Guyana Times - Monday, July 3, 2023

Caricom 45th Heads of Govt meeting gets underway today in T&T – Member States urged

to recommit to Community on 50th anniversary

29 lives lost to fires in 1st half of 2023

Page 2 Page 9 Page 17

Venezuelan national stabbed to death while defending wife from being robbed

benefiting from $15M

upgraded water

Paints to refurbish Uncle Eddie’s Home

Son arraigned for murder of father

Miner found with ganja stashed in pants crotch

Miner found with ganja stashed in pants crotch Woman, 48, brutally beaten to death by 29-year-old partner

A24-year-old motorcyclist was ar rested by Police on Saturday fol lowing the discovery of 12.9 grams of ganja in the crotch area of his pants.

Police stated that ranks were con ducting mobile patrol duty along 7 Miles Mahdia, Potaro, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), when they intercepted a mo torcycle being ridden by Quacy Hodge, a pork-knocker.

Initially, Hodge was requested to pres ent his driver's licence and the necessary documents for the motorcycle, which he failed to provide.

Consequently, Hodge was taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where a search was conducted on his person. However, during this process, Hodge began behav ing disorderly.

Despite his disruptive behaviour, the officers continued the search and discovered a transparent zip-lock bag in his crotch area. The bag, when inspected, contained several small parcels of cannabis.

The Police informed Hodge of the offence, cautioned him, and he allegedly admitted ownership of the ganja. He remains in custody pending charges.

Police are currently on a manhunt for a 29-year-old man who reportedly beat his 48-year-old partner to death early Sunday morning at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Dead is Bibi Naseefa Baksh, a mother of a 12-year-old daughter. The lawmen have since identified the suspect as Shivnand Henry, a fisherman/labourer.

The Police have since confirmed that the couple would frequently be embroiled in domestic disputes which would lead to physical altercations.

However, preliminary investigation revealed that on the day in question between 04:30h and 05:30h, while under the influence of alcohol, the couple engaged in a heated argument which subsequently turned physical.

According to information received, the suspect reportedly kicked the now dead

woman down their wooden stairs and dragged her onto the roadway, where he continued to kick her. He then armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt her several blows about the body.

After the brutal beating, the suspect and the victim's daughter assisted Baksh back into the house where she was then taken to her bedroom and helped on to her bed. Shortly thereafter, Baksh was discovered to be

unresponsive.

Upon realising that something was wrong, the victim’s daughter raised an alarm as the suspect fled the scene. The Police were contacted and upon arriving at the location, observed Baksh lying motionlessly in the bedroom. Visible abrasions were seen on her forehead, shoulder, arms, and knees. The woman’s body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home as Police continue their investigations.

Efforts to locate the suspect have been unsuccessful thus far. The Police said they have interviewed multiple individuals and obtained valuable information.

This recent murder has now taken the toll to 83. On Saturday, the Police reported that a total of 82 murders were committed within the first half of 2023, with a whopping 33 that stemmed from domestic disputes.

Miles Mahdia

Suspect: Shivnand Henry

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, July 3 – 04:00h –05:30h and Tuesday, July

4 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, July 3 – 16:40h –18:10h and Tuesday, July

4 – 17:00h – 18:30h.

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 thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to East SouthEasterly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 16:42h reaching a maximum height of 2.55 metres.

Low Tide: 10:12h and 22:27h reaching minimum heights of 0.48 metre and 0.68 metre.

Guyana has lowest debt in Caribbean despite massive projects – Pres Ali

...says Guyana able to secure favourable loan terms despite odds

Despite the plethora of projects currently being executed and persons who claimed that the loan terms being pursued were a pipe dream, President Dr Irfaan Ali stated that Guyana currently has the lowest debt in the Caribbean.

The Head of State made this disclosure while addressing the Guyanese diaspora in Canada on Saturday evening where he further stated that Guyana’s combined debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is not only the lowest in the Caribbean, but the percentage of non-performing loans in the local banking sector has fallen to among the lowest in the world.

“Our combined debt-toGDP ratio is 24.6 per cent… the lowest in the Caribbean. And guess what? It is down from 39.6 per cent. I see some people who consider themselves special journalists, doing news pieces on Guyana. And you know why? Because people like us are not deemed sophisticated enough to manage the type of resources that we have. Make no mistake about it,” the President added.

“Our external debt service ratio. And this is the percentage of revenue you’re using to service external debt, which is 4.1 per cent. This is the reality. You don’t see these headlines. These headlines are not convenient. Nonperforming loans in the bank sector fell from 7.8 per cent to 4.6 per cent, some of the lowest figures globally.”

President Ali also gave some insight into a key reason behind Guyana’s low debt, despite the many projects that are being driven by debt including the US$172 million loan for the new Demerara River bridge from the Bank of China, the US$150 million loan from Saudi Arabia that will finance the WismarMackenzie bridge and other projects, and the US$192 million Chinese loan earmarked for phase two of the East Coast road project.

According to Ali, his Government insisted on favourable fixed-rate terms for their current array of new projects.

“We set ourselves a target in Guyana, that we are only going to borrow fixed rates at less than 3.5 per cent. And everybody said you are mad people. We won’t be able to get that. Where are you going to be able to get fixed

rates at less than 3.5 per cent. Because the world today is variable rates of 5.5 and above.”

“Well guess what? Every single one of our new projects came in at a fixed rate of less than 3.5 per cent. Why? Because we have set our own agenda. We have set what we want and what we are willing to accept,” he further said.

Since taking office in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has taken a number of loans from bilateral partners around the world as well as from international agencies.

Only recently, Government signed two loan agreements totalling US$150 million with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to finance the “Infrastructural Development Works for the Housing Sector Project” and the “Construction of Wismar Bridge Project.”

Another loan to the tune of US$350 million was secured from Qatar to extend the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway all the way to Parika in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The country also has several loan agreements with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to access over US$220 million in financing for enhancements along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Highway. At a press conference last month, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo defended these borrowings, stating that they are going towards investments that will repay these loans.

“I see a lot of people talking about our capacity to repay [quickly] …[but] when we borrow, we borrow to invest in things that matter [and] we can play it back easily – our health system, the roads, the power plants, the ports – things that are

capital. We don’t borrow to eat; we borrow to build the capital stock of this country so our people can benefit. They can use that to create new industries and new jobs because that’s the foundation – the ports, the power plants, the roads, the other type of infrastructure, modern water systems, the ICT systems, better Government services around the country,” the Guyanese Head of State told the Guyanese diaspora in Canada.

“We borrow for greater security. We’re now putting in cameras around the country – a smart country programme that would be able to track criminal activities anywhere in Guyana in real-time, know who is there and stuff because the security of people is vital in the future. So, those are the things we are borrowing for but we have the capacity to repay,” the Vice President had posited.

Data from CELAC’s latest report showing gross public debt in the Caribbean

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Views

Editor: Tusika Martin

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A revitalised Caricom

Today is “Caricom Day” and we are only one of two members that have honoured the institution with a public holiday. To us, it signals that Caricom matters for so many reasons – social, economic, cultural, strategic, and as we discovered in 2020, political. It was its intervention then, of course, under the chairpersonship of Barbados’ inimitable PM Mia Mottley that literally saved our fledgling and still frail democracy from the machinations of the PNC under David Granger. Without Caricom, the PNC’s concocted narrative of “Western” interference would have received much more traction than it actually did.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its launch in 1973, it warrants a closer look at the institution to ensure that the rationales for its formation are still relevant and if so, what can be done to achieve those goals that remain unfulfilled. Firstly, there has to be an acceptance of a willingness to be bold. There can be no complacency in an endeavour that has such high stakes for us, the people in the Caribbean. There were other colonies in far worse shape than we were at independence, but through a willingness to make hard decisions, they have forged far ahead. Notable in this regard is Singapore, a city-state with almost no natural resources, but it is now a "developed country". In his book "From Third World to First", Singapore's first Prime Minister, Lee Kwan Yew explicitly cited the instance of Jamaica which was ahead of his country by so many criteria, but had subsequently lagged. What Singapore did was craft a strategic plan for its development and stuck to it with dogged determination.

Caricom's leaders did have such a vision and plan back in 1973 when they signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas, but they and some of their successors have not stuck to it. For instance, the diversification of our economies to become more exportoriented has been one of the foundational goals of Caricom from the onset. What else could economies that had been founded to produce a single crop – sugar – do? The term "mono-crop" agriculture was invented in the Caribbean. The second prong should have been redundant, since historically, all our production was for export. In 1975, they signed the Regional Food Plan (RFP) and the Regional Food and Nutrition Strategy (RFNS) in 1983.

But for the Caribbean to diversify when they each had such small internal markets, they not only had to expand their markets: they also had to strategically rationalise their production. It was accepted from the beginning that it did not make sense, economic or otherwise, for each country to produce the same range of goods: the relative comparative advantages were identified quite early on. The only constraint was the lack of political will from the politicians to overcome their aversion to cooperation: each leader would rather be a big fish in a little pond.

Caricom appears to have finally learnt this basic lesson now that, led by the dynamic Mia Mottley, they have signed on to a “25-by-25” agreement – to cut their collective US$5 billion food bill by 25 per cent by 2025. Guyana has taken the lead by providing the land and bringing in large, professional companies to ensure we take care of the supply side to fill the demand. It is our hope that this initiative does not go the way of the Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture back in 2004. Ten constraints had been identified as necessary to be removed if we were not only to become self-sufficient in food production but become large exporters in a food-security-conscious world.

The reason why none of these were resolved is the conclusion by the other leaders that since Guyana and Belize have the greatest amount of available agricultural land, they would benefit inordinately.

In the “25 by 25” initiatives, Guyana has taken the lead not only once again in providing the land, but has been pumping billions into the production of the identified strategic crops. It is hoped that the members of Caricom will keep their end of the bargain to provide markets. T&T’s stubborn stance on our honey, however, is ominous.

President Ali handled Mahdia tragedy superbly

Dear Editor, Now that the Local Government Elections are over and the fact that the PPP/C Government has gained a substantial number of votes in almost every district, town, and region, shows that the Government has made significant progress in getting the crossover votes. As revealed in the results, the PPP/C has won five out of the ten towns—Anna Regina, Lethem, Mabaruma, Rose Hall and Corriverton—and tied with the Opposition APNU in its strongholds in Bartica and Mahdia.

This is a clear indication of President Dr Ali’s Administration’s proactive policies to develop the country, rebuild the infrastructure, improve healthcare and education, and raise the living standards of the people by making sure that everyone benefits from the country’s resources and oil wealth. In his outreaches to every village, town, and region in the country the Head of State has graciously said several times that he wants to live in a country where all are treated fairly and equally and become involved in the development process and that no one must be excluded or discriminated against based on race, ethnicity or party or religious affiliation.

The LGE came on the heels of the catastrophic

fire at Mahdia Secondary School Dorm for females that took the lives of twenty teenage students, leaving seven critically injured and several others hospitalised and traumatised. As reported in the media, the fire was allegedly set by a disgruntled student. It was the worse tragedy that has ever happened in Guyana in its pre-and post-independence period. And although nothing could have prepared President Dr Ali for such a tragic event, he handled the situation superbly. He was very considerate, and compassionate as he comforted the grieving parents and relatives of the victims.

