Kaieteur News

Despite Raphael Trotman’s support

for renegotiation of lopsided Exxon deal, VP Jagdeo still says no

WhileformerMinisterof

him. He further noted that renegotiate now because he Natural Resources, Raphael this admission by Trotman had a change of heart, how Trotman has now pledged speaks volumes about the credible could these his support for renegotiating type of leadership that people?” the lopsided Stabroek Block existed at the time the While the government

Production Sharing APNU+AFCwasinpower. will maintain that the Agreement (PSA) he signed

Withrespecttothenature contract is lopsided, Jadgeo with an ExxonMobil-led of negotiations between the said there will be no consortium back in 2016, APNU+AFC and Exxon, renegotiation. In an effort to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo said the former claw back some of the value Jagdeo insists that the regime wasted their lost through several government will not budge bargaining chip. He noted loopholes in the Stabroek onthismatter that before the PSA was Block PSA, Jagdeo noted

Essentially, that contract signed in 2016, Exxon had that other mechanisms were will remain untouched, even already unlocked 3 billion putinplace. though the administration barrelsofoilattheLizafield. He said these include the agrees that it is fraught with The Vice President said, strengthening of the several unfair provisions

“(Former President, David) environmental permits and such as a meager 2 percent Granger therefore had a now the regulatory royaltyandatax-freeride. greater bargaining tool (than framework for the oil sector

Trotman’s support for when the PPP did when the He said this is the trajectory

backdrop of Guyana’s Government Relations in firstlythatnoself-respecting renegotiation is documented contract was first signed in that will be maintained, nascent petroleum sector Guyana, “never to accept an man would be proud to tell in his latest book titled: 1999 and no oil was adding that Trotman’s book that I have decided to give invitation to enter into a the world that he succumbed “ F r o m D e s t i n y t o unlocked but he) didn’t and all its revelations are my side, my context, and gutter fight,” so he stayed to instructions from an Prosperity”, published by leverage it. So really, when mere “wishy-washy”

even my defence to the lies, quiet back then on criticisms Exxonofficialtosealhislips Isaiah Publications at Lot 72 youlookatthesadstate,they justifications for the h a l f - t r u t h s , aboutthecontract;and2)His on the contract Jagdeo Church Road, Subryanville, put us in and then he will ineptitudethatwasdisplayed m i s u n d e r s t a n d i n g s , view is that no contract is boasted that Exxon could Guyana. In the preface, the come now and say you can between2015to2020. misinformation and vile inviolableand“thereforecan never play such games with former minister notes: “I accusations that have been be renegotiated” hence he have decided to write uttered.” supports any initiative to get because I have been Tortman thereafter made abetterdealfromExxon. encouragedtodoso-lestthe two revelations which were Duringaninterviewwith history of what transpired publishedby Kaieteur News: selected journalists indelibly becomes someone 1) He was advised by Mr yesterday, Jagdeo gave his else’s version of the Carlton James, a media thoughts on the foregoing ‘truth’...And so it is against specialist and Exxon’s revelations. The chief policy the dark and dismal former Director for maker for the oil sector said

Oil and gas industry has made “almost no progress” on Paris Climate Goals

Pregnant woman denies owning marijuana found in home

A pregnant womanLorlyne Jeffreys has reportedly denied owning some $3M worth of marijuana found on her premises at Tabatinga, Lethem,RegionNine.

(OILPRICE.com) The 1.5degrees,”CDPsaid. investors have already oilandgasindustryhasmade The companies haven’t expressed disappointment at “almost no progress” since invested enough in low- the pivot from supermajors 2021 to align itself to the carbon energy, either, BP and Shell who doubled Paris Agreement goals, new according to the report. “The down on oil and gas in their research by the non-profit seven major oil and gas updatedstrategiesearlierthis platform CDP showed on companies made a record year Thursday $380 billion profits last year

Last week, The Church

Nooilandgasfirminthe but despite this, investment of England said it was world has plans to phase out to reach a low-carbon dumping all remaining oil fossil fuels, according to the economy has fallen and gas majors from its World Benchmarking dangerously short,” CDP portfolio for failing to align Alliance and CDP, which said. with the 1.5 degrees Celsius have assessed the world’s To halve the sector’s pathway largest oil and gas Scope 1 and 2 emissions, oil The Church of England companies, including and gas firms need to invest will now exclude from its ExxonMobil, BP, and Saudi $600 billion by 2030 into portfolio BP, Shell, Aramco. low-carbon solutions, and ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies,

The review showed “a this is not happening, the Eni, Equinor, Ecopetrol, dangerous lack of progress assessmentfound. “Scope1 Occidental Petroleum, towards global climate goals and 2 methane emissions Pemex, Repsol, and Sasol, from the sector There has must be reduced by 60% by “after concluding that none been little advance – and 2030, yet only 29 companies are aligned with the goals of alarmingly even some have even disclosed targets t h e P a r i s C l i m a t e decline – in oil and gas to reduce methane emissions Agreement, as assessed by companies’ progress on by2030.” the Transition Pathway limiting global warming to Some institutional Initiative(TPI).”

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) had stated on Sunday that its ranks found nine plasticwrapped parcels of suspected cannabis on her property. She was arrested and the drugs tested positive for marijuana. Jefferys’ however, has reportedly despite her painful indicated that she was denied owning the drugs and condition; she was subjected pregnant and as a result, a claimed that she had no to rigorous interrogation by decision was made that Ms. knowledge of how they got CANU ranks headed by one Jeffreys would not be placed on her premises The Quinsi Holder ” , Khan in the locks ups but rather be woman’s lawyer, Jerome claimed. kept in the Enquiries Office Khan in a letter published by CANU has issued a pending investigation It Stabroek News wrote: “Ms. statement refuting the must be noted that at no time J e ff r e y d e n i e d a n y lawyer’s claim that it has was Ms. Jeffreys handcuffed

knowledgeofthenarcotics.” mistreated the pregnant or placed in any lockups, Meanwhile, the lawyer woman The agency whilst she was in custody”, wentontoaccusetheCANU confirmed that the suspect CANU stated The law- ranks of mistreating his made investigators aware of enforcement agency pointed client during her detention her condition and as a result out too that Jefferys was and interrogation “Ms ranks did their best to ensure never kept in custody for Jeffrey who is six months that she was comfortable more than 72 hours and was pregnant was placed in during their investigation. released on her own custody and kept more than “Ms Lorlyne Jeffreys recognizance. 72 hours in detention and

Lorlyne Jeffreys

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

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

GAS TO ENERGY COST …WHY ONLY NOW?

For the longest while, many Guyanese have been asking, pushing, pleading for details about the true cost of the Wales gas-to-energy (GTE) project. The PPP/C Government made it its duty to keep waffling and dodging all inquiries. No supporting documentationwasbeingproducedtoaddressthecuriosity andconcernsoftheGuyanesepeopleastotheamountofthe newburdentobeplacedontheirheads.

Themanstandingonthebridgeofthenationaloilboat, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo took slipperiness to new heights when he made it his mission to deliver evasions abouttherealcostoftheGTEproject.

It took a court matter to wring the GTE cost from the hands and bowels of the PPP/C Government’s leadership, forwhomeverythingisasecret. Thebusinessofthepeople isnottheirbusiness,itisexclusivelypartybusiness. Since theVicePresidentfoundhimselfcornered,andleftwithno choice,itfelluponAttorneyGeneralAnilNandlalltoreveal tothecourtthatthecostoftheWalesGTEprojectcurrently stands at US$1.7 billion. It is beyond belief that a President,agovernment,andaleadershipcohortthatmakes longwindedspeechesabouthowitabouttransparencyand accountabilitycanbesomuchaboutsecrecy

TheplanofthePPP/CGovernment,whichmeansVice PresidentJagdeo,istoyokeGuyanesetoUS$1.7billionin new obligations, but keep them in the dark about what is goingon. RegardlessofhowthisGTEprojectisfunded,it istheGuyanesepeoplewhoareobligatedinsomeway,lose somethingalongtheway. Itcouldbefromoilrevenues,or fromExxonMobilmakingmoremoneyfromusthroughits clever equity management, or from outside lenders. Regardless, what could be interpreted from the Vice President’s actions is Guyanese do not need to know how muchtheGTEprojectcosts.

TheWalesGTEprojectisgoingtobeoneofthecostliest projectsthatGuyanawillbeinvolvedin,andithasgottobe paidforthroughsomefinancingarrangement,butthecostis aStatesecret.Thiscannotbedemocracy,thisisperversity of the most daring, the rankest, sort, from the hands of PPP/C architects. A project that started out at a significantly lower price level than that US$1.7 billion is poised to race ahead, barring some last-minute judicial intervention. Infact,ExxonMobilhasalreadystartedtolay pipelines along the seabed. This is the way that our patrimony is overseen by the PPP/C Government, this is whatGuyana’ssovereigntyhascometo,withExxonMobil free to do as it pleases, manhandling our government, our leaders,andourvisions.

WeshouldslamAttorneyGeneralNandlallforallowing hisoffice(andhimself)tobesodegraded,thatheisjoyfulat beingreducedtoanerrandboytocoverthecapricesofboth thegovernment,anditsleaders.

Hehastoknowthatsomeofhislegalexploitsarenotfor the Guyanese people, they are against them, for his party only ThisWales GTE has been a golden child of Bharrat Jagdeo, yet he is ashamed to tell Guyanese of its source. Thefirstthingthatcitizenswanttoknowisthecost. This shouldnotbeamatterofdifficulty,aneedforsecrecy,for any government, for any leader But despite the pleas and pressurefromvariousvoices,Guyanesecouldnotevenbe told the truth of what it was going to cost them. It is becomingclearernowthatmostmattersofmaterialitywill havetobepushedtothecourtsforustogettothebottomof whatisreallygoingonwiththisoilwealth. Moreandmore, thecourtsofGuyanaaregoingtobecomethebattlefieldfor squeezinganswersoutthePPPCGovernment,andtheman inchargeofthenation’spatrimony,VicePresidentJagdeo.

If he is afraid to tell this nation about a project with a US$1.7billionpricetag,thenwhatelseishehiding? How muchmoreisJagdeoputtinghisheadnexttoExxonMobil’s Routledge, and working out schemes to withhold vital informationfromGuyanese,andhaemorrhagetheirhopes, theirprospects?

DISMISS MINISTER DHARAMLALL

DEAREDITOR, Iamforcedtowriteagain about the allegations of rape andsodomylevelledagainst Mr.NigelDharamlall,while holding public office as a MinisterofGovernment.

Editor, I have carefully analyzed the contents contained in a Press Statement released by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on Tuesday,June27,2023after public protests, and wish to state that I am disappointed butnotnecessarilysurprised. AsalludedtoinmyJune17, 2023, the FBI or Scotland Yard should be requested to investigatethismatterbefore the evidence becomes furthercompromised.

Editor, given my own

experiences, and those of others already referred to by previous letter writers and commentators, it appears that Mr. Dharamlall, like someofhiscolleaguesinthe PPP/C,isbeinggivenspecial treatment.

Editor,nowthatthefileis backwiththepolice,itismy hope that the matter will be treated with the urgency it deserves and returned to the DPP for immediate action. The alleged victim must not be further victimized by being locked away for an extended period because of the “inefficiency” of the GuyanaPoliceForceandthe DPP She must be able to urgently receive psychosocial support in a suitable environment to help her on

herlongjourneyofrecovery fromthistrauma.

Therefore Editor, as a believer, a Social Worker, a Community Leader, a Member of Parliament my appeal through this letter to every woman, whether parent, guardian or otherwise and civil organisations, is to continue to stand in solidarity with this brilliant, brave and beautiful sixteen-year-old teenager

Mr Dharamlall must be madetofacethefullbruntof thelawforthisallegedcrime and our children be assured of their protection by the State. He must be removed frompublicofficeandbarred from holding public office again.

My final call is to my f e l l o w f e m a l e Parliamentarians on the Government side Ms. Gail Teixeira, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Ms. Priya Manickchand, Ms. Oneidge Walrond, Ms. Sonia Parag and Ms. Susan Rodrigues to callonMr IrfaanAliandMr Bharrat Jagdeo to dismiss Mr Dharamlall.

Meanwhile,asIcontinue to take a stand with others, I prayformybelovedcountry, Guyana!

I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”Psalm121.

Truly, AnnetteFerguson,MP

Glenn Lall can’t find lawyer to fight Exxon, but lawyers readily defend rapists, murderers

DEAREDITOR

Recently,protesterswere picketingMr Hughesasking himtogiveupdefendingthe accused embattled PPP Senior Minister Mr. Dharamlall. Mr. Hughes in his cool, calm, smiling, refined manner explained that the justice system relies onlawyerstotakecasesand wehavetoletthesystemdo its work. Mr Hughes is probably deserving of a Senior Counsel award as he isanoutstandinglawyer He has taken cases that people w o u l d t h i n k a r e controversial defending people charged for rape, murder,electionrigging,and seriouscrimes.Iguessifyou are in serious doo-doo, you would need a good lawyer, such as Mr Hughes I probablywouldhavelikedto seethisgreatlawyerfighting forthegirl’sintereststhanto be the attorney for someone accused of a heinous crime. Butashasbeensaid,aperson is innocent until proven guilty,andlawyersarefreeto decide what cases they would take. Money matters. There is another breaking story of another young lady from Essequibo making similar allegations against a PPPMinister Don’tknowif thiswillchangeMr Hughes’ mind.

