and drops off quickly, they have a relatively narrow depth distribution. Dr. White said the discovery helped them link it to an animal on the othersideofthecountry

“We actually uncovered asimilarspeciesofftheGold Coast, which is closely related but a very distinct species,”hesaid.

Dr White expected more discoveriesincomingyears.

“We just know very little about deepwater fauna in Australia,”hesaid.

“As more deepwater surveys continue, I think we’ll uncover more species records—there’sstillalotto come.”

Health Facts

Guyana on high alert after dengue fever outbreak in the Americas

Dengue fever is a While dengue fever is dengue cases to date in 2023 disease and death, and the Warning s mosquito-borne illness that most common in Southeast is in Brazil, Peru, and expansion out of historical include s occurs in tropical and Asia, the western Pacific Bolivia. Additionally, 1302 areas of transmission, where s t o m a c h p a i n , subtropical areas of the islands, Latin America and deaths were reported in the all the population, including vomiting, difficulty dengue fever or who have world. Mild dengue fever Africa, since the beginning Region with a Case Fatality risk groups and healthcare breathing, or blood in your had a blood test that shows causes a high fever and flu- of2023,dengueoutbreaksof Rate (CFR) of 0.04%, in the workers, may not be aware nose, gums, vomit or previous infection with one like symptoms. The severe significant magnitude have sameperiod. o f w a r n i n g s i g n s stools.appointment of the dengue viruses — form of dengue fever, also been recorded in the WHO As such, Guyana has Researchers are working on Causes calledseropositivity called dengue hemorrhagic RegionoftheAmericas. been on high alert for cases dengue fever vaccines. For Dengue fever is spread In people who have not fever, can cause serious There are close to three relatedtothedisease. now, in areas where dengue by two types of mosquitoes had dengue fever in the past bleeding, a sudden drop in million suspected and The WHO has assessed fever is common, the best that are common both in and (seronegative), receiving blood pressure (shock) and confirmed cases of dengue the risk of dengue as high at waystopreventinfectionare around human lodgings the vaccine appears to death. This week’s health reported so far this year, the regional level due to the to avoid being bitten by When a mosquito bites a increase the risk of severe fact focuses on the surpassing the 2.8 million wide spread distribution of mosquitoes and to take steps person infected with a d e n g u e f e v e r a n d mosquito-borne disease cases of dengue registered the Aedes spp. mosquitoes to reduce the mosquito denguevirus,thevirusenters hospitalization due to which affects millions of for the entire year of 2022. (especially Aedes aegypti), population. the mosquito. Then, when denguefeverinthefuture peopleglobally,eachyear The highest number of the continued risk of severe Symptoms the infected mosquito bites Prevent mosquito bites

This Day in History - July 23

Actor and two children killed on “Twilight Zone” set

July23,1982

hiscrewhadbeenrecklessandviolatedlaws

On July 23, 1982, Vic Morrow and two regardingchildactors,includingregulations child actors, Renee Shinn Chen and Myca about their working conditions and hours. DinhLe,arekilledinanaccidentinvolvinga Following the emotional 10-month trial, a helicopter during filming on the California jury acquitted all five defendants in 1987. set of Twilight Zone: The Movie Morrow, The familes of the three victims filed age 53, and the children, ages six and seven, lawsuits against Landis, Warner Brothers wereshootingaVietnamWarbattlescenein and Twilight Zone co-director and producer which they were supposed to be running Steven Spielberg that were settled for from a pursuing helicopter Special-effects undisclosedamounts. explosions on the set caused the pilot of the Twilight Zone: The Movie was released low-flying craft to lose control and crash in the summer of 1983. The film, which into the three victims. The accident took received mixed reviews, was based on a place on the film’s last scheduled day of popularsciencefictionTVseriesofthesame shooting. name that aired from 1959 to 1964 and was

Twilight Zone co-director John Landis created by Rod Serling. In the movie, four (Blues Brothers, Trading Places, National directors– Landis, Steven Spielberg, Joe Lampoon’s Animal House) and four other Dante and George Miller–each adapted a men working on the film, including the different episode of the TV series, which special-effects coordinator and the chronicled the stories of people who found helicopter pilot, were charged with themselvesinhighlyunusualsituations. involuntary manslaughter According to a Vic Morrow had previously appeared in 1987 New York Times report, it was the first numerous TV shows and such films as The time a film director faced criminal charges Blackboard Jungle (1955) and The Bad for events that occurred while making a News Bears (1976). He was the father of movie. During the subsequent trial, the actress Jennifer Jason Leigh (Fast Times at defense maintained the crash was an Ridgemont High, Margot at the Wedding, accident that could not have been predicted The Hateful Eight). while the prosecution claimed Landis and

Guns’ N Roses make popular

breakthrough...

By Rehanna Ramsay

Many people experience another person, the virus The World Health no signs or symptoms of a enters that person’s Organization stresses that dengue infection When bloodstream and causes an the vaccine is not an symptoms do occur, they infection. effective tool on its own to may be mistaken for other Prevention reduce dengue fever in areas illnesses—suchastheflu— In areas of the world wheretheillnessiscommon. and usually begin four to 10 where dengue fever is Preventing mosquito bites days after you are bitten by common, one dengue fever andcontrollingthemosquito aninfectedmosquito. vaccine (Dengvaxia) is population are still the main

Dengue fever causes a approvedforpeopleages9to methods for preventing the highfever—104F(40C)— 45 that have already had spread of dengue fever and any of the following dengue fever at least once. Staying in air-conditioned or signs and symptoms: The vaccine is given in three well-screened housing, headache, muscle, bone or doses over the course of 12 wearing protective clothing, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, months. usingmosquitorepellentand pain behind the eyes, The vaccine is approved reducing mosquito habitat swollenglandsandrash. only for people who have a are key in preventing the

Most people recover documented history of illnessfrombeingspread. within a week or so. In some cases,symptomsworsenand can become life-threatening. This is called severe dengue, denguehemorrhagicfeveror dengueshocksyndrome.

Severe dengue happens when your blood vessels become damaged and leaky

And the number of clotforming cells (platelets) in your bloodstream drops This can lead to shock, internal bleeding, organ failure and even death

From page 31

immediate success. It took nearly a year of groups L.A. Guns and Hollywood touring and the release of a second single, Rose—Guns N’ Roses played in a style that “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” to earn Guns N’ owed much more to the pure hard rock of the Rosesaplaceinmusichistory. 1970s than to the showy heavy metal of the Built around an opening riff that GN’R 1980s. Signed to Geffen in 1986, GN’R guitarist Slash considered a silly throwaway, released their first full-length album, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” went on to become Appetite For Destruction, the following notjusta#1hitonthisdayin1988,butalsoa summer, and with it their debut single, true rock classic. Voted onto “greatest” lists “WelcomeToTheJungle.” by Rolling Stone, Blender, the RIAA, BBC Appetite For Destruction would and the like, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” made eventually be certified 15-times Platinum, stars out of Guns N’ Roses, and it made soand “Welcome To The Jungle” would called “power ballads” like Poison’s “Every become a massively popular Top 10 hit, but Rose Has Its Thorn” seem weak by neither the album nor its first single was an comparison.

Warning signs of severe dengue fever usually begin the first day or two after your fever goes away, and may include severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from your gums or nose, blood in your urine, stools or vomit, bleeding under the skin, which might look like bruising, difficult or rapid b r e a t h i n g , f a t i g u e , irritabilityorrestlessness.

When to see a doctor

Severe dengue fever is a life-threatening medical emergency Seek immediate medical attention if you’ve recently visited an area in which dengue fever is known to occur, you have had a fever and you develop any of the warning signs.

A Brief HistoryoftheRubik’sCube

( S m i t h s o n i a n loveit.” Magazine) In the spring of

At first glance, the cube 1974, a young Hungarian seems deceptively simple, architect named Ernõ Rubik featuring nine colored became obsessed with squares on each side. In its findingawaytomodelthree- starting state, each side has a dimensional movement to uniform color — red, green, his students. After spending yellow, orange, blue, or months tinkering with white. blocks of cubes — made

To solve the puzzle, you from wood and paper, held must twist the cubes so that by rubber bands, glue, and eventually each side returns paper clips — he finally to its original color: The created something he called challenge is the astounding the“Bûvöskocka,”orMagic number of potential Cube. variations — more than 43

T h e i n v e n t i o n , quintillion ofthem. eventually renamed the

To master the cube, you Rubik’s Cube, would must learn a sequence of become the most popular with teenagers racing to Cubed: The Puzzle of Us All movements that can be how to solve it. At the time, the cube was featured in puzzle toy in the world, with complete the puzzle in the The impact of the cube has performed in successive he had no idea if his cube American TV commercials more than 350 million sold shortestamountoftime. been“muchmoreinteresting order the subject of could even be put back into and advertising, and became as of 2018. The cube also But at the start, no one than the cube itself,” Rubik several best-selling books as place, let alone how fast — thestarofananimatedseries inspired numerous artworks was more stunned about the said in an interview with well as online tutorials. And and it took him a full month in 1983 called “Rubik, the and films, and spawned a runaway success of the cube Undark Thebook,hesaid,is the evolution of the cube — to solve his own puzzle. It AmazingCube.” competitive sport called than its creator, as he abouttryingtounderstandits from a three-by-three-by- was fiendishly difficult “to The cube’s success speedcubing that fills arenas explains in his new book, popularity and “why people threeshapetolargerfour-by- find your way back, or to appeared to be short-lived: four-by-four and five-by- find your target — just to In1982, The New York Times five-by-five ones — offers solve it as a combinatorical declared it had “become different complicated problem,’’hesaid. passe,”andlabeledita“fad”, mathematical principles of “And I was without any an assertion that would not grouptheory. backgroundforthat,because stand the test of time. “The

Rubik initially believed Iwasthefirstwhotried.” cube was far too eternal, far the cube would appeal to Rubik describes Cubed, too amazing a structure, for those with science, math, or as the product of a hermit people to lose interest in it,” engineering backgrounds — who is “coming out of the Hofstadter said. And while and was shocked when “it shadows.” He refers to interest in the cube dropped, found its way to people himself as a “concrete and it has recently picked up whom nobody would ever intuitive thinker” and an again—asdirectorSueKim have thought might be amateurinventor,butlikehis illustrates in her new attractedtoit,”hewrites. invention, he defies documentary “The Speed

In March 1981, the Cube categorization. His resume Cubers.” landed on the cover of includesstintsasaprofessor, Asa“cubingmom,”Kim Scientific American, where architect, designer, editor began shuttling her son to Pulitzer-Prize winning and,now,writer Rubiktakes cubing competitions — and scientistDouglasHofstadter, pride in his ability to self- became fascinated with the author of “Gödel, Escher, teach, and bristles at the idea global popularity of the Bach” (1979), called it “one that those in authority are in puzzle. Kim documents the of the most amazing things the best position to impart way kids are mastering an ever invented for teaching knowledge. analogtoolusingtoolsofthe mathematicalideas.” His application to the digital age YouTube

T h e c u b e s t r u c k Hungarian Patent Office in tutorials, articles, and more Hofstadter as “paradoxical,” 1975 called the cube a and creating online he said in a phone interview, “spatial logic toy.” At the communities around their since it can be used as a tool time, Hungary was behind love of the cube. “I actually to teach group theory, or the the Iron Curtain — it would think it’s found a new niche symmetries of objects. “Any remain a communist inpopularculturebecauseof twist of any face (clockwise controlled Eastern bloc state its immersion within the 9 0 d e g r e e s , until 1989 — and as Rubik digital landscape,” Kim said counterclockwise 90 writes, the country had “no viavideochat. degrees, or 180 degrees) is a particular affinity for toy Hofstadter has heard of group element, and so are production.” speedcubers, and thinks it’s arbitrary sequences of such Back then, puzzles were fitting that the object has twists,”helaterexplainedby just a small slice of the endured “It’s absolutely email. overall toy market — you deserved,” he said. “It’s a

Sitting on the patio of his could only find them in m i r a c u l o u s o b j e c t , home in the hills of souvenir and specialty shops marvelous invention, a Budapest, Rubik, now 76, — and thinking of a puzzle beautiful invention, a deep fiddled with a cube as he as a toy was a novel concept. invention.” recalled its “discovery” and It appeared in Hungarian toy For all of its appeal to accidental success (He stores in 1977, and was mathematicalskillandlogic, prefers to use “discovered,” featured in international toy the broad popularity of the rather than “invented” — as fairs, such as the 1979 Cube may be rooted in the if the existence of the object Nuremburg Toy Fair nearly limitless number of w a s s o m e h o w p r e - where it was spotted by Tom possible solutions. “That is ordained). Kremer, a marketer who one of its most mysterious

After creating the cube, brought the concept to Ideal qualities,” Rubik writes he explained, he was faced Toy Company in United “The end turns into new with a second challenge: States. By the early 1980s, beginnings.”

Nearly half a century after its humble invention, the cube continues to be a global sensation. What’s the secret?

Rubik’s Cube inventor, Ernõ Rubik

Guyanese appointed NAACP President in Raleigh, NC calls on FBI to investigate case of Govt. misconduct

By RehannaRamsay

Guyana-born American activist, Dr Mark Vasconcellos is leadingthechargefortheFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate a case of government misconduct following a series of shootings that happened in North Carolinain2020.

Dr Vasconcellos who was appointed President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Raleigh-Apex Branch in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, back in February, is requesting that the FBI investigates the case ofHendersonAtwater,anAfricanAmerican male who was arrested forhisallegedinvolvementinthe shootings.

Mr Atwater was arrested in 2021.Heisbeingaccusedofusing a gun to shoot pellets into buildings and vehicles in Holly Springs, North Carolina on a number of occasions. The issue now is that while Mr Atwater remainsincustodyforthepasttwo and half years, even as one of the first witnesses to the shootings identified the suspect as a white person.

Dr Vasconcellos explained

thatMr Atwaterwaschargedwith more than two dozen felony charges connected to the shootings. “He faces more than 200 years in prison if he is convictedofallofthecharges.He has already been sitting in jail for more than two and a half years

suspectasawhitemaledrivingan Audi car Mr HendersonAtwater is a Black male who drives a VolkswagenJetta.