Upon hearing the sad news, President Dr Ali immediately travelled to Mahdia, where he joined the ministerial team headed by Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips and met with the parents and families of the children who lost their lives to convey his sincerest sympathy and condolences to them. The President appeared saddened and pained at the loss of so many young lives in the blaze. He consoled the families and assured them that his Government would provide the necessary support to help the grieving families cope with the loss of their loved ones. His Excellency declared three days of mourning as a sign of respect for the

young victims and asked the nation to pray for their heartbroken families. While at Mahdia, several leaders from various countries around the world including our Caricom neighbours have called President Dr Ali and offered to assist in any way they can.

President Ali has led with integrity, courage, and compassion and the appreciation shown to him by the relatives of the young victims and the people of Mahdia during their grieving period confirmed the love and respect they have for him and his Administration. In dealing with the situation, President Ali had no script to guide him as to how to handle the tragedy because none of its kind has ever happened in the history of the country. But if anyone had any doubts about his compassion and sorrow for the grieving families, and his aptitude to lead the nation into mourning and prayers, then those doubts should be laid to rest.

Even with natural disasters such as floods or manmade catastrophes such as the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School Dorm for females, Guyana has undoubtedly had an amazing three years with President Ali at the helm. Today, the country has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is considered one of the major oil produc -

ers with a GDP of approximately 45 per cent. With the highest GDP in the world, Guyana is on an upward economic path never seen or experienced by previous Governments or generations. However, many developmental experts believe that one of the greatest hindrances to the development of the country will be a shortage of both skilled and unskilled labour, which is currently the case in Guyana.

Prior to 2020, it was always easy for Heads of State from countries such as the US, Canada, and other Western developed countries to recognise the leaders from prominent Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. This is not the case today.

In the last three years, Guyana has been recognised throughout the world and is considered one of the most influential countries in the international system because of some epic announcements by His Excellency on climate change, food security, renewable energy, and fairtrade practices, among others. All Guyanese should be proud of President Dr Ali for his dedication and determination to make Guyana a prosperous country.

Sincerely,

Dr Asquith Rose

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) kicked off its 184th anniversary with a Drum Head Church Service at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary on Saturday. The Drum Head Service is a precursor to a series of activities to commemorate the establishment of the thenBritish Guiana Police Force on July 1, 1839

concept paper

"One Guyana" is a concept that has entered the national consciousness and has been a clarion call of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) for national unity. But exactly what objectives it seeks to achieve, are among the things a concept paper slated to be released shortly will address.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, while addressing the religious community in Canada over the weekend during his visit. During an address in which he urged the diaspora to be careful about the sources of information it uses for news back home, he explained that they are working to release the concept paper by the end of August 2023.

“You’ve heard a lot about the One Guyana concept and what we’re trying to achieve. The One Guyana concept is not a social concept. It is not a concept that only concentrates on the unification of the people. Because the unification of the people requires a set of actionable objectives that are based on the life of the country. And the life of the country is rooted in the political, social and economic circumstances of the coun-

there are both external and internal factors that must be taken into account when examining and implementing the One Guyana concept. He noted the importance of ensuring that national institutions work… but also noted how difficult this task is.

“You have to build a system that ensures the strength of that internal environment to support the One Guyana concept. Central to this is ensuring we build systems and institutions that address the needs of the people. The strength of a country is the strength and reliability of its institutions. The reliability of the systems that govern the

be released soon – Pres Ali

“If we want to sustainably remove problems, we have to deal with issues in a systemic tem. We have to ensure the institutions work and work every day, in the interest of the people. And fixing the systems and institutions is no easy task,” President Ali said.

President Ali noted that formational initiatives call for a cultural shift. He gave the example of the plethora

of employment opportunities now available, as well as the shortage of labour.

“I said recently, there is no excuse for not working. Because everybody needs workers now. But if you’re sitting down at the corner, waiting for a dream job and not making use of the jobs that are in the system, you’re not unemployed. Because you’re not actively seeking employment,” the President also said.

“And we must have a shift of thinking. Growing up parents were guilty of this… allowing their children to think that a dream job was a tie behind a desk in a bank. But

Bribery in Guyana

Dear Editor, Gimme a raise, gimme stacks, and sometimes even openly, gimme money.

In the heart of Guyana, where promises of economic success and global attention lie, a sinister practice erodes the nation's reputation and endangers the safety of its people. As a frequent traveller, I have encountered a disturbing reality on the roads of Guyana - the pervasive culture of bribery within the ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

What started as a shocking surprise soon transformed into a disheartening routine. Time and again, Police officers of various ranks approached me, extending their hands not for justice but for personal gain. Bribery, it seems, has become an accepted norm within the Force. Inquiring locally and scouring the depths of the internet only confirmed my worst fears.

A local resident uttered words that resonated deeply, "If you refuse to meet their demands, they will subject you to harassment."

These officers wield their power shamelessly, shamelessly tarnishing the image of law enforcement. It is important to clarify that I was never charged with any offences in these encounters. Yet, the audaci-

ty with which they openly solicit bribes suggests that this unethical practice has become deeply ingrained in their daily routine, fuelled by a lack of consequences.

Guyana, at the precipice of economic transformation and under the watchful eyes of the global community, cannot afford to turn a blind eye. The time for resolute action has come. The authorities must take immediate steps to dismantle this culture of bribery within the Guyana Police Force, ensuring that the country's reputation remains untarnished and the experiences of visitors remain unblemished.

One practical measure to curb this rampant practice would be the establishment of a public hotline. A dedicated channel where individuals can report any Police officer who has brazenly sought bribes would empower the citizens, offering a glimmer of hope in the pursuit of justice. Safety and security should be the bedrock of any society, and no compromise should be made when it comes to preserving them.

To those Police officers who have fallen victim to this vicious cycle, it is understandable that you may have inherited these habits from your colleagues

without much contemplation. Perhaps you deemed it normal because you lacked an alternative perspective. However, I ask you to pause and reflect upon your actions. Ask yourselves, are you helping build a brighter future for this beautiful country, or are you contributing to its downfall?

If you find yourself at a loss for an answer, I urge you to place yourselves in the shoes of hardworking individuals who struggle to make ends meet on meagre wages. Picture them, exhausted from a day's labour, yearning to provide for their loved ones, only to be accosted by your colleagues who demand bribes of $5000+. Let this bitter imagination serve as a catalyst for change.

True transformation starts within ourselves. Each one of us has the power to make the right choices, to take a stand against corruption, and to foster an environment of trust and integrity. Let us unite, citizens and authorities alike, to rebuild Guyana's foundations on pillars of transparency, justice, and unwavering resolve. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

Sincerely, Name withheld

you might go there as a teller and earn US$800 a month. And you could go, do a machine operator course and earn US$3000 a month.”

Last month, the President had said that the long-promised One Guyana Commission is underway and will be focusing on ensuring the rights and priorities of all Guyanese are upheld. Speaking at the 75th anniversary of the

Enmore Martyrs, the Head of State noted that his intention is to create a framework and a platform through which every stakeholder in Guyana can be a part of the country’s development.

To this end, President Ali had noted that his Government will be aggressively setting up different structures to advance this process, including the One

Guyana Commission – which he first announced in 2021.

During his inaugural address to the 12th Parliament in February 2021, Dr Ali revealed the establishment of a “One Guyana Commission” as part of the PPP/C Government’s plans to foster unity among Guyanese and put an end to the division caused by race and politics. (G-3)

Amend Sexual Offences Act

Dear Editor, The withdrawal of allegations against Minister Dharamlall highlights an issue that The Caribbean Voice has pronounced on since 2014 - that such allegations should not be dismissed because the complainant refuses to move forward, give witness or whatever else, but that the Sexual Offences Act should mandate that investigations proceed, a case is made and a trial ensues.

This is already the situation in a number of nations globally and The Caribbean Voice urges Minister Vindhya Persaud to work to implement this inclusion in the Sexual Offences Act. Unless this is done, many will be empowered to rape and continue to rape because they are in positions that enable them to coerce and threaten victims and their families.

In this specific case, the $10 million dollars bribe, supposedly to the alleged victim's family, looms large in a situation where poverty is real and debilitating.

The capacity for coercion and threats are also rather real and, in fact, easy to institute given the dynamics at play. Thus, one would expect that President Ali would do the right thing and ensure that the forever-tainted Nigel Dharamlall is relieved of his Cabinet position and

never again placed in a situation where he can regularly and easily interact with or have access to children and young people.

This is not about Dharamlall but about the safety of our nation's chil-

dren and about a President who must walk his talk or risk becoming 'same ole, same ole' in the political arena!

Best regards, Annan

Boodram

"One Guyana"

will

– says "One Guyana" also about building strong institutions...

The President while he attended the East Scarborough Pentecostal Church service on Sunday morning

President Dr Irfaan Ali as he addressed members of the International Muslim Organisation of Toronto

Adding and subtracting money

You may not realise it, but you work with a great many decimals in your life. Look at this problem: $98.20 + $10.80

A dollar is divided into 100 hundredths, each of which is called a cent. Adding and subtracting money is done exactly the same way as adding and subtracting decimals.

REMEMBER

By PhiliP M Sherlock

Clear as the clear sun’s light

So clear is the water’s flight

From the black rocks down

To the waiting sand eager and brown, Near Gordon Town.

And clear through the broad green leaves

And the shining spears of the water reeds

Through the tangled web of vine and root

Of tangled roots black and wet

With the shining water drops

As swift in its crystal flight the river

Leaves the rock for the sand and pebbles.

The rock and the light and the weaving stream, Fluid and fixed and fervent.

Trumpets blow and the dead arise

Clanking bones and dead men's cries.

Shiver the mountains huddled close

Beneath their shivering coats of green

Fluid now where once was rock

Melting now where once was stable

Liquid flows volcanic rock

And the brazen sky is mad with sound

And the sun and the moon and the stars appear

And the blazing sky and the melting hills

Uncover the roots of ebing that lay

Buried beneath the crust of clay.

Fire leaps headlong from the sky

And the rock and the light and the weaving stream

Join in the flaming dance that thrills

Through the earth and the firmament

For that which was fixed is fluid now

And the shaken are the shrivelled skies

Ablaze with a thousand lunatic eyes.

The black rocks twist and writhe and run

Red with the blood red light of the sun

The fire has claimed its ancient place

The fire which slept within the rock

The fire which slept within the earth

The fire which slept within the trees

The fire which slept within the clouds

The fire which slept within the skies

The fire that slept has come to birth

And seals with flame the shaking earth

And leaps with quivering flanks of flame

Through the woods and through the rocks

And leaps from cloud to crested cloud

And flames across the shrivelled sky.

Fire that flamed where Eden stood

A sword of flame.

Eden stands by Gordon Town

Cool with the green of leaves and cool

With gleaming water and dripping rock

And cool with the tangled black of roots

Where the river leaps from the tangled rocks to the sand and pebbles.