History has been replete with cases where people were guilty but found innocent Some did the crimes they were accused of but got away anyhow

because they had a good lawyer, the state prepared a sloppy case, witnesses were bought out, victims were paid off to drop the case, evidence was made to be missing, the prosecutor didn’t show up, and as the village people would say, “money pass deh. ” Sometimes cases were dismissedduetoviolationof p r o c e d u r e s o r o n technicalities, and bad peopleweresetfree.Notthat they were innocent, but because the Judge or Magistrate ruled “not guilty.” So the system really doesn’t work well The system especially fails poor people fighting against rich, connected people who can massage the system to work for them.You can’t trust the

system.Thereiscertainlyno “One Guyana” when it comestoreceivingjustice,or in anything else. There are differentstrokesfordifferent folks. I was very, very disappointed with the Neesa Gopaul case where one accused was set free. There wereothersuchcaseswhere rapists and murderers were freed.Thelawisanass.

So,thereisnoshortageof lawyers to defend rapists, murderers, election riggers and generally bad people. Lawyers are abundant to defend Exxon and coventurers National Hero Glenn Lall could not find many local lawyers willing to take his tax case against Exxon getting tax breaks.

Melinda Janki had to get a foreigner – Trinidadian

Senior Counsel Seenath JairamtofighttheInsurance c a s e a g a i n s t t h e Environmental Protection Agency and Exxon. Local lawyers wouldn’t touch it witha10-feetpole,andthey stay far away from the lawyers fighting Exxon. Isn’t that a sad commentary onourlawyers?Whereisthe moral courage and where is their outrage about injustice thatwouldtouchtheirhearts to help victims? Where is their nationalism to fight for the best interests of their country against foreign, rapacious Corporations? I wish especially that our younglawyerswouldriseup andstandupforjusticewith ongoingvigilance.Ihavean 88-year-oldcousingetting

(Continuedonpage5)

Plaisance vendors chose development as opposed to the opposition’s confrontational politics

DEAREDITOR,

Since the conclusion of theLGEelections,thePPP/C has gone on a country-wide outreachinallconstituencies tofosterabetterrelationship between the central government and local constituencies.

This move by the PPP/C should be applauded as it shows their willingness to supportinclusion.

On Tuesday an outreach toPlaisancewasheldingood faith to ensure matters

affecting residents and vendors were heard and assistance provided; however, the opposition attempted to stop such an outreach.

The actions of the opposition beg the question, ‘Does APNU/AFC have the interest of Guyanese at heart?’

The action of the Oppositionprovestheyhave no interest in allowing citizens a fair chance at s u p p o r t f r o m t h e

government. It paints a bad image,tobepurposelytrying to stop vendors from getting much-neededaid.

I’ll leave you with these few questions to ask yourself. Does PNC support progress? ‘Why would the opposition leader want to impede an opportunity for residents and vendors of Plaisance to be placed in a position to earn and have theirconcernsaddressed?’

Sincerely,

RyanNewton

Has the PPP/C been able to make significant inroads into theAPNU stronghold of Georgetown?

DEAREDITOR,

The PPP/C had infused LGE 2023 with a vibrancy unparalleled in Guyana’s history Guided by their unifyingphilosophyof‘One Guyana’(foundeduponcore principles of diversity, inclusion, fairness, and rejection of racism) which has become the cornerstone for both central and local governments, the PPP/C believes that this approach has given impetus to their vision of progress, development,andprosperity forallGuyanese.

The PPP/C’s LGE 2023 campaign was designed not only to enumerate the tangible benefits of their unifyingphilosophybutalso to utilize their peopleoriented and progrowth/development

approach to make electoral inroads, particularly in the APNU strongholds of G e o rg e t o w n , N e w Amsterdam,andLinden.

T h e P P P / C ’ s performance at LGE 2023 did rattle the nerves of APNU operatives, as they learnt that the PPP/C has secured important electoral gains in their (APNU’s) strongholds of Georgetown andNewAmsterdam,andto alesserextentinLinden.The PPP/C, for example, has increased its proportion of total valid votes from 7.8% (or402)in2028to23.5%(or 2,464) in 2023, compared with APNU’s increase in proportion from 70.3% (or 3,606) in 2028 to 76.5% (or 8002) in 2023. The relative gain of the PPPC is significant and the party

believes that by receiving 6 times more votes in 2023 than in 2018, in addition to having2PRseatsontheCity Council, they have now positioned themselves to expandtheirreachinLinden.

For this analysis, however, focus is given exclusively to the LAA (Local Authority Area) of Georgetown.

The stakes are high: the Mayor and Town Council havehadnosharpvisionfor the City’s development and have allowed it to deteriorate. Recognizing the crucialrolethatthecountry’s capitalCitymustplayinthe transformation of Guyana, the PPP/C government had to intervene to arrest its downward slide through combination of projects in construction/rehabilitation

of roads, improvement of drainage, creation of new parks, beautification projects, etc The PPP/C reckons that if they win Georgetown, it would be easier to transition it into a modernCity

T h e y i n v e s t e d substantial time and resources to woo voters to support their agenda and vote for them. They utilized theirnewgovernancemodel (taking government to the people) and extolled their citywide accomplishments, noting that they have fulfilled all their 2020 electioncampaignpromises. In addition, their mantra of diversity, inclusion, and fairness resonated well with citizens.

The PPP/C felt that their approachhashelpedtoallay

In the Interest ofAccountability

DEAREDITOR,

Mr Anand Goolsarran is certainly respected by colleague professionals and other readers for his persistent preoccupation w i t h a s p e c t s o f Accountability within organisations private and public.

This reader may well have missed one or more of his substantive observations on the Public Service, particularly regarding the current structure and disposition of employee remuneration,moresoabout differentials between the permanent pensionable Public Servant and the increasing numbers of Contracted Employees as portrayed in the Annual Budgets Mr Goolsarran mustcertainlybeawarethat, as obtains in the Teaching Service, the Salary structure reproduced in the Annual Budget has become a myth for at least the past two decades The initial conceptualisationofasalary scale always included the

fundamental stimuli of an increment-based on recommendations emerging from a demanding performance-based system, long disposed of in our PublicService,bypolitically proposed annual increases —intimeandvalue.

T h e r e s u l t a n t demoralisation of

pensionable Public Servants leads to several considering options about continuing employment including that of becoming ‘Contracted Employee’ for the latter could well benefit from starting his/her career in the sameofcomparableposition – in 2023 – with colleagues with five and indeed more years of experience

Rememberthatinthemilieu that promotability is no guarantee in the absence of any performance evaluation system. How does one cope with this confuscation of equality?

Itisinthecontextofthis depletionofthehumanbeing that Mr Goolsarran is being asked to utilise both his

professional and moral authority to persuade his colleague, the Auditor General,toformulateamost comprehensive programme of investigation regarding the Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats derivingfromtheinhumane compensation structure with which human beings in the PublicServiceareperceived to cope. From any distance concern must be given to LEAVE – its Eligibility vis a’ vis its Availability, and the differential between that affects performers’ (male and female) health (physically/mentally) and theirfamilies?

This observer derives from a period when the appointment/promotion Letter specified all the leave terms (paid and unpaid) –local/overseas; as well as acting allowance for the relevantperformer

In 2023, most stunning is the lack of known eligibility for leave for professionals at the critical level of Guyana’s Judiciary

fearsofethnicinsecurityand lead to the development of trust among many voters who had traditionally supported and voted for APNU. How did these attributes play among voters? There was an increase in voter turn-out rate(VTR)by3%(from24% in 2018 to 27% in 2023) which- based on the resultssuggests that the increase in VTR benefited the PPP/C morethanAPNU.Ofnoteis that the VTR varied among the15constituencies.

The PPP/C received 4 more seats (2 constituencies and 2 PR) than they had in LGE 2018. The PPP/C now has 11 seats at the City Council (5 constituencies and 6 PR). The PPP/C’s proportion of total votes in Georgetown increased from 24.8% (or 7,050) to 36.7% (or12,553)comparedwitha decline in proportion for

APNU from 63 7% (or 18,127)in2018to60.9%(or 20,839) in 2023. While the PPP/Cwon67(83.7%)of80 LAAs countrywide, they have made it pellucid that notwithstanding the LGE 2023 results, they would continuetoworktoimprove every LAA in the country, including Georgetown into which they made significant inroadsintotheAPNUbase. Theywillcontinuewiththeir n e i g h b o u r h o o d revitalization programs, job creation, small business grants, scholarship grants, establishment of regional hospitals, Amerindian a f f a i r s , h o u s i n g development, potable water distribution, among other projects. The PPP/C’s ‘One Guyana’ philosophy would continue to guide policy makingandimplementation.

Sincerely,

Dr.TaraSingh

i g n o r i n g t h e n o t unreasonable possibility of physical and mental health s t r e s s o r s a n d t h e concomitantimplicationsfor these performers and their families – in a constricted environment from which ‘leave’ means substantive ‘escape’.

Their children who, amongst other things, can now access more informed comparabilities, not only in the Caribbean, must wonder about their choices for professional longevity, as well of course of their own bequeathal to their children, in the light and shade of the persistent insensitivity of currentdecision-makers.

Meanwhiletheymustopt forPre-RetirementLeave

Sincerely,

E.B.John

Glenn Lall can’t

Frompage4 the run around for 28 years trying to get his National Insurance Scheme (NIS) benefits.

They have a year’s contributions missing. It’s hardtofindalawyertofight the government, but the courageous Mr Khemraj Ramjattanhasagreedtotake onthiscaseiftheMinistryof Finance does not resolve it.

find...

Mycousinissofrustratedat the system that he may also ask The Minority Leader of the US House, Mr Hakeem Jeffries,tointervenewiththe Guyana Government President Ali had asked Finance Minister Singh to look into it, so my cousin is waiting for a final answer (moreonthisstorylater).

Sincerely,

Dr.JerryJailall

IDPADA-G’S SUBVENTION

DEAREDITOR,

As IDPADA-G awaits the Judge’s ruling on its Fixed Date Application for the Government to reinstate the subvention, it behoves IDPADA-Gtomakeclearto thepublicallthatiscentralto its contention - beyond the litigation and whatever mightbetheruling.

1. IDPADA-G is a notf o r – p r o f i t company/organization which brings together over 65 African Guyanese organisations as the Coordinating Mechanism to pursue the Goals of the UN DecadeforPeopleofAfrican Descent.

2. Those organizations are the members of IDPADA-G and constitute the Assembly, which is its highest forum and decision-

making body, according to its Charter agreed by all in 2017.We have observed the attemptbysometojuxtapose IDPADA-G as a company (IDPADA-G Inc ) to the formation (IDPADA-G) that predated the Company For the record, after seeking legal advice regarding the registration of the organization, we were guidedtoregisterasanot-for profitcompany

This,withtheblessingof the Coordinating Council and the full membership, including the original architectsoftheorganization and drafters of its Charter Thefactofthematteristhat the company gives legal standing to the original entitythatwascreatedandis otherwiseinnowaydifferent from the original body The

membership, structures, and operations of IDPADA-G as a company are the same as those provided for in its original mutually adopted Charter

3 IDPADA-G has, without fail, submitted all financialreportsandbudgets r e q u e s t e d b y t h e Government. Annual audits by an external audit companyarealsocompleted asrequired.

In December 2021 the Special Unit of the Ministry of Finance conducted an Investigative Audit to accountfortheutilizationof the subvention received by IDPADA-G.Thatauditgave IDPADA-G a clean bill of health.

4 In August 2022, IDPADA-G facilitated an advertisementofCuffy250’s

Forum on “the Emerging Apartheid State”. This was notunusual,sinceIDPADAG regularly advertises m e m b e r s ’ e v e n t s Immediately on the publication of that advertisement, the Government of Guyana, via the public media, accused IDPADA-G and some of its officials of misuse and misappropriation of its funds. Evidence has not and cannot be provided to that effect.

Infact,theGovernment’s audit exonerates the organizationanditsofficials of such wrong doing. The Government has however fabricated a sliding scale of fictitious accusations to continueitsonslaughtonthe workofIDPADA-G.

5.Thelatestaccusationis that there are complainants from the African Guyanese community,whoasintended beneficiaries of IDPADAG’s funding, have not been recipients of funds, and that too much of IDPADA-G’s subvention has been expended on the staffing of itssecretariat.Of65member o rg a n i z a t i o n s t h e Government pins its contention on the alleged complaints of four organisations. Government never engaged IDPADA-G to seek its response to those alleged complaints Ironically,oneofthealleged complainants is the largest recipient of a disbursement from IDPADA-G for the executionofaproject.

