Young Guyanese singer uses music to champion men’s mental health
Lusignan Prison upgrades New block for high-profile inmates to tackle violence, gang formation – OIC
“I buy it from Berbice to sell” – gold miner caught with ganja tells cops
US$1.7B “One Guyana” FPSO earmarked for 4th Exxon project 75% completed …debunks APNU/AFC claims of overloaded FPSOs Govt closely monitoring Exxon oil production increases – Min Bharrat
…Dutch shipbuilder also reports Jaguar FPSO 25% complete
World must confront Maduro’s ‘campaign of terror’, Venezuelan opposition leader Woman’s body found in trench at Eccles dumpsite road
Bartica businessman arrested over theft of fuel, groceries
CDB, IDB announce 4 new graduate scholarships in public procurement Cemetery Road to be fully completed today
The Public Works Ministry is carrying out remedial work on sections of the Linden-to-Lethem trail, including Corkwood, Bush Mouth, and Maipa Range (Office of the President photos)
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday August 12, 2024 at 08:40hrs - 10:10hrs and Tuesday August 13, 2024 at 9:40 - 11:10hrs.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Guyana’s contributions to food security unparalleled in Caribbean
The advances being made in Guyana towards achieving food security and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) ‘25 by 2025’ vision, have been hailed by President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dennis Francis, who has touted Guyana’s unparalleled contributions to food security in the region.
Francis made these remarks during his visit to Guyana, following a tour of the National Agriculture and Research Institute (NAREI) alongside with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and other top officials. Francis had also met with President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, during which agriculture was one of the topics discussed.
“We discussed the Caricom policy of 25 by 25, whereby 25 per cent of Caricom’s food import bill should be replaced by food grown in this region, with Guyana acting, so to speak, as the food basket given the expanses of land avail-
Caribbean, in Guyana, that will bring about the replacement of food imports from all over the world.”
“And much of it, being driven, by young people. Who are now being attracted into agriculture. Because they understand it’s a change. A ca-
12 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Overall, as much as 30 per cent of the targets set for food security have also been achieved.
Other agricultural-related achievements were taken note of during the meeting, including the devel-
able in Guyana. A parallel of which exists nowhere else in the Caribbean,” Francis said, during a press conference on Saturday.
“So, working together, Caricom countries in conjunction with Guyana to boost food production in this region, as a means of dealing with regional food insecurity. You all should be aware that global food insecurity is a major issue.”
Reeling off the statistics, Francis noted that as a consequence of wars, global food supply chains have been disrupted. This has resulted in food prices escalating all over the world. At present, he explained, there are 900 million who suffer from acute food insecurity, with millions more who are food insecure.
The UNGA president also lauded the role Guyana is playing in being the agent of change in the region and leading the advancements in technology and agriculture techniques. He noted that agriculture has been revolutionised, so that it differs greatly from the agriculture of old.
“I visited NAREI this (Saturday) morning. And I was very impressed, to see the work being done there by the Minister and his team. Cutting edge research, making a quantum leap in terms of food production in the
reer in agriculture is not necessarily what it was, for their grandparents,” he explained.
Agri advances
From mechanisation to other innovative practices, Francis observed that youths have many options to choose from and be able to make a lucrative living from the agriculture sector. Then there is the aspect of value-added production, something the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has been piloting.
“Because as you add value up the chain, you can charge higher prices. So rather than exporting it as fresh produce, maybe if you process it and can it, you add value. All very encouraging developments. I was very pleased and impressed with what I saw this morning. And I want to commend the Government and people of Guyana and encourage them.”
“This region hemorrhages a lot of scarce foreign exchange, financing the importation of food. And that foreign exchange can be used for other, important things that we need to spend money on in this region,” Francis said.
It was recently revealed at the 47th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting that CARICOM States collectively reduced their food imports by
opment of a Regional Youth in Agriculture Strategy and the launch of the Regional Economic Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP) on July 26, 2024. These were recognised as positive steps towards building resilience and production.
Only recently, the
Government launched a programme that would see 100 acres of land being offered to young people who have either completed studies or are currently pursuing studies at the University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) to work on farmsteads and develop agribased businesses.
Not long after this announcement, President Ali had also signalled the impending launch of a bold homestead agriculture programme that would see single mothers being provided with low-income homes that will come with permanent crops and shade houses, maximising their earning potential and aiding Guyana’s food security agenda. Guyana is currently chairing the Caricom Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security. Vision 25 by 2025 aims for the Caribbean to achieve a 25 per cent reduction in the Region’s food import bill by 2025. Owing to the Region’s dependency on imported foods, it faces hardships when disruptions to the supply chain occur. (G3)
NAREI CEO Jagnarine Singh (left) explaining the institute’s work to UNGA President Dennis Francis (centre) during his visit on Saturday. To the right is Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
Ever since the PNC government signed on to the IMF Structural Adjustment Program in 1989, we have been enmeshed in a neoliberal paradigm that has become “common sense”. However, with its failure in the US that promulgated it as the “Washington Consensus” and their willingness to make fundamental changes in some of its premises, it behooves us to rethink the bequeathed model. The following is one critique based on human rights by Iona Cable of the London School of Economics.
“The human rights framework is heralded as an emancipatory apparatus to promote equality, peace, and representation, based on the assumption that all humans have certain unalienable rights by virtue of being born. Belief in the inherent goodness of human rights has preserved the notion that this framework exists in a celestial vacuum, unsullied by global hierarchies. On the contrary, rights are deeply embedded in power structures, and the perception that they are neutral disguises their role in the perpetuation of injustice. Human rights language has been used to globally disseminate neoliberal economic policies which maintain inequality, forcing postcolonial states into the global market and prohibiting development. Can human rights be redeemed?
Neoliberalism holds that the global competitive market would be the most effective method to ensure international economic harmony, and therefore the role of government was confined to creating and defending markets. There is an emphasis on individual responsibility based on the belief that if everyone has unimpeded access to the market, everyone would benefit equally from it. These neoliberal ideas spread through the West and became the central principle of political and economic government.
The human rights framework emerged following the Second World War, with the creation of the UN and the signing of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and is based on principles such as freedom, equality, and peace. Neoliberals, predominantly Western leaders and economists, were wary of this framework, as they viewed it as a potential threat to the global economic order. Hayek criticised the UDHR for including social and economic rights, arguing that no declaration of rights should guarantee a standard of material welfare. Historian Quinn Slobodian suggests that, “rather than reject human rights outright, the neoliberal tendency has been to undermine social democratic interpretations of human rights and international law while simultaneously co-opting them to cover clearly capitalist prerogatives”.
This co-option of rights was particularly pervasive during the period of decolonisation, when many states were emerging from colonial domination, and had been economically bankrupted by their rulers. Neoliberals saw the potential for postcolonial states to employ the framework of human rights to pursue economic equality and redistribution of resources, and they sought to create a global economic order that would curtail these demands. They reformed certain rights to fit their agenda; for example, the right to economic equality was construed as the right to preserve unequal wealth in the face of demands for redistribution. As political theorist Jessica Whyte argues in her book “The Morals of the Market: Human Rights and the Rise of Neoliberalism”: “The language of human rights offered them a means to legitimise transformative interventions and subject postcolonial states to universal standards aimed at protecting the international market.” The expansion of the human rights regime internationally has assisted in globalising this economic system, in which some states continue to benefit from the exploitation of others.
The global dissemination of neoliberal values is also prevalent in the sphere of development and foreign aid. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) promoted “Structural Adjustment Programs” (SAPs) from the early 1980s, purportedly with the goal of promoting stability and economic growth. Through the SAPs, countries receiving foreign aid from the World Bank and the IMF were required to minimise the role of the state, privatise state enterprises, and implement fiscal austerity and trade liberalisation. Receipt of foreign aid was therefore dependent on the introduction of neoliberal economic policies that benefitted rich countries and further bankrupted poorer nations, forcing those countries to become reliant on imports from abroad and thus perpetuating poverty and dependency.”
Guyana now has the wherewithal to extricate itself from this “matrix”.
After all these days of hate and
violence
in the UK, we must find a way to live together well
By Justin WelBy
Across the UK, communities have been left horrified by the violent scenes in our towns and cities, with most of us reduced to murmuring inadequate truisms: rioting is bad; Law and order is good; Be nice to people. The trouble with such statements is that they contain just enough truth to inoculate you against the real thing.
The violence across England and Northern Ireland in recent days does contain common features: it is racist; it targets ethnic minorities; it is anti-Muslim, anti-refugee and anti-asylum seeker; it was detonated by lies and fuelled by deliberate misinformation, and was spread quickly online by bad actors with malignant motivations.
The lies and misinformation flourished in fertile ground cultivated by years of rhetoric from some of our press and politicians, arriving at a point where some felt emboldened to try to set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers, and targetting mosques.
How then do we begin to find a way forward to dis-
mantle these divisive and violent forces, and instead pursue a path towards peace? Brave statements and great announcements do not propagate peace; peace is achieved through painstaking meetings and with careful plans developed in one place and piloted in another, requiring time to change things.
Some short-term responses are simple: Rioting is wrong; the riots (don’t dignify them with the treasured word “protest”) are criminal, and must be controlled. Despising others is wrong; disagreeing is healthy, and being disagreed with can be strengthening, unless it is underpinned by hatred and violence.
It is fundamental that free speech, freedom of worship, and the right to peaceful protest must be protected. When freedom of religion and belief is forbidden to many around the world, it is important that we defend these things as a matter of policy – and encourage religious literacy in education and in government, to equip people to live in a faith-filled world.
Atheism or agnosticism are choices people may
make, as are the different faiths, but no choice is an excuse for ignorance of others. And to remove any doubt, the Christian iconography that has been exploited by the far right is an offence to our faith and all that Jesus was and is. Let me say clearly now to Christians that they should not be associated with any far-right group, because those groups are unchristian. Let me say clearly now to other faiths, especially Muslims, that we denounce people misusing such imagery as fundamentally antichristian.
Against the backdrop of racism and violence, some of the most powerful scenes after the riots have included an imam in Liverpool bringing food to a small group of far-right rioters, and engaging in conversation, bravely crossing boundaries to demonstrate shared humanity and defusing tensions in the process.
In Southport, a group of bricklayers helped to rebuild a mosque that had been vandalised. And in Sunderland, a Church of England chaplain worked with international students to clear away debris after
an evening of joining with others to shield the minister from damage. He then escorted Black nurses to their work in a nearby hospital in the face of violent threats.
We must develop and cherish these examples of civic virtue that have been counter-messages to those of the mob.
The philosophical turn to the self has been an enormous gift to the development of ideas in every section of knowledge, but it does not necessarily help us build communal life. Jesus told stories of people such as the good Samaritan, or the prodigal son. At the heart of His teaching was a message to love God and love your neighbour; not in an emotional way, but in a tough, practical, actively seeking the flourishing of others way. And “neighbour”, to Jesus, did not just mean those living next door “like us”, but instead extended to those who were different, even ancient enemies.
This country has shown at times that it is capable of that embrace of difference.
Families of new soldiers celebrating with them at Base Camp Ayanganna after the completion of the Basic Recruit Specialisation Course 2024-01 (GDF photos)
Govt should be managing the city; it is time for a change!
Dear Editor,
Kindly permit me an opportunity to respond to a letter published on August 11, 2024 under the caption “President could achieve more for city by collaborating with council.”
I wish to start by clarifying that President Dr Irfaan Ali has demonstrated leadership that none has ever dreamed of. His on-theground approach has shifted the mindset that being a president is merely ceremonial. This attitude is transferred to all cabinet members, and by extension to the country, promoting the belief that hard work equates to success.
The M&CC has sole responsibility for managing the affairs of the markets,
as cleansing fees and stall rents are collected regularly. Like any owner-tenant agreement, certain services are expected, with security being a top priority.
However, the provision of security in the markets by the M&CC is grossly inadequate. This is evident in the many break-and-enter reports tabled at the Council’s Legal Affairs and Security Committee meetings, which are often chaired by Mr. Saul, as well as by reports in the widely circulated newspapers. As a result, the Guyana Police Force has signalled its intention to assist the City Constabulary in securing the markets. Even stall owners have expressed their willingness to hire private security, but
under the stewardship of Mayor Mentore, the M&CC has not taken action, and has instead procrastinated, as it does with many other issues.