Additionally, the District Attorney’s Office did not supply Atwater’s Defense Team with video footage until April 2022, despite having it in their possession since the beginning of the investigation. As late as July 15, 2023, the Defense Team learnedthattheDistrictAttorney’s Office withheld another piece of exculpatory video evidence that supports, to some extent, the allegations of law enforcement misconduct and an attempted cover-up.

with no trial,” Dr Vasconcellos said.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r Vasconcellos, law enforcement initiallyidentifiedthesuspectasa White man He explained that videofootagewasobtainedinlate April of 2022 which shows the

Mr Mark Finkelstein of the NAACP Raleigh-Apex Legal Redress Committee stated “The tenacious hard work of Mr Atwater’s defense lawyers uncovered a series of unconscionable acts by local law enforcement. Dr Vasconcellos and the NAACP have in turn workedresolutelytoshedlighton the wrongful acts uncovered and obtain Mr Atwater’s pre-trial release.”

Meanwhile, a local news station in Raleigh reported that Atwater’sdefenseteamtriedto Continued on page 51

DETAINED: Henderson Atwater faces two dozen felony charges for shootings in North Carolina

Guyana-bornAmerican activist, Dr. Mark Vasconcellos

‘Barbie’ Review: Out of the Box and On the Road

(TheGuardian)She’sin women who play with the the driver’s seat, headed for doll that give it something uncharted territory (flat like life, a fitting shift for a feet!). But there are limits to movie that takes sisterhood how much dimension even asastartingpoint.

Greta Gerwig can give this Theseimaginersfirstand brandedmaterial. foremost include Gerwig Can a doll with an herself. The movie opens i n g r a t i a t i n g s m i l e , with a prelude that parodies impossiblecurvesandboobs the “dawn of man” sequence readyforliftoffbeafeminist in “2001:ASpace Odyssey” icon? That’s a question that (with girls, not ape-men), swirls through Greta and then shifts to Barbie Gerwig’s “Barbie,” a live- Land, a kaleidoscopic action, you-go-girl fantasia wonderland. There, Gerwig aesthetic that could be called version of the doll (the unpleasant reminder of all as Gosling’s deadpan and about the world’s most sets the scene and tone with bubble-gum midcentury invaluableKateMcKinnon), the profoundly unfunny boy-band dance moves — famous doll. For more than Barbie (Margot Robbie) — modern. whoprescribesBirkenstocks ways in which this world, recurrently draw attention half a century, Barbie has w h o c a l l s h e r s e l f Gerwig has fun in Barbie and a trip to the real world. with its visible and invisible away from the actress and been, by turns, celebrated as stereotypical Barbie — soon Land, and in her role as a Soon, Barbie — with Ken hands, tries to control her character. However a font of girlhood pleasure floating out of her friendlyplaymate,sheworks riding shotgun — journeys women, putting them into narratively motivated, this and play, and rebuked as an Dreamhouse, as if she were hard to ensure you do too. into something like reality; littleboxes. upstaging of Barbie instrument of toxic gender being lifted by a giant She takes you for a leisurely thattheylandinLosAngeles Mattel has long tried to effectively suggests that norms and consumerist invisible hand. It’s a witty spin, cranks the tunes, stages reads like a puckish joke. reconcile Barbie with the only the Kens of the world ideals of femininity If auteurist flourish The s o m e o l d - s c h o o l , There, Barbie is astonished real world. The toy’s origins need their consciousness Barbie has been a culture- Mattel brand looms large Hollywood-style musical to discover sexism, and Ken lie with Ruth Handler, a raised. warhotspotforaboutaslong here, but Gerwig, whose numbers and brings in those is delighted to discover founder of Mattel who The real world may as it’s been on the shelves, directorial command is so eternal sidekicks, the Kens patriarchy, contrapuntal wanted to make a doll for initiallybewilderBarbie,but it’sbecausethedollperfectly fluent she seems born to (with a scene-stealing Ryan revelations that generate girls like her daughter, she figures it out. That’s just encapsulates changing ideas filmmaking, is announcing Gosling chief among them). further comedy and Barbara. Handler found her whatyou’dexpectgiventhat about girls and women: our thatshe’sincontrol. The production design s o m e t h i n g l i k e inspirationinEuropewithan Mattel partnered with Barbies,ourselves. Written by Gerwig and (Sarah Greenwood) and enlightenment. adult-looking German doll Warner Bros. for this movie Gerwig carves a comic h e r p a r t n e r , N o a h costumes (Jacqueline Gerwig handles the called Bild Lilli that Mattel and is banking big on it. For pathway into these Baumbach, the movie Durran) offer ticklish transition between realms reconfigured. Some buyers her part, Gerwig figures it representational thickets introduces Barbie on yet pleasure but also underscore smoothly, but even in this pushed back: “The idea of a out by vibing on joy, tapping partly by means of anotherperfectdayinBarbie this place’s artificiality bouncy,happymovie,reality doll with breasts was not into nostalgia, showcasing mythology In outline, the Land, in which dolls played Barbie, et. al., are of our proves a bummer It’s received well,” Handler said her large cast (Will Ferrell, movie offers a savvy, by humans exist in what world and not, existing in a amusing when Barbie points in a 1994 Lilith magazine Issa Rae, Simu Liu, Dua updated riff on the Greek resembles a toyland gated plasticky paradise that out a billboard filled with interview Lipa,HelenMirren,Michael myth of Pygmalion, which community There, framed proves less hospitable when women, mistaking them for Barbie’s breasts and the Cera, etc.) and, for the most has inspired myriad stories byapaintedmountainrange, she begins having un-Barbie the Supreme Court because rest of her continued to part, dodging the thorny about men and the women Barbieandadiversegroupof thoughts and experiences: that’s what the court looks generate criticism, including contradictions and the theyinvent. other Barbies rule, living in She thinksof death,andthen likeinBarbieLand,justwith from physicians who treat criticisms that cling to the

In the original, a male homes with few exterior herfeet,whicharemoldedto more pink. She learns how body dysmorphia. In recent doll.And while Gerwig does sculptor creates and falls in walls. With their flat roofs, fithighheels,goflat. wrong she was, which is to years, Mattel has tried to slipinafewglintsofcritique love with a beautiful statue; cleanlinesandpinkdécor— This change to Barbie’s Gerwig’s point But the make the doll more — as when a teenage girl in George Bernard Shaw’s a spherical TV, Eero body is played for laughs — weight of our world, culturally relevant, adding accuses Barbie of promoting play “Pygmalion” and in the Saarinen-style tulip table the other Barbies are emblematized at least for careers and not just new consumerism, shortly before Lerner-Loewe musical ”My a n d c h a i r s t h e horrified—butit’scrucialto this viewer by the real merch to its product she pals up with our heroine Fair Lady,” she’s a Cockney overarching look evokes the the plot and to Gerwig’s Court’soverturningofRoev portfolio. “When a girl plays — these feel more like mere flower girl. In “Barbie,” by era when Barbie first hit the intentions Once Barbie’s Wade, proves unbearably with Barbie she imagines winks at the adults in the c o n t r a s t , i t ’ s t h e market It’s very Palm feet touch the ground, she heavy However politically everythingshecanbecome,” audiencethananythingelse. imaginations of the girls and Springs circa 1960, an seeks advice from a misfit sharp, the gag is an a 2015 Mattel ad promised L i k e ” A i r, ” B e n during a period of sluggish Affleck’srecentmovieabout sales. Its Fashionistas line how Nike signed Michael introduced new facial Jordan, as well as other shapes, eye colors and skin entertainments tethered to tones, followed by petite, their consumer subjects, curvy and tall versions, a “Barbie” can only push so diversity that has paid off. In hard. These movies can’t 2019, Mattel announced that damage the goods, though this Barbie movie was going I’m not sure most viewers forward with Robbie as the would want that; our brands, star ourselves, after all That

As a performer, Robbie said, Gerwig does much always pops onscreen, and within the material’s her turn here as a classic inherently commercial blond bombshell who has parameters, though it isn’t more going on than that until the finale — capped by sexist stereotype suggests is a s h a r p l y f u n n y , charming and subtly phased; philosophically expansive you can see the light turn on last line — that you see the gradually behind her eyes. “Barbie” that could have Like America Ferrera’s been. Gerwig’s talents are sympathetic Mattel one of this movie’s employee, Robbie warms pleasures, and I expect that the movie, expanding and they’ll be wholly on display deepening its emotions in her next one — I just hope That’sparticularlynecessary that this time it will be a because Ken’s comic house of her own wildest obtusenessandarc—aswell dreams.

Margot Robbie, right, as Barbie, and Ryan Gosling, as Ken, in Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.”Credit...Warner Bros. Pictures

By Wayne Lyttle

In today’s fast-paced world, men face numerous challenges, including juggling career aspirations, maintaining relationships, and managing their overall well-being. One significant threat to men’s health is the persistent use of tobacco, whether through smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using smokelesstobaccoproducts. Inthisarticle,weexplorethe detrimental impact of tobacco on men’s health, discuss the barriers to quitting, and offer practical strategies for embracing a tobacco-freelife.

THEPREVALENCE OFTOBACCOUSE

AMONGMEN:A LINGERING CHALLENGE

Tobacco use remains alarmingly prevalent among men, perpetuating a significant public health concern Smoking, in particular, has been associatedwithaplethoraof health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory conditions. Men tendtoinitiatetobaccouseat an earlier age than women, and are more likely to become regular smokers. The reasons behind this trend are complex and often rooted in societal norms, peer pressure, and stress management.

The cost of tobacco use beyond health implications asidefromtheevidenthealth consequences also exacts a financial toll on individuals and society at large The expenses associated with purchasing tobacco products, coupled with increasedhealthcarecoststo address tobacco-related illnesses, place a substantial burden on financial wellbeing of men. By breaking free from tobacco addiction, men can regain control of their financial stability and redirect resources towards more positive aspects of theirlives.Asitrelatestothe psychologicalandemotional triggers for many men, tobacco use have become entwined with their emotional landscape. Stress, anxiety, and even moments o f c e l e b r a t i o n o r

Corner

CLEARING THE AIR:

Men’s Health and the Pursuit of a Tobacco-Free Life

camaraderie can trigger the urge to tobacco. Addressing the psychological aspects of tobacco addiction is crucial in the journey towards a tobacco-free life. Seeking professional counseling, attending support groups, and learning healthier copingmechanismscanhelp menovercomethesetriggers andbreakfreefromthecycle of addiction The stigma surrounding smoking cessation ironically the desire to quit smoking is oftenaccompaniedbyafear o f j u d g m e n t a n d

stigmatization Some men may feel embarrassed or weak for not being able to quit, which can lead to further isolation and reluctance to seek help Breaking free from tobacco addictionshouldberegarded asanactofstrengthandselfcare,withsocietysupporting and applauding those who take this brave step towards better health The importance of physical activity encouraging men to adopt regular physical activity can be a potent tool in the fight against tobacco use Engaging in sports, exercise, or outdoor activities not only reduces the urge to smoke but also helps improve overall wellbeing Physical activity releases endorphins, which can serve as a healthier alternativetothemomentary pleasure derived from smoking Moreover, exercising with friends or in a group setting can foster a sense of community and accountability, making it easier for men to stay committed to their tobaccofree journey The role of support systems and accountability, support from family, friends, or professional networks plays apivotalroleinmen’sefforts to quit tobacco use. Open communication about the challenges faced during the quitting process can foster a supportive environment, reducing feelings of

isolation Additionally, setting realistic goals and establishing a system of accountability, such as recording progress or celebrating milestones, can keep men motivated throughout their tobaccofreejourney

Thepowerofknowledge and awareness educating men about the potential health risks of tobacco use can be a driving force for change. Providing accurate and accessible information about the harmful effects of smoking empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health Moreover, raising awareness about available resources for smoking cessation, such as nicotine replacement therapies, counseling services,andsupportgroups, can lead men towards successful quitting

outcomes In conclusion, tobacco use continues to poseaconsiderablethreatto men’shealthandwell-being.

Overcoming the challenges associated with tobacco addiction requires a multi-

The side effects of tobacco

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

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This is to imitate natural lash growth, to appear natural.Itgivesyoureyesthe attention they deserve.AsY lashisthinindiameter,ithas lessercontactwithyourskin. Besides, you don’t need as many lashes as it’sYshape. Apart from saving you time in your makeup routine, YLashesareawaytoenhance yourfeatures.

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Amid pop’s revolutions, Tony Bennett was a steady, classy constant

(The Guardian) Over thecourseofTonyBennett’s 71-year career, pop music changedbeyondrecognition. Atoneendofit,hisfirstNo1 single Because Of You was displacedfromthetopofthe USchartsbyhissecondNo1 single, a cover of Cold Cold Heart by Hank Williams, then not a mythic, long-lost figure – the fabled King of Country-butstillverymuch alive and recording. At the other, he released an album ofduetswithLadyGaga.

But Tony Bennett didn’t change,oratleastnotmuch: his career was an object lesson in the virtues of standing still, of knowing where your talent lay and trusting that it was strong enough to transcend the vagariesoffashion.

It wasn’t that Bennett wasunwillingtotakerisksor experiment:coveringaHank Williams honky-tonk song was simply not the kind of thing that suave, Queensborn pop stars did in 1951, whiletheversionsofLullaby of Broadway or Let’s Face the Music and Dance on 1957’sTheBeatofMyHeart album were surprisingly stripped-backandstark,with the focus of the sound more on a battalion of percussionists that included ArtBlakeythanonthebrass or piano. But he seldom chasedtrends,ormovedwith thetimes,atleastartistically

On the rare occasions when he was inveigled into doingso,itneverendedwell, aswhen,intheearly70s,his then-recordlabelforcedhim into recording Stevie Wonder and Lennon & McCartney songs and released them asTony Sings the Great Hits of Today!, an album with a codpsychedelic sleeve that looked not unlike the cover of the Beatles’A Collection ofOldies…ButGoldies!He subsequently claimed that the process of making it caused him to become “physically nauseous I actuallyregurgitated”.

Bennett knew he was better off making the music he wanted to make – his warm tenor voice singing showtunes and selections from the Great American Songbook and allowing his love of jazz to influence the arrangements–whileletting tastes shift and change around him, confident that people would eventually come around to his way of thinking, even if he had to start his own record label in ordertodoit.

He was right. Towards

the end of his career, far youngerartistswerequeuing up to record with him: George Michael, John Legend, Mariah Carey and Amy Winehouse among them.