6.To beclear, IDPADAG was never established to beasourceofgrants–rather it was established to be a service provider offering training, capacity building and advocacy on behalf of the African Guyanese community

Our original proposal to government in 2017 and the 2019StrategicPlantowhich allmemberscontributed,and which was approved at IDPADA-G’s General Assembly in 2019 clearly state the role of IDPADA-G

to: a Advocate at the national level for policies and programmes that advance the interests and condition of Guyanese of AfricanDescent.

b. Provide guidance and support to member organizationsfordeveloping andundertakingprojectsthat respond to the needs of Guyanese of African Descent;

c Provide capacity building and organizational support to member organizations;

d I m p l e m e n t demonstration projects by the Secretariat that can be replicated by member organizations;and

e Provide leadership, coordination, monitoring and reporting on the achievements of the Decade inGuyana.

7. Our annual budget request and our monthly subvention disbursement requests were all aligned with the Strategic Plan and clearly established the intended use of funds and advocacy

8. To provide services, IDPADA-Gisrequiredtobe adequately staffed Our overhead costs, as we provide services and as an advocate on behalf of the community, cannot be fairly assessed simplistically on theratioofsubventionspent on staff to expenditure for projects or disbursements to beneficiaries IDPADA-G project officers, who comprised the majority of the staff, made possible the delivery of services to the community Salary expenditures for their work are not attributed to specific projectsinaccountingterms. For example, IDPADA-G organized three exhibitions andsalesbenefitingover150 vendors in 2021 and 2022. Our financial records for those events attribute the rental of tents and other materialgoodsorservicesto those activities but the cost ofthestaff’sefforttodesign,

plan and implement the event are not accounted for inthesameway Thecostof mobilizing the vendors, organizing training programmes for them, preparing the site and managing the event are not attributed, in accounting terms, to the activity Salaries were accounted for underaseparateheadingand were not disaggregated by projects and programmes. Hence,theactualcostofthe programmesandprojectsdid notincludethelabourcost.It isthereforedisingenuousfor the government to state that IDPADA-G’s salaries expense is unrelated to the delivery of goods and services to the African Guyanese communities. A simple conversation with IDPADA-G would have given clarity to this misrepresentation However, the Government preferred to snipe at IDPADA-G rather than engage the organization for clarity

9. IDPADA-G prior to, and after, the government’s initial accusations, the filing ofitscourtaction,andduring the period provided for mediation, sought to engage with other Ministers such as the Minister responsible for Finance and the subject Minister for Culture, Youth and Sport, to provide clarity on the accusations raised by theGovernmentinthemedia – all to no avail. Repeated formal requests and reminders were also sent to President Ali but he has never honoured his verbal promises to meet. One can only conclude that the reasons proffered by the Government for the cessation of the subvention are but a ruse to veil its real motive. The real motive can be discerned from the statementsmadebyofficials, such as Vice President Jagdeo’s early contention that IDPADA-G was ungrateful to a Government thatwasfundingit.Thatwas his contention when he accused IDPADA-G of beingtheauthoroftheCuffy 250 conference theme: Resisting the Emerging ApartheidState.IDPADA-G remains committed to supporting the initiatives of its member organisations to meet the goals of the Decade Recognition, Justice,andDevelopment

Yoursfaithfully, Chairperson IDPADAG

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JAGDEO STANDS AGAINST HIS PEOPLE

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Everyone except Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is calling for the urgent renegotiation of the lopsided ExxonMobil contract.

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He finds all manner of excuses to support his position and when the opposition dares to call for a change of the contract he gets all vile and abusive.

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This is the leader, who goes around the country begging Guyanese to support him and his party, but would not do right by them.

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He prefers to enrich the foreigners and his cronies while presiding over an impoverished nation.

While in opposition to get the votes of Guyanese, he promised to renegotiate the contract, now in government, he is telling the nation he never said that.

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Can such a leader ever be trusted?

The answer is no.

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GNBS hosts successful Caribbean Metrology Cooperation Committee meeting

The Guyana National every opportunity to find Bureau of Standards workable solutions to (GNBS) hosted the first strengthen the Metrology face-to-face Caribbean SystemsacrosstheRegion. Metrology Cooperation Meanwhile, the current (CARIMET) Committee CROSQ MIKE Committee meeting and workshop in Chair and Head of GNBS Guyana during June 28-29, Marketing, Mr Syeid 2023. Ibrahim expressed how The two-day event, delightful it is for the GNBS which was sponsored by the to host such an important CARICOM Regional meeting.

Organisation for Standards

He added that hosting of and Quality (CROSQ), the meeting is another of the under the 11th European many ways in which the D e v e l o p m e n t F u n d GNBS has been supporting Technical Barriers to Trade National Bureaux of Programme, was held to Standards (NSBs) in the effectively plan for the region to implement implementation, monitoring services. Ongoing support and improvement of the has included technical T h e C A R I M E T The CIPM-MRA is the several technical areas Institutes (NMIs) across the measurement infrastructure assistance and guidance to Committee provides framework through which These included the Caribbean Community within the Region, GNBS countries developing technical assistance to National Metrology development of three ( C A R I C O M ) o f f e r saidinapressrelease.

National Quality Awards metrologyinstitutionsacross Institutes worldwide Caribbean Reference metrology services in the T h e C A R I M E T programmes. the region which are looking d e m o n s t r a t e t h e Laboratories (CaRLs), form of verification and Committee, which is a Chair of CARIMET, Ms. to improve or increase the international equivalence of conducting its first Volume calibration to ensure there subgroup of the Inter- Erica Caruth from the services offered to their measurement standards I n t e r - L a b o r a t o r y are accurate and comparable American Metrology Trinidad and Tobago Bureau stakeholders. and their calibration Comparison and supporting measurements within and System (SIM), falls under of Standards (TTBS) in her It has the crucial role of capabilities. several NMIs towards among member states CROSQ and is made up of opening remarks expressed fostering collaboration and CARIMET, while being international recognition Precisemeasurementplaysa representatives from the gratitude on behalf of the information sharing in aware of the need to Plans are on stream to key role in the advancement National Metrology Committee to CROSQ, the k e e p i n g w i t h t h e strengthen its network develop three new CaRLs to of health, law enforcement, Institutes (NMIs) of the GNBS and the providers of development of Metrology capacity and the monitoring ensure the traceability of oil and gas, manufacturing, fifteen Member States of t h e 11 t h E D F T B T as a pillar of the National of planned activities, has in critical measurements at all agriculture, and trade, C A R I C O M a n d t h e Programme for facilitating QualityInfrastructure. the past five years made developing NMIs. Finally, among many other areas in Dominican Republic. These such an important Regional Under its current significant advancements in National Measurement theRegion.

NMIs include the Guyana Meeting and Workshop strategic plan, CARIMET National Bureau of During the Committee aimstostrengthentheability Standards (GNBS) and the meeting and workshop, of NMIs in member states to Dominican Institute for sixteen (16) participants provide sustainable Quality (INDOCAL) reviewed the five-year metrology services. A key D u r i n g a n o p e n i n g (2021-2025) strategic plan focal point in the short term ceremony on Thursday, of the committee, discussed istomaximisethebenefitsof GNBS Executive Director ongoing projects, facilitated the International Committee (Ag ), Mr Al Fraser team building engagements of Weights and Measureswelcomed the Caribbean for new representatives, and Mutual Recognition counterparts to Guyana and reviewed the committee’s Arrangement (CIPMencouraged them to utilise 2023operationalplan. MRA).

Body of missing man found at Marshall Falls

The body of Carl Subarattie who went missing for over a week, was found on Thursday at Marshall Falls located at Lower Mazaruni,RegionSeven.

Accordingtothepolice,Subarattie,aboat captain of Palmer’s Point, Lower Mazaruni was reported missing to them on June 18, 2023.Yesterday,justbelowthefalls,hisbody was found lying face down in the river Several bruises and lacerations were observed about the body which was in an advanced state of decomposition. The body was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where it was officially pronounced dead and later taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for a post mortem examination. An investigationisongoing.

Boat Captain, Carl Subarattie

CROSQ Technical Officer - Metrology, Nicol Best makes Presentation

THE PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE CAN BECOME A GAME CHANGER IN GUYANA

An interesting case is takingplaceintheAmerican state of Montana. The legal principles being argued and determinedinthatcasehave i m p l i c a t i o n s f o r environmental challenges to the continued production of fossil fuels, the gas-to-shore project and the supervisory actions of Guyana’s regulatorybodies.

The case was filed three years ago, just around the time that Guyana was embroiled in its elections’ controversies. A group of children and youth filed legalactionagainsttheState ofMontanaclaimingthatthe fossil fuel industry is violating their right, under theMontanaConstitution,to a clean and healthy environment They are claiming various reliefs revolvingaroundtherightto acleanenvironment.

Thebasisoftheactionby the young people – whose agesincidentallyrangefrom 2 years to 18 years – is that the Montana State Constitution guarantees the right to clean environment. The right to a healthy e n v i r o n m e n t a l s o encompasses the right of individuals to access justice and seek remedies when their environment or health is adversely affected. The law has long provided

avenues for the public to challenge decisions or actions that may harm the environment or negatively affect public health. These challenges can include judicial review of administrativedecisionsthat fail to adequately consider environmental impacts or publichealthconcerns.

The litigants in the Montana case however are proceedingonaninteresting limb. They are contending that under the doctrine of ‘the public trust’, the g o v e r n m e n t h a s responsibility to ensure a clean and pristine environment for present and futuregenerations.

The Constitution of Guyana entitles citizens to an environment that is not harmful to them or their well-being But the Constitution also creates an implied duty of public trust on the part of the State. It explicitlystatesthattheState is required to protect the environment for present and future generations, through legislative and other means. It is these provisions of the Constitution which create a dutyofpublictrust.

Legal systems, both English and American, recognize that the Earth’s natural resources are part of the world’s common

Dem Boys Seh...

h e r i t a g e a n d t h a t governments serve as trustees of rights held in common These rights include the right to a safe environment for present and futuregenerations.

But what is this public trust doctrine? The public trustessentiallyisadoctrine which places an obligation on governments to protect natural resources, including throughensuringthewelfare ofcitizens.

The doctrine of public trust is a longstanding legal principle that recognizes the government’s obligation is to act as stewards of the public in safeguarding criticalresourcesessentialto the public’s well-being These resources must be preserved for the benefit of current and future generations.

The doctrine of public trust has been recognized and upheld in numerous legal cases Courts have consistently acknowledged that the government has a fiduciary duty to act as a trustee and protect essential natural resources for the benefit of the public. This fiduciary duty extends to preventing actions that would harm the public trust, such as permitting or promoting activities that lead to the degradation of

The trucks have changed gears

Long ago, when dem boys bin small, we used to have more dray carts than truck pon de road.And not even de animal droppings used to upset people because dem used to use it fuhfertilizedemplants.

But now de dray carts arebeingputoutofbusiness and being replaced by mechanical beasts of burdens called trucks and heavy-duty vehicles De trucks and heavy-duty vehicles causing mayhem onourroads.

At one time, we used to complain how dem trucks goingtooslow Demusedto gososlowthatdemusedto cause delays pon de road. When these colossal machines decided to take a leisurely stroll down the road,trafficusedtocometo a halt Horns blared, tempers flared, and the disgruntledmassescursed. De authorities decided

that during peak hours dem trucks gat to park to allow people to get to work on time. But dah system can’t work these days because dem truck now moving fasterthanabullettrain.

It seems as if overnight de truck turn to speed demons. Dem does come hurling down de road causingpedestrianstocover infearandothervehiclesto scatterlikefrightenedmice. Demgoingsofastdesedays that some of dem can’t control dem speed. And dem also causing accidents and deaths on de road becausewhendemhityuhis harder than a sledge hammer

Truck and heavy-duty vehicles are now Guyana’s unofficial roller-coasters, providing adrenalinepumpingridesforthethrillseekingsoulsbraveenough to venture onto the roads.

odging potholes,

naturalresources. The doctrine of public trust helps to buttress the right to a healthy environment.And this right, in turn, includes the r e q u i r e m e n t f o r environmental impact assessmentstobeconducted before certain activities can proceed.Itishardtoimagine a major project taking place without an environmental impact assessment to determine environmental and health implications and to decide what measures need to be put in place to mitigatesuchrisks.

It is hardly debatable, also, that public trust fossil fuels are detrimental to the environment and endangers publichealthandcontributes toclimatechange.Fossilfuel production, including extraction, refining, and combustion, poses

significant risks to public health.Theburningoffossil fuels releases harmful

pollutants, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and volatileorganiccompounds, which contribute to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and prematuredeaths.

Fossilfuelscontributeto environmental injustice

They result in biodiversity loss and damage to ecosystems. The extraction and burning of fossil fuels are major contributors to climatechange,

Fossil fuel production clearlyfallswithintheambit of the government’s public trust responsibilities

Whether it is dealing with crude oil or natural gas production, governments haveaduty,underthepublic trust doctrine, to

demonstrate that such activitiesarenotdetrimental to the environment and to people’s well fare and wellbeing Governments also have a fiduciary duty to ensure the preservation of essentialresourcesforfuture generations.