Green and black and flash of silver.

And around and beneath and about the place

The flash of a flaming sword

The fire holds still its ancient place.

WORD SEARCH

You can add placeholder zeroes to money , too. Doing this does not change its value! For example, $40 = $40.00

CEO lauds LGE 2023 as "smooth flowing"

– says GECOM yet to analyse voter turnout statistics

the results of the elections. This was done a few days ago.

“We were always on the ball awaiting the submissions which would enable us to make the submission for it to be gazetted. I can assure you that the results for the Local Government Elections 2023 were gazette on Wednesday last,” the CEO noted.

Voter turnout

Guyana Prison Service, registered voters accounted for 430 officers with 239 votes cast or 55.58 per cent.

At the last Local Government Elections held on November 12, 2018, GECOM had reported just four days later on November 16 that there was a voter turnout of just 36 per cent of the electorate.

This 36 per cent in 2018 is compared to a 47 per cent voter turnout when LGE was held in 2016.

Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic has secured a landslide victory at the 2023 LGE, sweeping 66 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) across the country.

PPP/C received the majority of votes cast, it is expected to assume the chairmanship.

More than three weeks after the holding of Local Government Elections (LGE) 2023, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vishnu Persaud has expressed his satisfaction with the election activities, which he said “flowed smoothly”.

The CEO made these remarks at a recent press briefing – the first since the local government polls were held on June 12 – during which he and other GECOM officials give a limited review of the conduct of the recent elections.

According to Persaud, LGE 2023 met expectations as it relates to the conduct of “credible elections.”

“I can give the assurance that with specific reference to the Election Day, all logistical arrangements flowed smoothly towards ensuring that adequate staffing was in place, all materials were in place to ensure that polls in every single instance opened [on time at 06:00h and closed at 18:00h].”

“We have not received, to date, any single expression of complaints or concern that would cast doubt on the manner in which the elections were conducted,” the CEO posited.

The June 12 local government polls were monitored by some 227 observers from 11 observer groups including diplomatic missions in Guyana.

Following the close of polls, Persaud pointed out that most of the declara-

tions of results were made statutorily and publicly, before midnight, on June 12. He added that the declaration of the results for LGE 2023 from all 80 Local Authority Areas across the country was made within 36 hours of the close of the poll.

Contrary to public perception, it was explained that, unlike General and Regional Elections, the Election Secretariat, which is headed by the CEO, is not required to make an official declaration of the results. That responsibility sits with the respective Returning Officers for the various districts across the country, who make declarations outside of the respective polling stations as well as post the results from each LAA on GECOM’s website.

“As CEO, and having been involved in the previous election, I know and I'm proud of the time we took and the manner in which these results were declared,” Persaud contended.

He further explained that the only delay in the declaration of results would be for those LAAs where requests for recounts were made. There were six such requests made and according to the CEO, the results from those recounts did not cause any “material changes” to the original vote count.

Moreover, Persaud further noted that GECOM had to await the submission of the extracted Candidates from the Proportional Representation (PR) Lists of the LGE contestants who won seats before gazetting

The results from the recently concluded local government polls have so far indicated a low voter turnout at this year’s election. However, GECOM is yet to conduct an official assessment to ascertain this information.

CEO Persaud informed reporters at Friday’s press conference that “…we have not conducted an analysis to determine turnout, whether at the individual Local Authority Area levels or at the national level. However, the results are published and any person who wishes to do such an analysis is free to do so without any clearance from us.”

“We will in due course be embarking on such an exercise but we have not had the time to do that just yet. We had much more immediate activities to focus on.”

However, this utterance by the CEO comes on the heels of the Elections Secretariat providing voter turnout statistics just one week after the Disciplined Services cast their ballots on June 2.

At a press conference on June 9, Deputy Chief Election Officer Aneal Giddings had reported that a 47 per cent turnout was recorded after the Disciplined Services voted.

Registered voters under the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were 2684; whereby 1361 votes were cast or 50.71 per cent. For Guyana Police Force (GPF), some 5979 ranks were registered to vote, with 2717 votes cast, representing a 45.44 per cent turnout.

With regard to the

The data at the time indicated that out of 572,531 persons registered to vote, only 208,534 actually went out to cast their ballots.

Results showed that the governing PPP/C won 62 of the LAAs and tied with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in four areas. However, since the

Meanwhile, the PPP/C also won the majority of votes in seven of the country’s 10 townships. These include Mabaruma, Mahdia, Lethem, Corriverton, Rose Hall, Bartica and Anna Regina while APNU managed to regain the majority in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, and Linden – two municipalities less than the last LGE. (G-8)

Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud

Son arraigned for murder of father

Twenty-year-old Yeison Hernandez of C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, has been charged and remanded to prison for the murder of his father, which took place on Father’s Day.

Hernandez, who is said to be mentally challenged, was arraigned before acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on June 18, he murdered Eyone Hernandez, a 47-year-old labourer of Lot 509 C Field Sophia.

Guyana Times had previously reported that around 23:30h, Eyone Hernandez,

who is a Venezuelan, and his son were involved in an argument.

Reports are that the two were arguing at home over food when Yeison armed himself with a knife and allegedly dealt his father a stab to the back of his left thigh.

An alarm was raised by the victim’s wife and when Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from Alberttown Fire Service responded to the scene, the victim was pronounced dead. One stab wound was observed to the back of the now dead man’s left thigh.

Things fall apart… …in

France

For centuries, England (Britain) and France vied for being the top dog in Europe – most due to the unbelievable wealth they’d sucked out of their empires to create the “Third World”!! The billions of human beings there were the “wretched of the Earth” while they pranced around in their palatial mansions living in obscene luxury. But every action has a reaction – in sociology as much as in physics – call it karma or what you will!! And right now, France is being ripped apart in that reaction!!

Because as with Britain, those colonials not unreasonably wanted to experience the lifestyle of their erstwhile masters. Ironically, unlike the Brits who’d kept the “natives” at arm’s length as far as identity was concerned – in their 'mission civilisatrice', the French adopted a policy of total and complete assimilation. They declared they’d transmute folks from whatever previous culture they originated – Algerian, Moroccan, Malians, etc – into Frenchmen. All would be one and one would be all!!

Well, as the colonies became independent, but didn’t develop as promised – mainly because France merely disguised its old exploitative relations rather than jettisoning them, the natives started flocking to the “motherland” to experience “la belle vie” – the good life!! They came in the millions, especially to the cities on the Mediterranean like Marseilles. Today it’s estimated that there are five million French Blacks and seven million Arabs, who together total about 19 per cent of mainland France's 63 million people.

What they found out however was that the promise of being “ONE” was a big fat lie!! They were still the “dirty natives” and placed at the bottom of the barrel and ladder. After, they were not just “Third World” but third class!! They became the criminal underclass in the cities and not surprisingly found themselves in the glare of Police searchlights. One outrageous brutality after another drove the youths to imitate their American peers of the sixties as they burnt and looted stores in commercial centres.

In the last decade, however, the French Government instituted a policy of “restraint” towards the rioters –thinking this would lessen their rage. Didn’t work!! The “turning a blind eye” backfired and every new racial incident exploded into widespread riots and marches. In the present uproar, a 17-year-old youth of Arab descent was shot in a Police encounter and to get an idea of the extent of the reaction – 2000 cars have been torched and President Macron had to postpone a trip to Germany.

So what’s the lesson for us?? While we aren’t a colonial power, colonial power Britain did leave us a country as badly divided as they’ve found themselves.

We gotta treat everybody equally – and the Police must consistently keep law and order!!

…with GT’s civic duty

Your Eyewitness just saw that the turnout for Georgetown in the last LGE was a dismal 28% in the largest and most highly-contested Local Authority Area (LAA). Within this 28%, the PPP were able to increase their seats on the City Council from 7 to 11 - compared to the PNC’s 19. So, what does this mean?? To the PNC they’re crowing they ‘defeated’ the PPP – even though they had one hand tied behind their backs with their internecine leadership infighting. For the PPP, they’ve created “beachheads” from where they’ll expand.

But what the numbers also suggest is that GT residents – who’re conceded even by the PPP to be traditionally PNC voters – were very apathetic. Was it only the leadership squabbles? Was it the general ennui about LGEs?? Was it the candidates?? That the PPP’s aggressive campaign didn’t bring out more voters – not just FOR them but AGAINST them in defence of the PNC doesn’t bode well for the latter.

Interesting times ahead!!

…for the WI (again)

The headline was stark: “Two-time champions West Indies will miss the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup for the first time.” Frankly, your Eyewitness has been disappointed so many times before, he’s as apathetic as GT voters!!

Murder accused: Yeison Hernandez

Dead: Eyone Hernandez

29 lives lost to fires in 1st half of 2023

in one of these houses.

The fire might have been caused by a child playing with matches which ignited a foam mattress and spread to the entire building.

ing 19 female students between the ages of 12 to 17 and a five-year-old boy dead.

By LaWanda McaLLister

For the first half of 2023, at least 29 persons have lost their lives to fire but while all are devastating, the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory has topped the list with 20.

These incidents have undoubtedly left some families grieving the loss of their loved ones while some are still grappling with the thought of not seeing that special person ever again.

These deadly fires have emotionally affected the families while also leaving them with more questions than answers. Some are leaning towards the Almighty for strength so that their lives can return to some form of normalcy.

These devastations occurred throughout the country, thus leaving a trail of

destruction and uncertainty.

Guyana Times in this article compiled the deadly fires over the past seven months with the first being on January 28, 2023, at South Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD), which resulted in the death of eight-year-old Jermaine Johnson.

It was reported that a house occupied by the Johnson family was engulfed in flames as they slept. While some family members managed to escape the blaze, the lad and his grandmother who had turned back to rescue him were severely burnt.

They both were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were immediately admitted but a few days later, the lad succumbed to his injuries. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS), after its preliminary inves-

tigations, reported that the fire was electrical in nature. In fact, it was a fan that overheated and started the fire.

Then on February 12, a businessman, Rajendra Mohabir, 60, popularly known as “Slowie” was killed after going back into his burning house at Seventh Street, Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara (WCD), to save his grandchild he believed were trapped in the inferno.

The child, however, had already escaped to safety. Before family members could have stopped Mohabir, he had already entered the burning building and later became trapped in the flames. His charred remains were later found.

The two-storey building housed a grocery store and church on the bottom flat.

On March 20, a fire at

Third Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, claimed the life of 45-year-old Kevin Trotman while leaving 13 other occupants homeless. The deadly fire destroyed two houses. It was reported that Trotman was trapped

However, it was after the blaze that the relatives of Trotman realised that he was missing. As such, they went back to the fire scene, and their worst fears were confirmed.

Back on May 21, the most devastating fire to have been recorded in Guyana ripped through the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) thus leav-

The dead have identified as Nicholeen Robinson, Martha D’Andrade, Shorline Bellarmine, Eulanda Carter, Adonijah Jerome, Subrina John, Cleoma Simon, Tracil Thomas, Andrea Roberts, Lisa Roberts, Rita Jeffery, Loreen Evans, Delicia Edwards, Belnisa Evans, Lorita Williams, Mary D’Andrade, Omefa Evans, Sherena Daniels, Natalie Bellarmine, and Arianna Edwards.