By then, people were openly questioning how a man of his age kept up the work schedule he did. He released six albums while in his 80s, and toured incessantly:in2014,theyear heturned88,Bennettplayed morethan70liveshows.But then, Bennett learned the valueof hard work earlyon: before serving in the second world war, he supported himselfworkingasasinging waiter; following the war, andafterbeingspottedbythe comedian Bob Hope, he played seven shows a day at New York’s Paramount theatre. He worked hard to ensurehisfirstflushoffame didn’tendwiththearrivalof rock’n’roll. His pianist and musical director, Ralph Sharon, encouraged him to abandon pop and novelty songs and follow an increasingly jazz-oriented path: he recorded two great albumswiththeCountBasie Orchestra in 1958 and 59; recorded the haunting, percussion-free Alone Together the following year and released his most celebrated single, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, in 1962.

But by the end of the decade, his record company seemed convinced that his commercial standing had been affected by the rise of rock music, although, in truth, the facts that Sharon had jumped ship, that Bennett was contractually obliged to make three albums a year and that the quality of his output was understandably suffering as aresultmighthavehadmore todowithit.

Clearly noting the way that Frank Sinatra had expanded his repertoire to include songs by Jimmy Webb, Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon on his goldselling albums Cycles and My Way, they insisted Bennett try something similar, even down to recording some of the same material Sinatra essayed: BobbyRussell’sLittleGreen Apples, George Harrison’s Something.

The resulting albums wereadisaster,andtherewas something gleeful and defiant about the way Benne

f, launching his own label

Improv with Life Is Beautiful,analbumheavyon theColePorterandRogers& Hart. But Improv quickly collapsed, Bennett’s live bookings dried up and he developed an addiction to cocaine: by the start of the 80s, he was, by his own admission,“lost”.

Ittooktheinterventionof his son Danny to restart his career He became his father’s manager, got him gigsincollegesthattookhim away from the Vegas image and masterminded his 1986 albumTheArtofExcellence, which reunited him with Ralph Sharon and returned himtothecharts.Heposedin a leather jacket on its cover, but inside, all was business as usual: even a cover of James Taylor’s 1976 album track Everybody Has the Blues, sung as a duet with Ray Charles, sounded like it hadbeenbeameddirectfrom anafter-hoursclubin1957. His resurgence was sealed with a celebrated performance on MTV Unpluggedin1994.Intruth, Bennett was no more unplugged than usual, performing I Left My Heart in San Francisco, Fly Me to theMoonetalwiththeRalph SharonTrio, but getting him on MTV at the height of grungewasnomeanfeat:the resulting album went platinum and won an album oftheyearGrammy

From that point on, Bennett’s career and standing never faltered. He performed at Glastonbury and continued to make great records,ofteninconjunction with others 2002’s A Wonderful World, recorded with kd lang, was an understated triumph, while hisDuetsalbums–whichhe insisted on recording live, with the guest performers present – were wildly successful. Bennett might well have derived a small glowofsatisfactionfromthe fact that the guest list includedbothStevieWonder and Paul McCartney, artists he’d once been wrongly advised to follow, now payinghomage.

Indeed, when he and Lady Gaga recorded 2014’s Cheek to Cheek together, it felt less like a young artist bringingacertainhipcachet toamanapproaching90,and more like a masterful performer in the autumn of hisyearsbestowingacertain timeless class, credibility andexperience–theresultof sevendecadesspentsticking to his guns – on a singer in her20s.

ROAD TANKER WAGON STANDARD AND VERIFICATION

ENSURE SAFE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORT OFPETROLEUM PRODUCTS

Transportation of bulk fuel from terminals to gas

stations countrywide requires safety, efficiency, and accurate measurements.

To ensure these parameters are met, all Road Tanker Wagons (RTW) licensed to transport fuel must be verified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in accordance with the 1981 Weights and Measures Act. Ownersofthesevehiclesare alsorequiredtocomplywith the National Standard, GYS 512:2016 - “Requirements for the transport of petroleum and petroleum products by road tanker wagons”

The GNBS, which is the National Measurement Institute (NMI), is currently conductingitssecondperiod of verification for the year

2023fromJulytoSeptember

This exercise covers the verificationofallmeasuring instruments used in the health, transportation, retail and other sectors, to ensure consumer protection, safety, healthandequityintrade.

As it relates to the Road Tanker Wagon, this equipment is defined by the National Standard as a composite unit consisting of a propelling motor and cab together with one or more tanks fixed to a chassis such that bulk transportation of petroleum and petroleum

products can be done Petroleum products include petrol, diesel, bunker-C and any other heavy oils, liquefiedgas,petroleumgas, aviation fuel, kerosene and other hydrocarbon-based product of the petroleum refining process, whether in liquidorgaseousform.

In Guyana, although tanker wagons transport many of the aforementioned products on our roadways daily, they are usually associatedwiththetransport of gasoline, diesel and kerosenefromthemainbulk fuelterminalstogas-stations countrywide. These tankers are either owned by the main distributors of fuel or by private fuel dealers, including owners of gas stations.

Thesetrucksareverified by the GNBS initially when imported into Guyana and subsequent verification is done yearly to facilitate the renewalof licensesfrom the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).

Inspectors of the GNBS and Weights and Measures Officersconductverification of RTWs to ensure there are no leaking valves, the tanks do not retain more than two

(2) litres of petroleum or petroleum products in each compartment, and the carrying capacity of each compartmentisaccurate.

Verification is also

required if the vehicle was involved in an accident or incident which can alter the volume of the tanker or fixtures on the unit

According to the National Standard, inspections and retestingshallbecarriedout bytheGNBSpriortofurther use if the tanker shows evidence of dents, corrosion or leakages which may renderitunsafe.

Retestingisalsorequired ifthevehiclehasbeenoutof operation for more than a yearorsafetymeasureshave notbeenexercisedintheuse ofthetankerwagon.

Internal inspection, lining inspection, pressure, leakage and thickness test requirementsareallincluded inthestandard.

In addition, the National Standard provides general safety requirements, and information on the design that is appropriate to reduce accidentaldamage.

Italsolistsappurtenance relating to safety including fire extinguishers, warning signs,placards,andlighting.

In addition, because of the flammable nature of products being transported by such a vehicle, on loading,off-loading,firstaid and firefighting training shall be administered to person(s) using a tanker wagon.Further,thestandard requiresacontingencyplan.

In order to meet the requirementsofthisstandard

and to reduce the possibility of verification and inspectionfailure,ownersof tanker wagons are encouragedtoacquireacopy of this standard and take actions to have their tanker

w a g o n s m e e t t h e requirements.

Additionally,ownerscan contact the GNBS Legal

Metrology Services

Department to arrange the verification of their RTWs.

For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064-66 or WhatsApp 6924627 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org or facebook/gnbsgy

How many calories does cycling burn?

Personal trainer reveals the surprising truth

(Woman&Home)How many calories does cycling burn? We know that cycling is a good workout as one of the most popular forms of cardio around, but many people would be surprised to know that cycling actually rivals many other sports when it comestoburningcalories.

If you’re looking to lose weight, exercise can be an essentialtoolinyourroutine. Whileit’snotthebe-all-andend-all of healthy weight loss - you’ll need to change your eating habits to see major changes - it can help you burn calories and get into a good calorie deficit. Plus,therearesomanyother benefits to be had, from improvements in your fitness to a more positive mentalattitude.

Doing cycling as a workout is one of the best ways to complement the changestoyoureatinghabits if you’re looking to learn how to lose weight without dieting.

Here, to explain how manycaloriescyclingburns, we speak to a master personaltrainer

HOW MANY CALORIES DOES CYCLING BURN?

Generally, women burn between 250 and 300 calories per 30 minutes,

says Alannah Bray, master personal trainer That works out to just over 500 calories anhouratminimum,rivaling other activities like rowing, ice skating, kayaking, and s w i m m i n g . I t ’ s understandable if this is still more than you thought though, considering that cycling is a low-impact workout.

However, some people may burn more than this whilst others will burn less. Howmanycaloriesyouburn cyclingwillbedependenton several key factors, including age, gender, weight,fitnesslevel,andthe intensity and duration of yourworkout.

So, for example, someoneweighingmorewill burn more calories by doing the same amount of activity for the same amount of time assomeonewhoweighsless.

Harvard Medical School lays out the number of caloriesapersonwillburnat three different weights per half an hour, depending on thestyleofcyclingtheydo:

·Moderatecyclingona stationarybike:(56kg)210 /(70kg)252/(83kg)294

· Vigorous cycling on a stationarybike:(56kg)315 /(70kg)278/(83kg)441

·Cyclingoutdoors,1213.5mph: (56kg) 240 /

(70kg)288/(83kg)336

·Cyclingoutdoors,1415.9mph: (56kg) 300 / (70kg)360/(83kg)420

·Cyclingoutdoors,1619mph:(56kg)360/(70kg) 432/(83kg)504

Cycling outdoors, more than 20 mph: (56kg) 495/(70kg)594/(83kg)693

Mountain biking: (56kg) 255 / (70kg) 306 / (83kg)357

The type of cycling that burns the most calories, per the research, is cycling outdoors followed by vigorous cycling on a stationary bike - aka spinningforweightloss.

Your starting fitness role p l a y s a n o f t e nunderestimated role in how many calories you will be able to burn cycling. “As with all forms of cardiovascular exercise you need to improve your cardiovascular performance (as the name indicates),” says Bray, who works with Fitagain. “Improving your fitness lowers the amount of oxygen used to sustain the intensity

As you get fitter, maintaining the same pace will become easier, and therefore you burn fewer calories.”

Equally,ifyou’renewto exercise then you’ll burn

more calories as your body has to work harder to keep your heart, lungs, and muscles moving to maintain theeffort.

“Monitoring your heart rateisagreatindicationasto how your fitness is improving, allowing you to challengeyourbodytowork inthefat-burningzone,”she says.“Asimplewaytowork this out is 220 minus your age, this is roughly your maximum heart rate. Take 70%offthisnumberandthis is fat-burning territory You’llbesurprisedhowslow youmayneedtogo,tobegin with. Mixing this up with high-intensity intervals will challengethecardiovascular systemmore.”

IS CYCLING A GOOD WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT?

Yes,weightlossisoneof themanybenefitsofcycling on offer when paired with changestoyourdiet.

“It has many beneficial factors to it, including sustainability, especially for those carrying excess weight,”saysBray “Whenit comes to cycling vs running or even walking, cycling offers support whilst still allowing you to be weightbearing.”

This means that impact onthebodyislowsoyoucan exercise more often and in the long run, burn more

calories.Ifyou’recarryinga little more weight, this is especially beneficial as you won’t face the same issues with the joints that you wouldrunningorwalking.

“Cycling is also a great form of exercise for those with balance issues, especially on fixed indoor bikes,” says the personal trainer DOES WALKING BURN MORE CALORIES THAN CYCLING?

Compared to the same researchbyHarvard,cycling burns many more calories than walking. For example, walking at 3.5 mph (17 min/mi) can help to burn between 107 and 159 calories per 30 minutes dependingonhowmuchyou weigh, and even walking a little faster at 4 mph (15 min/mi) only burns a little moreat135-189calories.

However, walking as a workout may be a better choice for beginners. Those new to exercise may feel more confident heading out forwalking30minutesaday orevenjustheadingoutfora 10-minutestrollatlunchtime thanhoppingonabike.

TIPS FOR BURNING MORE CALORIES WHEN CYCLING

· Spend more time on the bike: “Keep trying to increase the time you spend

cycling,” says Bray “Build thisinstagesbysettingsmall goals each session, as this willkeepyoumotivated.”

· Introduce some HIIT into your workout: “Exercising in lots of differentheartratezoneswill train the heart to perform better, allowing you to burn morecalories.”AddingHIIT (high-intensity interval training),likecircuittraining or weighted workouts, can reallyhelpwiththis.

Ride regularly: “Cycling is low impact so you don’t need the same recoverytimethatresistance trainingrequires,”saysBray “Cyclinglittleandoftenmay bethebestapproachforyou. This will also allow it to becomemoreofahabitthan achore.”

·Considerwhen toeat: As noted, what you eat matters when it comes to losing weight sustainablyand this includes when you eat.

“Thisisveryindividual,” explainsthepersonaltrainer “Somemayneedtoeatprior to have more energy to perform,whereasotherswill needtheenergyfollowing. Eitherway,listentoyour bodyandconsumefoodsthat give good energy, not just calories Think about bananas, oat muffins, nuts, etc.”

Personal trainer reveals how many calories cycling burns over 30 minutes to an hour, so you can find a workout that works best for you

All About Postpartum Psychosis: A Severe, but Highly Treatable, Maternal Mental Health Condition

(Cosmopolitan) At this point, it’s a given that birthing a child is painful; that the physical recovery is tough.

That,sure,babiesaresoft and cuddly, but the parent’s body just needs a break, preferably a long one What’snotagiven:thattheir mind may also need some time and, crucially, some help.

It’snotthatabsolutelyno oneistalkingaboutmaternal mental health influential women like Chrissy Teigen and Adele have publicly shared their struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety,openingthedoorfor countless others to do the same (And there are countlessothers:Around1in 5 mothers will experience a mental health condition during pregnancy or in the year afterward, according to t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization.) But when it comes to one of the most severe mental health conditions associated with pregnancy and birth, there’s mostly just a lot of silence and shame, leaving vulnerable families scared andalone.

What Everyone (No, Like, Everyone) Should Know

Postpartumpsychosis,or PPP, is a mood disorder that causes new mothers to experience breaks from reality, with symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and sleep deprivation occurring in the days or weeks after giving birth.

While there’s no clear cause, researchers believe having a personal or family historyofbipolar1orschizo affective disorder or a prior case of PPP are the most importantriskfactors.

But even people who’ve always had a clean bill of physical and emotional healthcanbeimpacted,says KristinaDulaney,founderof Cherished Mom, a nonprofit promoting awareness and support for maternal mood disorders That’s exactlywhathappenedtoher soon after the birth of her secondchild.

Dulaney, a nurse, never saw it coming. Neither did her doctors or family members, until the day she suddenly quit her job, believingJesusneededherto prepare her kids for his return. Her husband called 911 after Dulaney grabbed thechildrenwhiletheywere napping, yelling, “Please save us.” She spent the next

monthsininpatientandthen outpatientcare.

