Guyana Times - Monday, September 11, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, Sep 11 – 02:00h – 03:30h and Tuesday, Sep 12 – 02:30h – 04:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, Sep 11 – 14:45h – 16:15h and Tuesday, Sep 12 – 15:20h – 16:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies and light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 25 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 14:39h reaching a maximum height of 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 08:07h and 20:27h reaching minimum heights of 1.0 metre and 1.4 metre.

We will keep investing to make sugar viable – Pres Ali

...Govt, sugar workers reviewing working days ...calls out Opposition on “open banditry” after destroying sector

With the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government having injected over $17 billion into the sugar industry and currently supporting close to 8000 workers, President Dr Irfaan Ali reiterated that his Administration will continue to invest in the sector to bring it up to viability.

Between 2016 and 2017, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime closed several estates across Guyana – an action that displaced more than 7000 sugar workers, who were not only without jobs but who had no means to support their families and contribute to their village as well as the national economy.

However, since assuming office in August 2020, the PPP/C Government has undertaken a slew of measures to revive the sugar sector and rehired some 2000 of those dismissed workers. According to President Ali, there are currently some 8000 sugar workers employed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) who would’ve otherwise also been on the breadline had the coalition regime remained in office.

“If we were not in Government, this would’ve been 8000 families on the breadline. Let the 8000 employees of GuySuCo understand this. If we were not in Government, they would’ve been on the breadline. The community despair would’ve been there but we have brought [them] back. And we intend to keep it, to keep

investing and make sugar viable,” the Head of State assured during a press conference on Saturday morning at State House.

The APNU/AFC Administration downsized the sugar industry by closing the Wales Estate on the West Bank of Demerara and the Enmore Estate on the East Coast of Demerara as well as the Skeldon Estate and the Rose Hall Estate – both in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The PPP/C has promised in its manifesto to revive sugar and reopen these estates.

However, after it was found that the assets at Wales Estate were sold out by the previous regime, the PPP/C Government announced plans to establish a Development Authority, where several major industrial operations would be undertaken. Similarly, the Enmore Sugar Estate is also being transformed into an industrial area.

Rose Hall Estate reopening

On the other hand, efforts

are already on the way to reopen the Rose Hall Estate later this month.

According to President Ali, the Government has plugged some $8.8 billion into the reopening and employed 1300 persons. He added that there is currently a vacan-

In an effort to fill these vacancies, GuySuCo has attempted to transfer some workers from the Albion and Blairmont Estates to Rose Hall. These workers were previously employed at the Rose Hall Estate before it was shut down by the coalition and were transferred to those two estates, where they remained employed by GuySuCo.

However, these efforts to have them returned to Rose Hall ahead of the opening sparked weeks-long strike action but even after the transfer was called off by the sugar corporation, the protest continued – with the focus turned to severance pay. They were being supported by several Opposition officials including AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan.

But the Government maintained that since these workers were not retrenched, they are not entitled to any severance pay.

President Ali on Saturday used to opportunity to call out the Opposition on its duplicity when it comes to the sugar industry and its workers. He reminded that Ramjattan was part of the coalition Administration that destroyed the sugar industry while in office.

cy for an additional 600 cane harvesters at the estate.

“So, not only are we bringing back those who were fired, but we are opening up more [employment] opportunities,” the Head of State posited.

“Those who are masquerading around as promoters and defenders of the sugar workers are masked in their banditry of destroying the industry… These are the openmasked individuals who stood in Parliament and criticised our defence of this industry and keeping this industry alive.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

Editor: Tusika Martin

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

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

Compromise and democracy

In the stubborn refusal of the Opposition Leader to initiate discussions with President Ali, advice by political scientists Amy Gutman and Dennis Thompson from their “The Spirit of Compromise: Why Governing Demands It and Campaigning Undermines It” is salutary. “If politics is the art of the possible, then compromise is the artistry of democracy. Unless one partisan ideology holds sway over all branches of government, compromise is necessary to govern for the benefit of all citizens. A rejection of compromise biases politics in favour of the status quo, even when the rejection risks a crisis.

In an era characterised by the permanent campaign, the balance in democratic governing needs to shift more toward the compromising mindset and the promotion of political compromises that it makes possible. Our defence of compromise in democratic governance is consistent with – indeed requires – a vigorous and often contentious politics in which citizens press strongly-held principles and mobilise in support of boldlyproclaimed causes; social movements, political demonstrations, and activist organisations are among the significant sites of this kind of politics. The citizens who participate in these activities play important roles in democracy.

But their efforts would be in vain if the democratic process of governance did not produce the public benefits that citizens seek, and protect the rights that they cherish. The success of democratic politics ultimately depends on how our elected leaders govern –and, therefore, inevitably on their attitudes toward compromise.

In general, compromise is an agreement in which all sides sacrifice something in order to improve the status quo from their perspective, and in which the sacrifices are at least partly determined by the other side’s will. The sacrifice involves not merely getting less than you want, but also, thanks to your opponents, getting less than you think you deserve. The sacrifice typically involves trimming your principles. We call these defining characteristics of compromise “mutual sacrifice and wilful opposition”.

Although many kinds of compromise share these characteristics, legislative compromises –agreements that produce laws – do not always function in the same way as the kinds that are more commonly discussed, such as compromises to avert a war or create peace in international politics or compromises to conclude deals in commercial transactions.

Unlike major international compromises, legislative bargains are not negotiated with an ultimate threat of force in the background (though sometimes legislators…act as if electoral death is the end of the world). Unlike common commercial deals, the bargains struck by legislators are not primarily financial. Legislative compromises usually implicate principles as well as material interests.

The character of legislative compromise is shaped by its distinctive democratic and institutional context. It takes place in an ongoing institution in which the members have responsibilities to constituents and their political parties, maintain continuing relationships with one another, and deal concurrently with a wide range of issues that have multiple parts and long-range effects. the dynamics of negotiation in these circumstances differ from the patterns found in the two-agent, one-time interactions that are more common in most discussions of compromise.

