Guyana Times - Monday, July 24, 2023

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1500 Guyanese hired in oil & gas sector in 2022 – Local Content Secretariat …850 local businesses registered Public trust growing as over 110,000 Guyanese using mmg – GTT’s Bobita Ram

Chinese supermarket owner opens fire on bandits …1 shot, 2 escape Murder suspect wanted in Guyana nabbed in Suriname

Man who robbed singers nabbed in Region 1

Bandits break into Diamond businessman's home, escape with $6M

Measures taken to protect NRF from foreign currency risk – BoG

…NRF Board reports US$17M interest profit for 2022

Since 2020, Guyana’s revenue from oil and gas has been held in the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it benefits from favourable interest rates. And according to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Board, measures are taken to protect the money from foreign currency risk.

This is contained in the NRF Board’s inaugural report since they were ap

pointed in August of last year. While they noted that there is credit, market, interest rate and foreign currency risks that come with managing a fund, the bank of Guyana assured that these risks are managed.

In the case of interest rate risk, which is defined as the risk of future cash flows fluctuating, the bank explained that it manages this risk by continuing to monitor market conditions and yields. Meanwhile, for

eign currency risk is pres

ent due to the holdings of foreign currency assets.

“The bank manag

es the risk of adverse ex

change rate movements through constant monitoring of market conditions and trends. Further miti -

gation measures are also taken to ensure that foreign currency assets are maintained in stable currencies. The principal currency in which foreign assets are denominated is the United States dollar.”

When it comes to reporting on the fund’s performance, it was revealed that the fund recorded a $3.6 billion (US$17 million) profit for 2022, due solely to the interest earned on the deposits. This is a stark increase compared to 2021’s figures of US$0.12 million.

“This resulted in a return of 1.581 per cent for the year, compared with 0.026 per cent for 2021, with 0.021 per cent being

earned in the first quarter, 0.177 per cent in the second quarter, 0.513 per cent in the third quarter and 0.863 per cent in the fourth quarter. The fund earned an annualised return of 0.540 per cent since its inception,” the report states.

In the first quarter of 2023, Guyana received in excess of US$300 million in payments for profit oil and royalty, increasing the balance of its Natural Resource Fund to well over US$1.4 billion by the end of March 2023.

Based on the gazetted inflows of money for the first quarter, the Natural Resource Fund received US$377.1 million in oil and

gas payments. This included a payment of US$157.6 million made in January for two profit oil lifts that occurred last year from the Liza Unity and Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Meanwhile, payments dating from last year’s transactions also included a royalty payment of US$57.5 million for the 2022 fourth quarter oil production. Meanwhile, Guyana received payments for two lifts that occurred this year from both FPSOs.

There was also a payment of US$82.2 billion for a lift of profit oil that occurred on January 17, 2023, from the Liza Destiny FPSO. There was also a payment of US$79.6 million for a lift from the Liza Unity that occurred on February 3, 2023.

There have also been withdrawals. In May, the Government made its second withdrawal from the NRF for 2023, intended to fund programmes under this year’s $781.9 billion budget. Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh had announced the withdrawal of US$200 million

($41.6 billion) from the fund. He had assured that, in accordance with the law, this sum would be transferred to the Consolidated Fund.

Previously, the first withdrawal for this year was made in February. In December 2022, the Government had made its third overall withdrawal — US$207.6 million (G$43 billion) in oil funds — from the fund, which went towards financing Guyana’s national development plans. This had brought the accumulated withdrawals from the NRF for the year 2022 to US$607.6 million, equivalent to G$126 billion, in line with approved amount in the 2022 budget.”

In January of this year, the Bank of Guyana signed an agreement to officially hand over control of the NRF to the Board of Directors appointed by the President. According to Section 5 (6) (d) of the Act, the Board is required to enter into an operational agreement with the bank, so that management of the fund can change hands. This agreement was signed two days after the reading

of the 2023 budget.

The NRF Board consists of five members, while the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC) is comprised of nine members, and the Investment Committee, seven members. When it comes to the NRF Board, it is Chaired by Retired Major General Joe Singh.

Other members of the Board are Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett; Private Sector Executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentarian Dunstan Barrow; and former Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Compton Bourne.

In June of this year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had made it clear that even more must be done to further strengthen the management system under which the fund operates, especially since the oil money Guyana accumulates will only increase. (G3)

The New York Federal Reserve Bank

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, July 24 from 23:59h until Thursday, July 27, at 23:59h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, July 24 – 07:50h – 09:20h and Tuesday, July 25 – 08:40h – 10:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies and light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Westerly between 0.89 metre and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 08:36h and 20:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.41 metres and 2.37 metres.

Low Tide: 14:33h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre.

All set for 3-day Harbour Bridge closure from midnight tonight – Edghill

…additional 24-hour crossings available ...no fare increases or price gouging

lation period. There will also be other private contractors who will provide critical services such as welding and equipment/ machinery such as barges and heavy-lifting equipment.

At least two retractor spans were severely damaged in October 2022 when Panama-registered oil tanker, MV Tradewind Passion, crashed into the DHB and rendered it inoperable for several days due to the extensive damages. The incident was said to be one of the most serious collisions for the 44-year-old

Preparations are all in place for tonight’s closure of the Demerara Harbour Bridge for a three-day period to facilitate the replacement of Retractor Span 9, and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill is confident that the works will be completed within the timeframe set.

The bridge closure, to both vehicular and marine traffic, is scheduled to start at 23:59h tonight, July 24, and end at 23:59h on Thursday, July 27.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Sunday, Minister Edghill explained that from midnight tonight until Thursday midnight, the teams will be working on a 24-hour basis to ensure the works are completed.

“I’m asking the nation to be patient and to exercise great levels of understanding. From midnight tonight, the workmen will be working around-theclock to get the task completed within the time period… I would like to ask all the responsible Guyanese to put out good faith and good thoughts that we could get this done in the shortest possible time and that the systems that have been put in place would be complied with, and that we all work together during this time,” the Minister pleaded.

Asked whether any systems have been put in place to facilitate these works going beyond the three-day timeline, the Public Works Minister expressed his confidence that there will be no delays.

“We anticipate that the works will be completed in time. We have put on several teams who will be doing numerous things simultaneously and we will keep people informed.”

Edghill could not say how many persons will be working on this proj -

ect over the coming days. However, he noted that it will be an all-hands-ondeck situation with the entire technical staff from the DHB Corporation.

Additionally, staff from Industrial Fabrications Inc (InFab), the local company that built the new Span 9, will also be onhand during the instal -

metal structure, which has outlived its 20-year lifespan.

The new $1.2B Retractor Span 9 that will be installed on the Demerara Harbour Bridge over the next three days

A terminal under construction at Market Street, Grove on the East Bank of Demerara for passengers to access water taxis to travel across the Demerara River to Wales, West Bank Demerara

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Realising the Savannahs’ potential

It has now been two years since the initiative to produce soya and corn in our Intermediate Savannahs was launched by the Government of Guyana and several Private Sector companies. To date, the Government has invested more than $1 billion in “infrastructural development” for the project which consists of roads, a wharf and drying and storage facilities. The Guyana savannahs are little known to most Guyanese who live on our coastlands, but they have captivated the imagination of all Governments since independence as one of our untapped frontiers.

Savannahs are the tropical equivalent of the temperate zone prairies of North America and the steppes of Eurasia –vast flat or undulating grasslands. More precisely, they have been defined as “a mixed woodland-grassland ecosystem characterised by the trees being sufficiently widely spaced so that the canopy does not close. The open canopy allows sufficient light to reach the ground to support an unbroken herbaceous layer consisting primarily of grasses.” We have two sets of savannahs in Guyana. First are the “Intermediate Savannahs” in Region 10, which cover approximately 2000 square miles or 500,000 hectares. It consists of 70 per cent forest and 25 per cent of savannah lands and comprises five discrete areas: the Kimbia/Ebini Savannah (East of the Berbice River); the Wiruni Savannah (West of the Berbice River); the Ituni/Tacama Savannah (West of the Berbice River); the Kibilibiri Savannah (West of the Berbice River) and the Eberoabo Savannah (West of the Berbice River). The second are found in the Rupununi (north and south) and are much larger at 6000 square miles. These are vast expanses of land into which each of the Caricom islands would easily fit.

Directly after independence, the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration attempted to open up the Intermediate Savannahs for cultivation. The first effort was the Global Agri Kibilibiri grain project, which embarked on large-scale production of maize, sorghum, soyabean and black-eye pea. Approximately 1400 acres was put under cultivation during which time ownership and management of the project was derogated to the Stateowned Guyana Agricultural Products Corporation, which continued farming until 1978 and then collapsed. By then the Government had moved on with a combination of state effort through the creation of the Guyana National Service (GNS) in 1974 and later private enterprise. Unfortunately, all these efforts also failed.

Since then, there have been regular attempts in every decade to create a sustainable model for agricultural development of the savannahs to make Guyana into the “Breadbasket of the Caribbean”, to no avail. But at long last it appears that we are on the way to creating a viable model to realise the potential of the Intermediate Savannahs. In 2021, a trial crop of 250 acres of soya was successfully planted and reaped by the consortium to be used to satisfy the needs of the livestock industry that imports some US$80 million of feedstock annually. While the yield was less than optimum, it revealed the constraints that had to be addressed. Prime among these was the need to neutralise the acidic soil using limestone, which had to be imported from the Dominican Republic. For the doubled acreage second crop in 2022, in which corn was also included, the amount of limestone shipped in was insufficient to satisfy the needs, but more experience was gleaned.

The initiative exemplifies the kind of risk-taking that is demanded for entrepreneurship, but is not fully appreciated by the Opposition who glibly talk of “development”, but never demanded the patience to create the necessary conditions for success. To date, the consortium of five Guyanese companies have already ploughed in more than half a billion dollars without any profits earned. But with the commitment of the Government towards Guyana’s larger developmental trajectory, they have girded their loins for the long haul – which is to satisfy the needs of the local livestock sector and also that of Caricom.

At long last we appear to have hit on the right combination of private and public initiative that creates the successful entrepreneurial state model.

By Nathalie tocci

When floods swept Europe in July 2021, killing more than 200 people in Germany, Belgium and neighbouring countries, it was a disaster that came as the climate crisis was moving to the top of Europe’s political agenda. All of a sudden, climate was no longer an abstract threat that could be batted into a distant future; it was already here, causing shocking weather events, destroying lives and leaving people homeless.

In northern Europe especially, spurred by the Fridays for Future school strikes, the climate crisis had already spilled into politics, pushing policy into action. But in 2021, measurable progress towards the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 began to be made. The European Union (EU) did not just limit itself to ambitious targets, enshrined in laws and regulations. It also put its money where its mouth was.

Neither the pandemic nor Russia’s subsequent invasion of Ukraine distracted its focus. On the contrary, Europe used these crises to put flesh on the bones of a green deal, accelerating its race to net zero. As a result of the pandemic, the EU agreed to channel 37 per cent of its economic recovery funds to the energy transition, while in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the energy crisis it unleashed, European countries stepped up their investments in renewables and energy efficiency as they strived to wean themselves off Russian gas.

In 2022, renewables overtook gas to become the leading source of electricity generation in the EU,

with solar power leaping by a record 24 per cent. Key policies have also been approved, from the extension of carbon pricing to cover the politically sensitive areas of buildings and transport, to the adoption of a carbon border tax to ensure that as EU industry is forced to decarbonise, Europe does not end up importing dirtier and cheaper products from elsewhere. A few weeks ago, a senior official at the European Commission told me that the EU had completed the lion’s share of its green agenda in this legislative cycle, well beyond Brussels’ rosiest expectations a few years ago.

Yet grey (or rather brown) clouds are now massing on the horizon. Across Europe, worrying signs of a green backlash are surfacing, as citizens and businesses start feeling the costs of the energy transition. Dutch farmers are up in arms over stringent limits on nitrogen emissions, arguing that they will make European agriculture financially unviable. The German public is fretting over the phaseout of gas boilers, while the car industry has successfully squeezed in a loophole for synthetic fuels to lengthen the lifespan of conventional combustion engines, which are meant to be phased out across the EU by 2035. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, have both publicly called for a “pause” in the EU’s green legislative agenda, while Poland is fighting for exemptions to sustain its coal subsidies. In the European Parliament, conservatives and centre-right MEPs are putting spokes in the wheels of the nature conservation law, the biodiversity part of the EU’s green deal.

There are two opposing interpretations of this “greenlash”. The first is that pressure is mounting against the green agenda because it is now real. As long as climate action was an abstract, lofty goal, it was easy for everyone to pay lip service to it. You could do the right thing and stand up for action on the climate crisis without paying the price for it. Now the hard part – although action is still far too slow and uneven – is actually happening. This change, often referred to as a green “transition”, is revolutionary in its scope, complexity and the speed at which it is meant to be taking place. And revolutions have winners and losers.