It is clear that Guyana’s recent crime wave has decreased for several simple but significant reasons: more job opportunities, community-building efforts by the Guyana Police Force, increased disposable income, higher salaries; and, most importantly, the hope and faith reinstated by the Government’s programmes and policies.
This Government is not known for hiding from realities and responsibilities; rather, it confronts issues head-on and seeks solutions. Stricter measures are
being implemented to curb any chance of corruption, unlike what Mr. Saul’s party is known for — "shifting blame."
As Chairman of the Finance Committee, Mr. Saul should be ashamed to mention the responsibilities of the M&CC, as none is being fulfilled, and all are instead being shouldered by the Government.
Although you may continue to hear cries for financial assistance from the Government under the Fiscal Transfer Act, it is sad to say the M&CC doesn’t qualify to receive it, because it has not audited its finances for the last six years. However, audits have started this year, due to the strong advocacy of PPP/C
Safeguard the rights of all young people in Guyana
Dear Editor,
On the occasion of International Youth Day, August 12, SASOD Guyana calls attention to the importance of safeguarding the rights of all young people in Guyana and the Americas region, including their rights to life, bodily autonomy, and safe working environments in every industry.
In the early hours of July 11, 2024, Coil Bottle, a 27-year-old transgender sex worker whose given name is Shawn Simon Hooper, was executed in downtown Georgetown. Currently, two of the alleged perpetrators have been charged and are before the courts. Despite this, there is said to be at least a third perpetrator
allegedly involved in the killing, who is yet to be arrested and charged; while the motive behind the shocking murder remains unclear.
It is vital that a full and comprehensive investigation is conducted by the Guyana Police Force, that the prosecution of this case is professional and sound, and that the judicial process is free from bias and prejudice.
While there have been many documented cases of violence against young sexual and gender minorities in Guyana over the past decade, this is a rare case in which the alleged perpetrators have been clearly identified. If justice is not properly administered in this case,
this could motivate more bad actors to commit similar crimes against marginalised youths, including LGBTIQ+ youths, and young sex workers in Guyana. Justice must be served as a deterrent to acts of targeted violence against marginalised youths and other vulnerable groups in Guyana.
SASOD Guyana also takes this opportunity to applaud the Organization of American States (OAS) for the creation of the role of Commissioner for the Rights of Sex Workers and the appointment of Gloria Angélica Careaga Peréz on August 6, 2024. This groundbreaking move highlights the commitment of the OAS to protecting the rights of sex work -
ers across the Americas region. Gloria Careaga is a social psychologist, LGBTIQA+ activist, and feminist advocate from Mexico. On her appointment, she emphasised that “sex work is a job that can be recognised as being as worthy as any other, and this must be our task.”
SASOD Guyana will engage Commissioner Peréz in her mandate to collect and report information on the situation of the rights of sex workers, and submit recommendations to the OAS Secretary General to address these findings.
Let’s build more of those bonds, learning from those in riot-hit areas, such as the imam in Liverpool and the chaplain in Sunderland, who have shown us a better way. This difficult path towards living well together means setting the foundations for reconciliation. Rather than the idea of a quick fix or a warm hug after disagreement, reconciliation is the long and often painful process of addressing injustice, careful research into the deep-rooted causes of division, and facing uncomfortable truths. It requires enormous care, where the misuse of privilege and power are put aside
and we turn outwards to one another as the starting block of building a flourishing community.
We cannot do these things accidentally. We can do them if we focus and work with real intent together; and we must do this work to achieve a better future, rooted in the common good and in solidarity. That means no preferences, except on the basis of need. It means good housing, health and education for marginalised communities in our urban centres and former mill towns, as well as on the coasts and in the outer estates. Because, let us make no mistake, those communities left behind in our country’s race
to growth reflect the rich and precious diversity that is our nation today. It will involve serious conversations about what it means to live together well, knowing we share lots in common: streets, schools, universities, workplaces, media, as well as our fundamental hu-
manity. Embracing the opportunities and challenges offered by living in such a diverse country is a task for all of us, and it is clear from the last few weeks that that work is long overdue. (The Guardian)
(Justin Welby is the Archbishop of Canterbury)
Councillors. It’s not rocket science to raise awareness among defaulting ratepayers to pay their taxes. We have demand notices that can be sent out, and we have social media, newspapers, etc; more importantly, Chapter 28:01 guides the Council on the steps to be taken in the case of default ratepayers. But it’s the will to change and improve that is often lacking. Sometimes, as a Councillor, I feel it’s sabotage to blame the Government for the current state of the M&CC, especially since they had the opportunity to fix issues during 2015-2020 but neglected to do so.
The M&CC currently owes the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Power and Light, and Guyana Water Inc., all of which are government agencies. Therefore, the figures would essentially offset the other, making it clear that Mr. Saul is being duplicitous in painting a misleading narrative. As the Finance Chair, he should be more concerned about deducting PAYE from M&CC staff but not remitting same to the Guyana Revenue Authority, which is a criminal act.
It must be noted that, before the placement of a police outpost at the Bourda Market, the M&CC was
consulted via the Clerk of Markets, Chief Constable, market vendors, and the Town Clerk to ascertain the most efficient and strategic area.
Waste disposal practices lie solely with the M&CC. It is the Council's job to inform generators of expected practices when disposing of their garbage, advising businesses of the Council’s standards by equipping themselves with receptacles, studying the specific needs based on the status quo, and enforcing littering bylaws in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force. Engaging the business community to assist in constant public awareness by forming an alliance is essential, but none of this is being done due to a lack of will; there is more talk than action. When will the APNUled Council take responsibility for the city? It seems all too easy to blame the Government or call for collaboration on every single issue. What capabilities do the M&CC actually possess? It is clear that the government of the day should be managing the city; it is time for a change!
Regards, Steven Jacobs Councillor – M&CC
Page Foundation
Line segments and rays
A line segment is a specific part of a line. It ends at two identified points.
A line segment is named by its two end points. Segment AB = Segment BA. AB = BA
A ray is a part of a line that extends from a specific point in only one direction. The specific point of a ray is called a vertex or an endpoint. However, to identify a ray, you must use one other letter along the line’s path.
Exercises: Solve
1) For the figure below, call the point of intersection O. List all the line segments in the figure that would be created by joining the points with straight lines
Bug life
Some insects, like dragonflies, grasshoppers, earwigs, and crickets, don’t go through a complete metamorphosis. They have a three-stage life cycle.
In incomplete metamorphosis, they start as an egg and then, in stage two, they become a nymph. A nymph is a young insect that hatches from an egg and is similar to an adult, but smaller, and without wings.
Over time, the nymph grows into an adult. It may grow wings, like a dragonfly (shown below), and it can reproduce. That’s stage three.
2) For the figure below, count how many line segments there are. Do not include line segments that contain another point. For example, the line segment CF contains the point G.
By RoBeRt BRowning FERRARA.
That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, Looking as if she were alive.I call That piece a wonder, now: Fr Pandolf’s hands Worked busily a day, and there she stands. Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said ``Fr Pandolf’’ by design, for never read Strangers like you that pictured countenance, The depth and passion of its earnest glance, But to myself they turned (since none puts by The curtain I have drawn for you, but I) And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst, How such a glance came there; so, not the first Are you to turn and ask thus.Sir, ‘twas not Her husband’s presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek: perhaps Fr Pandolf chanced to say ``Her mantle laps ``Over my lady’s wrist too much,’’ or ``Paint ``Must never hope to reproduce the faint ``Half-flush that dies along her throat:’’ such stuff Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough For calling up that spot of joy.She had A heart---how shall I say?---too soon made glad, To be continued
WORD SEARCH:
Ray RS does not equal Ray SR, because the first point named in a ray shows the vertex, and Ray SR goes in the opposite direction of Ray RS.
Govt closely monitoring Exxon oil production increases – Min Bharrat
…debunks APNU/AFC claims of overloaded FPSOs
The government has debunked erroneous claims from the parliamentary opposition that the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels are operating above their capacity, noting that any increases are not only closely monitored, but also catered for in production licenses.
Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament David Patterson had submitted questions for written reply to the National Assembly, in which he alleged that the Liza Destiny, Unity and Prosperity FPSO’s were exceeding their operating limits for oil production.
Nothing could be further from the truth, however, with Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat making it clear in his response that the Environmental Permits, some of which were implemented under Patterson’s former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition Government itself, permitted these increases.
“It was under the previous administration that the Liza Phase One ESIA was approved for a maximum production rate of 144,000 barrels per day for the Liza Destiny FPSO
vessel. This has since been further bolstered by additional studies required by the EPA to assess the impacts of higher production at Destiny.”
“Minister Bharrat also noted that it was the APNU+AFC regime of which Patterson was involved that approved the Liza Phase 2 ESIA with a maximum production rate of 300,000 barrels per day for the Liza Unity FPSO,” a statement from the Natural Resources Ministry said.
Additionally, the ministry pointed out that the Payara Environmental Studies and Impact Assessment (ESIA) approved by the PPP/C, had allowed for a maxi -
mum production rate of 264,000 barrels of oil per day from the Prosperity FPSO. Prosperity had an initial production capacity of around 220,000 barrels of oil per day.
“It is surprising that inaccurate statements can be boldly declared (by Patterson). Even more so, when the ESIAs and their respective Environmental Permits were not only subject to public consultation but also published online,” Minister Bharrat was quoted as saying.
Oversight Additionally, Bharrat assured that there are several layers of oversight when it comes to increases to production on
Woman’s body found in trench at Eccles dumpsite road
The partially decomposed body of an unidentified woman was discovered on Saturday, floating in a trench near the Eccles Dumpsite Road on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).
According to police reports, at about 15:00h on Saturday, a call was received from the Police 911 Hotline and the caller reported that a body was floating in the trench at Eccles dumpsite road.
In response, police ranks visited the location where they found the partly decomposed body of a female, believed to be of mixed ancestry and between the ages of 30 and 40, floating face-down in
the trench.
The body was fished out and examined by the Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) rank, and what appeared to be blood and water were flowing from her nostrils. The woman’s face was also swollen.
Based on police reports, the body was cladded in long black tights and a grey armless top. She had
on only one-side slippers.
There was no mark of violence seen on the body, the police say.
The body has since been escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting identification and post-mortem examination.
Up to press time, the dead woman remained unidentified. (G8)
the FPSOs. These include oversight from the Natural Resource Minister, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
It was revealed by the ministry that external support has been secured by the Ministry, when it comes to reviewing Exxon’s optimisation increases. The government, Bharrat noted, has a vested interest in safe optimisation since this would benefit all stakeholders, including the Ministry. There is also the fact that
“It must be underscored
Exxon itself closely monitors any optimisation increases, until production is stabilised.
The ministry also noted that production optimisation is a standard practice all across the world, while FPSO’s are designed to accommodate higher production levels. This is to allow for any unpredictability with production.
Further assurances were given that optimisation tests are done to ensure that all components of the FPSO can handle higher production levels. According to Bharrat, this is also done under the close supervision of regulatory agencies.
that approvals and permits would not be issued if our assessments found that the operation pushes any piece of equipment on the FPSO above its operating limits,” Bharrat was quoted in the release.
It was recently announced by ExxonMobil that the shutdown of the Liza Destiny and Unity FPSO vessels, which are necessary to install a pipeline that will be an integral part of delivering gas to the Gasto-Energy (GtE) Project, will be done this quarter.
Earlier this year at a press conference, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair
during the shutdown, the company would also do debottlenecking activities on the Unity FPSOthat is, modifications to allow the vessel to produce above 250,000 barrels of oil per day.
When it comes to the Prosperity FPSO, which services Exxon’s third Payara project, the company has also been eyeing the possibility of increasing production there. Routledge had explained that they were going through reviews with government ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the EPA.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
Debottlenecking will be done on the Liza Unity FPSO in this quarter
AFC MP David Patterson
Routledge had said that
Full Court strikes out local cricketer's lawsuit against GuyanaTimes
The Full Court has overturned a High Court decision against Guyana Times and struck out a defamation lawsuit filed against the newspaper by local cricketer, Keon Joseph.
