Guyana Times - Monday June 19, 2023

falling

Chinese firms among companies now bidding to rebuild gutted Brickdam Police Station

Judge to rule on validity of

– companies building new DHB, St Roses also submit bids P13

Motorcyclist killed by drunken driver on ECD roadway

Amotorcyclist lost his life on Saturday evening along the Friendship Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, after being struck down by the intoxicated driver of a motor car.

The deceased has been identified as 25-year-old Oliver Collins of Friendship, ECD.

The Police have said that the accident occurred at about 20:30h, and the driver of the car is a 22-year-old male whose identity is being withheld.

Police investigations have thus far revealed that the 22-year-old man was driving motorcar PAE 137 in

one direction while Collins was driving his motorcycle in the opposite direction. Witnesses indicate that the car veered into the path of the motorcycle and the collision resulted, causing the motorcyclist to sustain severe injuries to his body.

Law enforcement officials who swiftly responded to the scene found Collins in an unconscious state, and immediately rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

The Police have revealed that a breathalyzer test conducted on the driver of the car indicated that

Berbice man nabbed with $4.5M worth of ganja

his alcohol consumption was way above the legal limit. As such, he remains in custody, and is expected to be charged shortly.

Nereshchand Deochand, also known as Richie, a 44-year-old resident of #72 Village, Corentyne,

Berbice, has been taken into custody of the Customs Anti-Narcotics

Unit (CANU) following discovery of a large quantity of cannabis at a koker on Saturday.

Based on reports received, agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit conducted an exercise at the #73 Village koker and unearthed from a clump of bushes a large brownish bag containing six bulky, plastic-wrapped parcels of cannabis.

The suspect was arrested in the area, and he and the ganja were escorted to CANU Headquarters, where the illegal substance was weighed and amounted to 14.8kg (33lbs), which has a street value of approximately $4.5 million. Investigations are ongoing.

Dead: Oliver Collins

The suspect: Nereshchand Deochand

The cannabis found by CANU ranks during the operation

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, June 19 – 04:15h – 05:45h and Tuesday, June 20 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, June 19 – 17:30h

– 19:00h and Tuesday, June 20 – 05:05h – 06:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to East NorthEasterly between 0.89 metres and 2.23 metres.

High Tide: 17:17h reaching a maximum height of 2.39 metres.

Low Tide: 10:51h and 23:11h reaching minimum heights of 0.65 metre and 0.83 metre.

ExxonMobil to purchase Liza Destiny, Unity FPSOs operating in Stabroek Block

– timing for purchases to be determined between Exxon, Dutch shipbuilder

Guyana Exploration Ltd, which holds 30 per cent interest.

Last month, SBM had inked a 10-year agreement with ExxonMobil to operate and maintain a total of four FPSOs in the Stabroek Block. It was explained that SBM Offshore will operate the units through an Integrated Operation Model, which will include seconding ExxonMobil Guyana employees in some key onshore and offshore positions.

oil revenues are being held in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) at the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

The oil-rich Stabroek Block, which is producing the oil, is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block.

As per the contract between ExxonMobil Guyana and SBM Offshore, the Dutch ship maker that manufactured the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels currently in Guyana’s waters, Exxon will begin the process to purchase the first two vessels.

This is according to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) Vice President and Business Services Manager Phillip Rietema, who recently informed the media that the timing for this purchase is a work in progress.

“The agreements we have with SBM [Offshore] allow us to have the option to buy the FPSOs and we are progressing plans now…and working [out] the timing of those purchases,” Rietema explained.

Rietema also used the occasion to appraise the public on ExxonMobil Guyana’s financial position. He explained that Exxon has invested approximately GY$3 trillion in assets for exploration and production over the time they’ve been in Guyana. However, profits have been around $600 billion. Further, their operations are financed solely through equity.

“Today, all of our capital has been sourced through equity contributions to ExxonMobil Guyana. We have no loans, as you can see on the balance sheet… if

you go back and you see our financial statements over time, you can calculate the aggregate revenue just by adding up the year-by-year

It was only in April 2023 that the Prosperity FPSO, constructed by SBM Offshore, arrived in Guyana to join the other FPSOsLiza Destiny and Liza Unity,

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.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027, with possibly 10 FPSOs operational by 2030. Production has already started in the second phase, with the Liza Unity FPSO vessel in operation.

revenues.”

“And you’ll find, we didn’t have any revenues until 2020. During that period, we were still investing heavily in the projects and the country. We started to generate revenue in 2020 when Destiny was online. And revenues have been increasing, particularly this year, now that we have a second project online,” Rietema said.

Exxon, through its local subsidiary EEPGL, is the operator of and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Exxon’s remaining co-venture partners in the Stabroek Block are CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese company CNOOC Limited that holds a 25 per cent interest in the Exxon-administered Stabroek Block, and Hess

which are currently producing more than 380,000 barrels per day.

Prosperity will develop the Payara field in the offshore Stabroek Block. It has an initial production capacity of around 220,000 barrels of oil per day and an overall storage volume of two million barrels.

Production from the Prosperity vessel is expected to push daily production to some 600,000 barrels a day in 2024. ExxonMobil had said at the time that installation campaigns were ongoing and development drilling is underway to support Prosperity’s start-up later this year.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. Guyana’s

The third project – the Payara development – will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted.

The Uaru oil development, which will be the fifth one for the company offshore Guyana, is targeting between 38 and 63 development wells, including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells. Exxon had previously also made known that they anticipate the first oil from the Uaru development by late 2026 or early 2027.

The Liza Destiny FPSO is producing oil in Liza Phase 1

The Unity FPSO is being used to produce oil in Liza Phase 2

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

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

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

Introducing AI into the economy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a buzzword recently, but unfortunately, discussions have taken an alarmist turn without acknowledging that, inevitably, it will spread into economic activities that build on the present use of computers and the internet. We present below excerpts from one quantitative study, “Firms’ Use of Artificial Intelligence: Cross-Country Evidence on Business Characteristics, Asset Complementariness, and Productivity”, published by VoxEU as a corrective for our policymakers in the emerging age of AI.

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies and societies. AI is already reshaping the demand for skills, and AI-driven products and services have become an integral part of people’s daily routines, although they may not be fully aware of it. AI is often considered a general-purpose technology (GPT) with the potential to bring significant improvements to adopters. It could play a critical role in addressing societal challenges such as health and climate change by fostering breakthrough innovations. Although AI presents significant opportunities for boosting productivity and well-being, it also poses risks – for example, for financial markets, inequalities, and democratic values.

Based on representative data from 11 countries, our recent analysis focuses on the characteristics of firms using AI, the role of complementary assets, and the links between AI use and productivity. The analysis focuses on 11 countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Portugal, and Switzerland. The analysis of the cross-country patterns of AI use by firms highlights five key findings.

AI use is more widespread among large firms. This may be relevantly related to their higher endowments or capabilities to use intangibles and other complementary assets required to leverage the potential of AI fully. Younger firms tend to have higher shares of AI use. Start-ups are more likely to introduce more radical innovations, especially with the advent of new technological paradigms. ICT and Professional Services have the highest sectoral shares of AI users. This indicates that AI use is not yet equally distributed across all sectors of the economy. Considering that AI is at a relatively early stage of diffusion, this suggests that its full potential as a GPT is yet to be fully realised.

The use of AI is significantly linked to the presence of complementary assets, such as ICT skills and training, firmlevel digital capabilities (proxied by the use of other digital technologies), and digital infrastructure. More general skills and innovative activities appear also positively associated with AI use.

On average, AI users tend to be more productive than nonusers, with productivity premia being more pronounced among larger firms. But this does not seem to reflect the use of AI alone. In fact, the abovementioned complementary assets, especially those related to digital transformation, play a critical role in the productivity advantages of AI users.

The evidence outlined above suggests that some firms –those that are larger, that have higher digital capabilities, and that are likely to be more productive already – are those currently exploiting AI more intensively. Initial evidence for one country (France) also seems to highlight that some more direct effects of AI on productivity may start emerging for firms that develop their own AI algorithms, likely endowed with higher digital capabilities and complementary assets.

Polarised adoption of AI, mainly by larger and more productive firms, combined with a role of AI in strengthening their advantages may imply that existing gaps between leaders and other firms could widen in the future, with relevant implications for social outcomes. In this context, policymakers can play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive digital transformation through a broad policy mix that affects incentives and capabilities, and that captures synergies across policy areas.

This would include not only measures raising awareness about new technologies and developing firms’ absorptive capacities, but also providing relevant credit tools, fostering competition, improving knowledge production and sharing, and strengthening the foundation of digital infrastructure and skills.

Focusing on these complementary policy areas may enable AI use and its returns to be more widely spread across firms and sectors, fostering an inclusive digital transformation in the age of AI.”

The West has broken its promises to developing countries – and

BY: L arr Y E LL iott

Broken promises, missed opportunities and a failure to see the bigger picture: that’s the story of the west’s approach to developing countries in recent years. Money to help with climate breakdown has been pledged but not delivered. Vaccines have been hoarded. Aid budgets have been cut.

From any perspective – be it geopolitical, economic, humanitarian or ecological – the indifference to what is happening elsewhere is disastrous. If the west wants to counter Beijing’s influence in Africa, to secure the raw materials and metals it needs for its green industrial revolution, to prevent a debt crisis and to have any hope of tackling global heating, it needs to sharpen up its act fast.

No question, life in developed countries has been tough recently. High inflation has eroded living standards. Rising interest rates have made it harder for households and governments to service their debts. Money is tight. Everybody gets that.

But tough though life is in the west, it is a lot tougher in the developing and emerging world. As the World Bank made clear in its update on the global economy last week, poor countries are the biggest losers from the combined impact of the COVID pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the anti-inflationary measures taken by the US Federal Reserve and other western central banks. With good reason, developing countries view

paying the price

the protectionist elements of Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, and Europe’s proposed response to it, with concern. They want to be part of the green industrial revolution, not excluded from it by self-serving policy decisions in Washington and Brussels.

While western countries have been pre-occupied with their own problems, the situation in the global south has been growing progressively darker. The UN goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030 will be comfortably missed, the number of extreme weather events is increasing and the number of countries either in debt distress or on the verge of it is rising.

To make matters worse, the global financial system is broken. Poor countries that borrowed in US dollars are being punished because US interest rates are going up. Money from the World Bank was supposed to be the catalyst for a wave of private sector capital to finance clean energy in Africa, but it isn’t arriving. A new system designed to speed up debt relief is unfit for purpose.

All of which makes Emmanuel Macron’s development finance summit in Paris later this month a much bigger deal than the average run-ofthe-mill talkfest. Or it will be, if the leaders of the developed world bother to show up. Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, plans to be there. But he is the only other G7 leader on the list of attendees.

Fair play to Macron. The French President realises that poor countries

need more financial resources if they are to grow sustainably, and that there needs to be reform of the global financial system for this to happen.

It is not hard to sketch out what needs to be done. For a start, there is some low-hanging fruit to be picked. In 2009, developed countries promised they would provide US$100B a year by 2020 to help poor countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impact of global heating. With one last push, the pledge could be met this year.

Likewise, during the height of the COVID pandemic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a US$650bn tranche of special drawing rights (SDRs) – essentially a form of free money for member countries. Rich countries did not need the boost to their reserves provided by SDRs, even though they were the main beneficiaries, and were urged by the IMF to recycle US$100bn to help poor countries. Again, the target could be hit with one last push.

Next, the World Bank needs an injection of fresh capital so that it can lend more to developing countries. Under its last President, David Malpass, the bank was overly cautious. The new man at the helm, Ajay Banga, needs to be a lot more ambitious.

It’s also vital that money from the World Bank and other multilateral lenders stimulates private investment in the green energy transition. This is not happening primarily because developing countries are seen as too risky, with the volatility of exchange

rates potentially wiping out any returns on investment. To counter this risk, Avinash Persaud, advisor to Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, has proposed a new foreign exchange guarantee agency. This would pool risks, reduce the cost of hedging and make projects to tackle the climate crisis more attractive to the private sector.

There was a time when a development finance summit would have been held in London, not Paris. That’s because Tony Blair and Gordon Brown took a real interest in development, and put pressure on other western leaders to take global poverty seriously. Yet the current signs are that Rishi Sunak won’t even attend Macron’s summit, but will send the Development Minister, Andrew Mitchell, instead. Mitchell is one of the good guys. He cares about development and is well regarded by NGOs. But Sunak should make time to support Macron for two reasons. The first is tactical. Sunak is planning a global summit on AI safety in London in the autumn, but he is fooling himself if he thinks other leaders will turn up to his event if he can’t be bothered to attend theirs.