W h e n t h e r e f o r e governments refuse to undertake environmental impact assessments for major projects, this refusal can be challenged on the groundsthatthegovernment is violating the public trust doctrineandbyextensionits responsibilitiestothepublic.

(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.)

swerving through traffic, and praying for divine intervention have become the daily rituals of those unfortunateenoughtoshare the road with these fourwheeled and six-wheeled monsters.

Since we find oil, the truck epidemic spreading. As wealth flowed into the country,sodidtheinfluxof heavy-duty vehicles It’s almost as if they arrived with a mission to create mayhem,totestthelimitsof human patience and endurance.

Whether they crawl at a snail’spaceorracewiththe furyofathousandcheetahs, theyhaveunitedthepeople in a shared experience of frustration, terror, and awe. The roads are trembling at their feet and people are wondering whether the roadswilleverbesafeagain forastroll.

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

BYGHKLALL

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE TRUE

IhavegivenuponB. Jagdeo,Guyana’soil strongman, and doing anything that would be of value for Guyanese. This extraordinary lover of what Guyana makes possible, now gone to the dogs. I still harbour some hopeforHisExcellencyAli, b u t d e t e c t t h a t circumstances have locked himintoatightcorner.

I thought that the PNC oppositionwouldhavebeen a rousing, resonant presence, especially as such relatestoourpatrimonyand governance malfeasances, andIcameupshortagain.It is not easy on the psyche to strikeoutthreetimesonsuch high-octane matters. It is a barren wilderness, this nation is, when passionate and patriotic persons are in demand. Amidst all this, I cast my eyes over to Exxon land, and there is Grand Duke Alistair Routledge grinning over his bowl of milkandhoney

Hehasmanyreasonsto, some of which have to do

with the state of governors and stewards in Guyana. It is a dismal state, and much of which Exxon has contributed to its enduring benefit. It is where men can’t speak, most refuse to think, and leaders have lost themselves in a vortex of whatisvicioustoGuyanese interests.

Who to turn to in this hour of national leadership paltriness? Whoistherethat could offer a glimmer of something different from whatwehaveseen,andwhat we encounter, live with daily, in this political, leadership, and governance wasteland? I have sketched on a drawing board, quite a few profiles of political peopleactually,ofwhomall are sure to startle many Guyanese for the sheer a u d a c i t y , e v e n explosiveness, of my h o p e f u l v i s i o n s , expectations,invitations.

I look at the PPPside of theaisleandIseeacoupleof counsels, and doctor of this and the other Yes, though

theyarealleducated,itcalls for a lot to overlook how they have allowed themselves to be tangled in the troubled web of a cult leader Butsurely,therehas to be some, at least a little handful of principled citizensinthePPP,wholook at what is going on in the harsh Guyana landscape, andrecoilinhorror. No,itis notPNCgenerated. Rather, the many horrors and obscenities originate with theirveryowninthePPP.

Iconfessupfrontthatthe degree of fulsomeness and wholesomeness about what two PPP brothers are, and what one sister represents; buttherearenoothers. One isoldinthegame,theothers are new, but they all know what is going on. I should name names. Somehow, I believe that they possess some level of mentality, some character quality, some patriotic fervor to be disturbed about how the nation’spatrimonyhasbeen manhandled, the results of which has mangled their

fellowGuyanese,especially poor ones longing. Even better,oneclaimshighclass heritage, two others have PPP pedigree, plus one has religious reach. I believe thattherecouldbesufficient agitations in the spirit of each one that supersedes previously overpowering considerations about a post, acontract,apresence,anda handshakefromthedespotic and neurotic in their group. SomePPPinsidersshouldbe on the straight and narrow, but like Mae West, straying occurred. I look at the PPP andthePNC,andassertthat there cannot be such myopia, so much amnesia, and such overwhelming paranoia that all the lawyering and doctoring obtained bars insights about rankinjustices. Ithinkthatdoctorshave hadsometrainingaboutcare and concern (outside of money and power) infused in schools of higher learning. And for the moral and ethical energizing towards hard denunciations

about the nonsense that must stop It wouldbethecosmosof dharma and karma to make tough calls, callout comrades who err egregiously, stand for principle and people Surely, all the men and womeninthePPPandPNC can’tbesopreoccupiedwith whatisgoodforthemselves only, while there are multitudesofGuyanesewith so many griefs and grievances Particularly whensomanyrichesbelong tous.

Across the benches in the PNC, there must be one or two who is a standardbearer and warrior for the Guyanesepeople. Standfor something. Be somebody Be about what is for the people of this country, including Indian, Amerindian, African, and others trapped around the demographic median Speaking softly and softpedaling and slow walking mustallcometoacomplete stop. Go the other way: get

in people’s faces. Don’t get carried away with all this correctness; it is more form than substance, and most unhelpful. Operating from theinsideofair-conditioned confines, and behind tinted vehicles, doesn’t get any boots on the ground, or anyoneofftheground.

Feetmustmeetthestreet so that political deadbeats feel the heat. We have oil now; at least let that grease the skids for concerted objection,andnotjustpalms that go into pockets (or bank). Who is angry in the PPPhastostandup?Whois so disgusted in the PNC must be willing to be counted?

(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

Govt. anticipates signing of Corentyne River Bridge by October

-bridgedesign,feasibility studyatfinalstage

Minister of Public 1. The evaluation process will Works, Juan Edghill involve local evaluations as well as has announced that a joint evaluation conducted by

the contract for the Guyana and Suriname. Once the Corentyne River Bridge, linking evaluation is completed, the GuyanatoSuriname,isexpectedto preferred contractor will be besignedbyOctober engaged.

This announcement was made “We intend to have a contract during the Second High-Level signedbyOctoberof2023andthen DecisionMakers(HLDM)meeting we can go into mobilisation and and presentation by WSP actual construction This is a Caribbean, a Trinidad-based project that should not suffer any company, in the presence of delays,asamatterofafactweneed Suriname’s Public Works Minister to be moving it along. And that is TheCorentyneRiverBridgewillbe WSP Caribbean, amounting to expected to span around 10.05 Dr. Riad Nurmohamed on oneofthereasonswhyweprovided constructed through a Public- US$2 million. The assignment metres, accommodating two lanes Wednesday. information ahead of the final Private Partnership (PPP) included various works such as under regular conditions and three

The meeting marked the final report to get things moving so that arrangement, following the topographic assessment, hydraulic lanes during emergencies or phase of the design and feasibility we can get submissions at this Design-Build-Finance-Operate- and hydrographic studies, traffic controlledsituations. studies for the bridge, the time,”MinisterEdghillstated. Maintain (DBFOM) model. Under demand analysis, financial and Additionally, the bridge will Department of Public Information Dr Nurmohamed also this model, the successful e c o n o m i c e v a l u a t i o n , feature utilities inside the box has reported Minister Edghill expressed satisfaction with the contractor or joint venture will be environmental assessment, and the girder, which will include an expressed gratitude for the progress made thus far and responsible for the final design, preliminary design of the bridge inspection path width of 260 flexibility provided by the emphasised the significance of the construction, financing, operation, androads. metres,amongotherfeatures. consultancy, allowing prequalified bridge for the development of both andmaintenanceofthebridge. The bridge will span Theinfrastructureprojectholds firms to access information before countries. He noted that, “Building In May 2022, the consultancy approximately 1,100 metres in immense potential for fostering the final report was released. The the bridge is very high on the assignment for the Feasibility length with 22 spans measuring 50 economic growth, strengthening prequalified firms are expected to agenda for both countries…from Study and Detailed Designs for the metres each.The sub-structure will regionalintegration,andimproving submittheirbidsbytheendofJuly, ourside,wewillcontinueourwork Construction of a Bridge over the be designed to withstand minor transportation links between the with the closing date set forAugust based on what studies have said.” Corentyne River was awarded to vessel impact. The carriageway is twoneighbouringnations.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill alongside Suriname’s Public Works Minister Dr. Riad Nurmohamed, members of WSP and engineers

Guyana and United States renew ties at Independence anniversary celebrations

Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark PhillipsonThursdayeveningdeliveredthefeature address at United States 247th Independence celebrationshostedbyitsembassyinGuyana.

The event was held at the Marriot Hotel and attended by foreign diplomats, members of the private sector and members of parliament from bothsidesofthepoliticaldivide.

Prime Minister Phillips congratulated the US health. on its landmark and spoke of working together to

’s non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) telecommunicationsector SecurityCouncil.

MeanwhileUSAmbassadortoGuyana,Sarah-Ann

She also congratulated Guyana for becoming a

“Iwouldalsoliketocongratulateyouonbecoming Lynch said that she is grateful that many American one of the newest elected non-permanent members of businesseshavebeengrantedtheopportunitytobepart the United Nations Security Council”, the ambassador of Guyana’s rapid development not only in the oil said. industry but in other sectors such as education and

Scenes from the United States 247th Independence Celebrations at Marriot

Lethem Hospital to implement new strategies to promote greater efficiency

Man stabbed to death after defending nephew

A 34-year-old man

identified as Delon Wa t e r m a n w a s o n Wednesday night stabbed to death at Riverview

Ruimveldt, Georgetown while allegedly defending hisnine-year-oldnephew

Dead: Delon Waterman

In order to vastly the A&E department

A d d i t i o n a l l y , a theaimofcreatingapositive improve its services to According to the hospital, collaborative approach will workplace culture that patients in Region Nine, the the management will review also be implemented at the promotes excellent patient Lethem Regional Hospital existingprocesseswithinthe hospital. This will foster care, and staff well-being. It has implemented new department and remove cooperation among theA&E will also add to the strategies, to increase thosethatmaybeslowingup staff, consulting specialists commitment of the hospital efficiency at the facility, thesystem. and other departments. It to deliver quality healthcare especially in the Accident As such, officials from will further enhance services to their region andEmergencyUnit.During thehospitalwilloptimisethe communication, speed up These strategies are just one a recent staff meeting at the triage process, to ensure consultations, and facilitate of many ways in which the institution, officials decided efficient and accurate timelydecision-making. medical officials at the upon strategies that will assessment of patients’

Moreover, with these institution, and the reduce patients’ waiting- needs. They will prioritised strategies implemented, it government will ensure the time, and enhance the cases based on urgency, so will build a supportive and comfort of patients and overall working process in thatareisexpedited. efficient environment, with healthworkers.(DPI)

Kaieteur News learntthat Waterman’s nephew got into an altercation with his alleged killer at a shop in the area. It resulted in the suspect assaulting the man’s nephew. The nephew reportedly went home and suspect but as he was relatedwhathadhappenedto walking away, the suspect Waterman. After learning of armed himself with a knife the incident, Waterman left and stabbed him. Waterman his home and went to fell to the ground after confront the suspect. The running away and the duo reportedly ended up in suspectescaped. an argument which led to a Waterman bled to death fight. bythetimehelparrived.

Eyewitnesses said that Investigations are Waterman allegedly beat the ongoing.

Another alleged “romantic bandit” charged

Alleged romantic bandit, Denzel

Lawrence Muir

Another alleged ‘romantic bandit’ was on Wednesday charged for being part of a romance scam masterminded by NigerianNationalstoswindlewomenoutofmoney.

PoliceidentifiedthesuspectasDenzelLawrenceMuir,29, a shopkeeper of Lot 56 Barnwell North, Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD). He was charged with two counts of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony and appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court One before Magistrate RushelleLiverpool.

Muirpleadednotguiltyandwasreleasedon$150,000bail for each count of the charge. The case against him will continueonAugust23,2022.

According to police, a Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) investigation, revealed Muir allegedly conspired with others to befriend a woman via WhatsApp and formed a relationshipwithher

Posing as a lover, they called her and said that an expensive package with surprises will be sent for her The woman later received a call from someone claiming to be an agentatanAirportinNewYork.

The fraudster convinced the woman that the package with surprises has arrived in Guyana and that another person will make contact with her for the customs fees. She subsequently received a call from another individual informing her that the fees are $160,000. The woman was instructed to send the money via post office to Muir She complied but never received her surprises. Investigators were reportedly able to confirmthatMuirhadindeedreceivedthemoney

The Lethem Regional Hospital

LindenerkilledinKaraKarasmashup

The motorcyclist, Sheldon Solomon

Georgetown Public Hospital the driver of the motorcar is Sheldon Solomon of Lot 36 was heading east along the He was picked up in a for further treatment in custody, a breathalyzer Old Kara Kara, Mackenzie, northern side of the public conscious condition and However, on his way to test was done but no alcohol Linden was on Thursday road, reportedly at a fast rate taken to the Linden Hospital Georgetown, he succumbed wasfoundinhissystem. morningkilledinavehicular while the motorcar was Complex where he was tohisinjuries. Investigations are accidentalongtheKaraKara heading south on Thomas treated and transferred to the According to the police, continuing. PublicRoad. Street (an access road). The According to the police, police learned that the car the fatal accident occurred then turned west onto the just around 08:00hrs and mainroadintothepathofthe involved Solomon who was motorcycle causing a riding his motorcycle and collision.