The students that died in the Mahdia fire

Three-year-old Shameena Hardat and nine-year-old Animika Hardat Dead: Jermaine Johnson

The two children who died in the fire at Drysdale Street

29 lives lost to fires in 1st half...

This fire, unlike others, was purposely set by a 15-year-old female student of the said institution following the confiscation of her mobile phone by school officials. The teen had threatened to cause

chaos but her threats were not heeded. On that sad Sunday evening, she reportedly went into the bathroom and started the fire after which, she ran out of the building leav-

ing her peers behind. Little did she know her mistake would leave 20 young children dead and family members in disarray.

She was later slapped with 19 murder charges and

was remanded to prison. Upon her second court appearance later this month, another murder charge will be read to her.

However, the deadly infernos continued to cre-

ate havoc – this time at Herstelling Sea Dam on the East Bank of Demerara (ECD) which resulted in the death of 58-year-old Sundar Nandkishore.

He reportedly lived alone but more tragically; he was bedridden. Although diabetic, he was a heavy smoker and from all indications, the fire would have started from a lit cigarette. Family members who live close by reportedly saw smoke emanating from the man’s house but by the time they rushed to the scene, the wood structure was already engulfed.

The badly burnt body of Nandkishore was found on his bed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Then, just after midday of June 7, three-yearold Shameena Hardat and her nine-year-old sister, Animika Hardat, who was differently-abled, were burnt to death after a fire ripped through their home at Belmont, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

In this case, the children were left unattended at home as the mother went to run some errands in Georgetown. Although there were adults in different apartments of the said building, they could have only stood at the scene and listened to the screams of the two girls emanating from the building.

The children were reportedly locked inside the apartment thus leaving no chances of anyone getting to them. Many have blamed the mother for the unfortunate incident but in defence, the

mother stated it was not the first time she had locked the children and went about her business.

Meanwhile, the most recent deadly fire occurred on Friday at Drysdale Street Charlestown, Georgetown, which resulted in the death of 40-year-old Michael Richards and his two children – six-year-old Somaya Richards and four-year-old Supreme Richards.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is yet to pronounce on the cause of the fire but based on reports gathered, it might have been electrical in origin. It was reported that the charred remains of Richards were found next to the main entrance of his apartment which is on the lower flat of the building while the remains of his two children were found in their bedroom.

Upon realising that the building was on fire, the occupants of the upper flat made their way to safety but Richards and his children were burnt to death by the raging fire which swept through the house.

In the wake of these devastating fires, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has reminded the public to pay attention to fire prevention.

In addition, the GFS stated that it continues to address the urgent need for improved safety measures and fire prevention strategies but one has to ask, is this enough and more so, is it conducting adequate sensitisation to educate the public on fire safety?

Dead: Rajendra Mohabir

| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FFTP partners with Harris Paints to refurbish Uncle Eddie’s Home

The southern wing of Uncle Eddie’s Home in Tucville, Georgetown, has been refurbished, compliments of Food For The Poor (Guyana) and Harris Paints. Residents of the institution - which has been in existence for over 50 years - are enjoying the comfort and relaxation of wonderful new living quarters recently redecorated.

The project was initiated by Food For The Poor Guyana Inc, which reached out to Harris Paints for assistance with refurbishing the southern wing of the facility which houses 18 elderly persons and provides general housing and benevolence programmes.

“Colour is an important part of managing health and well-being and a palette of two shades of grey and white was selected to create a soothing and calming surround for those who live there. Grey provides a soft backdrop that is peaceful, balanced and reassuring. A spokesperson for the home said since the remodel, residents are now gravitating to the wing and spending more of their time there,” Harris Paints said in a press statement.

Harris Paints Guyana Limited donated some 30 gallons of paint and other painting supplies including brushes, trays, and rollers for the Helping Hands Volunteers to assist Food For The Poor

Guyana in uplifting the facility.

Senior Manager of Gifts and Kind at FFTP, Jameel Davis, who oversaw the renovations, said they were very pleased with the performance of the paint.

The statement quoted Davis as saying, “It applied well, dried fast, and had low scent which was important for the health of residents. They also remarked it covered very well with one coat and only applied the second as it is the recommended standard practice.”

The charitable organisation emerged in 1982 when Ferdinand Mahfood was inspired to serve God in a more intimate and committed way.

He devoted his experience in business to being a ‘beggar for the poor’. With the charitable donations raised, he started a chain of giving, that today results in relief projects and programmes in Guyana and more than two dozen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, the Retail Services Manager of Harris

Paints Guyana, Nigel Dodson, shared that he was happy to be on board with Food For The Poor for this project.

“It was a delight to be able to partner with this exceptional charity, and give back to those in need, especially the elderly, many of whom have already given so much to their community.”

Before and after photographs of the refurbished living quarters

The Harris Paints Team as they presented the items before the painting was done. L-R: Inventory and Human Resources Manager, Sidonia Peters – Logistics; Food For The Poor Guyana Inc Senior Manager – Gifts and Kind, Jameel Davis; Harris Paints Guyana Limited Retail Services Manager, Nigel Dodson; and Food For The Poor Guyana Inc Public Relations Manager, Jonelle DeVeira

49 complete oil & gas courses through GOAL

MoH targets youths to lower drug abuse rates

In its prevention efforts against drug abuse, the Health Ministry will be placing heavy emphasis on targeting vulnerable groups within the population, especially young people.

Project Lead of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Dr Travis Freeman appeared on the recent Health Matters Programme where he related that the focus will be placed on drug abuse and illicit trafficking prevention.

The intention, he said, is to delay the onset or initial use of drugs within communities.

to encourage our youths not to use drugs because of the dire health and social impacts,” he shared. Meanwhile, the programme also sought to educate that hookah products contain at least 82 toxic chemicals including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogens. People who use hookah may be at risk for some of the same diseases as cigarette smoke, including oral cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and decreased fertility.

Forty-nine persons recently completed studies in various oil and gas programmes offered by 3t EnerMech through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

Last week, GOAL announced that 49 persons had finished the following courses: Certificate in Pipe Fitting, Certificate in Plating, and Certificate in Rigging.

Certificates in Pipe Fitting have been awarded to Alex Davis, Dimitri Thom, Fatima Kadir, Jalini Sawh, Keisha Prince, Meshach Williams, Rahul Raghubansie, Ryan Singh, Shaina Daniels, Shamar Bruce, Tulchand Persaud, Anandkumar Shivprashad, Krishan Kampadoo, Nafisah Janan Abdul Kadir, Navin Beaton, Ramesh Dass, Riaad Persaud, Thandika Williams, and Yugishpir Persaud.

Ashley Gooding, Daniel Perreria, Dondre Fiedtkou, Malachi Melville, Mark David, Nicholas Ballram, Salim Yussuf, Shaquel Williams, Tiffany Balgobin, Vitthal Bhemal, Doadnauth Sawh, Hasani Hazlewood, Isaac Bepat, Justin Sukhu, Kelissa Torisha Lewis,

Raymond Rajiv Ramanie, Raniesha James and Tarikh Robinson completed the Certificate in Plating course.

These persons have completed the Certificate in Rigging: Darren Thomas, Dominic Samuels, Hezron Pedro, Jankey Balwant, Jessia Katwaroo, Adeeb Juman, Alex Bentham, Aurelia Basdeo, Dwain Thompson, Kevin Jagdeo, Ricardo Mahase and Shyon Niles.

In September 2022, Prime Minister Mark Phillips officially opened the 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The US$20M state-of-theart facility features blended learning software and technology for high-hazard activity training, a skills hall, a welding and fabrication shop, rigging and lifting areas, and a 14ft deep sea survival pool.

It is the first facility in Guyana to be accredited to deliver Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation (OPITO) training for a rigger, bandsman, and slinger skills, among

others.

It has also signed an exclusive agreement with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) to be the only facility to carry out its courses in the country.

The teaching hub was established to empower and provide Guyanese locals with key skills and training certifications that are required to work in the offshore environment without having to travel to the United States of America, Brazil, or Trinidad and Tobago.

Launched in 2021, GOAL is a part of the Government of Guyana’s transformative agenda to have an educated workforce. GOAL, through partnerships with several international universities, will provide a myriad of pertinent academic and vocational programmes: Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s, Postgraduate, Master’s, and Doctorate.

The primary objective is to deliver 20,000 scholarships by 2025 through a collaboration of agencies including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Service, and the Ministry of Labour.

“We have a target population, which would include in and out of school youths, persons from communities where there is some sort of marginalisation, institutionalised and other target groups. Those are the populations that we focus on and the intention is for us to delay the onset or initial use of drugs. Hence why we’re focusing on those in and out of school youths,” he underlined.

Zeroing in on stakeholder involvement, Dr Freeman highlighted that the community is a critical player in removing stigma and discrimination against drug users. Rather, he noted that they should work towards having those persons in rehabilitative institutions.

“When we see persons or we suspect persons are mis-

using a substance, rather than discriminate or stigmatise against them, we can get them help and treatment at one our drug treatment and care sites. The Ministry of Health currently has more than 10 treatment sites and they’re all accessible at the local community health facility.”

For existing users of illicit drugs, the public health officer encouraged that help is always available, provided through several facilities across the country.

“Substance abuse is a big issue and it doesn’t have to be taken on by you only. We’re here to help you and to work along to get the right help that the individual who might be misusing a substance needs. I want

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2022 highlighted that around 284 million people aged 15-64 used drugs worldwide in 2020, a 26 per cent increase over the previous decade.

Globally, the report estimates that 11.2 million people worldwide were injecting drugs. Around half of this number were living with hepatitis C, 1.4 million were living with HIV, and 1.2 million were living with both.

Cocaine manufacturing was at a record high in 2020, growing 11 per cent from 2019 to 1982 tons. Cocaine seizures also increased, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, to a record 1424 tons in 2020. Nearly 90 per cent of cocaine seized globally in 2021 was trafficked in containers and/or by sea.

AVenezuelan national was stabbed to death in the wee hours of Sunday while protecting his wife from a man who attempted to steal her purse. The crime took place in the vicinity of Blast Beer Garden at Grove on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

The victim has been identified as Oscar Sanchez, 37, of Eccles, EBD.

Police stated that on the day in question, the now dead man’s wife, Avie Mario Leane Tores, who works at the bar, had finished her shift at about 12:30h. As such, she was joined by her husband and some other Venezuelans and they began consuming alcohol in front of the establishment.

However, at about 4:00h, the suspect, known to both her and her husband, approached her and attempted to take away the purse she

was holding in her left hand.

In response, Sanchez intervened, leading to an argument between him and the suspect, who was armed with a knife. During the altercation, the suspect repeatedly stabbed Sanchez about his body.

As a result, Sanchez collapsed to the ground, remaining motionless as the suspect fled on foot in a southern direction along Grove Public Road, EBD.