The second, and much more important, reason is that Macron is trying to do the right things. If he doesn’t get the full backing of countries such as Britain, his summit will be another missed opportunity. ( The Guardian)

(Larry Elliott is the Guardian’s economics editor)

we’re all

In this A Path to Travel Photo, three young men are captured sitting on a rock in the Amerindian Village of Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni)

High Court Judge to rule on validity of NRF Act today

More than one year after main Parliamentary Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones and Trade Unionist Norris Witter had filed legal proceedings challenging the December 2021 passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, Justice Navindra Singh is scheduled to rule today on this matter.

On the night of December 29, 2021, Opposition Members of Parliament dislodged the Mace from its position at the desk of the Clerk of the National Assembly, and protested in an attempt to prevent the Natural Resource Fund Bill from being passed.

Jones and Witter (the claimants), in their court case against the Government, are contending that due to the absence of the Parliamentary Mace – the most significant symbol in the National Assembly – and because some members of the National Assembly had not been seated, the NRF Act cannot be regarded as being lawfully passed.

At one point in proceedings in the National Assembly, the Speaker’s Personal Assistant was seen latching onto the Mace as he lay on the floor in an attempt to secure it, while Opposition Parliamentarians stood by hurling racial slurs and taunts at him. However, the Opposition’s protest and their mounting calls for the Bill to be sent to a Special Select Committee had no effect, as the Government went ahead and passed the Bill.

House Speaker Manzoor Nadir is, however, adamant that the NRF Act was lawfully passed. He noted that a replica Mace was in place, and that almost all Parliaments in the Westminster System have two Maces present, in case one is not found, or has been stolen.

In his Affidavit in Defence, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, a named respondent, contended that the court action is an abuse of the court process, and is without any legal basis. As such, he has urged the court to dismiss the matter.

According to him, there is no principle known to the law – neither does either the Constitution or the Standing Orders of the National Assembly require – that the Mace must be present and in place for Parliament to exercise its constitutional power to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the country.

He argued that whether or not the Mace is in place, or

whether an instrument can be used as a Mace, the purpose of the Mace and matters connected to Parliament are matters over which the High Court has no jurisdiction, as those matters constitute procedural matters of Parliament, over which the Parliament has exclusive jurisdiction under Article 165 of the Constitution.

In any event, Nandlall further argued, the Mace has “no relevance and place” in the exercise of Parliament’s constitutional power and authority to make laws.

In their claim, Jones and Witter are seeking a number of declarations, including one that the conduct of the business of the House without the Mace is illegal, and another that the later passage of the NRF Bill was illegal. They argue that this is contrary to constitutional values of the rule of law, democracy, inclusive governance, and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

The Opposition’s position

is that civil society bodies were excluded from consultations on the Bill.

Witter argued that under Article 154A of the Constitution and Article 25 of the Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, he has a fundamental right to political participation in the conduct of public affairs; and that right was violated with the passage of the Bill.

In this regard, the trade unionist is asking the court to declare that pursuant to Article 154A, the Government, in formulating an NRF Policy, had a responsibility to engage in consultation.

Nandlall, on the other hand, has submitted that a lack of consultation does not, in any manner, affect the lawful power and authority of Parliament.

He deposed, “It will be contended that the debates among the elected representatives of the people in the National Assembly, which is a component of the legislative process, constitutes consulta-

tion.” He said the Natural Resource Fund Bill received widespread national consultation, and to support his argument, he reminded that the legislation was a promise contained in his party’s manifesto for the 2020 National Elections – a document he has included as an exhibit.

He said the manifesto itself was a product of five years of public consultation, from 2015 to 2020; across all 10 regions, including a grand public consultation held at New Thriving Restaurant at Providence, EBD on February 17, 2019.

For the aforementioned reasons, the Attorney General has argued, he “most resolutely” submits that the Natural Resource Fund Act was lawfully, validly, and properly passed, and received the due assent of President Dr Irfaan Ali in accordance with the Constitution.

The Government has said that the NRF Act will ensure the security, transpar-

ency, and accountability that Guyanese need in order to benefit from the oil and gas revenues.

The law provides for a governance structure on how money in the Natural Resource Fund would be used, with continuous public disclosures, audits, and parliamentary approvals.

Since passage of that legislation, Government has gone on to establish the Natural Resource Fund Board. Following parliamentary approval, the Government has made several withdrawals from the fund, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, which were transferred to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities.

However, Jones and Witter are seeking court orders necessary to ensure that the Natural Resource Fund is replenished to the extent of all sums disbursed from it.

Besides the Attorney General, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh; House Speaker Manzoor Nadir; Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs; and the Parliament Office, are the other respondents. The claimants are being represented by Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde and Canada-based Guyanese lawyer Selwyn Pieters.

Included on the legal team for the respondents are the Attorney General, Deputy Solicitor General Deborah Kumar, and Attorneys-atLaw Sase Gunraj and Kamal Ramkarran.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

High Court Judge Navindra Singh

Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones

Trade Unionist Norris Witter

Estimating decimals

You can use rounding to estimate sums and differences of decimal numbers. However, you have to decide what rounding place to use. Sometimes, a problem will tell you. If it does not, round to the nearest whole number. When estimating money, ask yourself is the cents part of each number closer to 0 dollars, to a ½ dollar or a dollar?

By Leo (egBert Martin) (1862-1890)

The twilight shuddered into gloom, The trees stood trembling in the air; And flung their green, unbrageous arms

Above their wildly floating hair. While saddened misereres fell Like organ-peals in full excess. From breezes equal fall and swell, In agonies of bitterness. The morning aged to older day, And burst in shreds of vivid light, Bestrewing on the lying way Its carnival of heat acid light. The wind a wondrous Gloria rolled, Deep through the cloudy arch of space, Chord after chord, whose notes of gold Were smothered in the rhyme of grace.

Exercises: Estimate

WORD SEARCH

Over 100 nurses recruited from Guyana by global market in May alone – Ali

importing health workers

Even as the Government continues to up the number of nurses being trained, Guyana is losing nurses to the global market at an alarming rate. President Dr Irfaan Ali has revealed that over 100 nurses were recruited from Guyana to the global market in the last month.

According to President Ali, who was at the time speaking at an event to commemorate the Enmore Martyrs, the migration of nurses is a worldwide problem that is also further complicated by the declining intake of students into the nursing field, which he said is a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of the difficulties we have… in the last month alone, we have had more than 100 nurses recruited in the global market, from Guyana. And this is the story across the Region. So, we’re working aggressively on a plan to have all our health workers,” President Ali said.

“In the short term, it is clear we have to import health workers. Nurses,

technicians, there’s a severe shortage. It is also clear that when we train, we’re training for the global market. We can’t hide from that fact. We’re living in a global market. That’s why we’re training in excess of what we need. But we will also be a major destination for skill sets to come.”

President Ali suggested that Guyana could become the centre for the Caribbean Community (Caricom) outsourcing training opportunities for nurses. He also noted that Guyana could recruit students globally. In fact, President Ali noted that in addition to the plethora of hospitals they are building, the Government will also be looking at developing health tourism.

“We will recruit students across the world. We will train them, and ensure that the English language is part of the training. And we will be able to help you solve a problem too. But you would need to give us the resources. And help us to finance this training programme. I think it’s an excellent opportunity.”

“I believe every chal-

lenge brings opportunities. And we should look to the brighter side of things and not always worry about the problem. And part of the solution is it positions Caricom as a major service provider for the world, because of some of our cultural and natural advantages, which includes English,” he further explained.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has said that the Administration plans to train over 3000 nursing specialists in the

next three years, at a pace that will match the infrastructural development in the sector.

The aim is to complement the seven regional hospitals that are being constructed in various parts of the country, as well as the Maternal and Paediatric Hospital that is being constructed at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

The enrolment process will be done online and interested persons, with a minimum of five Caribbean

Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, including Mathematics and English are being urged to apply.

The Government plans to build regional hospitals in Anna Regina, Region Two; De Kinderen, Region Three; Bath, Region Five; Number 75 Village, Region Six; one at Diamond and another at Enmore in Region Four, to increase access to quality healthcare. There will also be one in Bartica, Region Seven. Some $500 million was allocated to train medical personnel in 2023.

It has previously been announced that the Ministry is currently exploring options for offering post-graduate programmes for nurses to participate in fellowship training at McMaster University in Canada.

Last month, Minister Anthony had said that the Health Ministry is working with the United Kingdom to train biomedical technicians, and will soon roll out an ultrasound technician programme and a postgraduate programme for nurses. Works are also underway to

upgrade some of the existing nursing schools across the country.

He was at the time speaking during the launch of the Nurses and Midwives Council’s (NMC) Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) programme for nurses, midwives and nursing assistants, to enhance their professional competence.

Only last year, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government had announced the roll out of $1.5 billion in major salary increases for over 5000 healthcare workers, with some increases ranging from 36.4 per cent to as much as 74.7 per cent. (G-3)

– says Guyana will have to start

Some healthcare workers attached to the Infectious Disease Speciality Hospital

President Dr Irfaan Ali

CoA commences hearing appeal filed by woman who poisoned children

Rutherford was sentenced to 45 years in jail; while on the second count, for the killing of Jabari Cadogan, she was sentenced to 53 years’ imprisonment. The prison terms were ordered to be served consecutively, meaning that her cumulative sentence is 98 years.

The Appellate Court will today commence hearing oral arguments in her appeal.

Celebrating…

…Guyana’s heritage

The Court of Appeal of Guyana will today commence hearing the appeal of a woman serving a sentence of 98 years for killing her two children, whom she had fed rat poison in 2014.

Hosfosuwa Amena Rutherford, 30, was found guilty of the offence of manslaughter in regard to the deaths of her two children -- four-year-old Hodascia Cadogan and one-year -old Jabari Cadogan -- by a jury in the High Court of Demerara following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh. On the first count, for the killing of Hodascia Cadogan, Hosfosuwa

During the woman’s trial in 2018, the State had adduced evidence that this mother had given each of her children half of a tablet of aluminum phosphide (rat poison) on March 27, 2014 at Supply Branch Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, where they all resided.

Rutherford’s defence was that she had bought cold tablets at the Plaisance bus park in Georgetown from a man who sells rat poison, but the logic behind this story was not accepted by the jury. Rutherford had been hospitalised for seven days after the poisoning of her offspring, and she had said she had drunk two rat poison tablets after giving the same to her children.

“No one in this world

loves my children more than I do. I love them to my soul. I am sorry for my shortcomings and my faults,” the convicted children killer had stated at her sentencing hearing. She had then turned her attention to Justice Singh, whom she begged to have mercy on her.

“Justice Singh, even God in Heaven above is

merciful, and I am asking you to grant me a second chance, so I can make things right,” a crying Rutherford had pleaded. Justice Singh had, however, seemed perplexed as to why the State had indicted this mother for the lesser offence of manslaughter. He had contended that “everything points to murder”.

NA man granted bail on ammo charge

ABerbice man charged with the unlawful posses-

Because of the soft power of the US, your Eyewitness’s internet feeds and news bombarded him about “Juneteenth”. What’s that, you ask, dear reader? As one post informed: “Black people freed on Juneteenth in Galveston Bay, Texas, on June 19, 1865, were illegally kept in bondage. The White people in Galveston were cruelly determined to maintain slavery. Even after President Abraham Lincoln had signed The Emancipation Proclamation in January of 1863, and their Confederate soldiers had lost the Civil War in April of 1865, White Galvestonians had to be forced by military proclamation to respect Black Americans’ freedom. Union General Gordan Granger, along with 2,000 of his troops, travelled to Galveston and issued General Order #3: “This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property.”

“Juneteenth”, of course, is a combination of June and nineteenth – and Emancipation was commemorated by the African-Americans of Galveston – still called “blacks”, of course - under that name the following year, in 1866. But it was only in 1980 – more than a century later – that Texas commemorated the occasion as a holiday!! Other States gradually followed suit, and finally, on June 16, 2021 – just TWO years ago – President Biden declared the day a federal holiday. From that background, we can look at the grudging acceptance of Juneteenth by the rest of America as a metaphor for the acceptance of the freed AfricanAmericans as full citizens.

So, while we imitate America in so many ways, they can learn a thing or two about Emancipation Day from us!! Here, while there was a 4-year Apprenticeship scheme for our freed African slaves after Emancipation Day, August 1834, Aug 1 was celebrated even during the colonial era.

After the end of the apprenticeship, the freed Africans started buying plantations in each of the three counties of Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, and converted them into villages. Even when they didn’t buy complete plantations, they purchased plots in the front lands of plantations, adjoining the Public Road, and these soon coalesced into villages.