Within the arena of legislative compromises, we need to distinguish between what may be called classic compromises and other consensual agreements. Classic compromises express an underlying and continuing conflict of values: the disagreements among the parties are embodied in the compromise itself. Other consensual compromises are based on an underlying convergence of values or what is often called “common ground”. These agreements set aside the original disagreement and conclude in a complete consensus.

Some advocates of consensus see it as a way to promote the value of community. Still, others believe that it is more likely to produce the best laws and policies. All in effect urge politicians to base legislation on common ground shared not only between ideologically-opposed parties but also among most citizens who do not have highly developed political ideologies. All citizens want a better life for themselves and their children; all want security, decent health care, a good education, and the like. The hope seems to be that a consensus would form on this common ground.

But the common ground is more barren than the possibilities for basing legislation on might suggest.

PPP/C Govt must be commended for Guyana’s economic performance

Dear Editor,

It was refreshing to hear about the economy's performance for the first half of 2023 from President Dr Irfaan Ali at his press conference on September 9, 2023. After being starved of this type of news for five years prior to his assumption of office in 2020, the citizens must be elated to learn that the economy is not only propelled by the new oil and gas sector but the traditional sectors as well.

At the most recent press conference, the President announced that the economy grew by 59.5 per cent during the first six months of 2023. Even more remarkable is the 7.6 per cent expansion in the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector, which the APNU/AFC Government systematically destroyed between 2015 and 2020. Every industry in this sector reported robust growth for the first time in over a decade.

The sugar industry, which was singled out for particularly cruel treatment by the uncaring and myopic APNU/AFC Government, and which as subsequence was received by the Ali Government in a totally decimated and ruined state, has risen

like the mythical phoenix, from the ashes to register a mammoth 30.1 per cent growth.

This achievement must be considered nothing short of spectacular, as this turnaround has happened in as little as three years. The forestry sector, which the APNU/AFC Government crippled with burdensome taxes on machinery and equipment, posted an impressive increase of 4.5 per cent during the first half of this year. Meanwhile, after being buried in punishing land rentals, denied appropriate drainage and irrigation (D&I), and starved of international markets, the rice industry grew by 3.2 per cent during the corresponding period. The other crops, livestock, and fishing sub-sectors also increased by 9.4 per cent, 4.7 per cent, and 9.9 per cent, respectively for the first half of 2023, and all of this is occurring even as the nascent oil and gas sector continues to boom.

The performance of these industries is not accidental or based on ‘good luck’ but due to deliberate policies and initiatives pursued by President Ali’s Government. The strong performance of the sugar industry may be attribut -

ed to the investment made by the Government to reopen and capitalise on the shuttered estates and the reversal of the punishing taxes on machinery and equipment used in the forestry industry, which contributed massively to its sterling performance.

Meanwhile, the investment by the Government in D&I infrastructure, the rolling back of the debilitating land rental, access to seven new markets for rice, and the provision of fiscal incentives, are all responsible for the remarkable performance of the rice industry.

Editor, the growth in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors is beyond commendable for several reasons. This sector is labour-intensive and sustains citizens from many rural and often poor communities. Growth in the sector means more jobs and income for citizens, especially those in rural areas who rely on farming, livestock, fishing, and logging to make a living. Aside from the labour and income benefits of vibrant agriculture in these rural areas, it also serves as a direct food source, for the many farming households in those rural communities.

The sector's strong performance is a clear signal that the Government is serious about strengthening our traditional industries and diversifying the economic base of our country. With a more diversified economy, Guyana is becoming more resilient to external shocks; something successive PPP/C Governments have made a priority, while the obviously clueless APNU/AFC, have only paid lip service to, during their deservedly brief sojourn.

The growth in this sector is also irrefutable evidence that the policies and initiatives implemented by the Government are bearing fruit and, once sustained, will make our country even more food secure, and establish us as the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

Editor, with your permission, I wish to commend President Ali and his team for fulfilling the PPP/C’s manifesto promise to ‘Rescue Our Productive Sector’ by pursuing a development vision the President described as ‘structural, pragmatic and in service to the people’ rather than ideological.

With regards, Kevin

Persaud

Sixteen-year-old Akeelah Andrew of Christ Church Secondary was on Saturday evening crowned Miss Guyana Teen Scholar 2023 when the pageant was hosted at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). In the first runner-up spot was 18-year-old Adana Dorrick of Cummings Lodge Secondary and 17-year-old Kristie Rambharat of Uitvlugt Secondary School copped the second runner-up spot

Batavia to invest carbon credit funds in tourism, other ventures – Toshao

...as village collaborates with neighbouring communities

The Region Seven

(Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

village of Batavia is home to much tourism potential and according to the Toshao, Orin Williams, the village is putting its carbon credit allocation towards developing its tourism products.

Batavia was among the over 240 Indigenous villages that received a share from the $4.7 billion (US$22.5 million), which is 15 per cent of the US$150 million initial payments from the sale of Guyana’s forest carbon credits to Hess Corporation. In an exclusive interview with this publication, Williams spoke of how the money is being spent.

“Now that we’re actually working on our ten-year village plan, at the first stage, we’re now preparing major projects. We’re doing projects presently to put the village into the first phase of establishing a tourist resort,” the village leader

said. “An eco-tourism site within our village here. With the neighbouring communities, we can all join together. Because close to my village is the White Water resort, which is very close to Bartica. So, by working together with them also, it can even make things easier for people to enter into the village.”

When it comes to tourism potential, Williams pointed to the waterfalls at Batavia,

which include the Five Star Falls and the Small Matope Falls. In addition, Batavia also teems with wildlife, including the majestic Harpy Eagle. He also noted the extensive forests surrounding the village, offering an eco-tourist the experience of a lifetime.

“With the carbon credit funds we’re having; we want to invest in tourism. Bring people here. Because we know we have the potential… we received $24 million. We’re now in the second phase. It really helped my village to move from one stage to another.”

“With the new projects that are already complete, like bridges, roads, we’re now venturing into lighting, electrical system within the village, housing. Some of the things we have done is to enhance education within my village.”