The Police were summoned to the scene where they found Sanchez lying on the ground in a motionless state. There were multiple stab wounds to the back of the left shoulder, the centre of the back, left back elbow, left shoulder front, middle of the throat, left side lower rib, and his right thumb.

He was picked up and taken to the Diamond Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detectives have since questioned several persons and are in the process of reviewing CCTV footage retrieved from the business place.

The suspect remains on the run.

File photo: GOAL students at a practical training session

Venezuelan national stabbed to death while defending wife from being robbed

Project Lead of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Dr Travis Freeman

Northwell surgeons to perform over 60 operations at GPHC

Advancing the level of healthcare available in Guyana, a surgical team from United States (US)-based Northwell Health has embarked on a six-day mission to perform over 60 hernia operations at the Georgetown Public Health Corporation (GPHC).

During a recent press conference, Head of Surgery at the GPHC, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar explained that the medical facility approached Northwell several months ago to assist with a backlog of cases they were having difficulty completing.

“Northwell volunteered to throw support behind this. They provide the expertise and some of the materials that we were not able to source locally.” Thus far, 56 adult patients are slated to undergo primarily groin hernias, though some are additionally required to undergo operations to address umbilical hernias and hydroceles as well.

Dr Rajkumar noted that

the plan is for these patients to have a short-term hospital stay, with most expected to return home on the day of their surgery or the immediate day after.

“We have had six days planned [for this mission]. The first two days, which started [on Thursday], is an outpatient clinic where we’re going to review all the cases. The next three days [Saturday to Monday] will be the surgeries in the operating room. We’re anticipating somewhere between 20

and 25 cases per day.”

The Northwell surgical team consisting of three surgeons will be supported by a rotation of about 18 GPHC doctors.

Following the three days of surgeries, the mission includes a debriefing session to discuss the operations and plans for the future, and an academic session with the Northwell surgeons and GPHC medical residents to allow for information exchange.

In addition to reducing

to construct 20 core homes in Sand Creek under hinterland housing programme

throughout a number of hinterland communities, leading to increased coverage in access to potable water.

“The Government is committed to investing in resilient and sustainable development across various sectors, including education, healthcare, housing, and water,” the Minister remarked.

the backlog of cases, this mission is also aimed to increase the quality of care available in Guyana and reduce the future need for overseas treatment in such cases.

“We’re bringing down some different techniques that we’ve done that we’ve found helpful in these cases and we’re going to be teaching those techniques to help support the team here,” Northwell Vice President of the Department of Surgery, Dr Nathan Christopherson related.

Meanwhile, Northwell Vice President of Global Health, Dr Eric Cioe-Pena highlighted the blossom-

ing relationship between Northwell and Guyana since the US healthcare provider signed a fiveyear Memorandum of Understanding with GPHC in 2021.

“Northwell Health is here as a friend and colleague to help realise that vision [GPHC has for healthcare in Guyana], cut some corners with procurement, make sure that we can get supplies that are needed into the country and make sure that [local doctors] are trained in an expeditious way in how to use new technologies and equipment,” Dr Cioe-Pena said.

In continuing this part-

nership, a similar mission, though dealing with more complex hernia cases, is already onstream for this November.

Northwell has also been engaging medical professionals at GPHC in a number of training opportunities, including on Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

ECT services are expected to be introduced in the local hospital’s psychiatry department by October, utilising this training as well as equipment needed to perform these procedures that were donated by Northwell.

The Housing and Water Ministry will soon construct 20 core homes for Sand Creek, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) families under the hinterland housing programme. The beneficiaries will be selected by the Village Council.

During a meeting with residents, the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, initiated the process for the first phase of the Hinterland Housing Programme to commence in the area.

Rodrigues made the announcement as she handed over quotation forms to the Village Council for construction materials. In her address to the residents, she expressed her delight in being able to deliver on

commitments made by the PPP/C Administration.

She reiterated that 90 per cent of the manifesto promises have already been accomplished and the Housing and Water Ministry has also been delivering. Specific to Sand Creek, 20 families including a few senior citizens from the village will benefit from the housing programme.

“Your Government remains dedicated to resolving challenges and meeting the needs of the community.”

She also shared some insight from a recent Toshaos Conference held in Lethem which covered the Government’s comprehensive plan for water infrastructure development in the region. Notably, 40 new wells have been drilled

The houses will be built with five workers, two skilled persons that the programme pays for, and three labourers that the beneficiary of the house will provide.

Also, during the engagement, Rodrigues was joined by Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock, GWI Hinterland Services Director Ramchand Jailal and Toshao Bernadine Fernandes.

Also, during the engagement, the $15 million upgraded water supply system was commissioned.

The water system boasts solar panels and a new pump system, ensuring 95 per cent of residents get access to potable water. This is in addition to an extended service, scheduled to be operational by the end of August. Sand Creek now boasts three wells, with the pump system estimated to last 20 years.

The Housing and Water Ministry recently commissioned a $35 million water supply system in Sawariwau Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). This system is said to benefit more than 600 persons who will now access potable water.

The current system serves 60 per cent of the community. However, a contract to the tune of $2.1 million was inked with the Village Council to further expand the distribution network, which will ensure 90 per cent coverage to the community.

The expansion is expected to be carried out by the Village Council and will see another 5km of pipeline being installed and approximately 35 new service connections. This is in addition to job creation, as Community Service Officers

(CSOs) from the village will be trained to carry out basic maintenance work on the water system.

Speaking at the commissioning on Saturday, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry Susan Rodrigues pointed out that the project is a commitment made by the PPP/C Administration. After coming into office in 2020, it was found that only 20 per cent of the village was receiving potable water from a hand-dug well.

“We are always thinking of ways to improve our system and we always have your interests at heart,” she told the residents.

This and other investments in hinterland communities, the Minister said, are reflective of Government’s commitment towards meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 6, which speaks to access to clean and potable

water for all by 2030.

Guyana is well on its way to achieving this target five years earlier. This, she added, is demonstrated in the significant annual budgetary allocations being made in all sectors.

“All across the country, you can see work being done in every single sector for the improvement of lives,” the Minister added.

Also, on the occasion, the Regional Chairman, Bryan Allicock, lauded the project and its timely execution, noting that this will significantly add to the rapid development taking place in Region Nine.

“Region 9 is developing at a fast pace, and this is as a result of the Government’s intervention, we commit to the promises we deliver,” Allicock said.

The project was executed by R Kissoon Contracting Services and C&H Contracting Service.

Minister Susan Rodrigues hands over the quotation forms to the Village Council

Govt

residents now benefiting from $15M upgraded water supply system

Northwell Vice President of Global Health, Dr Eric CioePena

GPHC Head of Surgery, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar

Minister Rodrigues along with other officials and residents at the commissioning of the new water supply system

$35M water supply system commissioned at Sawariwau – as $2.1M contract inked for expansion work

Shifts in oil & gas, other economic sectors captured in 2022 census

– Chief Statistician says 2022 census 1st to collect data on agriculture

Since the last census in 2012, Guyana has undergone changes, not only in population numbers but also in sectors where Guyanese work. The 2022 census carried out by the Bureau of Statistics has placed more emphasis than ever before on capturing these economic statistics.

This was revealed by Chief Statistician Errol La Cruez, who in an interview with Guyana Times revealed that the census is the first one that has an agriculture module to collect data on the sector.

“This census is the first where we’ve included an agriculture module. And there are questions there on agriculture. It is essentially designed to give us a frame for where agriculture takes place, what kind of agriculture takes place,” La Cruez said.

“So that going forward any additional interventions, perhaps surveys and data gathering, it would be much easier to locate and identify which areas we should be working. And who is doing cattle farming or who is cattle ranching or planting crops, rice

or whatever, where it is concentrated. There is that information there. We do have info on agriculture.”

There is also the oil and gas sector, which has grown in leaps and bounds compared to 2012. In fact, ExxonMobil had announced last year that since it first discovered oil in Guyana’s waters in 2015, oil giant ExxonMobil has spent more than $140 billion on local suppliers, and is responsible for over 4400 Guyanese

being employed to support its activities…64 per cent of the industry’s workforce. According to the Chief Statistician, stats related to oil and gas will also feature in the census.

“We are capturing information on agriculture. We are capturing information on economic activities. We are seeing changes and shifts in the type of work people do and the sectors they are involved in. Obviously, the oil and

gas sector did not exist in 2012. So that’s a new sector you will see persons being involved in. And the sectors around it. The associated sectors, services, to that oil and gas sector,” the President further said.

La Cruez noted that more data related to shifts in economic activities will be captured in the Bureau’s report. He also cautioned that the context surrounding these population shifts in the economic sectors has

to be considered.

“If you’re following the context, just like what’s happening with the migrant populations. Economic changes for instance economic activities, knowing that the country is transforming and there are new economic activities. And of course, oil and gas are one of the main ones.”

“But there are others growing around it, having an understanding and appreciation for that means that when you look at the census data and you’re seeing changes that correlate with it, it is not surprising. But that means of course that there are changes. But I wouldn’t say that I’m surprised by what I’m seeing,” he also said.

Through its local affiliate EEPGL, Exxon is the operator, and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

The company is currently undertaking four produc-

tion projects – Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara, and Yellowtail in the oil-rich block. It is estimated that when the Yellowtail development project comes on stream, production would climb to 810,000 bpd by 2027. The US oil major anticipates operating at least six floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels by 2030.

In addition to the 4400 Guyanese employed in the sector as of last year, efforts are being made to ensure Guyanese can be equipped to work in the oil and gas sector. Exxon has been collaborating with the Government to develop the Guyana Technical Training College Inc, an institution intended to deliver worldclass training and certification to Guyanese workers in skilled areas that are vital to both oil and gas and the broader economy.

The five main skilled areas in which students would receive certification are: electrical; mechanical; instrumentation; process operations to support the oil and gas industry; and civil and building construction, to support the broader economy.

Caricom 45th Heads of Govt meeting gets underway today in T&T

trade, and facilitate the free movement of skilled citizens across our borders forward… Over the next six months, I intend to place added emphasis on advancing free movement skills, resilience, regional travel, health and education. In different forums, via various mediums, I look forward to engaging regional stakeholders with a view to setting goals for the next 50 years,” the Dominica Prime Minister stated.

al financial architecture will engage the Heads of Government, who will also receive a number of guests to discuss political, economic, and financial matters relevant to the Community.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Conference of the Heads of Government will get underway today in Trinidad and Tobago. This meeting is being held on the heels of the Region celebrating 50 years since the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4, 1973, which led to the establishment of Caricom, and Member States are being urged to recommit to the tenets of that agreement.

Caricom’s 50th anniversary celebrations are being held under the theme: “50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build On” with a series of planned activities that commenced in the host country on Saturday.

In her remarks to commemorate the occasion, Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett stated that the Community’s longevity is a result of the deep commitment of Regional Governments to upholding the Treaty. She noted that while the past five decades were shaped by challenges and changes, there is much to be proud of.

Going forward, she urged that efforts be directed towards forging a Caribbean Community that is inclusive and resilient, a unified competitive force in the global arena, and one that shares opportunities and economic, social, and cultural prosperity.