It is only natural that the “losers” want to make their voices heard – but it is up to politics to channel that dissent, and to find ways of compensating those opposing voices to ensure that their resistance does not derail the journey to net zero. The reality of decarbonisation will surely differ from the original plan, as the social, economic and political repercussions play out and unforeseen technological breakthroughs take place. In short, the “greenlash” proves that the move to net zero is real, not that Europeans are going into reverse on climate action.

But the second interpretation says the opposite might be true: the pushback against green policies could be the sign of worse to come. As EU countries such as Spain, Slovakia and Poland prepare for elections later this year, and with European Parliament elections in 2024, there is a real risk that rightwing, populist parties will latch on to the “greenlash” and surge back in the polls. While no longer openly climate crisis

deniers, they denounce the inequalities and the harm caused to industry they say are exacerbated by climate policies.

They call for “ecological sovereignty”, which, rather than pressing for decarbonisation, insists on the preservation of landscapes from the supposed visual horrors of wind and solar farms, and on the preservation of traditional food and agriculture from the purported abomination of synthetic meats and alternative sources of proteins, such as insects. Their populist nationalism seemingly embraces, but actually disfigures the climate agenda. At times, reality is turned on its head. When floods devastated the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy in May, the hard-right Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, did not point the finger at the obvious culprit, climate change. In a remarkable pirouette, she actually blamed climate policy, which she claimed had prevented the construction of infrastructure that would have saved property and lives.

If the green divide deepens in Europe, this could slow down the existential race we’re in. That risks delaying not so much the decarbonisation agenda – existing laws and policies, technology and market forces suggest this will happen simply because it makes economic sense – but rather the wider sustainability agenda, focused on biodiversity, agriculture and nature conservation. There is sadly less money to make from this agenda. It is here that a political backlash, coupled with the absence of a profit-driven corporate interest, risks derailing Europe’s role in saving people and planet alike. (The Guardian)

Approximately 100 Alphorn players perform on the final day of the 22nd International Alphorn Festival on the mountain pasture of Tracouet, 2200 metres up in the Swiss Alps above Nendaz (AFP photo)

After 2 years of real progress on climate, a European ‘greenlash’ is brewing

Thumbs up for health screening programme in Guyana’s schools

Dear Editor, The unprecedented “Comprehensive Child and Youth Health Programme (CYHP),” that was recently birthed in Guyana, is a most wonderful initiative, and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government must be lauded for it. It is a big deal and I am glad to tout it, after reading of the same in the local press. The word is that the programme intends to facilitate oral health, hearing and vision screening for children and adolescents, with the aim to improve the health of school children aged five to 17. I repeat: “This is massive indeed,” and more so that it is being backed

by the prestigious Mount Sinai Health Systems and Hess Corporation, who have so far donated a number of medical equipment and materials, as part of incipient consultancy facilitation.

Editor, first of all, for me, “health is wealth,” and “prevention is better than cure”. I do know that worldwide, this is nothing new, as for over a century, school health services have provided children with an important safety net, identifying those with disorders that may not be readily apparent to parents or teachers, or to the children themselves. These services became more sophisticated over

time, with formal screening of targeted age groups of school children for specific disorders replacing the general medical checks of earlier years. Screening tests now are standard procedures in many school health services and tests cover a wide range of disorders.

May I inform the public that growth and development, hearing and vision, speech and language, and dental problems are some of the many health issues handled by many school health screening systems. School screening systems have a valued place within both the healthcare and education sectors. Systems that are constantly re-

flected upon and critically evaluated will continue to serve our children well, far into the future. So, this beginning is very vital to our country’s children.

Another point I want to emphasise is that schools are important settings for comprehensive health promotion. Research consistently demonstrates that health and education are inextricably linked and the most effective way to address the development of life-long healthy attitudes and behaviours such as maintaining a healthy weight is through a comprehensive school health approach. The comprehensive school health approach is an internation-

ally recognised framework for supporting improvements in students’ educational outcomes while addressing health issues in the school context in a planned, integrated and holistic way. It encompasses the whole school environment with actions addressing four distinct but inter-related pillars: social and physical environment; teaching and learning; healthy school policy; and partnerships and services.

In closing, I hope all will pay heed to and support the Ministry of Health as it is looking to launch the programme in a couple of weeks starting with the nursery lev-

el students. The news from Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, is that “… a comprehensive programme will be rolled out at the nursery level and later expanded to primary and secondary levels.” He informed all that “We have established a set of measures to be implemented at the nursery level which will include visual, hearing, dental and physical check-ups to address any conditions and prevent long-term issues,” adding that the Ministry aims to screen at least 27,000 nursery-level children.

Yours truly, HB Singh

My experience has been very different at GPHC

Dear Editor,

Please permit me some space in your newspaper to acknowledge the sterling services I received from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Neurosurgery Team and indeed from the entire staff with whom I came into contact.

On the 17th of April, 2023, while I was critically ill, during a week about which I have no recollec-

tion, my friends and relatives made a lifesaving decision to fly me out of Region 9 to the GPHC. I was told that I was picked up at Eugene Correia Airport at 4:30 pm and rushed to the GPHC A&E Dept where doctors and support staff of the A&E Department did four different diagnostic tests and a complete evaluation. It was recommended that I have immediate surgery

for removing blood clots from my brain. By 8 pm or a mere 3 hours later, my surgery was successfully done by a team of seven neurosurgeons led by Dr Dukhi.

While recovering, my relatives updated me on the sequence of events leading up to the surgery and about the swiftness and professionalism with which every member of staff with whom I came

into contact responded to my sickness. I would like to go on top of the mountain and shout out my appreciation to all of the staff at GPHC and especially to Drs Dukhi, Singh, Fredericks, Alicock and the rest of Dr Dukhi’s team.

The nursing care I received in the surgical ward was exceptional. Friendly, courteous, professional and at times humorous nursing care is what I re-

ceived. Thank you nurses. The attendants were all caring and supportive and assisted me as if I was their relative. I want to say a special thanks to them too.

I have heard and read so many negative things about GPHC, but my experience has been very different. I want to congratulate the management and staff for the quality of healthcare that is be-

ing delivered from GPHC, despite the capacity and other challenges that they face. Thank you all for saving my life.

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

Sincerely, Hemwant Persaud

Proportions and cross-multiplying

Remember

When you

Exercises: Solve for x

BY LORD BYRON (GEORGE GORDON)

She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o’er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place. And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!

WORD SEARCH

A proportion is a problem that contains two ratios that are equal. In a proportion problem, one of the numerators or one of the denominators is not known. The met6hod for finding the missing numerator or denominator is called cross-multiplying.

divide both sides of an equation by the same number, the expressions on both sides remain equal.

1500 Guyanese hired in oil & gas sector in 2022 – Local Content Secretariat

…850 local businesses registered

Successes contin -

ue to be recorded in Guyana’s local content, with 1500 Guyanese being hired in the oil and gas sector last year alone and some 2700 Guyanese in total employed as of 2022 in the various careers the sector has to offer.

This is according to the Local Content Secretariat, while highlighting key achievements in 2022. Additionally, 1800 training programmes were offered. Top technical job opportunities in the oil and gas sector include field and platform operators. Mechanical and subsea technicians, engineers and riggers.

When it comes to skilled workers, the top job opportunities include plant and machine operators, stevedores, cooks, drivers, cargo operators and shop technicians. There is also a de -

All

mand for doctors, nurses and paramedics under the health category, data scientists and ICT support officers under Information Technology (IT) and commercial analysts and cost controllers under business and finance.

There are, meanwhile, opportunities under administrative career paths, for logistic, facility and administrative officers, clerks, project managers and site operatives, as well as opportunities in customer service. The secretariat estimates that 323 technical, 294 skilled, 69 administrative, 27 health and 16 business/finance staff will be hired for 2023.

Businesses

The Local Content Secretariat also revealed that approximately 850 Guyanese companies and businesses registered

in 2022 with the Local Content Secretariat. According to the secretariat, the time it takes companies and operators to pay locals, a thorny issue for businesses, has also been addressed. This time period, according to the secretariat, has been reduced from 45 to 30 days.

There had been numerous complaints of prolonged delays, as much as 90 days, for the payment of goods supplied or services rendered to major players in the oil and gas sector – an issue which had been engaging the Government’s attention.

As a result, the Natural Resources Ministry, through the Local Content Secretariat, had informed companies operating in the petroleum sector that their five-year Local Content Master Plans, which have to be submitted by year-

set for 3-day Harbour...

Back in March, works were done on Retractor Span 10. This was in addition to other emergency repairs done in February to the ageing bridge that is a critical link between several regions and the capital city as well as main airports.

In February, the bridge was closed for over 24 hours in order to facilitate emergency works to be carried out. These include changing out two static rollers, a transom beam, six panels and the mechanism to secure the changes.

Span 9

The new $1.2 billion Retractor Span 9 was already being fabricated by Infab prior to the accident and was completed last year. In April, Span 9 was removed from drydock and moored up the Demerara River closer to the DHB.

On Sunday morning, the new retractor span was moved from the southern side of the Harbour Bridge over to the northern side during a one-hour special closure.

Spanning 170 feet long and 40 feet wide, the new Span 9 will enhance the bridge's retraction operation by enabling wider vessels to pass.

In preparation for the three-day closure of the bridge, alternative systems have been put in place to facilitate the transportation of people across the Demerara River.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has announced that in addition to the regular Georgetown (Stabroek) to Vreed-enHoop crossing, two other temporary terminals have been set up along the Demerara River to facilitate the operation of water taxis to move people.

These are at Grove, East Bank Demerara to Wales, West Bank Demerara, and at Peters Hall, EBD, on the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

For the crossing at Peters Hall, persons will be allowed to go onto the pedestrian walkway on the bridge up to a certain point, where they will board water taxis and be transported closer to the western end of the bridge and disembark on the walkway there, and vice versa for persons travelling from the western side of the bridge over the eastern side.

“We have tested for safety, looking for what might

end for approval, must stipulate a max 45-day payment period upon the correct receipt of an invoice to allow Guyanese companies timely and appropriate access to contract and payment terms that facilitate competitive funding and expansion.

To this end, last year the Natural Resources Ministry started approving the Local Content Master Plans of tier-one contractors, including SBM Offshore and Halliburton among others, who were complying with this new condition.

According to the Ministry, this amendment to the five-year Local Content Mater Plan is enforceable by law and will now see contractors and sub-contractors operating in the nation’s oil and gas sector issuing payment to Guyanese suppliers within 30 to 45 days following the receipt of a correct invoice.

in January 2022. The Act lays out 40 different services that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese companies.

FROM PAGE 3

be needed when the water is low and we have built out the facilities to ensure everyone’s safety,” Edghill related to this publication.

No increases

According to the Public Works Minister, there will be buses available at that drop off point on the bridge to shuttle persons to and from the public road. Similarly, shuttles will be available at the Vreed-enHoop stelling to transport persons to the junction, and vice versa.

These shuttles are free of cost and will be running on a 24-hour basis.

Both MARAD and Minister Edghill have cautioned that the water taxi fares will not increase from the $100 fee. Additionally, the Minister also warned bus drivers not to increase their fares for the travelling public during this period.

Meanwhile, the Minister went on to note too that efforts were also made to ensure that there is no hoarding of products by businesses and increasing of prices due to the bridge closure.

“The private sectors and the manufacturers have all indicated that there is adequate supply of supplies on the West side, in Essequibo and in Bartica. And so there will be no need for price gouging or anyone raising prices to take advantage of the situation,” he stated. (G8)

After being passed in the National Assembly in December 2021, the Local Content Act was enacted

These include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

The Local Content Act mandates penalties, such

as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million, for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act.

However, the Act is intended to be a living one and both President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo have noted that the legislation will be continuously reviewed and updated over time in order to close loopholes that are being exploited by operators in the oil and gas sector. (G3)

Local Content Secretariat Director Martin Pertab

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Convicted man challenging jail time for chopping neighbour to know fate soon

Politics...

...in the streets

One of Eric Williams’ famous statements when he launched the 30-year-long reign of the PNM in Trinidad back in 1956 was: “fighting in the streets is over and politics in Parliament will now begin”. Sadly, for us in Guyana, his contemporary Burnham, who’d escalated his “fighting in the streets” in Guyana to a literal racial civil war to get into power, never weaned his party to confine politics to the civilised rules of Parliament.

Andy Boodram, a former Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident is likely to know his fate this Wednesday when the Court of Appeal is scheduled to hand down its decision on his appeal against his conviction and life sentence for the offence of felonious wounding.

This 38-year-old father of three had initially been indicted by the State for attempted murder, but the jury, in March 2018, found him not guilty of that offence, and instead convicted him on the alternative count of felonious wounding. The victim is Deonarine Persaud, called “Anil”.

