Guyana Times - Friday, August 25, 2023

Bartica businessman hammers customer to death over spilling of alcohol

An argument at a Bartica gaming shop in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) turned deadly on Wednesday evening when a businessman who armed himself with a hammer dealt a customer several blows.

The dead man has been identified as 40-year-old Mark Braithwaite of Four Miles Housing Scheme. The 34-year-old suspect, of Second Avenue, Bartica, is in Police custody.

Based on reports received, the incident occurred at about 19:45h on Wednesday at the Blast Gaming Center at Second Avenue, Bartica. The establishment is owned and operated by the suspect’s

63-year-old father.

On the day and time in question, the suspect was left in charge of the gaming centre while the victim, a regular customer, was playing at one of the slot machines.

A misunderstanding developed between them over

alcohol being spilled on the countertop, and the suspect scolded Braithwaite about the incident, which angered him.

In retaliation, Braithwaite armed himself with several glass bottles that were nearby and began hurling them at the

Construction worker beaten to death at birthday party

suspect, who was in the bar behind the counter.

The suspect, in turn, armed himself with a hammer and went behind Braithwaite, who at the time had made his way to the front of the gaming centre. There, the suspect allegedly dealt the victim blows to his head and face.

Having fallen motionless to the ground, Braithwaite was picked up and taken to the Bartica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body was examined, and blunt wounds were observed to the right jaw area, above the right eye, and to the forehead. The suspect, who was arrested, is assisting with investigations.

Aconstruction worker has reportedly been beaten to death early on Thursday morning, after being attacked by a group of persons at Speightland village, Lower Kara Kara in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Dead is 40-year-old Kevin Surfin who, according to the information received, had attended a birthday party in the area, and was in the company of a 29-year-old woman with whom he had shared a relationship.

According to that woman, at about 05:00h on Thursday, she left Surfin standing with several of her friends and went to purchase cigarettes at the bar. Upon her return about five minutes later, she observed a group of about 15 persons, three of whom were identi-

fiable, assaulting Surfin.

During the altercation, Surfin managed to jump into a nearby creek to avoid his assailants. He eventually came out of the creek with what appeared to be blood about his body, and then fell to the ground. He was picked up and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

An examination of his body revealed a small wound to the region of his heart and a bruise above his left eye.

The body is presently at the Pension Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination. The Police are continuing their investigation.

Several persons were arrested, and are being interrogated.

Man wanted for taxi driver’s murder arrested

Mark Anthony Mohan, who was wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of taxi driver Bharrat Gendalall, has been arrested by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Police have said that, at about 14:00h on Wednesday, ranks acting on information received were able to arrest the 25-year-old suspect. He was taken to the Wales Police Station, where he is being interrogated.

It has been reported that Gendalall, called “Premesh”, was stabbed to death at Clay Brick Road, Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Saturday last. Police have said that Gendalall had returned home from work at about 19:40h on the day in question, and was chatting with friends in front of his home when he went across the road to urinate.

A motor car being driven by the suspect approached at a fast rate,

with bright lights on, and stopped where Gendalall was urinating. The suspect exited the car, and an argument ensued between he and Gendalall. Gendalall reportedly dealt the suspect a cuff, and the suspect entered his vehicle and drove off, while Gendalall went back into his yard.

The suspect returned and stopped his car in front of Gendalall’s house. He and five masked men reportedly exited the vehicle, ran into the yard, and stabbed Gendalall in his chest before leaving the scene. The injured man reportedly collapsed, but was picked up and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where he died while receiving medical attention.

The matter was reported, and based on preliminary investigations, the Police issued the wanted bulletin for Mohan, on the basis that he had vital information that could solve the case.

Arrested: Mark Anthony Mohan Murdered: Bharrat Gendalall

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, August 25 – 10:30h-11:30h and 23:30h-01:00h and Saturday, August 26 – no retraction scheduled.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, August 25 –10:10h-11:40h and Saturday, August 26 – 11:50h-13:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Sunshine is expected during the day, with clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 10:47h and 23:12h reaching maximum heights of 2.16 metres and 2.24 metres.

Low Tide: 16:38h reaching a minimum height of 1.10 metres.

Gladstone heirs’ apology must include compensation, reparative justice – Pres Ali

Ahead of today’s event that will see the descendants of slave owner John Gladstone –who had enslaved over 2500 persons during tumultuous times here – offering a former apology for the actions of their ancestors, President Dr Irfaan Ali has called for that apology to include compensation and reparative justice.

The University of Guyana and the Guyana Reparations Committee invited members of the Gladstone family to participate in the launch of UG’s International Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies today. On Thursday, UG said the apology they helped negotiate with the Gladstone heirs for Guyana includes slavery and indentureship, since the particular ancestor was integrally involved in both.

In a live broadcast on his social media page, President Ali welcomed the Gladstone heirs’ apology, which he said is the first step in the process of reparative justice, is an acknowledgement of the cruel nature of African enslavement and indentureship in Guyana, as well as an act of contrition that paves the way for justice.

“The apology offered by the descendants of John Gladstone underscores their willingness to confront their family’s dark past and to acknowledge the immense pain, suffering and indignities inflicted upon innocent persons through their family’s actions,” the Head of State noted.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

In his Emancipation Day message, the Guyanese Leader had called on those who were complicit in, and

who profited from, the trade in captive Africans and African enslavement to offer just reparations.

According to the President, the Gladstone family has already admitted that it benefitted from African enslavement and indentureship on the Demerara and other plantations owned by its patriarch, and has agreed to undertake certain actions.

To this end, he declared, “I therefore propose that the intended apology include issues of compensation, reparative justice, and those involved to be posthumously charged for crimes against humanity.”

Based on historical records, John Gladstone was an absentee owner of plantations in Jamaica and Guyana, building on his wealth earned from the mercantile trade in India, the United States, and the West Indies.

After the British seizure of the colonies that became Guyana in 1803, John Gladstone began to invest in them. His interests and acquisitions included at one time the plantations at Belmonte, Coverden, Hampton Court, Industry, Met-en-Meer-Zorg, Success, Vreed-en-Hoop,

Vreedenstein and Wales.

Despite the 1823 Demerara Slave Revolt at his plantation at Success, Gladstone was not deterred from expanding his investments in the then British Guiana. At the time of slavery abolition, he received compensation, which at today’s value is estimated at more than £10 million, while the freed Africans received nothing.

Anticipating a collapse in African field labour after the end of the apprenticeship period, Gladstone, along with other planters, helped to pioneer the use of Indian indentured labour in British Guiana, introducing a new form of servitude to the colony.

In 1837, an Act was passed which allowed Gladstone to import Indian indentured immigrants. Serious abuses of Indian indentured immigrants on Gladstone’s Vreed-en-Hoop plantation were uncovered soon after by a member of the Anti-Slavery Society.

Despite his outsized influence in British Guiana and the empire as a whole, Gladstone never once visited the West Indies.

In recent years, the demands for reparations for African enslavement and indentureship have intensified. According to President Ali, these calls for reparations are not intended to promote or leverage shame or guilt over the slave trade and slavery, neither are they extortion. Instead, he argued, the demand for reparations is a commitment to righting historical wrongs.

“Millions of Africans en-

dured unspeakable horrors – displacement, captivity, extreme and brutal physical and sexual violence, and the severing of family ties. They were treated as chattel, their labour exacted under the harshest conditions. They dehumanised slaves by taking away their culture, religion, and even their names. The heinousness of this crime against humanity demands that we seek to right these wrongs. Yet we face a push-back when it comes to recompense for this crime –something that does not accord with the fundamental underpinnings of justice,” the Head of State stressed.

He further outlined that another important reason why the Caribbean is demanding reparations is because slavery has bequeathed a legacy that the region endures even today. With two out of every five slave persons being shipped to the Caribbean, the region still bears witness to the lasting impact of this historical injustice, a burden that has impeded development and hindered progress.

TURN TO PAGE 5

John Gladstone had enslaved over 2500 persons

President Dr Irfaan Ali

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Loitering

For many schoolchildren across Guyana, the closing bell does not necessarily mean that it is time to go home. For some, the after-school hours present the most dangerous time. One cannot deny that all manner of unsavoury things can occur when children, and even teenagers, are unsupervised. Mischief runs amok.

Sometimes that mischief manifests itself in nuisance behaviour such as loitering around bus parks and businesses (particularly in the Stabroek Market area). Often, this behaviour escalates into delinquent or criminal acts.

In 2017, the Education Ministry announced that, as a result of a new initiative, Operation CARE (Collect, Advise, Respond and Educate), which has replaced other truancy campaigns, had caused the truancy rate to decrease.

This is indeed a commendable programme; the Schools’ Welfare Department has been conducting the campaigns once a week in all regions, and the campaigns are guided by monthly reports on students’ attendance. While the initiative was focused primarily on Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Georgetown, it had proven effective in keeping children in school and ensuring that they are aware of the importance of attending.

Additionally, under the CARE programme, the Schools’ Welfare Department had also conducted weekly checks of bus parks and market areas for students who should be in school during the prescribed hours. As schools prepare to reopen in September, one has to wonder if there is a programme to deal with the growing problem of loitering after school hours.

Over the years, when there is an escalation of such matters, there are calls for the Education Ministry to address the problem. Again, Facebook has become quite the popular medium for circulating footage of fights between schoolchildren after school hours. The evidence is there for the world to see.

Over the years, a pass along Croal Street (in the vicinity of the Kitty Bus Park) would reveal just how serious and potentially dangerous the problem is. It is worth noting that this is an area frequented by Police officers, and yet the area is filled with young persons in their school uniforms long after school is out. At this time, these young people should be either at home or gainfully occupied. The time has long since passed for the implementation of a strict, long-term anti-loitering campaign.

If this does not prove effective in keeping the young people off the streets, then perhaps after-school programmes would keep them in school longer. It matters not what would work, but rather, when school reopens, something must be done to ensure that our future generations are safeguarded against themselves.

The hours after school, between 15:00h and 18:00h, offer opportunities for juvenile crime, sexual activity, and other risky behaviours, such as drug and alcohol use. Research and evaluation studies have shown that participation in after-school programmes has a positive impact on juvenile crime, and helps reduce pregnancies, teen sex, and boys’ marijuana use (Goldschmidt, Huang, & Chinen, 2007; Philliber, Kaye, & Herrling, 2001; Philliber, Kaye, Herrling, & West, 2002).

While after-school programmes have the potential to impact a range of positive learning and development outcomes, there are certain requirements that need to be met in order to maximise this potential. For instance, access to, and sustained participation in, the programmes, quality programming and staffing, and strong partnerships among the programme and other places where students are learning, such as their schools, their homes, and other community institutions, have proven effective.

Research and evaluation studies have shown how complex a task it is to provide high-quality, effective support for youths and their families, but they also provide powerful evidence that after-school programmes do work when key factors are addressed. For the sake of our future generations, all involved parties need to act.

Tribute to Dr Roger Luncheon

Dear Editor, Dr Roger Forbes Luncheon's funeral was an unadulterated epitome of the man he was; it was punctuated with a great sense of statesmanship, servitude, and unassuming authority.

One of his many hallmarks, including his ability to contingently plan and mitigate any situation, was

evident there when he read his own eulogy. His astute attribute of being self-effacing was on full display with the scores and scores of grassroots members and those in the hierarchy of leadership that attended.

The ceremony, although fit for a Head of State, had the Luncheon touch from

start to end: the hymn from his alma mater, sonnets, Bobb Marley, all of which were his last wishes, culminated with the gathering of comrades he loved and those that loved him.

This quintessential human has made an indelible mark on many of us in and out of Government. His name will forever be etched

in the annals of history as a national icon. It was a great honour, and I will forever be thankful for serving with him.

Farewell, HPS, the Administration has noted your contributions.

Sincerely, Ronald

A Harsawack

Misinformation is the order of the day

Dear Editor,

It is unfortunate to witness firsthand the amount of time, energy and resources expended by the likes of a talk show host and the Opposition to mislead by way of spreading misinformation or disinformation to an entire nation.

The professional standard of the media fraternity seems to be diminishing with each passing day, as no one cares to fact-check and verify information before publishing. There was a time when journalists/ media entities would factcheck stories before publishing. In so doing, they would call the subject matter agencies, authorities, ministry, or whoever is the subject matter, to find out, verify, and confirm “FACTS”.

The talk show host and the political Opposition together accused the current Government of granting a one-year extension for the relinquishment of 20% of the Stabroek block by ExxonMobil pursuant to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

Turns out that this extension was granted by former President Granger before demitting office in July 2020. Will Glenn Lall and the Opposition apologize to the Government now?

While approval was granted for operation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there were ongoing operations indeed, my understanding is that the intended pace of activities was nonetheless hindered. This is the reason why the extension was sought and granted, and also the reason why the current Government upheld the extension.

Did the talk show host request that ExxonMobil explain why the extension was granted if the operation was ongoing? Had he done so, ExxonMobil would have been obligated to give an explanation. In fact, they should do so, in order that the nation can have an understanding.

One would think that this is the job of the media, but instead of engaging and seeking answers from all the stakeholders in-

volved, the publisher sees it best to, in his usual style, sell false information.

There is another example of this unethical and unprofessional behaviour by this particular publisher that I wish to point out.