Back in 2022, Joseph filed the defamation lawsuit against Guyana Times, its editor-in-chief, the Guyana Cricket Board and GCB’s then Chief Selector, Ravindranaught Seeram over an article published in the newspaper.
In the article, Seeram was quoted saying that Joseph was not a “team man” and that his “behavior towards the team as not that great”.
After the lawsuit was filed, Guyana Times, through its lawyers –Attorneys Devindra Kissoon and Natasha Vieira, filed a Notice of Application in April 2023, asking the court to strike out the Statement of Claim (SOC) or alternatively, rule that the meaning of the words complained of, were not capable of having a defamatory meaning or meanings attributed to them.
However, the trial judge, Justice Fidela CorbinLincoln, in a December 6, 2023 decision, refused to grant the application. Hence, the appealed was filed in the Full Court of the High Court.
The thrust of the appeal is that the High Court judge erred by finding that that the words complained of by Joseph or their natural and ordinary meanings were capable of the defamatory meanings as claimed. The Appellants also contended that the judge, in finding that the words complained of were defamatory, erred by applying the International Cricket Code of Conduct for Players (ICCC).
The Full Court was tasked with determining: (1) whether the words complained of
or their natural or ordinary meanings were capable of the defamatory meanings; and (2) whether the judge in determining that the words complained of were capable of the defamatory meanings erred by applying the ICCC.
The appeal was heard by Justices Priya SewnarineBeharry and Sandil Kissoon. On Thursday last, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry delivered the ruling.
In her decision, she cited a 2016 case in which the court gave judicial guidance in determining whether the words complained of bear the meaning(s) pleaded. In applying those principles to this case, Justice SewnarineBeharry found neither the words pleaded nor their natural or ordinary meanings were capable of the defamatory meanings.
“The natural and ordinary meanings of the words complained of were merely the professional opinion of a Chief Selector on the reason for non-selection of a cricket player. This cannot be defamatory since the risk of non-selection is an inevitable part of sporting competition. The words complained of were excerpts from the whole article and were incapable of lowering Joseph’s reputation in the minds of reasonable persons and there was no imputation of incompetence in his profession.”
“Further, no reasonable person would construe the words complained of in their context as conveying the meanings pleaded by the Claimant [Joseph] or conclude that the Claimant’s attitude caused any demise to his team or the cricket games. It is noteworthy that there was no averment in the SOC that Joseph suffered harm which had the tendency to injure him in his profession,” the judge ruled.
According to Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, words which merely injure feelings or cause annoyance but which in no way reflect on the character or reputation or tend to cause one to be shunned or avoided or expose one to ridicule are not actionable as defamation.
“I do not find that the words complained of and/or their natural and ordinary meanings are capable of the defamatory meanings pleaded,” she ruled.
On the issue of applying the ICCC, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry found that the High Court judge ought not to have considered the ICCC but only the words pleaded in the SOC. The ICCC was not pleaded or alluded to by Joseph in the SOC. Further it does not appear that the ICCC was applicable since Article 1.5 of the Code specifically sets
out that the ICCC applies to International Matches or International Tour matches.
The Full Court judge stated that, “Nowhere in the SOC was it pleaded that Joseph was participating in an International Match, International Tour Match or that he was not selected for any ICCC Match. In relying on ICCC, [Justice CorbinLincoln] took into consideration irrelevant matters and fell into error.”
Moreover, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry pointed out that while Joseph relied on innuendo, he failed to provide sufficient particulars of the facts and matters relied on in support of his claim as required. She said there was absolutely nothing in the SOC to support any extended meaning beyond the natural and ordinary meaning of the words complained of.
On this note, the Full Court judge found that the cricketer’s “…claim is frivolous and vexatious” and does not meet the threshold of seriousness as set out in other cases.
In light of these findings, the Court allowed the appeal and set aside Justice CorbinLincoln’s decision.
The Full Court also issued an order, striking out the Statement of Claim of Keon Joseph filed against the Appellants, the Second and Third Respondents. It ordered that “the words complained of are NOT capable of having a meaning or meanings attributed to them in the Statement of Claim” and that “the words complained of are NOT defamatory of the Claimant”.
Joseph was also ordered to pay costs to Guyana Times and the other respondents to the tune of $250,000 each on or before September 16, 2024. Joseph was represented by attorney, Darren Wade.
Spare a thought…
…for Aubrey
There used to be a very potent slogan of the United Negro College Fund: “A mind is a powerful thing to waste”. It was more significant because it referred to the millions of Blacks who were denied higher education in the beginning of the last century in the US. But here, in Guyana, there were open scholarships to Queen’s College – our top institution of secondary learning, from where one could go on to study for the professions in Britain. But it appears there are still a large number of minds that are still wasted – even though they’re thought to be “educated”!!
Take a recent interview of PNC Leader Aubrey Norton on a social media platform – Globespan – that your Eyewitness just read about. He claims he’s being castigated for dropping in at working class drinking spots at Merriman Mall, called “Bam Bam Alley”, and at Plaisance Line Top. He complained: “There are some around who always believe that I shouldn’t be on Orange Walk, Bam Bam Alley, liming; that I shouldn’t be on Plaisance Line Top, and they call out all the places that I shouldn’t be because of their perception of the place. Of course I have a different view; I believe that is where I meet the people, that is where I get information, there is where I link with the people. And so, to me, though there are elements in society who use that as a downside, I believe it has a positive element.”
Why is it that Norton has to explain mixing with ordinary folks? This is due to the miseducation that is transmitted in the education system passed on by the British. Take the question of drinking alcohol: nobody could beat the White planters and their overseers at this. They had their servants – us! – who’d be at their beck and call to serve them with swizzles or other hard liquor after work. They formed “Clubs” – in Georgetown or on the plantations – where they drank themselves senseless every night of the week!!
So, how’s that different from what Norton does? And he’s being criticised by “his own”!! But that’s the point, innit?? The critics don’t see him as “their own”: they see themselves as Black-Brown White men who condemn those who don’t slavishly imitate the Whites!! How dare he drink in the streets, and not in the clubs??
Your Eyewitness remembers middle class Granger castigating those who drink Guiness on the Plaisance Line Top. They shoulda been swirling cognac in the Georgetown Club!!
Even the newspaper report took a snarky line: “Norton gets policy ideas from ‘Bam Bam Alley” and Plaisance Line-Top”!! To them, the ordinary folks are incapable of having ideas that could improve the country!!
They are incapable of thinking!!
…for vestiges
Your Eyewitness has been pleasantly surprised to read that the entity calling itself the “WPA” announced a new executive to get ready for the 2025 elections – with a “presidential candidate” even!! He’s surprised because he knows the fellas involved know about the story of the axe that was so good they gave it a - name “Walter”. If the handle’s changed after wearing out, and then after a while the blade’s changed after THAT gets worn out, it’s still and axe, we know. But is it the SAME axe we knew as ”Walter”?? Your Eyewitness doesn’t think so.
But what the heck?? The fellas in the present incarnation are anxious to use WALTER to bring down the present PPP government – and they’re hoping that all the folks from back in the day who knew of the sharpness of Walter against the then PNC government would rally round it!!
But the question is whether the handle’s made from the same wood and the blade from the same metal, innit??
…for Mad Maduro
Mad Maduro thinks he’s clever for rigging his elections. But what does he gain by ruling over a country where another eight million citizens will be fleeing in five years?? Won’t his lies be choked in his mouth??
…Dutch shipbuilder also reports Jaguar FPSO 25% complete
Dutch company SBM Offshore, which has the contract for constructing the Floating production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth offshore project, Yellowtail, has confirmed that they are 75 per cent completed with this vessel.
The vessel in question, the “One Guyana” FPSO, is expected to begin producing oil in the second half of next year, with production expected to reach 250,000 barrels of oil per day. SBM was contracted to construct, install and then lease and operate the vessel in 2022.
According to SBM in their half year earnings report, work has already been completed on the topside modules, while the integration and commissioning activities are on schedule for completion. As of now, the vessel which is expected to cost US$1.7 Billion based on the project financing SBM had secured in 2022, is 75 per cent completed.
“I
The Yellowtail development is located in the eastern portion of the Stabroek Block, and involves the development of the Yellowtail and Redtail fields. It is scheduled to begin production in 2025 with an estimated investment of US$10 billion. Further, the development is expected to generate ap-
proximately 1,300 jobs across four phases. It has previously been reported that the development plan for Yellowtail includes six drill centres and the drilling of up to 67 development wells.
Whiptail Meanwhile, SBM also provided an update on the Jaguar FPSO, earmarked for
buy it from Berbice to sell” – gold miner caught with ganja tells cops
A38-year-old gold miner, of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested yesterday during a police operation along the Itaballi trail in Regional Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
According to Police, ranks stopped a motor lorry, GYY 9433, with six occupants, including the gold minier and a search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the discovery of a bag. When questioned, the miner admitted ownership of the bag, stating, "It is me weed;
I buy it from Berbice to sell."
He was arrested, and the narcotics were weighed in his presence at the Bartica Police Station, confirming the amount. Trotman remains in custody pending charge.
ExxonMobil’s sixth project, Whiptail. The government has said that by the time this FPSO comes online in 2027, Guyana expects to be producing as much as 1.2 million barrels of oil per day.
“As planned, the Fast4Ward MPF hull was launched out of drydock in the second quarter of 2024. First oil is expected in 2027,” SBM said in its update, adding that the Jaguar FPSO was 25 per cent complete.
According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on Whiptail, the project will tar-
get between 33 and 72 wells. The documents had further detailed that development drilling is expected to last from late 2024 or early 2025 through mid-2030, with the possibility of extending it as late as 2031.
Installation of subsea components of the project were slated to begin in the second half of 2025 or early 2026. The installation of the FPSO as well as commissioning and start-up, are expected to occur in 2027. The life of the project is expected to last for at least 20 years.
According to the US oil company, the project will employ over 500 persons during drilling and installation. Additionally, between 100 and 180 persons will be employed during production. It was further explained that the Whiptail FPSO will be similar to the one for Yellowtail and will be designed to target 300,000 barrels per day.
There are currently three FPSOs operating in Guyana’s offshore waters: The Liza Destiny, the Liza Unity and the Prosperity. They are respectively working on the Liza One, Liza Phase Two, and Payara projects.
Six FPSOs are expected to
be operating offshore Guyana by 2027. The fifth FPSO, which would be named ‘Errea Wittu’, meaning “abundance” in the Warrau Indigenous language, would operate in the Urau project. It would have oil storage capacity of two million barrels, an oil production design rate of 250,000 barrels per day, and be able to offload approximately one million barrels onto a tanker in a period of approximately 24 hours. This vessel will be delivered by MODEC, a Japanese company which has confirmed construction of this FPSO with a ceremony held on February 2. Start-up of the US$12.7 billion Uaru development is targeted for 2026.
The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd had had 30 per cent interest, which it recently sold to Chevron. CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest. (G3)
The ONE GUYANA FPSO under construction
The ganja which was found by police
Police conduct outreach on Essequibo Coast …aim to strengthen community relations
Police in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Friday led a community outreach initiative in Essequibo Coast
with the aim of at strengthening police relations with residents.
To begin the outreach, Subordinate Officer in
charge of Anna Regina Police Station, Sergeant Benjamin, accompanied by other ranks from the Anna Regina Police Station, engaged with numerous business owners and residents, addressing their concerns about crime, security, and the importance of collaboration between the police and the community. The discussions emphasised the shared responsibility in ensuring the safety and security of the region.
Simultaneously, Commander of Regional
Police Division Two, Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, took the lead in another outreach activity at the Anna Regina Market area. Commander Shivbaran interacted with business owners, stallholders, and shoppers, discussing a wide range of topics, including youth delinquency, narcotic use among juveniles, and the role of police patrols and interventions.
The outreach also highlighted several important initiatives, including recruitment drives at the Regional Police Headquarters in Anna Regina, free computer training and certificate programmes, decentralised ser-
tance of community partnerships.
In addition to these outreach efforts, Commander
vices like passport issuance and police clearance, and efforts to improve police services in the region. The discussions extended to youth involvement in crime prevention, school attendance, road safety, and the impor-
Licensing and Certifying
and Divisional Mechanic Kishore Lall, aimed to ensure that the vehicles were in proper working order for the safety of the officers and to maintain the operational readiness required to serve the region effectively.