Convicted by a proportion of 10 to 2, the jury found him guilty of wounding Persaud on September 24, 2011, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause him serious bodily harm.

The appellate court heard arguments in the matter earlier this year.

During arguments, one of Boodram’s lawyers, Dr Kim Kyte-Thomas, had asked the Judges to revisit the sentence imposed on her client, stating that felonious wounding is usually an offence that is tried in the Magistrate’s Court, where the maximum sentence is five years’ imprisonment.

To support her argument, she relied on a case, Bowman vs Marques, in which she said the Court of Appeal found that 59 months in prison was a reasonable punishment for felonious wounding. That sentence, which was initially imposed by a Magistrate, was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

“Regularly in the Magistrate’s Court, this is to ensure that we have consistency in our jurisprudence, the sentence awarded for this offence will be either a fine or between six to 18 months in prison. We believe that this [life] sentence was unreasonable and excessive in all the circumstances of the case, and we, therefore, urge this court to find that our client has already paid his due to society, having already served 60 months, or five calendar years [in prison],” averred Dr KyteThomas, while amplifying on written submissions.

For her part, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, one of the three Judges who heard the case, had pointed out that Boodram was charged under Section 57 (a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, which stipulates a sentence of imprisonment for life for anyone convicted of felonious wounding.

While they were in court to do justice, she said, a distinc-

tion has to be drawn between the instant case and Bowman and Marques, and the fact that Boodram’s matter was taken indictably before a Judge and jury, and not summarily before a Magistrate only.

In reply, the defence lawyer submitted that Bowman vs Marques was a premeditated robbery and that during the course of that robbery, there was felonious wounding, and a finger was even severed; while the instant case was a fight between two grown men over loud music.

Chancellor CummingsEdwards, in replying, noted that Bowman vs Marques was tried by a Magistrate who was constrained by law to give that sentence.

Boodram’s other lawyer, George Thomas, in arguing for his conviction to be set aside, had submitted the trial Judge, Navindra Singh erred in law when he admitted the oral statements to form part of the evidence, which he then relied upon in giving directions to the jury.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mercedes Glasford had asked the court to affirm Boodram’s conviction, submitting, “This court should affirm the conviction which was arrived at by the jury. They [the jurors] were properly directed by the trial Judge.”

On the issue of sentencing, Glasford had contended that the trial Judge had the necessary information before him, including the facts, and a plea in mitigation was made by defence counsel. As such, she had told the local appellate court that it must determine whether, in all of the circumstances and the facts of this case, the sentence was excessive, and whether the correct principles were applied in arriving at the sentence.

“Based on the evidence, it was an argument; but the complainant [Persaud] would have been around his car, and he was turning in the opposite direction, and when he looked around, the cutlass came in connection with his head. He received injuries, was hospitalised, and had surgeries done. So, this was a very violent attack,” she had said in recounting the facts.

Besides the Chancellor, Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory-Barnes and Rishi Persaud also heard this appeal, while Abiola WongInniss was the other defence lawyer.

Background

Boodram, also known as “Boy”, was found guilty of chopping Persaud in the head

following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-member jury at the High Court in Demerara.

The jury returned its verdict on March 29, 2018, and Boodram was sentenced that same day.

The chopping incident took place on September 24, 2011.

During the trial, Persaud had testified that Boodram, whom he had known about nine months prior to the incident, operated a shop, and would play music to entertain his customers.

However, Persaud said he came outside and asked Boodram to lower the volume of the music, as he and his wife had a young child. He claimed that they exchanged expletives for 15 minutes after Boodram told him that he was not “turning down no [expletive] music”.

Afterward, the victim told the court, he was speaking with a woman called “Shirley”, who shouted to him: “Anil, run! ‘Boy’ [Boodram] coming with a cutlass!”

He said he did not run at the said time, but when he turned around, he saw “Boy”

swinging the cutlass. Persaud noted that after he was chopped to the right side of his head, he used his hand to block the chops, thus resulting in injuries to his hand.

“‘Boy’ continued to broadside me even when I fell to the ground on my back,” he noted. He added that he lost consciousness, and only regained his senses at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He said he was hospitalised until October 4, 2011, with regular checkups after.

He added that he also had surgery six months after to fit three pieces of his skull that were preserved in his stomach back into place. He noted that swelling in his head had prevented doctors from immediately conducting the corrective procedure.

Under cross-examination, Persaud admitted that he became angry when the accused did not want to turn down his music. He, however, maintained that he did not attack Boodram.

Boodram, on the other hand, maintained that it was someone else who attacked Persaud. (G1)

Armed robbery accused secures $200,000 bail

Ayouth accused of robbing a man at gunpoint was granted $200,000 bail on Friday after appearing before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge against 20-year-old Andra Stewart of Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, stated that on Tuesday, May 9, at Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, while in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Mojess Naduri of a red Hero Hunk motorcycle valued at $450,000 and a Samsung Galaxy F13 cellular phone valued at $40,000.

He denied the charge before Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer-Singh.

The prosecution’s short facts detailed that the accused and virtual complaint are known to each other, but did not reveal the nature of their relationship.

At around 22:00h on the day in question, Naduri was riding his motorcycle heading north along Seaforth Street when Stewart and another man rode up alongside and stopped in front of him.

Stewart then dismounted a motorcycle, pulled out a gun from the waist of his

pants, and pointed same at Naduri, while demanding that he hand over his valuables.

Naduri, who became fearful, dropped his cell phone and ran away, leaving his motorcycle behind.

Stewart picked up the phone and motorcycle and he and his accomplice rode off.

The virtual complainant subsequently reported the robbery to the Police. Acting on information, a party of policemen went to Genip Lane, Warlock, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, where the stolen motorcycle was recovered. Stewart, however, could not be located.

Stewart was eventually arrested for the crime on May 16.

The Police prosecutor did not object to the defendant being granted bail but asked that it be set in a substantial amount and that reporting conditions be attached.

In the end, the presiding Magistrate set bail at $200,000 and ordered Stewart to report to the Kitty Police Station every other Monday until the hearing and determination of his trial.

The case was postponed to August 4. (G1)

In fact, with them rigging elections from 1968 to 1985, by bringing in the army to seize ballot boxes and murdering civilians in the process, they expanded the arena of violence. Parliamentary democracy for the PNC was always interpreted cynically – with a wink and a blow to the solar plexus of the other political players. Some killings by Police “encounters” (Koama/Dublin) or with planted bombs in walkie-talkies (Rodney) or arbitrary torture after framedup charges (the De Willem 15) were examples of politics they practised in power.

When they were ousted after 28 years, the PNC’s violent street politics returned without skipping a beat –and Guyana knew no lasting peace from 1997 to now. Then there was hope they’d learnt a lesson – that violence can careen out of control and consume us all. They recalibrated, changed their name to APNU, went into a coalition with the AFC and returned to power. But it soon became clear they just couldn’t keep on the straight and narrow. The folk wisdom predicts that once canines start “sucking egg”, they just can’t stop!

And so after the PNC returned to their rigging ways in 2020, and when that was stymied, they extended their violence into the hallowed chambers of Parliament. They went where even Burnham never dared go!! Imagine seizing the Speaker’s Mace; fighting with the Sergeantat-Arms over it and brukkin’ up the communications centre!! Ever since Aug 2nd 2020 if it’s not the Courts, it’s the streets with their clenched fists and incendiary racebased rhetoric. We all know what happened at Mon Repos Market after the Opposition march from Golden Grove.

Right now the same set of provocateurs are busy stirring their cauldron of witches’ brew over social media to get their supporters into the streets to wreak havoc and mayhem. But we know what’s going on, don’t we? All of this simulated righteous indignation about “installed regimes” and “emerging apartheid states” is just playing to the PNC’s gallery to rile them up and precipitate the violence in the streets that’s been their trademark since the 1960s.

Your Eyewitness hopes that the PNC’s constituency has learnt their lesson after 60 years of being used as cannon fodder.

And throw out the entire lot at the upcoming Biennial Congress!

…using our gas

So, the kvetching from the Opposition and their camp followers continues unabated on the gas-to-shore project. But hey, didn’t the VP lay out all the rationales on the need for cheaper electricity to kick-start our industrialisation drive before proceeding? Your Eyewitness believes that these armchair “experts” have absolutely no idea of what’s going on with the community in Wales after the PNC shuttered the sugar factory. It’s devastation plain and simple!! If they did, maybe they’d echo the original weeping Prophet Jeremiah: “I will weep and wail for the mountains and take up a lament concerning the wilderness grasslands. They are desolate and untraveled, and the lowing of cattle is not heard. The birds have all fled and the animals are gone.”

The Government appears committed to killing several birds with the big stone of our natural gas generating power for the next 30 years. Those who want to save the planet should speak to the big emitters.

Our forests will cover our increased emission!

…and justice

Imagine Opposition indignation over some persons fired – even though the Govt took them to the Courts ON SPECIFIC charges! Aren’t the Courts the arbiter of the laws – to decide whether the Government violated any of those laws?

And justice will be served?

Andy Boodram

Court of Appeal Judges: Justices Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory

Over 2 dozen experts helping Guyana build oil & gas capacity

…EPA exceeds target for staff trained by int’l experts

There are over two dozen experts currently aiding Guyanese Government agencies and other bodies with building capacity to oversee the oil and gas sector as of this year, as part of an ongoing World Bank project.

The project is entitled the “Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project” and it has been in place since April 2019. Under the project, Guyana was allocated a US$20 million loan. So far, the World Bank said that 45 per cent of this loan has

been used.

It is scheduled to come to an end next year, but during the period in which the project has been in place, it has seen success in several areas ranging from improving capacity to reducing gender gaps.

“Intermediate Results Indicators show good progress, with four (out of nine intermediate level indicators) considered ‘on-track’… two are ‘partially on track’, one is ‘off track’, and two more (related to support to the MoF) are ‘off track’ but will be dropped during re-

structuring as they will no longer be relevant following the reallocation of Component C resources from MoF support to NRF capacity building support,” the World Bank said in the project’s Implementation Status and Results Report.

One of the areas that have seen significant progress is the hiring of experts to work along with Guyanese regulators and offer on the job training to better equip them to monitor and regulate the oil and gas sector. According to the World Bank, as of June 2023, the

CANU unearths $17M in ganja stashed in bush at Crabwood Creek

Ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) have discovered a large quantity of marijuana stashed in some bushes at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to CANU reports, the discovery was made on Saturday as officers conducted an operation in the vicinity of the Sea Dam at Crabwood Creek in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

It was noted that a thorough search of the area revealed several parcels of suspected cannabis hidden in a clump of bushes at the seaside.

The suspected narcotic was taken to CANU’s Skeldon Office, Corentyne, where it tested positive for cannabis. The narcotic weighed about 127 lbs (approximately 57.6 kg), with a street value of approximately $17 million.

CANU said no one was arrested. However, investigations are ongoing.

Chinese supermarket owner opens fire on bandits …1 shot, 2 escape

Adaring attempted robbery at a Chinese supermarket in Grove, East Bank Demerara, was thwarted by the quick actions of the store owner.

The incident occurred during the evening hours of Friday when a suspected bandit and two accomplices attempted to carry out their plan.

While details about the robbery remain sketchy, Guyana Times was informed that the suspects entered the business premises but as they attempted to rob the business place,

the store owner, who is a licensed firearm holder, responded swiftly and opened fire. One of the suspects was shot while the other two fled the scene. The Police were called, and they transported the

intermediate level indicator for this project has been met.

The hiring of 30 such advisors by June 30, 2025 was targeted. As of June 15, 2023, 29 advisors have been hired, to “support key institutions with responsibility for oil and gas to address critical and immediate technical needs and provide onthe-job training to instrumental staff on key issues such as geology, economics and fiscal modelling, accounting, audit and reservoir engineering.”

Another area that has shown improvement is equipping the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to do its vital job as a regulator. According to the report, the end target was to have seven staff at the EPA

trained to oversee the oil and gas sector through access to international expertise and training. However, nine staff have been trained as of June 15, 2023, through this component of the project.

“As of June 2023, the intermediate level indicator has been met. Consultancy executed by the project resulted in the identification of capacity gaps at the EPA. This led to the EPA implementing training sessions to address these gaps,” the World Bank said.

Meanwhile, gender gaps in the management tiers of the industry have also been addressed since the inception of the project. Starting from a 2019 baseline of just four women in management

and leadership positions at key institutions overseeing the oil and gas sector, that number has now been increased to seven as of June 15, 2023. The end target by June 30, 2025, is eight.

“This indicator tracks to what extent the gender gap in management and leadership positions (exist). As of June 2023, the gap has significantly narrowed as a result of the training/intervention provided during project implementation,” the World Bank noted.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been providing opportunities to ensure Guyana builds capacity to manage the oil and gas sector… opportunities that have even extended to the private sector.