This initiative gave them the independence to run their affairs, which was, and is, unknown to Americans – even into the present!! They formed Village Councils that were democratically formed and run. As such, they were ahead of the colonials, who only instituted universal franchise more than a hundred years later, in 1953!! They had their own churches and schools, and prepared their children for national life – which created its own dynamic for change.

sion of ammunition was on Friday placed on bail in the sum of $100,000.

Patrick Waldron of New Amsterdam, Berbice was arraigned before acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs- Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts on a charge detailing that on June 14, in New Amsterdam Berbice, he had 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. The 37-year-old Waldron denied the charge, and the Police Prosecutor did not object to his being granted bail, but requested that the condition be applied that he must report to the Police on the first Friday of every month.

Waldron was placed on bail in the sum of $100,000, and the matter has been postponed to July 14. This matter has also been transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrates Courts.

Unfortunately, Burnham - who benefitted and was a product of that democratic system - betrayed it to create the dictatorship that destroyed the initiative and hard-won accomplishments since Emancipation. Your Eyewitness does believe that after this just-concluded LGE, we will have a return to the old village vibrancy!!

…Father’s Day

We know that other holidays have gathered specific foods and customs around them, so we know what to expect. Like Christmas, with Black Cake or Garlic Pork! So, what about Father’s Day?? Stumped, weren’t you, dear reader!! Your Eyewitness figures that, for this one, it’s every household doing its own thing - based on the idiosyncrasy of the dad of the house. But then again, you can’t be a man – to be a father! - in Guyana if you don’t engage in the national pastime of imbibing our number one liquid product – rum – which still generates astounding profits for our distillers!!

So, do most families prepare dad’s favourite meal – goat curry and dhall puri? – and have him wash it down with a bottle of El Dorado?? Or, now that we’re drowning in oil money, do we take him to that restaurant and order up that US$400 steak, and wash it down with a Cabernet red wine?? …life?

A team of Cambridge scientists has just created synthetic human embryos from stem cells – taken from any part of our body - eliminating the need for either an egg or sperm. Or man and woman. So, will AI-run machines now create a new race to take over??

Patrick Waldron

Convicted killer Hosfosuwa Amena Rutherford

Dead: Hodascia Cadogan Dead: Jabari Cadogan

Minister Dharamlall to proceed on admin leave to facilitate probe into sexual assault accusations – Pres Ali

gation into allegations.

These developments follow allegations made by a 16-year-old female which have been circulating on social media over the past few days. While the President did not reveal when the leave would take effect, Guyana Times understands that it could be as early as from today.

Our women and girls must be safe, and no one is above the law.”

The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, will be proceeding on administrative leave as investigations continue into allegations of sexual assault that have been levelled against him.

Although efforts by this publication to contact President Dr Irfaan Ali on the matter had been proven futile, the Head of State on Sunday confirmed to several local news entities that Dharamlall made the request to proceed on administrative leave in order to allow for a thorough investi-

Following the circulation of news that the minister at the centre of the allegation was proceeding on leave, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Geeta Chandan-Edmond released a statement in which she urged that a full and impartial investigation be conducted.

“While this must be seen as an important step forward, like all Guyanese, we trust that this will result in a full, fair, unbiased and impartial investigation, and that there will be compliance with the rule of law. We continue to advocate strongly for the rights of women and children. I will also continue to be an unrelenting advocate for the protection of our indigenous sisters. We must all remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that

no one is above the law. We trust that justice will prevail,” Chandon-Edmonds said.

This publication understands that the teenager is in the care of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), and that a full probe has been launched. This was announced by Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud on Saturday, and she added that the serious allegations made are being handled.

She penned, “The Child Care and Protection Agency is carrying out a full investigation. All support will be provided to the young lady.

Also weighing in on this issue that has taken social media by storm, Education Minister Priya Manickchand commented on the incident via a statement in which she indicated that allegations of rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence are usually made lightly, and must always be taken seriously.

“I begin by believing complainants. Always. Every time. Because the statistics are clear. Despite the myths, victims of rape and sexual assault do not lie about their experiences any more than victims of any other crime. When the complainant is a child, the complaint must take on even more urgent dimensions. I have always treated complaints of rape and sex assault urgently. Even more so when a child is involved,” Manickchand disclosed.

According to the Minister, she was about to enter a CXC meeting on Thursday when a member of the media sent her screenshots of the statement, which documented the alleged assault. According to

the Minister, the information was eventually passed on to the Chief Education Officer, who has statutory responsibility for learners in the country, a request was made for the child to be found, and that full support be offered to her.

The Ministry managed to locate the victim, and full support was offered to her. She chose a date on which she would avail herself of the support that was offered, and continues to be offered. That date has not yet arrived.

Manickchand disclosed that the Ministry of Education would be offering whatever support is needed or requested, and would act

only in the best interest of this child, and in accordance with her wishes, as is mandated by law.

President Ali on Friday told a section of the media that he would not tolerate such behaviour. He added that he has not yet received a formal or official complaint, but noted that he has seen the social media post. However, he emphasized that, once a report is made, “it will be thoroughly investigated by the relevant authorities.

“I have no tolerance for such behaviour, and anyone found guilty of such allegations will be held accountable. As a Government, we are committed to having any facts fully investigated, as we hold dearly our girls and women in every community. And we will continue to do everything to ensure their safety and wellbeing,” President Ali told the media. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the victim has denied being the centre of the allegation, while adding that the post she purportedly made was politically motivated. The Police are yet to say whether or not a report was made against the Government Minister. (G-3)

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

APNU MP Geeta ChandanEdmond

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Chinese firms among companies now bidding to rebuild gutted Brickdam Police Station

– companies building new DHB, St Roses also submit bids

After a number of rounds of bidding to design and reconstruct the Brickdam Police Station, dating from last year, Chinese firms

Shandong High-Speed Dejian Group Company Ltd and China Railway Construction Caribbean Company Ltd (CRCCC) are among the new bidders vying to design and reconstruct the Brickdam Police Station.

According to bids that were opened at the offices of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), there was also a partnership between a local and a Chinese company; namely, R Bassoo and Son Construction, in association with Qing Jian Group Company Guyana Incorporated, bidding for the project.

CRCCC is no stranger to Guyana. It has, in fact,

been currently engaged to build what will be the single largest public infrastructure project in Guyana’s history: the US$260 million landmark new Demerara River Bridge that would link the East and West Bank corridors of Demerara.

Shandong High-Speed Dejian Group also currently has a $515 million contract to reconstruct the St. Roses High School, located at Church and Camp Streets.

Like the Brickdam Police Station, St. Roses was gutted by fire.

Among the other companies that have submitted bids for the project are Nabi Construction Incorporated, which has been involved in a number of local projects, including construction of the ExxonMobil Guyana office campus at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Its partner in this project is the Trinidadian company KCL Oilfield Construction Services.

Respective bids for the project to construct the Brickdam Police Station have also been submitted by Adams Project Management and Construction Limited and by BM Property Investment Incorporated.

The project is being administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and a whopping $58.6 billion has this year been budgeted for the security sector. Included in this amount is a $2.4 billion allocation for construction of Command Centres in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six, and 10.

It has been noted that works have already commenced on construction of the CID Headquarters, Special Constabulary Headquarters, Tactical Services Unit Headquarters; living quarters at Beterverwagting and Cove and John; Police Stations at Baramita, Den Amstel, Tuschen, Mocha, Sparendaam, Rose Hall,

Imbaimadai, Eteringbang, Annai, Lethem, and Karasabai. And it has been announced that works would commence this year on reconstruction of the Brickdam Police Station, which was destroyed by fire back in 2021.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said in 2021 that a modern Police Station Complex would be constructed at Brickdam. In Budget 2022, an allocation of $405 million was set aside for this purpose. It has been announced that the Home Affairs Ministry would be engaging in consultations to determine the structural composition of that building.

On October 2, 2021, a fire devastated the wooden complex which used to be the Brickdam Police Station. Chase Green, a man who was arrested for robbery-under-arms, has since been remanded to prison for setting fire to the Brickdam Police Station. That fire, which started in the second storey of the administrative building, destroyed some 80 per cent of the Police Station, and Police Headquarters have said that Green confessed to starting the fire. Green reportedly confessed that he took a piece of sponge and wrapped it on a piece of wire, which he lit and pushed through a ventilation hole in the cell over to a part that had some documents. It was from there that the fire started. (G-8)

The aftermath of the fire at the Brickdam Police Station

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rotary Club of G/T establishes 1st EarlyAct Club in Guyana

School of the Nations in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Georgetown on Friday launched the first-ever EarlyAct Club in Guyana.

EarlyAct is a schoolbased service club for primary school students from ages six to 13. It provides young students with the opportunity to gain an increased level of awareness and knowledge of their communities and the world.

The mission of EarlyAct is to promote goodwill, understanding, and peace through the active par-

ticipation of the student members so that with committed citizenship and effective leadership, they may improve the quality of life in their school, local and global communities.

Assistant Governor Elizabeth Cox in her feature address congratulated School of the Nations and Rotary Club Garden City-Georgetown for the formation of the EarlyAct Club while explaining the values the students will gain, such as care & tolerance, respect & friendship,

responsibility & leadership.

President Natasha Backer in her remarks mentioned that the Rotary Club of Garden City is honoured to be the sponsoring club and pledged support in providing guidance and/or assistance to the Early Acters as they aim to achieve their objectives.

Director of Nations, Mrs O’Toole recognised the importance of children being involved in volunteering at an early age and she

believes it will help the students build character while they learn about the environment and a healthy lifestyle.

Meanwhile, the Principal of the educational facility, Mischka White, welcomed the initiative since it will provide for a smooth transition into the school’s already existing Interact Club. The club, so far, has 64 members from Grades 1 –5.

From Left: School of Nations Director Mrs O’Toole; Treasurer Dominic Smith; 1st Vice President Alyssandra Ramson; President Kamanu Sunich; 2nd Vice President Aiden Dookie; Recording Secretary Halley McKenzie, and Principal of the School, Mischka White

Members of Nations EarlyAct Club

CMSCS/GSK pushing new pile-driving technology in Guyana

to fill the annulus. This results in the installed pile being encased in concrete, creating a strong friction bond with the ground material.

Coming out of that exercise, serious interest was shown by the participants.

In fact, Jewanram disclosed that they are currently in talks with a number of State agencies as well as private developers who are interested in utilising this DIP technology for major projects.

“We have issued over a

dozen quotes since and we’re just awaiting some design confirmation and decisions from those [potential] clients,” the Country Manager stated.

Since operating in Guyana over the past few years, Jewanram said CMSCS/GSK has participated in several exhibitions including the Building Expo and Agri Expo to promote the DIP technology. He related that the feedback from those events has been fruitful.

The St Lucia-based CMS Group has undertaken quite a number of large-scale construction projects around the Caribbean using the DIP method. These include the Harbor Club Hotel and Dive Centre, the Royalton Hotel, the reconstruction of the Thomazo Bridge, and the Courts Showroom – all in St Lucia as well as the Coco Point Beach House Hotel in Barbuda and the Koi Hotel & Residences in St Kitts, among others. (G-8)

With Guyana currently undergoing a construction boom, a local construction company has brought a new and innovative pile-driving technology that is not only time and cost-saving but it is also environmentally friendly.

This unique “plug and drive” method to install Ductile Iron Piles (DIP) removes the need for cumbersome, expensive, labour-intensive concrete and steel piles. The DIP technology is an innovative deep foundation solution that can address a wide range of geotechnical and construction challenges.

St Lucia-based CMS Group is the leading specialist installer of DIP for building foundations in the Caribbean, working on major projects such as hotels, schools, bridges, docks, and even offshore.

In 2018, the company expanded its operations here with the establishment of CMS Construction Services Guyana Inc (CMSCS) in partnership with local construction company, GSK Inc.

Together, CMSCS/GSK has introduced the DIP technology to the local construction industry. In fact, the joint venture was subcontracted by NABI/KCL –the company that is currently constructing the US$160 million headquarters for

ExxonMobil Guyana at Ogle, East Coast Demerara – to pile the foundations for the building.

According to CMS Country Manager in Guyana, Kevin Jewanram, “The kind of piling we do is a modern technology kind of piling that is already being used in other continents. However, in Guyana, everybody uses either timber piles or precast concrete. A few places are doing CFA (Continuous flight auger) piling but it’s expensive and a lot of mobilising is involved.”

“So, we offer something that is similar to the CFA

nuisance and vibration.

Moreover, the CMSCS Manager also highlighted that the DIP technology is suitable for Guyana’s soil conditions.

Since, completing their contract with NABI/KCL, interest has been growing locally in the DIP method. CMSCS/GSK has already been contracted for two other major projects in Guyana.