“If we are to fulfil the promises of our integration,

as laid out in the Treaty of Chaguaramas, we must continue to demonstrate the acumen, tenacity, and sense of shared purpose that has sustained us for the past 50 years. This is what will secure a safe and prosperous community for future generations of our Region. Let us therefore martial our talents and our zeal, and continue resolutely towards our vision of ‘One Caribbean – a community for all’,” SG Barnette stated.

Meanwhile, incoming Caricom Chairman, Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit noted that this jubilee anniversary presents the Region with an opportunity to take stock of its achievements and as-

sess its actions over the years.

Skerrit said it is fitting for him to do this introspection early on in his six-month chairmanship. He noted that as the Community confronts the trials of today – defined by huge environmental and climate-related challenges, conflict, and economic uncertainties – it must renew efforts to protect the livelihood of its people and achieve economic resilience and prosperity.

“At 50, we must consider how we increase the productivity of our respective states, increase trade revenues and create sustainable economies, eliminate trade barriers and encourage free

PM Skerrit is taking over the Caricom chairmanship from Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Phillip Davis.

The 45th Regular Conference of Caricom Heads of Government will be held from July 3 to 5 with the opening ceremony set to commence at 16:30h at the Regency Ballroom Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain.

On the Agenda for this high-level regional meeting are several recurring and new issues including the Caricom Single Market and Economy, climate change, including climate finance, agriculture and food security, security, and health, which will again be in focus.

Reform of the glob-

Among these special guests, who will be in Trinidad to participate in Caricom’s 50th anniversary, are the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres; the Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland; and President-Designate of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28), Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jabe – Cabinet Member of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is hosting the summit in November this year.

Other guests include the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; Prime Minister of Korea, Han Duck-Soo; US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken; and US Congressman, Hakeem Jeffries.

Following the Caricom Conference, Secretary Blinken is expected to travel to Guyana on Thursday, July 6, 2023, during which he will meet with President Dr Irfaan Ali and members of the Guyanese Cabinet.

Guyana Shore Base employs over 700 workers, the majority of whom are Guyanese

– Member States urged to recommit to Community on 50th anniversary

Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett

Incoming Caricom Chairman, Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit

49 graduate from Young Influencers Programme

The Human Services & Social Security Ministry on Saturday hosted its annual Graduation and Induction Ceremony for the Young Influencers Programme.

This diverse group of youths from across Guyana will work together to inspire change, have their voices heard on topics important to youths, and participate in national and international opportunities for youth development.

This programme provides dynamic support to youths who are looking to give back to their community and country as well as develop their interpersonal skills, network, and connection with other like-minded youths.

A total of 25 youths from the 2022 cohort along with 29 from this year were officially inducted into the 2023 cohort. Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud in her remarks expressed that the programme is very close to her heart.

According to Persaud, she wanted to provide a platform with a difference where the Ministry not only provided the space for their voices but space for their

creativity, ideas, and innovation and to give youths the framework to understand the inner workings of the Ministry.

During the ceremony, special awards were given to the most outstanding youths: the most inspirational award was given to Jerry Collins, the most creative and most innovative award was presented to Rishti Gopal, the most congenial and most proactive to Amrita Naraine, the most vocal to Tatiana Norton, the most influential to Corissa McClure and the Jaguar Award was presented to Terriann Wright.

The Jaguar Award is the highest award in the programme given to the Young Influencer that exhibits well-rounded skills being reliable, creative, proactive, vocal, inspiring, and a natural leader.

Additionally, the 20232024 cohort was also pinned at the ceremony. These include Alica Anita Adams, Angelita Chattergoon, Anuradha Gunpat, Attiya Griffith, Chelisa Ramlochan, Christina Persaud, Crystal Charles, Daniel McAlmont, Daniela Araujo, Delroy Marks, Donlee Castello, Haresh

Nandall, Kimora Payne, Meshack Anthony Howard, Michael Richmond, Mya Herod, Parwadie Kistama, Renika Anand, Serenity Roberts, Shivanie Lea Dinnanauth, Steffi Alexina Sinclair, Stephanie Jacinta Thelma Simon, Tabitha Alves, Trafiona Peters, Tryanna Anderson, Vidya Changa, Xaria Holder, Yanacia Easton, and Younica Sanchara.

Selected young influencers are offered opportunities for development through engaging in community projects, activities, and forums nationwide and on the international level.

2022 Young Influencer Nandita Singh shared on social media that not only was she able to learn about the work the Human Services Ministry does but also actively contribute to their initiatives.

“I was able to be part of various events and causes, including visiting children’s homes, being a part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and [participating in] Guyana’s largest women expo - We Lift,” Singh said, adding that throughout her year, she also interacted with new faces countrywide.

Child Labour Month ends, but fight against forced labour continues

In commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour, the Labour Ministry had set out on a comprehensive monthlong campaign to push for the elimination of child labour and its detrimental impacts on those involved.

Friday last marked the end of these activities, with Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) hosting the final sensitisation walk which saw over 350 participants marching under this year’s theme “Social Justice for All. End Child Labour.”

The walk began at Estate Road, Experiment, Bath, and ended at the region’s Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office where a special programme was held.

In attendance were Member of Parliament (MP) for Region Five Faizal Jafferally and representatives from the Labour Ministry, Human Services and Social Security Ministry, Child Care & Protection Agency (CC&PA), ChildLink, Regional Democratic Council and Government schools.

In June, the Labour Ministry successfully hosted similar awareness walks on child labour in Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Six (East-BerbiceCorentyne).

On World Day Against Child Labour itself, follow-

ing a walk from Parliament Building to the Labour Ministry on Brickdam Street, Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud stressed the need for increased collaboration from all to eradicate child labour.

“We can only stop child labour if everyone is involved, if everyone understands and if everyone’s involvement is of such magnitude that it involves not only recognising child labour where it exists but reporting on it–intervention. Once intervention happens, then there comes the process where work must be done with the child and with those persons who have employed the child or put the child into a forced labour situation,” Dr Persaud had said.

“The experience has been a wonderful one and I greatly encourage anyone who is interested to take up the opportunity,” Singh said.

Also, part of the 2022 Young Influencers cohort, Terriann Wright said within her year-long stint with the Ministry, she represented her youth group at

the Youth Parliament and worked alongside Minister Persaud to launch several campaigns and participate in activities hosted by the Ministry.

GPF's 184th Anniversary kicks off with traditional drum head church service

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) commenced its 184th anniversary celebrations with the traditional drum head church service held on Saturday morning at the Police Officers' Mess Annexe, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The significant occasion marks the beginning of a month-long series of planned events honouring the establishment of the Police Force on July 1, 1839. The event consisted of two phases: the piling of the drums and the church service.

Deputy Commissioner 'Administration' (ag) Calvin Brutus, who was present at the event, explained to the audience the precise and coordinated nature of placing the drums due to the tactical significance of the drum head service.

According to Brutus, the piling of the drums is an ancient military custom dedicated to receiving divine blessings and protection before entering combat. This practice, he said, originated from the challenges faced on mobile battlefields, where entering places of worship was impossible.

The piling of the drums involves arranging several musical drums in a vertical, pyramid-like structure with the regimental banners placed on top.

"Historically, the regimental banners served as rallying points in the heat and smoke of battle, allowing soldiers to easily identify their units by their colours. Additionally, the sound of drums, particularly their beats, guided soldiers in marching and regulated the loading and reloading of weapons during battle.”

strated strength, unity, and coordination, while creating a ‘spectacle’.

During the event, the drums were piled by Constable 25974 Ragnauth (side drum), Woman Lance Corporal 22199 Grimes (side drum), Constable 26143 Manoo (side drum), Constable 23148 Johnson (side drum), Constable 26100 Sardinha (bass drum), Constable 23974 Downer (tenor drum), and Constable 24926 Morris (side drum).

phers such as Machiavelli and Aristotle to exemplify the importance of teamwork and collaboration for success.

Meanwhile, Pandit Seeram Madray, who also gave remarks, emphasised the significance of staying close to God regardless of one's situation or status in life. He expressed gratitude to the Top Cop Clifton Hicken, for transforming the Guyana Police Force into a friendly and approachable organisation.

The Labour Ministry also embarked on a holistic sensitisation campaign about child labour, covering 25 secondary schools across the coast and riverine communities.

These outreaches across the country engaged community members in topics including what child labour is, its causes, its impact on education, child labour versus child work and penalties for child labour.

To supplement this effort, the Ministry has also incorporated child labour inspections into its normal inspection duties for the year.

This would complement the Ministry’s existing overarching plan, which aims to effectively address and eliminate child labour through collaboration with public and private institutions.

“Drummers also played a crucial role in boosting morale. Therefore, these symbolic elements required blessings. After the religious ceremony, the regimental banners and drums are removed. As the Guyana Police Force is a paramilitary organisation, the drum head activity has been retained," noted Brutus.

There was a display at the event which included seven drums: five white side drums, one tenor drum, and one bass drum. Each rank was assigned to a specific drum, starting from the white side drums, followed by the bass drum and the tenor drum.

The ranks then marched in quick time, holding the respective drums with their left hand close to their bodies and resting on their left side hip. The drum parade, according to the Police Force, demon-

As a paramilitary organisation, the GPF adopted this tradition, among many others. The regimental banners were replaced by the National Flag and the Police Flag, respectively. The colour party consisted of Assistant Superintendent Singh (National colours) and Assistant Superintendent Cort (Police colours). Both officers wore sashes representing the Force.

The colour party was escorted by Sergeant #21118 Gillis and Inspector Morris #21115 Doliveria. Woman Superintendent Halley-Smith arranged the colours (State colour and Police colour).

Force Chaplain Reverend Patrick Doolichand delivered an engaging and thought-provoking sermon during the church service. He encouraged the Force's leadership to work in partnership and continue building on the legacy and foundation laid by the great men who served before them.

Reverend Doolichand emphasised that serving the people is a sacred duty and quoted thinkers and philoso-

The event was attended by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (performing the duties of President of Guyana), Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Omar Khan, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot, and Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham.

Head of CANU James Singh, Head of the Police Service Commission Bishop Patrick Findlay, Deputy Commissioner 'Administration' (ag) Calvin Brutus, Deputy Commissioner 'Operations' (ag) Ravindradat Budhram, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, Special Branch Head Assistant Commissioner Errol Watts, SOCU Head Assistant Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, Retired Chief of Staff Norman McLean, and Retired Commissioners of Police Seelall Persaud and Nigel Hoppie, along with Divisional Commanders, Heads of Departments, and other senior and junior officers of the Guyana Police Force were also present.

Child Labour Walk in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice)

The GPF’s 184th anniversary celebrations

Around The World OIL NEWS

CIA’s Burns: armed mutiny shows damage Putin has done to Russia

an “internal Russian affair in which the United States has had and will have no part.”

Since a deal was struck

OPEC oil output posts small drop in June ahead of Saudi cut, Reuters survey shows

OPEC oil output has fallen only slightly in June as increases in Iraq and Nigeria limited the impact of cutbacks by others, despite a wider OPEC+ deal and voluntary cuts by several members to support the market, a Reuters survey found on Friday.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has pumped 28.18 million barrels per day (bpd) this month, the survey found, down 50,000 bpd from May’s revised figure. In May, output dropped by 240,000 bpd as the latest cut took effect.