In one of his recent Tik Tok videos, he said Government is waiting on some cable to monitor how much crude is being extracted offshore; suggesting that there is no monitoring, checks and balances, or verification of the crude oil extracted and shipped out of Guyana.

But common sense would dictate that if a ship is leaving our maritime space, there must be some way to verify and check this out. As a matter of fact, it is required by law for MARAD to monitor, check, verify, approve, and authorize each ship/tanker that leaves or enters our maritime zone.

Each tanker, which is referred to as a “lift”, carries one million barrels of crude oil. So, if we had 70 lifts, that is 70 tankers carrying one million each, which is equal to 70 million

barrels of crude.

The time this host took to make a “video” would have been better spent if he had taken less than one minute to make a few phone calls to the relevant agencies to confirm that there is real-time monitoring offshore by the EPA, GRA, GBS (Guyana Bureau of Standards) and MARAD.

Additionally, for every oil tanker that leaves the Stabroek block, a series of activities and reports are carried out, and the Government has to grant the final approval.

As such, I would like to urge the host that, since he walked across the country from Berbice to Essequibo, he can also go out into the Atlantic Ocean with a boat, spend a few days or weeks near the FPSO with his binoculars to verify for himself, too, if the above are indeed carried out.

He has the resources to do it, rather than publicizing his usual nonsense.

Yours respectfully,

Joel Bhagwandin

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, and President Dr Irfaan Ali cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open International Building Expo 2023 at the Guyana National Stadium. Also in the photo are Prime Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, Minister Collin Croal and other officials (DPI Photo)

Three-year anniversary must be celebrated

Dear Editor,

The PPPC is celebrating three years since its return to office. The accelerated, fast-paced development that Guyana has experienced, however, points to a much longer stint in office. The President Ali-led PPP/C Government must be commended for its resilience and ability to bring insurmountable prosperity to Guyanese, even in the face of much uncertainty and challenges.

The PPP/C Government returned to office following a dramatic 2020 region -

al and general elections characterised by a most brazen and unforgettably daring attempt by the APNU+ AFC to deny the will of the electorate. Upon the Government’s ascension to office, leaders were greeted by the COVID-19 global pandemic that was at the time ravishing the world. Throughout the PPP/C’s three-year return to office, there was no shortage of challenges, including flooding, the war in Ukraine, the more recent Mahdia fire, and so many other issues that the Government had to negate

to achieve its immeasurable success.

For many, the level of development that the Ali-led Government has brought to Guyana since returning to office is admirable. Guyana now boasts the fastest-growing economy in the world, owing to the booming oil and gas sector and undeniably sound economic planning by the Government of Guyana.

As a country, we have seen development in all sectors, including education, health care, and social services, all with the

single aim of improving the lives of Guyanese.

Guyana’s widely revered infrastructural development has not only brought ease to citizens via improved road networks, but has also provided employment opportunities for many in the field of construction. The Government’s aggressive plan for housing has placed countless Guyanese in their own homes in just three years.

A primary source of national pride for many, however, is the work done to improve Guyana's im -

age on the world stage.

Under stewardship of the Ali-led Government, Guyana has emerged as a world leader on many of the most pressing global issues, including food security, energy, and global warming. Additionally, Guyana’s improved international relations and image have seen increased partnerships with regional and international nations. These partnerships bring many opportunities for the people of Guyana to invest and grow their economic prospects.

A reflection of the

India's walk on the moon

Dear Editor,

One giant leap for Mankind resulted from one small step for a man, as India took a walk on the moon. The “mentally lazy” coolies (referred to by some) landed on the moon on August 23, 2023, their third attempt after unsuccessfully trying twice before. This remarkable achievement coincides with India celebrating her 76th year of Independence, on August 15, 2023.

As the fourth country in the world, she has followed the footsteps of technological, economic, and cultural giants the USA, Russia (USSR), and China to create a landmark history of being the first country to land on the South Pole of the moon, where permanent shadows harbour ice. As Russia’s

first space mission attempted to land on the moon after 47 years, its Lunar-25 spun out of control and crashed only four days before this historic event.

A happily composed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ecstatic but humble, quietly exclaimed, “The mission is an inspiration for the entire world. It is not just for India. Our mission will inspire others to travel to the moon and explore it further. There is a renewed interest in exploring the southern part of the moon. We hope to explore natural resources of the lunar surface."

In this unchartered territory, the frozen water reserves can be broken down into oxygen and hydrogen, which can serve as fuel for space, to launch rock-

Gladstone heirs’ apology must ...

“The call for reparations is an essential response to right a historical wrong and mitigate the enduring legacy of slavery. Reparations are aimed at ensuring a reckoning for the greatest crime against humanity and addressing the multifaceted inheritance of slavery,” the Guyanese Leader noted.

The Caribbean Reparations Committee's 10-point plan for reparations offers a roadmap toward dismantling the barriers that persist. It calls, inter alia, for an unconditional apology and investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural revitalization –an investment not only in the present, but also in the future, ensuring future generations are unshackled from the chains of history.

ets from the moon to other planets without the gravity burden of an earth-based launch.

India’s success can serve as a platform for deep space exploration. According to ISRO’s Chairman Shri Somnath, “While science is a major objective, the primary goal of Chandrayaan3's mission is to demonstrate soft-landing and rover technology as critical stepping stones to future more ambitious flights to deep space targets.”

India Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched their third space mission, Chandrayaan-3, on 14 July, recovering from four years ago, when Chandrayaan-2 made a hard landing and damaged essential instruments, some of which are still functioning. Their first mission had crashed.

2022, according to the IMF.

Rishi Sunak, an Indian, became Prime Minister of the UK and Leader of the Conservative Party. Ajay Banga, another Indian, is the President of the World Bank. World-meter registers India as the country with the world’s largest population, with 1.428 billion people, ahead of China’s 1.425 billion, with a world’s share of 17.76% and 17.472 respectively.

India holds various world records in cricket, having climbed to fame in 1983 by beating the West Indies to win the World Cup, played in the UK. India is now known as “the Mecca” for cricket, with its IPL series attracting all the world-class cricketers, who earn incomparable salaries.

our pride and belief in our own capabilities. Because the goal of colonization — its most insidious impact — is to convince its victims of their inferiority. This is why investing in BOTH toilets AND space exploration is not a contradiction. Sir, what going to the moon does for us is that it helps restore our pride and self-confidence. It creates belief in progress through science. It gives us the aspiration to lift ourselves out of poverty. The greatest poverty is the poverty of aspiration…”

India was known as the “Jewel in the Crown” for the UK, the UK having drained India of some $45 trillion from 1765 to 1938.

Government's first three years in office since its triumphant return is a definite cause for celebration. Congratulations are in order for not only all that the Government has so far achieved, but also for the massive projected potential for further development in Guyana. Guyanese would do well to remain invested and engaged as they anticipate with much elation our country’s bright prospects ahead.

Regards,

Erin Northe

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the G20 New Delhi Summit next month. Currently in Johannesburg, he is attending the 15th annual BRICS summit of emerging markets. Speaking both in English and Hindi, he said, “India is now on the moon! The success belongs to all of humanity."

He added, "And it will help moon missions by other countries in the future. I'm confident that all countries in the world…can all aspire for the moon and beyond… The sky is not the limit!"

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

FROM PAGE 3

While acknowledging the historical atrocities of slavery, and offering an apology is undeniably significant, President Ali noted, those constitute just the initial step on the path towards achieving comprehensive reparative justice for African enslavement.

“An acknowledgement and apology serve as a moral reckoning, validating the pain and suffering inflicted on generations past. However, the multifaceted legacy of slavery extends far beyond the confines of historical memory. The descendants of John Gladstone must now also outline their plan of action in line with the Caricom TenPoint Plan for Reparatory Justice for Slavery and Indentureship,” the Head of State noted. (G-8)

Vikram, a solar-powered lander, is equipped with instruments to measure temperature and thermal conductivity, seismic activity, and the plasma environment. It also carries a NASA laser reflector array to help precisely measure the moon's distance from Earth.

Pragyan, a six-wheel rover, will traverse the surface of the moon, carrying instruments to help determine the elemental composition of lunar rocks and soil at the landing site.

Branded by their former ruler, the British, the Indians were referred to as “Coolies.” The British raj ruled from 1858 to 1947, when the country gained independence but split as a nation to birth the formation of India and Pakistan. India, as a former colony, patiently but progressively built its economy to become the world’s fifth largest economy, surpassing the United Kingdom, with a GDP of 3.53 ($ trillion) in

As India rejoices, with her space mission accomplished and a euphoric nation celebrating her success, India is being targeted as a nation spending money on space exploration rather than on eliminating poverty in the country. Chandrayaan-3 voyage cost India some US$75M as compared to Russia’s Lunar-25, which cost US$200M, and it had cost US$175M to produce the space fiction movie “Interstellar.” Elon Musk’s response, “Good for India.”

A BBC anchor had argued that India’s population lives in poverty, and that over 700 million people don’t have access to a toilet. He questioned if they should really be spending this sort of money on a space program. But Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra responded with, “Really??

The truth is that, in large part, our poverty was a result of decades of colonial rule which systematically plundered the wealth of an entire subcontinent. Yet the most valuable possession we were robbed of was not the Kohinoor Diamond, but

Page Foundation

Line Graphs

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate force and motion by building a cotton ball catapult.

Materials:

Cotton balls (you can also use marshmallows or some other soft item to launch)

4 rubber bands

Plastic cap from a water, milk, or two-litre soda bottle

7 popsicle sticks

Paint (optional)

Glue

Instructions:

Pile up five of the popsicle sticks in a stack on top of each other.

Then use two of the rubber bands to tie the ends and hold the sticks together.

Now put two of the popsicle sticks together and wrap a rubber band around one of the ends to hold the sticks together.

Separate the two popsicle sticks gently and do so in a way that keeps the rubber band from sliding off the one end.

Position the pile of five popsicle sticks in between the two popsicle sticks you have pried open.

Utilising the remaining rubber band, wrap it around the two open popsicle sticks and the stack of five popsicle sticks to secure the catapult together.

Now glue a plastic cap to the end of the popsicle stick to function as a holder for the cotton ball to be launched.

Press down on the top popsicle stick and let go to launch the cotton

ball from the plastic cap.

How it works:

The cotton ball catapult works because energy can be converted from one type to another and transferred from one item to another. There is potential energy stored in your catapult when you push it down. When you release the catapult, the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy (motion) and transferred to the cotton ball.

Make this a science project:

Try using different materials and build a larger catapult. Try launching different shaped items that weigh the same and observe any differences. Try adjusting the amount or size of rubber bands. (sciencefun.org)

BY PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY

I

O wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn’s being, Thou, from whose unseen presence the leaves dead Are driven, like ghosts from an enchanter fleeing, Yellow, and black, and pale, and hectic red, Pestilence-stricken multitudes: O thou, Who chariotest to their dark wintry bed The winged seeds, where they lie cold and low, Each like a corpse within its grave, until Thine azure sister of the Spring shall blow Her clarion o’er the dreaming earth, and fill (Driving sweet buds like flocks to feed in air) With living hues and odours plain and hill: Wild Spirit, which art moving everywhere; Destroyer and preserver; hear, oh hear! II

Thou on whose stream, mid the steep sky’s commotion, Loose clouds like earth’s decaying leaves are shed, Shook from the tangled boughs of Heaven and Ocean, Angels of rain and lightning: there are spread On the blue surface of thine aëry surge, Like the bright hair uplifted from the head Of some fierce Maenad, even from the dim verge Of the horizon to the zenith’s height, The locks of the approaching storm. Thou dirge Of the dying year, to which this closing night Will be the dome of a vast sepulchre, Vaulted with all thy congregated might Of vapours, from whose solid atmosphere Black rain, and fire, and hail will burst: oh hear! III

Thou who didst waken from his summer dreams The blue Mediterranean, where he lay, Lull’d by the coil of his crystalline streams, Beside a pumice isle in Baiae’s bay, And saw in sleep old palaces and towers Quivering within the wave’s intenser day,

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

Granger’s 1-year extension to Exxon

“We’re living with consequences of their extension” – VP Jagdeo

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that Guyana is now facing the consequences of the decision of former President David Granger, who granted a one-year extension to ExxonMobil on its 2016 prospecting licences – a move which has shifted the United States oil major’s relinquishment timeline.

The current People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government has been on the receiving end of criticisms and condemnation for the one-year extension given to the oil company, but earlier this week, it was revealed that it was in fact President Granger who had sanctioned the extension for oil exploration just before leaving office in 2020. The extension was requested under force majeure due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Exxon’s oil operations offshore Guyana.

During a press conference on Thursday, VP Jagdeo questioned the urgency behind this decision, which was made almost five months into the country’s political turmoil following the controversial March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and just eight days before President Dr Irfaan Ali was sworn into office. He pointed out that the one-year extension would only affect the prospecting licence when the second renewal period comes up, when the oil company would have to relinquish 20 per cent of the block –a process that was not for another three years from that time.

“So, there was no urgency, it could’ve been done later. There was no immediacy in the issue, yet he [Granger] did it. His biggest priority when this country was struggling to maintain its democratic credentials and its future… this was his priority. But the fact remains that the APNU/ AFC Government gave an extension for one year,” Jagdeo stated.