This includes providing transportation for the school children and setting

up boathouses for the children to be comfortable while they wait for the school boat. The village also intends to rehouse some residents who live in the low-lying areas close to the river. There are also plans to im-

The lawlessness at the Route 45 minibus park

Dear Editor,

I recently started driving a bus on Route 45 after regular work hours to earn some extra money to support my family. A major challenge with the Route 45 park is that sections of it are completely taken over and overrun by vendors, North of Demico, with some vendors and customers parking their vehicles directly where the Route 45 buses go to pick up passengers in front of Stabroek Market itself, completely blocking up the entrance to the 45 bus park and forcing the Route 45 buses to block the carriageway around that area as they are now forced to join the line on the road itself, versus where the vendors and their customers’ cars block up the Route 45 entrance.

This apparently happens in the afternoons/evenings. While I understand that vendors are hustling to make a living, they cannot agree to block up the public transport system in what is probably the most congested area in Guyana. They are encouraged to see bus drivers and passengers trying to get where they are going every day. They simply cannot, and it is unacceptable to occupy and become a public nuisance on

the Route 45 bus park, or for that matter any other bus park. Please use discretion and consideration of others and the public interest when choosing a spot to sell. The basic rule is if you are offending someone where you sell, you shouldn’t be there. Ask the Town Clerk of the Mayor and City Council for advice.

While I am familiar with the touts on this route, I was taken aback by one who was brazen enough to give me a well-articulated script on his opinion of the ‘system’ on the Route 45 park, even detailing that on Mondays through Fridays touts have to be paid $120 or above for every bus loaded (up from $100), and $200 on Saturdays (the Police advised that touts have no right or authority to be paid, so to pay them is to encourage racketeering in its most basic form. Touts are a notorious public nuisance whose existence continues to extract tremendous taxes on both drivers and passengers on a daily basis). As if this was not enough, he went on to explain that only certain buses could work “after-hours” (whatever that time happened to be) and that I could not. This is a ‘tout,’ someone of no good repute, tell-

ing a driver, hustling to balance his family budget, of a bus owned by someone who invested millions into putting it on the road to earn money for his family also, that he, an unregulated nobody, was not allowing me to drive in accordance with the laws of Guyana to earn an income, and further that he ‘laid out the rules’ for me, that he ‘runs things,’ and that he was denying the owner of the bus also, an income from his investment. Later Saturday evening around 8 o’clock while I was in the line in the park, he appeared at the driver's side of my bus and reiterated that he meant what he said, that I couldn’t pick up passengers on the park.

Some other bus drivers and some car drivers working with him arranged their vehicles so that I was ultimately forced out of the line. This particular tout is someone Police would do well to have a conversation with since in addition to his apparent assertion of an organised racket on the Route 45 bus park, he also intimated a few days earlier in a public dialogue on the park that he liked boys. The Police and Child Welfare should be interested to find out who those boys are and what he was

having them do to satisfy his sexual appetite.

Following on the heels of my run-in with that tout Saturday night, I was greeted by a group of Route 45 bus drivers who were apparently in league with the tout, who together orchestrated their buses to keep me from loading passengers.

One particular bus driver, BKK 4233, was apparently coordinating the other bus drivers and apparently had no regard for the Police, even after I returned to tell them that I had reported the matter to the Traffic Department at Brickdam, and that I preferred not to create problems with the Police for them to take away from them earning an income. He told me that I would have to get off the Route 45 zone, and continued to direct the other bus drivers to block me from picking up passengers. I would encourage the Police to get deeper down into the racket orchestrated by this driver and identify and investigate all the touts harassing both bus drivers and passengers on the Route 45 bus park.

“Water is something we’re suffering from because the Cuyuni River is presently, especially in the dry season, polluted because of mining. And we don’t have potable water in the village presently.”

“Next year the Government will be setting up a potable water system in the village. And I’m very happy about that. And I have a lot of confidence in my Government. They are a Government of their word. And I know this will happen for us next year,” the Toshao said. (G-3)

Yours faithfully, Craig

Sylvester

Batavia Toshao Orin Williams

The Batavia Village plement river defence systems, since erosion is a bugbear for the villagers.

Module Test 4

BY HARRIET MONROE

For lo! the living God doth bare his arm. No more he makes his house of clouds and gloom. Lightly the shuttles move within his loom; Unveiled his thunder leaps to meet the storm. From God’s right hand man takes the powers that sway A universe of stars. He bows them down ; he bids them go or stay ; He tames them for his wars. He scans the burning paces of the sun, And names the invisible orbs whose courses run Through the dim deeps of space. He sees in dew upon a rose impearled The swarming legions of a monad world Begin life's upward race. Voices of hope he hears Long dumb to his despair, And dreams of golden years Meet for a world so fair.

For now Democracy doth wake and rise

From the sweet sloth of youth. By storms made strong, by many dreams made wise, He clasps the hand of Truth. Through the armed nations lies his path of peace, The open book of knowledge in his hand. Food to the starving, to the oppressed release, And love to all he bears from land to land. Before his march the barriers fall, The laws grow gentle at his call. His glowing breath blows far away The fogs that veil the coming day — That wondrous day

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate carbon dioxide by making corn dance.

Materials:

Clear carbonated soda like Sprite

Popcorn kernels

Water

Two clear cups

Instructions: Fill one of the cups with water. Fill the other cup with clear soda. Now put several popcorn kernels in each cup and observe what happens.

How it works:

The carbon dioxide in the soda attaches to the popcorn kernels. The gas then carries the popcorn kernels to the surface of the soda. The carbon

dioxide bubbles pop when they reach the surface and the popcorn kernels sink back towards the bottom. The popcorn kernels begin collecting more carbon dioxide bubbles and the process starts over again. This make the corn appear to dance.

Make this a science project: Try different types of soda. Try different items like raisins and small candies. Try different temperatures of soda. (sciencefun.org)

When earth shall sing as through the blue she rolls Laden with joy for all her thronging souls. Then shall Want's call to Sin resound no more Across her teeming fields. And Pain shall sleep, Soothed by brave Science with her magic lore, And War no more shall bid the nations weep. Then the worn chains shall slip from man’s desire, And ever higher and higher His swift foot shall aspire; Still deeper and more deep His soul its watch shall keep, Till Love shall make the world a holy place, Where Knowledge dares unveil God’s very face.