Not every patient experiences religious delusions. PPP can present differently in everyone, which—alongwithageneral lackofawareness—isoneof the reasons it can be so difficult to diagnose Michele Davidson, herself a midwife, became obsessed withtheideathatherdoctors caused her newborn son’s cerebralpalsy

After months of being misdiagnosed with depression, she was sent to the ER, where she began hearing voices She was

admittedto a long-termcare facilityshortlyafter Without highly effective treatment—mostofteninthe form of inpatient h o s p i t a l i z a t i o n , antipsychotic medication, and therapy—PPP will get worse.

(It’s a fact that’s worth repeating: PPP does not go away on its own.) Sufferers continue to lose touch with reality, often becoming a danger to themselves and theirlovedones.

This is where the news headlines come in: horrific stories about mothers murdering their babies,

under the influence of psychosis “Clinicians consider PPP to be a true psychiatric emergency,” stressesLaurenM.Osborne, MD, a reproductive psychiatrist at New York–Presbyterian/Weill CornellMedicine.

Not everyone diagnosed with PPP will experience violent delusions, but without quick and proper care, approximately 4 percent of sufferers commit infanticide Five percent commit suicide. With that quick and proper care though, most women will makeafullrecovery

Your Best Advocate Is...You

If you’re thinking about having a kid, start by understandingyourownrisk factors and the symptoms to look out for, and prepare yourlovedonesaccordingly, sayspsychiatristSueVarma, MD. “In the midst of PPP,” she adds, “you’re not going towanttogethelp.”

Writeoutaplanofaction withyourdoctorandfamily, especiallyifyou’reatrisk,in case PPPdoes arise, advises Wendy Davis, PhD, executive director of Postpartum Support International(PSI).

Groups like PSI—which

connects new families with trained providers, free counseling, and other resources—can help those who don’t have a built-in supportsystem.

And keep the advocacy goingbyspreadingtheword. In our current frustrating reality, in which women already don’t always have total control over their own bodies, PPP isn’t a legislative or research priority,saysDr Varma.“We just don’t have services in place that value women and families like other countries do.”

Dr Osborneagrees:“We need so much more education. Not only is the general public uninformed on the condition, most medical, legal, and law enforcement professionals aretoo.”

O b - g y n s a n d psychiatrists have only recently started getting training in reproductive psychiatry, and our legal system doesn’t take it into consideration when sentencing,shesays.

Until all of this changes, the best option is to make sure anyone giving birth in yourlifefeelssupportedand able to recover both physicallyandmentally

1 to 2 in every 1,000 mothers will experience this life-threatening condition. And it needs to be on everyone’s radar.

Little Jack Roll around

Once upon a time there was a wee little boy who slept in a tiny trundlebed near his mother's great bed. The trundlebed had castors onitsothatitcouldberolled about, and there was nothing in the world the little boy liked so much as to have it rolled When his mother came to bed he would cry, "Roll me around! roll me around!" And his mother would put out her hand from thebigbedandpushthelittle bed back and forth till she was tired. The little boy could never get enough; so for this he was called "Little JackRollaround."

One night he had made hismotherrollhimabout,till shefellasleep,andeventhen he kept crying, "Roll me around!rollmearound!"His mother pushed him about in her sleep, until she fell too soundly slumbering; then she stopped. But Little Jack Rollaround kept on crying, "Rollaround!rollaround!"

By and by the Moon peeped in at the window. He sawafunnysight:LittleJack Rollaround was lying in his trundlebed, and he had put uponelittlefatlegforamast andfastenedthecornerofhis wee shirt to it for a sail, and he was blowing at it with all his might, and saying, "Roll around! roll around!"

Slowly, slowly, the little trundlebed boat began to move; it sailed along the floor and up the wall and across the ceiling and down again!

"More! more!" cried Little Jack Rollaround; and the little boat sailed faster up the wall, across the ceiling, down the wall, and over the floor The Moon laughed at the sight; but when Little

Jack Rollaround saw the Moon, he called out, "Open thedoor,oldMoon!Iwantto roll through the town, so that thepeoplecanseeme!"

The Moon could not open the door, but he shone in through the keyhole, in a broad band. And Little Jack Rollaround sailed his trundlebedboatupthebeam, throughthekeyhole,andinto thestreet.

"Make a light, old Moon," he said; "I want the peopletoseeme!"

So, the good Moon made a light and went along with him,andthelittletrundlebed boat went sailing down the streets into the main street of the village. They rolled past the town hall and the schoolhouse and the church; but nobody saw little Jack Rollaround, because everybody was in bed, asleep.

"Why don't the people cometoseeme?"heshouted.

High up on the church steeple, the Weather-vane answered, "It is no time for people to be in the streets; decentfolkareintheirbeds."

"Then I'll go to the woods, so that the animals may see me," said Little Jack "Come along, old Moon,andmakealight!"

The good Moon went along and made a light, and they came to the forest. "Roll!roll!”

cried the little boy; and the trundlebed went trundling among the trees in the great wood, scaring up the chipmunks and startling the little leaves on the trees. The poor old Moon began to have a bad time of it, for the tree trunks got in his way so thathecouldnotgosofastas the bed, and every time he got behind, the little boy

FUNWITHPOETRY

Eat & play right

There are many things we like to do, To have fun alone and with others, But many times when we do too much, We can suffer in one way or another

This may be something we love to do, Like playing games or watching TV, Or it may be something nice to eat, Like ice cream, cake or sweets.

When we play too much or watch TV, We cannot find time to do things helpful, Like our work at home and for school That really make our life useful.

So always try to do your best In the things you do and eat; Sharing your time and eating well Will in the end make you feel great.

called,"Hurryup,oldMoon, Iwantthebeaststoseeme!"

But all the animals were asleep, and nobody at all looked at Little Jack Rollaround except an old White Owl; and all she said was,"Whoareyou?"

Thelittleboydidnotlike her, so he blew harder, and the trundlebed boat went sailing through the forest till it came to the end of the world.

"I must go home now; it islate,"saidtheMoon.

“Iwillgowithyou;make a path!" said Little Jack Rollaround.

The kind Moon made a path up to the sky, and up sailed the little bed into the midst of the sky All the little bright Stars were there with their nice little lamps. And when he saw them, that naughty Little Jack Rollaround began to tease. "Out of the way, there! I am coming!" he shouted, and sailed the trundlebed boat straight at them. He bumped the little Stars right and left, all over the sky, until every one of them put his little lampoutandleftitdark.

"Do not treat the little Stars so," said the good Moon.

But Jack Rollaround only behaved the worse: "Get out of the way, old Moon!" he shouted, "I am coming!"

And he steered the little trundlebed boat straight into the old Moon's face, and bumpedhisnose!

This was too much for the good Moon; he put out his big light, all at once, and lefttheskypitch-black.

"Makealight,oldMoon! Make a light!" shouted the little boy But the Moon answered never a word, and Jack Rollaround could not see where to steer He went rolling criss-cross, up and down, all over the sky, knocking into the planets and stumbling into the clouds, till he did not know wherehewas.

Suddenly he saw a big yellow light at the very edge of the sky He thought it was theMoon.

"Look out, I am coming!" he cried, and steeredforthelight.

But it was not the kind old Moon at all; it was the great mother Sun, just comingupoutofherhomein the sea, to begin her day's work.

"Aha, youngster, what are you doing in my sky?" she said. And she picked Little Jack Rollaround up and threw him, trundlebed boat and all, into the middle of the sea!And I suppose he isthereyet,unlesssomebody pickedhimoutagain.

Seashell Creatures

These seashell creatures are the perfect beach craft to tackle after collecting shells from your latest beach vacation Make your own unique creature!

Author: Meaghan Mountford (July 18,2023)

Supplies

· Shellsinvariousshapesandsizes

· Whiteair-dryclay

· Craftpaintindesiredcolours

· Paintbrushes

· Hotgluegun

Instructions

1. Plan each of your seashell creatures first Sketch designs and play around with the clay and shells to comeupwithcreatures.

2.Roll,pinch,andshape the air-dry clay into the necessary parts of the creatures to hold the shells. Letdryovernight.

3. Paint the clay parts desired colours, adding googly eyes with white and blackdotsofpaint.Letdry.

4 A s s e m b l e t h e creatureswithhotglue.

TURTLE HERMIT CRAB CLAM SNAIL

Try to be clear on the

you

take to develop your Sense of Purpose

Here we expand o n t h e 4 strategies which we mentioned that are geared to motivate you towards this sense of purpose:-

1. Have great desires or aims in life. We should expect that good and wonderful things will happen to us, but we need to plan to make them happen. We should always tell

ourselves that we can do better than we have done, and set an example by striving to surpass our own performancenexttime.

2. Build confidence and faith in your ability to succeed. History is full of examples of people who faced obstacles and handicaps and eventually came out victorious, mainly becausetheyhadconfidence in their own ability to

succeed. Read of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Helen Keller, and discover how they achieved great things by this confidence in themselves.

3. Clarify your visions and dreams. What do you hope to achieve in life? What kind of person would youliketobe?

Whatdoyouthinkwould make you happy, and give you the means of helping otherstobeso?

What ideals and values would you like to maintain to give full meaning to your life? The answers to these questions will help you to see the direction you must taketofulfilyourdreams.

Persons who make choices based on the values and ideals which they cherish feel good about themselves and their lives. Itisafactthattheearlierone identifies the values which would control his life, the better chances that he would

be able to maintain these in laterlife,infamilylifeandin hisjob.

4 Develop plans for achieving your goals in life. Many want success without planninganddoingthework togetit.

When you develop a clear picture of what you want to achieve, then you will be more highly motivated.

Once you set a realistic goal in life, and you are committed to achieving it, you are well on the way to success.

Of course, we know that we all have our problems along the way which would tend top detract us from our goals. Family problems, difficulties in relationships or in work situations, all can make it difficult for us to be properlyfocused.

To make sure that these do not obstruct your progress, you need to keep yourgoalsinmindandwork towardsthem.

Why would you want to be someone else

When you could be better by being yourself

Why pretend to be someone you are not

When you have something they haven't got

C o n n e c t these islands with bridges untileachisland can be reached from any other island, and each island has as many o u t g o i n g bridges as its number You m a y o n l y connect islands vertically or horizontallyand bridges may not cross.There may be one or two bridges c o n n e c t i n g pairs of islands, but no more than two. Each puzzle has a unique solution thatcan be found without making guesses.

BRIDGES

Cheating yourself of the life you have to live

Deprives others of that only which you can give You have much more to offer by being just you Than walking around in someone else's shoes

Trying to live the life of another is a mistake live It is a masquerade; nothing more than a fake Be yourself and let your qualities show through Others will love you more for being just you

Cheating yourself of the life you have to live for

Remember that God loves you just as you are To Him you are already a bright shining star Family and friends will love you more too If you spent more time practising just being you

Solutions to last week’s A Day at the Beach

Maze

“Follow your dreams and reach for the stars, for that is your destiny, and the only way to self-fulfilment.”

steps

must

How Take Care of Your Skin in Summer

As the scorching summer rolls around, our skin begins to experience changes. Isn't it? With excessive heat and humidity all day, your skin starts screaming for more protection - from exhibiting those annoying rashes and sunburns to the stubborn tan and acne.

So it's essential that you up your skincare game right away to stay away from unwanted summer skin issues. Let's see how

Highlights:

Ÿ How Does SummerAffect Your Skin?

Ÿ How to Take Care of Your Skin in Summer?

Ÿ Home Remedies To Get Glowing Skin During Summer

Does Your Skin Change With The Seasons?

How Does SummerAffect Your Skin?

As the weather gets warmer and humidity increases in the environment, your skin's sebaceous glands start producing excess sebum (natural oil). The oil secreted gets stuck on the surface of the skin, leading to stickiness, grease and blocked pores.

How to Take Care of Your Skin in Summer?

1. Face Wash to Remove Excess Oil

In summer, oily skin can get more oily. Use a face wash suited to your skin type that can deep cleanse and remove all the dirt and grime. People with dry skin would need a non-foaming cleanser. Opt for mild, alcohol-free and pH balanced cleansers.

2. Opt ForAGood Skin Care Routine

Maintain a skin care regimen and follow it religiously. Choose gel-based (for dry skin) and water based (for oily skin) rather than cream-based products as the former are lighter and non-greasy Cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice a day will help keep your skin clean and fresh.

3. IncludeAntioxidants In Your Skin Care Regime

Antioxidant serums work wonders to hydrate your skin. Besides, they protect your skin from environmental damage, help to boost collagen, and scavenge free radicals to prevent damage to skin. Include a good antioxidant serum in your summer skincare routine. c.

4. Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Hydration is key at all times during summer You can use a hydrating face mask after you wash your face at night for some extra hydration while you sleep. Splash your face frequently with water or carry a facial mist to freshen your skin at regular intervals.

5. Exfoliate For Healthy Skin

Use a face scrub at least twice a week to remove excess dirt and oil from the skin. Only, remember to use a scrub suitable for your skin type and massage the scrub gently in a circular motion. Make sure you exfoliate the lips and the neck too.

6. Wear Sunscreen

The sun's UV-Aand UV-B rays can be very harsh. Besides giving you a stubborn tan, they can cause premature aging, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles.Agood sunscreen with SPF 30-50 is vital for the summer months for all skin types, even if you stay indoors most of the time.

7.Avoid Heavy Makeup

Heavy makeup prevents the skin from breathing. Humidity and heat also impact the skin's ability to breathe. Instead of heavy foundation and other cosmetics, you could consider using a tinted lip balm and a tinted moisturiser if you need to wear some makeup.

8. UseAGood Toner

Agood toner can be effective in closing open pores. The maximum number of sebaceous glands are found on the T-zone of the face. To prevent sweat and oil from clogging these pores, use an aloe vera or cucumber-based toner as they are lighter

9. Moisturize Well

Amoisturizer is vital to protect your skin in summer You can choose a non-greasy formula based on your skin type. But look for ingredients like antioxidants like vitaminsAand C. If it has SPF, even better. It is best to apply a moisturizer immediately after your bath.

10. Don't Forget Your Eyes, Lips & Feet

Always wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Use a moisturizing under eye gel; and a lip balm with SPF under your lipstick. Scrub your feet to exfoliate.