Earlier this week, the Government released at least three letters written by former President Granger and addressed to ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge. In the letters, dated July 24, 2020, the former Head of State approved extensions for Exxon’s holdings in the Stabroek, Canje, and Kaieteur blocks.

“In further recognition of EEPGL’s indications regarding section 43 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 1986 and the Stabroek Petroleum Agreement 2016, represented by the Minister responsible for

Berbice double murder

petroleum, has determined to offer relief in respect of the Covid-19 pandemic in accordance with the following parameters (Covid-19 relief) pursuant to section 43 (3) of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act,” the three letters state.

Those parameters include providing the company with an extension by waiving the period of March 11 2020 to March 10, 2021, which Granger said in the letters would not be counted in the overall life span of the prospecting licences. The letters add that this timeline would be reviewed quarterly. However, despite that decision made by the Coalition Administration, there has been condemnation coming from both the APNU and AFC Opposition parties over the matter, including allegations that the PPP/C has granted a second extension to Exxon.

But Jagdeo explained on Thursday because of the Granger-sanctioned extension, the timeline for provisions of the prospecting licences has been shift-

4 remain in custody as MCU takes over investigation

Four persons remain in custody as Police continue to probe the brutal murder of 31-year-old Melissa Arokium and her 8-year-old son Anthony Arokium, whose bodies were discovered in their home at Rose Hall Town, Berbice on Wednesday.

Those in custody are Serrana Arokium, called 'Food'; Nicholas Arokium, called 'Nico' - the brother who discovered the bodies; Shailendra Umrao, boyfriend of the now-dead woman; and Deo Naris, a neighbour.

Guyana Times understands that members of the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) are now leading the investigation into this heinous crime.

ed one year forward. This means that after the first renewal period in 2019, the US oil giant’s licence was scheduled to undergo a second renewal, which included a 20-percent relinquishment of its block this year. This process, however, has now been protracted to 2024.

“The PPP did not give an additional one-year extension… The second renewal period was shifted to 2024. So, they saw the second renewal period was shifted to 2024, so they think it’s a different extension. They don’t understand that it is the extension [Exxon] got in 2020 from Granger that had this consequence…

“They don’t even understand what they did… The PPP did not give an extension beyond what Granger did… It’s the Granger extension that caused the 20% relinquishment to shift from 2023 to 2024. It’s as simple as that. There is no second extension… We’re living with the consequences of their extension,” the Vice President contended.

According to Jagdeo, ExxonMobil submitted a full report to the Natural Resources Ministry in which they demonstrated how their operational plan/work programme was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, they were unable to mobil-

ise two rigs, thus downsizing their operations from six to four rigs. Moreover, activities on one of the four rigs had to be discontinued.

Force Majeure is a French legal term meaning the occurrence of circumstances beyond control that prevent the fulfillment of a contract.

ExxonMobil and its co-venture partners in the Stabroek Block, where oil production has been ongoing since December 2019, will have until next year to relinquish 20 per cent of the oil-rich block, since the one-year extension to explore for oil was granted in an effort to make up for the force majeure that was applied during COVID-19 that resulted in lost time.

The relinquishment clause is typically included in contracts so that companies can relinquish a portion of the block when

the renewable period is up, thereby allowing other companies to buy into the respective blocks.

For the Stabroek and Canje Blocks, operators are required to relinquish 20 per cent of their blocks after the first renewal period; while those of the Demerara and Corentyne Blocks are expected to relinquish 15 per cent within this period.

Relinquishment is of particular importance, since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is currently auctioning 14 oil blocks offshore Guyana. Only recently, the deadline for companies to submit their bids for the oil blocks was extended to September 12, 2023, a decision the Government attributed to ongoing efforts to improve the sector’s regulatory framework.

(G-8)

...questions urgency of extension at the time

Former President David Granger Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Melissa Arokium and her 8-year-old son Anthony Arokium

Oriamna Naomi Silva

Figuera, a 23-yearold Venezuelan national, has been charged with the murder of miner John Patrick, called “Sunny”, which allegedly took place between August 17 and 18 at the Kumung Kumung Backdam in the Puruni River, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Arraigned before Bartica Magistrate Christel Lambert on Wednesday, the defendant was not required to plead to the indictable charge, and has been remanded to prison until September 13.

John Fitzpatrick, called “Sunny”, was reportedly stabbed to death by Figuera while he was asleep in a hammock.

According to the Police, at about 23:00h on Thursday, August 17, Fitzpatrick was in the company of two fe-

male Venezuelan nationals and others, imbibing at a shop when he approached one of the females and requested to dance with her.

The woman declined his advances, and he became annoyed and held on to her, but she pushed him away and an argument ensued between them.

According to eyewitnesses, the female then broke two bottles and threatened Fitzpatrick.

Persons at the shop attempted to resolve the situation, but Fitzpatrick began to behave disorderly and assaulted two of the men trying to subdue him. The two men, in turn, dealt him several cuffs and lashes about his body, and he was later taken to his camp in an intoxicated state. Sometime thereafter, he retired to bed.

However, at about

06:00h on Friday, August 18, Figuera was allegedly seen running from Fitzpatrick’s camp, and his bloodied body was later discovered lying motionlessly in his hammock. There was one stab wound on his upper left side chest, two stab wounds below his left armpit, and one to the upper left side back.

Following the discovery, Figuera was arrested.

Police have said that, during interrogation, Figuera admitted to stabbing the victim with a retractable knife that she had in her possession. She told Police that Fitzpatrick had attacked her when she had refused to dance with him at a shop in Kumung Kumung. She said she went to his camp later that night, where she saw him lying in a hammock, and dealt him three stabs about

…sugar production?

Rose Hall Sugar Estate will reopen in a month’s time. But the recent brouhaha over bringing back workers who’d been transferred to Albion and Blairmont estates reminds us that, to most sugar workers, the “estate” is still a “plantation”!! Calling it an “estate” - as if to invoke the manicured grounds of some feudal lord - didn’t really change the way workers are treated!! Demanding that they receive “severance” if they were being “severed” was simply following the logic of the situation. Excepting that workers aren’t supposed to be “logical”, but merely “servile”!! Rather than pay the severance, management decided to leave the workers right where they were! “Take that!!”

his body.

Venezuelan woman remanded for killing drinking buddy 4 remain in custody as MCU...

It was reported that the woman’s body was found lying in a pool of blood on the floor, while the child was on his bed and was also in a pool of blood. His

body had what appeared to be at least one stab wound to the back of his neck, while his mother’s body appeared to have chop wounds to the neck, shoul-

der and chest.

The victim had operated a small grocery shop at her home. She shared the building with her brother, who is a cane harvester,

Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh has given Fitzpatrick's cause of death as perforation of the heart and lung due to stab wounds.

The question that’s now raised, of course, is whether Rose Hall would be able to attract the requisite number of cane cutters to supply the factory with cane. Your Eyewitness doubts this. And while the Government has signalled it’s gonna recruit foreign workers to fill our labour shortages, it’s doubtful whether cane cutters will be brought in. When the small Caribbean islands needed cane cutters during their sugar death throes, only Guyanese responded!! As your Eyewitness signalled above, a plantation regimen ain’t for anyone but the desperate.

Well, everyone’s saying that we gotta change the way things are done in the industry, so that we can save it. One of the suggestions was to use the latest technological saviour –Artificial Intelligence (AI). So, your tech-savvy Eyewitness (he knows how to press the “start button!!) immediately sought the intervention of the AI module on his trusty computerto suggest a way forward.

but they lived in separate apartments.

The brother reportedly left home at 4:00h on Wednesday to go to work, and upon his return at about 11:00h, did not notice anything unusual. The bodies were discovered at about 13:00h, by another brother who was visiting.

Meanwhile, a post mortem performed on the bodies by Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan determined that the woman died as a result of shock and haemorrhage due to incised wounds to the neck, while the cause of death of her son was given as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple incised wounds.

And this is the answer he received: “According to an article in the Guyana Chronicle, the sugar industry in Guyana needs a strong dose of innovation, technology, and futuristic thinking to improve productivity, The article suggests that the industry should approach the cane fields, punts, trenches, and workers manning the fields, factories and floors from the standpoint of a futuristic outlook. In other words, the industry needs to focus on outsourcing its field production, enhance and improve sustainability and advanced technology to increase production, and develop biofuel and electricity in an integrated manner.”

The “article” was actually an editorial from Dec 2020. So, there you have it, folks - the Government actually had the AI-approved solution ever since it got into office!! Now, thanks to your Eyewitness, with the help of AI, they’ve been reminded!! Did you get that suggestion of “outsourcing its field production”?? That means going outside of its present workforce to harvest and transport the cane from the fields to the factories.

Since it was actually the AI bot on his computer that actually came up with the solution, your Eyewitness won’t send in a bill to GuySuCo’s management.

All for the cause!!

…BRICS

In its preparation for creating a “new world order” –if the hype’s to be believed! – The BRICS grouping was petitioned by dozens of developing countries to join the present membership: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The logic, your Eyewitness figures, is there’s strength in numbers?? BRICS already represents 43% of the world's population, 16% of the world's trade, and a larger share of the world's GDP than the G7.

The grouping just agreed to make Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE full members from January 1, 2024!! This will boost BRICS’ population to 46% of the world; and while economically the numbers won’t increase that much, the heft due to oil-producing Saudi Arabia, UAE and Russia will be critical in countering the West. But since decisions in BRICS have to be made with consensus, the additional members will add to the difficulty of achieving this - in light of their diverse specific interests. India and Brazil, for instance, still have court links with the US.

…oil shipments to Europe

Guyana’s picking up the slack occasioned by Europe’s sanctions on Russian oil imports. Just-released figures show that more than half of our oil in total – Exxon’s 85.5% and our 14.5% went there.

Murder accused Oriamna Naomi Silva Figuera

ARMS tops CSEC for 2nd consecutive year, with 27 subjects for Alex Muntaz –

QC’s Naresh Jagnanan tops with 10 subjects at CAPE

Alex Muntaz of the Anna Regina Multilateral School (ARMS) has clinched 23 Grade Ones and Four Grade Twos at the 2023 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, thus marking the second consecutive year that that school has topped the examinations.

The highly-anticipated results were announced by Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Thursday. The ranking was based on preliminary results of the highest number of Grade Ones, since the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has set various criteria for naming the overall top performer.

Smiling as their names were called, it was, for many, proof that their sacrifices had paid off.

Speaking with Guyana Times just after the results were made public, an elated Muntaz expressed, “I’m very overwhelmed [and] excited! It’s a little nerve-racking.”

For him, securing a scholarship to study in either the medical field or engineering field is one of his greatest aspirations, after having wrapped up this

phase of his educational journey with flying colours.

Coming in second was Verendra Dookie of Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) with 19 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. Having been a top performer at the 2018 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the young man told this publication, “I am very surprised, but very happy as well, to get the results that I did. I am very grateful for my parents’ support, as well as the entire school.”

Suriya Walcott of Anna Regina Secondary secured 18 Grade Ones, six Grade Twos and one Grade Three. She was not present to share

on her outstanding achievement.

In fourth was Kuntie Singh of Abraham Zuil Secondary School, who copped 18 Grade Ones and five Grade Twos.

Murizio Mangra, also of Anna Regina Multilateral School, placed fifth with 17 Grade Ones and 10 Grade Twos; while the sixth position was taken by Arthur Roberts of Queen’s College with 17 Grade Ones, five Grade Twos, and one Grade Three. While noting his disappointment at not nailing the top spot, Roberts said he is ‘satisfied’ with the overall outcome.

Mariah Sookram of the

Saraswati Vidya Niketan took the seventh position, having achieved 17 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos and one Grade Three. She disclosed, “Right now, I am feeling very proud of myself for achieving what I did. I would like to give thanks to God for giving me faith, and my parents and teachers for putting in the hard work.”

Coming in eighth and ninth places respectively were Queen’s College students Nailah Rahaman, with 17 Grade Ones, two Grade Twos and three Grade Threes; and Tashmee Ganesh, with 17 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos.

In tenth position was

Noah Persaud, with 17 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos.

For 2023, some 4,088 students wrote eight or more subjects; 24 secured 12 Grade Ones or more. The Education Minister, while announcing the results, cautioned that these results are preliminary, and secondly, the top performer will be officially named at a later time.

“We arrived at these based on the number of Grade Ones the student got…I don’t have the jurisdiction to announce the top students for the country or region,” she noted.

Students of Anna Regina Secondary School had last

year dominated the top three spots at CSEC, and the school has repeated that feat this year. According to Minister Manickchand, the school is performing outstandingly at CSEC when compared to national schools.

She noted, “We don’t see the same quality existing at an academic level as we are seeing at Anna Regina Secondary School. I’m saying to all the teachers here, ‘Take many bows; we are very proud of you. We think you are a shining example of what good schools should look like’.”

TURN TO PAGE 17

Naila Rahaman: 17 Ones, 2 Twos and 1 Three Arthur Roberts: 19 Ones, 5 Twos, 1 Three Noah Persaud: 17 Ones, 3 Twos Mariah Sookram: 17 Ones, three Twos, one Three

Tashmee Ganesh: 17 Ones, 3 Twos

Guyana’s performance ‘dips’ slightly at 2023 CSEC, CAPE

For both the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), Guyana has seen slight dips in its overall performance this year.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain made this announcement on Thursday when the results were released by the Education Ministry at the Anna Regina Multilateral School (ARMS) on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Across the country, a total of 12,118 students sat the CSEC examinations,

an increase from 10,368 in 2022. There were 75,764 entries. Overall, the pass rate was 65 per cent this year, a decline from 68.5 per cent last year.