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

Central Govt rakes in $280.1B in 1st half of 2023 in revenue collection

– total revenue for 2023 projected at $608.8B

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has collected a whopping $280.1 billion in revenues for the first half of 2023 with a projected $608.8 billion by year-end.

According to the recent Mid-Year Report issued by the Finance Ministry, the $280.1 billion collected was a result of continued strong economic performance across the various sectors. The first category of revenue is the Central Government’s current revenue.

Current revenue includes revenue from the Guyana REDD + Investment Fund (GRIF), the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), and carbon credit inflows, all of which amounted to $191.4 billion. According to the report, this reflects a growth of 26.5 per cent.

Withdrawals from the NRF contributed $83.2 billion to total revenue, while $4.7 billion was deposited from carbon credit inflows as of the end of June 2023. In the second half of the year, the report projects that

$125.2 billion will be withdrawn from the NRF and an additional $26.5 billion will be deposited from carbon credit inflows.

“This performance can be credited to increases within several revenue categories. Tax revenue collections, which accounted for the larger share, grew by $36.7 billion, mainly on account of higher collections of income and value-added taxes. Non-tax revenue collections also increased by $3.4 billion, reflecting growth in the private sector and Bank of Guyana (BOG) profits,” the report stated.

However, internal revenue collections amounted to $117.3 billion for the first half of the year, an increase of 32.4 per cent compared to 2022. The report attributed this to improved private and public sector performances, with private sector corporation tax increasing by $9.9 billion and public sector revenue increasing by $1.2 billion compared to last year.

“This performance is attributed to increased collections from private compa-

nies in oil and gas, wholesale and retail trade, and financial and insurance sectors. Further, increased revenue collections of $7.7 billion or 28.6 per cent were recorded from personal income taxes and $7 billion or 30.8 per cent for withholding taxes, driven by improved collections from the oil and gas sector.”

“Value-added and excise tax collections in the first half of the year increased to $49 billion, 13.5 percent over the corresponding period for 2022. Collections from imported goods and services grew by $2 billion due to higher demand for items such as boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances.”

In contrast, however, excise tax collections decreased by $239.6 billion. This can be linked to the zero-rating of the excise tax rate for petroleum products, which took effect on March 23, 2022, combined with reduced collections from tobacco products and alcoholic beverage imports. The zero-rating of excise tax on oil is one of the measures the Government

took to address cost of living concerns.

“In the first half of 2023, collections of customs and trade taxes totalled $15.5 billion, reflecting growth of 16.1 per cent over the corresponding period in 2022. Import duty collections, which accounted for 87.5 per cent of the total share, recorded an increase of $2 billion. Higher imports of food and beverages, vehicles, parts, and accessories and min-

We will keep investing to....

“Today, after raiding the workers, their life and their livelihood, they have the audacity, I can't use integrity... to claim love for the workers. It is what I term open banditry… We have to be far more serious about our lives and our livelihood than to accept this level of deception and dishonour, because that is what it is, and we have to call it for what it is. It is deception and dishonour,” the Head of State asserted.

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that the Government is already rehiring workers for a scaled down reopening of the Skeldon Estate. During a recent outreach in Region Six, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed that about 30 per cent of workers have been rehired at the Skeldon Factory.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told a local newspaper last month that those workers were taken on to prepare the estate for opening to produce sugar at a small scale. He explained that the Government is looking to diversify operations at that estate and is looking to work with farmers to develop the 30,000 acres of land there in order to generate more revenue.

During Saturday’s press conference, President Ali pointed out that the opening of these sugar estates is not only benefitting those re-employed workers but by extension their families, communi-

ties and the nation.

“When the sugar estates were closed, many of these areas were ghost towns. I was one of the persons who marched across this country, for sugar workers and for the sugar industry… You now have close to 8000 persons employed in the sugar industry and their families, by extension, they’re spending in the community which adds the community's disposable income. GuySuCo also invests in drainage and irrigation in different areas that they're in. They invest in community services including recreation facilities, and clinics. So, it is an integral part of our village economy, our community and our regional economy. So, the improvement of the sugar sector and the expansion of the sugar sector is not only critical at a household level and the community level but it is important at the macro level too,” he stated.

Industry growth & consultations

The Guyanese leader further disclosed during the press conference that the sugar industry grew by 30.1 per cent in the first half of 2023 when compared to the corresponding period last year. He reaffirmed the PPP/C’s full commitment to the revival of the sugar sector and its integration into the regional and national economies.

“We have to ensure that we rebuild the industry to

be sustainable, to be resilient and to be competitive. And that is what we’re working on. So, the mechanisation, the use of technology, and also the improvement in yield and variety that we're using are key components of all this – the agri part of the business also,” he posited.

Additionally, as the Government works with GuySuCo to ensure the viability of the industry, the Head of state disclosed their ongoing consultations with the sugar workers on raising the number of minimum working days.

Under the Collective Labour Agreement between GuySuCo and the labour unions, sugar workers are guaranteed a minimum of four working days per week – something which they want to increase now.

“They're asking for [an increase in the] minimum number of work days; five at some estates, and six [at others]. And this is a conversation that is ongoing with our sugar workers so that together, we can find that common solution,” the President noted.

Meanwhile, GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Sasenarine Singh, told Guyana Times that they are in constant engagement with the unions representing sugar workers, meeting every month to discuss a wide range of issues.

“We are listening to what the unions are saying and

eral fuels and mineral oils were among the commodities that contributed to this outcome.”

With these developments, total revenues for 2023 are now projected at $608.8 billion. The report explains, however, that fluctuations in the prices of imported commodities can impact local demand for these commodities, and in turn tax revenues, particularly, value added tax, excise tax, and trade taxes.

FROM PAGE 3

we are trying to work out the solution framework on every issue,” he noted. Currently, they are negotiating fringe benefits.