The outreach events on Friday highlighted numerous local issues raised by the community set to be forwarded to the relevant agencies for further action, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) stated on its social media page.
Shivbaran, along with Traffic Officer Assistant
Superintendent Hassan, conducted an inspection
of police vehicles on the Essequibo Coast. The inspection, joined by Sergeant Mahadeo, the Regional
Officer,
Commander of Regional Police Division #2, Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, chatting with a vendor at the Anna Regina Market (GPF photo)
Lusignan Prison upgrades
New block for high-profile inmates to tackle violence, gang formation –
The Lusignan Prison capacity is set to be significantly increased by the end of the year and according to Officer in Charge (OIC) at the Lusignan Prison, Deoraj Gyandat this will be in the form of an additional two cell blocks which will be added to the prison shortly.
Gyandat made this highlight during a recent broadcast of Prisons in Focus, he explained that with the Guyana Prison Service
Bartica businessman arrested over theft of fuel, groceries
A45-year-old businessman from Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), has been arrested for simple larceny after he allegedly stole several drums of diesel and $150,000 worth of groceries from another businessman, Brian Tiwari.
Based on police reports, the suspect worked with other unknown accomplices. The items were stolen sometime between 02:00 and 09:00h on Saturday at Takutu Landing in Region Seven.
Tiwari operates a mining operation at Farback Backdam, Cuyuni River. On Friday, he instructed two of his employees to use his truck to transport 16 drums of diesel valued at $800,000, a quantity of groceries worth $150,000, and a Toolkit valued at $80,000.
According to Police, the
truck, driven by a 23-yearold, set off for the Farback Backdam in the early hours of Saturday.
However, at approximately 02:00h, while traversing the trail near Takutu Landing, the truck overturned, causing
Tiwari dispatched his supervisor, Shawn Wilson, to check on the items. Upon inspection, Wilson discovered that nine drums of diesel valued at $450,000, the groceries and the $80,000 toolkit were missing. The total value of the stolen items amounted to $680,000.
Consequently, the matter was reported to the police.
Based on the information received, Police ranks visited the suspect’s business premises at Takutu Landing at around 14:30h on Saturday. In his presence, a search was conducted, which led to the discovery of six drums of diesel.
(GPS) moving towards designating the Lusignan Prison as the central location for the prison service. Several investments have been made over the years to expand the structure’s capacity, as such he revealed that the prison’s capacity will be boosted with new blocks before the end of the year.
“So we would have apart from the three Cell blocks that would have been completed, we have slated for completion for this year
Another two cell blocks, one of which would have already been completed. We are waiting on some few fine-tuning so that we can actually have that building being occupied. These buildings are designed with special cells from that was imported from a company in the United States of America steel cells. So basically, these cells were imported and we just had to basically assemble and build around the building to accommodate those cells,” he stated.
Moreover, the officer in charge highlighted that these new facilities align with the standards of modern correctional systems, allowing the GPS to better manage their prison operations. Additionally, he explained that in an effort to control violent outbreaks and the formation of gangs in the prison, one of the new blocks will be designated to specifically house high profile prisoners.
“One of the two blocks is one of the single Cell blocks which is the entire building which will house 50 inmates but these the 50 inmates will be in a single
cell by themselves. So what that means is that persons who are high-profile, no longer would we have to get them in the general population, whereas they can cause harm to other prisoners or forming gangs. These are things that do happen in prison, so with the completion of that it would see us in a better position,” Gyandat stated.
Meanwhile, last year 689 incarcerated individuals were successfully relocated from the holding bay to the new Lusignan corrections facilities – a move which followed the completion of the three new stateof-the-art prisons. The new facilities were built in keeping with international requirements, and is a commitment of the Guyana Government and by extension the Home Affairs Ministry, following the destruction of sections of the Georgetown and the old Lusignan Prisons. It also forms part of the Administration’s manifesto promise to create safer prisons with improved conditions for both staff and prisoners. Prisoners are now housed in a dormitory-style
setting furnished with beds and mattresses, unlike the holding bay facility. The facilities also feature a fire suppression system with adequate access to water.
This year, the GPS received a total of $6.5 billion, covering provisions for prison infrastructure and the training of prison officers. At Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD), the government is actively expanding the prison facility to accommodate a greater capacity. In 2022, over $3 billion was invested in upgrades and expansions, including the completion of six state-of-the-art prisons, currently housing close to 1000 inmates. The ongoing expansion project features a vocational school, aiming to provide inmates with training to reduce recidivism and enhance their skillsets. Other upgrades include a female prison, staff living quarters, an Infirmary Annex, a new headquarters building, and the construction of the outer perimeter fence, collectively contributing to the comprehensive transformation of the Lusignan prison facility.
the fuel and groceries to spill onto the road. Both the driver and the porter sustained injuries and were transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital for medical treatment, leaving the goods unattended.
Police said that around 09:00h, on the same day,
The businessman was informed of the allegation, cautioned, and he admitted to the offence. He was subsequently arrested, escorted to the Bartica Police Station, and placed into custody, where he is assisting with the investigation. (G8)
One of the recently constructed Lusignan Prison block (file photo) Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Lusignan Prison, Deoraj Gyandat
The stolen drums found at the suspect’s property
On Day Two of the International Building Expo 2024, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo visited booths and engaged patrons in discussions (Office of the Vice President photos)
Young Guyanese singer uses music to champion men’s mental health
Though Men’s Mental Health Month was several months ago, there are still Guyanese men who have been making efforts to centralise the importance of men's mental health.
One of these young men is 21-year-old Tedanson Crawford Also known as “T Tyric”, a local upcoming singer, who is making music to raise awareness and enlighten others on the great importance of mental health for men.
Standing out from the array of music artists within Guyana, this youth, who was born within the musical air that swivels through Goed Fortuin, told Guyana Times that his artistic pen has been touching paper to create touching songs for roughly one year.
In light of his personal experiences in relationships which would have taken a toll on his mental health, he expounded that the mind pulls from them to create symphonies of music.
“Music is a good way for me to take the stress off my shoulders. Knowing that I would be able to make certain things happen is just a real relief.”
He added, “So that's where the music is marketed with me. But currently, it's mostly about affairs. Yeah, so love songs were what it start-
ed off with when I first began. But currently, it's more like affairs or people who cheat.”
His music would target people in the young adult to adult range. In his opinion, it's pretty much relatable to that age group because he thinks that young men or even as big men, have all had their fair share of heart break.
“We all at some point in our life would have really wanted to be with a person, but maybe we were a bit unfaithful, or they were unfaithful or we would have fallen for the woman that did not want us,” he stated whilst then adding that amidst these situations that tend to rise up,
everyone should seek to find self-love- which is exemplified in his music.
Though the young lyrical doctor has not yet experienced vast support from his neighborhood, he said that his music has reached onto the shores of America, and with his new upcoming album, he is hoping that Guyanese persons will support it.
“As it comes to support, I'd say I haven’t received as much support in my community as yet, but so far a majority of my music has been marketed in the U.S. Like the first few songs, they would have been tracked as a main theme song,” Crawford men-
tioned.
The topic in his music, which is seldom spoken about, has become something that, through his music, he is addressing with the hope that one day someone will learn how to manage their emotions.
“Well, for young men that would have gone through the same thing that I would have gone through, I would pretty much advise them to get out of that situation as much as possible, or as quickly as possible, because there's definitely somebody out there that's going to take the time to appreciate you. There's somebody that's going to be there for just simply you.”
He added that he thinks this ongoing problem of heartbreak and longing for someone is harmful to men’s personal well-being and they should all find means of escaping and focusing of the growth of their selves.
“I think staying in that sort of situation is pretty much harmful to a person emotionally, as you constantly second-guess yourself. You wonder if you're good enough. So, I pretty much advise adult men of all ages, whether they're young adults or older adults, to get out of situations like that because it's really not worth it.”
Meanwhile, he had shun light on some verses that he
wrote which signify this.
“One of my lyrics would clearly state, ‘This should be a crime, you're wasting my time, I'm so scared to lose you, you ain't even mine,’ Crawford stated drawing reference to the intense feeling of heartbreak men feel at times.
Crawfords album is going to be a total of five songs.
Guyana's Suicide Prevention Plan focuses primarily on improving mental health services and raising
awareness for underlying issues that can lead to suicide like depression, alcohol misuse, and access to poison, which, according to the government's plan, accounts for more than 65 percent of suicide deaths in Guyana.
That plan pledges to increase the number of mental health professionals as part of an overall effort to decrease suicide mortality and attempted suicide rates in Guyana by at least 20 per cent by 2020. (Mishael Henry)
Cemetery Road to be fully completed today
The long-awaited $475 million Cemetery Road rehabilitation project which faced significant delays is expected to be completed today.
During an inspection on Saturday afternoon, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill noted that 96 per cent of the works had been completed with two bridges left to be cured after being recently cast with cement.
At the time of the visit, the bridge embankment closer to Princess Street was being cast and is expected to be done by this evening. However, it needs approximately two weeks of curing time. It will then be asphalted to ensure uniformity. According to a DPI report, during that time, that section of the road will only accommodate light traffic.
Some sections of the road were widened by the use of a culvert design to approximately six feet.
Streetlights have since been installed along the road’s median to improve security for residents.
“Within the next 48 hours, the site will be
cleaned up and the machines and everything will be removed. But as it is right now, traffic is able to flow through Cemetery Road in a very efficient manner,” the minister is quoted by DPI as saying.
During a visit to the community of Rasville in July, the minister made a promise to have the road finished before schools reopen.
These include Devcon Construction Inc. which did the culverts and is now finishing up with the pedestrian bridges and GDJ Logistics which transformed the site by removing the obstacles and completing the paving works
that needed to be done.
Additionally, final works are still being done by Avinash Contracting Company which is the main contractor that was awarded the contract.
Due to difficulties faced by this contracting company, the Public Work Ministry’s Special Project Unit stepped in to render significant assistance to ensure that the project meets its final timeline.
“This is also a learning curve, and as a government, we learned and as a nation, we must learn. Experience is required when undertaking certain major jobs. The clear problem here was the low bid.
You could win a contract by coming in low but in order to execute it at that price you have to manage and that was a part of the problem,” Edghill noted. Meanwhile, highlighting that fences were built to enclose the cemetery; the minister is pleading with persons to not destroy the fence when they are visiting the area to build tombs for their deceased family members.
He noted that during
the construction process, the fences were being destroyed by persons to facilitate the mixing of cement for the tombs.
“We put up the fence as part of the project. The funeral parlours or the relatives of the deceased, when they would like to build a tomb, they are cutting the mesh, dumbing the building materials on the carriageway, and mixing everything on the carriageway…So, we have
to make a public appeal. When the government brings improvement, people just can’t for their convenience destroy a piece of infrastructure,” the minister charged citizens.
The final product of the Cemetery Road project sees the upgrade from two lanes to four lanes, allowing the smooth flow of traffic. It will enhance the lives of residents living nearby.
Tedanson Crawford
Tedanson Crawford's Album cover
Cemetery Road in its final stage of completion as traffic traverses the thoroughfare
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill meeting with one of the sub-contractors as he examines the finishing touches done to the road
CDB, IDB announce 4 new graduate scholarships in public procurement
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) have announced the opening of applications for its scholarship programme, offering full scholarships for qualified candidates to pursue an International Master in Public Procurement Management (IMPPM) at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
This year, the scholarship will enable four candidates to complete the IMPPM degree programme for the academic year 2024/2025 with CDB and
IDB each providing financing for two scholarships.
The IMMPM programme is globally recognised as one of the leading master’s programmes in public procurement.
It integrates sustainable and inclusive public procurement approaches, emphasising gender equality alongside key areas
such as procurement strategy, legal frameworks, supply chain management, and ethical considerations.
“CDB is proud to support the development of procurement professionals in the Caribbean. This initiative, first introduced in 2022, highlights our dedication to enhancing expertise and capacity in public
Mexican drug lord 'El Mayo' Zambada says he was ambushed in new account of US arrest
Mexican drug lord
Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada was tricked by the son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and forced to board a plane bound for the United States last month, he said in a statement on Saturday.