Outstanding performances – which translate to a pass rate of 80 per cent or more - were reported in 14 subject areas: Agriculture Science (double award), Agriculture Science (single award), Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM), Family and Resource Management, Food Nutrition & Health, Industrial Technology (Building), Industrial Technology (Electrical), Information Technology, Physical Education, Music, Religious Education, Technical Drawing, Theatre Arts, and Industrial Technology (Mechanical).

Stable performances were noted in English Language, Mathematics, Technical Drawing, Caribbean History, and Economics.

Declines were seen in Biology: from 82 per cent to 72 per cent in 2023; while Human and Social Biology saw a dip from 73 per cent to 63 per cent, and Physical Education and Sport saw a dip from 98 per cent to 88 per cent. In addition, Portuguese recorded a decline from 76 per cent last year to 62 per cent this year.

Pass percentages this year are as follows: 70 for English Language; 63 for English Literature; 34 for Mathematics; 60 for Additional Mathematics; 97 for Agricultural Science (double award); 55 for Physics; 66 for Integrated Science; 58 for Chemistry; 72 for Principles of Business; 69 for Principles of Accounts; 63 for Economics; 84 for Religious Education; 53 for Social Studies; 65 for Visual Arts; 64 for Caribbean History; 98 for Theatre Arts, and 88 for Music.

For the TVET subject areas, there was a pass rate of over 65 per cent. In modern languages, French is 55 per cent, Spanish is 51 per cent and Portuguese is 62 per cent.

CAPE statistics

However, for CAPE, a slight ‘dip’ in the overall performance was reported, at 90.85 per cent. A total of 701 students from 12 secondary schools and four private centres sat the exams. There are 17 examination centres in Guyana.

From 671 entries in 2022, this increased to 701 across units in 29 subject areas. In CAPE, Grades One to Five represent a pass in the respective subjects. Subjects that recorded 100 per cent passes were: Accounting Unit Two; Applied Mathematics Unit Two; Building and Mechanical Engineering, Units One and Two; Electronic and Electrical

Technology Unit Two; Food and Nutrition Unit Two; Geography Unit One; Green Engineering Unit Two; Physical Education and Sport, Units One and Two; Physics Unit Two, and Spanish Unit Two.

A breakdown of the performance shows 386 Grade Ones, 736 Grade Twos, 981 Grade Threes, 761 Grade Fours and 493 Grade Fives. In 40 units, students scored 75 per cent or higher.

An improved performance was recorded in Accounting Unit One, from 80 per cent to 90 per cent; Agricultural Science, from 76 per cent to 91 per cent; Applied Mathematics, from 88 per cent to 100 per cent; Economics, from 81 per cent to 90 per cent; Electronic and Electrical Technology, from 80 per cent to 85 per cent; Geography, from 95 per cent to 100 per cent; Pure Mathematics Unit One, from 65 per cent to 88 per cent; Pure Mathematics Unit Two, from 80 per cent to 87 per cent; Chemistry, from 86 per cent to 88 per cent; and Literature, from 95 per cent to 97 per cent. Caribbean Studies and Communication studies –both compulsory subjects –each recorded over 90 per cent.

Stable performances were reported in: Geography, Unit Two; Law, Unit One; Management of Business, Unit One; Physics, Unit Two; Spanish, Unit Two; PE and Sports, Units One and Two; Building and Mechanical Engineering, Unit One; and Green Engineering, Unit Two.

The Ministry will, on Monday, commence the process to correct and rectify subjects wherein there is decline.

“If there is a need for review, that can be done to the local registrar in Queen’s College compound by September 7, 2023…I want to say that the SBAs are absolutely pivotal if you’re going to be a successful student at CSEC and CAPE,” Hussain underscored. (Rupa Seenaraine)

The CAPE students with Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain delivering the CSEC and CAPE reports

$170B needed to develop house lots as Govt addresses backlog – Pres Ali

By Pooja RamBaRan

The International Building Expo 2023 was officially opened on Thursday evening, August 24, giving over 300 local and international exhibitors the opportunity to display their services and products to eager home owners.

“The Building Expo is a

However, delivering the feature address, President Dr. Irfaan, who conceptualised the Expo several years ago as Housing and Water Minister, noted that the number of active housing applications stands at 57,000.

“Our plan in the next three years is to develop 14,000 new house lots in Region Three,

patience of the Guyanese people in securing access to their lands and new homes.

In gaining this access, he further explained, investments are also being made to build new highways and roadways across the country.

“We will have to develop 200km of new four-lane highways, and that is in the immediate-to-the-medium-term. That is about $400 billion in this one project alone,” Ali

said.

Further, he highlighted that $500 million in supplementary costs is also being used towards building structures for migrants who are squatting in sea defences and other areas.

Commercial and industrial lots

On the other hand, the President noted that there are almost 175 proposals for industrial lots and 416 pro-

posals for commercial lots, requesting a varying number of acres of land.

“The reality is that we don’t have enough land to build the system now to service even 50 per cent of the demand for industrial lots and commercial lots,” Ali said. “It will take some more time to open up land and opportunities.”

He explained that the Government is looking to

ramp up the availability of commercial and industrial spaces by looking at industrial and commercial zones in areas including Wales, Enmore, La Bonne Intention (LBI), Belvedere and Lethem. The International Building Expo will continue until Sunday at the National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). It is free of cost to children, and at a $500 entry fee for adults.

platform on which exhibitors can showcase and create awareness about their products and services through direct engagements and interactions. It is also a great setting for the unveiling of new advances made in construction,” Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal stated.

A key component of the four-day event is an extension of the Housing Ministry’s “Dream Realised” Housing Drive in which 2000 persons within communities in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and on the East Coast of Demerara in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) will be allocated house lots.

Minister Croal noted that upon completion of this exercise, the total number of house lots distributed by the Ministry overall would increase to 27,000, forming part of Government’s five-year commitment to deliver 50,000 house lots by 2025.

These “Dream Realised” exercises are only part of the Ministry’s efforts to address the housing deficit and challenges within the sector, Croal explained.

“To this day, we have engaged experts, investors, and consultants within the public and private sectors, locally and internationally. We have crafted policies that make access to finance easier and faster. We have introduced material and monetary subsidies, and pursued new housing initiatives such as condominiums and townhouses. These initiatives were coupled with the introduction of new and updated legislation to strengthen the regulatory framework of the sector,” Croal said.

1000 new homes and 1000 new house lots in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 1000 new lots in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 4000 new house lots in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 1000 in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), 20,000 new lots in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), 250 new lots in Region One (Barima-Waini), and 1000 new lots in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and 1000 new lots in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo),” Ali said.

To this end, President Ali noted that some $170 billion will have to be expended to meet these needs.

We will need $1 billion in Region One, $4 billion in Region Two, close to $42 billion in Region Three, $80 billion in Region Four, $4 billion in Region Five, $16 billion in Region Six, $4 billion in Region Seven, $3 billion in Region Nine and $15 billion in Region Ten.”

He added that, in 2015, the total capital budget for the entire Government was $39 billion. In 2020, it was $72 billion. To meet the demand for housing and water alone [currently] requires $170 billion.

That is more than the entire capital budget in 2015 and 2020,” Ali said.

“That is the scale of development that is ahead of us.

That is the level of investment that the Government must find to deliver house lots to all applicants,” Ali added.

Despite these efforts, however, he explained that given the current challenges concerning the availability of land, almost 13,000 applicants will still not be covered.

To this, he pleaded for the

Exhibits at the Expo

President Dr Irfaan Ali Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

The National Cultural Centre is the place to be this Saturday, August 26, when the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) hosts the 25th edition of one of its biggest productions - Naya Zamana.

Started in 1994, Naya Zamana, the brainchild of GHDS President Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has become a household name for Guyanese.

This year will be no different from the other years in regard to the colourful costumes, dance routines from its talented cast, and, most of all, the enchanting storyline.

This year, Ahmad Masi Wali returns as Dhruv; he is already known for his lead role in Zee5’s Rejctx and cameos in the movie Kalank. He performed in Naya Zamana 20 and 21, and was a contestant on the television reality show “India's Next Superstars” in 2018.

The cast also includes some known names, such as Kayla Persaud as Jhanavi; Aliyah Hassan as Alia; Amber Piaralall as Heer; Amisha Sarjoo as Neha; Avasa Persaud as Isha; Anusha Doodnauth as Raina; Sara Dhanraj as Sara, and Latchman Ramtahul as Latchu.

This two-and-a-half-hour production will not just dazzle patrons, but would leave them mesmerised and simultaneously asking for more. Presently, the props are being produced to transform the NCC into a fabulous Indian movie setting.

Tickets for this spectacular theatrical production, costing $7000, $6000 and $5000, can be obtained at the MovieTowne Mall, the Dharmic Kendra, the National Cultural Centre, Red Mango, E-Net (on Camp Street and at Giftland Mall), and Unique Innovations at Amazonia Mall, Providence, EBD.

n Sunday, all roads will lead to Splashmin’s Resort, along the SoesdykeLinden Highway, for the highly anticipated Jamzone 2023, which is back at its original venue, where it started 23 years ago.

Apart from the $1.5 million in cash prizes that are to be won on the day, lots of fun, excitement, and splashing are expected, but the main event is the Miss Jamzone Pageant, which gets underway when the sun sets.

The delegates are adding the final touches to their fantasy costumes and swimwear, and by Sunday evening, they would be ready to hit the stage before a packed audience.

The finalists are: Aliya Wong – Miss Sleepy Trading; Ashanti Corlette – Miss Triple Ds; Carolann Correia – Miss Stove Top Restaurant; Judell Price – Miss Fireside Suites; Laquana Johnson – Miss Sawa Industries; Rayshana Gillis – Miss Star Party Rentals; Shequana Holder – Miss Hard Rock Café; Tiseena Harry – Miss Aronco Services Inc; and Trevlind Harry – Miss AJM Enterprises.

Leading up to the finale on Sunday, the nine delegates would have participated in several preliminary competitions, and on the evening of the pageant, they would be competing in swimwear, fantasy wear, and intelligence segments.

Early bird tickets, which were being sold at $2000, have been sold out, and the new ticket, priced at $3000, can be purchased at HJ’s Box Office; Exclusive Styles; Fireside Suites; That Look Boutique; Stovetop Restaurant; Shop N’ Save (Stabroek); All ENet Locations, or online at Jamzone.eventbrite.com

In addition, Hits and Jams Entertainment has introduced a shuttle bus system which would see persons paying $5,000 to get them to and from the venue and entry into Magnum Xplosion Jamzone Beach Jam. Limited seats are available, and persons are asked to visit the Hits and Jams office at 206 Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown to register to secure their spots on the buses.

Ashanti Corlette

Aliya Wong

Trevlind Harry

Tiseena Harry

Shequana Holder

Rayshana Gillis

Laquana Johnson

Judell Price

Carolann Correia

Transferred workers not required to go to Rose Hall – GuySuCo

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on Thursday stated that a decision has been taken not to have the transferred workers currently at the Albion and Blairmont Sugar Estates return to the Rose Hall Estate when operation resumes next month.

This is according to GuySuCo Agriculture Director Vishnu Panday.

Only recently, GuySuCo approached those workers who were transferred from the Rose Hall Estate when it was closed in 2017 and asked them to voluntarily return to Rose Hall Estate for the crop, which is expected to last between five and six weeks.

The workers took to the streets in protest, saying they were only going to return to Rose Hall if they first received a severance package.

Upon closure of the estate by the then APNU/ AFC Government, about 1,181 workers who were retrenched had subsequently

been given severance packages. The workers who are now striking are arguing that the retrenched workers who were given severance packages were subsequently given $250,000 cash grant by the PPP upon their return to office. They are holding out that they too are entitled to something.

On Thursday, the aggrieved workers continued protesting. They say they are willing to return to the fields, but are seeking to have a dialogue with Government officials to have their concerns addressed.

“We are waiting, and we hope they can come with

something good,” one of the workers told this publication.

One of the protesters, Brian Cadagon, said he was forced to go to the Albion Estate by way of a written document. Noting that he has been employed with GuySuCo for more than 20 years, Cadagon said the estate was closed and he had not received any compensation.

Thursday marked nine days since these workers have downed tools. Initially, the protest started at Number Two Village, but soon moved to Freedom House in New Amsterdam, which is the regional head-

quarters of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party. Meanwhile, GAWU President Seepaul Narine said GuySuCo informed him that the matter is at status quo. “In other words, the concerns that the workers had

have been fully addressed, and there is no other issue,” Narine said during a telephone interview. “As far as I am aware, Mr Panday met with them, and my understanding is that he told them that they are not required to go to Rose Hall,

and there is not going to be any transfer. What was related to me is that, if everything is normal, then there is no dispute or any concern,” Narine added. The workers will continue their strike actions today.