The Government had organised a consortium of local auditors including Ramdihal and Haynes Chartered Accounting, as well as Vitality Accounting, to partner with an international firm on the second Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) cost oil audit of expenses totalling US$9 billion. (G3)

wounded for medical attention. He is under Police guard at a medical facility.

Commander of the East Bank Police District, Ravindra Stanley confirmed the shooting of the suspected bandit. (G9)

The marijuana that was found by CANU at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice

A32-year-old Chinese businessman from Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara, reportedly fell victim to a robbery where masked gunmen broke into his home in the early hours of Saturday.

According to the Police report, at about 02:30h, Wange Wi was allegedly robbed. The incident involved three male suspects, two of whom had on ski masks, and each of them brandished a handgun.

Reports are that the victim lives in the upper flat of a three-story concrete building situated on the western side of the Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara. The lower flat serves as a hardware store accessible to customers through an eastern-facing shutter, while the second flat functions as a storage room.

The businessman informed the Police that on Friday, at around 20:00h, after closing his business for the day, he counted his earnings, which amounted to $6 million. He secured the cash in a black haversack in his bedroom on the upper

Murder suspect wanted in Guyana nabbed in Suriname

flat of the building.

However, on Saturday at approximately 02:00h, the businessman and his 31-year-old wife were startled awake by a person demanding to know the whereabouts of the money. The three suspects confronted them at gunpoint, forcibly tied their hands and feet, and proceeded to search the room.

They successfully located the black haversack containing the cash and then made their escape.

The Police stated that the suspects gained entry to the upper flat by accessing the northern roof of the building and creating a hole in the zinc roofing. From there, they cut through the sheetrock ceiling to enter the victim's bedroom.

During their escape, the suspects left behind a DVR containing two sets of latent fingerprints, which the Police have secured as potential evidence.

The victim and his wife managed to free themselves and call the Police.

An investigation has been launched. (G9)

The long-pursued robbery-murder suspect, Carlos Evans, who has been wanted in Guyana since 2020 for alleged murder, has been apprehended in Suriname. The arrest was carried out on Saturday by officers of the Regional Assistance Team Paramaribo, Suriname.

Carlos's brother, Medellin Evans, was also a prime suspect in a robbery case pursued by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). However, he met his demise last September after being fatally stabbed in front of a nightclub on Eugene Van Gesselstraat in Suriname.

Last week, the 31-year-old suspect made headlines once again when he allegedly assaulted a man by striking him in the face with a handgun, according to Suriname authorities. This incident sparked detailed investigations, with the Directorate of National Security (DNV) collaborating closely with the

Surinamese Police.

Their combined efforts paid off, leading to the identification of Carlos's location in Combe. The authorities promptly arrested him and subsequently transferred him to the Police station for further legal proceedings.

During the arrest, law enforcement made a significant discovery - a handgun loaded with sharp cartridges was found and confiscated as evidence.

Carlos and his late brother Medellin are fugitives from Guyana, and Police have been pursuing them for their involvement in multiple robbery cases since 2020.

They are also linked to the murder of a well-respected Guyanese businessman, Tony Bisnauth. Bisnauth lost his life on his 78th birthday while celebrating outside his company, Tanjo Snackette, at Rosignol Stelling Road, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, with his wife

Sunita Khanai.

At the time of the incident, he was celebrating his birthday with close relatives and friends outside the snackette when three men, armed with two guns and a cutlass, pounced on them and demanded cash and valuables.

Bisnauth did not comply with the bandits, and he was shot in the head. Another victim was shot in the back and had to undergo surgery to remove the bullet, while a third victim was shot twice. The bandits managed to escape with cell phones, money, and jewellery from those who were at the birthday hang.

Since the incident, the Evans brothers managed to evade local law enforcement and took refuge in Suriname. However, their criminal activities seem to have caught up with them as Carlos now faces legal consequences in Suriname for his actions there.

Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

Dead businessman: Tony Bisnauth Arrested: Carlos Evans Dead: Medellin Evans

Bandits break into Diamond businessman’s home, escape with $6M

Ogle, Good Hope, Mahaica roads

Pres Ali urges contractors to maintain timeline

First Group.

Scheduled for completion by 2025, this extensive project will see the development of a four-lane highway from Sheriff Street, Georgetown, to Mahaica.

In addition to the construction of some 40 bridges and 27 culverts, a major bridge will be built across the East Demerara Water Conservancy-Northern Relief Channel, better known as Hope Canal.

President Ali encouraged contractors to make use of the weather in order

to improve their progress.

“You have to work more than one [shift] now because of the weather. You have very good weather so you have to make use of it. You should start all of the structures in this weather,” Ali said to the contractors and engineers, who assured him of preparatory works being done to advance their agenda.

Highlighting the importance of community engagement, Ali also advised the team to increase their communication with residents

within the areas in which they are working.

“You have to work with people to find solutions. In communities where you especially have small businesses along the roadway, you have an opportunity to work with them to develop an area to have a modern reserve so that it can become a tourism point for the community. You have to involve people in the project,” Ali said. President Ali was accompanied by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill during these visits

As road work continues in Ogle, Good Hope and Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), President Dr Irfaan Ali said there are some delays in their progression and stressed the need for contractors to increase their work shifts and make use of the optimal weather to return on schedule.

Ali made these remarks during a recent site inspection of the road work projects along the ECD corridor.

Facilitated by Indian company, Ashoka Buildcon, the US$106.3 million road link between Ogle and Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), is slated for completion by October 2024.

Though current progress was intended to be at the 14 per cent mark, the contractors on Friday told the President that they’ve completed only 7.2 per cent of their initial work thus far.

However, as they’ve moved to double their shifts and increase their sand dumping capacities, they assured Ali of their swift return to the original timeline.

“So, right now, you’re behind the planned schedule

by 7 per cent and as I get it, you’ve increased your shift to 24 hours, seven days per week,” Ali confirmed with the contractors.

“The rain has stopped so we’ll be getting the peak terrain. We’ve already mobilised [and] all of our re-

completing soil improvement activities by installing Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD).

Work is also progressing to finish the construction of two culverts as four have already been completed.

sources are there, and even our sand dumping has increased. Our requirement is 300 [quantities of sand], our daily dumping will be 323. This is a crucial part of our project,” the contractors explained in response to Ali.

Within this road project, the Ashoka Buildcon team has to construct some 29 culverts, ten minor bridges and one major 75km bridge.

Currently, they are

Utility shifting

Meanwhile, President Ali assured contractors of engaging with relevant stakeholders to complete utility services shifting within three weeks.

The Head of State also inspected road works at Good Hope and Mahaica.

These roads form part of a US$192 million road construction project, being done by China Railway

President Dr Irfaan Ali during a site inspection of road projects at Good Hope and Mahaica

President Ali during a site inspection of a road project at Ogle

Public trust growing as over 110,000 Guyanese using mmg – GTT’s Bobita Ram

Public confidence in innovative solutions continues to grow in Guyana as GTT announced that more than 110,000 Guyanese are using its Mobile Money Guyana (mmg+) application to pay bills and conduct other transactions.

This was revealed by General Manager of mmg+, Bobita Ram, recently. She was at the time presenting on fostering an enabling environment to accelerate financial technology in the Caribbean, at CANTO’s 38th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition in Miami, Florida.

During her presentation, Ram said the hybrid approach of using both agents and mobile wallets has been very successful. She added that customers use both their mobile wallets and more than 1000 agent locations across the country to conduct transactions.

“What we have found is they use the agent first... trust is built, and they sign up for the mobile wallet,” Ram explained.

The General Manager reported that while many persons initially only used

their mobile wallets to pay bills, trends now show that customers are leaving money to accumulate in their account.

“Trust is critical in this business and the bills is where we started to build the trust, the agent model also helped to confirm to the customer that if you put the money in the wallet, you can take it back out,” she noted.

According to Ram, in addition to bill payments, mmg+ has diversified the transactions and partnered with stakeholders, including many Government and private organisations to simplify everyday service delivery.

Among the major Government partnerships are the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) toll system (Breeze Pass), the Transport and Harbour

Department (T&HD) toll system (Ferry Pass), utility service providers, National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Ministry of Human Service and Social Security’s old age pension and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Ram said that mmg+ will continue to focus on private/public partnerships and work with the Government to enable more payment options in Guyana.

In addition, scores of private institutions have also partnered with GTT to use mmg+ for payments of bills including Courts, private education institutions, telecommunication service providers, commercial banks among others.

With Guyana’s economy growing exponentially, mmg+ is positioned to provide several key financial

services to businesses in the country.

Businesses and/or persons can register as merchants to receive one-off payments, as billers to receive recurring payments, as agents to earn more money or as disbursement partners to easily send money with transparency and without a hassle.

Back in February during the International Energy Conference and Expo held in Georgetown, GTT’s Partner Support Representative, Rashawna Quintin, had noted that many businesses are regis-

tering to the mmg+ service because it’s an app that their customers and business colleagues are already familiar with and use frequently.

“When customers hear those businesses and services they use are on the mmg+ platform, they are excited to know that they can process their payments quickly without having to go to a physical location. What we offer is convenience and transparency for both businesses and customers and businesses have the opportunity to tap into mmg+ and allow their

customers that option,” Quintin had explained.

The mmg+ representative added that there are no limits to any category of business that can register for an mmg+ account.

Moreover, many small businesses have also set up on the mmg+ platform as merchants, to allow their customers to process payments to them with ease, while mmg+ also continues to expand its biller options.

Businesses interested in registering for the service can visit the mmg+ website for information and guidance.

Man convicted of brutally chopping ex-partner files appeal

Aformer Kingston Squatting Area, Springlands, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) man who was found guilty of a brutal cutlass attack on his ex-reputed wife has launched an appeal, arguing that his conviction is unsafe and that the 12-year sentence imposed on him is excessive.

Robert Rawlins, who had been initially indicted for attempted murder, was convicted in 2016 for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to then-45year-old Sharmila Singh.

The incident had taken place on July 3, 2014. Rawlins was convicted by a mixed 12-member jury following a trial before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Berbice High Court.

Singh, with whom Rawlins had shared a twoyear relationship, had testified that on July 3, 2014, she was sitting in a hammock at her former sister-in-law’s home when Rawlins came and asked her “Where yuh gon run now?”, before chopping and broadsiding her

with two cutlasses.

According to her, her sister-in-law, upon seeing this, ran to the back of the house to alert the neighbours. She had said that Rawlins chopped her about her body and then left.

Singh was initially taken to the Skeldon Hospital before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and then to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

During the ordeal, Singh had testified that she was unable to scream because she was in shock.

Cuba-trained Dr Chandrawattie Lalbachan, in testifying on behalf of the prosecution, had said that she examined the injured woman on July 23, 2014, and observed that there were 11 lacerations and hematomas about her body, inclusive of her head, back, shoulder, arm and fingers.

According to the doctor, due to the extent of the woman’s wounds, she had lost a large volume of blood. It was noted by the doctor that without prompt med-

Robert Rawlins

ical intervention, Singh might have lost her life; however, she had a permanent disability in three of her right-hand fingers.

In his defence, Rawlins, who was unrepresented by counsel, elected to give an unsworn statement in which he maintained that he did not chop his ex-partner. He had claimed that two men had attached him and Singh and that during the altercation, she was injured.

Rawlins’s appeal is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday from 09:30h. (G1)

General Manager of mmg+ Bobita Ram speaking at CANTO’s 38th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition in Miami last week

Over 200 persons attend PPC Open Day in Region 1

…30 trained on procurement rules

Over 200 persons were trained by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) in Region One (Barima-Waini) on various aspects of the procurement process.

The persons trained encompassed several procuring entities, suppliers and contractors from across the region while the general public seized the opportunity to educate themselves and be guided on various aspects of the public procurement system.

Last week the PPC hosted a public Open Day at the Kumaka Waterfront,

Region One, following which they conducted a Public Procurement Training at

the region’s RDC office. At that training, 30 participants from NDCs, sub-re-

Man reported missing found dead 2 days later

According to a family member, who spoke with Guyana Times on Saturday, Outar lived alone and had left his home on Tuesday to work on a poultry farm but never returned home. The family only became aware of his disappearance on Wednesday.

"The way he was found, there was no way he did that to himself. There was no sign of struggle, and it looked like someone murdered him and moved him from where he was working to make it look like he did that to himself," the relative said.

gions, regional tender board, Mayor and Town Council, planners, stores, administration, accounts department and evaluators from nine procuring entities in the region interacted with the Chief Executive Officer and staff of the PPC on various topics including the public procurement process;

cedures of the public procurement system so that they may better navigate, comply and benefit therefrom.

Dead: Barry Outar

Barry Outar, a 56-yearold resident of Sand Road, Soesdyke, who was reported missing on Wednesday, was found dead on Friday morning in the vicinity of a farm on the East Bank of Demerara.