In addition, the GuySuCo Head disclosed that they paid out some $152 million in personal incentives to workers last month for high perfor-

“For exported commodities, favourable commodity prices encourage more exports and will impact on export duties. On the upside, world prices for a majority of Guyana’s main exported non-oil commodities – rice, sugar, logs, sawn wood, and gold – are tilted to the upside, forecasted to exceed their 2022 levels. This suggests favourable outcomes for 2023,” the Mid-Year Report explains. (G-3)

mance. This, he noted, was outside of their weekly incentives for surpassing production targets and their wage. (G-8)

Bank of Guyana

Negligent motorists, contractors to be charged, fined for damaging GPL infrastructure

Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar, Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have decided to institute charges against reckless motorists and contractors for damages caused to GPL’s network infrastructure.

GPL on Friday engaged with stakeholders to express their concerns and encourage action against errant motorists and contractors operating machinery and executing unsupervised work near the company’s network.

According to a GPL statement, this meeting came after a number of pleas made by the company, which appeared to be generally unheeded.

“This year alone, the company has recorded 25 incidents related to its network, stemming from

the negligence of contractors and motorists. These incidents have resulted in widespread service disruptions for customers in Demerara and Berbice, incurring substantial costs for the company for repairs and loss of revenue,” the statement read.

They further noted that the company’s Board of

Directors, management, and staff continue to be subjected to ridicule as a result of these widespread outages.

As such, to address this matter on a higher level, charges will be instituted and fines imposed under Section 160 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01 and

…relevant to governance?

Leader of the Opposition (LOO) Aubrey Norton revealed that he was invited by Exxon to be briefed on their operations since the PNC was “a government in waiting”. Well, based on how a parliamentary system of government works, the Opposition IS a “government in waiting” …the only question is how long will they be waiting!! Right here in Guyana, Norton’s PNC under his mentor Burnham had Jagan’s PPP “waiting” for 28 years!! And over in Gabon, the Opposition waited FIFTY-FOUR years – and when the Government was overthrown in a coup a few weeks ago, it was by a member of the ruling Bongo clan!! So, they’re still waiting!! With their politics being of French provenance, maybe they’re waiting for Godot!!

Section 61 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) 802 for damage to property.

GPL will also initiate civil proceedings in the High Court to seek compensation for damages incurred and other consequential losses related to its network infrastructure.

Contractors are remind

ed of the importance of en

suring supervised equip

ment operation and safe working practices close to the company’s network.

Private contractors and Government agencies ex

ecuting infrastructural works within close proxim

ity – approximately 20 feet – to GPL’s network are re

quired to notify the com

pany within 72 hours pri

or to commencing work to ensure the safe execution of work.

But the PPP ain’t the PNC, eh? And since the PNC DID unseat the PPP in 2015 – to become the Government –maybe Exxon’s hedging their bets. After all, it was after that unseating that Exxon got their giveaway contract signed by Trotman on behalf of the PNC, didn’t they?? So this raises the question as to whether Norton raised the issue of the giveaway – which Trotman assures us was approved by the PNC/AFC Cabinet!! From where your Eyewitness sits – faaaaar away from Exxon!! – That would’ve given Norton some leverage, no?? But then again, he wasn’t in Granger’s good books to sit at the Cabinet table then – having dared to suggest that the PNC’s election was rigged to make Granger leader!!

So, what did Norton demand of Exxon – after all the huffing and puffing his PNC’s done about Exxon being a big, bad wolf who’s scared the PPP sh*tless?? “Demand”?? The man didn’t even “request” – but “indicated”!! “We have also indicated to them that our interest lies in ensuring the Guyanese people obtain as much as is possible from the oil and gas sector and that while we see the importance of investment in Guyana, we also see that it is important for the Guyanese people to benefit.” How the heck does one “indicate”?? By going down on one’s knees and shedding tears?? Is this how Norton expects the PNC to change from being a “government in waiting” to a “government in office”??

This will simply NOT do!! It’s your Eyewitness’s firm opinion that it is the PNC – and ONLY the PNC – that knows where the skeletons are buried on the giveaway contract. This was indicated by that early Global Witness report. Norton’s now PNC leader and the LOO – so he has the wherewithal to get the dirt on what went down when Trotman signed along the dotted line in Houston back in 2016. He can have the entire contract VOIDED – and Exxon surely wouldn’t even want to have this discussed!!

C’mon LOO!!

…more expansive??

So at the meeting of G20 – with “India that is Bharat” in the Chair – these dominant economies brought the African Union (AU) into their (charmed?) circle!! So, after 15 years, Africa’s being brought in from the cold into the institution that controls global finance!! Modi –who’s the PM of “India that is Bharat” – has been pushing for the longest while for the “global south” to sit at the table with the big boys. So, what arguments did he use to persuade the others??

Well, after the seven or so African coups (your Eyewitness lost count!) in the last three years, it’s becoming clear that the old European hegemony over Africa’s resources – divvied up in 1885 at the Berlin Conference – is coming to an end!! So, he’s sure – to use the inimitable words of President LBJ – G20 would rather have Africa “in the tent pissing out than have them out of the tent pissing in! Then, of course, it’s accepted that with its young demographic, Africa’s the next China!!

…independent

Sanctions are applied to force compliance of countries when something vital can be withheld. Like the US sanctioning a rising China by withholding new computer chips. But Huawei just released their new phone – showing China’s caught up!! Apple’s value fell by US$200M!!

Guyana Power and Light Inc hosts stakeholder meeting

More focus to be placed on safety, carbon footprint in new licences – VP Jagdeo – timely data from oil companies to also be addressed

As the clock for the auctioning of the remaining oil blocks winds down, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo stated that more emphasis will be placed on safety, timely data collection from oil companies, and managing carbon footprints.

When asked during his recent press conference about Exxon’s 6th Whitetail Project in the Stabroek Block - and key policy considerations the Government is pushing for, the Vice President revealed that there are a few core concerns which the Government will be focusing more on before awarding new licences.