The joint venture is also bidding for several national projects that are being executed by the Guyana Government in the infrastructure and energy sectors.

Meanwhile, the CMSCS/ GSK has also been looking to further share this technology with industry operators. Consequently, the company held a piling demonstration back in March for an invited audience that comprised engineers, developers, and construction personnel –from both the private and public sectors.

The demonstration was led by experts from CMS Construction Services Ltd, the CMS Group parent company.

Essequibo family gets new home under MoM initiative

piling but with 40 per cent less hassle… DIP is cost-effective and very time-effective as well. We pile on average 180 metres per day, which is less than 22 minutes per pile. Traditionally, installation of one timber pile would be over an hour and then you will have to dismantle and move to another part. But we do it faster, using one rig. So, [DIP] uses less equipment, less manpower and less time. Also, it's little to no noise and little to no vibration so it would not be a noise nuisance,” he explained.

This, according to Jewanram, is an advantage for projects that are required to adhere to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stipulations for low/no noise

During the exercise, participants witnessed three sections of 5-metre (49ft) grouted annulus pile pipe being installed in 13 minutes using a high-frequency vibration hammer mounted on the boom of a 30-ton excavator, virtually soundlessly and without any vibration a metre from the pile.

It was explained that during this process, the foot of the pile carries an inverted conical “grout shoe” with a radius greater than the radius of the pile which, while driving, creates an annulus (a larger hole) around the pile. Grout (cement) is simultaneously and continuously pumped down the centre of the pile and is reflected back up the outside of the pile by the grout shoe

ABetter Success, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) family of nine is the beneficiary of a brandnew furnished home, compliments of the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative. The keys to the home were handed over to the family on Father’s Day.

The project was reportedly funded by Essequibo businessman, Parmeshwar Jagmohan. The one-flat two-bedroom concrete home was built by N and S Contracting and Supplies Service Inc.

The family once lived in a dilapidated building. Rukmin Chowder, the proud homeowner, broke into tears on Sunday during a simple handing-over ceremony.

He expressed gratitude for the timely donation and promised to care for the building. He also thanked the MoM initiative and in particular, Jagmohan for his

generosity.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Jagmohan related that his intention was to help the family, which was living very uncomfortably in a shack. “I also did it so that the family can be comfortable, especially Chowder’s daughter, who

is living with disabilities.” Apart from the house, the family also received a hamper and a monetary gift from the businessman.

Meanwhile, Jagmohan has committed to building another home for a family that is in need. This project gets underway in December.

Parmeshwar Jagmohan handing over the keys to the house on Sunday

The house that was constructed by N&S Contracting and Supplies Inc

(L-R) Managing Director of GSK Inc, Gautam Khan; Business Manager at CMS Group, John Verity; Country Manager (Guyana) CMS Construction Services Guyana Inc, Kevin Jewanram; Director of CMS Construction Services Ltd, Kelsey Kerridge, and Marketing Assistant Selena Doodnauth at the demonstration exercise in March

DIP piling demonstration by CMSCS/GSK

Guyana wins Miss India Worldwide title

ceptionally well. “We want to thank them – Aruna, Netu and Reanna for a job well done… Reanna came in the top five of the Mrs category –which is a new achievement for Guyana… We are pleased with the results.”

He thanked his team for the support given to the delegates and the pageant trainers who have worked extremely hard and around the clock to get them ready for the international pageant.

Also, he expressed his gratitude to the sponsors for

Miss India Guyana, Aruna Sukhdeo was on Sunday crowned Miss India Worldwide during the grand coronation of the international pageant in Pune, India.

In addition, Miss Teen, Netu Lal was adjudged the first runner-up in her category while in the Mrs category, Reanna Arakhan placed in the top five.

The last queen to have won the international pageant was Alana Seebarrran back in 2012. Eleven years later, the stunning Guyanese beauty, Aruna Sukhdeo wowed the judges with her exceptional performance to win the coveted title.

However, Sukhdeo, a third-year economics student at the University of Guyana also copped the special prizes for Miss Beautiful Hair. Lall, on the other hand, also received Miss Congeniality in the teen category.

Nevertheless, following the local leg of the pageant on May 5, 2023, the three Guyanese beauties were coached by a team consisting of reigning Miss International Elegant Mothers, Alicia Bess, who also has several titles under her name.

The local franchise holders are Hashim Ali and his wife, Melicia Pertab-Ali.

Prior to her leaving Guyana for the pageant,

Sukhdeo expressed that she had high expectations for the pageant, and was looking forward to an exciting journey. “When you have a team supporting you, when you have your family and friends, you don’t really feel pressured,” she declared.

She also related that whenever she feels overwhelmed, she remembers her

support system and is ready to represent her country.

The franchise holder, Hashim Ali when contacted in India could not hold back his excitement. “We are very excited to be bringing home the title this year… we have not won the international title since 2012 and we all excited. From the moment we arrived in India, the three delegates

started to adjust to the environment while at the same time keeping their eyes on the prize.”

He added that despite some setbacks, the Guyanese beauties and the team did ex-

their overwhelming support. The newly crowned queen and the team is expected to travel to New York later this week after which they will head home.

Founded by renowned model and creative person Michael Sam, House of XTSY aims to preserve and promote Guyana’s local arts and culture. The new premier arts and entertainment company will be home to many artists and talents within the creative industry in the country.

“It's to be the pinnacle for hosting high-end cultural and creative entertainment events locally and internationally. This company was founded in the year 2020, and its mission is to promote and preserve the creative and cultural industry through the implementation of new-age marketing strategies, to build community with artists while remaining authentic to Guyanese art and culture and match international standards.”

During an interview with this publication, Sam shared that being in the industry for some eight (8) years now, it was his own experience that drove him to establish a business where local creatives can promote their craft and reach higher heights.

He noted, too, that the creative industry in Guyana lacks marketing and promotion.

“The creative industry has been its own support system for such a long time that you literally see the same faces at each event. And because of the lack of promotion and effective marketing, they aren’t

Michael Sam, Founder of House of XTSY

able to reach the heights necessary. Being exposed to the creative industry for a while without any change, I founded the company to be able to implement the change that is desperately needed for the benefit of the current and new emerging generation of artists within Guyana, to not be exposed to the same traumas when pursuing their careers as creatives. This provides a platform for them to effectively collaborate and preserve cultures that are currently fading away.

“The real impact is to be able to inspire the new generation of artists to create in a safe and healthy environment,” Sam told iNews.

The budding entrepreneur added that he was in-

spired to create his business in an effort to normalise jobs in the creative industry as a reputable profession in our society.

“Locally, the main challenges we face as artists are having to prove to society that the arts can be a respectable job title; that we can be able to earn from it as a profession, and have stability. People are generally programmed to the system's definition of a job, but to aim to have a career within the creative arts has always been a risk, because people just generally don't see much gain from it. And the funny thing is, on an international level, those creative jobs are on a pedestal to be one of the highest paying jobs a person can earn from. And this is due to the fact that there are institutions dedicated and ready to help promote and develop artists, because they recognize the value in creativity,” Sam highlighted.

“This is the energy I’d like to wake up in Guyana, because I believe that the cultural identity has been fading tremendously. The main inspiration is to give people a safe space to create while remaining authentic to their niche -- to be the person I needed,” he added.

Even though the word ‘ecstasy’ is often generally commercialised as synonymous with a drug. Sam’s business name actually aligns with the actual meaning of the word, "An over-

flowing feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement."

“To feel ecstatic about something that brings you joy and purpose; and for me, it's the way I feel whenever I create in my own element. The way I used my creativity as a means of escape into a world where I'm in total control. So, I wanted to create a safe home for people to feel free, accepted, and at peace to create in their element,” Sam asserted.

MAKING AN IMPACT

This ambitious young man has shared that, in the future, he aims to host cultural and creative events locally, to promote authentic Guyanese art and culture while raising the standard to provide a safe space for artists to be expressive and earn from what they’re passionate about.

According to Sam, he aspires to be the person he needed as an artist, to help develop new and emerging talent to their highest potential. He added that he hopes the House of XTSY will come to the attention of institutions in power, so they may jump on board this amazing journey for the benefit of the entire country's creative sector.

Forging ahead with the aim of leaving an impact on the creative sector in Guyana, House of XTSY will be hosting its inaugural modelling workshop on the first two weekends in July. The focus of the workshop

would be on training potential and current models on the skills needed to be able to pursue their careers the right way, and gain from what they’re most passionate about.

House of XTSY aims to equip individuals with the right tools to tackle their careers the right way, by implementing training on various areas to ensure the

high fashion, and creative art photography, and building self-confidence as well as etiquette.

It even allows the models to network with local artists and photographers to effectively collaborate on making content.

standards are raised to an international level. This training will include categories on social media and content creation, beauty, health, and fitness, creating portfolios, runway training, introduction to editorial,

Interested persons can contact Sam at +592 684 7776 for more information, or email Houseofxtsy@ gmail.com. House of XTSY can also be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok @houseofxtsy, limited spaces are available.

Michael Sam and a model at Moonlight Stories at the Marriott Hotel

The newly crowned Miss India Worldwide and franchise holders after the crowning

Miss India Worldwide and some of her colleagues

Miss India Worldwide, Aruna Sukhdeo

Visually-impaired Berbice man seeking funds for corrective surgery

While no deadline has been given as to how early the surgery can be done, Rozario said he was assured that he will have full vision restored after the surgery.

The young man said he cannot work so as to earn

and survives on public assistance provided by the Government, which he began to receive in April.

Additionally, he cultivates plantain but his income cannot allow him to save for the needed surgery. He has since set up

an account at Demerara Bank for anyone who wants to assist.

The account number is 1021260-800. Additionally, Rozario can be contacted on telephone numbers 6362645 and 694-0961.

Taxi driver remanded for holding passenger against her will

AWest Berbice man who has lost his sight is seeking the assistance of the public to offset expenses for corrective surgery to his eyes.

Jonathan Rozario, 28, of Kingelly Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), who lives alone, went partially blind in 2018 but lost sight in both of his eyes in February.

He is currently seeking assistance for medical treatment which is currently not available in Guyana. The surgery is available in Columbia at a cost of US$52,000.

Neurosurgeon in Guyana, Dr Amarnauth

Dukhi has evaluated Rozario.

Rozario was initially diagnosed in 2018 with progressive loss of vision to the right eye. Over a oneyear period, he was referred to Ophthalmology for further management.

A medical report stated that a previous MRI was done in February 2020. The updated MRI showed a mild increase in lesion size and encasement of optic nerves. It also showed an internal carotid artery with involvement of the right cavernous sinus to

the right eye.

The JIPA has since provided Rozario with an invoice indicating the cost and terms of payment.

The JIPA Network is a healthcare network offering coordination of care at competitive rates and concierge services. According to the father of two, he visited the Health Ministry seeking assistance and was promised US$5000 but he is seeking to raise an additional US$52,000.

“I don’t have any more funds so I have to seek who can assist me.”

FROM PAGE 14

“People can expect quality above everything else. We are aiming to change the game when it comes to the creative experiences here in Guyana, and to be able to help as many people as possible get much-needed guidance in pursuing their careers,” Sam told this publication.

Sam is a highly self-motivated individual who draws his motivation from writing his poetry and listening to music.

“Generally, I draw the most inspiration from my writing in poetry and music, since it allows me to channel my deepest emotions and be expressive. I also follow a number of talented artists globally, and have seen the way the community is inspired by culture, and I dedicate most of my craft into channelling that energy to bring light to my ancestry as well.”

The assertive 26-year-old shared that one of the most defining and rewarding moments of his career has been his recognition by the international community.

“Most recently, I have been recognized on an international creative arts platform, and published in a

few magazines. And having so many people connect to my art on a deeper level had been really amazing to see. It gave me the drive to keep pushing boundaries to achieve my goals, and keep inspiring people. This gives me purpose,” Sam noted.

Sam added that after moving to Georgetown from the Essequibo Coast, he was always praised for showing up at creative events and supporting many talented

The Police have said that taxi driver Warren Bentick held a female passenger against her will in an incident that occurred in Georgetown on June 10, 2023.

It is contended that Bentick unlawfully restrained the woman, and took her against her will to a location that she did not request.

Bentick, who appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts on Friday to answer to a charge of unlawful restraint, has pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that on June, 10, 2023, at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the virtual complainant boarded a taxi being operated by the accused and requested to be transported to a specific location. But when the car arrived at her destination, Bentick allegedly drove away, taking her to the Le Repentir Cemetery instead.

In objecting to Bentick being placed on bail, Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris pointed out that Bentick has a matter ongoing for a sexual offence.

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly upheld the prosecution’s objections to

Remanded: Warren Bentick

Bentick being released on bail, and remanded him to prison. The accused will return to court on July 21.