The statement distributed by Zambada's lawyer provides the drug lord's version of how U.S. authorities were able to capture both Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, who is believed to have headed another faction of the criminal group, outside El Paso, Texas. Zambada said he was "ambushed" during what was supposed to be a meeting with Guzman Lopez and Sinaloa state officials including Governor Ruben Rocha and Hector Cuen, who had recently been elected as fed-
eral lawmaker for the upcoming congressional period.
The state government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Zambada said he first saw Cuen at a ranch outside of state capital Culiacan, and then Guzman Lopez, "whom I have known since he was a young boy, and he gestured for me to follow him." Zambada said he followed Guzman Lopez, "trusting the nature of the meeting and the people involved," and was led into a dark room.
Authorities say the two main factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, one headed by Zambada and the other headed by El Chapo's sons, have at times had a rocky relationship since El Chapo's 2016 capture.
Zambada said once he entered the room, he was
knocked to the ground by a group of men, tied up and had a hood placed over his head. He was taken in the back of a pick-up truck to a nearby landing strip where a plane waited. Guzman Lopez bound Zambada with zip ties to a seat and the plane left for the United States carrying just the two men and the pilot, Zambada said.
The Guzman family lawyer has repeatedly denied that Zambada was forcibly taken, and instead called it a voluntary surrender after extended negotiations between the drug traffickers and the U.S. government.
The U.S., through its embassy in Mexico, said on Friday that Guzman Lopez surrendered voluntarily, though it seemed Zambada had been taken against his will. (Reuters)
Sweden’s ‘snitch law’ immigration plan prompts alarm across society
Doctors, social workers and librarians are among those in Sweden who have sounded the alarm over a proposal being explored by a government-appointed committee that would force public sector workers to report undocumented people to authorities.
The proposal – which has been referred to as the “snitch law” by some –was among the many measures included in a 2022 agreement struck between four rightwing parties in the country. The deal paved the way for a coalition government involving three centre-right parties with parliamenta -
ry support from the farright anti-immigration Sweden Democrats (SD).
Nearly two years after the SD, a party whose manifesto seeks to create one of Europe’s most-hostile environments for non-Europeans, became Sweden’s second-biggest party, work is under way to turn the proposal regarding public sector workers into law. The committee has been instructed by the government to present proposals on how this could be drafted into law, with plans to present their findings to the government by the end of November. Despite being in the early stages, the idea, which could
procurement leadership. The scholarship offers a unique opportunity to gain world-class education and practical skills that are essential for effective public procurement management,” said Douglas Fraser, head of procurement at the CDB.
The inaugural scholarship was awarded to Samantha Marchan, an employee of the Office of Procurement Regulation in Trinidad and Tobago. The second recipient, Amoi Romeo also from Trinidad and Tobago, serves as the technical adviser to the Secretary of Finance at
the Division of Finance, Tobago House of Assembly, where she oversees procurement.
The scholarship is open to nationals of CDB’s client countries with a first degree and relevant work experience in procurement or a related field. Applicants
must demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing public procurement practices in their respective countries.
The application process is detailed on the bank’s website including the necessary documents and criteria for selection.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure that only the most promising and dedicated professionals are awarded the scholarship.
The application deadline is September 9, 2024. (CMC)
Massy’s profits decline by 9.21% …working on agreements to bring 3rd party funding to customers in Guyana
Massy Group recorded a profit after tax (PAT) of $473.2 million for the nine months ending June 30, a decline of 9.21 per cent compared with the integrated portfolio company’s $521.38 million profit for the same period in 2023.
In its unaudited consolidated financial statements, Massy group said its revenue grew by 13 per cent to $11.7 billion (US$1.7 billion) in for the nine-month period, as a result, the company said, of the strong performance across all portfolios with on-plan contributions from all 2023 acquisitions as well as strength in the organic-based businesses.
The group’s profit before tax (PBT) for the ninemonth period, declined by
able dividend payments.
Massy said the performance of the group continues to be driven by the core businesses including Massy’s three portfolios, integrated retail (IRP), gas products (GPP), and mo -
tors and machines (MMP).
Liquide in Trinidad and improved operations in Guyana and Trinidad, and partially offset by a conservative provision for an outstanding balance taken in FY2023 and Q2 2024. Finally, the motors and machines portfolio sales increased by 11 per cent to $2.5 billion.
However, profit before tax slightly decreased by $0.9 million due to macro-economic challenges in Colombia and financing constraints in Guyana. Further, Massy Guyana is working on agreements to bring third-party funding to customers in Guyana, which should support future growth.
result in up to a million workers, from dentists to teachers, being forced to report any contact with undocumented patients, students and authorities, has faced widespread opposition from rights campaigners and professional associations.
“This proposal is utterly inhumane,” said Michele LeVoy of the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants. The impacts could be far-reaching, with people potentially hesitating to send children to school and more reluctant to access healthcare or report crimes committed against them. (The Guardian)
3.74 per cent from its record 2023 levels.
In addition, the group said it showed a 239 per cent improvement yearover-year in its cash flow from operating activities, which rose to $640 million for the period October 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
Also, the cash generated from operations refers to the cash flow the group brings in from its regular business activities, like sales of groceries, cars, and gas products, after paying for all its operating expenses.
For investors in this region, Massy Group said this is crucial as it indicates the company’s ability to provide steady and reli -
The company noted that Massy’s integrated retail portfolio which represents 64 per cent of the Group’s revenue, reported a profit before tax of $463 million, seven per cent better than the same period last year.
Sales rose ten per cent to $7.4 billion, largely due to continued growth in its core markets, and the acquisition of Rowe Supermarkets in Florida.
As it relates to the gas products portfolio, profit before tax increased by ten per cent, with sales up 33 per cent year-overyear to $1.6 billion, and this growth was driven by the strategic acquisitions of IGL in Jamaica, Air
Strategic roadmap to 2030 In comments for the group’s nine-month report, Massy chairman Robert Riley said the group’s 2030 strategy is focused on sustainable growth to deliver increased returns to shareholders, and an emphasis on “currency resilience” to protect shareholders from currency fluctuations over the medium and long term. The strategy aims to achieve at least 50 per cent increase in revenue to between $23 billion (US$3.4 billion) and $25 billion (US$3.7 billion).
“The plan envisages that this growth will flow through to similar growth in PBT and Cash Flow from Operations. This increase in business performance is expected to lead to higher profits and more cash available to invest in growth and pay dividends. Specifically, the strategy focus is built to ensure continued consistency of healthy dividend growth,” Riley added. (T&T Guardian)
Massy Holdings Chairman Robert Riley
Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine, enDocrinology/DiabeTes
Menopause is a transition into a new phase of life. It begins when the menstrual cycle finishes. Menopause is not a health problem, and some experience it as a time of liberation. However, hormonal changes and other factors involved can cause discomfort. World Menopause Day is observed every year on the 18th of October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options available.
Menopause usually starts between the ages of 40 and 58 in developed countries, where the average age is 51. For some, it will occur earlier, due to a medical condition or treatment, such as removing the ovaries.
Around the time of menopause, many females experience physical symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and a reduced sex drive. It can also lead to anxiety and changes in mood. These symptoms may start before menstruation ends, and they can last for several years. The impact on a person’s quality of life can range from mild to severe. However, there are ways of managing these symptoms.
Each person would experience menopause differently. Many have full, active lives throughout the transition and afterward, and some feel relieved by no longer having to deal with menstruation or birth control.
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help a person feel better, and boost their overall health in the long term. For those who experience menopause symptoms, treatments and support are available.
STAGES OF MENOPAUSE:
Perimenopause is the transitional time that starts before menopause, and includes the 12 months that follow a person’s last period.
Menopause starts 12 months after the last period, or when menstruation has stopped for a clinical reason, such as the removal of the ovaries.
Post-menopause refers to the years after menopause, although it can be difficult to know when menopause finished and post-menopause starts.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Around menopause, various physical and mental changes can occur, causing symptoms. Some of these start before menopause, and some continue after it. The changes involved in perimenopause and menopause include:
• Lower fertility
As a woman has approached the end of the reproductive stage, before
HEALTH TIPS
MENOPAUSE
fection.
Atrophic vaginitis, which involves thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal wall, can sometimes occur during menopause.
menopause begins, estrogen levels start to fall. This reduces the chances of becoming pregnant.
Irregular menstruation
The first sign that menopause is approaching is usually periods occurring less
Various moisturizers, lubricants, and medications can relieve vaginal dryness and associated issues.
• Hot flashes
Hot flashes are common around the time of menopause. They cause a person to feel a sudden sensation of heat in the upper body. The
• Sleep disturbances
Sleep problems can arise during menopause, and they may stem from: Anxiety
Night sweats
An increased need to urinate
Getting plenty of exercise and avoiding heavy meals before bedtime can help with managing these issues.
• Emotional changes
Depression, anxiety, and low mood are common during menopause. It is not unusual to experience times of irritability and crying spells. Hormonal changes and sleep disturbances can contribute to these issues. Also, a person’s feelings about menopause may come into play. For example, distress about low libido or the end of fertility can contribute to depression during menopause. While feelings of sadness, irritability, and tiredness are common during menopause, they do not necessarily indicate depression. Research suggests that there may, in some cases, be a link between meno-
regularly. They may come more or less frequently than usual, and they may be heavier or lighter.
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
Vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort may start during perimenopause and continue into menopause. A person with any of these symptoms may experience chafing and discomfort during vaginal sex. In addition, if the skin breaks, this can increase the risk of in-
sensation may start in the face, neck, or chest and progress upward or downward. A hot flash can also cause:
• Sweating
• Red patches to form on the skin
Some people experience night sweats, and cold flashes or chills in addition to, or instead of, hot flashes. Hot flashes usually occur in the first year after menstruation ends, but they can continue for up to 14 years after menopause.
pause and suicide.
• Trouble focusing and learning
In the lead-up to menopause, two-thirds of women may have difficulty with concentration and memory. Keeping physically and mentally active, following a healthful diet, and maintaining an active social life can help with these issues. For example, some people benefit from finding a new hobby or joining a club or a local activity.
• Physical changes
Various physical changes can develop around the time of menopause.
A build-up of fat around the abdomen
Weight gain
Changes in hair colour, texture, and volume
Breast reduction and tenderness
Urinary incontinence
Increased risk of some health conditions
After menopause, the risk of certain health issues appears to increase. Menopause does not cause these conditions, but the hormonal changes involved may play some role.
• Osteoporosis: This is a long-term condition in
LIFESTYLE TIPS
Tips for managing the challenges of menopause include:
Getting regular exercise.
Practising relaxation and deep breathing exercises.
Having a healthful diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke.
Limiting the intake of alcohol.
Seeking counselling for anxiety, mood changes, and relationship concerns.
Establishing good sleeping habits and getting plenty of rest.
Doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.
Talking to friends and family about the experience of menopause.
Exploring new ways of enjoying intimacy with a partner.
Joining a club, volunteering, or taking up a new hobby.
Keeping an active sex life.
Menopause can reduce a
which bone strength and density decrease. Use of vitamin D supplements is recommended, along with eating more calcium-rich foods to maintain bone strength.
• Cardiovascular disease: The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that, while a decline in oestrogen due to menopause may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, taking hormone therapy will not reduce this risk.
• Breast cancer: Some types of breast cancer are more likely to develop after menopause. Menopause does not cause breast cancer, but the hormonal changes involved appear to increase the risk.
• Skin changes can also occur around the time of menopause.
person’s sex drive and lead to vaginal dryness, but it also removes the need for birth control. For some, this can make sex more enjoyable. Having sex often can increase vaginal blood flow and help keep the tissues healthy.
It is worth remembering that, while a woman cannot become pregnant once menopause starts, it is still important to use barrier protection during penetrative sex, in order to protect against sexually transmitted infections. Often, sexual partners will be getting older — and may be experiencing menopause — at the same time. They, too, may be feeling a drop in sex drive. Opening up about any concerns can help both partners feel better and explore new forms of intimacy.
World must confront Maduro’s ‘campaign of terror’, Venezuelan opposition leader
Venezuela’s main opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has accused the country’s strongman president, Nicolás Maduro, of unleashing a horrific “campaign of terror” in an attempt to cling on to power.
Two weeks after Maduro’s widely questioned claim to have won the 28 July election, human rights activists say he has launched a ferocious clampdown designed to silence those convinced his rival Edmundo González was the actual winner. More than 1,300 people have been detained, including 116 teenagers, according to the rights group Foro Penal. At least 24 people have reportedly been killed.