“I can group what our policy concerns are. Now, the reporting relation. The first thing has to do with data. Timely data. We’ve fixed that in the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), but we’re moving closer to the new PSA arrangements in future licences. So that you can have more timely data,” Jagdeo said.

“The second group of concerns relates to safety. Safety in the operations. Thirdly, about carbon footprints. They have to demonstrate that the technology is new technology and we’ve seen a reduction in the carbon footprints over the period. So, these are the three major areas of concern that you would see more attention being paid to in future licences.”

Since the Stabroek Block PSA was signed in 2016, it has come in for much criticism from all sections of society. Since then, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has come up with a new model PSA that addresses these concerns. According to Jagdeo, they will be seeking to ensure the new PSA is reflected in future licences.

“The new PSA would not apply to Stabroek Block, but there are fea-

tures of the new PSA, given that they are best practices, that we want to bring to the new licences and put them in the new licences,” Jagdeo informed reporters.

The auction round for the remaining 14 oil blocks offshore Guyana is coming to an end, with companies having until tomorrow, September 12, to submit their bids. Some 14 oil blocks were up for tender – 11 in the shallow area and three in the deepsea area. The sizes of the oil blocks on auction range from 1000 to 3000 square kilometres (sq km).

Auctioning of the blocks had previously been pushed back, as the Government had signalled its intentions to improve the sector’s regulatory framework before potential investors put in their final bids. When the deadline was extended in July, the Ministry of Natural Resources had released a statement saying that “industry feedback and the advanced pace of modernising the oil and gas regulatory framework underscore the extended bidding period for the nation’s first competitive offshore oil and gas licensing round.”

They further said that “the round, officially launched on December 9, 2022, continues to receive strong global interest, and the Government has benefited from insightful feedback during

the consultation periods of the Indicative Terms and Guidelines and the draft model Production Sharing Agreements.” Jagdeo confirmed during his press conference that there will

be no further extensions of the September 12 deadline.

When this process wraps up, evaluations and negotiations will follow before the blocks can be awarded. The Vice President had previously indicated that there were several areas remaining offshore that were not put up to be auctioned off in the current exercise.

Under new conditions, Guyana stands to benefit from signature bonuses as high as US$20 million for the deep-water blocks and US$10 million for the shallow-water blocks. Additionally, all future Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) will also include the retention

of the 50-50 profit-sharing after cost recovery; the increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to a 10 per cent fixed rate; the

imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax, and the lowering of the cost recovery ceiling to 65 per cent from 75 per cent.

The 14 blocks up for auction

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Reg 5 top performers at NGSA, CSEC recognised for academic achievements

The top performers at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) were recognised for their academic achievements by the People’s Progressive

NGSA, received trophies, laptop computers, school supply kits, and gifts during an event held at Dundee, Mahaicony.

With 502 marks, Dianna Harripersaud of Cotton Tree Primary topped the region at this year’s NGSA while the top CSEC performer was Malique Washington of

(PSC), Paul Chung in complementing the awardees, said the students have set an example for other students to follow.

Making mention of Guyana’s 67 per cent growth rate in 2022, the PSC executive explained that this shows that there is potential in Guyana for personal development while challenging the students to focus on science.

“There are many opportunities. Now is the time to lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow for yourself and your family,” he said.

“I want to encourage you to continue on this path. Don’t become complacent, there is a far way to go,” he told them.

Mustapha, being a bit more current, pointed out that for the first half of 2023, Guyana’s economy grew by 59.5 per cent while the nonoil sectors which include construction, agriculture and manufacturing grew by 12.3 per cent.

This, he posited, came at a time when many countries around the world are struggling to show a five of six per cent growth. “This means that our Government is managing the country in a prudent way.”

and 29,691 receive hot meals. The breakfast programme is providing breakfast for 15,208 students,” Mustapha noted.

Acknowledging that there are some gaps which exist, he assured that efforts are being made to reduce those gaps in the system.

“Gone are the days when the top students only came from the schools in the city. You can see that we are improving learning facilities around the country.”

Government’s hope to attain universal education at the secondary level.

Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Saturday.

The 35 youths, 15 of whom performed exceptionally at the CSEC and 20 at the

Rosignol Secondary with 12 Grade Ones, six Grade Twos and two Grade Threes. Executive member of the Private Sector Commission

However, Executive Secretary of the PPP/C, Zulfikar Mustapha noted that the occasion is one to be treasured as it allows the party to reflect on the region’s top academic achievers over the past year.

Education, he pointed out, is the key component in one’s development.

Mustapha further added that many opportunities are available in Region Five and for the trajectory to continue, it is those such as the top flyers who would have to continue the trend.

“It is against this backdrop that the Government has been providing needed resources for education. This year $3 billion was spent on textbooks for students. 87,643 students are benefiting from the feeding programme which the Government is sponsoring

The party’s Executive Secretary called on party officials in other regions to honour its top performers. This is the 10th year the party has been honouring top students.

Regional Party Supervisor Fizal Jaffarally, who is also the Regional Parliamentary Representative, commended the students while adding that they have made their teachers, parents and community at large proud.

“Today in Region Five, we can boast that we have universal education at the primary level and it is the

Meanwhile, rounding off the top five CSEC performers were Sanjeev Ramlakan of Fraser’s Educational Institute with 12 Grade Ones, six Grade Twos and three Grade Threes; Rebecca Ganesh of Rosignol Secondary with 13 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos and one Grade Three; Nicklous Famsundar of Fraser’s Educational Institute with nine Grade Ones and eight Grade Twos and Bibi Shamara Abdool of Fraser’s Educational Institute with 12 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos.

Rounding off the top five NGSA students were Sheeleekha Sangeeta Ramroop of Novar Primary with 500 marks; Justin Dhanesh Ross of Treasures Primary also with 500 marks; Asher Calvin Sahado of Number 8 Primary with 499 marks and Devon Seetayah of Cotton Tree Primary with 499 marks.

Minister Mustapha hands over several prizes to the region's top CSEC student Malique Washington

PPP-C Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha hands over prizes to the region's top NGSA student Diana Hariprashad

Minister Mustapha along with the region's top-performing students and other regional and party representatives

Guyana offers support to earthquake-stricken Morocco

The Guyana Government has pledged its support to the North African nation of Morocco which was struck by a massive 6.8-magnitude earthquake on Friday.