Twenty-seven-year-old police that the motorcyclist body

motorcar PZZ 8967 which As a result of the was driven by 24-year-old collision, the driver of the Judah Lorrimer of Lot 184 motorcycle fell onto the CarterStreet,KaraKara. roadway where he sustained

It was reported to the serious injuries about his

GTA launches new product development grant

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) experience. So, we are going to be giving has launched its new Guyana Tourism grants for the development of Product Development Grant Programme experience.” (GTPDGP).

The minister noted that before the grant

Through the grant, in excess of $1M can is awarded, products will be graded on how be accessed. The government initiative is well of an experience persons will have. aimed at strengthening and expanding local GTA is also calling for proposals for new tourism, the Department of Public tourism products, as the initiation of the Information (DPI) reported. With this grant, grant also aims to bring about innovation in persons can develop their tourism products thesector and improve the services they offer At the To be eligible for the grant, applicants recentprizegivingceremonyforthe‘Snapn must be licensed by GTA and registered Share’ competition, Minister of Tourism, within the last two years. Application forms Oneidge Walrond disclosed that, “Just out and guidelines can be accessed on GTA’s of this [grant], we can get ideas, tour Facebook page The deadline for guides and investors can get ideas of an applicationsisAugust10,2023.

309 prison officers trained in first half of 2023; 250 more to be trained

Three hundred and Nicklon Elliot added that the nine ranks of the varioustrainingprogrammes

Guyana Prison foster several beneficial Service recently graduated skills and behaviours. “It after completing training in promotes the ability to several courses in the first critically analyse arising and halfof2023. existing problems and

The training is also proactively find creative geared towards promoting solutions. It advocates selfgreater efficiency in the c o n f i d e n c e , t a k i n g prison system. According to responsibility, speaking a release from the Prison clearly and effectively, Service, ranks were trained working in a team, critically by internal and external assessing information, and facilitators. They completed sharing ideas in an engaging almost 50 courses including and persuasive manner,” the Prison Management, Human PrisonDirectorstated. Rights and Supervisory Meanwhile, Head of the Management. Prison Service Training

Acting Deputy Director Board, Tracy Shamshudeen of Prisons and Head of the relayed that the board is Staff Training Department, working simultaneously Kevin Pilgrim noted that the with the Prison Directorate, training is integral as it will w h e r e m a n a g e m e n t equip prison personnel with structures are being devised knowledge and skills to to continuously encourage efficiently perform their officers to capitalise on duties while also respecting training opportunities the rights of inmates. He available locally, regionally said, “Based on the current orinternationally budgetary allocations for An additional 250 ranks training, same has been have been identified for utilised to ensure that staff training in the second half of are exposed to not only this year From the $5.5 institutional training but at billion earmarked for the the technical level so that Prison Service in 2023, they can offer more support funds have been set aside for andguidancetoprisoners.” prison management training Director of Prisons, forover400personnel.

$51 million to supervise construction of Hosororo Secondary School

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office has awarded a $51,620,000 contract forthedesignandsupervisionservicefortheconstructionof theHosororoSecondarySchoolinRegionOne.

According to information released on the NPTAB website, the $51 million contract was awarded to GR Engineering Company This firm will provide design and supervisionservicesfortheconstructionofamodernschool building and a dormitory in Hosororo to house 500 students inclassroom,250pupilsinthedormitoryand40teachers.

Kaieteur News had reported that the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Education is preparing to build a brand new secondary school at Hosororo which is estimated to cost $2,557,775,186. For that project a total of fivecontractshaveappliedfortheworks.

In addition to the St. George’s High School, St. Mary’s Secondary School, Christ Church Secondary School, North Ruimveldt Secondary School and North West Secondary School which are currently being rebuilt, several other schoolswillbeconstructedacrossthecountry

These will be at Hosororo, Kwebana, and Waramuri in Region One (Barima -Waini). Two new schools are being built in Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara). AsecondaryschoolwillbebuiltinOrealla,RegionSix(East Berbice-Corentyne).InRegionSeven(Cuyuni-Mazaruni), there will be a school at Jawalla in the Upper Mazaruni. Finally, in Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni), the dormitories at Paramakatoi and Kato will be extended. Education Minister, Priya Manickchand said recently that the schools are being built with modern specifications and will be offering students the opportunity to pursue subjects which wereneverofferedbeforeinsomeareas.

Computer literacy training launched for visually-impaired persons

Persons who are visually-impaired will months, in batches of 12 for individualised benefitfromacomputerliteracyprogramme, teaching. Participants will be exposed to through the Office of the Prime Minister various areas, including keyboard (OPM) in collaboration with the Guyana orientation, basics of JAWS settings and Council of Organisations for Persons with specific commands, basic information about Disabilities. the computer, editing and basic formatting of

Dubbed Computer Literacy Skills for the Microsoft Word documents, basic internet Blind andVisually Impaired, the programme and email use, and use of online meeting aims to bridge the digital gap through the platforms. inclusion of persons living with disabilities. Training will begin in early July in During the launching ceremony at the OPM Regions Three and Four However, persons on Wednesday, participants expressed that from other regions will also be participating. the programme will empower them to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark navigatethedigitalsociety ColinCaesartold Phillips stressed the importance of the Department of Public Information (DPI) accessibility and inclusivity, as Guyana that he is grateful for the opportunity, and moves towards a technological highlighted the impact that this programme transformation. “Basic computer skills are willhaveonhiseverydaylife. the doorway to a world of wider possibilities

“There has been a tremendous gap for education, employment, social betweenthosewhoaresightedandthoseofus interaction and personal empowerment who are blind and visuallyimpaired…Being Therefore, we must ensure equal access and a part of this programme will bridge that gap opportunities for all individuals, beginning andwewillbeabletodoalmostanythingthat withtheseessentialtasks. sighted persons can do with the use of the Our government is continually working computer,” Caesar stated. For Rawlesha to level the playing field to ensure that we Poulisbeingvisuallyimpairedhadprevented honour the convention on the rights of her from participating in many skills training persons living with disabilities,” he said. He programmes. She said the inclusive nature of added that the government will continue to theprogrammemakesherhappy create an enabling environment to promote

“I feel good because I have not been able ICTliteracy for Guyanese. “Our government to participate in a programme of this iswholeheartedlycommittedtotransforming magnitude for a long time,” Poulis relayed. the lives of our people through ICTs, The training will be done utilising the Job particularly focusing on ICTs as an enabler Access with Speech (JAWS) Programme for employment opportunities for persons designed for visually impaired persons. It with disabilities. Such a move is crucial in will be for a duration of 48 hours over three thisdigitalage,”PMPhillipsasserted. (DPI)

New Public Health Bill to replace old public health - says Health Minister ordinances

Government will soon move to enact a completed so far. He further noted that later newpublichealthbill,whichwillreplacethe in July, work will commence with a team oldpublichealthordinances. from the Pan American Health Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, Organisation/World Health Organisation saidthenewlegislationwillreplaceoutdated (PAHO/WHO) to adjust and conclude the public health ordinances. “It’s going to be legislation.Guyanasettheregionalrecordin an omnibus legislation, meaning that it 2022 with the passage of 25 pieces of will coverevery aspect of public health. It legislation in the year Within the first two will affect various sectors, and we have years, government passed 57 new pieces of been working with those sectors,” he told legislation.AttorneyGeneralandMinisterof reportersduringarecentinterview Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has said The minister explained that the ministry that a complete overhaul of the justice has been working for over a year on the new system is necessary as the country continues legislation, which has some nine chapters toexpand.

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Netanyahu drops key part of Israel judicial overhaul plans

BBC - After months of protests, Israel’s prime minister has made a surprise announcement that he is dropping one of the most contentious parts of his judicial overhaul plans.

Thousands of people protested against the judicial overhaul on Saturday, as they have done every week since January

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However, Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks to The Wall Street Journal have failed to appease leaders of the demonstrations and have angered his coalition partners.

In an interview, Mr Netanyahu told the US newspaper he was no longer seeking to give parliament the authority to overturn Supreme Court rulings.

“The idea of an override clause, where the parliament, the Knesset, can override the decisions of the Supreme Court with a simple majority... I threw that out,” he said.

Leaders of the demonstrations which have caused upheaval in the country since early this year said the proposed changes did not go far

enough and pledged to continue their rallies.

One protester, Tamar Krongrad, told the BBC that Mr Netanyahu was “throwing sand in the eyes of the audience” after being shunned by Western leaders over the judicial plans.

“We are fighting for the soul of our country and one interview with one person doesn’t make everything else go away,” she added.

Israeli court system not long after it was sworn in in December.

It has long been an argument of the Israeli right that the Supreme Court has been increasingly intruding into politics, making decisions in areas where it should have no authority.

Meanwhile, the ultra-Orthodox minority has been angered over the court’s decisions in the past.

“This is a coup d’etat in the Polish way, which is done a little at a time,” she wrote on Twitter, referring to a series of judicial reforms in Poland in recent years that the European Union said undermined judicial independence.

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Meanwhile, far-right ultranationalist minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the leader of the Jewish Power party, accused Mr Netanyahu of “surrendering” to civil unrest, saying it was “a victory for violence and a loss for Israel”.

“We were elected to bring governance and change. Reform is a cornerstone of that promise,” he tweeted.

Ultra-Orthodox leaders wanted to pass the so-called “override clause” to prevent the court from striking down legislation it seeks giving Jewish seminary students a blanket exemption from compulsory military service.

At the moment, the Israeli government is pushing ahead with an element of the changes relating to what has been termed “the reasonable clause”, advancing a bill that would prevent the court system from using a test of “reasonableness” when ruling against decisions and appointments made by all elected officials.

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An ultra-Orthodox minister, Meir Porush, told a newspaper that the original changes to bolster parliament were a condition for his United Torah Judaism party joining the governing coalition. “Any other agreement is not acceptable to us,” he said.

Mr Netanyahu said in the filmed interview that he was “attentive to the public pulse and to what I think will pass muster”.

He added that he would still push ahead with another controversial idea to give the government more control over judicial appointments, saying that an existing proposal would be modified.

The coalition says it is making reforms to restore the correct checks and balances between branches of government, where parliament as the elected body has greater sway.

However, demonstrators vehemently reject the overhaul, saying it will destroy the independence of the judiciary and threaten democracy. They have organised huge protests, opening up damaging splits between the government’s supporters and detractors.

There have been reports in the Israeli media that ministers are working on a new version of this.

“It’s not the reasonableness clause, it’s dictatorship,” tweeted protest spokesperson Roee Neumann in response.

“It’s a duty to resist.”

While speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Mr Netanyahu also repeated that while Israel was helping Ukraine with civilian defences and an alert system, it could not supply military systems like the Iron Dome.

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“It’s not going to be the current structure, but it’s not going to be the original structure,” he said, without giving more information.

The government - the most right-wing in Israeli history - unveiled its vision to make dramatic changes to the

In March, after weeks of mass rallies and civil disruption which rattled the financial markets, Mr Netanyahu paused the planned changes to try to reach a consensus in negotiations with the opposition, overseen by the Israeli president. So far, these have not produced a result.

Prof Suzie Navot, an expert in constitutional law who has been representing the largest opposition party, Yesh Atid, in the talks at the president’s office, found no reason for encouragement in the prime minister’s latest remarks.

The air defence system has been successfully used in recent years to intercept thousands of Palestinian rockets fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip.

Mr Netanyahu said there was a danger that if the technology was shared, it could fall into the hands of the country’s enemies.

“We’re concerned... that systems that we would give to Ukraine would fall into Iranian hands and could be reverse engineered - and we would find ourselves facing Israeli systems used against Israel.”

Eze Rockcliffe and the Legendary Yoruba Singers to host pre-CARICOM day showdown on Sunday

Senior police officer charged for allegedly forging contract documents

Asenior police officer charged in 2021 for

a l l e g e d l y falsifying $1M in meal payments is once again before the court facing anotherfraudcharge.

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Theeventpromisestobeanexplosive thegatewhichopensfrom6pmwithshowtime culminationofthepowerofmusicandthe commencing at 7pm. Call 225-7714 for ticket most respected talents of the soil; a information.Seeyouthere.

Charged cop, Kurt Smith

The cop identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police, Kurt Smith is now being accused of forging a Permanent Secretary’s (PS) signature on contract documents totaling some $9.7M and was charged for the new offence on Wednesday. Smith was charged with six counts of adjourned. alleged that this never misconductinapublicoffice

According to police, happened. Smith allegedly following an investigation Smith has since been signed on the contracts for by the Special Organised interdicted. Based on the thePS. Crime Unit (SOCU) He SOCU investigation, from Investigators had madehiscourtappearanceat December 2021 to February contacted the PS, Mae theGeorgetownMagistrates’ 2022, six contracts totaling Thomastofindoutifshehad Court before Magistrate $9 7M were awarded to authorized him to do so. She Delon Bess and the contractors for repairs on reportedly responded to the indictable charges read to policebuildings. investigators by claiming him. He was not required to The contracts were that she never delegated her enteraplea. supposed to be verified and responsibility Smith, who

Magistrate Bess granted sent to the PS at the Ministry was at the time assigned to the accused $100,000 for of Home Affairs for her to thepostofFinanceOfficerof each count of misconduct signoffonthem. the Guyana Police Force

However, it is being (GPF).