Speaking from an undisclosed location where she is in hiding, Machado – a charismatic conservative who is González’s key backer – urged governments around the world to oppose Maduro’s intensifying crackdown.
“What is going on in Venezuela is horrific. Innocent people are being detained or disappeared as we speak,” said the 56-year-
old former congresswoman, who endorsed González after authorities barred her from running.
Maduro’s regime has nicknamed part of its clampdown Operación Tun Tun – “Operation Knock Knock” – a chilling reference to the often late-night visits to perceived government opponents by heavily armed, black-clad captors from the intelligence services or police.
Tun Tun’s targets have included activists, journalists and prominent opposition politicians – but most detainees appear to be the residents of working-class areas who rose up en masse
against Maduro for the first time in the two days after his disputed claim to victory.
One Tun Tun propaganda video published on the Instagram account of the military counterintelligence service, DGCIM, last week showed one of Machado’s campaign organisers, María Oropeza, being detained to the sound of the nursery rhyme from the 1984 horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street, in which Freddy Krueger attacks children in their dreams. “One, two, Freddy’s coming for you! Three, four, better lock your door!” warn the song’s sinister lyrics. (The Guardian)
Brazil authorities recover bodies of all 62 plane crash victims
Brazilian emergency crews on Saturday recovered the remains of the 62 victims aboard an airliner that plunged to the ground in the town of Vinhedo, near Sao Paulo the day before, killing all on board.
The bodies of most of the victims - 34 males and 28 females - had already been moved to Sao Paulo's police morgue for identification. The bodies of the pilot and co-pilot were identified earlier in the day, said Dario Pacheco, mayor of Vinhedo. Four people with dual citizenship were among the victims, three Venezuelans and one Portuguese woman, said regional carrier Voepass, which operated the aircraft.
The Venezuelans were a 4-year-old boy, his mother and grandmother, local outlet Globo News reported. The boy's dog was also on the flight, which the family was taking to later head to Colombia, according to the outlet.
On Friday Voepass said the plane was carrying 57 passengers and four crew, but on Saturday the firm confirmed another unaccounted-for passenger had been on the flight, putting the number of casualties at 62. Authorities are using seat assignments,
physical characteristics, documents and belongings such as cell phones to identify the victims, firefighter Maycon Cristo said at the crash site earlier on Saturday as the bodies were being pulled from the wreckage. Relatives of the victims were brought to Sao Paulo to provide DNA samples to aid in identification of the remains, said state civil defense coordinator Henguel Pereira. The plane's so-called "black box" containing voice recordings and flight data was undergoing analysis, said Marcelo Moreno, the head of Brazilian aviation accident investigation center Cenipa, at a press confer-
ence in Vinhedo.
The plane, an ATR-72 turboprop, was bound for Sao Paulo from Cascavel, in the state of Parana, and crashed around 1:30 p.m. (1630 GMT) in Vinhedo, some 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Sao Paulo. Despite coming down in a residential area, no one on the ground was hurt.
The aircraft was flying normally until 1:21 p.m., when it stopped responding to calls, and radar contact was lost at 1:22 p.m., Brazil's air force said in a statement.
Pilots did not report an emergency or adverse weather conditions, the air force added. (Reuters)
3 J/cans charged after murder of former national footballer's son in Florida
Three Jamaican men were arrested and charged following the killing of another Jamaican man and the injuring of his girlfriend in Panama City Beach, Florida.
The dead man, identified as 23-year-old O Neil McDonald, is said to be the son of a former Jamaica national football player. The injured woman is 21.
Those charged are 23-year-old Andre Jermaine Ranglin, Devaughn Devante Jones, 23, and Ricardo Everton Golden, 37. All three are from Panama City Beach.
Ranglin is charged with one count of murder, one count of attempted capital murder, three counts of attempted second-degree murder, firing a deadly missile into an occupied dwelling and attempted armed burglary.
Jones is charged with accessory after the fact to murder and destruction of evidence. Golden is also charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
The Panama City Beach Police Department said Tuesday they received a
call of shots fired at the 10X Apartment complex, 9700 Panama City Beach Parkway.
Responding officers reportedly discovered McDonald s lifeless body with several gunshot wounds near the 1300 building. The officers also found the woman suffering from a single gunshot wound. First responders administered first aid and transported the female victim to the hospital, where she underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.
(Jamaica Observer)
Frustration over Jamaica's electricity woes leading to psychiatric issues – PM
Member of Parliament for Manchester North Western Mikael Phillips says the frustration among his constituents still without power has resulted in at least two teenagers requiring psychiatric assistance.
The tension level has risen to the highest I have seen in my own constituency. A couple weeks ago we had to rush a young girl, 16, to the hospital. Now she is on medication and getting psychiatric help because of the stress that it has caused on her on not having electricity, he told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.
Phillips said he is not optimistic about Monday s deadline for Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to restore power to its customers, except those in St Elizabeth.
When we try to reach out to JPS, because they are a private entity they believe
that they don t have to respond to us as the political representatives. Every other day I have to be sending Minister [Daryl] Vaz a list of the communities that don t have any electricity, Phillips explained. There ought to be more sanctions on JPS than just the $2 million for missing so many dates and just treating the people arbitrarily, he argued.
Last month the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) issued a directive for JPS to repair its damaged network infrastructure and to follow its August 12 schedule to restore power to customers who lost power during Hurricane Beryl five weeks ago, or face $2 million in fines.
However, on Thursday JPS advised that it set a deadline of August 31 for sections of St Elizabeth, where its network was worst affected by Hurricane
Beryl, to be restored. I see JPS now saying for St Elizabeth it is August 31 before they get electricity but there are still a number of pockets within the parish of Manchester that don t have any electricity. Partial restoration has been done, but not full restoration. This is going [almost] two months now and these people don t have electricity, he said.
Phillips said some residents have had to relocate to access electricity to preserve their medication. You have people moving out of communities because of health issues. They can t even store their medication in a fridge! What you find is JPS does partial restoration in some communities and just ignore them, he said. He reiterated his criticism of JPS while pointing out that the Government s hands are tied. (Jamaica Observer)
Kenyan police taunted
as they square up to Haitian gangs
Pressure is mounting on Kenyan police officers to deliver on their promise to help bring Haiti's rampant gangs under control, six weeks after setting foot in the Caribbean nation.
When the first contingent of 200 elite Kenyan police officers flew into Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince on 25 June, they filed confidently off their Kenyan Airways flight clad in helmets and combat gear, carrying their weapons and holding high the Kenyan national flag.
They chanted in Swahili while they psyched themselves up on the airport tarmac, as did a second batch of 200 Kenyan officers who landed three weeks later.
"Let's go!" and "We're
moving!" came the cries.
Hopes were high that the Kenyan police would bring much-needed muscle to Haiti's beleaguered National Police (PNH), as they struggled to hold back a deadly offensive by Haitian criminal gangs that have terrorised the capital and large swathes of the country for more than three years.
The Kenyans are the advance guard core of a UNmandated, multinational force that will seek to restore peace to Haiti.
They were initially welcomed and feted by Haitian government leaders, and by many in Haiti's media too.
Radio Independante FM posted on X a welcome greeting in the country's Creole
language for the Kenyans, saying:
"Haiti is the country of all Africans. Since you are black Haiti is your home... You Kenyan soldiers are at home and must be welcomed to help fight these wasters [the gangs] that prevent us from living in our country".
However, weeks after the much anticipated deployment, which had already been delayed by legal challenges in Kenya and logistical hitches, many Haitians seem frustrated and disillusioned that the force, along with their Haitian police colleagues, have not moved more quickly and decisively against the gangs, their bosses and their known hideouts. (Excerpted from BBC)
María Corina Machado at an opposition rally in Caracas last week
Vinhedo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 10, 2024 (Reuters/Carla Carniel)
Around
Brazil oil producer Petrobras open to extra dividends this year
Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras (PETR4.SA), opens new tab will pay extraordinary dividends if there is an "opportunity" for it, Chief Financial Officer Fernando Melgarejo told investors during an earnings call on Friday.
Any decision on an extraordinary payout would depend on cash conditions and future cash-generation capacity, said Melgarejo, adding that "an extraordinary dividend payment is not ruled out in 2024." The remarks came after Petrobras posted on Thursday worse-than-expected results for the second quarter with a net loss of 2.6 billion reais ($472.22 million), and reduced investment estimates.
Even so, the company paid dividends totaling 13.57 billion reais, for which it used 6.4 billion reais from a capital reserve.
The investors call provided a "reassuring message", said Jefferies analysts in a note, adding that production remains within guidance despite stoppages at platforms and difficulty in obtaining environmental licenses.
The reduction in 2024 capital-expenditure estimates was due to changes in strategy for exploration and production, and a delay in refining investments. Next year, the firm is set to invest more than in 2024, said Melgarejo.
Lowering 2024 investment estimates could pave the way for extraordinary dividends, BTG bank analysts said. (Reuters)
Residents flee as wildfire rages uncontrolled near Athens
Residents fled their homes in the village of Varnava near Athens on Sunday as fire crews struggled to contain a fast-moving wildfire fuelled by hot, windy weather that sent smoke clouds over the Greek capital.
More than 250 firefighters backed by 12 water-bombing planes and seven helicopters battled the blaze that broke out at 3 p.m and quickly reached the village 35 km (20 miles) north of Athens.
"The village was surrounded in no time, in no time. It's really windy," resident Katerina Fylaktou told Reuters. "It started from one
Ukrainian troops now up to 30km inside Russia, Moscow says
Ukrainian troops have advanced up to 30km inside Russia, in what has become the the deepest and most significant incursion since Moscow began its fullscale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Russia's defence ministry said its forces had engaged Ukrainian troops near the villages of Tolpino and Obshchy Kolodez, as the offensive in the Kursk region entered a sixth day.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Kyiv of "intimidating the peaceful population of Russia".
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who directly acknowledged the attack for the first time in an address last night, said 2,000 cross-border attacks had been launched by Russia from Kursk this summer.
"Artillery, mortars,
drones. We also record missile strikes, and each such strike deserves a fair response," Mr Zelensky told the country in his nightly address from Kyiv.
A senior Ukrainian official told the AFP news agency that thousands of troops were engaged in the operation, far more than the small incursion initially reported by Russian border guards.
While Ukrainianbacked sabotage groups have launched intermittent cross-border incursions, the Kursk offensive marks the biggest co-ordinated attack on Russian territory by Kyiv's conventional forces.
“We are on the offensive. The aim is to stretch the positions of the enemy, to inflict maximum losses and to
destabilise the situation in Russia as they are unable to protect their own border,” the official said. Russia's defence ministry said on Sunday that its forces had "foiled attempts by enemy mobile groups with armoured vehicles to break through deep into Russian territory".
But in an apparent admission that Kyiv's forces have now advanced deep into the Kursk border region, the defence ministry reported engaging Ukrainian troops near the villages of Tolpino and Obshchy Kolodez - which are about 25km and 30km from the Russia-Ukraine border.
Footage circulating online and verified by the BBC also appeared to show a Russian strike near the village of Levshinka, around 25km from the border. (BBC)
Israel orders more Gaza evacuations after school shelter attack kills scores
Israel expanded evacuation orders in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip overnight, forcing tens of thousands of Palestinian residents and displaced families to leave in the dark as explosions from tank shelling rever-
berated around them.
The Israeli military said it was attacking militants from the Hamas groupwhich administered Gaza before the war - who were using those areas to stage attacks and fire rockets.
On Saturday, an Israeli
In first interview since
dropping out, Biden says Trump is danger to US
In his first interview since dropping out of the presidential race, US President Joe Biden has told broadcaster CBS that he made the decision in order to maintain democracy in the United States.
July.
point and suddenly the whole village was surrounded," she said.
Authorities sent evacuation alerts for five nearby areas. By early evening, thick brown smoke hung over much of Athens and reached the island of Aegina to its south.
Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across Greece this summer, which has recorded its hottest June and July after its warmest winter. Like elsewhere in the Mediterranean, scientists have linked the fires to increasingly hot, dry weather driven by global climate change. (Reuters)
Speaking on the CBS News Sunday Morning programme, Biden said: “The polls we had showed that it was a neck-and-neck race, would have been down to the wire … But what happened was, a number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was gonna hurt them in the races.”