Concerned for his well-being, the family initiated a search on Wednesday and Thursday, but unfortunately, it yielded no results. However, during a search on Friday morning, Outar's lifeless body was discovered not far from his workplace.

Relatives told this publication that he was found in what appears to be an apparent suicide. However, they raised concerns about possible foul play, as marks of violence were allegedly observed on the body.

The relative also mentioned that a post-mortem examination is scheduled for today, and they hope it will reveal the truth behind the man’s death.

"He already died, and we are hurt because of how he died, but we want the truth because we know that is not how he died. He was found with marks of violence," the relative said.

The Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Man who robbed singers nabbed in Region 1

Ataxi driver, who robbed two hotel singers at Providence, East Bank Demerara, earlier this month, was nabbed by Police in Region One (Barima-Waini) on Friday and has since confessed to the crime.

Based on Police reports, the suspect, 27-year-old Quincy Barker of Timehri, EBD, committed an alleged armed robbery on two females – Maria Rodriquez Caballero and Sheyla Toledo Rodriquez – on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Providence Access Road, EBD.

This publication understands that the incident occurred sometime around 22:00h. The victims are singers (entertainers) at the Ramada Hotel in Providence. After they were finished working, they boarded a taxi, which was parked in front of the hotel and driven by Barker.

On their way home, the taxi driver drove the victims to Mocha Access Road,

pulled out a handgun and pointed same in their direction. He demanded money and cell phones from the women.

The victims told investigators that they refused to hand over their belongings, resulting in the suspect stopping the car and putting one of the women in his car trunk then proceeding to drive further through the access road. While doing so,

he took the articles from the females’ bags and put the second victim out of the car.

However, as he drove off, the victim inside of the truck managed to get same opened and she jumped out while the car was still moving.

A report was filed and an investigation was launched as the Police searched for the suspect.

Weeks later, on July 21, at about 21:30h, a Detective from Acquero Police Station made contact with the suspect who was told of the allegation, cautioned and arrested at Kwebanna Village, North West District, in Region One.

Barker was escorted to the Police Regional Division Headquarters 4B (East Bank Demerara) where a video/audio interview was conducted and he later admitted to committing the robbery under arms on the two female victims mentioned above using an ice pick. He denied using a firearm, the Police said.

how to lodge a complaint; the debarment process; completing a procurement plan and tender openings and evaluation.

According to the PPC, the Open Day and training were part of the Commission’s ongoing public awareness campaign to apprise stakeholders of the rules and pro-

The PPC is mandated by Article 212AA (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Cap 1:01 to “promote awareness of the rules, procedures and special requirements of the procurement process among suppliers, contractors and public bodies.” And, pursuant to S.17(2)(c) of the Procurement Act, Cap 75:03, the PPC is responsible for organising training seminars regarding procurements.

The objective, the PPC said, was to enrich participants with information to improve the public procurement system within their organisations.

Essequibo Coast trench cleaner fished out of waterway

The lifeless body of a 41-year-old man was fished out of a trench in Golden Fleece on Saturday morning.

Dead is Lakeram Bishnue, a trench cleaner of Perseverance Estate, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). His body was found at about 11:30h.

According to information reaching Guyana Times , Bishnue and another man known as “Roy” were cleaning the trench when he suddenly disappeared.

However, “Roy” alerted the persons in the neighbourhood and a search party was formed. After about

30 minutes of searching, Bishnue’s lifeless body was found a short distance from

where he disappeared. Bishnue was a father of two.

Dead: Lakeram Bishnue

Armed robbery suspect Quincy Barker

Participants with the PPC staff at the procurement training

Staff of the Public Procurement Commission interacting with the public on its Open Day in Region One

Centre for processing TIP victims to be constructed soon – MoHA TIP Coordinator

The Ministry of Home Affairs will be soon undertaking the construction of a processing facility to house Trafficking in Persons (TIP) victims and conduct interviews.

This was revealed by the Ministry’s Coordinator for the Ministerial Taskforce on TIP, Daniel Griffith, at the Guyana Police Force’s Symposium 2023 during a panel discussion that focused on “procedures to detect, investigate and convict traffickers/perpetrators.”

“The Ministry of Home Affairs is taking steps to establish a processing facility and a transitional facility… Budgetary allocations have already [been made] and we will commence the construction of this facility soon to be utilise by Guyana Police Force’s Trafficking In Persons Unit and the Ministry of

Banks

which are the administrative agencies, to establish a conducive space and atmosphere for victims to be held.

He noted “…we should have a location or locations prepared specifically to house the persons that are being trafficked comfortably rather than having them at the stations and further violating their rights …and have them go through psycho-social evaluation – the whole gamut of support.”

This issue was raised by the Police Commissioner just one day after the symposium dealt depth with protecting human rights while policing.

Home Affairs,” Griffith stated.

He was at the time responding to a statement made by Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, who pointed out that victims are needed to make out a TIP case against

perpetrators. However, he noted that ever so often victims are being treated like the perpetrators during the investigative process.

To this end, he called on the Home Affairs Ministry and the Legal Affairs Ministry,

DIH launches “Guinness Smooth”

Local brewery giant, Banks DIH has officially unveiled its “Guinness Smooth”, a stout that represents the culmination of meticulous craftsmanship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment aimed at delivering excellence, to the consumer.

The product is a collaboration with Diageo, which is global leader in beverage alcohol.

Speaking at the launching, brew master Mathew Kendall explained that “Guinness Smooth” is a great addition to the Banks DIH line of products and is expected to deliver even more excellent taste and smoothness. It is being

The new Guinness Smooth that was launched by Banks DIH

brewed locally.

At the launching last week, Head of Beer Commercialisation for Central America and the Caribbean, Marcela Vargas

– Diageo said that the collaboration with Banks DIH Limited is a milestone for the company. He noted that it represents the possibility of “connecting Guinness with new consumers, recruiting at scale as we join more magnetic celebration moments. And while building this new chapter, the team is looking to reinforce strong partnership with Banks DIH Limited. Diageo, has transformed Guyana into the number one market for Guinness in the Caribbean Region.”

The product has already been circulating and is available at all Banks DIH outlets, leading supermarkets, and wholesale distributors.

According to the Top Cop, “this symposium should either change the way we do things or improve on our current posture.”

the Region.

“One of the doctrine out there is if we simplify the processes to move from country to country, then it will stymie the Trafficking in Persons at a magnitude… They’re of the opinion that the immigration process is too long and the qualification is difficult, and that is why it’s encouraging trafficking from country to country,” he noted.

The Top Cop posited that while in theory this makes sense, there is still a lot of other intricacies that needs to be considered and ironed out before such a Memorandum of Understanding is established.

Only last month, the US Department of State released its 2023 Trafficking in Persons report, which recognised that the Government

Among its efforts to maintain its ranking, according to the State Department, included convicting three traffickers; identifying more victims and referring them to services; consistently implementing a 10-day reflection period, including shelter for victims; raising awareness in Indigenous languages; expanding the inclusivity of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (the Task Force); and initiating a programme to screen children in situations of homelessness.

However, the report noted that although the Guyana Government meets the minimum standards, it neither increased investigations and prosecutions nor formally approved the National Action Plan (NAP). The Government also did not adequately oversee recruitment agencies or adequately screen for trafficking victims in the interior of the country.

Nevertheless, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had noted that Guyana has already taken steps to implement the recommendations made to enhance the country’s efforts to combat this crime and offer greater support to victims of human trafficking.

Moreover, Hicken went on to talk about mitigating Trafficking in Persons as a regional effort.

The Guyanese Police Commissioner is currently the Chairman of the Standing Committee of Chief Immigration Officers across the Caribbean. He disclosed that one of the things they are currently working on is the formation of a constitution that deals with migration in

continues to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts to combat this crime during the reporting period.

For the seventh consecutive year, Guyana has maintained its Tier 1 status in the State Department ranking. Guyana is one of two –the other being The Bahamas – Caribbean Community (Caricom) members that were given Tier 1 ranking in this year’s TIP report.

For the first half of 2023, it was reported that the Guyana Police Force’s TIP Unit investigated 21 reported Trafficking in Persons cases, of which, 244 alleged victims were interviewed and screened, with 23 of them being under 18 years of age.

Five persons were officially charged and placed before the court between January to May this year for offences ranging from Trafficking in Persons, assault, forgery of currency notes and the operation of a brothel.

Dozens killed as flash floods hit Afghanistan and Pakistan

At least 31 people have been killed and dozens of others are missing after heavy flooding from seasonal rains in Afghanistan, as 13 people died due to heavy rains and landslides in neighbouring Pakistan.

Shafiullah Rahimi, the Taliban’s appointed spokesman for Afghanistan’s Disaster Ministry, said on Sunday that at least 31 people were killed, 74 were injured and 41 others were missing after flooding over the past three days.

Flash floods hit the capital Kabul, the Maidan Wardak and Ghazni provinces. He said that the majority of the casualties were in west Kabul and Maidan Wardak. Rahimi said about 250 livestock perished in the floods.

The flooding brought further misery to the already suffering Afghanistan. In

April, the United Nation’s humanitarian affairs agency said the South Asian country was facing its third consecutive year of drought, its second year of severe economic hardship and the consequences of decades of war and natural disasters.

The statement said that hundreds of square miles of agricultural land were washed out and destroyed and the highway between Kabul and the central Bamiyan province was closed due to the floods.

In Pakistan, 13 people

died and seven were injured due to heavy rains and landslides as monsoon season continued to affect parts of the country on Sunday.

In the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, nine people lost their lives over the last 48 hours in rain-related incidents.

Since the monsoon rains began on June 25, 101 people including 16 women and 42 children have died, according to the national disaster management authority. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken

Ministerial Taskforce on TIP Coordinator Daniel Griffith

Region 5 utility woes GPL, Fire Service “must iron out their differences” – Regional Chairman

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Chairman Vickchand Ramphal has called on the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Guyana Fire Service at Onverwagt to iron out their differences.

He made the call on Thursday during a meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

Ramphal was responding to accusations levelled at the Fire Service Department at Onverwagt.

Emerson Benjamin, a regional Councillor and also an employee of GPL, speaking in his capacity of the latter, said he was not targeting the Fire Service as he made mention of a recent fire at Rosignol on the West Bank of Berbice where two buildings were destroyed.

Benjamin said he was at

his office, which is situated next to the Onverwagt Fire Station and saw when the fire tenders pulled off, however, it was not until half an hour after that the Fire Department telephoned GPL asking the utility company to take off the power in the area where the fire was raging.

“If they have a fire even

if it is a prank, they should call us so we can go together because the Fire Service is just a stone's throw away from GPL. The Fire Service cannot act if GPL doesn’t terminate the power.”

Noting that the Officer in Charge of the Onverwagt Fire Service was at the meeting, Ramphal pointed out the importance of the

presence of GPL whenever there is a fire.

However, he lashed back at GPL, saying that on many occasions when they are called they cannot respond in a timely manner.

“Sometimes GPL is not available and not because they don’t want to come but because they only have one vehicle and when you call them, they might be in another area and it will take a while. Systems can be put in place to address the issue with the Fire Service,” Ramphal noted as he called on the two agencies to meet and address the issue.

Meanwhile, Benjamin also lashed out at Guyana Water Inc (GWI), saying that over the past two weeks, some residents have been without water.

Apart from that, he said

HEALTH TIPS

the quality of water being delivered, when it is, is of a very poor quality as he pointed to the high iron content.

“We are not getting water at all. I know during the dry season the pressure would drop but we are not getting any at all. Sometimes you have to wait until midnight to get some water and GWI water you can’t store it so that you could full a bucket to bathe later, because when you look at it, it looks like it curdle – you can’t bathe with that. The iron content in the water, you can’t use it,” he said.

Chairman Ramphal informed the house that two new water treatment plants are to be established in the region shortly.

One is to be placed at

COPING WITH PRE-MENSTRUAL MOOD SWINGS

treme form of PMS. The chief difference between PMS and PMDD is the severity and duration of symptoms. A person with PMDD will have significant mood swings that can interfere with personal and professional relationships. According to the Child Mind Institute, these symptoms can continue after a period has ended.

Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine, enDocrinology /DiabeTes

Mood changes and other psychological symptoms are common before a period. For some people, the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be severe enough to interfere with their relationships and daily life.

CAUSES

According to the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, some people are hypersensitive to natural hormone changes that happen during the menstrual cycle. This hypersensitivity may predispose a person to premenstrual mood swings.

Severe premenstrual mood swings can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition.