The survey suggests little further progress by OPEC in limiting supply ahead of a further voluntary reduction by Saudi Arabia which takes effect in July, as part of the producers’ latest agreement made in June to support the market.

Several members of OPEC+, which includes OPEC and allies such as Russia, had in April pledged voluntary cuts on top of those made in late 2022 as the economic outlook worsened.

For May, six OPEC members agreed to cut output by a further 1.04 million bpd, adding to about 1.27 million bpd of reductions already in place. These curbs remain in place for June.

Month on month, production in June among the OPEC nations that are required to limit output fell by 10,000 bpd, the survey found, as the increases in Iraq and Nigeria limited the impact of cuts by other members.

OPEC’s output is still undershooting the targeted amount by almost 1 million bpd partly because Nigeria and Angola lack the capacity to pump as much as their agreed level.

OPEC is hosting a conference next week in Vienna expected to be attended by prominent oil ministers and CEOs.

OPEC’s Gulf producers Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have largely implemented their voluntary cuts and continued to show high compliance in June, the survey found.

Saudi Arabia lowered its output by 40,000 bpd, according to the survey, the biggest decline among the nations required to limit output.

OPEC’s biggest decline, of 50,000 bpd, was seen in Iran, where exports fell back from an usually strong level in May, the survey found. Iran, along with Libya and Venezuela, is exempt from OPEC cuts.

Iranian supply was revised up by 300,000 bpd in May as its exports were far higher than earlier thought.

Iraqi output edged up because of higher exports from the south of the country. But with exports from the north still shut down, Iraqi production remained well below its allowed level.

Nigeria also posted a further small gain with exports holding strong from key streams, the survey found, although it is pumping much less than allowed under the OPEC+ deal.

The Reuters survey aims to track supply to the market. It is based on shipping data provided by external sources, Refinitiv Eikon flows data, information from companies that track flows such as Petro-Logistics and Kpler, and information provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC and consultants. (Reuters)

US CIA Director William Burns said on Saturday that the armed mutiny by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was a challenge to the Russian state that had shown the corrosive effect of President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

Putin this week thanked the army and security forces for averting what he said could have turned into a civil war, and has compared the mutiny to the chaos that plunged Russia into two revolutions in 1917.

For months, Prigozhin had been openly insulting Putin’s most senior military men, using a variety of crude expletives and prison slang that shocked top Russian officials but were left unanswered in public by Putin.

“It is striking that Prigozhin preceded his actions with a scathing indictment of the Kremlin’s mendacious rationale for the invasion of Ukraine and of the Russian military leadership’s conduct of the war,” Burns said in a lecture to Britain’s Ditchley Foundation - a non-profit foundation focused on US-British relations - in Oxfordshire, England.

“The impact of those words and those actions will play out for some time - a vivid reminder of the corrosive effect of Putin’s war on his own society and his own regime.”

Burns, who served as US Ambassador to Russia from 2005 to 2008 and was appointed CIA Director in 2021, cast Prigozhin’s mutiny as an “armed challenge to the Russian state”.

He said the mutiny was

Rioters assault home of French Mayor, injure his wife

Rioters ram-raided the home of a Paris suburb Mayor, set the car alight and launched fireworks at his wife and young children as they fled during a fifth night of nationwide unrest over Tuesday’s Police shooting of a teen of North African descent.

Vincent Jeanbrun, 39, the centre-right Mayor of the southern suburb of L’Hay-lesRoses, was at the town hall when his house was attacked with his wife Melanie and children asleep inside.

The aggressors drove their vehicle at the suburban house but were halted by a low wall ringing the property’s outdoor terrace, the local public prose-

cutor said. They then torched their vehicle.

As Jeanbrun’s wife and children, aged 5 and 7, took flight through the back yard, they were targeted with fireworks. Jeanbrun told Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne his wife had had surgery to a broken leg and faced a threemonth rehabilitation.

“While attempting to shield them and fleeing the attackers, my wife and one of my children were hurt,” the Mayor said.

The local prosecutor told reporters that an investigation into attempted murder had been opened. No suspects have been arrested.

Jeanbrun’s town hall has

been the target of attack for several nights since Tuesday’s shooting and has been protected with barbed wire and barricades.

On a walkabout hours after the incident, Jeanbrun met local well-wishers and passed by the town’s covered market which has been wrecked during the unrest.

“Stay strong, Mr Mayor. We’re with you,” one man told the visibly emotional Mayor.

“I didn’t think we’d ever live through something like this,” the Mayor told another bystander who wished his wife well.

“It’s pretty disgusting,” she replied. (Reuters)

a week ago to end the mutiny, the Kremlin has sought to project calm, with the 70-yearold Putin discussing tourism

development, meeting crowds in Dagestan, and discussing ideas for economic development. (Excerpt from Reuters)

CIA Director William Burns

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Make sure you understand the consequences of your actions. A serious discussion may not be welcome, but it will resolve issues. Consider your options and get moving.

(March 21-April 19)

Be receptive to people with something to offer, and you’ll learn something valuable. Communication, travel and education will bring valuable connections and new opportunities.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Focus on what you can do to improve your situation. Outside help will come at a cost you may not want to pay. Don’t burden yourself with drama or manipulative individuals. Rearrange your home.

Share your thoughts and clear up any misunderstandings quickly. You have plenty to gain if you are persistent and open to suggestions. Leave nothing to chance. Commit to someone or something.

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Pay attention. Don’t overdo it or let temptation set in. Put a plan in place that helps you lower your spending and encourages regular exercise and proper eating habits. Keep life simple.

Observation will help you make better decisions. Do your research, gather facts and do what’s right. Change begins with you. Explore the possibilities, and adjust what isn’t working for you.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Assess your situation, evaluate your position and discover how to improve things. Offer physical help, but don’t donate money or offer to pay for someone else’s mistake. Pay attention to detail.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Don’t take unnecessary risks. Pay attention to what others do and say. Prepare to curb bad habits and find efficient ways to reach your goals. Change how you look at partnerships.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Schedule something that puts a smile on your face or encourages you to look and do your best. Watch out for a glib sales pitch. A bargain is only worthwhile if it’s something you need.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

The possibilities are endless. Keep your eyes open, and don’t hesitate to take advantage of whatever comes your way. An attractive financial concept will grab your attention.

Don’t share personal or financial information. Nurture meaningful relationships and protect what’s yours. Refuse to get involved in gossip, and only pass along truthful information.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

You are in a good position; don’t hesitate to make a move. Figure out how much your plans will cost, and share your thoughts with those affected by your decisions.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

The Ashes 2023: Ben Stokes unable to give England win over Australia at Lord's

Yet another staggering century from Ben Stokes was not enough to carry England to an astonishing second Test victory over Australia at Lord's in one of the most incredible and controversial finishes in the history of the game.

In an effort up there with his match-winning knocks against Australia at Headingley four years ago and in the World Cup final against New Zealand on this ground, England Captain Stokes belted 155 in what threatened to become the greatest innings ever played in Test cricket.

Supported by the courageous Stuart Broad, Stokes added 108 for the seventh wicket in little more than 20 overs, but finally miscued Josh Hazlewood with England 70 adrift of their target of 371.

He left to a rousing standing ovation and, without their inspirational skipper, England were bowled out for 327 to give Australia victory by 43 runs and a 2-0 series lead.

Stokes and Broad, the fiercest of Ashes competitors, were fuelled by a hugely contentious stumping of Jonny Bairstow, which left England needing 178 runs with just four wickets in hand.

Believing the ball to be dead, Bairstow wandered out of his ground as wicketkeeper Alex Carey under-armed the ball at the stumps. Australia celebrated and Bairstow was given out by TV umpire Marais Erasmus.

As the furious Bairstow departed, Lord's showered Australia with boos that would last for the rest of the day –some players were confronted by spectators in the Long Room, for which the Marylebone Cricket Club issued an apology.

On the field, Stokes channelled his frustration into some stunning hitting, hammering 38 runs from the next 16 balls he faced after the Bairstow dismissal and clubbing Cameron Green for three successive sixes to reach his century.

Stokes, who was dropped on 77 and twice on 114, made Australia pay with a total of nine maximums – a record for an Ashes innings.

But this was a miracle beyond even Stokes, and Australia now

need to win only one of the remaining three Tests to take victory in an Ashes series in England for the first time in 22 years.

Somehow, players on both sides must regroup for the third Test at Headingley on Thursday.

Even by the standards of past Ashes dramas or daring Stokes feats, this was utterly sensational and will last longer in the memory than the eventual outcome of this series.

Whether or not the Bairstow decision was correct, or within the spirit of the game, Australia made the error of awakening Stokes and almost paid the ultimate price.

From England's 114-4 overnight, Stokes had to overturn being given lbw to Mitchell Starc on 39 in a stand of 132 with Ben Duckett, who played one hook too many and was well caught by Carey off Green for 83.

The wicket punctured English hopes and seemed to put Australia on course for victory, only for the Bairstow controversy to change the course of the final day.

With Broad's determination to survive matched only by his eagerness to antagonise the Australians, Stokes slipped into a gear not seen since Headingley 2019.

When he belted a return catch through the hands of Pat Cummins, it felt like a personal blow directed at his opposite number.

Time and again he swatted enormous blows over the leg side. The three hits off Green, one of which was dropped over the boundary by Starc, were celebrated by increasingly loud cheers from a Lord's crowd that had reached fever pitch. The third six gave Stokes his 13th Test ton – he had taken 35 from 10 Green deliveries.

The arguing continued as the players left for lunch, Australia jeered all the way. Usman Khawaja confronted a spectator in the Long Room.

The break could have derailed England's momentum, but Stokes imperiously hit Hazlewood's second ball after the resumption back over his head for six and, in the same over, Steve Smith dropped a sitter at deep square leg, while a diving Carey just missed a glove

SCOREBOARD

England 2nd Innings (T: 371 runs)

Zak Crawley c †Carey b Starc 3

Ben Duckett c †Carey

b Hazlewood 83

Ollie Pope b Starc 3

Joe Root c Warner b Cummins 18

Harry Brook b Cummins 4

Ben Stokes (c)c †Carey

b Hazlewood 155

Jonny Bairstow †st

†Carey b Green 10

Stuart Broad c Green

b Hazlewood 11

Ollie Robinson c Smith b

Cummins 1

Josh Tongue b Starc 19

James Anderson not out 3

down the leg side.

When Stokes was on strike, Australia had all nine fielders on the boundary, so he hit the ball into the crowd – twice more off Hazlewood. The fired-up Broad was trusted with one or two deliveries each over, bravely fending off bouncers. Australia, without injured spinner Nathan Lyon, had their minds scrambled into poor plans with the ball and mistakes in the field.

Just as Australia were out of ideas and Stokes in complete control, an error came out of nowhere. A miscue off Hazlewood looped up for Carey, and the excitement and expectation in Lord's were instantly deflated.