“And I was concerned if I stayed in the race, that would be the topic. You’d be interviewing me about ‘Why did [former speaker of the House of Representatives] Nancy Pelosi say…’ ‘Why did so-and-so…’ And I thought it’d be a real distraction,” Biden added.
The 81-year-old leader abandoned his re-election bid and backed Vice President Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate in
Biden stressed that besides what the polls showed him, the main reason behind his decision was also to “maintain democracy” and “defeat Trump”, in reference to former President Donald Trump, who is once again the Republican Party’s presidential candidate.
“I thought it was important. Because, although it’s a great honour being president, I think I have an obligation to the country to do what [is] the most important thing you can do, and that is, we must, we must, we must defeat Trump.”
Polls initially showed that Trump had built a lead over Biden, including in battleground states, after Biden’s debate performance on June 27, when he appeared to struggle to speak coherently and when his performance strengthened the argument that he no longer had the cognitive ability to be president.
But Harris’s entry to the race has changed the dynamic. (Al Jazeera)
airstrike on a school where displaced Palestinians were sheltering in Gaza City killed at least 90 people, according to the civil defence service, prompting an international outcry.
The Israeli military said it had struck a Hamas and Islamic Jihad militant command post, an allegation the two groups rejected as a pretext, and killed 19 militants.
In Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip, the evacuation instruction covered districts in the centre, east and west, making it one of the largest such orders in the 10-monthold conflict, two days after tanks returned to the east of the city. The announcement was posted on X and
in text and audio messages to residents' phones: "For your own safety, you must evacuate immediately to the newly created humanitarian zone. The area you are in is considered a dangerous combat zone."
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations' agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA, said people in Gaza were trapped and had nowehere to go.
"Some are only able to carry their children with them, some carry their whole lives in one small bag. They are going to overcrowded places where shelters are already overflowing with families. They have lost everything and need everything," he said. (Reuters)
Lammy plans China visit for September to kick-start high-level engagement
David Lammy is planning a visit to China in September that would fall within the first 100 days of him taking office.
The foreign secretary is in talks over a trip to Beijing next month that would signal the UK wants to resume high-level engagement with the country.
No date has been officially confirmed. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “Foreign secretary travel will be confirmed in the usual way.”
Lammy had planned
to travel to China while Labour was still in opposition earlier this summer, but his trip was postponed when the general election was called. After Labour won the election, Lammy met China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, at a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on 26 July.
The FCDO said that, at the meeting in Laos, the foreign secretary “set out that the government would cooperate where we can, compete where needed and challenge where we must”. (Excerpted from The Guardian)
Journalists in the Sumy region witnessed Ukrainian armour moving towards the Russian border
Athens, August 11, 2024
SUDOKU
DAILY HOROSCOPES
(March 21-April 19)
The things you discover will point you in a positive direction. Don’t hesitate to proceed once you have backed the facts and figures. A change will be enlightening.
It’s up to you to choose what’s next. Size up your situation, relationships and what matters most, then initiate change. Love and romance are favored. It’s time to make your dreams come true.
(May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20)
Mark your territory and gauge what’s possible. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Put your energy into getting ahead, expanding your knowledge and taking care of the details.
Dedicate more time to self-improvement, health and well-being. Consider your options and financial position, and invest more time and money in how you live. Strive to ease stress.
(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
Keep tabs on what others do and how much money you spend. Generosity will lead to trouble if you insist on giving more than you’ve got emotionally, physically or financially. Learn to say no.
Take time to investigate your options and to implement what’s practical, safe and within your means. Feel free to make last-minute alterations or head in a different direction.
Observe what others are doing, and make changes accordingly. Staying on top of situations will lead to opportunities. Timing is essential, and letting your intuition guide you will pay off.
Stay active, social and in touch with the latest lifestyle and technological advancements. A well-informed mind will help you make better decisions. Thinking ahead will pay off.
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Taking on too much too fast will lead to confusion and mistakes. Align yourself with experts and make decisions that promote opportunities, not struggles. Maintain control.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You’ll get the boost you need from the people you align yourself with today. Discuss your options, expenses and prospects with someone who has experience in areas that perplex you.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Put your energy into something that matters to you. Whether it’s making your surroundings more functional or resolving domestic issues, take the initiative and be willing to compromise.
Adjust your day to suit your needs. Refuse to let outside interference ruin your plans or threaten your well-being. Be resourceful and put a plan in place. Follow your gut.
CALVIN AND HOBBES
Junior Lady Jags conclude good showing, despite loss to Aruba
The Guyana girls’ under-15 national team the Junior Lady Jaguars concluded their group stage campaign in the 2024 CONCACAF Girls' Under-15 Championship last evening with a 2-1 defeat against host nation Aruba. Despite the loss, the Junior Lady Jaguars have shown tremendous growth and resilience throughout the tournament.
The match was a hardfought battle, with Guyana putting up a valiant effort against a determined Aruba side. Kimora Edwards found the back of the net to keep Guyana in the game, but Aruba ultimately secured the win with two well taken goals.
Coach Gavin Fredericks, reflecting on the Junior Lady Jags’ journey in the tournament, has said, “Despite falling short of moving forward to the next round, our team has shown that they are capable of playing high-quality football. This is important as we lay a solid foundation for the future of our pro-
gramme.” He added, “I am immensely proud of the efforts put forth by the players, and their unwavering determination.”
Further, he extended heartfelt gratitude to the staff and administration of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the invaluable support and contributions received.
The Junior Lady
Jaguars started their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Anguilla, and impressive victories over St. Vincent and the Grenadines (3-0) and Guadeloupe (1-0), before facing their toughest challenge against Aruba.
The team’s performance in the group stage has demonstrated their potential and provided valuable experience on the regional and in-
Paris Olympics 2024…
USA top medal table after winning thrilling last gold
The United States snatched top spot in the 2024 Olympic medal table as their women's basketball team earned a thrilling victory over hosts France to win the final gold on offer in Paris.
The fearsome US team was in danger of one of the all-time Olympic upsets, but won 67-66 to take gold for a record-breaking eighth Games in a row; meaning the US moved level with China's tally of 40 golds in the medal table, but with the American team having won 44 silvers to China's 27, they have won 126 medals overall to China's 91, thus topping the medal table for the fourth time in a row.
In a repeat matchup of Saturday's men's final, which was won by the star-studded US at France's expense, Team USA trailed 53-51 with five minutes to play.
The occasion provided
USA women pulled off a narrow victory over France to top the charts and keep their streak alive
one last taste of the atmosphere of wild home support in the French capital. LeBron James, NBA superstar and men's gold medalist for the US, was courtside, while French President Emmanuel Macron was in the stands in support of the hosts.
The US edged back in front, and in a dramatic finale, with the lead at 6764, Gabby Williams sank a
buzzer-beater for France, but it was judged to have come from inches inside the three-point line, and that meant the USA won by a point.
“It feels even better to have to gut the game out like that: really have to find it, really have to string together stops, and really work together; so, I'm proud of this group,” Kahleah Copper said.
ternational stage.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) remains fully supportive of the Junior Lady Jaguars, acknowledging their efforts and the progress they’ve made in this tournament.
The GFF is committed to
Final
the continued development of these young athletes, and looks forward to building on the foundation laid during this championship.
As team members reflect on their journey, the GFF extends its gratitude to the players, coaching staff, and supporters for their dedication and hard work.
The Junior Lady Jaguars have represented Guyana with pride, and their experience in the CONCACAF U-15 Championship will serve as a stepping stone for future success.
spots booked after action-packed semis
he semifinals of the
T‘Keep Your 5 Alive’ tournament and the MVP Sports Female Championship were played at the National Gymnasium on Friday, August 9th, and spectacular performances were recorded from the players and jubilant supporters.
The Police Women’s Team showed dominance in the first semifinal of the night - against GDF ‘B’ – to advance, with goals coming off the feet of Tiandi Smith in the 3rd and 10th minutes in the first half of play. In the second half, Shamya Daniels converted one goal to secure the Police Women’s place in the finals.
Guyana Defence Force ‘A’ attempted to control the first half of the second semifinal against Fruta Conquerors as they showcased their freestyle ability, with Glendie Lewis and Jalade Trim converting goals in the 6th and 9th minutes respectively. In the second half, Sandra Johnson and Glendie Lewis extended the GDF lead, as they each scored once, in the respective 11th and 15th minutes.
The Men’s tournament was filled with excitement, and Back Circle emerged victorious in the first semifinal against Gold is Money. Back Circle led 2-1 in the first half, with Simeon Moore finding the back of the net in the 14th and Stephan McLean also scoring. Randolph Wanger of Gold is Money gave his team a glimpse of hope by scoring in the 20th.
In the second half, Gold is Money took control and the lead in the game, as Shamar Koulen and William Europe scored once, in the 21st and 23rd respectively, which forced Back Circle to keep their composure and break defensive lines. Jamaine Beckles pulled one back in the 34th to secure the equalizer, while, seconds later, Simeon
Moore netted the winning goal for Back Circle in the 40th.
Winning goal-scorer Simeon Moore, while speaking to media operatives, divulged that their fans have motivated them towards the win, and after scoring the deciding goals, the feeling is great.
“Well, it was very, very nice, and it wasn't nothing easy coming down to the bottom; because we all know we always got to fight to make it right. Yeah, it's motivated me a lot, because everyone is depending on me to put in the hard work and score the goals again.
Asked if they were moving on to the final, he said, “Well, we need to do a lot more work, because, going into the game, I think we…didn't play well,” Moore said.
Sparta Boss, known for their dominance, secured a nail-biting victory against Stabroek Ballers in the closing semifinal, despite Stabroek Ballers converting the first goal of the game. That goal came off the feet of Derwin George in the 5th as Sparta Boss’s Darron Niles held his composure from the edge of the penalty box to bury the equalizer in the 8th minute. Then Mark Jahlu managed to lead the game for Stabroek Ballers, scoring in the 11’.
Sparta Boss remained
focused on the prize, as Solomon Austin found a way to the back of the net in the 15th and Curtez Kellman managed to send his team through to the finals by scoring in the 18th.
Sparta Boss Captain Curtez Kellman, also speaking to media operatives, explained that the game was tough but his team kept their composure. He commended the team for the victory.
Kellman said, “First off, I want to congratulate my team on the performance. It was a tough battle, but we dug deep in the end, and everybody who knows Sparta always knows Sparta fights deep and always meets in these phases of the tournament, which is a final. So, I think we're well prepared and we're just focused now on achieving the goal.”
The winning team would receive $300,000; while second, third, and fourthplaced finishers would cart off $150,000, $75,000 and $32,500 respectively.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, one of the main sponsors on board, would be offering every winning team on each playing night $20,000 as part of their agreement with the organizer. Additionally, one lucky fan would ride off with a motorcycle, compliments of Rock Auto Transportation.
Guyana’s under-15 girls’ national team the Junior Lady Jaguars
South Africa tour of West Indies 2024: Test
Athanaze, rain deny South Africa
– in the first drawn Test of 2024
Holder, but Stubbs calmed his nerves with a sweep off Warrican in the next over. The sweep shot was profitable for him, and Warrican was a clear target. Markram hit Warrican for six over longon once, but when he tried it a second time, he did not get enough behind the shot, and was caught on the boundary by Holder.
South Africa ran out of time, ideas, and most importantly bowlers, as they fell five wickets short of winning the first Test against West Indies in Trinidad.
With 142 overs lost to rain over the five days, South Africa made a fist of the final day when they batted quickly, declared early, and gave themselves a little over two sessions to bowl West Indies out.
But Alick Athanaze, playing in his eighth Test match, scored a career-best 92, and shared in half-century stands with Kavem Hodge and Jason Holder, to deny South Africa and save the match.
This was the first drawn Test worldwide in 28 matches since July last year.
Weather aside, questions will be asked of South Africa's selection, after they chose an extra batter at the expense of a fifth frontline-bowling option and were forced to rely heavily on two players. Keshav Maharaj bowled 66.2 overs and Kagiso Rabada 30 out of the 148.1 West Indies faced across both in-
already been used extensively for club cricket this season. Whatever the reason, it made for an attritional style of play, emphasised by the amount of time lost, and both teams did well to turn most of the final day into a cat-and-mouse battle with all four results possible.