In a statement on his Facebook page on Sunday, President Dr Irfaan Ali said he is deeply saddened at the loss of over 2000 lives, the injuries, and the displacement of thousands of persons in Morocco.

“The Government and people of Guyana express our deepest sympathies to the Government and people of Morocco, especially those directly affected by this devastation. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. My Government will provide any support we can to the global efforts to help the people of Morocco in this difficult time,” the Head of

State assured.

According to the BBC, Friday’s earthquake, the country’s deadliest in 60 years, struck below a re-

that at least 2122 people were killed and more than 2421 injured, many critically. The 6.8-magnitude tremor collapsed homes, blocked roads and swayed

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) also issued a statement on Sunday on the natural disaster in the North African nation. The regional bloc also said it is deeply saddened to learn of the death and devastation in the Kingdom of Morocco from Friday’s earthquake.

“We extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and people as the death toll continues to rise.

We offer our hand of friendship and solidarity as you seek to respond and recover from this catastrophe,” the Caricom Secretariat said in the missive.

Guyana and Morocco established diplomatic relations on December 14, 2012.

hancing relations between Guyana and the Kingdom of Morocco.

The Instrument of Appointment, which was seen by this publication, named Looknauth Persaud as Moroccan’s Honorary Consul in Georgetown. He will be tasked with looking after the Kingdom’s interests here.

to appoint an Honorary Consul at Georgetown for the purpose of looking after the interests of the Kingdom of Morocco and its citizens”.

mote cluster of mountainous villages south of its capital, Marrakesh.

The Moroccan Government has reported

buildings as far away as the country’s northern coast. Marrakesh’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, suffered damage.

Only in June, President Ali approved the appointment of a new Moroccan Honorary Consul to Guyana with a view to en-

According to the document, the appointment was made “whereas the Government of Morocco has considered it necessary

While presenting the exequatur to Persaud confirming his appointment, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd offered congratulations to the newly appointed Honorary Consul and committed to working towards enhancing cooperation in areas including agriculture and education.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Fiery weekend: 4 homes devastated leaving several homeless

Over the weekend, a series of suspected arson has left several homeless along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and in the mining town of Linden.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), two houses in Mahaica, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) were maliciously set alight on Saturday evening, thus rendering three individuals homeless.

The first incident occurred at about 23:45h at Mosquito Hall, Unity, ECD, where a two-storey wooden building was set alight. The property that was owned by popular Tic-Tok dancer, Kubram Ramlall also known as “Rekha” was completely

The fires that destroyed the houses over the weekend only occupant of the house.

destroyed. At the time of the fire, Ramlall was the

“Spanish man” arrested for discharging firearm at Parika

A28-year-old man was arrested on Sunday after he allegedly discharged a loaded firearm at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Police stated that at about 14:00h on Sunday, a 29-yearold unemployed woman of Parika Access Road, EBE, reported that whilst standing on the road in front of her home, one identifiable “Spanish man” discharged four rounds in the air, causing herself and family to run for cover.

When interviewed, she said the man had accused her brother of stealing US$3000 from him. As a result, Police went to the area and several persons were questioned, and useful information was received.

However, at about 14:30h on the same day, the suspect was contacted on the Parika Access Road and told of the allegations made against him.

He admitted to discharging several rounds in the air because one of the woman’s brothers allegedly stole US$3000 from him.

As a result, Police escorted him to his home on Leonora Public Road, WCD, where a search was conducted in his bedroom, and a firearm (without any ammunition) was found on top of an AC unit.

The firearm was shown to him, and he was told of the

allegation and cautioned. He replied, saying: "Yeah, dah is the gun."

He was arrested and escorted to the Police Station along with the firearm, where it was further examined in his presence, but no serial number was found.

The firearm was lodged, and the man’s hands were swabbed for gunpowder residue. Investigations are ongoing.

Corentyne man found dead in hammock with head injuries

The body of a 58-yearold man was on Sunday found in a hammock at No 60 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, with a wound to his head.

Dead is Toorandat Girdharry of Lot 168, No 60 Village, Corentyne.

Police stated that the discovery was made at about 14:45h and they were immediately summoned to the scene.

Upon arrival at the house, the man’s body was found in a reclined position in a hammock tied under an abandoned building, with blood stains on its head, arms, and back.

Upon examination, a small wound was found on the right side of the head.

A relative told investigators that Girdharry was an alcoholic who frequently consumed alcohol under the abandoned building with friends. He would also occa-

The fire reportedly spread to a nearby wooden one-storey house in the same yard, which quickly engulfed in flames. This resulted in Shirley Pitambar and Desmond Randall, who were occupying the building, making alternative living arrangements.

Although fire tenders

add to the growing number of fires in 2023, with Fire

Chief Gregory Wickham

revealing that the Guyana Fire Service has responded to 1347 fires, nearly double the previous year's figure of 771. Tragically, 42 lives have been lost in these fires, including 20 children in the Mahdia blaze. Wickham attributed

for significant financial loss and endangerment of lives when properties are targeted.

sionally sleep in the hammock.

The body was taken to Skeldon Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Three of the nowdead man’s drinking buddies were arrested and are assisting with the investigation.

from the Mahaica Fire Station arrived at the scene, the firefighters were unable to save the building.

Fire officials are investigating another act of arson, this time at Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, where an abandoned building was set alight. Guyana Times understands that the owner of the building died several years ago and after some time, persons would frequent the property.

Ranks of Division 10 have also launched an investigation into the fire which severely damaged the first floor of the building.

Further, the GFS stated that another fire, this time at Mon Repos Squatting Area, ECD, was detected at about 4:19h on Sunday. This fire of unknown origin completed destroyed a oneflat wooden building, thus leaving its owner, Kevin Mohamed, displaced.

These fires occurred less than 24 hours after another house at Mon Repos, ECD, was destroyed. The house at the time was occupied by Haemattie Mangal and her two sons.