Ageless Djokovic aiming to silence young guns again at Wimbledon

(Reuters) - A seemingly invincible Novak Djokovic playing some of the best tennis of his career at 36 heads to Wimbledon seeking to tighten his stranglehold on the men’s game and its next generation by winning a record-extending 24th Grand Slam crown.

The Serbian scaled the summit by claiming his 23rd major at the French Open earlier this month, staving off younger rivals including the ailing Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals and Casper Ruud

in the title clash.

Djokovic, who leapfrogged the injured Rafa Nadal in the all-time men’s majors list, has won 11 of his 13 Grand Slam finals after turning 30 and the defending Wimbledon champion is in no mood to slow down on the biggest stage.

“Of course, the journey is still not over,” Djokovic said following his Paris success.

“I feel if I’m winning Grand Slams why even think about ending the career that already has been going on for 20

Friday June 30, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

There's an important lesson to learn today, Aries, so don't shy away from the classroom. It's important to control your attitude now or it's likely to control you. It could be that your ego is a bit too inflated

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Consider the romantic relationships in your life right now, Taurus. It's important to remember that regardless of how hot and steamy a partnership is at first,

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today is your day to become a hero, Gemini. You don't have to be dressed in fancy tights and a cape to make an important difference in someone's life.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

There's a great deal of fun to be had today, Cancer. Money isn't always necessary to make this happen, however. In fact, money isn't a great way to keep score.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Remember that the important thing isn't necessarily what you're doing but the people you're with, Leo. There's a great deal of passion in the air today that yo u can latch onto and put to good use.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

You could learn a tough lesson today, Virgo. More than likely, the harder the message hits you, the more important it was for you to hear. It's important that you accept failure gracefully.

years. “So I still feel motivated, still feel inspired to play the best tennis in these tournaments the most - Grand Slams. Those are the ones that count I guess the most in the history of our sport. I look forward already to Wimbledon.”

With Nadal out for the rest of the year, last year’s runnerup Nick Kyrgios battling for fitness and world number one Alcaraz inexperienced on grass despite his Queen’s Club success, few will look past Djokovic as favourite to

Britton’s campaign at the CAC games ends in quarter final

Guyana’s highest ranked male table tennis players

lift the trophy. The Serbian’s only limitation could be a lack of practice in another stopstart season, with the exhibition tournament at Hurlingham his only tune-up for the year’s third Grand Slam.

GOAT DEBATE

Djokovic has triumphed at the All England Club in the last four editions, excluding 2020 when the grasscourt Grand Slam was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has a chance to now equal Roger Federer’s men’s record of eight Wimbledon titles.

Shemar Britton had an outstanding outing at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in San Salvador. Despite falling short in the quarter-finals, Britton left an indelible mark on the tournament as he delivered sensational victories through to the quarter finals before his run ended.

From the onset of the tournament, it was evident that Britton had set his sight on greatness. His relentless work ethic, combined with unwavering dedication to the craft, had brought him to the cusp of sporting glory.

events they were one game short of a medal finish. Britton has played well throughout the round stages in the event, and delivered an even better performance in the round of 16 encounter against Tejada Abit out of Dominica Republic; having lost the first match 8-11. Britton then stormed back to win four straight games to secure his spot in the quarter finals. As Guyana’s Men’s Singles, Men’s Teams, Women’s Doubles and Men’s Doubles all qualified for the quarterfinals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

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The Australian Open champion can also take another big step towards completing a calendar Grand Slam - winning all four majors in a year - having fallen short in 2021 after losing the U.S. Open final to Daniil Medvedev.

Those achievements could further cement Djokovic’s status as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in the eyes of his fans, pundits and many former players.

His former coach Boris Becker, however, has no doubt the ageless Serbian is already in a league of his own.

“Every generation had its stars. It would be unfair to now say one is better than the other. But in any case, he’s the most successful,” former Wimbledon champion Becker said.

“That determination, ambition, passion. What we have seen in the end, how easily he beats the guys. The young guys are tired, not the 36-year-old.

“That’s extraordinary ... 23 Grand Slams in an era where we had Federer, Nadal not to mention Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka. No one would have expected this from him, except himself.

“He spoke about this dream he had as a boy. I believe that dream is far from being dreamt to its end.”

Throughout the tournament, Britton displayed unwavering focus, determination, and a mastery of the sport that left his opponents astounded throughout the tournament in the Men’s Singles event. Britton continues his good form with a victory over Oliver Guerrier of Haiti 4-0 to advance to the round of 16 in the Men’s single’s event, whilst both his country man and woman Jonathan Van Lange and Chelsea Edghill, respectively, came up short in their round 32 encounters. His input in the Men’s Double’s and Single’s teams afforded Guyana to advance to the quarter finals stages in four

The stage was set for the much anticipated quarter final matchup between Britton and the formidable Livan Martinez out of Cuba. In a repeat match of the 2019 Caribbean Championship U21 finals, this time in the quarterfinals of the CAC 2023. Though the final outcome was the same, Shemar Britton showed clearly how much his table tennis has grown and is consistency together with his current form was put to the test. He managed to bounce back to win the 3rd game after being down 0-2. He fought back to 2-3. Martinez, however, maximized his early momentum by closing out 2-4 to secure a commanding victory as Britton narrowly missed out on progressing into the semi finals.

Saints win YBG ExxonMobil Georgetown Regional BasketballFinal, beating Bishop’s

On Wednesday, June 28th last at Burnham Court, Saints rallied from a dozen points down to pip Bishops by a single point on two clutch free-throws from Jabari Lovell in front of a boisterous Burnham Court crowd in the Georgetown finaloftheYouthBasketball G u y a n a ( Y B G ) , ExxonMobil sponsored Schools Basketball tournament.

LeadingSaintstovictory were Brandon McCoy with 14 points, 5 steals, Alafin Joseph 8 points, 5 rebounds andJabariLovell7points,4 rebounds. The top Performers for Bishop’s were Daniel Bayley 10 points, 10 rebounds, Yaneil Easton 10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and Colwyn Stephens 8 pts, 14

rebounds This final completes the three-monthlong Regional season which startedinMarchandnowthe tournament will shift to the National School Basketball Festival, bringing together the best of the best in four divisions-Under14,16,and 18 boys, and under 18 girls for a shot at the National Championships.

The ExxonMobil National School Basketball Festival will tip-off on Saturday,July1statthe National Gymnasium and continue for eleven playing days from 1 pm everyday.

T h e R e g i o n a l Conference and the NSBF a r e s p o n s o r e d b y ExxonMobil, with support fromEdwardB.Beharry,GBoats GY and the National SportsCommission.

Guyana confident ahead of today’s clash with Dominican Republic

...National Hockey team in must-win game at CAC Games

ByRawleToney

In their pursuit of advancing to the next round at the CentralAmerican and Caribbean (CAC) Games Hockey championship, Guyana is set to face the Dominican Republic today startingat10:00am.

Guyana commenced their campaign in Santo Domingo with a 1-4 loss to Trinidad and Tobago, while the Dominican Republic experienced a similar defeat againstCuba.

In an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News, Coach R o b e r t F e r n a n d e s acknowledgedthechallenging task ahead for the Guyanese team,giventheircomposition of young and seasoned players. Hementioned,“The Dominican Republic performed admirably against Cuba. They are a much strongerteamcomparedtothe one we defeated in the previous CAC games

Nevertheless, I believe our playerswillperformwellonce we make the necessary adjustments”

During the 2018 CAC Games in Barranquilla, C

Dominican Republic 3-1,

showcasing an exceptional performancethatledthemto thesemi-finals.

Inthesemis,theynarrowly lost 0-1 to the eventual champions,Cuba.

When asked about Guyana’s opening match against regional rivals Trinidad and Tobago, Fernandescommentedthatthe key difference between the twoteamswasexperience. He stated, “Experience was evident as they exhibited greater composure and execution in crucial moments of the game Trinidad and Tobago displayed clinical

Tahrea Garnett had a good showing against Trinidad and Tobago at the CAC Games.

The winning Saints team enjoy the moment following the presentation.

Lopez career ends in Mallorca with defeat by Hanfmann

precision, capitalizing on any lapses in our mental focus.”

In the 2018 edition of the CAC Games Hockey event, Guyanasecuredafourth-place finish, marking their second appearance after their debut in 1993 when they placed fifth.Currently,Guyanasitsat thebottomofGroupB,having concededthesamenumberof goals as the Dominican Republicinthetournament.

Following today’s match, Guyana’s final group-stage game will be against Cuba on Sunday at 4:00pm.

Spain’s Feliciano Lopez in action during his first round match against Australia’s John Millman. (REUTERS/ Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/File Photo)

(Reuters) - Feliciano Lopez’s 26-year playing career came to an when the 41-year-old lost 6-2 6-4 to Yannick Hanfmann in the quarter-finals of the MallorcaOpenyesterday

aga

ins

T h e t h r e e - t i m e Wimbledon quarter-

finalist will now focus on h i s n e w r o l e a s tournament director of the Davis Cup a competition he won four times.

Hanfmann, who also beat top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Mallorca grasscourt event, will faceAdrian Mannarino or Corentin Moutet in the semi-finals.

GCB President meets with National under-19 players as encampment ends

On Wednesday afternoon the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh visited the national under-19teamattheboard’shostel.

The team had their final session yesterday as they completedpreparationsfortheupcomingCricketWestIndies (CWI) Rising Stars Regional Under-19 Tournament

scheduled for July 2 to August 2 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Intheshortmeetingheld,Singhmetwiththeplayersand management to commend them for their efforts and commitment during camp. The week-long camp included fitness testing, net sessions at Everest, Lusignan and the

Ferreirahat-trickasUSAhit six,JamaicacrushTrinidad

AFP - Jesus Ferreira struck a hat trick as the United States crushed St. Kitts and Nevis 6-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday while GroupA rivals Jamaica beat Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 withDemaraiGrayscoring twice.

The Caribbean island, playing in the North, Central America and Caribbean tournament for the first time, saw hopes of frustrating the Americans quickly vanish as they fell to3-0inside16minutes.

Midfielder Djordje

Mihailovic began the rout inthe12thminutewhenhe slotted home after a smart pull-back from Gianluca Busio.

Ascreamer from Bryan Reynolds made it 2-0, the right-back unleashing a fierce drive from 20 yards out after pounding on a clearance.

Ferreira opened his account two minutes later, burstingthroughthemiddle andthenanglingalowshot intothefarcorner

It was one-way traffic but amid the onslaught, Tyquan Terrell went close

to pulling one back for St. Kittswithavolleythatflew justoverthebar

St. Kitts keeper Julani Archibald had been helpless for all three goals butshowedhisabilitywhen he tipped over a powerful blastfromFerreira.

But Archibald was beaten again in the 25th minute when Ferreira beat the offside trap to collect a through ball from

Mihailovicandthenslipped the ball through the keeper’s legs to make it four Ferreira completed his hit-trick, with

Mihailovic the provider again slipping the ball inside to the Colombiaborn striker whose quick feet created space for a clinicalfinish

Mihailovic claimed his second and the USA’s sixth side-footing home with the visiting defence atsea TheAmericansare levelonfourpointsatthe top of the group after drawing their opening game with Jamaica, who dominated against their old rivals Trinidad and Tobago.

The all-Premier LeaguestriketrioofWest Ham’s Michail Antonio, Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey and Everton’s Gray proved too much for a Trinidad side that lookedwelloffthepace Gray put the Reggae Boyz ahead in the 14th minute with a curling finish after being set up byAntonioandBailey Bailey then made it 20inthe17thminutewhen a long ball over the top found him free on the left andheconfidentlyburied the ball into the far corner

Gray struck again 12 minutes later after Kevon Lambert won possession deep in the Trinidad half andfedAntonio,whoslid the ball across for a tapin for Gray, playing just his second game for Jamaica.

Trinidad pulled a goal back four minutes after the interval with Levi Garcia beating his man and providing a low cross, which Andre Rampersad turned in at the near post with a cleverflick.

Guyana National Stadium along with some CWI arranged Development Workshops which was held online during the evenings.

The GCB President gave the team his full support and encouragedthemtodotheirbestastheGCBandGuyanaare confident,theycanreturnaschampions.

Guyana to open CAC 3x3 Women’s c/chip against the Dominican Republic

Guyana’s women’s 3x3 basketball team will make their debut at the Central American (CAC) Games today when they face off against the Dominican Republicat3:00pm.

The team is brimming withexcitementastheyenter Group C, alongside the Dominican Republic and Centro Caribe Sports, in the highly anticipated 12-team tournament.

Leading the charge for

the Guyanese team is Ruth Adams, a seasoned player basedinSpain,whobringsa wealth of experience and skilltothesquad.

Alongside Adams, the team features the talented trioofShaniaSears,Jamaicy Ogle, and Kennesha Leacock.