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

The term premenstrual syndrome (PMS) describes a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur before menstruation. Many females who menstruate experience symptoms of PMS, and it is not uncommon for these to be mild. However, a proportion of those with PMS may experience more severe or clinically significant symptoms.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is an ex-

A female who has a preexisting mental health condition may find that the condition worsens prior to a period. The medical term for this is premenstrual exacerbation (PME). Some mental health conditions that may become more severe shortly before a period include:

• Anxiety Depression

• Bipolar disorder

According to the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders, it can be difficult to distinguish between PMDD and PME. However, it is important for a person to receive the correct diagnosis, as the treatment options for each condition differ.

Symptoms

The symptoms and signs of PMS and PMDD are similar. The key differences between the two conditions are the severity and duration of symptoms. A person who has either condition may experience physical, behavioral, or psychological symptoms or a combination of symptoms.

These include the following:

Physical symptoms

• Headaches

Increased or decreased appetite

• Abdominal bloating

Fatigue or lethargy

• Breast tenderness

Swelling of the feet or

hands

• Joint or muscle aches or pains

• Difficulty sleeping Behavioural symptoms

Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue

Forgetfulness

Psychological symptoms

Mood swings

• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control

Crying without knowing the reason

Loss of interest in most activities

Sudden sadness

Sensitivity to rejection

Social withdrawal

• Anxiety

Depressed mood

• Irritability

Mood swings and other symptoms associated with PMS are very common. According to one estimate, at least 90% of those who have a menstrual cycle experience physical or psychological symptom of PMS. For most women, the symptoms are not severe.

However, PMDD is also not uncommon, affecting between 3–8% of people in their reproductive years. The symptoms usually develop when someone is in their 20s, and may worsen over time.

Some major risk factors for PMDD include:

• Stress

• Pre-existing mood or anxiety disorder

• Family history of PMDD

Treatment and management

There are several potential treatment and management options for people dealing with mood swings prior to their period. Some common options include the following:

Natural treatments and lifestyle changes

Certain nonmedical treatments might help to reduce the frequency and severity of premenstrual mood swings. Examples include:

Keeping a mood diary: People can try keeping a record of their mood swings and when they occur during the menstrual cycle. This can help a person recognize the hormonal causes of their mood swings and anticipate them happening.

Eating a balanced diet: A balanced diet, low in added sugars, sodium and caffeine, could help to reduce mood swings.

Exercising regularly: According to the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, regular aerobic exercise can lessen the emotional and physical symptoms of PMS and PMDD.

Reducing stress: Yoga, meditation, or talking therapy can help to reduce

Bath Settlement and should have the capacity to provide treated water up to Rising Sun which is 31 villages to the east. Bath Settlement Treatment Plant would also provide treated water to villages east right onto the West Bank of Berbice.

“The plant is being constructed at Bath Settlement because of the availability of land there. The project is already at the tendering stage so the project will soon commence. I don’t know the location of where the next one will be as yet,” he told the RDC.

Ramphal told Benjamin and the RDC that instead of needlessly waiting on the monthly meetings to raise such concerns, they should approach his office directly to have issues of an urgent nature addressed. (G4)

stress levels and balance mood.

Taking herbal supplements: According to a 2017 review of eight randomized controlled trials, the herbal medicine known as chasteberry Tea is a safe and effective treatment for PMS and PMDD.

• Taking calcium supplements: A 2017 study found that calcium supplements improved anxiety, depression, and emotional changes connected with PMS.

Medications

There are several medications that may help to treat mood swings before a period.

One option is an oral contraceptive. Some people notice an improvement in their PMS symptoms when taking an oral contraceptive, while others find that their symptoms worsen. As such, a person should monitor their symptoms closely, and return to their doctor for alternative treatment if necessary.

If a person has severe PMS or PMDD, their doctor may prescribe one of the following medications:

• Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs): The brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine are important for regulating mood. SSNRIs, such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, increase levels of

these chemicals in the brain. They are usually the first-line treatment for PMDD.

• Benzodiazepines: These are a type of sedative drug. They relax muscles and help to slow down certain types of brain activity. Doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines to treat sleep and anxiety disorders. The benzodiazepine known as diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam appears beneficial in treating PMDD.

Antianxiety medications: According to a 2015 review, the antianxiety medication buspirone may be a useful treatment for PMDD.

People should talk to their doctor if they experience mood swings or other symptoms of PMS or PMDD. If the mood swings are severe or disruptive, a person should talk to their doctor as soon as possible.

During the consultation, a doctor may try to rule out possible psychological disorders, such as depression or anxiety. This will be an important step in differentiating PMDD from PME.

After making a diagnosis, the doctor may recommend certain lifestyle changes, or may prescribe medical treatments. If a person continues to experience mood swings, they should return to the doctor for a change of treatment.

File photo: A GPL worker on a pole at Rosignol during a recent fire that destroyed two houses

Mayor of Ecuadorian city assassinated in brazen attack

The Mayor of the Ecuadorian Pacific port city of Manta, Agustin Intriago, was assassinated on Sunday, authorities said, in a brazen attack that stunned the political establishment.

Police said the 38-yearold Intriago, who was re-elected as Mayor of Manta in February, had been inspecting public works in the city at the time of the attack.

It was not immediately clear why the Mayor had been attacked.

Interior Minister Juan Zapata said a woman had also died in the incident, and four other people were

Mayor Agustin Intriago

wounded. Two of them are suspects in the killing, he said on Twitter.

The municipal government of Manta said on

Mottley wants poem on curriculum

its Twitter account that Intriago had been shot dead.

President Guillermo Lasso expressed his sorrow on Twitter and ordered authorities to bring the killers to justice.

Former President Rafael Correa expressed his shock on Twitter and said: "I can't believe this has happened."

In May, gunmen targeted the Mayor of the city of Duran. He emerged unscathed from the attack, but a Policeman was killed and several other people were wounded, media reported.

Intriago belonged to a local political party in Manta, a city of well over 200,000 inhabitants. (Reuters)

Massy employee's body brought home after more than a month

The body of Massy Energy Engineered Solutions Ltd (MEES) employee Allan Lane Ramkissoon has been returned to Trinidad.

This was confirmed by his employers in a statement on Sunday afternoon.

Ramkissoon was severely injured in a fire on June 15 at NiQuan Energy Trinidad Ltd's Pointe-aPierre plant, and died while being treated in Colombia on June 18.

The Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), the Energy

Ministry and NiQuan have since launched investigations.

OSHA has also since shut down operations at the plant.

The statement said Ramkissoon's body was returned home "following the tragic event," and added that it would continue to help his family with funeral and other arrangements.

"The company also continues to participate in ongoing investigations to determine and understand the cause of the tragic incident," it said.

One of Ramkisoon's relatives told Newsday that the family's main priority at the moment was laying him to rest.

"It is since Father's Day this happened," the relative said. "Since Father's Day to now is more than a month. They could have managed this quicker so that the family could have gotten closure."

The relative said funeral arrangements would be coordinated by Ramkissoon's wife.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

IMF expects deal with Argentina in the coming days

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) should in the coming days finalise the basis for a staff-level agreement with Argentina over a review of the country's US$44 billion loan with the IMF, the Washingtonbased Fund said on Sunday.

"The teams of the Economy Ministry and Central Bank of Argentina and the IMF staff have finished the core aspects of the technical work of the next review," the IMF said on Twitter.

"The central objectives and parameters that will be the basis for a "staff level agreement" have been agreed, which is expected to be finalised in the next few days before moving towards the review of the Argentina programme," it added.

Argentina faces maturities with the IMF worth some US$3.4 billion between July 31 and August 1, at a time when the central bank's net reserves are about US$6.5 billion in the red.

(Reuters/Miguel Lo Bianco)

The South American country is hoping to alter the economic goals it had agreed with the Fund and bring forward some IMF disbursements scheduled for this year as it battles a severe financial crisis which a lack of reserves could exacerbate.

An Economy Ministry source told Reuters the disbursement programme for the second half of 2023 has already closed and that the staff level accord could be sealed on Wednesday or Thursday.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has asked for “An Ode to the Environment” to be formally introduced into the education curriculum.

While giving her tribute to the late Prime Minister Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford in Parliament Thursday afternoon, Mottley said she believed the 30-year-old poem, written by Sir Lloyd, should be taught in schools as it will become paramount to their future.

“I am asking for it to be formally included in our curriculum and I don’t think we should exclude our primary school children from having a first crack at it, but then our secondary school students can have a more mature opportunity to reflect on it. Regrettably, the world in which they live will literally be one that requires this knowledge and discernment.”

After reciting the 442word piece to all of the Ministers and Members of Parliament in attendance, Mottley sought to deconstruct the poem in order to show how it related to our world today.

“At the global level, yes we must change our ways and square the circle. I can even take it (the poem) and apply it to our own Government when I talk about deconstructing to reconstruct, a nation born in postmodern times 400 years in a year’s time, cannot do things the same way.”

Mottley continued saying “For those of us who choose to live in the shadows of great men and women that went before without being able to separate values and context from reality and a need for decisions appropriate for the time will come to understand that we do ourselves no favour. Further than that, you hurt

the chances of us being able to go forwards.”

This decision comes off the back of her announcement last Friday during Sir Lloyd’s state funeral that the poem will be enshrined in a public place with the words of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA). The BPOA is a policy document that both comprehensively addresses the economic, environmental and social developmental vulnerabilities facing islands and outlines a strategy that seeks to mitigate those vulnerabilities.

“An Ode to the Environment” was penned by the late Prime Minister Sir Lloyd when he addressed the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 12, 1992. (JC)

(Excerpt from Nation News)

11 killed in suspected arson attack on northern Mexican bar

Eleven people were killed in a suspected arson attack on a bar in the northern Mexican border city of San Luis Rio Colorado after an expelled patron set it ablaze with a Molotov cocktail, authorities in the state of Sonora said on Saturday.

Sonora state prosecutors said preliminary findings showed the suspect was young, male and highly intoxicated at the time of the attack in the early hours of Saturday, and had been thrown out of the bar for being disrespectful to women there.

He then came back and threw a kind of Molotov cocktail at the doors of the bar, according to a statement from prosecutors in the state, which shares a long border with Arizona.

Four of the 11 dead were women, and four more peo-

ple were being treated in hospital for their injuries, they added.

One of the women was a US citizen, probably a dual Mexican national, and another victim was only 17 years old, Gustavo Romulo

Salas, the state attorney general, told a press conference.

Santos Gonzalez, the Mayor of the city, said that the suspect, a man, had been arrested by Police.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

AI is “not a threat” – outgoing UWI Five Islands principal

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked concerns about negative impacts, one of which is job redundancy.

Argentina, which is also struggling with high inflation and a significant fiscal deficit, has suffered a considerable hit to its foreign currency income due to a severe drought which crimped its principal source of exports, agriculture.

The IMF said the agreement seeks to consolidate "fiscal order and strengthen reserves", acknowledging the impact of the drought, as well as the damage to exports and tax revenues. (Reuters)

But in the education sector, AI can be a helpful tool to revolutionise teaching methods, as indicated by Professor Densil Williams, the outgoing principal of the UWI Five Islands campus.

He said AI is not a threat, nor a substitute for teachers.

“The truth is that artificial intelligence is a complement to what we do. It is not a substitute, it’s not a threat,” Williams told state media recently.

The professor said AI changes the role of the teacher instead.

“What it is going to do, it’s going to change the way we teach. It’s going to change the way the classroom looks. It’s going to change the role of the teacher,” he asserted.

Professor Williams explained that this occurs as the teacher will not only require students to write the essay, but analyse the work written. This is due to AI’s ability to create an essay on any topic.

“The teacher now has to tell you to go and analyse the implications of what the essay is saying, because the teacher will now know that you can just type in your topic in Chat GPT and it’s going to provide you with a 20-page essay,” he explained.

“So, the teacher no longer needs you to recall. The teacher now needs you to be a critical thinker and, as a result of that, teaches him or herself they would have to change their modus operandi,” Williams added.

As it relates to job redundancy due to AI, Williams indicated that work will have to be done to equip individuals with the necessary tools to make it more difficult to be replaced by technology.

“What it means is that we’re going to have to get people to go do the higher order of thinking, higher order of skills, higher order level,” he said.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

A forensic technician works at the scene where a man threw a Molotov cocktail bomb after being kicked out of a bar for bad behaviour, leaving several victims, according to Sonora state authorities, in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico, July 22, 2023 (Reuters/Victor Medina)

People gather near the presidential palace during a protest as inflation is hitting 114 per cent, hurting salaries and spending power, with many blaming tighter policies they say are due to the deal with the IMF, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 16, 2023

Around The World OIL NEWS

Russian missile attack on Odesa kills 1, damages cathedral

UAE says OPEC+ cuts are enough to support the oil market

The current moves of OPEC+ to cut oil production are enough to support the market, Suhail al-Mazrouei, the Energy Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), told Reuters on Friday.

The actions the OPEC+ group has taken so far are sufficient, according to the OPEC heavyweight the UAE.