11. Drink More Water & Fruit Juices

Your water intake in summer should be a minimum of 2-3 litres a day. Coconut water, watermelons, and fresh juices are a good way to stay hydrated. Drinking water also helps to flush the toxins from the body. Include yoghurt and buttermilk in your diet.

12. Go For Seasonal FruitsAnd Vegetables

Include salads and vegetables like cucumber and lettuce in your food – these help the body stay cool from within.

Seasonal fruits like watermelons, musk melons; citrus fruits and juices also help keep the skin healthy.

13. StayAway From Sugary Drinks

Sugary aerated drinks make you feel sluggish due to the excess sugar Additionally, they don't add any value to the body as they have no hydrating qualities.

14. HaveABath TwiceADay

Maintaining good hygiene is very important during summer Acool bath in the night before you go to bed can help remove all the dirt, grime and sweat your body has ccumulated during the day and prevent rashes. Both, the morning shower and a night bath, ideally should be followed with a cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine.

https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/summer-skin-care

GuyaneseappointedNAACPPresidentinRaleigh,NC...

Convention will be held in Boston, Massachusetts from July 28 -August 1

Some of the speakers at this event include VicePresidentKamalaHarrisandPastFirst

Lady and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton

The current President and CEO of the National NAACP is Mr Derrick Johnson

Frompage35

fileamotiontodismissthechargesinMarch 2023 due to his Constitutional rights being violated. The reason was that the State not only failed to produce key evidence for the investigation, but they also destroyed the evidence and claimed it could not be produced. In an unusual move, the court did not grant this motion According to a local report, the Wake County District Attorney deniesanyintentionalwrongdoingallegations inconnectionwithAtwater’scase.

Mr. Atwater remains in jail to this day and maintains his innocence. According to Dr. Vasconcellos, this is a clear case of government misconduct that must be investigated in pursuit of the truth and to holdpeopleaccountable “Innocentpeople, like Mr HendersonAtwater, should not be incarcerated for crimes they did not commit,”hesaid.

This is not Dr Vasconcellos’s first such case In 2020, Dr Vasconcellos helped Mr Oscar Urbano, a Venezuelan worker who was being detained at the Vigilance Police Station, Guyana, get released from custody

on charges that were eventually dropped HeishopingtodothesameforMr Atwater as the newly appointed President of the NAACPinRaleighNorthCarolina.

Historically, the NAACP is known as the organization that fights injustice in America TheNAACPwastheorganization thathelpedtoeliminateobstaclesforpeople of color in America Today, NAACP not only works to ensure people of color are registered to vote and have reliable transportation to their polling stations; but they also investigate cases where people in the community report discrimination and civilrightsviolations.

The NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization inAmerica known to fight against any type of discrimination The NAACP’s mission is “to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the wellbeing, education, and economic security of Blackpeopleandallpersonsofcolor.”

This year’s annual NAACP National

Dr. Vasconcellos known for his humanitarian ef orts in Guyana poses with Venezuelan, Oscar Urbano and his family, following his release from police custody in 2020.

Guyanese nurse hailed for mental health support suppor during stressful COVID pandemic period

ByZenaHenry

Th e r e i s n o denying that the C O V I D - 1 9 pandemic left an indelible mark on the lives of people all around the world and even to date, continues to impact those that have been directly or indirectly affected by it. The global p a n d e m i c w i l l b e rememberedintheannalsof history like those that came before it, creating massive stress levels, uncertainty, fear,apprehensionandsadly, numerous deaths in its aftermath.

Perhaps, some of those most affected by the pandemic would be those who were directly involved in the events that spawned from the epidemic. It would be safe to say that the responders to this catastrophe may not have only had a firsthand view of the effects of the illness, but a front row seat to the damage it was causing all around.

Itwasnotjusttheamount of work that had to be put intokeepingpatientsaliveas the number of sick persons continued to skyrocket and healthfacilitiescontinuedto be overwhelmed It was mostly the mental and emotional strain of constantly being around death and sorrow without havingthetoolstosafeguard oneself in a situation that was not only ready to consume the sick but the caregiversaswell.

This was the cry of

doctors, nurses and other health care and safety workers around the world. The stories poured in about healthcareworkersandfirst r e s p o n d e r s b e i n g overwhelmedbythenumber of patients they were losing on a daily basis and the mental difficulty they were facing in trying to keep it together With them too being at risk of being affected by the illness, shortages at various health facilities and the lack of necessary support they required,itwasclearthatthe health responders were taking a serious blow For

69-year-old Maureen Chukwujindu, the situation wasasrealasitcouldget.

Working in the health

field for over 46 years, the senior nurse had never experienced the horror and trauma that the pandemic was prepared to offer She hadleftGuyanadecadesago though the Durban Street native had never lost touch with her roots. She had worked at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital where she was also trained in her specific field of oncology, the care of cancer patients. Thenursewhoalsooperates in hospice care is based at whatcouldbeconsideredthe public health care facility of Atlanta, Grady Memorial Hospital.

Chukwujindu said that generally, the COVID-19 period was extremely rough on everyone but for some

reasonthesecondboutofthe illness between 2021 and 2022, brought on somewhat of a depression. She said health care workers, doctors a n d n u r s e s g r e w increasinglystressedoutand anxious. In her experience, somenursesdidnotknowif theycouldhavecontinuedto makeittocometowork.She said some, when they were finishedworking,wouldjust sitintheircarsas,“itbecame very overwhelming” and by that time she said, “the support for health workers wasnotthesameasitwasin thebeginning.”

Chukwujindu explained that the effects of the pandemic was so great that everyone was affected and people seemed not to have the strength anymore to supporteachotherandthose who were working on the front line to save lives “Society as it stands was very different; it was almost as if the pandemic had beaten everyone down so bad.”

The death toll, she said, continued to rise and workers were being greatly affected Health workers were losing their family memberslikeeveryoneelse, but they were still expected tocometoworkandperform as they should “They (nurses)hadtoputthatgrief aside and still come to work wheretheywouldfacemore death and sorrow,” Chukwujindurelated.Itwas hard, she said, for the workers having to lose their lovedonesandstillhavingto come to work and face the

deathofotherpeopleandthe sorrowattachedtoit.”Itwas just sadness all around,” the Georgia based nurse said, highlightingtoothatasmuch as the health workers would try to gather their emotions and mental strength, it becamealmostimpossibleto maintain their stability in suchanenvironment.

“ I t w a s v e r y overwhelming; everyone feltit,especiallytheyounger nurses ”Chukwujindu said she too was feeling overwhelmed. She said she felt as if she was unable to continue with her work because of the pressure she felt from the emotional baggage that was now attachedtoherjobduringthe pandemic. With more than three decades of the profession under her belt, Chukwujindufeltthatitwas heragetakingitstollonher She said she believed that maybe she was getting too

oldandneededtoretirefrom her job. It was not until, the nurse said she attended a book signing event by Guyanese-born clinical psychotherapist, Shane Tull who authored the book the ‘Mental health pandemic’ post covid that she realised that she was not isolated in her feelings and that there was a real mental health dilemma being faced by nurses and other healthcare workers within the covid situation.

She said the book dealt with what herself and many other nurses were facing, a mental health crisis within thepandemic.Itwasthere,at thesigning,thatotherhealth workers started to pour out their hearts, highlighting their fears, concerns and the emotional pressure they were facing. Many of these health workers were sufferinginsilenceasitwas

Continuedonpage62

Nurse Maureen Chukwujindu at work at the Grady Memorial Hospital,Atlanta

Nurse Chukwujindu smiles for the camera after a warming tribute to her by the nurses she aided during the pandemic

Chukwujindu (centre) with some of the nurses who make upYANAat her birthday party last weekend

Sassy F elicia Ro b in son

Meetthe stunningSassyFeliciaRobinson,a23-years-old, formercontestantoftheMissRegionOnepageant.Sassyisemployed asaseniorbusinessverificationofficerforalocalbankandanABEstudent,who aimstocompletehermaster’sdegreeinthebusinessfield. SheisalsoaSeniorYouth AmbassadorofEmpowerGuyanaConsultancyandaBeautyBrandAmbassadorofShiv’sBeauty Guide.Thisbeautyenjoysplayingfootball,thepiano,andvolunteeringinprojectsinhersparetime.Her favoritelifequoteis,“Bethechangeyouwishtoseeinthisworld”-MahatmaGandhi.

Young Entrepreneur

ByAllyiahAllicock

Looking to make a meaningful impactinthedifferentcategoriesof thecreativeindustry,notjustherein Guyana, but across the world, is Secondary Academic Teacher, Shamola Ally, popularly knownasMola,thepioneerofasmallbusiness called‘TopTier’.

‘TopTier’whichispopularlyknownatthe moment for its customisation of crocs was establishedonthe15thofOctober,2021.

In a recent interview with this magazine, Mola shared that ‘Top Tier’ though it is recognisedforcustomizingcrocs,willsoonbe known for fashion, beauty and make-up, modellingandpromotionalcontentjustto nameafew

When asked what inspired her to start this venture, she explained that ever since shewasyounger,shealwayswantedtobean entrepreneurandownabusiness,however,at the time she was not sure what category she wantedittobein.“AllIknewisthatIwanted makeit,makemyfamilyproudandtakecare ofthem,”shementioned.

Mola went onto explain that growing up, shealwayshadacreativeside.“Havinganurge todoeverything,wantingtoexploreeveryskill and perfect it, that’s exactly what I did,” throughtheestablishmentofthisbusiness,she noted.

‘TopTier’shesaidstartedwithherloveand deep passion for fashion, but it did not stop there,itgrewintomuchmoresherelated.Just to know a little about Mola, she is not only a teacher, she is a certified beginner nail tech, business owner, influencer, model, promoter, brand ambassador for several businesses and so much more. These are just some of the

categorieswhichwillsoonfallunderher‘Top Tier’brand.

Almost close to two years of being in the business arena, she said the support has been amazingandencouraging.“Ihaveaverysmall circle when it comes to my support system, however the level of support they provide it values100percent,”shedescribed.

Theyoungwomannotedhoweverthatjust likeanyothersmallemergingbusinesses,there were challenges. In her case, her business faced

Another challenge she dealt with was her support system. She shared that she always thought that because she did not have a lot of closefriendsorfamilymembersotherthanher parents to help her, she would not be successful. “Because I saw that all the successfulentrepreneurshadateam.”

Sheadded,“ButwhatIdidn’trealizeisthat I already had a team. It’s small but they work wondersforme.Ateamoffourpulledoffajob for a team of 10. That’s what it felt like. My parentssupportmeaswellasmypartnerplay bigrolesinmybusiness.”

With a lot to unlock for ‘Top Tier’, Mola relatedthatthelongtermgoalreallyisforher business to venture off into every area in the creative industry not only in Guyana but worldwide.

Stating that young entrepreneurs are crucial towards the development of our economy and society, our featured entrepreneur is of the belief that to boost small businesses locally is for there to be moreexposureforthem.

t he challenge of a lackoffinancialsupport.

“When I first started my business I had an issue with financial support however a quote from my dad always live within me. That is ‘One step at a time once you start and stay consistent you will finish,’ and that’s exactly whatIdid,”sheshared.

Being faced with this challenge, Mola mentionedthatshethenstartedtosaveenough financially so as to invest properly in her business,whicheventuallyworkedoutforher

“Honestly I think that there should be more exhibitions for small businesses and it should be promoted more on a higher scale,” shementioned.

She added too that the relevant authorities should set up a system that can help small business owner build on their business plans. All this and much more can be done to boost smallbusinessesmoreinoursociety

For persons interested in the services of ‘Top Tier’ you can reach out to them via Instagram at top_tier_592 or make contact via WhatsApp on telephone number (592) 649-2008.

“Honestly I think that there should be more exhibitions for small businesses and it should be promoted more on a higher scale ”

Shamola ‘Mola’ Ally

Just some of the customized crocs, created through ‘Top Tier’.

Followinginhermother’sfootsteps, 23-year-old Akeela Lovell is makinganameforherselfthrough herbakingskills

Lovell is the owner of ‘Akeela Bakes’ which offers sweet and savoury delicacies SheisalsoastudentattheCyrilPotterCollege of Education (CPCE), and a teacher at the IslamicSchool.

DuringaninterviewwithTheWaterfalls, Akeelasharedthatshelearnedhertradefrom hermother,whoisalsoabakerandtheowner ofCakeProandM’sCakeHeavenandSweet Treats.

“Growing up, I always longed to be as great as my mom since she would always createsomethingnewforuseverySundayfor dessert”

Akeelasharedthatgrowingupwithseven siblings, every Sunday her mother made desserts, since Sunday was their day for relaxationandfamilytime

Sincethen,shesaid,watchinghermother

SweetandSavoryGoodies

beingcreativeinspiredhertowanttobecome abaker

With her passion fuelled by her mother’s work, Akeela launched her business in January2019 Shesharedthatwhileherlove for baking pushed her to open her food business, financial constraints also played a role.

“At Akeela Bakes you can find all your sweet and savoury delicacies for all your events , cravings, gift ideas and special occasions”

Menu items (all halal) includes, cakes, cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, macaron and baked macaroni Some popular items on the menu are: pastries, assorted doughnutsandchickenpuffs

Akeela added, “Customers are huge fans items are un mybusiness

Akeela c a t e r s B i r t h d a Weddings,B

showers,Bridalshowersandallotherspecial occasions

The business operates on an order only basis and is located at La Bonne Intention, EastCoastDemerara Deliveryisalsooffered tocustomers

Akeelasharedthatsincestartingherown businessshelearned,“Teamworkmakesthe dream work and God should be the main persononyourteamsincewithouthimthereis nosuccess.Findyourtargetaudience,sinceI have started my business I’ve created and testedmanydifferentvarietyofsweettreats thataregourmet.

Butwithgourmetcomesvariousexpenses and you will not always find customers that are willing to pay for “gourmet” items Howeverwiththis,youcanalsohelptocreate amazingcustomerexperiencebyworking budget to get them all that they desire.”