Following today’s inaugural match, Guyana willcontinuetheirjourneyin thetournamentbyfacingoff againstCentroCaribeSports

Frompage31 eventclassifiedJ1andlowerover6furlongs has a pole positing taking of $300,000 and trophy

Thecontestforthethreeyearsoldmaiden horses over 6 furlongs will see the winner taking home $250,000 and trophy

ThetopanimalintheeventforGuyanaBred two years old horses competing over 5 furlongs will also run away with $250,000 andtrophy

The event for animals classified L class Open and the final race for J and L nonearners are both over 6 furlongs for similar polepositiontakingof$200,000andtrophy

Other top entries include Top Rankin, Miss Olympic, GT Boss, Strom Town,

tomorrowat3:00pm. With their sights set on thequarter-finals,theteamis determined to showcase their prowess and secure a placeamongthetopteamsin GroupC.

Although the CAC G a m e s o f f i c i a l l y commenced on June 23 and willcontinueuntilJuly8,the highly anticipated 3×3 basketball event is scheduledtotakeplacefrom June30toJuly2.

Republican Too, War Time,Asome Banner, Amazing Grace, Quiet Warrior Harianna, Cash and Carry and War Time

Outstanding performers will receive accoladescomplimentsofRameshSunichof theTrophyStallandtheorganisers.

All two years old animals will be subjected to a vet check before they are allowedtorace.

The day’s event will be conducted using the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority(GHRA).

Interestedpersonscanmakecontactwith Club Secretary Niketa Ross 662-4668, Ivan Dipnarine 331-0316, Basil Bactowar 6617815, Fazal Habibulla 657-7010 or Isaac Dalloo689-0629.(SamuelWhyte)

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh (seated left) with Under19 team.

8th Digicel Schools Football Championship…

Santa Rosa, Port Kaituma record massive victories -VreedenHoop,ZeeburgwininRegion3

Atotal of six matches were scheduled for yesterday as the eighth edition of the Digicel S c h o o l s F o o t b a l l Championship,organisedby the Petra Organisation, commenced in Region One and continued in Region Three.

Today, June 30, 14 matches are scheduled to

unfoldacrosssevenRegions with double-headers being themaincourse.

In Region 1, Hosororo meet Wauna at Green Park while Kamwatt tackle Waramuri at Two Miles Ground, from 14:00 hrs Region 3 will see Leonora battle Vergenoegen at Edinburg from 14:30 hrs then Westminster take on Vreed en Hoop from 16:00

hrs.

Region 4’s East Bank zone has Soesdyke versus Camille’s Institute at 14:30 hrs and Diamond versus Alpine in a semifinal showdown from 16:00 hrs, both at the Ministry of EducationGround.

On the East Coast, Buxton collide with Ann’s Grove at 14:30 hrs and President’s College face Bygevalfrom16:00hrs,both attheBuxtonGround.

Region Five’s doubleheader has Woodley Park versusMahaiconyTechnical Instituteat14:30hrsandFort Wellington going up against Belladrumat16:00hrsatthe ParadiseGround.

RegionSix’sactiongoes down at the Scott Ground at 14:30 hrs and 16:00 hrs as Canje Sec face Corentyne Comprehensive and Berbice Educational Institute battle Lower Corentyne, respectively

InRegionSeven,Bartica go head-to-head with Three Miles at 13:00 hrs while Kwakwani take on New Silver City at the Wisburg Ground at the same time in Region10.

Santa Rosa, Port Kaitumarecord…

In Region One, their Regional championship beganatnoonatCanalBank wherePortKaitumasignaled

their intent with an 8 – 0 triumph over Matthew’s Ridgeinarain-hitencounter

The other three matches forRegionOnetookplaceat the Two Miles Ground, as Kamwatt claimed victory against Karaburi via the walkover route before Waramuri trounced Kwabenna3–1.

Agoal each from Denzil Abrams, Danish Williams and Zondel Abrams for Waramuri, overshadowed the lone goal by the opposition, that was scored byAlisterFrazer

In the day’s final match, the 2023 Milo U-18

Champion, Santa Rosa, picked up a one-sided victory as they blasted 11 goals past Manawarin. The eventual victor was led by a helmet-trick from Melon Lucasasdoublescamefrom Roy Vansluytman and Deon James while Travis Jarvis, Rockwell Harris and Darius Williams each found the backofthenetonce. Vreed en Hoop, Zeeburg…

Over in Region 3 at the Edinburg Football Facility, Vreed en Hoop and Patentia moved a step closer to qualifying for the National Championships.

In the opening match of the double header, Vreed en Hoop won comfortably against Uitvlugt 3 – 1 while Patentia outplayed Zeeburg 2–0inanintriguingaffair A double from Vreed en Hoop’s Nicquan Boyce alongwithasuccessfulstrike from David Williams was enough to send Uitvlugt to defeat while the duo of Timothy Kennedy and Michael Dillon, who each scored once for Patentia, propelled their side to victoryagainstZeeburg. The tournament continues today in several Regions.

Ben Duckett out for 98 as aggressive England fight back in second Ashes Test

SportsMax - Ben Duckett fell an agonising two runs short of an AshescenturyasEnglandtookthe fight back to Australia in the secondTestatLord’s.

Englandhadbeenashadowof themselves on day one but rallied impressively with bat and ball beforebeingdraggedintoacostly a short-ball battle during a grippingfinalsession.

The hosts took five for 77 in the morning session to dismiss Australiafor416,astrongtotalbut one that represented a poor return fromapeakof316forthree.

Duckettthenledhissideto278 for four, punching his way to a gutsy98butstumblinginsightof glory as he top-edged a Josh Hazlewoodbouncertofine-leg.

The Nottinghamshire opener would have been dismayed to

spring a trap that also accounted for Ollie Pope and Joe Root, but thismaystillgodownasacareerbesteffort.

Duckett has reached three figures twice before but with the qualityoftheAustralianattackand the parlous situation in the series, this trumped his 182 against a limited Ireland earlier this month and his maiden hundred in a runfestinRawalpindi.

Australia bowled bumpers almost exclusively for an adrenaline-fuelled hour in the evening, playing on England’s eagerness and ego after spinner

Nathan Lyon suffered a worrying calfinjury

On the occasion of his 100th consecutive Test, a testament to his spotless fitness record, Lyon pulled up lame as he collected

theballinthedeepandhadtobe helpedoffthepitch There must now be major concerns over the role he can play in the remainder of the match, as well as in next week’s clash at Headingley. Harry Brook rode his luck on his way toadicey45notout,butcaptain Ben Stokes restored an element of calm with a responsible 17no from57ballsattheclose Australia started the day 339 for five, with England eager to respond to a performance that was labelled “absolutely shambolic” by Kevin Pietersen and improve on bowling branded “utter dross” by MichaelVaughan. And while they were unable to prevent Steve Smith turning his overnight score of 85 into a

12thAshes century, second only to the great Donald Bradman, they would have been more than happywiththeirefforts.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad had sent down 33 wicketlessoversbetweenthemon the first day but picked up one apiece in a rousing opening burst that set the tone for an England comeback.

Broad jagged back in sharply offthepitchtopinAlexCareylbw inhisfirstoverofthemorningand Anderson following by snapping upMitchellStarc’soutsideedge.

Smith brought up his latest hundred with a majestic cover drive but when he slashed Josh TonguetoDuckettinthegullyfor 110,OllieRobinsonpickedupthe lasttwowicketsinshortorder Duckett and Zak Crawley

survived four awkward overs before lunch and proceeded to share a buoyant stand of 91 –England’s best against AustraliasinceJanuary2011. Crawley was in particularly pleasing touch, but gifted Lyon his wicket on 48 when he raced down the pitch and was well stumpedbyCarey

Duckett continued his unconventional habit of steadfastly refusing to leave anything, but was able to score quickly and safely against a pedigreeattack.

Alongside Pope, who eased concerns over his shoulder injury by emerging at number three, Duckett added a further 96 as the pace and hostility of the Australian quicks failed to affecthissteadyrhythm.

Denzil Abrams (left), Danish Williams (centre) and Zondel Abrams were responsible for Waramuri’s goals

Santa Rosa’s scorers were (L-R) Melon Lucas, Roy Vansluytman, Deon James, Travis Jarvis, Rockwell Harris and Darius Williams.

BCB praised for leadership of the county’s cricket at OGM at Port Mourant Centre

Delegatesfromfifteenof the sixteen members of the Berbice Cricket Board turnedupatthePortMourant Cricket Club on Sunday last astheBerbiceCricketBoard hosted its Ordinary General Meetingfor2023.Underthe chairmanship of President HilbertFoster,theboardheld the meeting which was peaceful and very productive.

Theonlyofficialmember absent was the Fort Canje MentalHospital,whilethose in attendance were West BerbiceCricketAssociation, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Berbice Rover CA, Blairmont, Guymine, Police, Mt Sinai, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Chesney, RHTYSC, Port Mourant,Albion,Whim and Kildonan.

Delegates unanimously approved a comprehensive report from the president alongwithminutesofthelast meeting, Chairman of the Competition Committee Leslie Solomon and Secretary Angela Haniff Delegates also received the financial report from the board.

Foster in his opening remarks expressed thanks to members for their support during his recent illness and

recovery He stated that while he is not one hundred percent recovered, he is deeplycommittedtomaking Berbice cricket the best in the West Indies. He urged members to remain united and to always place the interest of the game and youths above personal interest.Themajorpointsof themeetingwere:

1. Delegates passed a motion fromVemenWalters of Albion for the Guyana CricketBoardtoprovidethe remainder of the BCB stipend for 2021 along with 2022and2023.

2. Delegates expressed their disgust and frustration attheGCBfordeclaringthe Speaker Cup for first division team illegal. One delegate stated that with sponsorship been limited, the nationalboard should be encouraging cricket at all levels.

3. Approval was given for the BCB to enter into an agreementwithinternational cricket journalist Tony Mc Watts for a monthly online full colored magazine. The BCB is expected to benefit financially from the deal with funds been used for youth developmental projects A three man committee headed by

Sudesh Dhanai would work t o m a k e a l l t h e arrangements The other membersareRyanAlguand DavindraRamdihal.

4. The BCB has set up a threemancommitteeheaded byBalramSamarootomake plans for the hosting of two days first division cricket in Berbice The committee other members are Vemen WaltersandRyanAlgu.

5. Tucber Park CC was officially inducted as an officialvotingmemberofthe board after successfully undergoing the entry process Members voted unanimously to accept the clubastheBCBseventeenth member

6. The BCB would host three cricket academies

duringtheAugustholidaysat Cotton Tree, Port Mourant andNo72CutandLoad.

7 The BCB would organise a historic under11 tournament in August A committee was set up to make rules for the tournamentandtodecideon theformattobeused.

8. The BCB President distributed three hundred thousand dollars worth of cricketgeartoseveralclubsPolice,Blairmont,Kildonan, Mt Sinai, Young Warriors andUpperCorentyne.

9. It was announced that a friend of Berbice Cricket from Australia later in 2023 would donate a shipping container of cricket gear includingnumerousbowling machines, fielding nets and

cricketballsamongothers.

10.Adecisionwastaken tocompletethelongdelayed 2022 Minister Mustapha under15 tournament. Three teams-Albion,PortMourant and Tucber Park are the teamsremaining.

11 The 2022 Tenelec 50 overs first division tournament would be completedshortly

12 Delegates were brought up to date on the board multi million dollars project to share out six bowling machines and fivebattingcages.

13 Second division teams in Berbice would soon benefit from a million dollarsworthofred balls. First Division teams have already received a similaramount.

14 Coaches Albert Smith and Winston Smith were mandated to do up the programme for the cricket academies for youth players.

15 Delegates urged theexecutivesoftheboard to seek an urgent meeting with President Irfaan Ali to discussareasofcooperation.

16. The meeting was informed of the successful discussion with the University of Guyana. The board would be working

Williams’ 142 fashions tight victory

for

along with the university on anumberofprojects.

17 The meeting was informed of the BCB massivemarketingdriveand major deal clinched for Berbicecricket.

18.Delegatesapproveda financial donation to the medical expenses of former Berbice player and coach AdrianAmsterdam.

19 Delegateshailedthe hard work of the BCB and express confidence in the currentleadership

2 0 T h e B C B congratulated all the Berbice players who gained selection on the national junior teams and also the senior West Indies level.

Foster at the end of the meeting, expressed gratitude to the members for their cooperation and noted that the future of the game in the ancient county isbright.

He also committed to making sure that the board continues to be pro active, transparentandcommitted

TheBCBPresidentalso noted that the three hours meeting was incident free and no disagreement occurred as clubs united behind their active leadership.

Zimbabwe

Prajapati ton in vain for Oman as hosts take another step towards the ODI World Cup

ESPNcricinfo-AvaliantOman fellachinglyshortofthefinishline, as Sean Williams’ 142 trumped Kashyap Prajapati’s 103 - the first ton by an Oman batter against an ICC full member - to help Zimbabwe secure a narrow yet crucial 14-run win to kick off the SuperSixstage.

Williams’ masterful innings was aided by cameos from Sikandar Raza and Luke Jongwe, along with several other useful contributions right throughout the order Then with the ball, Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani pickedupthreeapiece,andRichard Ngarava grabbed a pair to stall Oman’scharge.

The result means Zimbabwe have one foot in the World Cup proper,withanotherwinfromtheir next two games securing qualification - though they can qualify even with two losses, providedotherresultsgotheirway.