Teen arrested with unlicensed firearm during Police patrol

Law enforcement officers in Georgetown have arrested an 18-year-old male following the discovery of an unlicensed firearm in his possession on Friday evening.

Police have said that, on the day in question, a patrol team actively engaged in their duty proceeded

to Woolford Avenue near Camp Street, Georgetown, and spotted the suspect, whose behaviour raised suspicion, prompting them to approach him.

That search led to the discovery of a black metal object suspected to be a firearm, along with a mag -

azine, inside his haversack. The young man was immediately told of the offense he had committed and was cautioned. He responded by saying, "Alex give me this gun, officer." He was arrested and taken to the Alberttown Police Station as investigations continue.

Man feared dead after falling into Demerara River

artists in their element of creativity. He said he found a community that allowed him to be as expressive as he needed to be, which ultimately gave him the opportunity to grow and develop his craft in the best way possible.

Sam’s ambitions entail being a model, entrepreneur, musician, poet, designer; and overall, a creative artist who is aiming to revive and preserve Guyanese culture and art.

Aman identified only as 'Calvin' is now feared dead after falling into the Demerara River on Sunday morning.

While specific details remain limited, preliminary information obtained by Guyana Times revealed that Calvin, accompanied by two other men in a boat, had reached a nearby ship, and was in the process of securing their boat when he lost his footing and fell into the water.

In responding to the distressing incident, local

authorities, including the Police and Coast Guard, have initiated an extensive search operation in hope of recovering the missing man's body.

A few months ago, Zephyr Stanislaus, a father of one and late resident of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, met his demise after falling into the Demerara River while on duty.

Stanislaus was reportedly guarding a vessel at the Guyana Rubis Incorporated location at

Providence, East Bank Demerara when the incident occurred as he was reportedly climbing down the ladder to board a marine boat.

The security guard accidentally slipped and fell into the Demerara River, and shortly thereafter went underwater and did not surface. Two days later, his lifeless body was discovered in the Demerara River in the vicinity of the Pritipaul Singh Wharf at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara.

Rozario doing his laundry

Jonathan Rozario

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Toka village aims to boost food security with $15M carbon credit grant

By Tassia Dickenson

The Amerindian village of Toka, located in the North Rupununi wetlands, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), aims to utilise its $15 million carbon credits grant to increase crop and livestock production, in an effort to boost food security for the village.

Toshao of Toka, Micah Davis, told Guyana Times the village recently planted crops outside of cassava such as rice, watermelon, and peas. He noted that the results thus far have been great and as such, a portion of the grant will be used to expand the cultivation of those crops.

“We are in the line of doing more watermelon planting right now…and cassava. Some of the farmers…are now going into the peas but what we want to do is extend on those crops because we recently discovered that the watermelon production had been doing good and some peas also, but all the years gone by we were just doing cassava alone. So those crops we want to expand on and also some peanuts. Recently also we did… an acre of rice which we’re now observing the growth and the production of that but it’s very small. If we gain a good production from that rice, we will allocate a piece of land to do more of rice farming,” Davis told this publication.

“So, with the cattle now we have a few individuals that have cattle but what we’ve invested in is some village cattle that we have the youths more controlling

that, and from the years that gone by we see that there was a lot of improvement in the herd,” he added.

He explained too that they are hoping to get an excavator to clear the creeks in the village so the residents can have access to more water for their crops.

Davis explained that the village only has one drill well which supplies water for domestic purposes but the residents rely mostly on the springs at the side of the mountains to supply them with water for other uses.

“Right now, we’re using springs that are at the side of the mountains. But we have one drill well that supplies water to all most all the households in Toka. And it is very few of them that is like out of the grid, very far off, so we’re working on some pipelines to get water to their homes. But we have one drilled well that is in Toka and all the rest is from springs and hand-dug wells next to their homes.”

According to the Toshao, there are several other ini-

tiatives that the village will embark on after receiving funds.

“We also want to budget for an excavator, ranch house [and] farm fence. Those are some of the things we’re embarking on. We will be doing some cultivation in our area that we will be fencing off, and the excavator that we are purchasing is actually to dig out some more ponds that we are able to secure water, because Toka is a village that rarely has any creeks or rivers, but we mainly have some small springs that we depend on,” he explained.

This, he noted, will assist villagers during the dry season.

“So we want to go more into damming some small creeks that run down from the mountain so that we’ll be able to secure some water…during the dry season for those people that would be planting watermelon, peas, cassava, and different crops and so on,” Davis said.

He added too that with some of the funds, they are

hoping to build a proper ranch house so the youths would be able to have more control of their animals as well as provide proper grazing grounds for their animals.

Toka is an Indigenous village of Macushi Amerindians populated with approximately 327 people. The main language spoken in Toka is Macushi with English as a secondary language.

Toka’s tourism product

Toka is one of the many hinterland villages that has been working to boost its tourism products. Earlier this year, the village received a total of $3.6 million from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). These funds will go towards completing two cabins in time for the official launch of the Toka Pottery Experience and Tours.

According to Davis, villagers are presently working on upgrading such facilities and they are hoping to be fully operational by September this year.

“Recently we got through with some funds from GTA, approximately $3.6 million dollars. So we are in the construction of the bathrooms and toilets for the cabins at the moment. The villagers are presently working on that. We had to furnish the cabin and the kitchens so we would be able to fully accommodate people. We’re looking at maybe September to fully get into operation,” Davis shared.

In a previous interview with this publication, Davis shared that Toka is one of the last remaining villages

that do pottery and as such they are also hoping to construct a building to host pottery training.

Earlier this year, the GTA brought a pottery expert, Margaret Cornette, who was trained on the coast, to offer her expertise to villagers to build their pottery skills.

“Because the pottery group in the village have more knowledge of what is passed on from generation to generation but what Ms Margaret did is link that with some of the training she has from the art that she normally does from the coast,” Davis shared.

He further highlighted that though pottery is the main attraction for tourists to visit the village, they offer a wide range of other activities such as hiking, cave exploring, ranching, birding, and much more.

$4.7B

distribution

In February this year, a total of 241 Amerindian communities across the country each received grants ranging from $10M to $35 million. This initia-

tive followed the historic agreement signed with Hess Corporation for Guyana’s carbon credits in 2022, which will see the country earning US$750 million for its forest. A total of $4.7 billion (US$22.5 million), which represents 15 per cent of Hess’s payment for Guyana’s carbon credits, was disbursed in the various communities.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo explained that a strict mechanism would be followed to ensure accountability and transparency regarding how the funds would be expended. Each community is required to create a separate bank account so the spending of the funds could be properly monitored.

Moreover, the community cannot utilise the funds until a finance committee is named and the village development plan is completed and endorsed by the village.

Jagdeo had expressed that the plans should be focused on either empowerment projects in the social sector, job creation, and/or on food security efforts.

$607M Leguan Stelling for August completion

The $607 million

Leguan Stelling is expected to be operational by August 31, 2023, according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill.

Edghill in a telephone interview with Guyana Times stated that the stelling deck will be completed in early August, while the completion date for the installation of the linkspan bridge is projected for August 31, 2023. He noted that once all the components are completed, the green light will be given for the public to utilise the stelling.

The overall completion status of the project is currently at 85 per cent, with a total of $532,662,237 million of the $607,259,260 million revised contract sum being expended to date.

At this stage of the proj-

ect, all timber works on the existing southern carriageway are completed, all prestressed concrete foundation piles are installed and cut to level, the casting of 75 per cent of the concrete slab deck for the northern section of the stelling is completed as well as the fabrication of Unifloat Pontoon for linkspan bridge completed.

Additionally, all steel components for the linkspan bridge are pre-fabricated for installation when deck construction is completed. Initially, the projected date for the overall completion was set for September 15, 2023.

Back in February, the Project Manager at the Public Works Ministry, Jermaine Braithwaite, during an interview with the Department of Public

Information, revealed that the project was estimated to be completed by June 30, 2023.

However, during a visit to the work site in March, Minister Edghill noted that works need to be accelerated on the project after the company complained of having insufficient workers to complete the project in a timely manner.

When completed, the stelling will also facilitate the mooring of the ferry, the off-loading of commodities, and the ingress and egress of passengers and vehicles.

Additionally, the project also caters to the construction of an admin building which will be utilised by the staff of the Transport and Harbours Department to essentially undertake and oversee the operation.

Construction ongoing on the Leguan Stelling

Toshao of Toka, Micah Davis

SRCS, GTA to implement bird guide accreditation programme

The South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), in partnership with Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), is currently working towards implementing a bird guide accreditation programme to provide local, national, and international accreditation for bird guides throughout Guyana.

The SRCS is also collaborating with stakeholders to help design and pilot the programme, which is anticipated to be launched by the end of July.

One of the fastest-growing sectors within the global tourism industry is avitourism, also known as bird-watching tourism. Worldwide, it has been estimated that US$9.3 billion is spent on the industry annually and the number of people engaging in avitourism has been increasing year-onyear. Guyana is considered to be a global birding hotspot and is home to over eight hundred species of bird including the Red Siskin, Sun

Parakeet, Hoary-throated Spinetail, and the Rio Branco Antbird.

Each year Guyana attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists, many of whom visit the country specifically to spot these unique birds. With the growth in tourism in Guyana, the country has also seen an increase in tour guides who assist tourists to witness the beauty of our environment, wildlife, and culture.

Over the years, these tour guides have benefited from multiple training sessions by the GTA to help bolster the skills needed to meet the international standard of tour guiding.

In addition, the GTA has also helped to regulate the sector by creating a tour guide licensing system to ensure that the individuals leading national and international tourists around Guyana are qualified and approved to do so.

However, whilst the tour guide licensing system is essential and beneficial, it does not distinguish bird guides from other tour guides who do not specialise in bird guiding.

As a result, bird guides currently are unable to receive the recognition that they merit for their bird-spotting skills and abilities. Also, tourists find it difficult to identify bird guides who meet the standard they require for their trips or to

find high-quality bird guides who do not have a good online presence.

According to the Programme Coordinator of the SRCS, Neal Millar, the idea to implement this programme was birthed from conversations with several rangers who work on wildlife research and monitoring projects throughout the Rupununi.

"This idea was created through conversations with our rangers who work on wildlife research and monitoring projects throughout the South Rupununi. They stressed that they have a lot of knowledge and are passionate about birds but have no formal qualification that they can use to seek further employment. We therefore thought this Accreditation Programme could give them something to work towards and could fill this gap,” Millar explained.

To begin the process of creating the Accreditation Programme, SRCS facilitated an initial workshop

HEALTH TIPS ROOT CANAL vs DENTAL EXTRACTION

pulp that’s become inflamed or infected down inside the pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth. This leaves some space, which the dentist will fill with a type of biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Then it’s time to seal off the opening at the top of the tooth, often with a temporary filling.

implant, which resembles a screw, immediately after an extraction, but many people need to wait for proper bone healing before the implant. The wait is typically 1 to 4 months long, or longer.

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine/ enDocrinology/DiabeTes

Sometimes a tooth can become so severely damaged or infected that the dentist might discuss a couple of different kinds of treatment plans. The first is a root canal, and the other is a dental extraction followed by an implant, which is an artificial tooth designed to replace the damaged tooth.

It may be helpful to understand the differences between a root canal procedure and a dental extraction and implant. Both procedures aim to address the damage in the mouth, but they achieve it in different ways.

ROOT CANAL

Perhaps a more accurate name for this process is actually “root canal treatment”, or “root canal therapy.” First, the dentist will numb the area of the tooth with a local anesthetic injection. Next, they’ll make a small opening on the top of the tooth.

Using special tools, they will remove any soft tissue or

A week or two later, returning to the dentist’s office, the temporary filling can be removed, and a crown or other type of restoration can be put on top, if necessary. Sometimes the crown is created during the same appointment.

EXTRACTION AND IMPLANT

If the tooth is so diseased or damaged that it cannot be saved, even with a root canal procedure, it may be time for an extraction, coupled with an implant or other replacement option. A simple extraction usually involves the dentist administering local anesthesia and using a tool like forceps to remove the tooth. Or a surgical procedure which requires general anesthesia. With surgical extraction, the dentist will cut into the gum, and may remove some bone around the tooth as well as the tooth itself. However, a person might not be able to get a dental implant to permanently fill that gap in the smile for at least several months. The timing of the placement of the implant can vary, according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Cranio-MaxilloFacial Surgery.

Some people can get an

Additionally, you may need to wait several months for the implant to become integrated into the bone before the replacement tooth or crown can be placed on top of the implant, according to the American Dental Association.

HOW TO DECIDE WHICH IS BEST?