South Africa came out with clear intent on the fifth morning: to get runs, and get them quickly. Tony de Zorzi and Markram scored 48 in the first 10.2 overs, and the 13 they took off Jayden Seales's third over best illustrated their approach. De Zorzi appeared to defend the first ball, but somehow timed it well enough to get through mid-off and almost to the boundary, and the pair ran three. Then Markram smashed a short ball through midwicket and drove a full one aerially over mid-on for two fours.
Timing, power and finesse all went into their 78-run opening stand.
When Jomel Warrican was introduced in the 16th over, de Zorzi tried to be innovative and paddle him away
Temba Bavuma stayed in his #4 spot and provided a foil to Stubbs, who was given a licence to thrill. He reverse-swept and advanced on Warrican to hit him over the leg side, and scored 36 runs off the 25 balls he faced from him. In the process, he reached his first Test fifty off 42 balls - the second fastest maiden half-century by a South African after Dudley Nourse's 40-ball fifty on debut.
and he was caught at sweeper cover. Stubbs judged his run from the boundary well to hold on to the catch.
At the other end, Rabada tested Keacy Carty by beating his outside edge, almost having him played on, and thought he had him caught behind but didn't. He then reviewed an lbw appeal that hit Carty's front pad in line with off-stump. Ball-tracking showed it was clipping the top on umpire's call and Carty survived, but then rain arrived.
An hour was lost, and when play resumed, Rabada returned with a plan. He set up Mikyle Louis with a series of full deliveries, including a fabulous yorker that was well kept out, and then bowled a short one. Louis got a top edge to midwicket, where he found Stubbs, who held on to a sec-
Stubbs also took on senior seamer Kemar Roach, and scored 13 runs off three balls from him, before Roach
nings, while Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder contributed 30.5. In the absence of a second specialist spinner, Aiden Markram delivered 21 overs.
There may also be some scrutiny of the Queen's Park Oval pitch. It lacked pace and bounce, and did not facilitate a free-flow of runs, ostensibly because the square has
fine, but gloved a leg-stump delivery to Joshua Da Silva, thus ending his 60-ball stay. He fell five runs short of scoring successive half-centuries in this Test, and has put a peg in the ground as an enterprising opening option.
Tristan Stubbs, in at #3, edged the fourth ball he faced past the only slip to frustrate
took out his leg stump and South Africa declared half an hour before lunch. They gave their bowlers 20 minutes in the first session, but only had 15 before the rain came down.
Maharaj opened the bowling, and with his third ball, had the usually sedate Kraigg Braithwaite attempting a big shot from a full ball,
ond good catch.
With Carty and Athanaze at the crease, South Africa had hoped to exploit their inexperience, but the young pair survived and then thrived.
Athanaze became comfortable sweeping, and Carty took 12 runs off Ngidi's second over. The third-wicket stand grew to 46 before Carty hit Maharaj towards cover, where Mulder fell forward to
Mikyle Louis c Stubbs
b Rabada 9
Keacy Carty c Mulder
b Maharaj 31
Alick Athanaze c Rickelton
b Maharaj 92
Kavem Hodge c †Verreynne
b Maharaj 29
Jason Holder not out 31
Joshua Da Silva † not out 2
Extras (b 6, nb 1) 7
TOTAL 56.2 Ov (RR: 3.56) 201/5
Did not bat: Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican
take a low catch. South Africa could not prise West Indies open in the second session, and put down two chances. Hodge offered Markram a return catch when was on nine, and Markram could not hold on. Hodge survived again on the last ball before tea, when, on 24, he gloved a Maharaj delivery in Bavuma's direction at second slip. Bavuma went to his right, but the ball evaded him. Hodge's dance with danger ended in the first over after tea, when Maharaj found turn and bounce and Hodge got the faintest of edges to Kyle Verreynne.
But Athanaze was not easily moved, and was excellent against the short ball. He scored quickly, reached 50 off 58 balls, and took on South Africa's main bowlers. He scored 18 runs off the 19 balls he faced from Rabada, and 47 off 62 from Maharaj, and had three figures in his sights until he top-edged a sweep from Maharaj to Ryan Rickelton at deep-backward square leg. By then West Indies were on safe ground, and it was too late for South Africa to push for a result. So, the captains shook hands on a draw in fading light with 6.4 overs of play remaining. (ESPNCricinfo)
Alick Athanaze celebrating his half-century
Tony de Zorzi is caught down the leg side by Joshua Da Silva
Kagiso Rabada and company celebrating Mikyle Louis's wicket
Tristan Stubbs brought up his maiden Test fifty
Guyana Cup 2024…
Olympic Kremlin of Slingerz Racing Stables steals Guyana Cup
Javed Ali and his team at Slingerz Racing Stables were triumphant at the 16th running of the Guyana Cup, when Olympic Kremlin pulled off an upset win in the 1600-metre feature event at the packed Rising Sun Turf Club.
Olympic Kremlin, who arrived in Guyana on Wednesday last, found the perfect timing to move into top gear and defeat a talented field of 10 horses, which included defending champion Easy Time, who rode in third. Nova Sol, a newly imported horse, finished second, while Oy Vey ran in fourth in a thrilling feature race. It was a prompt start to the day at Rising Sun, as Little Africa claimed victory in the Mohamed Excavating
Inc L Class Maidens and non-earners in last start. Lords Gift came second, fol-
lowed by Money Jet and Three D Movie in that order. Shake The Bank then lit up the track with a win in
the Prem’s Electrical L Class race for horses that did not earn in their last two starts and classified K Class. Get Them Bobby finished second in that race, while Quiet Warrior and She’s a Monica rounded out the top four finishers.
Top Gun rode to glory in the S. Jagmohan K Class event. Bin Laden finished second, while Money Time and Swinging Jet were the other top four finishers.
Amazing Grace ran a beautiful race in the BM Soat Auto Sales J Class, finishing ahead of Rachel, Hayley and Trump in that order.
The combination of
Dr. Dwight Waldron and Yap Drepaul then tasted back-to-back success when Emotional Damage defied all odds to claim victory in The J’s Supermarket H Class race. Drepaul used his experience to finish ahead of Blinding Light in a thrilling sprint home. Stroke of Luck finished third, while Theory of Colors came fourth.
Trinidadian Jockey Dillion Khelawan took race six into his own hands, storming to victory with Jagdeo Racing Stables’ Soca Harmony in the Associated Construction F Class Classic. Converter returned second while Red Ruby came third and American
Traveller came fourth.
It was all Jet Mode in the KP Jagdeo juvenile dash.
The Jumbo Jet Racing Stable horse, piloted by Jockey Milla, displayed class to leave the dust behind Secret Traveller, Miracle Star and Miss Simron in that order.
The Jumbo Jet Racing Stables then got back-toback wins when the newly imported Stormy Entry charged to a sweet win.
Creemore had to settle for second, while Morning Colors came third and Jessica’s Pride came in fourth in race eight, the Avinash Contracting Sprint Classic.
The penultimate race of the day was the Forresters Guyana Derby, running at 1600 meters, and the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables secured a hat trick by winning three races in a row.
Jockey Colin Ross was
Montra, Mahdia, Titans and Diamond seal
The semifinals of the second Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast promise to be filled with blockbuster action, given the calibre of teams sealing spots at the National Stadium at Providence on August 24.
Play in the semifinals would involve Montra Jaguars against Mahdia (Movements Family) at 15:00h, and Diamond Gunners against Titans AllStars at 17:00h.
The Cricket For Charity match led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali would be played from 19:00h, and be followed by the final at 20:30h.
The four sides reached the semifinals after four entertaining quarter-final matches in front of a full crowd at the Enmore Community Centre Ground on Sunday.
Below are the summarised scores of the four matches:
the architect behind Forza Baby’s dominant win. Sex Appeal finished second, while Sea Bird settled for third and Royal Ink came in fourth place in race nine.
The 2024 Guyana Cup was organized in finesse by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, and a packed Rising Sn Turf Club witnessed the scintillating races.
This Guyana Cup was one with a difference, with the high-quality of races, increase in entry, kids being treated to a quality fun park, and local artists displayed their talents. The DJ Competition, which was the largest in Guyana’s history, was also a success.
The President’s Cup is set for September 22 at Rising Sun Turf Club, and is organized by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee.
semi-final spots
$30,000, for a total payout of $520,000, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
It meant each of these eight teams recouped their entrance fee of $25,000, while the winner received an early bonus.
Each of the losing semi-finalists on August 24 will take home $250,000, compliments of Premier Insurance.
Second-place – $500,000 from SuperBet Guyana, and the winner pockets $1.5M from Star Rentals.
More so, Manoj Goldsmith has opted to increase the prizes for each Player-of-the-Match from the quarter-finals. The longstanding jewellers will donate a silver chain to each Player-of-the-Match from now on.
Team Corruption vs Montra Jaguars Team Corruption: 1106 from 10 overs (Dejourn Charles 58*, Keon Morris 25, Ntini Permaul 12; Ronsford Beaton 2-21, Parmesh Parsotam 2-21, Raymond Perez 1-18) vs Montra Jaguars: 114-3 from 8.1 overs (Anthony Bramble 50, Kevlon Anderson 24, Jonathan Foo 15*, Ramnaresh Sarwan 14; Keon Morris 2-26, Cordell Mars 1-12). Jaguars won by seven wickets.
Austin 3-18, Deonarine Seegobin 2-18) vs Mahdia 69-1 from 4.2 overs (Ricardo Adams 43*, Carlton Jacques 1-26). Mahdia won by nine wickets.
* Titans All-Stars vs The Guards:
Tarmac Titans v Mahdia (Movements Family) Tamarc Titans 68 all out in 9.2 overs (Jayadev Mana 21, Kenroy Cox 15, Marcus Watkins 10; Raydon
Titans All-Stars 1615 from 10 overs (Shemroy Barrington 41, Kemol Savory 32, Keemo Paul 27; Keston Harcourt 2-23) vs The Guards 98-7 (Kevon Boodie 40, David Williams 18, Chetram Nauth 12*; Nial Smith 2-22, Antony Adams
1-19, Quentin Sampson 1-19).Titans won by 63 runs.
Diamond Gunners 1026 from 10 overs (Clint Jones 34*, Damian Vantull 19, Andre Lim 15; Orrin Gibson 2-11, Sanjay Algoo 2-22) vs Brooklyn Youth Strikers 100-8 from 10 overs (Riyad Zaman 28, Ameer Mohamed 27, Jermaine Dewsberry 23; Dorian Grenion 3-19, Laurel Parks (2-23). Diamond won by two runs
The four winners at Enmore pocketed $100,000, while each loser got
More so, players will vie for the titles of Most Runs, Most Wickets, and Player of the Final. Each winner will receive a Smart TV and a $75,000 cash prize compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.
Assuria Insurance will present a motorbike, and $85,000 will go to the Most Valuable Player.
Additionally, $100,000 will be split equally between the Kawasaki Super Striker of the tournament (player with the highest strike rate — minimum of 12 balls) and the Most Economical bowler (lowest economy rate — minimum of 24 balls). This would result in more than G$3.4M being distributed in cash prizes.
The Kares One Guyana T10 Blast also enjoys the support of Kares Engineering, Banks DIH Limited, Montra Restaurant and Lounge, Demerara Mutual, ETS, Metro Office and Computer Supplies, Jacobs’ Jewellery, Digital Technology, First Change Builders Inc, KFC Guyana, Hoosein’s Security Services, NEW GPC Inc., Building Expo 2024, Giftland OfficeMax, Sankar’s Auto Works, ENet, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., Trophy Stall, ANSA McAL Distribution, Camille’s Academy, R. Kissoon Contracting Service, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Samaroo Investments, and Coel’s Boutique.
Shemroy Barrington of Titans All-Stars launched a ‘Montra Maximum’ into the stands
Newly imported Stormy Entry made a grand entry to racing in Guyana with a stunning win
The connections of Emotional Damage after owner Dr Dwight Waldron recorded back-to-back wins
The winners’ row: Slingerz Racing Stables are Guyana Cup champions (Photo: Travis Montooth)