Sugar workers protesting in front of PPP/C Headquarters in New Amsterdam

…workers continue protest actions, say strike not over

Guyana remains committed to developing solar energy initiatives – Min Indar

...says Leguan, Wakenaam & Mahdia to get solar farms by 2024

In keeping with its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, Guyana continues to make key investments to expand its solar energy sources.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, on Wednesday highlighted several initiatives the Government is undertaking to increase access to reliable energy countrywide, during a virtual session of the 5th Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean Region.

“The provision of affordable, stable and reliable energy to benefit both households and businesses remains high on the agenda,” Indar said.

Last August, residents of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo),

welcomed the commissioning of a $472 million one-megawatt (MW) solar farm that, in addition to providing reliable electricity, is expected to generate $137

million per year in savings.

Prior to this, residents in Lethem reportedly paid $80 per kilowatt of electricity, which is higher than that paid in Georgetown, given the cost of transporting fuel from the coastland.

In April last, a $625 million 1.5 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm was commissioned in Daag Point, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), to provide clean, renewable energy to over 3000 residents of Bartica and its surrounding communities.

However, the minister shared that these solar farms at Bartica and Lethem have so far avoided the use of 1100 and 2246 drums of diesel respectively.

In addition, he stated that Leguan and Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), are slated to have 0.6MW and 0.75MW solar PV farms respectively, while Mahdia is poised to have its 0.65MW solar farm completed by 2024.

“Moreover, the Government will be installing solar PV farms in Berbice, Essequibo, and Linden, totalling 33 MW, financed from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF),” Indar said.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) had approved the use of US$83.8 million, earned from Norway by keeping Guyana’s rainforests intact, for the construction of a number of these solar farms, which aim to add renewable energy sources to Guyana’s grid.

Minister Indar further highlighted several key so-

lar energy initiatives that are also being pursued in the hinterland and riverine communities to expand access to reliable electricity and broaden Information and Communications Technology (ICT) connectivity.

“With adequate and timely technical and financial support, the country will be able to further advance solar energy technology to promote sustainable energy solutions. The Government of Guyana will continue to support and foster solar energy development across the Region, and work in partnership with stakeholders in the sector,” he said.

Plans to have 19 solar-powered mini-grids in hinterland communities, as well as to distribute 30,000 solar panel systems across 200 hinterland communities, are underway with the first 1830 solar units being in the country as at May.

The International Solar Alliance is a member-driven, collaborative platform seeking to increase the deployment of solar energy technologies to enhance energy access, ensure energy security, and drive energy transition in its member countries.

Last year, Guyana hosted the Fourth Regional Committee Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for Latin America. (Pooja Rambaran)

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar delivering remarks virtually at the Fifth Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean Region

A solar plant recently commissioned at Mabaruma, Region One

ARMS tops CSEC for...

CAPE top performers

This year, Queen’s College has again scored the highest number of Grade Ones at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), and has also swept four of the five top spots.

Naresh Jagnanan of Queen’s College came in the top position with nine Grade Ones and one Grade Two. A beaming Jagnanan shared, “I must say I’m very elated to receive this marvelous news, but it’s a very humbling feeling as well to know that all the hard work and sacrifices that I would have invested have paid off. Also, it warms my heart that God is

listening, because this is something that I prayed for.”

Jagnanan was followed by Joshua Gulab of Queen’s College, who secured eight Grade Ones, three Grade Twos and two Grade Threes. Gulab has labelled the moment ‘bittersweet’, since there were some errors with the subjects and grades announced.

“I trust that the Ministry will get those grades and things sorted out, but at the moment, I’m pretty happy with the outcome,” Gulab added.

Cleon Jardine of St Stanislaus College secured seven Grade Ones and two Grade Twos. This young man, who hails from Kuru Kururu on

the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, is still surprised at his performance. “I did not expect all of this. When I got the phone call I was surprised, but overall, the hard work and perseverance has paid off,” he said.

Divya Nandlall of Queen’s College copped seven Grade Ones and one Grade Two.

In fifth place was Zayden Ramotar of Queen’s College, who secured six Grade Ones and four Grade Twos. During an interview with Guyana Times, Ramotar said he is ‘ecstatic’, and gave credit to his family and teachers for their input. (Rupa Seenaraine)

Education Minister Priya Manickchand and the top performers

GFS conducting night inspections amid surge in arson cases

This initiative, he said, is aimed at identifying potential fire hazards that might go unnoticed during regular daytime inspections.

“These are some of the things that we have put in place to prevent these types of catastrophes,” he declared.

During these inspections, the Fire Chief said, his team discovered a slew of fire safety violations within ministries, private buildings, and schools.

Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham is taking a multifaceted approach to tackling the worrisome increase in fires at schools and Government buildings, particularly those stemming from acts of arson.

Chief Wickham has recently announced that the Guyana Fire Service would be initiating night inspections at schools and ministries, and would be implementing an ambitious plan to continue expanding the installation of fire hydrants throughout the nation.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, Wickham explained, “Even before the

fires at schools, we have been doing inspections at schools. And we continue to do inspections, and not just going into the structures and identifying where and what type of firefighting equipment needs to be installed; we have also been making visits to schools in the evenings, and that is throughout the country.

“That is a practice we will continue, because we recognize that these schools generally have been coming under threats, and we want to avoid that as far as practically possible. Not only schools, but Government properties and other properties within our country,” he divulged.

“Some of the (recurring) things we have seen throughout the country, whether (at) schools, Government property or private property, are grilling buildings; persons not having fire escape plans; persons not having smoke detectors, fire alarms, and even fire extinguishers,” he explained.

In addition to the night inspections, Wickham unveiled an ambitious plan to continue expanding the installation of fire hydrants across the country. This expansion initiative is designed to improve response times and firefighting capabilities, ultimately enhancing public safety.

Over the past three years, multiple schools have been destroyed by fires, most of which were deliberate acts of arson. One such incident occurred

and injury to several others. It has been determined that the fire that consumed the Mahdia school dormitory was maliciously ignited

communities.

Reports from the Guyana Fire Service indicated that 14 youths perished at the scene, while five succumbed

recently at the Mahdia Secondary School's dormitory in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) on May 21. It resulted in the tragic loss of 20 students' lives

by a 15-year-old student. That facility had provided residence for approximately 59 students hailing from Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie, and Chenapau

to their injuries at the Mahdia District Hospital. Following that incident, the teenage suspect has been charged with murder. (LaWanda McAllister)

Fire Chief Gregory Wickham

Fire hydrant being installed

Tullow did not inform Govt of selling Orinduik Block interests – VP Jagdeo

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that London-based Tullow Oil has not formally notified the Government about its decision to sell its majority stake in the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana.

Earlier this month, Tullow announced that it has agreed to sell its 60 per cent total interest in the Orinduik Licence to Eco Guyana Oil and Gas (Barbados) Limited in exchange for a combination of upfront cash to the tune of US$700,000 and contingent consideration.

However, VP Jagdeo revealed on Thursday that while the Government has heard about this decision, the London oil company still needs to formally inform local authorities of this decision, in order to get approval for the sale.

“Two days ago, I spoke with [Natural Resources Minister] Vickram Bharrat, and at that time we had not received notification; and they [Tullow] need to notify us, because the approval has to be done by the Government of Guyana. But up to that point in time, we had not been notified about this. We’ve been hearing about it through the grapevines, but that has to come through…a formal process to us,” the Vice President stated.

Completion of this transaction between Tullow and its Orinduik Block

partner Eco is expected to occur in the second half of 2023.

In an August 10 statement, Tullow said its decision to exit the Orinduik licence is in line with its strategy to focus on its high-return production assets in Africa and infrastructure-led exploration around producing hubs, and deliver its objective to unlock value in emerging basins.

Director Exploration, Non-Operated Assets and Decommissioning, JeanMedard Madama, had stated, “This transaction is in line with our strategy to optimise our portfolio through opportunities to unlock value from our emerging basin licences, whilst focusing our capital expenditure on our high return-producing assets and growth opportunities around existing infrastructure.”

In 2019, Tullow drilled

two exploration wells on the Orinduik licence, which yielded uncommercial oil discoveries. The first discovery in August 2019 was at the Jethro-1 well in the Orinduik Block. The well encountered 55 metres of net oil pay in a high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir in the Lower Tertiary play. This discovery was followed in September by the Joe-1 discovery in the Upper Tertiary play. The quality of the oil is heavy, however, and has high sulphur content – a variety of oil that is less economically viable than the light, sweet crudes found by United States oil giant ExxonMobil right offshore Guyana in the neighbouring Stabroek Block.

Nonetheless, Tullow recognises the material oil resource potential remaining in the Orinduik licence, and as such, the terms

3 women arraigned on larceny, assault charges

Tomicka Cush of Breda Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown appeared in Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman’s Georgetown court on Wednesday to answer a charge of larceny, which she denied.

It is alleged that on August 17, at the Parliament Buildings on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, Cush stole money from a man who was using the restroom. The prosecution’s short facts state that the virtual complainant was reportedly drinking that day in the Stabroek Market area when he decided to relieve himself on the western side of the Parliament Buildings.

He reacted by saying, “No!” when the defendant approached him and started to rub her hands on his pocket while asking him if he wanted to have sex. He turned around and headed back to the spot where he had been drinking, intending to get another drink, then he discovered there was no money in his pocket. When he went back to question the accused about taking his money, she denied doing so. After that, the man called the Police, who got in touch with the ac-

cused. She was warned after being made aware of the accusation, and was taken into Police custody.

The Police prosecutor had no issue with the defendant being placed on bail, she asked that the defendant be made to report to the Brickdam Police Station every two weeks until the case was resolved.

The defendant was placed on $80,000 bail, and will have to return to court on September 27.

In a separate matter,

of the transaction allow Tullow to retain exposure to any potential future success in the region.

Based on the transaction summary, Eco will have to pay Tullow US$4 million if it makes a commercial discovery, and another US$10 million if Guyana issues a production licence, as well as royalty payments on future production.

It has been a rough few years for Tullow, which in 2020 was forced to write off US$1.2 billion in wells that were not financially viable. Included in the 2019 amount is US$60 million for three wells Tullow drilled offshore Guyana but could not continue working thereon.

The Orinduik oil block is just a few kilometres from ExxonMobil’s discoveries in the Liza and Payara fields in the oil-rich Stabroek Block.

With the acquisition of Tullow’s 60 per cent inter-

est, Eco will now add to its existing 15 per cent working interest – making it the leading operator on the Orinduik licence with a now whopping 75 per cent interest. The remaining 25 per cent working interest is shared by a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Total E&P Guyana BV (TOQAP).

Meanwhile, in addition to its Orinduik assets, Tullow Oil also has stakes (37.5 per cent in a farmin deal) in neighbouring Kanuku Block, which is operated by Repsol with a 37.5 per cent working interest. TOQAP holds the other 25 per cent interest in the Kanuku block.

During Thursday’s press conference, VP Jagdeo was asked about whether the Kanuku licence has gotten an extension, to which he responded in the negative.

The Vice President explained that apart from

Canada-based CGX Energy, no other licence holder offshore has reached the period where their prospecting licence has been exhausted or expired.

Some six wells have been drilled in the Kanuku Block; those are: Carapa-1, Jaguar-1, Berbice-2, Abary-1 and Mahaica-1 and 2.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Repsol is conducting environmental surveys at the Beebei-1 well site. According to a notice on August 4 by the local Maritime Administration (MARAD), the exercise commenced earlier in the month, and will conclude by the end of the month, utilising the OSV Atlantic Spirit vessel.

Repsol had drilled the Beebei-Potaro well last year and encountered good quality reservoirs in the primary and secondary targets, but they were water-bearing.

One in 25 Guyanese women using HerVenture app to expand businesses

Azola Austin,30, and Sandra Fraser, 46, both of Lot 35 Howes Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, were arraigned in Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman’s Georgetown court on Wednesday on charges of assault and using derogatory words.

Fraser is accused of using obscene language and committing assault on August 12, 2023 at Howes Street when she allegedly disturbed the peace by using derogatory words while physically assaulting Austin.

She pleaded guilty to the charge of abusive language and was fined $10,000, in default of paying which she would spend 21 days in jail.

She pleaded not guilty to the allegation of common assault, and has been placed on $20,000 bail.

The allegations against Austin are that, on the same day and at the same place, she assaulted Fraser and used obscene language. She has pleaded not guilty to these charges, and has been placed on $30,000 bail.

Both these defendants are scheduled to return to court on September 27 to collect statements.

Since its expansion into Guyana in 2021, “HerVenture” – a mobile learning app that provides key tools and resources to successfully enter and thrive in the business world – has, to the date Thursday August 24, 2023, recorded more than 10,000 Guyanese women as users. This equates to more than one woman for every 25 women in the country.

Created by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, the app was launched in 2018 and was directed towards aiding women who own micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in low- and middle-income countries.

With support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, Guyanese users can, at zero cost, access valuable tools to develop their businesses, including information on launching a business, accessing finance, expanding market access, e-commerce, and mobile money.

“It’s heartening to witness the growing number of women who are taking charge of their entrepre-

neurial journeys and driving forward women’s empowerment in Guyana,” said founder Cherie Blair in a press release.

Some 88 per cent of users in Guyana reportedly apply their newly-acquired learning to their businesses, and 91 per cent have improved their business performance due to the app, according to the press release.

One user, Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Healthcare International, Dr. Ayesha Wilburg, had wanted to open a clinic that focuses on quality patient care and operates at international standards.