Several factors must be considered, such as the storability of the tooth, the esthetic demands, and the cost-to-benefit ratio, according to an implant position statement from the American Association of Endodontics. But many experts believe that it’s better to save the damaged tooth, if possible.

* Prolonging the life of a tooth may delay or remove the need for an implant later.

Saving a damaged tooth with a root canal may prolong the life of the tooth. It could even eliminate the need to install an implant later.

A 2009 review of research on the differences between root canal therapy and implants found that nonsurgical endodontic treatment had very high success rates in terms of the affected tooth’s functionality several years later. For example, one large study found that more than 94 percent of the teeth studied were functional

3.5 years after the root canal treatment.

* A root canal may be less expensive. A root canal procedure may be significantly cheaper, as extraction and an implant may not be covered by the insurance. The estimated cost of a root canal with insurance coverage ranges from about Gy$40,000 to slightly over $50,000. The cost can vary, depending on the type of tooth that’s affected, the insurance plan, the location, and the type of dental professional performing the procedure. It can also cost significantly more if a crown cap is needed on top of the tooth that requires a root canal.

Meanwhile, the cost of a simple tooth extraction might not be that high. And the cost of a surgical extraction may be quite a bit higher. Add in the additional cost of just one implant, and you could be looking at a bill of at least $80,000 to $120,000, depending on the specific situation.

* The treatment is less invasive. Persons might not think of a root canal as noninvasive, but it is less invasive than a surgical dental extraction. With surgical extraction, there may be a need for intravenous anesthesia as well as local anesthesia, and the dentist must cut into the gum to remove the tooth — and possibly some bone around it.

It’s much quicker than going through the implant process. The extraction and implant process may take

with relevant stakeholders including the GTA, Leon Moore Nature Experience, Ron Allicock Bird Tours, and Visit Rupununi where suggestions were made on the design and process.

According to the SRCS, there are numerous proposed benefits of creating an Accreditation Programme for bird guides in Guyana.

“The first is that it will help to identify and recognise the experienced, skilled, and qualified bird guides in Guyana. Secondly, it will hopefully attract more bird watchers to Guyana and improve their confidence in knowing that their bird guides have been accredited. Third, there are many people interested in tourism and bird guiding that do not have the qualifications to pursue a traditional degree or diploma, this programme will therefore give those individuals the opportunity to receive accreditation without needing a secondary-level education or higher education,” Millar added.

several months, or longer.

* The recovery period is shorter. It can take several months for the mouth to heal from an extraction — and that does not include the time it will take for the mouth to heal and regrow bone around the implanted tooth.

Meanwhile, the typical recovery period for a successful root canal is usually just a few days.

* Other factors may reduce the success of an implant.

Some other factors can reduce the likelihood of success of extraction and implantation.

For example, research published in 2009 suggests that smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to experience failure of an implant. And a 2005 clinical study suggested that both tobacco and alcohol use can hurt implant outcomes, causing bone loss.

* There are potential risks of opting for a root canal over extraction and implant.

Just as there are some benefits in opting for a root canal over extraction and implant, there are some risks to consider.

* A root canal might weaken the tooth. The dentist must drill down into the tooth to remove the diseased or inflamed pulp. If the tooth is already very fragile, this process could further weaken it. And if the root canal is done on one of the back teeth (whether the molar or

premolar), it should have a crown placed to protect the tooth from the forces of biting down, and to support the remaining tooth structure.

* The tooth may fail anyway. If the tooth is weakened, or the damage is very extensive, choosing a root canal might not be enough to address the damage. The tooth may not survive, and an extraction may still be needed.

Are there any benefits to choosing extraction over a root canal?

Depending on the state of the tooth, persons may not have the option for a root canal and crown. The tooth might have sustained so much damage that the best way to stop the deterioration is extraction, and then replacement. There may be other possible procedures, depending on the situation.

As a 2021 study in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery noted, some research is showing success with dental implants installed through impacted teeth or residual roots, rather than a complete extraction. However, the dentist needs to assess the tooth and discuss the specifics of the situation in detail with you.

Speak with a dentist about the short-term and long-term risks and benefits of both procedures, and explain what the goals and priorities are. Generally, when an existing tooth can be saved, it’s viewed as the more beneficial procedure.

A team of persons during a meeting of the accreditation programme

Cyclone leaves 11 dead, 20 missing in southern Brazil

At least 11 people have been killed in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul after an extra-tropical cyclone struck the region on Friday, according to the state's authorities.

The storm caused torrential rains and helicopter searches are underway in flooded neighbourhoods to find 20 others who have gone missing, the government of Rio Grande do Sul said in a press release.

One of the worst hit on the cyclone's trail was the town of Caraa, with a population of over 8000 people.

"The situation in Caraa deeply worries us. It is essential that we can, in an organised way, quickly map the main affected areas and identify the people who need support," said Rio Grande do Sul's Governor, Eduardo Leite, who visited the area.

As of Friday night,

Maquine, a municipality on the eastern coast, had received around a foot of rain, authorities said.

Many residents in affected areas have taken shelter in outdoor sports facilities in their towns. The authorities have issued a warning for a risk of landslides in several areas.

Leite says authorities have carried out 2400 res-

IMF sees Honduran economic growth slowing to about 3% in 2023

Honduran economic growth is seen slowing to about 3% in 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated in a statement issued on Friday, pointing to fewer remittances and pressures on the energy and farm sectors stemming from drought conditions.

cues in the last two days.

"Our main objective at this first moment is to protect and save human lives. We are rescuing people who are stranded, locating missing people and giving all the support to the families," he said.

Deadly flooding in Brazil is common and has caused devastation for decades.

(Reuters)

Mexican officials find 129 migrants in truck amid heat wave

Mexican authorities found 129 migrants, mostly from Guatemala, crowded into a truck trailer in the eastern state of Veracruz, the National Migration Institute (INM) said in a statement on Saturday.

The migrants were crammed into a trailer in the midst of a heat wave in Mexico, where higher-than-normal temperatures have topped 45C (113F) in several states, including Veracruz, where the operation took place.

Immigration agents in late May had uncovered an-

other 175 migrants further south, mainly from Central America, in Chiapas state. Another 300 people were stopped at a checkpoint in Veracruz in March.

Migrants fleeing violence and poverty in Latin America frequently pay smugglers in an attempt to pass through Mexico bound for the US.

Some are forced to cross areas rife with drug violence, making them vulnerable to organised crime.

Among the travellers found on Friday were adults from Guatemala, Honduras, India and El Salvador, and 19 unaccompanied minors,

the migration institute said. It added that the children will be put under state guardianship, while the others will be processed to determine their legal status in Mexico. Four suspected traffickers were arrested in the operation.

On Friday the commissioner of the INM, Francisco Garduño, had met with Guatemalan officials to discuss reparations for the victims of a deadly March fire in a migrant detention centre in Mexico that claimed 39 lives, the INM said in a separate statement. (Reuters)

Haiti humanitarian aid needs to come to terms with gangs, says Caribbean leader

Humanitarian aid to Haiti will need to take into account the influence of heavily armed gangs who control large parts of the country, the President of a regional bloc said ahead of planned talks with the European Union next month.

"If anybody wants to deliver humanitarian assistance to Haiti, they have to come to terms with the gangs," Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and current President of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), said in an interview.

He did not give more details on how the gangs should be addressed.

Gonsalves will travel to Brussels for an EU-CELAC summit on July 17-18, expected to cover the volatile security situation in Haiti, where powerful gangs are driving a crisis that has displaced over 160,000 people, according to United Nations estimates.

Local activists are among those who have fled the violence while international aid organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières have shut down operations saying they cannot guarantee the safety of their patients or staff.

"There are gang leaders who are also political operatives, who control important communities," said Gonsalves, warning that "you have to be careful you

The Central American country's economy expanded by 4% last year, according to official data, and the Government has forecast gross domestic product growth of between 3.5% and 4.0% this year.

The slowdown is mostly pinned on losses caused by the drought currently affecting agricultural and energy

production, the IMF noted, adding that the dry streak could be more severe and protracted than previously expected.

Honduran authorities said earlier this week they would begin rationing electricity due to the drought's impact on the country's hydroelectric plants.

A drought linked to El Nino weather phenomenon is affecting much of Central America and is expected to cut into the region's harvests.

"Honduras remains one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate disasters, with sizeable adaptation investment needs," the IMF statement said. (Reuters)

Argentina faces crunch IMF talks to defuse looming debt bomb

Argentina and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have a US$44 billion dilemma, with the two sides set to meet for crunch talks to revamp the country's huge, wobbling debt deal, key to avoiding default on billions in looming debt payments.

The South American country, a serial defaulter that has struggled for years with inflation and currency crises, struck a US$57 billion loan deal with the IMF in 2018, which failed and was replaced last year with a new US$44 billion programme.

But with net foreign currency reserves estimated to be in negative territory, hit by a major drought that sunk the key soy and corn harvests, Argentina is at risk again of missing debt repayments, with US$2.7 billion due to the fund this month alone.

the deal, with investors and traders watching closely.

don't set about to engage with gangs in Haiti and provide some legitimacy to them."

Gonsalves said people with ties to gangs were likely present at talks between representatives of Haiti's civil society and Government in Jamaica this week, at which Prime Minister Ariel Henry pledged to broaden the country's transition council to make the Government more inclusive.

Henry has since October called for an international force to help Police restore security and establish conditions for long-awaited elections, but no country has offered to lead such a force. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Economy Minister Sergio Massa is expected in Washington as early as this week to try to unlock talks to accelerate IMF disbursements and ease economic targets attached to

"The fund knows that Argentina is a problem, it is its main debtor, but it seems to me that the negotiation has stagnated. One does not see significant progress," said Ricardo Delgado of Argentine financial services firm Analytica.

In a sign of potential holds-ups, an Economy Ministry source said on Friday that Massa's trip,

previously briefed to happen in the next few days, could be delayed depending on how virtual talks progressed.

On the streets of Buenos Aires pressure is rising. Inflation has hit 114%, hurting salaries and spending power, reserves have tumbled and one-in-four people is in poverty, with many blaming - not for the first time - austerity linked to the IMF. (Excerpt from Reuters)

World Bank

greenlights

The World Bank approved a new US$500 million loan to Costa Rica aimed at strengthening support for the Government's budget, according to a statement from the international lender released on Friday. The loan will support the Central American country's post-pandemic ef-

US$500

million loan to boost Costa Rica's budget

forts to grow employment and wages and assist small and medium-sized companies.

"While Costa Rica has made much progress in the environmental, economic, and social spheres, the reduction of poverty and inequality remains an ongoing challenge," Carine Clert, World Bank country

manager for El Salvador and Costa Rica, said in a statement announcing the new financing package.

The 19.5-year loan includes a four-year grace period, with an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus a variable margin in US dollars, the statement added. (Reuters)

An aerial view shows damage and floods due to heavy rains after an extra-tropical cyclone in Sao Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil June 17, 2023

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

Around The World OIL NEWS Russia's Putin: OPEC+ oil output cuts are non-political

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that decisions made by the OPEC+ group to cut oil production were "depoliticised" and were not related to what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

After Russia's started what it calls a special military operation in Ukraine in February last year, Western nations have accused OPEC of manipulating oil prices and undermining the global economy through high energy costs. The West has also accused OPEC of siding with Russia.

"I have to tell you that all the decisions made within the framework of OPEC+ to reduce production are, above all, of a depoliticised nature," Putin said in comments to the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"This is neither related to Russia's special military operations, nor to some other considerations," said Putin, adding that the current oil pricing environment was suitable for Russia.

OPEC+ has in place cuts of 3.66 million barrels per day (bpd), amounting to 3.6% of global demand, including 2 million bpd agreed last year and voluntary cuts of 1.66 million bpd agreed in April.

Putin also said that Russia provides different discounts to its oil in various markets. The United States said Kremlin's changes to the way it taxes oil sales were forced by Western sanctions on Russia over Ukraine and will hit its oil production capacity over time.

He said that traditional Russian sales markets are being replaced by other markets as Moscow is shifting away its oil and gas trade away from Europe.

"We don't see a catastrophe there," Putin said. (Reuters)

Blinken, Qin hold 'candid' talks, US and China agree to meet again

The US Secretary of State and Chinese Foreign Minister on Sunday held what both called candid and constructive talks on their differences from Taiwan to trade but seemed to agree on little beyond keeping the conversation going with an eventual meeting in Washington.

Speaking after a 5-1/2 hour meeting followed by a dinner, US and Chinese officials both emphasised their desire for stable and predictable relations, but China was clear it regards Taiwan as the most important issue and greatest risk.

Making the first visit to China by a US Secretary of State in five years, Antony Blinken stressed "the need to reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation" in his talks with Foreign Minister Qin Gang, the State Department said.