She also shared her journeyasabusinessowner

“It was not always a bed of roses since when I started

mysmallbuisness.Thepandemichitusafew monthslater,thenIstartedfocusingmoreon mystudiesandalittle less on my buisness, but as my buisness grew and I found my loyal customers, they were always so understanding and supportive at all times so my buisness was not allowed to go through the mud My loyal customers helpedtokeepmybuisnessalive ”

Akeela said that her long term goal is to create gourmet treats that are unique to her business

“I believe that although I am on a pause currently, focusing on my studies, I have hit the market with unique treats that my customerstrulyloveandthatareworthevery penny.”

To support Akeela’s business you can visit her Instagram page @akeelabakes https://instagram.com/akeelabakes ?igshi d=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==orcall/WhatsApp +5926586521.

GDF Officer successfully completes Command and General Staff Course overseas

...earns double masters

A senior officer of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has successfully completed the Command and General Staff Course at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA.

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.

WANTED VACANCY

WANTED

One Male needed to work in Hardware store, ages 25-45 years. Must be computer literate residing on WCD or WBD. Call: 624-0239.

Honest Driver and Saleman needed. Must have experience in sales and Lorry licenses. Contact: 233-3512 Email-prestigefoodsguyana @gmail.com Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

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.

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.

One decent, live-in Domestic partner, light housework. Salary 60,000. Call: 603-9085.

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

Farm Workers needed to work at Hauraruni. Call: 6748723.

Receptionist needed for hotel. Contact: 223-5273/74.

Diesel Mechanic wanted. Attractive salary offered. Contact: 688-0417/ 677-9010.

Experienced Weeders & Canal Cleaners to work on the East Bank. Call: 684-0111.

Experienced jet, maroc and Pit men wanted for mining operation. Call: 688-6575.

Experienced mechanic, technicians and male Cooks wanted for mining operation. Call: 688-6575.

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

Food restaurant is looking for one experience person to bbq on Outdoor Grill, good pay offered. Call Tonya: 6330102.

One Cleaner (Domestic) needed to work at Providence. Call: 675-5300.

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.

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.

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

Receptionist, Room Attendant, Maintenance Guy, Laundry Attendant & Security Guard needed at 233, South Road Lacytown, ages 25-50 years old. Call: 2252304.

Accounts, Office & Bond Clerks, Lorry Drivers, Sales Rep & Supervisor, Cashier and Porters needed. Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com Call: 609-2995,

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

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

Vacancy exists for Bond Clerk and Inventory Personnel to work for a Construction Company. WhatsApp application to 656-0603 or amconguyana@gmail.com

VACANCY

Immediate vacancy exists for Drill Helpers at Land Star Drilling Co.. Call: 231-1408/ 642-9191.

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE

The officer, Colonel Sheldon Howell, was among 1200 students from 93 countries enrolled at the college for the last academic year.

During his programme, Colonel Howell also completed a Master of Operational Studies from the CGSC and a Master of Science in Human Resource Administration from Central Michigan University, USA.

The curriculum of the CGSC focuses on enhancing leadership skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities and covers a wide range of subjects including military operations, national security policy, military history, and joint operations, the GDF said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan congratulates Colonel Sheldon Howell

FOR SALE

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

Leaving a legacy of influencing his colleagues to be better professionals, Colonel Howell was recognized for his maturity and intelligence which elevated the experience and education of his classmates.

Colonel Howell stated that completing the CGSC has been a transformative and

challenging experience, for which he is immensely grateful.

”Throughout the course, I have been exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that has sharpened my leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities and operational planning expertise,” he said.

In addition, he also expressed his appreciation to the dedicated and knowledgeable instructors who selflessly imparted their wisdom,

guidance and practical experiences, shaping him into a more capable and effective senior leader.

He registered his appreciation for the Guyana Defence Board’s confidence in him by approving his attendance.

Colonel Sheldon was congratulated by the Chief- ofStaff of the GDF, Brigadier Omar Khan for his successful completion of the programme.

Guyanese nurse hailed for mental health...

place of work and interviewed her colleagues who expressed a tremendous desire to have the specific support that the group sought to offer the health providers. Her co-workers were not hesitant to state their own concerns and difficulties.

FOR RENT

1-8000 sq ft Modern Warehouse/Manufacturing facility located in the Eccles Industrial site. $10,000 US per month. Telephone: 6950333.

13,000 litre fuel tank. Contact: 691-3112. From page 52 recognised that they were expected to do their work but had nowhere for them to seek the help they needed. During a question and answer segment, Chukwujindu said a young Guyanese nurse got up to express how overwhelmed and depressed she was about the situation and the anxiety she felt towards going to work. She said the nurse expressed the inability to go to work the next day because of how terrible she continued to feel.

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

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, 629-5526.

It was then, Chukwujindu said she recognised that something had to be done. Being a veteran in the profession, she said she felt hurt for the young professionals and after the book signing went to speak with the young nurse as it became clear that what she (Chukwujindu) had been feeling was way bigger than her age and was being felt across the board. She said she recognised then that nurses thus needed to support each other as the facilities that previously extended certain aid to nurses were no longer available.

That is when she said she decided to form the ‘You Are Not Alone’ (YANA) support group.

Chukwujindu said after her experience at the book signing she went back to her

It was a small group of nurses who found themselves on zoom chat once a week expressing their concerns, fears and experiences to each other. They shared their work experiences while offering each other the words of encouragement and the support they so desperately needed. Nurses were able to cry and let go, and breathe freely knowing that someone is there to listen, Chukwujindu said.

More than a year later, YANA has almost 20 members as word about the group started to spread. What is amazing, Chukwujindu highlighted is the fact that the group has surely become a staple for those involved as nurses from various backgrounds and countries have become involved and other professionals such as social workers have expressed interest in joining the support group.

Chukwujindu recently celebrated her 69th birthday at a surprise birthday party where she was honoured by the nu-

merous nurses who found solace in the support the group was providing at the time. Some of these nurses hailed from the US, Jamaica, Antigua and other Caribbean islands as well as some all the way in London expressing interest in joining the group. Still in its infant stage, Chukwujindu expects YANA to continue to grow as the work they do is priceless to those who need it the most. The group will be expanding its means of support with programs and other activities they are expected to create. While the support group was created to address the issues of the pandemic, the membership continues to expand, addressing other issues that affect these essential health service providers.

Chukwujindu continues to frequent Guyana and often lends support in the areas where she can, for instance, donating cancer medication to local facilities.

Chukwujindu is a trustee at the non-profit Guyana Association of Georgia Inc. as she continues to represent her country and countrymen residing within Georgia.

Chukwujindu is expected to extend the services of YANA to Guyana as she continues to create a supportive space for the essential workers within the healthcare field.

Over 500 lbs plantain for sale. Call: 688-0417.

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

Bandit shot in attempted robbery at supermarket

A bandit was on Wednesday last shot while attempting to rob a Chinese Supermarket at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Two of his accomplices were also detained by police following the botched robbery

Commander of the East Bank police district, Ravindra Stanley confirmed the shooting of the suspected bandit and told Kaieteur News that more details will be released to the public as the investigations

CEP worker drowns while cleaning trench

progress.KaieteurNewsunderstandsthatthe suspected bandit invaded the supermarket during the evening hours with his accomplicesbutbeforehecouldhavecarried out his plan, the owner of the supermarket whippedouthislicensedfirearmandopened fire.

The bandit was struck while his accomplices fled the scene. The suspect is presently hospitalized under police guard as investigationscontinue.

Govt. acquiring more lands...

Frompage21 anotherplotofpropertythat willbeaffected.

Thewomansaidshehad plans to develop her lands andhasalreadysectionedthe property to develop a h o u s i n g s c h e m e Additionally, King noted that some of the lands were awarded to nurses, police officersandteacherswhoare “ontheland”.

According to her, “I’m still in the development stages because I have to put down roads and drains and allofthat,wedon’tgethelp from nobody, we only paying taxes but we have to findmillionsofdollarstodo all of that so it’s an ongoing project.”

K i n g s a i d h e r intention was to develop an “organic resort” however she believes this would be impossible with the transmission lines passing throughherproperty

Two valuation letters received by King and seen by Kaieteur News indicatethat0.128acresand 1.06 acres, valued at $1.8 million and $1.3 million respectivelywillbeacquired bythestate.

M e a n w h i l e , Patricia Corlette, a representativeofSheilaSam said, “Our plot of land already mutated, it was surveyed and then it was mutated into house lots. We already start to dig drains anddotheroadway.”

The plot of land owned by Sam is 23 acres a c c o r d i n g t o h e r representative In the valuationletter,itwasstated that 0.128 acres would be required to facilitate the transmissionlines.

The government has offered $3.6 million for the land.

Corlette estimates that about six or eight house lots could be acquired. In this regard, she said she was not satisfied with the compensationofferedbythe state.

She explained, “If six house lots is going to be affected,wewouldnormally

sell (each) house lot for like $4 million because remember we doing work, thepricesgoneup.”

The woman said land owners, like her, were not given a chance to share their concerns, as the officials only provided information and directed that the citizens speak with their Attorneygoingforward.

Claudette Foo, a Friendship resident, said she attended the meeting to ascertain how much of her lands would be affected

She said, “Eventually they will have to take it so I’m not making any fuss They told us we would get double the amount that the land is valued ”

Mervin Mangroo explained that 2.4 acres of hisgrandfather’spropertyat Friendship will be acquired. The valuation done for the land indicates that the property is worth $2 7 million.

Findingsolutions

Attorney-at-Law, Ronald Burch-Smith told reporters yesterday that over the next few days, the titles of the land owners will be examined a n d c o m p a r e d t o n e g o t i a t e a f i n a l agreement within the parameters determined by the government for compensationtobepaid. H e e x p l a i n e d , “Occasionally there are issues regarding the title and how the other lands may be affected etcetera so we listen to that and try to find solutions that are a p p r o p r i a t e a n d agreeabletobothsides.”

T h e A t t o r n e y pointed out that the Constitution provides that no person should be deprived of their p r o p e r t y w i t h o u t compensation while the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act provides a framework within which compensation

can be made, making the acquisition of lands lawful, subject only to the payment ofcompensation.

He said that so far no objections have been raised however he anticipates that persons may come forward with two categories of complaints.

For instance, he explained that persons maynothavetitlesforthe lands they occupy- in such an instance he said assistance will be offered to the owner to get a letter o f administration Additionally, he said land ownersmaybeoverseassoa local individual will be grantedpowerofattorneyto completethenegotiations.

On the other hand, the Lawyer anticipates that persons may come forward if they are disgruntled over not being able to use their lands anymore for f a r m i n g o r o t h e r purposes

B u r c h - S m i t h e x p l a i n e d t h a t discussions will be held with the landowners during the course of the week, with the intent of f i n a l i z i n g t h e agreements in the new week, however, there are a few acquisition agreements that may prolong

“The government is required to own titles in their name within a short time so what I expect is likely that formal legal process will go ahead while these discussions are pending and for those where the discussions are delayed by legal issues such as title or ownership andsoon,thosewillfollow after the land has been acquired,”henoted

The Attorney pointed out that the government has asked the Chief Valuation Officer to adviseonthemarketvalue of the lands and in a n t i c i p a t i o n o f dissatisfied owners, they h a v e doubled the compensation.

A C o m m u n i t y Enhancement Programme (CEP) worker on Saturday reportedly drowned while cleaning a trench alongside his colleagues at Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast, RegionTwo.

Dead is Lakeram Bishnue,afatheroftwoand a resident of Perseverance, EssequiboCoast.

Bishnue reportedly drownedclosetomidday.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Bishnue and his co-workers were reportedly cleaning a trench alongside a dam in the Golden Fleece Backlands when he disappeared underwater

When he failed to resurface, his co-workers dived under to find him. They reportedly spent more than half an hour diving down into the murky waters beforehewasfound.

A motionless Bishnue was pulled from the waters

The National

Assembly on Thursday passed a G$31B Supplementary budget.

The sum includes $4.7 billion that will be directly allocated to 242 Indigenous communities and $26 5 billionforclimateadaptation measures that were earned through Guyana’s carbon credits deal with the Hess Corporation.

The Supplementary Appropriation Bill, comprisingFinancialPapers Number1and2of2023,was first presented on April 24 lastduringthe63rdSittingof the National Assembly, and allocates US$150 million in revenuesfromcarboncredits towards two critical priorities under the Low Carbon Development Strategy(LCDS).

This significant step follows the recent payment ofUS$37.5millionfromthe HessCorporationforcarbon credits, bringing the total paymentsreceivedtodateto US$150 million, the highest revenuestreamofitskindin the world. Senior Minister with the Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh explained that as outlined in the Bill, the allocated revenues will be directed towardstwomajorpriorities oftheLCDS.

In line with the LCDS objectives, 15% of the revenuesarebeingdedicated to bottom-up investments

Bishnue’s body being pulled from the trench

and taken to hospital where hewasofficiallypronounced deadbydoctors.

Eyewitnesses called it a freakish incident because Bishnu cleaned trenches before and knows how to

through community plans

outlined in village sustainabilityplans.

Ahead of the approval, the main opposition – A Partnership for National Unity+AllianceForChange (APNU+AFC) Opposition

Member of Parliament, VoldaLawrence–grilledthe Governmentonthetimingof the request. The request comes just three months afterthebudgetwaspassed.

Lawrence noted that there are strict rules governing the removal of funds from the Contingency Fund. She pointed out that the Fiscal Management and AccountabilityAct of 2003, onlypermitstheuseoffunds from the Contingency Fund in the case of an emergency orunforeseencircumstance.

”And here it is, you are coming to the House, six weeks after the budget and youareaskingus,toapprove in this House, an allocation of $4.7B, which is 175% greater than the allocation that we gave to you in the budget,”MPLawrencesaid, while asking the Indigenous Minister to state the unforeseen circumstances thatledtotherequest.

In response, Indigenous Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai noted the money is being transferred directly to indigenousvillages.

”This has never happened before, and therefore,Iwanttosay,thatI donotexpectfromtheother

swim.

Some are speculating that he may have caught a “fit”orhewasshockedbyan electriceel. Investigations are ongoing.

side any objections to additional financial resources for the investment and the improvement of the lives of the Indigenous people of this country that we would have an issue. And,therefore,Iwanttosay that it is a legitimate and much-needed transfer,” MinisterSukhaisaid.

Sukhai challenged the Opposition to tell the Committee that the development of Indigenous People was not an emergency

That issue aside, the AmerindianAffairsMinister told the Committee that a number of the villages have alreadyreceivedtheirfunds. The population size of the villages determined the amountreceived.