“The HerVenture app has been an invaluable resource in the transition to being an entrepreneur. I am now in a better position to juggle my responsibilities as a businesswoman and medical doctor,” Wilburg had previously told “HerVenture.”

Upasna Mudlier of Denmor Garment Manufacturers Inc. noted that the app was precise,

and used terminology that was easy to understand.

“With the digital marketing platform, you learn to systemize certain things in the business. It tremendously increased my clientele,” Mudlier has said. In addition to ExxonMobil Foundation, “HerVenture” partners with ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Co. Limited (GTT), Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), and the Human Services and Social Security Ministry.

“This sustained collaboration continues to unlock potential, foster growth, and drive a wave of prosperity and innovation throughout our nation,” Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chair of ActionINVEST, has said.

Meanwhile, MMG General Manager Bobita Ram commended the tools being put in place to empower Guyanese female entrepreneurs.

“Empowering women is not just a mission; it’s a movement. Every woman should be given the tools to succeed,” Ram has said.

Tomicka Cush

“HerVenture” founder Cherie Blair along with First Lady Arya Ali and staff of the First Lady Office during a recent engagement

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

$85M in contracts signed to rebuild Enterprise Factory Road

Given the current deplorable state of Factory Road, residents of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD) will soon be able to use a new six-inch-thick concrete thoroughfare, as contracts for its reconstruction were signed on Wednesday.

During the simple contract signing ceremony, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, explained that this new roadway, measuring 700m by 4.25m, would be built to handle increased traffic.

“We wanted this road to

be a concrete road, to withstand the kind of traffic that will end up on it. We wanted to make sure that we put that kind of infrastructure here,” Indar said.

“These roads, when they were built…they didn’t build them to deal with [significant] kinds of weights moving on them,” he added.

To complete the project in the stipulated threemonth timeline, a $42.7 million contract was awarded to R&B Investments Inc. to complete one half of the road, while another contract, amounting to

$42.3 million, was awarded to JS Engineering Services and Supplies to finish the other half.

Officials of R&B Investments Inc and JS Engineering Services and Supplies after the signing of the contracts good track records to finish it quickly,” Indar assured. In the interim, heavy-duty trucks will be redirected to other suitable routes. A blank Bill of Quantity will be issued to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to increase monitoring of this Factory Road project. This project comes about a month after a visit to the community by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

“We went through evaluation in a competitive way, and we have selected two contractors to deal with this road. We split it in half, so the work can be done quickly, so 350m for one lot and the other 350m for the other lot – for them to finish it quickly in the dry season, because rain is going to be upon us by October,” Indar explained.

“The contractors that were selected, that bid competitively — they have

Govt mulls establishing food hub along Linden Highway – Agri Minister

The Government of Guyana is now exploring the option of establishing along the SoesdykeLinden Highway a food hub that would be used to export food to other countries across the Caribbean.

This was revealed by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a community meeting at Salem Koker, Essequibo, on Wednesday.

“Right now, we are looking to build a food hub on the highway, so that we can have produce there to export to different parts of the Caribbean.”

During the meeting, Mustapha discussed the importance of agriculture in the country as he emphasised the Government’s goal to be the lead in food security in the Caribbean region. In light of this, the minister highlighted several interventions the Ministry will make to provide relief to farmers in the area.

According to Mustapha, “We will build the shed, we will grade and shape the dams, and we’ll start to work with farmers to help them to do the internal drain. We’ll spend about $30 million dollars to do it, and then the engineer will be looking at the bridge to see how we can reinforce it and also that cut that you talk about. Those five activities we will try to do as early as possible, so that we can bring relief to you, the farmers,” The min-

ister outlined.

Additionally, Mustapha noted that a proposal to construct an all-weather farmto-market road, which will cost approximately $600 million, and other large projects will be presented in next year’s budget.

“The larger projects, like the farm-to-marketroad and the three bridges that you talked about…One bridge is costing $35 million. So, we will put those in our budget, and hopefully we can get it next year and do it for you. When we do those projects… we will have an increase in production in this area,” the minister highlighted.

Mustapha also disclosed that 11 nurseries across the country are being upgraded. He added that the Pouderoyen nursery will be upgraded, and free planting materials will be provided to the farmers to increase food production, due to the de-

mand for agricultural produce and products locally and in the region.

Mustapha noted that the Government is also executing several transformative and ground-breaking initiatives to ensure the agriculture sector is resilient and sustainable.

“So, all these things are in the pipeline for us, and in another year from now, all these things will come into effect. So, with your activities to produce, what you are doing, and other activities that we’re doing across the country, Guyana once again will become the powerhouse for agriculture and food production in the Caribbean.”

The minister stressed that Government will continue to provide the much-needed interventions and investments to bring instant relief to farmers countrywide, as the country continues on its food security trajectory.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar during the community engagement

Since Jagdeo’s engagement, some 20 roads at Foulis and 14 roads at Enterprise have been rehabilitated.

“We walked all the streets in Enterprise, we collected [information on] the ones that were bad, we made sure that we sent back the team, and we did 14 roads. In Foulis, we put down about 17,000 pounds of asphalt, and in Enterprise, we put down about 2000 pounds of as -

phalt in two weeks,” Indar said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has gone out to tender for revetment works and the construction of culverts in the leadup to other roadworks at Enterprise.

“This area, for the past two months, from Foulis, Coldingen, Enterprise and so on, have seen significant amounts of work,” Indar noted.

More colonial-era laws to be overhauled – AG

Guyana has been making significant progress in removing symbols of colonial rule from its law books as the Government seeks to enact modern legislation.

On this note, the Government is currently engaging a consultant to overhaul the Evidence Act of 1893, and the ExtraMural Work Act which was enacted in 1955. This has been revealed by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC.

While speaking recently at the commissioning of a new magistrate’s court at Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Nandlall said the Evidence Act requires an overhaul. “Our Evidence Act is 1893 United Kingdom…by sheer passage and without me even making out a case, it requires overhaul. So, that is on the agenda,” said the Attorney General.

According to him, pieces of legislation like the Extra-Mural Work Act are going to be repealed and replaced by a modern substitute. Once this law is repealed, he noted, it will empower magistrates with the discretion of a repertoire of penal sanctions as alternative to custodial sentences.

He explained, “Because we are moving in the direction where we believe that custodial sentences should be reserved only for very violent and serious offences. We can make greater use of our human resources, and we can rehabilitate and reform them in a more

efficient and economical way other than by locking them away in prison centres across the country.”

The Extra-Mural Work Act provides for a system whereby offenders guilty of minor offences may be made to perform extra-mural work instead of serving terms of imprisonment.

The law which governs the various rules and regulations relating to the conduct of evidence in a court of law is called the Evidence Act. The PPP/C administration presented proposed changes to the Evidence Act to the National Assembly in April 2022. If approved, these changes would permit the admission of an accused person’s confession as evidence against a co-accused during a trial.

Guyana, like many other Caribbean countries that are former British colonies, has been progressive in getting rid of laws put in place by its former colonial masters. For instance, in 2021, Guyana’s colonial-era law

on cross-dressing was removed by Parliament. This was done in keeping with a ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s highest court, three years prior.

The regional court had ruled that the law was unconstitutionally vague and contrary to the rule of law, and that it resulted in transgendered and gender nonconforming persons being treated unfavourably by criminalising their gender expressions and gender identities.

That law had made it a criminal offence for a man or a woman to appear in a public place while dressed in clothing of the opposite sex for an “improper purpose”.

The law was challenged by Quincy McEwan, Seon Clarke, Joseph Fraser, Seyon Persaud and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD). The four appellants, who identify as transgender persons, were arrested in 2009, and later convicted and punished for cross-dressing in public.

Similar to this, in 2022, the Government passed the Suicide Prevention Bill, which repealed Sections 95 and 96 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, which deals with aiding or abetting suicide and suicide attempts; as well as Section 202 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, which also deals with suicide attempts. Attempted suicide is no longer a criminal offence.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Oil prices closed a volatile session slightly higher on Thursday, falling a dollar a barrel in early trading on demand worries and a strong dollar, but then bouncing back after a report of sliding gasoil stocks in Europe.

Prices began to recover at mid-morning in New York after Dutch consultancy Insights Global posted data showing gasoil stocks held in independent storage in the AmsterdamRotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) refining and storage hub declined by three per cent in the latest week.

Brent crude rose 15 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to US$83.36 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 16 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to US$79.05 a barrel. Prices traded lower for the majority of the session, before pushing higher in the last half hour of trading.

Falling refined product stocks in Europe and a drop in the 2-year US treasury yields likely lifted oil prices, UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said, adding that volatility was likely to persist until investors get clarity on the US Federal Reserve's next moves.

Federal Reserve officials and other global central bankers were headed to Jackson Hole. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will address the symposium today. Investor caution on the eve of his remarks lifted the safe-haven dollar, which makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies, denting demand.

On Wednesday, Japan reported shrinking factory activity for a third straight month in August. Eurozone business activity also declined more than expected and Britain's economy looked set to shrink in the current quarter.

US business activity approached the stagnation point in August, with growth at its weakest since February. But data also showed that labour market conditions remained tight despite the Fed's aggressive interest rate hikes.

"The US is still in a strong position but there are areas of weakness and if interest rates are going to stay higher for longer, further cracks could appear," said Craig Erlam, analyst at OANDA.

"Perhaps this economic doubt has contributed to the stalling we've seen and may even trigger a correction," Erlam added.

On the supply side, Iran's crude oil output will reach 3.4 million barrels per day (bpd) by the end of September, the country's oil minister was quoted as saying by State media, even though US sanctions remain in place.

US officials are also drafting a proposal that would ease sanctions on Venezuela, allowing it to export more oil if the South American nation moves toward a free and fair presidential election, according to sources. (Reuters)

TT$21M in cocaine washes ashore in Guayaguayare

Cocaine worth over TT$21 million, believed to have been part of a shipment of illegal drugs which washed ashore from the Atlantic Ocean, was found and seized in Mayaro, Trinidad on Wednesday.

A Police statement on Thursday said the Mayaro Criminal Investigation Department (CID) got a tipoff and went to a location at Guayaguayare, in the Mayaro police district.

There they saw 36 packets of cocaine wrapped in watertight tape. The drug had a total weight of 46 kilograms and an estimated street value of TT$21,373,440. No one has been arrested.

Police said the officers went to BP compound at Isthmus Road, where company officials

Trump booked at Atlanta jail on election charges

Donald Trump left an Atlanta jail after he was booked on more than a dozen felony charges on Thursday as part of a wide-ranging criminal case stemming from the former US President's attempts to overturn his 2020 election defeat in Georgia.

Authorities had said they expected to take Trump's mug shot at Fulton County Jail – a first for Trump, who did not have to sit for a photograph when making initial appearances in three other criminal cases.

Trump's motorcade left the jail about 20 minutes after entering and headed toward Atlanta's HartsfieldJackson airport, where his private jet was waiting to

ferry him back to his New Jersey golf club.

Around the World OIL NEWS Oil settles up, rebounds from lows after European storage report

Trump, 77, already has entered uncharted territory as the first former US President to face criminal charges, though the four cases filed against him have not damaged his front-runner status in the race for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election.

Dozens of supporters, waving Trump banners and American flags, jostled for a glimpse as Trump arrived at the jail. Among the Trump backers gathered outside was Georgia US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of the former President's most loyal congressional allies.

The mug shot adds Trump to the ranks of gangster Al Capone, crooner Frank Sinatra and other high-profile Americans who have posed for jailhouse

photographs.

The image is certain to be circulated widely by Trump's foes and supporters alike.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Putin breaks silence after Wagner boss Prigozhin's plane crashes

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to the family of Yevgeny Prigozhin on Thursday, breaking his silence after the mercenary leader's plane crashed with no survivors two months after he led a mutiny against army chiefs.

Putin's comments, which suggested he harboured decidedly mixed feelings about Wagner's mercenary boss, were the most definitive yet on

Prigozhin's fate. Before he spoke, the only official statement had come from the aviation authority which said Prigozhin had been on board the downed plane.

Russian investigators have opened a probe into what happened, but have not yet said what they suspect caused the plane to suddenly fall from the sky northwest of Moscow on Wednesday evening.

Nor have they officially confirmed the identities

Brazil's Lula says BRICS to pick new members based on geopolitical weight

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Thursday that the BRICS countries would welcome more members who would be chosen according to their geopolitical importance and not the ideology of their governments.

took them to the coastline at the western side of the facility where the packages of drugs were found. The packages were photographed and stored at the station before being taken to the Forensic Science Centre for analysis.

Also in the Eastern Division, the Police responded to a report of an explosion around 22:00h on Tuesday at Newlands Village, Mayaro.

There, they found an abandoned vehicle bearing false registration plates.

The officers searched it and found an extended magazine and 11 rounds of ammunition hidden inside. The Police seized the items.

Investigations are ongoing into both finds. (Trinidad Newsday)

At their summit in Johannesburg, the five BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – decided to add Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, a move aimed at increasing the clout of the bloc of leading emerging economies.

"What matters is not the person who governs but the importance of the country," Lula said at a news conference before leaving South Africa.

"We can't deny the geopolitical importance of Iran and other countries

that will join BRICS," he added.