"Qin Gang pointed out that the Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests, the most im -

Russia reports fierce fighting as African peace mission leaves empty-handed

Russia reported fierce fighting on Sunday on three sections of the front line in Ukraine, a day after hosting an African peace mission that failed to spark enthusiasm from either Moscow or Kyiv.

A Russian-installed official said Ukraine had recaptured Piatykhatky, a village in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, and were entrenching themselves there while coming under fire from Russian artillery.

"The enemy's 'wave-like' offensives yielded results, despite enormous losses," the official, Vladimir Rogov, said on the Telegram messaging app.

Russia's Defence Ministry made no mention of Piatykhatky in its daily update, in which it said its forces had repelled Ukrainian attacks in three sections of the 1000 km (600

mile) front line. A separate statement from Russia's Vostok group of forces said Ukraine had failed to take the settlement.

Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports.

There was no comment

from Ukraine, which last week said it had recaptured another nearby settlement, Lobkove, and a string of villages further east, in Donetsk region, at the start of its long-awaited counteroffensive.

Ukrainian officials have

imposed an information blackout to help operational security, but say that Russia has suffered much greater losses than Ukraine has during its new assault.

A regional official said Ukrainian forces had destroyed a major Russian ammunition dump in occupied Kherson region, part of a weeks-long effort by Kyiv to wreak havoc with Russian supply lines.

British defence intelligence said heavy fighting in recent days had been focused on Zaporizhzhia, western Donetsk and around Bakhmut, which Russian mercenaries captured last month after the longest battle of the war.

"In all these areas, Ukraine continues to pursue offensive operations and has made small advances," it said on Twitter. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Israel to ramp up settlement expansion in occupied West Bank

Israel’s hardline coalition Government has approved plans for thousands of new housing units in the occupied West Bank and given the far-right Finance Minister sweeping powers to expedite the construction of illegal settlements, bypassing measures that have been in place for 27 years.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ratified the move in the Cabinet, allowing pro-settler

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to bypass the sixstage process for building settlements, which are considered illegal under international law, said Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan in West Jerusalem.

The deal between Netanyahu and Smotrich was on the cards for a while, Khan said, adding that it enables the Finance Minister to “effectively take over the entire illegal settlement-building process”.

Smotrich said: “We

will continue to develop the settlement project and strengthen Israeli control of the territory.”

The plans for the approval of 4560 housing units in various areas of the West Bank were included on the agenda of Israel’s Supreme Planning Council that meets next week.

“This is incredibly alarming for the Palestinians,” Khan said. Various factions expressed deep concerns that the entire West Bank may soon come under

Israeli control.

To approve settlement activity is a “dangerous escalation to complete the annexation of the West Bank”, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said.

Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, said this would only escalate tensions in the region, while Fatah warned that “the settlers will be removed from the West Bank as they were removed from the Gaza Strip”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

portant issue in Sino-US relations, and the most prominent risk," Chinese state media quoted Qin as having told the top US diplomat.

Before the talks, US officials saw little chance of any breakthrough on the long list of disputes between the world’s two largest economies, which range from trade and US efforts to hold back China's semiconductor industry to the status of self-governed Taiwan and Beijing's human rights record.

Ties between the countries have deteriorated across the board, raising concern they might one day clash militarily over the self-governed island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

Blinken's visit was closely followed by the rest of the world as any escalation between super powers could have worldwide repercussions on anything from financial markets to trade routes and practices and global supply chains.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

‘Heinous crime’: Pakistan makes arrests after Greece boat tragedy

Pakistan authorities have arrested 10 alleged human traffickers after it emerged that many of the dozens of migrants and refugees who drowned off Greece’s coast on June 14 were from the South Asian nation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also ordered an immediate crackdown on Sunday on agents engaged in people smuggling, saying they would be “severely punished”.

“The Prime Minister has given a firm directive to intensify efforts in combating individuals involved in the heinous crime of human trafficking,” his office said in a statement.

The federal investigation agency arrested the suspected human traffickers from different parts of

Rescued migrants and refugees rest in a shelter following a rescue operation in Kalamata, Greece [Stelios Misinas/Reuters]

the Islamabad-controlled part of Kashmir – also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir – and another from Karachi airport who was trying to flee abroad, local TV Geo News reported.

Senior officer Khalid

Chauhan said Police picked up the suspects amid a crackdown on human traffickers. Police are interrogating them for their alleged roles in luring, trapping and sending locals abroad after extracting huge amounts of mon -

ey from them.

Every year, thousands of young Pakistanis embark on perilous journeys attempting to enter Europe without proper documents in search of a better life. Reports indicate there were at least dozens of Pakistanis onboard the trawler that sank off Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula on Wednesday, killing at least 78 people with hundreds more still missing.

As many as 750 men, women and children – also from Syria, Egypt, and the Palestinian territories – were on board the vessel, trying to reach relatives in Europe. The sinking was one of the worst disasters of its kind this year. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The war has destroyed Ukrainian towns and cities, forced millions of people to flee their homes and taken heavy but undisclosed casualties among both armies, as well as killing thousands of Ukrainian civilians

SATURDAY'S WORD -- SIDESWIPED

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Take a moment to review all the particulars before immersing yourself in something new. If you understand what you must do to make things happen, you will feel at ease. Leave nothing to chance.

Something good is heading your way. Speed up the process, bring about change and handle matters yourself to reach your goal. Refuse to let anyone interfere with your plans.

SOLUTION

(May 21-June 20)

Keep an open mind, but don't believe everything you hear. Check facts before you pass information along. A disciplined attitude will help you finish things on time. Charm will win favors.

Pay attention to what others say and do; you'll learn something valuable. Your insight will help you make a tough decision that can change how things get done. Advocate on your behalf.

(June 21-July 22)

Think twice before you sign up for something that offers too many uncertainties. When in doubt, take a pass. Physical activity will alleviate angst and build enthusiasm.

23-Aug. 22)

20-May 20) (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Put pressure on someone you need on your team. A partnership looks promising and will bring satisfying results. A change will make the difference between success and failure.

Consider what you want to do and present your objective to someone who can help you reach it. Refuse to let emotional differences cloud your vision and stifle your progress.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Follow your instincts, not your heart. If someone lets you down, don't give them another chance to take advantage of you. Learn from the experience and find a different way to reach your goal.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Share your intentions, and the feedback you receive will help you expand your plans to include those you want by your side moving forward. Be caring and nurturing for best results.

Take matters into your own hands. A couple of changes at home will help you use your space more effectively. Create something using your skills and reap the rewards.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Your intelligence will be necessary if you want to keep the peace. Listen to what others want and incorporate the needs of everyone into your campaign. Unify rather than separate.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Don't fold under pressure. Check out what's available to help you bring in more cash or stretch your money. An investment will put your mind at ease. Verify information you receive.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

2023 Ashes Series, Test 1…

England lose openers as Australia edge forward on rain-hit day

Australia took two wickets for two runs in a compelling 22ball micro-session between rain breaks, to edge ahead in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston as England lost both openers within four balls of each other.

England resumed their second innings on 26 for 0 after a 75-minute delay, with thick, dark clouds hanging over the floodlights. Only 20 minutes of play was possible before another thundery shower brought the day to a premature close, but that was enough time for Pat Cummins and Scott Boland

to remove Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley respectively.

Duckett had looked longingly at the groundstaff moments before his dismissal as they were getting the hover-cover ready on the midwicket boundary with the rain drawing closer. As his focus returned to Cummins at the top of his mark, he pushed away from his body at a ball in the channel outside his off stump, and Cameron Green swooped low to his left to add another brilliant gully catch to his extensive collection.

Crawley had been

SCOREBOARD

Aus Innings

David Warner b Broad 9

Usman Khawaja b Robinson 141

Marnus Labuschagne

c †Bairstow b Broad 0

Steven Smith lbw b Stokes 16

Travis Head c Crawley b Ali 50

Cameron Green b Ali 38

Alex Carey †b Anderson 66

Pat Cummins (c) c

Stokes b Robinson 38

Nathan Lyon c

Duckett b Robinson 1

Scott Boland c Pope b Broad 0

Josh Hazlewood not out 1

Extras (b 4, lb 6, nb 15, w 1) 26

TOTAL 116.1 Ov (RR: 3.32) 386

Fall of wickets: 1-29 (David

Warner, 10.1 ov), 2-29 (Marnus

Labuschagne, 10.2 ov), 3-67

(Steven Smith, 26.6 ov), 4-148 (Travis Head, 45.3 ov), 5-220 (Cameron Green, 67.1 ov), 6-338 (Alex Carey, 98.4 ov), 7-372 (Usman Khawaja, 112.4 ov),

8-377 (Nathan Lyon, 114.3 ov),

9-378 (Scott Boland, 115.3 ov),

10-386 (Pat Cummins, 116.1 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Stuart Broad 23-4-68-3

Ollie Robinson 22.1-5-55-3

James Anderson 21-5-53-1

Harry Brook 3-1-5-0

Moeen Ali 33-4-147-2

Ben Stokes 7-0-33-1

Joe Root 7-3-15-0

England 2nd Innings

Zak Crawley c †Carey b Boland 7

Ben Duckett c Green

b Cummins 19

Ollie Pope not out 0

Joe Root not out 0

Extras (lb 2) 2

TOTAL 10.3 Ov (RR: 2.66) 28/2

Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Ben Duckett, 8.4 ov), 2-27 (Zak Crawley, 9.1 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Pat Cummins 5.3-1-9-1

Josh Hazlewood 2-0-10-0

Nathan Lyon 1-0-6-0

Scott Boland 2-1-1-1

worked over by Boland in the previous over, twice struck on the pad by good length balls that nipped in off the seam. He was forced to play at the first ball of the next over, drawn forward to defend another in-ducker, and his thin edge flew through to Alex Carey.

For the first time in the Test match, Australia's bowlers were protagonists. It was a stark contrast to the final stages of play before lunch, when the same players had subsided meekly to give England a seven-run first-innings lead. Australia's innings had finished with a collapse of four wickets for 14 runs, as Ben Stokes set increasingly funky fields as if to see whether the lower order would manage to pick them out.

They had duly obliged: Nathan Lyon pulled Ollie Robinson straight to deep backward square leg, Boland fended Stuart Broad's bouncer to silly point, and Cummins mowed Robinson down the throat of Stokes himself at deep midwicket. It felt like a waste of the work that Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey had done in adding 118 runs across two days to trim the deficit.

Carey offered England a chance in the first over of the day, inside-edging James Anderson's inswinger through to Jonny

Bairstow as he shaped to drive through cover. But Bairstow's difficult return to Test wicketkeeping duties continued: he dived low to his right, only to put the catch down.

Carey edged Anderson for four in his next over, then peeled off two in a row with a cut and a flick; but fell straight after, when Anderson's wobble-seam ball nipped in from a good length, beating Carey on the inside edge and pinging into the top of the stumps.

Moeen Ali's 36th birthday celebrations started with the news that he had been fined 25% of his match fee for spraying a "drying agent" on his bowl-

ing hand, and it quickly became apparent that a workload of 29 overs in his first day of red-ball cricket in 21 months had taken its toll on his spinning finger.

He was thumped down the ground for six by Khawaja in his first over of the day, and let two full tosses slip to Cummins, who clobbered the second one over midwicket.

Cummins slammed a second six down the ground three balls later, but Australia were dried up by England's short-ball ploy, as Moeen left the field and the seamers returned.

Stokes set a subcontinent-style field for Khawaja, first deploying

four short midwickets, and then the close catchers in front of the wicket on either side of the ground. Khawaja skipped down, trying to squeeze the ball through point, but only managed to york himself; Robinson gave him a sendoff, but Khawaja wandered off to a standing ovation.

Crawley and Duckett made a busy start after lunch, ticking over the strike, with Duckett deftly paddling Lyon for a single boundary before the showers started. The rain cleared up just enough for a quick burst under dark skies; England quickly wished it hadn't. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Shemar Britton qualifies for Pan American Games 2023

Guyana’s current highest internationally-ranked male table tennis player, Shemar Britton, has qualified for the 2023 Pan America Games to be held in Santiago, Chile.

Britton, who was seeded among the 10 players contesting the Pan American Games Special Qualification Women’s Singles competition in Lima, Peru, got a bye in the Round-of-16 of the first round of knockouts.

He lost to Julian Ramos

of Colombia by the margin of 4-2 in some keenly contested matches. He then bounced back in round two of the knockouts, by defeat -

ing DeAndre Calderon of St Lucia 4-1 to advance to the qualifying match; and again he faced Ramos, who took him to the brink, requiring a match point at 10-9 in the 7th set. Britton prevailed with a forehand loop into the backhand of Ramos, and fell to his knees in a release of emotions.