But Lawrence noted that the issue is about accountability

”On this side of the House, the issue is not spending sums of money on our people whether they are indigenousornot,itisabout accountability, it is about transparency,” Lawrence said.Meanwhile,theFinance Minister explained that the $26.5B represents 85% of earnings from the sale of carbon credits, and will be used for climate adaptation and mitigation interventions outlinedinLCDS2030.

Heexplainedfurtherthat administrative systems had tobeputinplacetofacilitate thereceiptofthefunds.

G$31B

supplementary budget passed

Basil Williams appeals $10 million judgment in ‘stolen’ law book libel suit

Former Attorney General Basil Williams, SC is seeking to set aside the $10M judgment awarded to current Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC in a defamation case over allegations of stolen law books.

In his Notice of Appeal, Williams is contending that Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry made a number of legal errors and as a result, misdirected herself in the finding that he is liable for defamation.

Inherrulingdeliveredon June 30 last, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry said it was clear that Williams intended to, among other things,labelNandlallathief; which was defamatory to him.

Inherdecision,theJudge said that “the inescapable conclusion is that the words published by Williams meant,andcouldonlymean, in their natural and ordinary meaning that Nandlall is dishonest, is a thief,

committed the criminal offence of larceny, stole property of the State, stole law books, is unfit to be a member of the legal profession, is unfit to be a Member of Parliament, is unfittobeapublicfigureand apotentialleader.”

In her ruling, which was released by Nandlall’s office, Justice SewnarineBeharry awarded damages of $10 million to be paid by Williams. She also applied interestontheawardatarate of 6 per cent per annum, from April 4, 2017, to June 29,2023.

Additionally, the judge ruled that interest of 4 per cent per annum would be applied after June 29, 2023, until the judgement is fully paid Justice SewnarineBeharryalsoruledthatcosts, in the sum of $1.6 million, must be paid byWilliams to Nandlall by August 18, 2023.

In his challenge filed with the Guyana Court of Appeal, Williams is arguing

that the trial Judge misdirectedherselfwhenshe held that Nandlall had established on a balance of probabilities that he had published the words complainedof.

According to him, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry erred in finding generally thatthewordscomplainedof were defamatory, “without assessing what words precisely were so defamatory.”

Further Williams contends the Judge erred whenshe“failedoromitted” tomakeafindingonwhatthe precise words were, which he is alleged to have spoken at various forums referenced.

According to Williams, at no time had he made any defamatorystatementsabout Nandlall.

Infact,heisarguingthat some statements made at a particular forum amount to

hearsayatbestandtherefore inadmissibleandoughttobe struckout.

He further contends that Nandlall,upon“recognizing the improbability of proving” that he had defamed him, introduced in evidence belatedly by five years, a video recording which had no relation to the complaintsmadeinhiscase.

Williams’positionisthat Justice Sewnarine-Beharry erred in failing to consider thisandalsotoascertainthe authenticity of that video, which he said “was generated by AI voice cloning technology and photo-shopping internet technology” to prejudice him(Williams).

Nandlall was awarded $10 million in damages, after he won his defamation caseagainsthispredecessor, Williams for libelous statements made in relation to the alleged theft of law books.

In April 2017, Nandlall filed a lawsuit against

Williamsoverclaimsthathe (Nandlall)hadstolenaseries of Commonwealth Law Books from the State while he occupied the Office of Attorney-General and MinisterofLegalAffairs.

The case stems from a series of public statements made by Williams, who alleged that Nandlall had stolen government property, specifically law books, duringhistenure.

Williams, who was appointed to office in 2015, repeatedly accused Nandlall of criminal acts, thereby tarnishing his reputation, and causing him significant harm.

Duringthetrial,Nandlall provided evidence, including video recordings and newspaper articles that clearlyestablishedWilliams’ defamatory statements. The court found that Williams’ remarks were false, and malicious, and had a detrimental impact on Nandlall’s personal and professionalstanding.

Fragility of women’s rights exposed in Dharamlall matter - GHRA

The Guyana Human Rights Association(GHRA)believesthat the recent rape allegations leveled against former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall have exposed the fragility of women’srights.

The former Minister was accused of raping a 16-year-old girl from Region Two. In a letter thatwaswidelycirculated,theteen sharedthegruesomedetailsofthe alleged rape and sodomy that reportedly take place at the home oftheMinister

After the allegations surfaced, Dharamlall requested administrative leave, pending the outcomeofapoliceprobe.

The teen later told the Police she did not want to pursue the matter This was followed by ordersbytheDepartmentofPublic Prosecutions (DPP) for the police todroptheinvestigations.

The announcement was met with widespread criticism from sectionsofsocietywhocontended that the investigations should not have been called off due to the teen’s discomfort in continuing withthematter

In a letter to the Editor, the organization that was formed in 1979 to advocate for and protect the human rights of individuals and organizations, said that the

widespread indignation generated nationally and abroad by the incidents surrounding ex-Minister Dharamlall needs to be mobilized to rehabilitate disordered power relationshipsaffectingwomenand girlsinGuyana.

The body described sexual violencetowardsyoungerfemales in Guyana as nothing short of an “epidemic”. It said that while this can be found in families between older male relatives and young girls,betweenfemalestudentsand teachers, religious leaders, rapacious landlords, exploitative employers, and abusive boyfriends,andschool-girlsbeing enticed by lunch money and rides in cars from big men, these relational dimensions anchor women in situations of abuse, exploitation,fear,andignorance.

”The common factor in all these relationships is the imbalance in power A combinationofpartyparamountcy and chauvinist culture appear to havesuccessfullygottenridofthe allegations, it is not yet clear whether tables will be turned and the alleged victims charged with false allegations,” GHRA said, adding that “no other single incidenthassoclearlyexposedthe fragility of women’s rights in Guyana.”

The Human Rights advocacy

group explained that the general public was scandalized by responsesrangingfrom“spineless leadership” to “callous indifferenceanddisregard”forthe emotional needs of the victim, whilethecentralpriorityofsexual violencecases,namelythewelfare andemotionalneedsofthevictim, was replaced by isolation and detention.

GHRA believes that the incident was a major test of the extent to which the reforms introducedbytheSexualOffences Act of 2010 had been internalized and become part of the culture of the legal, welfare, and judicial institutions.

It explained, “That Act promoted creation of the Child Welfare Centre, the abolition of Preliminary Inquiries (PI) – the tedious testing in Magistrates Courts of whether sufficient evidenceexistedforatrial.PIshad deteriorated to time-wasting, victim-baiting opportunities for lawyers. Eventually,aspecialized Sexual Offences Court came into beingandthetreatmentofvictims more professional and sensitive –use of rape kits, counsellors and women officials became more prominent in both police stations andcourtproceedings.”

To this end, the body questioned,“Howovertheinterim

decade did we get from this progress in managing of sexual violence cases to the national shamefulness of the Dharamlall matter?” It said that a response to this question needs to start with a realization that the problem of sexual violence in society is far more pervasive and widespread thanthemattersthatreachtocourt.

In this regard, GHRA said reforms of the legal system’s response to sexual crimes only take effect once the victim has set theprocessinmotionbymakinga report, however, the fact remains that a vast majority of victims of sexual violence are vulnerable by reasonofage,poverty,socialclass, mental health, alcohol, drugs and isolated villages, therefore their casesdonotreachthelegalsystem.

According to the advocacy group, “Among the many lessons to be learned from this saga, one that looms large for the Guyana Human Rights Association, is the extent to which progress in the statusofwomenhasbeenbuilton the misleading premise that the empowerment of women can be achieved without the disempowerment of men. This encourages the illusion that empowerment is infinitely expandable and does not require confronting the myths and prejudicesthatmakepatriarchyso

enduring.”

It believes that too many aspectsofthecaseinquestionhave been deliberately obfuscated, however, the overall deterrent effect on young women coming forwardtoregisterrapecomplaints in the future will remain the abiding signal contribution undermining women’s rights to bodilyandmentalintegrity.

”Thisincidentisawakeupcall to all organizations that provide ‘technical’ support services to victimsofsexualviolencetoadopt a more robust, rights-based approachtotheirwork.Fortherest of us, it is clear that while acknowledging the improvements needed in the legal and judicial systems, the fundamental concern mustbethewelfareandwell-being of the large number of vulnerable women and particularly girls who will not benefit from the judicial system until rights of women are available to all,” GHRA pointed out.

Notably, it urged that for the police and prosecution, and the population at large, the goal of a successful prosecution in rape cases is a conviction. For the rape victim, on the other hand, a successful outcome is primarily a matter of restoring her self-belief, safety, and well-being and vindicationthatsheisnotaliar

FormerAttorney General, Basil Williams

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC

Guyana utilizes 45% of US$20M World Bank loan to boost oil sector capabilities

The World Bank

r e c e n t l y disclosed that Guyana has utilized 45

percent of a US$20M loan that was approved back in 2019 to help the country increase its legislative and

regulatory capabilities for theoilsector

I n t h e l a t e s t Implementation Status and

Results Report published on June 23, 2023, the financial institution said US$8.59M has been disbursed while the

balance is outstanding for use. The loan which was signed off in April 2019 is expected to close by March 2024.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthattheproject's performance was discussed by bank officials and they agreed on a series of actions to address areas of lagging performance and to align the project'sremainingactivities with the Government's currentpriorities.

These include the allocation of project resources to support supplementation to the sector's legal and regulatory framework that includes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana

Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) Secretariat, and the Natural Resource Fund (NRF). The bank also said r e c e n t p r o g r e s s i n p r o c u r e m e n t i m p l e m e n t a t i o n i s “encouraging.”

In light of the findings of the Mid-term Review, the government's project ratings havebeenupgraded.

T h i s n e w s p a p e r observed that Guyana moved from a rating of “ M o d e r a t e l y U n s a t i s f a c t o r y ” t o “ModeratelySatisfactory”in the areas of “Progress towards Achievement” and “Overall Implementation Progress.”

The US$20M loan comprises four components. Theyareasfollows:

Component- A:

Enhancement of Legal Framework and Stakeholder Engagement(Cost$3.20M)

Component – B: Capacity Building of Key Institutions(Cost$10.70M)

Component – C:

Enhancement of Fiscal Management(Cost$3.50M)

·Component-D.Project Management & Project Preparation Facility:(Cost $2.60M).

Under ComponentA, the 2022 audited financial statementsnotethatthebank financed the provision of technical assistance through third-party expertise for the preparation of Guyana's 2019EITIReporttoimprove stakeholder engagement in the governance and oversight in the oil and gas sector As of December 31, 2 0 2 2 , 4 4 % o f t h i s component's budget was spent.

During the year under review, it was noted that the bank financed the provision of technical assistance

support, advisory services, and the purchase of key software through thirdp a r t y e x p e r t i s e t o e n h a n c e t h e government's capacity to effectively manage theoil and gas sector and capacitybuilding of key staff involved in the management ofthesector

This was done through the financing of a needs assessment consultancy to support petroleum data management and the purchase of key legal, analytical geoscience, and reservoir engineering software, together with capacity building in the use ofthesoftware.

As of December 31, 2 0 2 2 , 6 7 % o f t h i s component's budget was spent.

It should be noted that Component C, which deals with enhancing Guyana's fiscal management, through designing the enterprise architectureforanintegrated financial management system to allow for more effective management of public finance and carrying out capacity-building activities to enhance the Ministry of Finance's (MOF).

It also covered macroeconomic management and fiscal analytical capacity, and capacity to support the Macroeconomic Committee and Investment Committee for the Natural Resource Fund. During the year under review, based on the priorities of the Ministry of Finance, no procurement a c t i v i t i e s w e r e recommended under this c o m p o n e n t b y t h e beneficiaryagency

The Audited Financial Statementsalsorevealedthat all financial management and procurement activities of the project titled “Guyana Petroleum Resources M a n a g e m e n t a n d Governance Project (GPRMGP)” were carried out and managed in accordance with the provisions, guidelines, and standards set out in the Project Operations Manual (POM).

“It should be noted that cumulative expenditure for Component D has exceeded the budgeted amount by US$56,821.

The project is currently going through a Mid Term Review and is ratifying allocations of components and sub-components with the Bank,” the statements said.

Attorney General bats for expansion of Kares One Guyana T10

Eager to compete in the celebrity match

Organisers of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball

Blast recently paid a courtesy call on Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, at the Chambers of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs.

The visiting team comprised John Ramsingh and Yusuf Ali, who briefed the Attorney General on the tournament and solicited his participation in a ‘celebrity match’ on July 30 at the Everest Cricket Ground.

Nandlall welcomed the move to resuscitate grassroots cricket in Guyana and pledged his support to the tournament.

He encouraged the

organisers to extend the tournament countrywide.

The tournament has also received endorsement from President Dr. Irfran Ali, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.

The tournament, consisting of 32 teams, will be played in Georgetown on July 29 and 30.

Several active and former national players will feature for their teams over the twoday extravaganza.

Preliminary matches will be staged at the Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force, Queen’s College Ground, YMCA, and Transport Sports Club, while the fi-

Sunday July 23, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today you're unstoppable! You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

nals will be held at the Everest Cricket Ground on July 30.

To progress to the championship match, a team must win three matches on day one and their semi-final on day two.

They will then qualify to compete for the first prize of $1M cash and the specially crafted One Guyana Trophy.

The organisers are grateful for the support of Kares Engineering, who quickly committed to being the title sponsor, and Mohamed’s Enterprise, who funded the firstplace prize and offset the transportation cost for team Moruca, and Banks DIH through their GT Beer brand.

The first-ever champions will pocket $1M, while the los-

ing finalist will collect $300,000.

The two losing semi-finalists will walk away with $100,000 each.

There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.

The organisers reminded that players will not only walk away with their pockets filled as there will be numerous instant prizes for the fans who participate in cricket novelty activities.

At the same time, the children will be pampered with free rides, games, and treats in the Banks DIH Fun Zone.

There was a change in fixtures to accommodate the

Brathwaite and Athanaze...

From page 69 Ashwin whipped up his magic.

usage of normal mud pitches, as unanimously requested by participating teams.

Round of 16 matches commences at 13:30h at all five venues, while Super Eight matches start at 16:00h and will be at QC, Police and Guyana Defence Grounds only.