“What we are doing is sufficient as we say today,” alMazrouei told Reuters.

“But we are constantly meeting and if there is a requirement to do anything else then during those meetings, we will pick it up. We are always a phone call away from each other,” the Minister added.

At the OPEC International Seminar in Vienna early this month, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said that the OPEC+ alliance would do “whatever necessary” to support the oil market, after Saudi Arabia and Russia announced cuts to production and exports, respectively, for next month.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s top crude oil exporter, said it would extend its unilateral oil production cut of 1 million bpd into August. Saudi Arabia will be producing around 9 million bpd in both July and August after extending the voluntary cut.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Russia would reduce its crude oil exports by 500,000 bpd in August in a bid to ensure a balanced market.

Russian crude oil exports have shown signs of declines for a second consecutive week and are estimated to have sunk to a six-month low in the four weeks to July 16. As Russia is preparing to cut 500,000 bpd off its oil exports in August, shipping plans so far suggest that Russia could deliver on at least part of its pledge to reduce oil exports next month.

Saudi Arabia’s crude oil exports have also started to decline, to below 7 million bpd in May, for the first time in many months. (Oilprice.com)

Douala building: Shock as collapse kills 12 in Cameroon

Abuilding has collapsed in Cameroon's biggest city, Douala, killing at least 12 people and injuring five others.

It is not known how many people were inside the four-storey building when it fell onto another residential block in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The rubble is being searched for survivors.

Distressed neighbours have described hearing screams and frantically trying to dig people out.

Teams from Cameroon's fire brigade, the Red Cross and others rescue services are still working at the scene.

The regional governor, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, has sought to reassure people - saying the situation is under control and rescue teams will make sure nobody is left

ARussian missile attack on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has killed at least one person, wounded 22 and badly damaged an Orthodox cathedral, according to officials.

Oleg Kiper, the governor of Odesa, said on the Telegram messaging app that those wounded in Sunday’s air attack included several children.

“Odesa, another night attack of the monsters,” he said.

“Fourteen people were hospitalised in the city’s hospitals, three of them were children,” he said.

The assault also destroyed six houses and apartment buildings, he added.

Russia has been pounding Odesa and other Ukrainian food export facilities nearly daily over the past week after it withdrew from a United Nations-

brokered sea corridor agreement that allowed for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain.

Ukraine’s air force said on Telegram on Sunday that Russia launched high-precision Onyx missiles and seato-shore Kalibr cruise missiles on Odesa.

The city’s military administration said air de-

fence systems destroyed a “significant part” of the missiles, which they said included Iskander ballistic missiles.

It added that the Spaso-Preobrazhenskyi Cathedral of the Moscowlinked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) was severely damaged.

“The Kasperovska icon

of the Mother of God, who is the patroness of Odesa, was retrieved from under the rubble,” the administration said on its Telegram channel.

The SpasoPreobrazhenskyi Cathedral, or the Transfiguration Cathedral, is Odesa’s largest Orthodox church building. It was consecrated in 1809.

The UOC is Ukraine’s second-largest church, though most Ukrainian Orthodox believers belong to a separate branch of the faith formed four years ago by uniting branches independent of Russian authority.

Ukraine has accused the UOC of maintaining links to the pro-invasion Russian Orthodox Church, which used to be its parent church but with which the UOC says it broke ties in May last year. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Rhodes wildfire forces thousands of evacuations, tourists flee

Thousands of tourists and residents fleeing wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes took refuge in schools and shelters on Sunday, with many evacuated on private boats as flames threatened resorts and coastal villages.

Thousands spent the night on beaches and streets during what Greece said was its biggest safe transport of residents and tourists in emergency conditions.

Some 19,000 people were moved from homes and hotels overnight as fires burning since last Wednesday gathered pace, tearing through forests until the flames reached coastal resorts on the island's south-eastern coast.

Some holidaymakers said they walked for miles in scorching heat to reach safety. The fires left trees black and skeletal. Dead animals lay in the road near burnt-out cars.

Tour operators Jet2,

TUI and Correndon cancelled flights leaving for Rhodes, which lies southeast of mainland Greece and is famous for its beaches and historic sites.

TUI said its teams were doing everything they could to support customers and had sent in additional staff in what it called "a difficult and evolving situation".

Fires are common in Greece but climate change has led to more extreme heatwaves across southern Europe and many

parts of the world. Temperatures over the past week have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in many parts of Greece. In addition to Rhodes, emergency services were dealing with fires on the island of Evia, east of Athens and Aigio, southwest of Athens, and on the island of Corfu where authorities ordered the precautionary evacuation of five small settlements. (Excerpt from Reuters)

beneath the wreckage.

Three children and ten adults are receiving emergency care at nearby Laquintinie Hospital, reports AFP.

Staff there say a threeyear-old girl who was brought in has died.

It is not known what caused the building in Douala's Ange Raphael neighbourhood to collapse, but residents have told journalists it looked dilapidated.

City authorities have been demolishing homes deemed at risk from flooding or landslides, but this particular block was not earmarked for demolition.

Building collapses are not uncommon in Cameroon.

Back in 2016 a dilapidated building in Douala that flouted construction rules collapsed, killing five people. (BBC News)

Nova Scotia floods cause "unimaginable" damage; 4 people missing

The heaviest rain to hit the Atlantic Canadian province of Nova Scotia in more than 50 years triggered floods causing "unimaginable" damage, and four people are missing, including two children, officials said on Saturday.

The storm, which started on Friday, dumped more than 25 cm (10 inches) on some parts in just 24 hours - the same amount that usually lands in three months. The resulting floods washed away roads, weakened bridges and swamped buildings.

"We have a scary, significant situation," said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, adding that at least seven bridges would have to be replaced or rebuilt.

"The property damage to homes ... is pretty unimaginable," he told a news conference. Houston said the province would be seeking significant support from the

Federal Government.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Toronto he was very concerned about the floods and promised that Ottawa "will be there" for the province.

The flooding was the latest weather-related calamity to pound Canada

this year. Wildfires have already burned a record number of hectares, sending clouds of smoke into the United States. Earlier this month, heavy rains caused floods in several eastern US states.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency

in Halifax, the largest city in Nova Scotia, and four other regions.

The regional municipality in Halifax reported "significant damage to roads and infrastructure" and urged people to stay at home and not use their cars. (Excerpt from Reuters)

People inside the Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral, heavily damaged in a Russian missile attack in Odesa, Ukraine, July 23, 2023

Extensive flooding covers an area after the heaviest rain to hit the Atlantic Canadian province of Nova Scotia in more than 50 years in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada, July 22, 2023 in a still image taken from a video

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Initiate what you want to happen. Sign up for whatever will get you closer to your goal. Reflect on relationships and surround yourself with helpful people. Use your intelligence and skills.

(March 21-April 19)

Uncertainty will kick in if someone keeps changing their mind or sending mixed messages. Be honest and direct regarding your plans, and refuse to let anyone stand between you and your chosen path. Leave nothing to chance, and you'll make progress.

(April 20-May 20)

Reach out to family and friends for advice. Attend an event that offers insight into something you want to pursue. Don't allow the changes others make to disrupt your plans.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES SUDOKU

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Don't let anyone take advantage of you or let your emotions lead you astray. Do your homework, and you'll know exactly how to make a difference. Support a cause you believe in.

Don't follow the crowd. Focus on honing skills that will allow you to head in a direction that excites you. Use your imagination, and you'll find a way to satisfy your soul.

Precision and discipline will be key. Put a positive change in play and be consistent. Stop worrying about what others do or think; follow your heart.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Follow your gut and don't look back. Hesitation will be your enemy, along with letting others step in and decide things for you. Speak up and act on your own behalf.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Be a good listener and focus on actions, not on words. Take care of domestic responsibilities. Don't let what others do or say get you down. Try to enjoy everything you do.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be resourceful and take it easy on yourself. Do your part, ask questions, and decide what you can do yourself and when to ask an expert. Personal improvement is favored.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Confusion will result if you or someone close to you is emotionally manipulative. Consider the changes you want to make and the incentives that will entice others to join you.

Impulsive spending will leave you short. Don't make unnecessary changes when you are better off exhausting everything you already have at your fingertips. A partnership will help you get ahead.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Don't trust high-pressure offers. Reach out to someone you can count on for advice. Take a unique approach when dealing with money matters and professional pursuits, and you'll get good results.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY'S WORD -- LEGITIMIZE

Australia secure Ashes retention as weather thwarts England

Australia have retained the Ashes after escaping a fourth Test dominated by England with a rain-ruined draw. They will leave Manchester this morning with a 2-1 lead, and have the opportunity to clinch a first series win in England since 2001 at The Oval next week.

After only 30 overs of play were possible between showers on Saturday, Australia trailed by 61 runs in their second innings with five wickets remaining heading into the fifth day at Emirates Old Trafford. But persistent showers meant that Sunday's play was abandoned without a ball bowled, with the draw finally confirmed at 5:24pm.

Heavy overnight rain delayed the start on the fifth day at Emirates Old Trafford, and planned in-

spections were then pushed back by persistent showers which swept across the ground. A start time of 1pm was announced during an early lunch break, but the

rain returned almost immediately and then set in for the rest of the afternoon.

England's players kicked a football around on the outfield, as if to signal their

willingness to play, but eventually returned to the dressing room after being drenched. The rain only became heavier, with a substantial volume of standing

Malicia Lawrence: Empowering women in Guyana’s motor sports

In motor sports, where high speed, adrenaline, and competition collide, one remarkable woman stands out and advocates for female empowerment. Her name is Malicia Lawrence, a female drag racer who will be in action next weekend when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) hosts the Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2.0.

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

For Malicia, racing is more than just a hobby; it’s a part of her DNA. Growing up with a family deeply connected to the motorsports community, she was introduced to the exhilarating world of racing at a young age. Watching family members confidently zoom around the track or accelerate down the line, she was captivated by the thrill and excitement of the sport.

Despite being a female entrepreneur navigating what has traditionally been considered a man’s world, Malicia never stopped pursuing her passion for racing. Her roots were planted close to the start line, and she embraced her love for motorsports with unwavering determination. As she ventured into the racing scene, she noticed the lack of

representation and opportunities for women, which fuelled her commitment to bringing about positive change.

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

Her primary objective has been establishing a nurturing and inclusive environment for female racers. Malicia believes that for women to ex-

cel in motorsports, they need a robust support system that fosters growth, learning, and camaraderie. She hopes to create a platform for aspiring female racers to gain the skills and confidence needed to compete at the highest level.

Malicia’s motto, “Don’t let fear of what could happen to make nothing happen,” embodies her fearless spirit and resilience. She knows that stepping onto the track and challenging traditional norms can be intimidating. Still, she believes fear should never keep anyone from pursuing their dreams.

Malicia’s journey from a young girl inspired by her

water on the covers and puddles forming on the outfield.

By the time the umpires decided to call play off for the day, the vast majority of the sold-out crowd had gone home – with the Party Stand utterly deserted. Pat Cummins shook hands with Joel Wilson and Nitin Menon, before telling his team-mates that they could celebrate retaining the urn.

Ben Stokes spoke in the build-up to the Test about the prospect of the weather forecast forcing England to "push the game on even more" than usual and there was not much more they could have done. They scored at 5.49 runs per over in their only innings, and took 15 wickets in 161.2

overs in the field.

But the rain – and sluggish over-rates from both teams – limited the Test match to 269 overs, which proved insufficient for a result on either side. This was England's first draw in the 17 matches they have played since Stokes' appointment as captain last year, after 12 wins and four defeats.

For Australia, the result means that they cannot lose the series despite being on the back foot for the last two Tests. Four years ago, they left Manchester 2-1 up, but lost at The Oval, missing the opportunity to win outright; they will be desperate to make amends next week. (ESPNcricinfo)

GCB Under-13 team named for bilateral series in Trinidad & Tobago

family’s passion for racing to a fearless drag racer and advocate for female empowerment is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams and breaking down barriers. Her unwavering commitment to promoting women in motorsports has opened doors for some female racers in Guyana, empowering them to chase their aspirations at full throttle. As Malicia continues to push boundaries and pave the way for future generations, she will undoubtedly inspire women on and off the track.

Tickets for next weekend’s Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2.0 will cost $3000, with kids paying just $1000.

After an exciting Under-13 Intercounty tournament, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Sunday released the names of its 15-man squad, which has commenced encampment.

With a number of top performers in the mix, the U-13 Guyana team will be led by Brandon Henry with Richard Ramdeholl as his deputy.

The duo, alongside the likes of Khush Seegobin, Lamar Seecharran, Justin Dowlin, Bhomesh Lall and others, have been in top form and as a result, will be looked upon to continue in the same vein ahead.

The competition bowls off from July 30 and ends on August 9 in the twin-island republic. Meanwhile, the GCB has confirmed that en-

campment for the U-13 team began on Sunday, July 23 at the LBI Indoor Facility.