Ollie Robinson was out on the hook to Cummins, Broad in the same way to Hazlewood for 11 from 36 balls.

James Anderson, in what could be his last Lord's Test, was cheered all the way to the crease and took a sickening blow to the helmet off Starc.

Anderson added 25 for the last wicket with Josh Tongue before Tongue was bowled by Starc and the victorious Australians were again barracked off the field.

The Bairstow decision has already become one of the most infamous incidents in Ashes history, a moment that incensed the usually genteel Lord's crowd. On more than one occasion, there were chants of "cheat, cheat, cheat".

The laws of the game state: "The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler's end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play."

Carey clearly did not think the ball was dead – he threw it as soon as he could. Bairstow did believe it to be dead, with the added variable being the end of the over.

The key seems to be standing umpire Ahsan Raza, who was not watching the action and preparing to return a cap to bowler Green as the ball hit the stumps.

Though the decision appears correct by the letter of the law, Australia could have opted to withdraw their appeal.

That they did not almost cost them the match. It may yet have longer ramifications in this series.

there is a need to refresh a pace attack that includes a tired-looking Anderson.

But what has the final day at Lord's done galvanise England and

damage an Australia team that previously looked unstoppable?

The teams head to Leeds knowing England will receive fervent support and the

Australians a hostile reception. Headingley is the home of famous Ashes comebacks. England now need to start the most unlikely of them all. (BBC Sport)

Extras (lb 3, nb 4, w 10) 17

TOTAL 81.3 Ov (RR: 4.01)327

Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Zak Crawley, 2.1 ov), 2-13 (Ollie Pope, 4.2 ov), 3-41 (Joe Root, 12.2 ov),

4-45 (Harry Brook, 12.5 ov),

5-177 (Ben Duckett, 45.4 ov),

6-193 (Jonny Bairstow, 51.6 ov),

7-301 (Ben Stokes, 72.1 ov),

8-302 (Ollie Robinson, 73.1 ov),

9-302 (Stuart Broad, 74.2 ov),

10-327 (Josh Tongue, 81.3 ov)

BOWLING

O-M-R-W

Mitchell Starc 21.3-2-79-3

Pat Cummins 25-2-69-3

Josh Hazlewood 18-0-80-3

Travis Head 4-0-23-0

Cameron Green 13-3-73-1

This is already an Ashes series for the ages, but the fact remains that England have to come from 2-0 down in order to lift the urn –something they have never done before.

The heroics of the final day came too late at Lord's. On the previous four they failed to take advantage of bowling on a dank first day and threw away wickets in their first innings with some infuriating batting. England dropped catches and, even at the beginning of Australia's second innings, had favourable conditions in which to bowl.

Moving forward, England have problems to solve. There are fitness doubts over Ollie Pope, Mark Wood and Moeen Ali, and

Holder urges West Indies to “come together as a region” after World Cup setback

Putting strong structures in place for current and future West Indies teams is the only way to stop their downward spiral, according to former Captain Jason Holder.

Speaking shortly after West Indies were confirmed as being out of contention for the 2023 50-over World Cup, Holder acknowledged their defeat to Scotland was "probably one of the lowest points I've had with the team", but urged every-

one in West Indian cricket to move on quickly.

"I don't think all is lost. There's a lot of young guys in the group who can definitely develop and turn things around for West Indies cricket," Holder said at the post-match press conference. "We've got a young crop of players, and we've got to put some support around them. It's really important that we try to utilise time outside of competition and put things in

place where we can develop our talent.

"We have to look at the levels below and improve them so that when guys get here, they have a good foundation. It's an area we need to pay some special attention to. It's not a quick fix. It's something we need to spend time on. Development is the most important thing. Hopefully, in the next couple of years we can see the fruits of that crop."

Holder's call for more focus on the totality of West Indies cricket comes on the same day Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced its new Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, who has already identified an "urgent need to improve performances". One of Bascombe's earliest tasks will be to establish high-performance systems throughout the territories under the CWI's ambit. That kind of uniformity is

the next ball to be bowled. Unlike when West Indies lost at the same venue to Zimbabwe a week ago, there were no last-ball meltdowns and though Akeal Hosein, who was consoled by Craig Ervine and Sean Williams sev en days ago, needed an arm around his shoul der as he trudged off, there were no tears.

Those may have come in the morning when, put in to bat, West Indies were 81

also what Holder wants to see.

"We've all got to do it. It's not an individual thing, it's not a territorial thing, we've got to come together as a region and really think about how we want to go forward as a group and make it happen," he said.

But all those are things that will be addressed in the weeks and months to come, which will include a quiet October-November period when West Indies should have been at the World Cup. For Holder, who played in the 2015 and 2019 events, missing out is a particularly sore point. "It's disappointing, especially after last year's effort in the T20 (World Cup – where West Indies did not make the Super 12s). I've had the luxury of playing in two 50-over World Cups before and some T20 World Cups. There are special occasions, so this one will hurt as the one last year did."

On the field, Holder was among those who showed emotion from around the time that Scotland needed less than 50 runs to win. He stood at mid-on, hands on hips, head bowed and at one point even sank to his haunches and remained there while waiting for

for 6 in the 21st over and the only team with India on their minds seemed to be the Scottish. "We knew what was at stake and that we still had a chance to qualify. We had a really good opportunity today to play against Scotland, and beat Scotland and we didn't do that," Holder said.

So when the inevitable happened, West Indies were gracious losers, congratulated the Scotland players and those of them who had been on the bench started to run shuttles. Pointless? Not quite. They still have to play Oman and Sri Lanka before racing home to begin a series against India. As is the case with cricket schedules these days, there's no time to dwell on this defeat, however significant it may be.

"But there's no point moping on and keeping our heads down. We have to find ways to get better and head in the direction we need to head in consistently. There have been too many fluctuations between good performances and bad performances. It's a matter for us to understand where we are at, know where we want to go and all of us putting our hands up."

(ESPNcricinfo)

West Indies failed to qualify for the World Cup

National Under-19 teams depart Guyana shores

– males to play in St Vincent, females in Trinidad

Astrong Guyana Girls

Under-19 team left for Trinidad and Tobago for the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 tournament. The opening round of the tournament bowls off on July 4, with Guyana squaring off against Windward Islands in the opening round at Gilbert Park.

The aforementioned match will be complemented by two more exciting games: Leeward Islands battling Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago battling Barbados, completing Round One’s trio of matches.

Guyana are set to field a strong team, with five national players from the women’s

senior team – Ashmini Munisar, the skipper; Realeanna Grimmond; Cyanna Retemiah; Tilleya Madramootoo and Nya Latchman – making up the core. Grimmond and company played for Guyana during the recent CWI Women’s Senior 50-over and T20 tournaments, and are expected to play a big role for their team. They will seek to lead the likes of young players such as Naomi Barkoye, Sarah Amin, Emlissa Whyte and other upcoming stars who will need the leadership and experience of their more senior teammates if Guyana will have any chance of winning this year’s tournament.

The Guyana team were encamped for a little over a week at the Guyana Cricket Board’s LBI Facility alongside Coach Tremayne Smartt and Manager Hema Singh, as part of the team’s gelling and training preparations ahead of the competition, which is expected to be of the highest level in women’s U-19 cricket.

Guyana’s U-19 women team: Ashmini Munisar (Captain); Realeanna Grimmond (Vice Captain); Cyanna Retemiah; Nya Latchman; Tilleya Madramootoo; Naomi Barkoye; Melanie Dover; Sarah Amin; Jamie Campbell; Lavina Ragobeer; Emlissa Whyte; Tia Isaacs; Laurene Williams and

Denellie Lindie.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Under-19 male team also winged out ahead of the upcoming CWI Rising Stars Boys Under-19 tournament.

Skipper Mavendra Dindyal will lead a strong team featuring a bevy of stars. The tournament bowls off in St Vincent from July 4 and ends August 1 while the team will return home on August 2.

The competition will feature the respective territories across the West Indies with tons of young future stars representing their respective countries in what is anticipated to be a high-level competition.

Andre Percival, the former Guyana all-rounder, will return as the team's Head Coach while Nazeer Mohamed will serve as the Manager.

Among the talents who performed well last year are stars such as Rampertab Ramnauth; Dindyal; West Indies Under-19 pacer Isai Thorne and Guyana’s leading run-scorer in last year’s tournament, Shamar Yearwood. Guyana will enter the tournament as one of the favourites in the competition.

Zeynul Ramsammy, Aryan Persaud and Thaddeus Lovell are expected to lend good support in both the batting and bowling departments.

Dindyal and his men will face the Jamaicans in the opening round on July 4, while Trinidad and Tobago will play Barbados, with Windwards Islands and Leewards Islands completing the opening round of games.

Guyana U-19 male squad reads: Rampertab Ramnauth; Shaahid Vieira (wicketkeeper); Mavendra Dindyal (Captain); Alvin Mohabir; Jonathan Rampersaud (Vice Captain); Zachary Jodah; Thaddeus Lovell; Aryan Persaud; Joash Charles; Zeynul Ramsammy; Shamar Yearwood; Jeremy Sandia; Rivaldo Phillips and Isai Thorne.

Guyana Under-19 female team

Guyana Under-19 Male team

Everesting wins thriller at 'One Guyana' Breeders Cup

Everesting of Master Z Racing Stables clinched an im

came in third. Looking To Heaven came in fourth.

The day began under glorious sunshine, with the K Class and Lower event. El Dorado Queen,

to register a thrilling win. Ross, after three races in the day at that stage, had recorded two wins and one second-place finish.

Sheake The Bank (third)

and Lashana Pharaoh (fourth) completed the top four finishers.

The penultimate race of the day was the five-furlong contest for Guyana

and Suriname Bred Horses. Bank Note, piloted by Jockey Ross, showed

pressive victory in the feature event of the One Guyana Breeders Cup at Bush Lot United, West Coast Berbice.

The feature race, the D and Lower, which was sponsored by Banks DIH, was run over approximately six furlongs and saw Spanish Jockey Mills displaying his skills. Jockey Mills stole the show in a field of star jockeys and big horses.

Jessica’s Pride finished second while Converter

piloted by Jockey Colin Ross took pole position, finishing ahead of Donald Trump and Ebony Prince.

The second race of the day was for horses who were non-earners of $100,000 in Guyana in 2023. Wow Wow finished first while Jet Lee came in second. Secret Jet Willa and Top Rankin rounded out the top four finishers.

Race three saw War Time, piloted by Ross, taking down Lord’s Gift

pure dominance to claim victory. Cash Return finished second while Black Time copped third place. Black Cat came in fourth in that thrilling race.

The race event was organised by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee. Horse racing action will continue today, Monday, July 3 at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot Farm, East Berbice.

The Guyana Cup horse racing is set for August 13 at Rising Sun while the President’s Cup is set for September 23 at Bush Lot United.

Fans turned out in their numbers at Bush Lot United

Bank Note won the penultimate race of the day

A thrilling finish to the day where Everesting pipped Jessica's Pride

The Master Z Racing Stables' Everesting won the feature event

Jockey Ross almost had a flawless day at the office