Britton will now shift his attention to preparation and participation in the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador, beginning on June 23.

Shemar Britton

It was a high-intensity short session of play from Australia between two rain breaks on the third afternoon Usman Khawaja got a pat from Joe Root as he walked off after making 141

Robin Persaud crowned Masters champion of National Cycling Championships

Team Evolution’s veteran cyclist Robin Persaud has emerged as champion of the Masters category of the National Cycling Championships, having stopped the clock at two hours, 33 minutes and 17 seconds.

Rainy conditions attending the event did not prevent the masters

from showcasing their skills in a contest that commenced at Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown and raced all the way to the Half-Way Tree at Perseverance, Mahaicony, ECD, before returning to the point of origin for its finish, where Persaud outsprint Alexis Mendes in a thrilling finish. During the race there

Hinterland football teams continue to score big

was a breakaway of four riders: Robin Persaud and teammate Seagun Hubbard of Team KFC Evolution, and Kwame Ridley and teammate Alexis Mendes of Team Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club; but as the race progressed, Robin Persaud and Alexis Mendes rode away, leaving their teammates behind. Paul

Chooweenam, who was in pursuit, eventually caught Ridley and Hubbard.

In the end, Team Evolution rider Robin Persaud outsprinted Alexis Mendes to the finish, to become the National Champion in the Master’s category of Guyana's National Cycling Championships.

The National Time Trials will be hosted on Saturday June 24, and the Elite Race will pedal off on June 25.

The top five Masters are:

1st Robin Persaud

2nd Alexis Mendes

3rd Kwame Ridley 4th Paul Chooweenam

5th Seagun Hubbard

All roads lead to Kennard's Memorial Turf Club for Caricom Day horse meet

Hinterland teams have pulled off some remarkable performances in all core sports areas, and have contributed some local talent towards the national selection of athletes.

Lethem has produced two of Guyana’s future senior athletes in football: like Caio Paul, who represented Guyana on the national stage against Suriname; and Matrim Martin, a member of the Slingers Football Club, who represented Guyana at the U16 UEFA Tournament

School in Region 1 kicked their way to becoming champions of the Milo Under-18 Schools Football Championships without losing any game, and drawing one.

The team was also voted the most disciplined team in that tournament, while their players Vansluytman and Enrique Williams won the Most Valuable Player and Best Goal Keeper accolades respectively, and the 13 goals scored by Daniels were the most for the tournament.

In addition, Annai

Rentals-sponsored U-13 Cup Championship organized by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Rupununi copped the third place with a 3-1 victory over powerhouse Georgetown Academy. Joao Hamlet of Rupununi scored 10 goals and received the Golden Boot.

Waramuri Top Primary, on their debut performance, amazed spectators, with the Girls topping President’s College 4-1 in the female final to cop the title. The Boys came up short in the final,

The Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) at Bush Lot Farm in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) is all set for the annual Caricom Day horse meet set for Monday, July 3, 2023.

event, will bag $350,000.

The top horse in the six-furlong race for the three-year-old maiden horses will bag $250,000 and a trophy.

in Moldova, the U17 Concacaf QUALIFIERS in 2022, and the Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship in Guatemala.

Martin has managed to acquire a scholarship at the Chase’s Academics Foundation by representing District 11 in the 800M event in the U-18 category with a time of 2:04.7.

Santa Rosa Secondary

Secondary School won the KFC Goodwill Under-18 School Football tournament in 2019 by defeating former champions Lodge Secondary. Junior Rodrigues and Niai Mohammad, the tournament's Most Valuable Player, scored the game-defining goals.

After a fantastic performance in the Tiger

losing 4-0 to Bartica, but securing the runner-up position.

Waramuri accomplished many accolades, with Mechelle Williams securing the Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player(MVP), and Devanie Thomas securing the Best Goalkeeper and The Most Disciplined award of the female divisions.

Seven races are on the day’s card, and in excess of $4 million in cash, trophies, and other prizes are up for grabs. According to the programme, the feature event is for horses classified F & Lower, and will be contested over seven furlongs. The top horse will bag half a million Guyana dollars and a trophy.

Other races listed on the card are: the G3 NonEarners and Lower; L Open; Two-year-old Guyanabred; J1 and Lower; threeyear-old maiden; and K & L Non-Earners (Lifetime).

The top horse in the race for the G3 Non-Earners and Lower, a six-furlong

The Guyana-bred twoyear-old horses will be running over five furlongs for a winner’s purse of $250,000 and a trophy.

The six-furlong race for L Class Open horses has a winning purse of $200,000.

The meet will be conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. For racing enquires and entrees, persons are invited to contact Club Secretary Niketa Ross (662-4668); Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316); Basil Bactowar (661-7815); Fazal Habibulla (6577010); or Isaac Dalloo (6890629); or any executive member of the KMTC for more information.

Seven races are on the card for the Caricom Day meet

Santa Rosa receiving the first-place trophy of the 2023 Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football Tournament

Waramuri Girls receiving the first-place trophy

Guyana outlast Grenada in penalties to reach 2nd round

In the final match of the night at the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami, USA, Guyana defeated Grenada 5-3 on penalties to advance to the second round of the Gold Cup Prelims, and move within one game of qualifying for the Gold Cup group stage for the second time ever.

The Golden Jaguars’ first big chance in the contest came in the 17th minute, when a handball by Grenada’s Mackell Gannes led to a penalty being awarded, but Neil Danns was denied by Grenada GK Reice Charles-Cook.

While a saved penalty usually generates a lot of momentum for the defending side, Guyana immediate-

ly responded with a cracker of a goal. In the 22nd minute, Omari Glasgow launched one into the side netting from well outside the penalty area to give the Golden Jaguars the lead.

The 19-year-old scored three times for Guyana in the most recent edition of the Nations League, and continues to prove himself as one of the best young forwards in the region.

Grenada hit back in the 60th minute, thanks to Jacob Berkeley Agyepong’s fantastic run into the box. Goalscorer Kairo Mitchell barely had to do anything other than let Agyepong’s cross bank off his boot into the net.

The remaining third of the

game saw neither team able to muster an additional goal, so the game proceeded to penalties.

Both sides traded off taking excellent spot kicks, and after three rounds, it was knotted at 3-3. In the fourth round, Guyana created some separation when GK Kai McKenzie-Lyle reached back to stop Agyepong’s penalty.

Daniel Wilson then stepped up to drill the decisive shot and give the Golden Jaguars a 5-3 shootout victory. Guyana will now have a few days to get ready for their clash with Guadeloupe on Tuesday, with a place in Group D up for grabs. (Concacaf)

West Indies cruise past USA despite Gajanand's century

West Indies left no doubt as to who is the big brother in the Americas region, coasting past USA in the first ever ODI between the sides, in what was also the first ever ODI staged at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.

USA were competitive in fits and spurts, but lacked the nous and stamina to maintain pressure for lengthy periods. This became evident early in the first innings after new-ball bowlers Saurabh

SCOREBOARD

West Indies (50 ovs maximum)

Brandon King c Singh

b Netravalkar 0

Kyle Mayers b Phillip 2

Johnson Charles c

Netravalkar b Taylor 66

Shai Hope (c)† c Shayan

Jahangir b Kenjige 54

Nicholas Pooran c Shayan

Jahangir b Taylor 43

Roston Chase c Kenjige

b Netravalkar 55

Rovman Powell c Singh b Taylor 0

Jason Holder c Aaron

Jones b Phillip 56

Keemo Paul c Singh

b Netravalkar 4

Alzarri Joseph c Taylor b Phillip 3

Akeal Hosein not out 1

Extras (b 1, lb 1, nb 1, w 10) 13

TOTAL 49.3 Ov (RR: 6.00) 297

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Brandon King, 2.1 ov), 2-14 (Kyle Mayers, 5.4 ov), 3-129 (Shai Hope, 26.4 ov), 4-137 (Johnson Charles, 27.3 ov), 5-192 (Nicholas Pooran, 35.5 ov), 6-192 (Rovman Powell, 35.6 ov), 7-266 (Roston Chase, 45.2 ov), 8-286 (Keemo Paul, 47.3 ov), 9-295 (Jason Holder, 49.1 ov), 10-297 (Alzarri Joseph, 49.3 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Saurabh Netravalkar 10-1-53-3

Kyle Phillip 9.3-1-56-3

Jessy Singh 10-0-76-0

Nosthush Kenjige 10-0-44-1

Aaron Jones 2-0-13-0

Steven Taylor 8-0-53-3

United States Of America (T: 298 runs from 50 ovs)

Steven Taylor c † Hope b Mayers 18

Sushant Modani c Paul b Holder 14

Monank Patel (c)†

c Chase b Mayers 6

Aaron Jones run out (Chase/Paul/†Hope) 23

Saiteja Mukkamalla c †

Hope b Joseph 0

Gajanand Singh not out 101

Shayan Jahangir

c Paul b Joseph 39

Jessy Singh c Holder b Chase 6

Nosthush Kenjige not out 34

Extras (lb 4, w 13) 17

TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 5.16) 258/7

Did not bat: Kyle Phillip,

Saurabh Netravalkar

Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Sushant

Modani, 7.5 ov), 2-35 (Steven Taylor, 8.3 ov), 3-54 (Monank

Patel, 12.5 ov), 4-55 (Saiteja

Mukkamalla, 13.4 ov), 5-97 (Aaron Jones, 20.1 ov), 6-155 (Shayan Jahangir, 33.6 ov), 7-182 (Jessy Singh, 39.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Keemo Paul 6-0-23-0

Jason Holder 8-0-36-1

Kyle Mayers 6-0-30-2

Alzarri Joseph 10-0-68-2

Akeal Hosein 10-2-38-0

Roston Chase 10-0-59-1

Netravalkar and Kyle Phillip began with consecutive maidens, before two wickets across the next four overs pinned West Indies down at 14 for 2.

But a 115-run partnership between Johnson Charles and Shai Hope which ensued highlighted how badly USA missed key strike weapon Ali Khan, who was forced to sit out while serving the first of a two-match ban.

USA's fielding effort also did not compensate for Khan's absence, as four fairly straightforward chances were shelled across the innings. The first came when Charles was on 12 in the eighth over. A topedged heave against Phillip swirled behind slip, where Steven Taylor was unable to corral a juggling effort and allowed Charles to topscore.

However, West Indies left the door ajar for USA to stay in the match with some self-inflicted wounds. The century stand ended when Hope, on 54, played a reckless one-handed slap

to sweeper cover to gift a wicket to left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige. With left-hand batter Nicholas Pooran arriving, Steven Taylor was brought on to bowl offspin, and he wound up bagging not just Pooran but two right-hand batters as well - Charles and Rovman Powell to a golden duck - all caught playing overeager shots as West Indies tried to continue bullying their Associate opposition.

But at 192 for 6 after 36 overs, USA's sloppy fielding reared its ugly head again, and they committed three drops across the 44th and 45th overs. Holder got two lives on 24 and 27, and he stayed until the final over to forge a momentum-shifting 56 off 40 balls. His late burst meant 297 was plenty to defend, and was deemed vital enough to garner Player-ofthe-Match honours.

USA got off to a modest start in the chase, reaching 35 in the eighth over before the wheels fell off. Sushant

Modani fell for 14 slashing Holder to deep third, before Taylor's impetuous charge down the pitch four balls later to Kyle Mayers resulted in an edge behind for 18 to a ball that seamed away.

USA captain Monank Patel became Mayers's second victim four overs later, for 6, when he sliced a drive that was intercepted brilliantly by Roston Chase, who reached up at backward point. It was a moment that once again highlighted the gulf in fielding quality between the two sides.

Saiteja Mukkamalla fell for a three-ball duck, having been strangled down the leg side by Joseph in the following over, before Aaron Jones was run out dramatically as both he and Gajanand Singh ended

up at the non-striker's end after Jones attempted to dab a single behind point, to make it 97 for 5.

With 201 runs still to get across the final 30 overs, USA showed little intent for the remainder of play. Gajanand, who once represented West Indies at the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, lasted to the end, to bring up his maiden ODI century, providing a silver lining to the day for USA, while also mitigating their net run rate hit in case the tiebreaker comes into play later on.

He celebrated his century in emotional fashion, with his helmet off and arms aloft. "I did it for my father," Gajanand told ESPNcricinfo afterwards. "I was very emotional, because he passed away when I made my ODI debut two years ago. It meant a lot to me." (ESPN Cricinfo)

Omari Glasgow scored a wonder goal to give Guyana the lead

Shai Hope scored a fine fifty

Johnson Charles

USA celebrating a wicket

Gajanand Singh