Guyana U-13 Team:

Justin Dowlin

Bhomesh Lall

Richard Ramdeholl (Vice Captain)

Khush Seegobin

Lamar Seecharran

Tameshwar Deonandan

Nathaniel Ramsammy

Reyaz Latif

Joshua Bollers

Brandon Henry (Captain)

Ethan Silas

Makai Dowlin

Raffel McKenzie

Thierry Davis

Makayah Holmes

Standbys :

Nathan Bishop

Darrius Pearson

Ruel Dindyal

Arif Marrimutoo

Usain Fredericks

Ben Stokes watches England's hopes of squaring the series slip away @ Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Malicia Lawrence

Brandon Henry Richard Ramdeholl

GDF reign supreme over GPF in KFC Elite League final

An epic showdown was promised and a thriller it was, when the final game of the KFC Elite League Season 5 was staged on Saturday night.

After 90 minutes of exhilarating, high-quality football action at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club did more than needed to lift the spanking-new BACIF-curated Elite League trophy.

Scores of spectators flooded the EBD venue, where the thrills began as early as the fifth minute of play in the final league game between the GDF and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC. The very first goal of the game was witnessed after back-to-back corner kicks, taken by the GDF outfit. While the first attempt was not successful, Stephen McDonald was perfectly positioned meters in front of the keeper on the second

attempt. McDonald headed the ball out of the keeper’s reach and into the back of the net for GDF’s first.

The second strike followed not too long after coming off the boots of Ryan “Bom Bom” Hackett, who also sported the GDF captain’s armband for the half. A

pass found Hackett just outside the 18-yard box, and after shifting to his left foot, he sent his trademark long shot into the topright corner of the box, escaping the clutches of the GPF keeper by centimetres in the 11th minute.

It was at this juncture that the battle gained intensity when the tournament’s highest goal-scorer, Nicholas McArthur, pulled one back for the Policemen. The soldiers’ keeper, Jamaine Cumberbatch, misjudged McArthur’s ability to collect a high pass, meeting the striker outside the box. McArthur, however, was

able to execute the shot before the keeper collided with him. The ball made its way safely into the net for the 21st minute strike.

The goal visibly lifted the spirits of the Police camp, but the euphoria was short-lived as the voice of veteran journalist and announcer Allan La Rose filled the venue again. “GOAL!”

It was the soldiers’ third strike, this time off the boots of the capable Kelsey Benjamin, who capitalised on an assist in the box to add his name to the scoresheet in the 29th minute. The score at the end of the half remained stuck at 3-1, but this would change early in the second segment. Stephen McDonald completed his brace in the 58th minute, which turned out to be the last goal of the 4-1 encounter between the disciplined forces’ teams.

“In retrospect, I must say that the work on the field is a reflection of what happens behind the scenes. I thought that the players were committed, I thought that the support was there and that’s what showed out in all nine games in the League,” GDF Head Coach Joseph Wilson said about the team’s victory.

Wilson added, “The players were determined; the players actually gave up their stint in the national

Briton John wins Olympic Day cycling road race

– Leung, Mendes and Spencer in winners’ row

Guyana’s top cyclist Briton John continued to reign supreme as he clinched the Olympic Day cycle race on Sunday.

John won the race which started in front of the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, proceeded to Belfield on the East Coast of Demerara and returned to the start point for the finish.

Alexander Leung, Alex Mendes, and Clivecia Spencer also emerged winners of their respective categories.

The race was organised by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) as part of its annual Olympic Day activities.

Summarised results

Seniors

1st – Briton John

2nd – Christopher

Griffith

3rd – Curtis Dey

Junior/Juvenile

1st – Alexander Leung

2nd – Aaron Newton

3rd – Adjani Cuttin

Winner of the Olympic Day race, Briton John

Masters 1st – Alex Mendes

2nd – Robin Persaud

3rd – Segan Hubbard

Ladies 1st – Clivecia Spencer

team training programme to be part of this success, because the players see it as an important part of their future going forward.”

The victory brought the GDF outfit to 25 points from nine games played, to clinch the trophy. Sneaking into second position were Western Tigers FC, who finished the League with 22 points. The Policemen had for settle for third, after the loss to GDF left them at 21

The winners row end former champions Fruta Conquerors FC in the penultimate game of the league. At the end of the first half, Fruta led 2-0 with goals, compliments of Dennis Edwards and Samuel Garnett in the 12th and 41st minute respectively.

points. When it came to individual awards, McArthur’s 18 goals from nine games not only afforded him the highest goal-scorer accolade, but the forward carted off the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. GDF’s Cumberbatch was adjudged the tournament’s best goalkeeper, only conceding one goal in nine games.

Meanwhile, Den Amstel came from behind to up-

GBA to conduct registration on August 3-4 in Linden

With the resuscitation of the Linden boxing scene firmly on the agenda of its developmental programme, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will conduct an important registration initiative from August 3-August 4 in the mining town.

The first phase of the registration process, which is aimed at the creation of a new boxing gym in the town, will occur on August 3 at the Post Office from 12:00h-17:00h (12pm-5pm).

The second and final phase of the procedure will occur on August 4 from 12:00h-17:00h (12pm-5pm) at the gym’s intended location.

The quartet of Lennox Daniels, Seon Bristol, Lancelot “Wild Pine” Easton, and Cuban national Francisco Roldan are tasked with supervising the impending procedure on behalf of the GBA.

Infrastructure expansion is expected to be realised in this community as we aim to resuscitate the ‘sweet science’. As such, the expected infrastructure must be married with the equally important human capital that will be realised through our recruitment drive as we aim to not only revive a discipline that sadly has experienced dormancy in this storied region, but to re-establish and elevate the sport to its rightful and historical status.

However, Den Amstel’s Stephon Jupiter and Cleavon Murray cut out the deficit with goals in the 55th and 56th minute, while Malcolm Dainty handed the West Coast outfit the lead in the 64th. Andre Hector then made it a 4-2 game in Den Amstel’s favour in the 72nd minute via penalty. Although Deandre Linton struck for Fruta in the 83rd it was not enough to bar Den Amstel from the 4-3 win.

2nd – Tandia Noel

3rd – Abigale Jeffrey

The theme of this year's Olympic Day is “Let's Move”, which aims to inspire people around the world to make time for daily physical activity.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle said, “The expansion of the discipline is an absolute necessity for the Association if the best talents are to be unearthed. Linden is a hub of athletic excellence, but in recent times, has stumbled in the sport of boxing. We at the Association are confident , given the region’s rich sporting history, of extracting and nurturing quality talents from the community.”

According to Ninvalle, “This is another facet to our developmental scope.

“This once again highlights our commitment to the evolution of the sport through a strategic approach, as we aim to spread our reach to various areas, regions, villages and communities throughout the breadth of Guyana. This is the only way we can continue to engineer success and create an assembly line of talents which will continue to sustain our evidential dominance within the Englishspeaking Caribbean region. This is the way forward for the overall growth of boxing,” Ninvalle further stated.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

CPL’s local box office to begin ticket sales on Tuesday

Local fans can secure their entry for the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches in Guyana as the local office opens its doors from Tuesday, July 25, 2023 from 09:00h to 16:30h on weekdays and 09:00h to 13:00h on Saturdays.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the modern box office conve-

niently located at 233-234 Camp Street or alternately online from www.cplt20.com for both Guyana Amazon Warriors home matches and neutral matches.

The Guyana leg of the tournament will begin on September 13 with Warriors taking on defending champions,

Jamaica Tallawahs from 19:00h. The following day, Warriors return to battle St Lucia Kings from 19:00h.

On September 16, there will be a double-header as Tallawahs face St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at 10:00h before Warriors go up against Trinbago

Knight Riders at 19:00h.

September 17 will also see a double-header with Tallawahs returning to play Kings at 10:00h followed by the Warriors and

Barbados Royals clashing at 19:00h.

All matches will take place at the National Stadium, Providence. Ticket prices are set

at $2500 for the Grass Mound, $3500 for the Orange Stand, $5500 for the Red Stand and $6000 for the Green Stand.

Dominant India set up an intriguing finale against West Indies

Despite rain interruptions where the second session was washed out almost entirely, India managed to dominate on either side of it.

First, it was Mohammad Siraj who set the tone with a career-best 5-60 followed by quickfire fifties from Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan that helped India set a target of 365. By the end of the day, R Ashwin ensured that West Indies were pushed back early in the chase, capping off a near-perfect day for the visitors.

West Indies lost their last five wickets for just 26 runs on the morning of day four, with Siraj being the wrecker-in-chief.

Armed with the second new ball, India's pacers got the ball talking with Mukesh Kumar first picking up Alick Athanaze, who did not add to his overnight score. Thereafter, it was all Siraj, who found movement both ways, as he wrapped up the tail, bowling West Indies out for 255.

He proceeded to work the lower order over, taking the ball away with the seam-up and bringing in the scrambled seam to catch them by surprise. While Jason Holder and Kemar Roach fell to the away going one, nicking behind to the keeper, both Alzarri Joseph and

Shannon Gabriel were trapped plumb in front with the one coming in.

His relentless pursuit helped India earn a massive 183-run lead, which then swelled to 281 be-

sion, the second one began on a delayed note, but West Indies found success almost immediately as Jaiswal's attempt to hit Jomel Warrican ended up as a simple catch.

Rain curtailed play once again before the final session began as an extended one under bright sunshine. Kishan, earning a promotion to number four, as India maintained a left-right combination, began to play to the situation

the tables once again. Operating with some extra flight and much fuller lengths, Ashwin kept posing questions on a slow pitch. He had skipper Kraigg Brathwaite out lbw only for it to be

pace, as Ashwin darted a quick one from round the wicket to trap him plumb in front for a duck.

West Indies remained

unscathed for the rest of the day, setting up an intriguing finale on a pitch that is still playing slow. (cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies 1st Innings

Kraigg Brathwaite (c)b Ashwin 75

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c

Ashwin b Jadeja 33

Kirk McKenzie c †Ishan Kishan

b Mukesh Kumar 32

Jermaine Blackwood c Rahane

b Jadeja 20

Alick Athanaze lbw

b Mukesh Kumar 37

Joshua Da Silva

†b Mohammed Siraj 10

fore the rain interruption, thanks to some enterprising batting by the openers.

Skipper Sharma set the tone smashing a 35-ball fifty, his fastest in Test cricket, and third successive half-century of the series as India began to ratchet up their lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave him solid support, keeping the scoring rate up himself, but it was Sharma who remained the focus of the action, pulling sixes with disdain even as it came with risks. He was dropped twice en route to a fifty before falling to a catch down to fine leg after getting to his milestone.

While rain forced an early end to that ses-

alongside a brisk Shubman Gill. The duo put on 79 off just 68 balls, with Kishan bringing up his maiden Test fifty with consecutive sixes before India declared, setting up a teasing chase of 365.

West Indies' openers managed to see off the pace threat with the new ball through some steady batting. However, the introduction of Ashwin turned

overturned by DRS. But the disappointment was short-lived for he guiled Brathwaite into ill-fated sweeps. While he got lucky once, Brathwaite was out the second time chipping a tame catch to short fine leg, and becoming Ashwin's victim for the fourth time in a row in the series. Debutant Kirk McKenzie was then done in by a change of angle and

Jason Holder c †Ishan Kishan

b Mohammed Siraj 15

Alzarri Joseph lbw

b Mohammed Siraj 4

Kemar Roach c †Ishan Kishan

b Mohammed Siraj 4

Jomel Warrican not out 7

Shannon Gabriel lbw

b Mohammed Siraj 0

Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 8, w 5) 18

TOTAL 115.4 Ov (RR: 2.20) 255

Fall of wickets: 1-71 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 34.2 ov), 2-117 (Kirk McKenzie, 51.4 ov), 3-157 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 72.4 ov), 4-178 (Jermaine Blackwood, 86.3 ov),

5-208 (Joshua Da Silva, 97.2 ov),

6-229 (Alick Athanaze, 108.4 ov),

7-233 (Jason Holder, 109.5 ov),

8-244 (Alzarri Joseph, 111.4 ov),

9-255 (Kemar Roach, 115.3 ov), 10-

255 (Shannon Gabriel, 115.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammed Siraj 23.4-6-60-5

Jaydev Unadkat 16-3-44-0

Ravichandran Ashwin 33-10-61-1

Mukesh Kumar 18-6-48-2

Ravindra Jadeja 25-10-37-2

India 2nd Innings

Yashasvi Jaiswal c †Da Silva

b Warrican 38

Rohit Sharma (c)c

Shannon Gabriel removed Rohit Sharma after his fifty

India need eight more wickets to win on day five

Mohamed Siraj claimed five wickets in the first innings

Ishan Kishan scored his maiden Test fifty