The expansion is expected to pave the way for dozens more countries to seek admission to the group as it pushes to rebalance the prevailing world order.

Lula said Brazil would support the entry of Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

More than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS and 22 have formally asked to be admitted to the group that today accounts for about 40 per cent of the world's population and a quarter of global Gross Domestic Product.

Lula suggested that a meeting between the G7 group of the world's richest democracies and the BRICS nations would be an important next step.

(Reuters)

of the 10 bodies recovered from the wreckage.

US officials told Reuters that Washington is looking at a number of theories over what brought down the plane, including a surface-to-air missile.

The presumed death of Prigozhin leaves Putin stronger in the short term, removing a powerful figure who launched a June 23-24 mutiny against the army's leadership and threatened to make him look weak.

But it would also de-

prive Putin of a forceful and astute player who had proved his utility to the Kremlin by sending his fighters into some of the bloodiest battles of the Ukraine war and by advancing Russian interests across Africa which are now likely to be re-organised.

It remains to be seen too how Wagner fighters, some of whom have already spoken of betrayal and foul play, react.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Guatemalan Presidentelect, VP-elect facing serious death threats, says Americas rights body

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)asked Guatemala to provide more protection for Presidentelect Bernardo Arevalo and Vice President-elect Karin Herrera, it said on Thursday, citing "serious and urgent" risks to their well-being.

In a statement, the Commission said the threats included two plots against the politicians' lives.

Anti-corruption candidate Arevalo won Guatemala's presidential runoff on Sunday by a landslide after an effort to disqualify his party and sideline his candidacy.

Before the runoff, Arevalo said he expected attempts to prevent him from taking office should he win.

The IACHR, an autonomous organ of the

Washington-based Organisation of American States, said it formally requested the Guatemalan Government to take precautionary measures to protect the lives of Arevalo and Herrera.

The Commission cited two plans against Arevalo and Herrera's lives, including one that had been revealed by Guatemalan Prosecutors, without giving further details.

It also asked the Government to report on actions it has taken to investigate the threats.

The Guatemalan Government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a response to the IACHR, Guatemalan authorities said Arevalo and Herrera have a "broad protection scheme" that the State has reinforced, the IACHR's statement said.

(Reuters)

Former US President Donald Trump

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Do something that boosts your confidence. Make plans to hang out with a loved one or sign up for something that interests you. Personal growth and physical improvement are favored.

(March 21-April 19)

Take your time. Don’t get involved in joint ventures. Honesty is favored; make your voice heard and stand by your word. Set boundaries and protect your reputation.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Emotions will dictate how things unfold. Choose positive over negative, go about your business, and don’t believe everything you hear. If you spend some time with a loved one, you’ll have a great day.

Know your budget before you agree to something unaffordable. Hidden costs and temptation will set you back. A responsible approach, discipline, experience and a solid team will take you far.

(June 21-July 22)

Do something you enjoy with a loved one. Stay within budget. A heart-toheart talk will help establish plans that offer something to look forward to.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Slow down, think matters through, pay attention to detail and don’t let your emotions cost you. Change can be good, if it’s made under the right conditions and to your specifications.

Take care of pressing matters. Keeping up on maintenance will pay off and, over time, save you a bundle. A disciplined routine will ensure you get everything done on time.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Resolve emotional or physical issues swiftly and move on to bringing about positive change. Be open to suggestions, but don’t give in to something that doesn’t help you reach your objective.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You’ll end up in a tight spot if your emotions take the reins. Someone will offer false information to gain approval. Do your best to decide between fact and fiction.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You’ll gain access to information that can be beneficial if used properly. A networking event will offer insight and opportunity. Practice integrity.

Don’t sit on the fence; make a decision. Put a call in to an expert or someone you trust to offer sound advice, and carry on with confidence. Personal gain is apparent, but will come at a cost.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Protect your possessions, and don’t let anyone goad you into something that benefits them more than you. It’s up to you to do what you can to get what you want.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

GAPLF Raw Nationals 2023…

Fitness Express maintains support

Passionate corporate partner of sports and its development in Guyana, Fitness Express, located at John and Sheriff Streets, Campbellville, has maintained its commitment to powerlifting.

On Thursday, the Manager and owner, Jamie McDonald handed over their contribution to the President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) for Sunday’s event set for the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

McDonald said that Fitness Express was more than gratified to continue its unflinching support of the sport, through the Federation.

“It’s an absolute pleasure for our company to continue this partnership with powerlifting and this new Executive, led by Mr [Franklin] Wilson. We have been keeping a keen eye on the sport and have seen how busy

you guys have been since taking over in March. We are also well aware that it takes quite a lot of resources to pull off events, so we are pleased to support your efforts to host Raw Nationals,” he declared.

McDonald further stated that the company’s support of individual athletes would also continue as it has been the case for over a decade.

The sport is growing in popularity and awareness as more persons are coming on board to compete at the various levels.

Wilson, in response, expressed gratitude to McDonald and Fitness Express for their continued generosity which will contribute towards the Federation being able to pull off Raw Nationals.

“I am really happy for this continued partnership with Fitness Express and you Mr McDonald. You have become one of the main pillars on which

this sport stands and for this, and as a Federation, we are more than indebted. You have been doing this for well over a decade and the fact that we can rely on you for all our local competitions, every year, speaks to your commitment to the sport and most importantly, our athletes.”

Wilson stated that all the athletes who have been competing on the regional and international scene have benefited from Fitness Express’s investment in the sport over the years.

“Despite you being just a small business, you have always seen it fit to give back to the sport and athletes and this is a wonderful example of fulfilling your corporate responsibility of giving back, and this in itself, empowers athletes to do their best,” he noted.

The top female and male athletes can be assured of walking away with hampers, com-

pliments of Fitness Express, which will also have a booth to display its products, including the equipment it sells, and personnel will be on hand to answer any questions patrons

might have with regard to the products.

There will also be some giveaways for the patrons.

Admission is $1000 and lifting time is 09:00h.

Raw or classic powerlifting

“Raw or classic” powerlifting is defined by the assistance you are allowed to use for training and testing your lifts. One hundred per cent raw means without any assistive equipment at all, as if you were only lifting in shorts and a T-shirt.

Raw or classic lifting allows for some safety equipment to promote the safety of the lifter, above all else. To be considered raw or classic when lifting you can use the assistance of: *a weightlifting belt, *non-supportive knee sleeves, *chalk as needed, *and wrist wraps if needed.

Non-supportive knee sleeves are used to promote joint safety by keeping them warm but add little to no actual lifting support. This quantity of equipment promotes the safety of the lifter while allowing for only necessary assistance. Overall, the lifter has to do the lift, not the equipment.

Dottin warns West Indies to get their house in order

Deandra Dottin has warned West Indies to get their house in order quickly or risk things "not ending well" in an impassioned plea for players to be better respected and resourced.

Speaking in detail for the first time since her shock international retirement, Dottin told the Ladies Who Switch podcast that the board has a lot of work to do for the game to improve in the Caribbean.

"To be honest, there's been a lot going on in the camp and so much I've been through, so many things that needed to be sorted out, and the players not getting the respect and basically the attention, because there are things that needed to be done in order for players to actually perform to the best of their ability," Dottin said. "If you're uncomfortable and if you don't have the things in place for your players to be the best that they can be and actually improve, then there's always going to be problems."

Dottin announced her West Indies retirement via Twitter, citing issues with the team environment, a year ago while representing Barbados at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. So ended a decorated international career spanning 143 One DayInternationals (ODIs) and 127 T20 Internationals (T20Is) over the course of 14 years which included the 2016 T20 World Cup title and the fastest – and first – century in Women's T20 Internationals, off 38 balls against South Africa in 2010.

Now she is among a growing number of players across both men's and women's cricket plying their trade solely in franchise tournaments around the world. That includes playing for Manchester Originals in the Hundred, helping Adelaide

Strikers to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title last season and Trinbago Knight Riders to the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL) trophy as well as representing Barmy Army at the FairBreak Invitational. She also plays regional cricket in the United Kingdom for Lancashirebased Thunder, whose set-up she described as "way better than the structure that was with West Indies cricket for years".

"This is basically me right now, playing in franchise," she says. "I'm still looking to achieve just what I wanted to achieve when I was playing West Indies cricket, to be the best in the world, to be like one of those number one players to be reckoned with.

"I'm known as the power hitter, and versatile in the field – a good fielder, a bowler that can knock over a couple of people. But I just want to be, to remember the person I am. That's Deandra Dottin, known as the World Boss. Every day is learning a learning curve for me. I'm not too old to learn."

She says she has had "no second thoughts" about retiring from international cricket, calling for better support for West Indies players and improvements in their regional struc-

ture.

"It has a lot to do with the board, how they handle stuff and how they handle players and how they actually speak to players," Dottin said. "Certain people take things different, so it is a lot of work that West Indies cricket will need to be done and I think they need to do it as fast as possible, because it's not going to end well for West Indies cricket or cricket in the Caribbean.

"They need to take a leaf out of Australia and English books, where they have players that when they see potential in them, they develop them from whatever stage they are, so that when they actually get into that senior level, it's like they have played there before.

"You will see a player come into West Indies cricket and then you actually see they disappear. It's probably because of their fitness or whatever the case may be, but in that case, if I'm seeing you struggling with something, then I want to help, I would want to help you in order for you to get better to play West Indies cricket. But my thing is that it's basically like you're getting what you want out of me and then you just throw me aside.

"I don't think that that should be, as players, not even players that actually retire ei-

ther. You should actually show the players respect, because they were once West Indies players and they were once doing well for West Indies cricket, so why take them and disrespect them and just throw them aside like a wet rag?"

Since their 2016 success, West Indies Women have reached the semi-finals of their home T20 World Cup in 2018 and the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand last year, but they failed to reach the knockouts of the T20 tournament in South Africa in February, win ning just two group games, against Ireland and Pakistan.

Shane Deitz, the former South Australia wick etkeeper and Netherlands Women's mentor, was recently ap pointed to take over as Head Coach this month as the team remain in a state of transition.

West Indies are no strangers to losing lead ing players to franchise leagues. Kieron Pollard recently reflected on his own move in that direction more than 10 years ago amid similar concerns over the limitations of interna tional cricket. And Dottin acknowledges that while franchise cricket is now providing unprecedented opportunities for female players, primarily established ones, it puts pressure on national organisations to ensure their pathways remain attractive. The Women’s Premier League (WPL), providing the game's biggest pay day for women by far, is a case in point.

"The WIPL is a big thing," Dottin says. "You've seen the draft, how players get draft-

ed and the kind of money they got drafted for, but even domestic players for India they actually got drafted too. So, if it is that players can get themselves in that draft and hopefully get picked, then they will be like ‘well, if I can get picked in the WPL, if I can get picked in the WBBL, if I can get picked in the Hundred, then why would I play West Indies cricket?’ I don't know where West Indies stands financially, but this point, financially, I put aside. The structure and the respect and the for the players is not there."

Dottin's own planned stint with Gujarat Giants in the first edition of the WPL ended before it began in what she describes as a misunderstanding over her medical status. Having sought treatment for an abdominal complaint at the end of last year, she was ordered to rest as part of her recovery and says she "did gain a couple of pounds" and found her return to match fitness challenging.

Gujarat, who had bought her at auction for INR 60 lakh (US$73,000 approximately at the time) replaced her with Australian all-rounder Kim Garth before their first game saying she was "recovering from a medical situation", later clarifying that they had been unable to obtain medical clearance in time for Dottin to play, which she disputed in a lengthy statement on Twitter.

Her experience echoed that of Lizelle Lee and Dane van Niekerk, who ended their international careers with South

Africa over fitness concerns and now, like Dottin, are focusing on franchise leagues. Despite that, Dottin is looking forward to returning to the WPL next year and confirmed that she would re-enter the auction. But she also backed calls for a re-think on fitness benchmarks.

"Everybody's different so you still have to take in consideration what standard do you give someone to run a beep test or what standard to give someone to run a yo-yo test because you know their condition and you know how their body is going to react," she says. "It just needs to be re-looked at for some players.

"If you can work with a player and be patient enough to work with that player in order to get them where you think that they can get, then I think that's even better than just giving them, 'yeah, you need to run 20 and if you don't run 20 then you're dropped'. It just needs to be reconsidered."

Now, Dottin says she is in a "good place" and looking forward to the future.

"There's a lot for me to gain, there's a lot for me to offer and there's a lot for me to experience and give of my experience," she says. "But mentally I'm actually in a good place. Physically I'm in a better place than I was in January. I've been working really hard on my fitness, so I can basically say that I'm getting back on track to be where I used to be in terms of fitness.

"My hope is to get in all the franchises around the world. I know I need to give myself a little break at times, but right now cricket is what I love, so I think it's just a matter of me managing myself and getting in all those franchises around the world… continue to travel the world doing what I love and playing that cricket." (ESPNcricinfo)

Fitness Express’s Jamie McDonald makes a presentation to GAPLF President Franklin Wilson

Former West Indies Women’s player Deandra Dottin

CONCACAF Nations League…

Strength & conditioning major part of Golden Jaguars preparations

…with addition of South African Coach

Story and photoS By Jemima holmeS

Referred to as the “Rolls Royce of Fitness”, South African Strength and Conditioning trainer Riedoh Berdien is up for an extended stint with Guyana’s senior men’s national football team.