For Oman, while their chances of qualifying are now virtually non-existent by virtue of their inferior net run rate, their performance was yet another reminder of the closing gap between Associate nations and theirfull-membercounterparts.

Oman will rue missed opportunities with each of Williams, Raza and Craig Ervine dropped, while there were also several easy runs given away and run-out chances missed By contrast,Zimbabwegrabbedevery inch, most notably when Raza completed an awe-inspiring overthe-shouldergrabtodismisstheset Prajapati.

In the twilight of his career, Williamsiscurrentlyatthepeakof his powers, putting up scarcely believable numbers. In Bulawayo, a ground where he has played countless hours of club cricket, he struck a 103-ball 142 - nearly

becoming the second man after SanathJayasuriyatoscoreback-toback scores of 150 or more in ODIs.Hisaverageisvyingwithhis

strike rate, and he is now on 532 runs for the tournament with three moregamespotentiallylefttoplay

Yesterday, he arrived in the middle overs and shifted gears effortlessly The surface in Bulawayo was not completely to the batters’liking but in Williams, Zimbabwe had a man for all occasions.

Hewaspartofkeypartnerships throughout - 64 with Wessly Madhevere,103withRaza,41with Ryan Burl for 41 and finally 21 with Jongwe. In each of those, Williams was the more dominant partner, finding boundaries all around the ground when needed. Only the excellent Kaleemullah managedtokeephimtoastrikerate oflessthan100(90).

When Williams fell with still five overs left, Oman might have had hopes of getting in a few miserly overs but Zimbabwe’s tail wagged significantly - through a

combination of excellent running, streaky boundaries and fielding lapses-totake55offthefinalfive.

At that stage, with a target of 333 set, on a track that wasn’t exactly straightforward to bat on, Oman went about their chase with the nous of more seasoned campaigners - never letting the required rate get out of hand, findingboundarieswhennecessary andlimitingdotballs.

But where Oman had provided the Zimbabwean batters with breathing room, Zimbabwe kept the pressure on, and when the chances came they didn’t flinch. Though no one was surprised; they’ve only been doing it all tournament.

Scores: Zimbabwe 332 for 7 (Williams 142, Jongwe 43*, Raza 42,Butt4-79)beatOman318for9 (Prajapati103,Ayaan47,Ilyas45, Muzarabani3-57,Chatara3-73)by 14runs.

BCB President Hilbert Foster

Sean Williams made his third hundred of the World Cup Qualifier. (ICC via Getty Images)

CWI Territorial Franchise squads confirmed for Interim 3-month period

-Franchisescomplete15-membersquadsto preparefortheupcomingCGUnitedSuper50Cup

Cricket West Indies ( C W I ) h o s t e d t h e ProfessionalCricketersdraft last Thursday for the TerritorialBoardFranchises.

Each Franchise drafted fiveplayerstocompletetheir 15-member squads for an interim three (3) month periodaheadofthe2023CG United Super50 Cup, scheduled to take place in October2023.

Each team had already retained 10 players and the Professional Cricketers Draft enabled each team to add five players to complete their15-membersquads.

The Draft took place over five rounds via a v i d e o c a l l w i t h representatives from all six TerritorialBoardFranchises. The interim contracts will run from 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023, with new twelve-month contracts to startfrom1October2023to 30 September 2024, following the strategic decision to now align contracts with the CWI FinancialYear

Each Franchise was required to contract two playersundertheageof25as of 1 October 2023 as part of the overall regional

programme to ensure playing opportunities for younger and developing players.

Franchises will get the opportunity to revise their squads ahead of 1 October once the West Indies International Retainer contracts for the 2023/24 seasonhavebeenconfirmed. All International retained players and umpires have been offered three-month contract extensions to 30 September2023.

Two highlights of the draft were the selections of West Indies international players Oshane Thomas and Justin Greaves, chosen by the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

Fast bowler Thomas has played 20 One Day Internationals(ODIs)and20 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for the West Indies. He has managed five-wicket hauls inbothformats.

Greaves is a tall righthanded middle-order batsmanandright-armseam bowler, who played three ODIs for the West Indies againstIrelandin2022.

Windward Islands Volcanoes, who was unbeaten in the last regional

First Class season, chose to draftintwooverseasplayers: left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano who previously played for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, and allrounder Shamar Springer, overfromBarbadosPride.

Thomas, 26, said he was pleased to join the Leeward Islands Hurricanes camp “I’m happy to get this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to joining the Franchise and being part oftheunit.

I see it as a new start, a chance for me to work way back up to international cricket, where I performed before. I still have a dream ofplayingTestcricketforthe West Indies and the red ball seasonwillbecrucial.

I’malsokeentoplaythe otherformats,butfirstIhave to do it for Leeward Islands Hurricanes and then make that step back up to internationalcricket.”

The six Franchises will continue their preparations for the upcoming season.

TheCGUnitedSuper50Cup is schedule to return to Antigua and Trinidad, starting on 21 October with theFinalsettotakeplaceon 11 November where

Gauff on cruise control at Eastbourne

AFP - World number seven Coco Gauff powered into the Eastbourne quarterfinalswitha6-1,6-1routof Britain’s Jodie Burrage on Wednesday

Gauff needed just 59 minutestodemolishBurrage and set up a last eight clash againstfellowAmericanand doubles partner Jessica Pegula,whobeatColombian qualifierCamilaOsorio6-2, 1-6,6-3.

Enjoying the tranquility of the grass-court event ahead of the start of Wimbledon next week, Gauff said: “Being in a town like Eastbourne where you can walk reminds me of home It’s peaceful and I need that before getting into a Grand Slam.”

Britain’s Harriet Dart

was brushed aside by Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 6-3,6-4 RussianninthseedDaria

Wimbledon runner-up

KarolinaPliskova

champion and top seed Taylor Fritz was knocked out by fellow Californian

Coco Gauff reacts after winning against Britain’s Jodie Burrage. (Glyn KIRK)

Mackenzie McDonald, who recovered from a break down in each set to win 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (10/8) against the world number nine

“It’s a big win for me. Taylor’s a close friend and it’s always tough playing your friends. It was a battle outthere,”McDonaldsaid.

defending champions the Jamaica Scorpions will attempttoretaintheirtitle.

Guyana Harpy Eagles were crowned champions of the 2023 West Indies Championship, lifting the Headley Weekes Trophy, named in honour of West Indies legends George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes.

FULLSQUADS

Barbados Pride: Shayne M o s e l e y, Z a c h a r y McCaskie, Raymon Reifer, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Akeem Jordan, Dominic Drakes, Jomel Warrican, Kevin Wickham, JairMcAllister Draft picks: Roshon Primus, Chaim-Alexis Holder, Jonathan Drakes, Keon Harding, Camarie Boyce

Guyana Harpy Eagles: Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Tevin

Imlach, Tagenarine

Chanderpaul, Kevin

Sinclair, Nial Smith, Ronsford Beaton, Matthew Nandu, Kemol Savory, KevlonAnderson

Draft picks: Shamar

Joseph, Rampertab

Ramnath, Mavendra

Dindyal, Junior Sinclair, AntonyAdams

Jamaica Scorpions: Kirk

McKenzie, Ojay Shields, Abhijai Mansingh, Jeavor

Royal, Marquino Mindley, Derval Green, Peat Salmon,

Javel Glenn, Daniel

Beckford,TevinGilzene

Draft picks: Shalome

Parnell, Carlos Brown, Andre Bailey, Gordon

Bryan,BradBarnes

Leeward Islands

Hurricanes: Kieran Powell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar

Hamilton, Colin Archibald, Kofi James, Karima Gore, Jeremiah Louis, Daniel

Doram, Keacy Carty, Javier

Spencer

Draft picks: Justin Greaves, Oshane Thomas, Nathan Edward, Miklye Louis,ZawandiWhite

TrinidadandTobagoRed

Force:DarrenBravo,Yannic Cariah, Jason Mohammed, Imran Khan, Bryan Charles, Khary Pierre, Terrance Hinds, Tion Webster, Shannon Gabriel, Anderson Phillip

Draft picks: Kjorn Ottley, Amir Jangoo, Jyd Goolie, Cephas Cooper, ShaaronLewis

Windward Islands

Volcanoes: Sunil Ambris, Alick Athanaze, Larry Edward, Kavem Hodge, Shermon Lewis, Ryan John, Darius Martin, Preston McSween, Kimani Melius,TevynWalcott

Draft picks: Shamar Springer, Jeremy Solozano, Kenneth Dember, Johann Jeremiah,NicklausRedhead

Gayle describes West Indies World Cup Qualifiers performance as “upsetting

SportsMax-WestIndies legendChrisGaylehassaid thatWestIndies’situationin the Cricket World Cup Qualifiersisquiteupsetting and that he will be disappointed if they do not playtheWorldCupinIndia. The World Cup is set to be played in India in the months of October andNovember

The Caribbean side, who did not make it to the ODI World Cup via direct qualification (top 8 teams) are struggling to cope in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe and are on the brinkofgettingknockedout fromtherace.

Captained by Shai Hope, Windies faltered and lost to Zimbabwe and Netherlands in back to back matches that has almost assured their exit fromtherace.

“It is upsetting. I have been a part of Qualifiers before. Sad to be in such a situation.

Things have not gone our way going into the Super Six. It is going to be tough. I will be very, very disappointed not seeing the West Indies in the World Cup here in India,” Gayle told Press Trust India (PTI) inaninterview

WestIndiesheadcoach, Darren Sammy, lashed out

at the side after their losses to Zimbabwe and Netherlands and said that it wasthetruereflectionofthe level the team are playing theircricketon.

Against Zimbabwe, Windies failed to chase down a below-par total, while against the Netherlands they failed to defend374runsandlostvia a Super Over, courtesy of a once-in-a-lifetime performance of all-rounder LoganvanBeek. Gayle was also asked about his retirement, to which the 43-year-old replied that he was supposed to get a farewell game.

Kevlon Anderson (CWI) Alick Athanaze (CWI) Shamar Springer (CWI)

- Will be “very, very disappointed” if they fail to reach the World Cup

Strict regulations for Horse Owners entering upcoming races

Horse owners are urged tosubmittheirentrieswithin the stipulated timeframe by the organizing committee priortotheclosingdate.The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) has been extremely accommodating to late entries in past years. For 2023 the reins will be tightenedtoensureallhorses enteringthevariousracesare micro-chipped and registered to start in their respectiveclass.

The JJTRC has been working closely with other Stable owners to raise the standard of horse racing in Guyana. Special measures are expected to be put in place to ensure a smooth equalityforallhorseowners.

Whenaskedtocomment on the new changes Mr Nasrudeen Mohamed explained, “We will offer a

special concession to all horse owners and stables whoenterthisSunday’sOne Guyana Breeders Cup. All entrants will be eligible to pay a reduced entry fee for theGuyanaCup2023.

Thestandard6%feewill remain the same for all importedhorseswhohaven’t yet raced. Horses that did not participate in the Breeders Cup are subject to payanincreasepercentage.

Our aim is to create a platform for all horse racing enthusiasts and stable owners to showcase their craft Once individuals continuedownthispaththey will have to pay an additional 2 percent penalty entry fee added to the standardentrancefeeforthe Guyana cup We have decidedtoextendtheclosing date for entries until the close of business today to

Delmur Company latest sponsor on board for KMTC CARICOM Day horse race meet

Mrs Kennard collects from Supervisor of Trophy Stall Amy Anuradha Gomes attheir South Road and Bourda Street location.

ensure all local and international horses have a lastminuteopportunitytobe part of this mega event. So joinusaswestarttheroadto Guyana Cup 2023, ” Mohameddisclosed.

TheGuyanaCupissetto belaunchedtoday,whilethe focus still remains on Sunday’s One Guyana Breeders Cup meet at Bush Lotwherehorseownersand their charges tune up for the prestigiousGuyanaCup.

Horse owners have been informed to have their entries in by today for Sunday’s Breeders Cup as the JJTRC seek to tighten on the late entry issue.

Asracedaydrawsnearer for the much anticipate Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC), CARICOM Horse race meet, set for Monday3rdJulyattheclubs entity, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice

Sponsors and entries continue to pour in for what is expected to be a classical event.

So far close to 55 of the country’s top horses have takenentry

The Delmur Company Limited and the Elcock Racing Stable are the latest tojointhehoardofsponsors already on board for the marqueehorseracemeet.

With the KMTC known to host quality horserace

meets more sponsors and horsesareexpectedtoclimb onboardfortheevent.

Sixracesarelistedonthe day’sprogrammewhichwill have a whopping $4M in cash and trophies up for grabs.

The feature event is for thehorses’classifiedG3non winners and lower. A fiery event is anticipated with the likes of American Traveler, Nuclear Fire, Memories, Amerceable Kate, Republican and Pocoyo among others looking to burn up the track The winner will race away with $500,000 and trophy over 7 furlongs.

Horsesrunninginthe (Continuedonpage27)

(L-R) Kennesha Leacock, Jamaicy Ogle and Shania Sears.

Shemar Britton at the