The semifinals and final are on July 30 at Everest Cricket Ground.

Matches starting at 09:00h

1. Eccles All Stars v Hero Riders – Queen’s College Ground

2. Ministry of Human Services and Social Security v Bartica Bulls – Queen’s College Ground

3. Avinash All-Stars v PB Contractors – YMCA

4. Continental Transport v Moruca XI – Guyana Defence Force Ground

tan Strikers – Guyana Defence Force Ground

7. Village Rams v Young Steppaz – Transport Sports Club 8. Ministry of Housing & Water v Central Stars – Police Sports Club

Matches starting at 11:00h 9. Ariel XI v Movements Family – Queen’s College Ground

10. Big B’s Blairmont Blazers v MS 13 XI – Queen’s College Ground

11. Team Corruption v Upsetters – YMCA

12. Guyana Power & Light v Laluni – Guyana Defence Force Ground

13. 1Name Brand v Storm Chasers – Guyana Defence Ground

14. Tarmac Titans v EC Express – Transport Sports Club

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul.

. SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

Blackwood laboured to 20 off 92 balls, but Alick Athanaze batted with more freedom, picking Ashwin away for back-to-back fours. Ashwin and Jadeja slowed him down in the final session, which was also interrupted by rain and bad light, but he held them off with his defensive technique. Local lad Joshua Da Silva hung around with him in a 30-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Siraj castled him with his wobble-seam delivery that swerved in like a fast offcutter.

Jason Holder then got his eye in with a square-driven four off Siraj and gave Athanaze decent company until stumps.

McKenzie had played more attractive strokes on the third morning before rain intervened. He punched Jaydev Unadkat for consecutive fours, which might have done his hero and fellow Jamaican Chris Gayle proud.

It forced Unadkat to dig the ball into the pitch, but McKenzie was ready on the back foot to pull him for four more. Mukesh had McKenzie wafting behind for 32 off 57 balls for his first Test and 150th first-class wicket.

It was just reward for Mukesh for having plugged away on a good length outside off. Perhaps, this was the reason why India had picked him ahead of Navdeep Saini after Shardul Thakur had been sidelined from this Test with a groin niggle. Mukesh came back into the attack to take the second new ball, and though he found some swing, he couldn’t make another breakthrough.

Match details: West Indies 229 for 5 (Brathwaite 75, Athanaze 37*, Holder 11*, Jadeja 2-37, Mukesh 1-35) trail India 438 by 209 runs

5. Eastsye v Airport XI –Guyana Defence Force Ground

6. The United Crew v Spar-

15. Diamond Gunners v Region Three Police – Police Sports Club

16. Avery Lounge v V-Net Vipers – Police Sports Club

GCB U13 Inter-county tournament finals… Lall’s efforts propels Essequibo to C/ship win

Match MVPBhomesh Lall single-handedly helped his team to hoist the GCB U13 Inter-county title

Bhomesh Lall pulled out an M V P performance to help Essequibo capture the GCB U13 Inter-county title followinghisbrilliancewith bat and ball, which set up a 15-run win over Demerara yesterdayatBourdaGround.

The Essequibo team endured a few hiccups as they lost wickets at regular intervals but it never kept them out of the contest as they clawed their way back tovictory

Their batting revolved around top-scorer Lall who had41atthetopoftheorder, which helped his side to reach 118 all out in 37.4 overs,afterlosingafewkey batters.

Mark Daniels (10) and Usain Fredericks (11) were the other two players to reach double digits as Brandon Henry again was theinstrumentofdestruction with figures of 4-12 with Makai Dowlin grabbing 322.

Essequibothenturnedon thepressureastheysoughtto defend a low score and they pulled it off with relative easeafterkeepingDemerara to103-9bythetime40overs hadexpired.

Demerara’s only hope amidst their 4 run outs, was Reyad Latiff (22) who was one of the unfortunate v i c t i m s o f p o o r communication between the wicketsandaspiritedknock of10notoutfromDowlin,as not much was offered by

their teammates who were unable to reach double figures.

Bowling for Essequibo sawLallreturningtocapture 3 wickets for 3-19 while Etan Silas and Makayan Holmes supported with a wicketeachtohelptheirside sealahugewin.

Lall, for his runs and wickets was adjudicated the Player-of-the-match Demerara for their good effort, were given the runners-uptrophy

Cougars, Paradise score wins in BFA tourney

There was football action in Berbice recently when the Berbice Football Association (BFA) First Division competition continued in the Ancient County

TwomatcheswereplayedattheRosignol Ground with Cougars and Padadise scoring victories.

Resultsofthetwogamesplayedshowed Cougars Football Club of New Amsterdam takingadvantageof Fyrishastheyinflicted a9-0drubbingontheirhaplessopponents.

Leading the route for the Cougars were the Sommersell brothers with a combined fivegoals.WilliamSommersellledtheway hammeringhomeahat-trickwithhisbrother TimothySommersellfindingthebackofthe nettwice.TheothergoalscorerswereKwesi Mickle,RayReddockandLomarReidwith anowngoalaccountingfortheninth. In the other game, Paradise had to work overtimetosqueezepastHopeTownUnited by a 1-0 margin. Compton Cudjoe was the manontargetforParadiseInvaders.

Trans Pacific, Secure Innovations among...

Frompage72 their continued support and I look forward to their supportinthefuture.”

Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2 will take place on Sunday, July 30th at the

South Dakota Circuit

Ticketsarepricedat$3000 for adults and $1000 for kids, making it an affordable outing for families and individuals alike.

By offering accessible ticketprices,theGMR&SC aims to attract a diverse audience and create an inclusive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy the excitementofmotorsports.

MaliciaLawrence:EmpoweringwomeninGuyana’smotorsports

Inmotorsports,where h i g h s p e e d , adrenaline, and competition collide, one remarkable woman stands out and advocate for female empowerment. Her name is Malicia Lawrence, a female drag racer who will be in action next weekend when the Guyana Motor Racing a n d S p o r t s C l u b (GMR&SC) hosts the Tropical Shipping Drag Wars2.0.

The female dragster is also an executive of the GMR&SC and her passion for racing along with her drive to promote women in the sport has been nothing shortofinspiring.

For Malicia, racing is morethanjustahobby;it’sa part of her DNA. Growing up with a family deeply connectedtothemotorsports community, she was introduced to the exhilarating world of racing at a young age. Watching familymembersconfidently zoom around the track or acceleratedowntheline,she was captivated by the thrill andexcitementofthesport.

Despite being a female entrepreneur navigating what has traditionally been considered a man’s world, Malicia never stopped pursuing her passion for racing Her roots were plantedclosetothestartline, and she embraced her love for motorsports with unwavering determination.

As she ventured into the racingscene,shenoticedthe lack of representation and opportunities for women, w h i c h f u e l e d h e r commitment to bringing aboutpositivechange.

As an executive at GMR&SC, Malicia took it upon herself to be a vocal advocate for female participationinmotorsports. Recognising women’s immense talent and potential, she sought to break down barriers and pave the way for more females to take the wheel. She encouraged and supported women interested in racing and actively promotedthesport.

Her primary objective has been establishing a nurturing and inclusive environment for female racers. Malicia believes that for women to excel in motorsports, they need a robust support system that fostersgrowth,learning,and camaraderie. She hopes to createaplatformforaspiring female racers to gain the skillsandconfidenceneeded to compete at the highest level.

Malicia Lawrence’s motto, “Don’t let fear of what could happen to make nothing happen,” embodies

her fearless spirit and resilience. She knows that stepping onto the track and challenging traditional norms can be intimidating. Still, she believes fear should never keep anyone frompursuingtheirdreams.

Malicia’sjourneyfroma young girl inspired by her family’spassionforracingto a fearless drag racer and advocate for female empowermentisatestament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams and breaking down barriers Her unwavering commitment to promoting women in motorsports has opened doorsforsomefemaleracers in Guyana, empowering them to chase their aspirationsatfullthrottle.As Malicia continues to push boundariesandpavetheway for future generations, she will undoubtedly inspire womenonandoffthetrack.

Tickets for next weekend’s Tropical ShippingDragWars2.0will cost $3000 with kids paying just$1000.

CWI Rising Stars U19 Men’s 3-Day tournament…

Persaud 7-6, triple fifties pilot Guyana to victory over Windward Islands

- Rampersaud bags 8 wickets

Guyana dismantled Windwards Islands by 189 runstosealanemphaticwin thankstoexcellentall-round workinbothdepartments,as they gained some much needed momentum ahead of theirnextbattle.

In a turnaround win, Guyanawhowereshotdown for a paltry 69 in their first innings, managed to keep Windwards Islands to 86 all outduringtheir1stinnings.

Guyana’s Joshua Rampersaud bagged 5-18 givinghisteamthejuicethey needed as skipper Mavindra Dindyal (77), Shamar Yearwood (64) and Zeynul Ramsammy (59) took their side to a whopping 265-9 in the2ndinnings.

Facing a tall order, the Windward Islands boys folded under pressure and were blown away for record low 59 in 31.5 overs. There

was a breathtaking-spell from Aryan Persaud, which yielded a career-best 7-6 from10.5overs,including6 maidens. Rampersaud,who bagged 5 wickets in Guyana’s 1st bowling innings,followedupwith328,endingwithamatchhaul of 8-46 Persaud also finished the match with 8 wickets after adding 7 to his 1 victim he bagged in the first.

Malicia Lawrence

De Sinco Limited supports young tennis players tennis on overseas journey

In a commendable display of corporate social responsibility, DeSinco Limited, through their popular Unilever products, including Degree, has stepped forward to provide an once-in-alifetime opportunity for two buddingtennisstars.

Ricky Romascindo and Elwyn Levius, both members of the Sheltez Tennis Club, are set to embark on an overseas journey to showcase their skills and gain invaluable international exposure in prestigious junior tennis tournaments.

The announcement came in the form of a heartening release on Thursday when DeSinco Limited confirmed its commitment to supporting the dreams of young athletes Responding to a request for sponsorship assistance from the Sheltez Tennis Club (STC), DeSinco Limited’s noble gesture of, covering thecostoftravelforRicky

Romascindo and Elwyn Levius to participate in the upcoming International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior tournaments provides amajorboasttothebudding talents.

Ricky Romascindo, at just 16 years old, has already made waves in the local tennis circuit, impressing spectators and coachesalike

However, he will be representinghiscountryat the ITF J30 Under-18 Junior tournament in St Vincent, scheduled from August7-12

Following this, he will continue his pursuit of excellence by competing in the ITF J60 tournament in Trinidad and Tobago, fromAugust21-26

Equallypromisingis,13year-old Elwyn Levius, a rising star with immense potential.

T h e c o m p a n y ’s sponsorship will also enable Levius to take part in the Sagicor Junior Under-14 tournament,heldinSt.Lucia

fromJuly31sttoAugust5th. As one of the youngest participants in the event, Levius will have the opportunity to learn from experienced players and gain valuable insights that will undoubtedly shape

hisfutureinthesport. For DeSinco Limited, supporting these young athletes goes beyond mere philanthropy

By investing in their overseas exposure, the company aims to nurture

and foster local sporting talents while promoting the growth of tennis in the region

“Through our Unilever Brand, Degree, we assist individual athletes heading off to represent

our country in their respective sports Degree Deodorants offer 72-hour s w e a t a n d o d o u r protection that keeps them focused on winning”, D e S i n c o L i m i t e d stated.

From left: DeSinco’s CEO,Alicia DeAbreu, hands over cheque toAnnabelle Carter-Sharma (Sheltez Tennis Club Representative), in the presence of Elwyn Levius, Ricky Romascindo and Sarah Savory (Degree Brand Manager - DeSinco Ltd) at the company’s Sheriff Street location

Cycling action set for next Sunday in Berbice

Cycling action r e t u r n s t o Berbice next

Sunday, July 30th The Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of NewAmsterdam stages the Rajkumar Churaman Memorial 50 miles cycle road race along theCorentynehighway

The event which is open to all cyclists in Guyana is sponsored by RaJ and DaughterMotorBikeShop.

Theeventbeginsinfront of the entity’s establishment at Skeldon, Upper Corentyne headquarters, thenproceedto its branchat Portuguese Quarters before turning back to finish at its place of origin. Starting at 09:00hrs.

Juveniles and females will ride half the distance fromPortugueseQuartersto Skeldon.Theywillpedaloff

at09:30hrs. Prizeswillbe awarded to the first six finishers, the first three juniors, the first three veterans, the first three juveniles and the first three females. There are also ten prime prizes up for the taking.

The event will be coordinated by cycling coach Randolph Roberts According to Roberts, cyclists are reminded that theymustparticipateintheir club colours Interesting persons are asked to get in touchwithRoberts.

A simple presentation ceremony was held at the e n t i t y ’s S k e l d o n establishment. The owner’s wife, Anita Churaman, presentedthechequeswhich will cover the cost of the event to coordinator

Roberts.(SamuelWhyte)

Tropical Shipping’s Drag Wars 2.0…

Trans Pacific, Secure Innovations among sponsors onboard

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC)inareleasetothe media has noted that popular car dealership; Trans Pacific Motor Spares & Auto Sales alongwithSecureInnovations & Concept Inc (SI&C) have teameduptosponsorthecash prizes of the 11 to 16-second categories of Tropical Shipping’sDragWars2.0.

Thisdragracemeet,which is the second of the year, is scheduled for next weekend, the29th(qualifiers)and30that the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri,withwellover80cars anticipatedtobeonshowInfact, Team Suriname alone has indicated in excess of 25 cars, whilemarqueesponsorTropical

Shipping has transported five cars from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Mahedra Boodhoo, the headoftheGMR&SC,inan invited comment, revealed that, “Drivers in the 11-16 second category will compete for $100,000 in cash prizes, thanks to Trans Pacific Motors Spares & Auto Sales Inc. and Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc.”

“We would like to thank these two companies that have been long standing supportersofmotorracingin Guyana and express our sincereappreciationtowards

(Continuedonpage 68)

Coach Randolph Roberts receives the cheque fromAnita Churaman, wife of the late Rajkumar ‘Raj’Churaman

Team Trans Pacific Toyota Verossa

The victorious Essequibo U13 team

Kraigg Brathwaite loses his stumps to RAshwin. (Associated Press)