Berdien is not a total stranger to the Golden Jaguars, having worked with the team previously and most recently, during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup preliminaries.

With the CONCACAF Nations League 2023/2024 fast approaching, Berdien will play an integral role in whipping the Golden Jaguars into shape, as they compete in League B.

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, Berdien divulged on the necessity of his inclusion and the importance of strength and conditioning in the national team’s packed schedule.

“It’s very, very important, of course, ‘cause conditioning is obviously a key factor for a football player to maintain his

injury prevention and also to have the physical demands of football and to the playing style that is needed at international levels. So, I think the conditioning part plays a huge role within the national team set-up, and proper conditioning,” the Strength and Conditioning Coach shared.

He added, “You have to have a conditioning method that is football specific, that is specific to the playing style, the genetics of the team for example. So, I think a core element of the whole method is basically the conditioning is top notch.”

Berdien emphasised the

importance of strength and conditioning for such a packed international calendar in the space of three months, saying, “It’s a big challenge. Like you said, it’s six competitive games in a short space of time and that’s why I think these camps are so important, for the coach to have a look at the team and for us to assess how well the team is being conditioned, what levels they’re at and where we can actually improve them to be at the international level.

“Our aim is, obviously, to go into the next league and I believe we can do that with good physical preparation, football science needed as well, trying to get stuck into the players, you know, let them get into a routine and I, then I think we can be successful in the six games,” the Coach went on to opine.

Quizzed about where the team was at prior to his addition and where he hopes to take them, Berdien shared that there was a wealth of potential in the Golden Jaguars set-up.

Berdien explained, “Like I always say, you know, fitness is a process and this part is

Republic Bank Ltd Nationwide Inter-Club

Super50 tournament…

Lusignan, Golden Grove, Tucber Park storm to huge wins

Under-23 cricket action continued across the country on Wednesday, with another round of games in the Republic Bank Limited Nationwide Inter-Club Super50 tournament.

Lusignan beat Enterprise by nine wickets. Lusignan wrapped up their win in convincing fashion, strolling to 90 for 1 in pursuit of Enterprise’s 85 all out. Lawrence Pellew (28), Ravindra Samaroo (25*) and Robin Williams (32*) made light work of the run chase.

Enterprise bowling saw only Pardesh Kissoon returning 1-13, as his team struggled before being bowled out for under 100, with him being the top scorer with 18 not out. Neeran Bani (4-8), along with Chetram Balgobin (212) and Munesh Outar (2-10), helped set up a smooth win for Lusignan.

Golden Grove beat Buxton by 174 runs. Golden Grove scored a massive 262 all out batting first, with Dominique Glasgow (97) and F Mohammed (54) cracking

fifties along with 30 for Kelon Stephens.

Bowling for Buxton was led by Reyaz Latif (4-32) and T Dick (2-27), but their team slid to 88 all out after Stephens returned to snare six wickets for Golden Grove.

In Berbice, Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) registered a huge 173-run victory over East Bank Blazers at Jai Hind Ground. Batting first after winning the toss, TPCC racked up 340-9 off 40 overs.

Ricardo Ramdeholl topscored with 71, former national Under-19 player Abdul Ramsammy made 58 and

just the beginning of this process. We met up in Bermuda, obviously trying to assess the players, having players from abroad and the local based players. Basically, it’s not at the level where we would want it to be and where it can be, there’s a lot of potential here in Guyana, there’s a lot of potential to succeed and to grow as a football nation.

“I think now this part is just the start of the process from the conditioning method.”

The Coach also touched on the disparity in fitness levels between the team’s local and foreign based players, expressing an intention to bridge that gap.

“Look, when it comes to conditioning it’s not only one person, it’s myself and obviously the coaches that work together and try to improve the players from a physical standpoint as well. With re-

gard to the level of conditioning, of course there is a difference between the abroad players and the local-based players. I think that’s got to do with the league that they obviously play in, the standard of training sessions, the intensity of the games, so, that’s normal everywhere else as well,” he related to this publication.

Berdien further stated, “We’re just trying to bridge that gap where we’re trying to

improve the local-based players to make them more football specific and obviously try to blend everybody in and then try to reach success as a team.”

The Golden Jaguars are in Group D of League B alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Puerto Rico and The Bahamas. The national team are scheduled to play their first game against Antigua on September 9.

One Guyana Basketball Tournament continues tomorrow

The action goes down at the National Gymnasium as the One Guyana Basketball Tournament commences day three on Saturday, August 26, 2023 with three exhilarating games.

Dilchan Mc Donald made 49. F Mingo had four wickets for East Bank Blazers. East Bank Blazers in reply made 167 all out off 38 overs with Julian Benneth narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century by just one run. He top-scored with 99. Ramdeholl returned with the ball to take three wickets while Leon Swammy and Ramsammy had two wickets apiece.

The RBL Nationwide Under-23 Super50 tournament was set to continue Thursday with several matches in Georgetown.

The Kwakwani Untouchables will come up against the Guyana Defence Force at 17:00h followed by Cummings Lodge Bounty Colts coming up against Cummings Lodge UG Trojans at 19:00h.

Then at 21:00h, South Ruimveldt Mambas will battle the Plaisance Guardians – one of the most anticipated clashes. The tournament will see 14 teams divided into two conferences, the Harpy Eagle Conference and the Jaguar Conference, with a projected 56 to 63 games.

The tournament will see the teams from the Jaguar Conference and Harpy Eagle Conference playing

the teams within their conference twice with the top four teams qualifying for the play-offs. The number one-ranked team play the team ranked fourth and the number two team play the third-ranked team.

The winners of the playoff games will then advance to their Conference Finals, where they will play the best two-of-three games to determine who advance to the national finals.

The teams of the Jaguar Conference are

Stabroek Eagles, Leonora D-UP Rising Stars, Cummingsburg Bounty Colts, Lamaha Park/ Springs Pepsi Sonics, Bagotstown/Prospect Kobras, Cummings Lodge and UG Trojans.

The Harpy Eagles Conference squads are the Kitty/Campbellville Ravens, South Ruimveldt Mambas, Plaisance Guardians, Guyana Defence Force, Wortmanville/Werken-Rust Pacesetters, North Ruimveldt Caimans and Kwakwani Untouchables.

The winning team would receive $1 million along with trophies, while the runners-up would receive $500,000 plus trophies.

The Tournament was made possible by sponsorship from the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry; G-Boats Guyana; National Sports Commission, Guyana Basketball Federation, and Georgetown Basketball Federation.

Riedoh Berdien

A look at the Golden Jaguars training camp as they began preparations for the CONCACAF Nations League 2023/2024

Kelon Stephens Reyaz Latiff

A glimpse of what to expect

Motie, Hope power Guyana Amazon Warriors to 1st win in CPL 2023

By Brandon Corlette

Atop-class bowling effort from West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie and a batting masterclass from Shai Hope led the Guyana Amazon Warriors to their first win of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Playing at the Warner Park in St Kitts, Warriors recorded a 65-run victory that helped them etch their name in the history books, as the most successful team in the CPL, in terms of matches won overall.

In pursuit of Warriors’ 1977, Patriots lost Andre Fletcher for one off Romario Shepherd, at 7-1 after 1.3 overs. Joshua Da Silva (10) struck one into the air and was removed by the dashing Keemo Paul at 28-2 in 4.3 overs.

Evin Lewis and Ambati

Izharulhaq Naveed.

Chandrapaul Hemraj looked uncomfortable to the swing of Sheldon Cottrell. He was trapped at the crease for a duck at 2-1. Saim Ayub looked established and free in his strokeplay. He slammed three fours and two sixes on his way to 31 from 17 balls. However, he played one shot too many as he was bowled by Dominic Drakes at 35-2 in 4.2 overs. Motie showed skill and great control to rip the heart out of the Patriots chase, as he finished with 4-29 from four overs, including 11 dot balls, his career-best figures. Patriots were bowled out for 132 from 16.5 overs. Tahir chipped in with 2-35.

Azam Khan struck two fours in his nine, but he was set-up by Oshane Thomas and edged one to short third-man.

nated the bowling and after 10 overs, Warriors were poised for a big total at 101-3. The classy Barbadian player reached his fifty in 26 balls. In an exhibition of power and skill, Hope slammed four sixes and three fours in his 32-ball 54. He was bowled all ends up by leggie Naveed.

Hope and Hetmyer added 74 runs together for the fourth wicket. At 124-4 after 13 overs, Paul joined Hetmyer. Thomas then induced Hetmyer into a slash and he was caught at deep point for 26 from 22 balls. He struck a solitary four and lone six in his innings.

After Hetmyer was removed, Patriots clawed back

with more wickets, but Paul and Shepherd slammed 25 runs each to propel Warriors to 197-7 in 20 overs. Shepherd was unbeaten on 25 from 10 balls, slamming two sixes and two fours. Oshane Thomas had 3-38 in his four overs.

The tournament will continue tomorrow, Saturday, August 26 with two matches. St Lucia Kings will play Trinbago Knight Riders from 10:00h while St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will play Barbados Royals from 19:00h. Warriors will play their next game on Sunday, August 27 against Jamaica Tallawahs at 10:00h local time at Warner Park, St Kitts.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Amazon Warriors (20 ovs maximum)

Saim Ayub

b Drakes 31

Chandrapaul Hemraj lbw

b Cottrell 0

Shai Hope

b Izharulhaq Naveed 54

Azam Khan † c Rutherford

b Thomas 9

Rayudu survived the powerplay, with Patriots posting 372. The duo added 55 runs for the third wicket, with Lewis dominating, slamming Imran Tahir for 21 runs in an over.

Guyana’s top spinner Motie was also taken for a six, but his

skill was on show, as he mesmerised Lewis and found the edge. Lewis made a destructive 48 from 24 balls, an innings which had six maximums and one four.

At 83-3 in 8.3 overs, Patriots were on course as Sherfane Rutherford joined Rayudu. Then, the Guyanese

Rutherford found the deep fielder and was dismissed for three as Tahir got redemption. At the halfway stage, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots were 88-4.

Earlier, Patriots won the toss and opted to field first. Warriors remained unchanged for this encounter, while Patriots went into this match with an extra spinner in

Compliments of

Warriors were reduced to 50-3 in 5.4 overs.

Hope was joined by Shimron Hetmyer, and at the power play, Warriors were 59-3 in six overs. Hope flexed his muscle, capitalising on the free hit and looked organised.

Hetmyer was dropped on four at deep mid-wicket by Corbin Bosch off left-arm spinner George Linde. Hope domi-

Shimron Hetmyer c Fletcher

b Thomas 26

Keemo Paul c sub (KHM James)

b Thomas 25

Dwaine Pretorius c Cottrell

b Drakes 10

Romario Shepherd not out 25

Odean Smith not out 5

Extras (b 1, lb 2, nb 1, w 8) 12

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.85) 197/7

Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Chandrapaul Hemraj, 0.6 ov), 2-35 (Saim Ayub, 4.2 ov), 3-50 (Azam Khan, 5.4 ov), 4-124 (Shai Hope, 12.6 ov),

5-126 (Shimron Hetmyer, 13.3 ov), 6-150 (Dwaine Pretorius, 16.2 ov), 7-185 (Keemo Paul, 19.1 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Sheldon Cottrell 4-0-52-1

Oshane Thomas 4-0-38-3

Corbin Bosch 3-0-26-0

Dominic Drakes 4-0-43-2

George Linde 2-0-13-0

Izharulhaq Naveed 3-0-22-1

St Kitts And Nevis Patriots (T: 198 runs from 20 ovs)

Andre Fletcher c Hetmyer

b Shepherd 1

Evin Lewis (c)c †Azam Khan

b Motie

Joshua Da Silva †c Hope

b Paul

Ambati Rayudu

b Motie

Sherfane Rutherford c Paul

b Imran Tahir

Dominic Drakes c Saim Ayub

b Smith

Corbin Bosch

b Motie

Kofi James

b Motie

Sheldon Cottrell

b Imran Tahir

Izharulhaq Naveed c Hetmyer

b Pretorius

Oshane Thomas not out

Extras (b 1, lb 3, nb 1, w 6) 11

TOTAL 16.5 Ov (RR: 7.84) 132 Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Andre Fletcher, 1.3 ov), 2-28 (Joshua Da Silva, 4.3 ov), 3-83 (Evin Lewis, 8.3 ov), 4-88 (Sherfane Rutherford, 9.3 ov), 5-104 (Dominic Drakes, 11.3 ov), 6-114 (Ambati Rayudu, 12.4 ov), 7-125 (Corbin Bosch, 14.1 ov), 8-126 (Kofi James, 14.5 ov), 9-126 (Sheldon Cottrell, 15.1 ov), 10132 (Izharulhaq Naveed, 16.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Dwaine Pretorius 2.5-0-12-1

Romario Shepherd 2-0-14-1

Keemo Paul 2-0-25-1

Odean Smith 2-0-13-1

Imran Tahir 4-0-35-2

Gudakesh Motie 4-0-29-4

Saim Ayub showed promise yet again with the bat

Chandrapaul Hemraj was removed for a duck

Hope and Shimron Hetmyer added 74 runs together

Guyanese fans were present at Warner Park

Oshane Thomas sent back Azam Khan

Keemo Paul celebrates after taking a wicket