These tragic incidents

most of these fires to malicious intent, negligence, and electrical issues.

In this light, the Guyana Fire Service has also emphasised the importance of community

To reduce such risks, the GFS recommends installing security and fire alarm systems, fire prevention devices, and surveillance equipment, along with maintaining adequate fencing and limiting public access.

Additionally, keeping the surroundings clean, disposing of flammable waste responsibly, maintaining visibility of the property, locking doors and

awareness and preventive measures to mitigate arson and fire-related risks. With an annual response to arson attacks and fires ignited by grass or rubbish, they stress the potential

windows, and involving the community in vigilant monitoring are all crucial steps to safeguard against arson and fires, especially during dry seasons.

The gun that was found in the suspect’s home

Reg 9 youths to be trained as pharmacy assistants

The Health Ministry on Saturday launched its training programme for pharmacy assistants in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) where the first batch of 29 persons will be trained to enhance healthcare delivery in their communities.

This nine-month training is being offered through the Ministry’s Health Services Division.

Delivering remarks at the launch, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthonny encouraged this first batch of trainees to work hard and seek a career or pathway within the health sector, assuring them that upon completion, employment within the Ministry is guaranteed.

He added that soon a training-of-trainers workshop will be held to enhance the capacity of ultrasound technicians.

Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer, Dr Cerdel McWatt disclosed that very soon, the region will be launching a medical laboratory technician and community healthcare worker training programme.

Healthcare provision in Region Nine has been steadily improving, with the Lethem Regional Hospital being recommissioned in 2021.

This hospital’s retrofitting falls under the “Smart Healthcare Facilities in the Caribbean” project that is being funded by the United Kingdom’s (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

Once the hospital completes its upgrades, Dr Anthony explained, a computerised tomography (CT) scan machine will be established at the facility.

"When we upgrade the new hospital here in Lethem, one of the new pieces of equipment you will have is the CT scan, and this is going to be connected via the internet. So, when we take the image here if

you don't have a radiologist to read the scans, it will be able to be read real-time at Georgetown Public Hospital,” Anthony said.

Among those present at the launch were Hinterland Coordinator Michael Gouveia; Director of Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton; Coordinator of Pharmacy Assistant Programme, Sunil Singh; Regional Chairman Bryan Allocock; and Health Education Officers, Kim Fraser-Bristol and Himwatie Persaud.

During this Region Nine visit, Dr Anthony also conducted a number of site inspections and walkthroughs of several health facilities including those in

Motorcyclist dies in Cornelia Ida accident

Quatata Village and Nappi Village.

Accompanied by Dr McWatt, Dr Hamilton, Gouveia, Singh, Allicock and other officials, the Health Minister ensured the village centres were up to the standards set out by the Ministry and that the services provided met the demands of the residents.

He also visited the construction site within Lethem that is set to hold a training centre and administration dormitory, as well as the Lethem Hospital’s Infectious Disease Building and Healthcare Facility that is being used to conduct training sessions for the nursing and pharmacy assistant training programmes.

A51-year-old motorcyclist died on Saturday after he collided with the trailer of a motor lorry at Cornelia Ida Public Road, West Coast of Demerara (WCD). Dead is Andrew Alli also called “Red Man” of Anna Catherina, WCD.

Police stated that the accident occurred at about 11:20h and involved motor lorry GYY 6979 with trailer TAD 81, owned and driven by a 25-year-old resident of Plantation Best, WCD, and a motorcycle, CL 3255, owned and driven by the now dead man.

Reports indicated that the motorcycle was travelling along the roadway when Alli attempted to cross the road, during which the front portion of the motorcycle collided with the left side of the trailer.

Due to the impact of

the collision, Alli fell onto the road surface and sustained injuries to his body. He was picked up in a conscious condition and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he died at about 12:55h, whilst receiving medical attention.

The lorry driver is in custody as further investigations are in progress.

Only a few days ago, the Police stated that from January 1 to August 28, 2023, a total of 109 persons lost their lives in 91 accidents. For the same period in 2022, there were 62 fatal accidents, which resulted in 68 deaths.

Speeding and reckless driving contributed to most of the fatal accidents. The Police have an ongoing road safety campaign throughout Guyana to tackle the root causes of reckless driving.

Dead: Andre Alli

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony with participants of the pharmacy assistant programme

Appointments of substantive Chancellor, CJ to be dealt with at appropriate time – Pres Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has reassured that the appointments of a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice (CJ) will be dealt with at the appropriate time.

Currently, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards is the acting Chancellor while Justice Roxane George is the acting Chief Justice.

“At the appropriate time, just as I have appointed the Judicial Service Commission, this matter will be dealt with. I've not said in any way, shape, or form that this matter is not going to be dealt with. But let me also say to you and remind you again, that our country is not without a Chief Justice or a Chancellor… The Chief Justice and Chancellor have a very clear mandate, and they are executing that mandate in line with full powers assigned to them by the Constitution,” the Head of State told reporters on Saturday.

Since the expiration of the previous JSC in September 2017, Guyana only appointed a new JSC in July when

President Ali swore in the acting Chancellor, Justice Cummings-Edwards (Chair); acting Chief Justice, Justice George; Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Manniram Prashad; Retired Justice Carl Singh and Retired Justice Beasraj Singh (BS) Roy as members.

The Guyanese leader explained during the press briefing that the Commission has started their work and is looking at the Judiciary in a “broad and holistic way.” He noted that the Judiciary is not only faced with a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice but also vacancies of Judges

and Magistrates.

Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana states: “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

Pointed to the fact that the JSC has no role in making these key judicial appointments, the President countered by saying that he wants the work of the Commission to be expanded so that there can be a full understanding of the issues and challenges within the Judiciary.

Guyana’s last substantive Chancellor was Justice Desiree Bernard, who served until 2005, when she left to joined the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Since then, Justice Carl Singh was appointed acting Chancellor –a position held until his retirement in 2017 without being confirmed.

Justice CummingsEdwards was then appointed acting Chancellor in 2017 by former President David Granger. He had also appointed Justice George as

Man found dead with gunshot wounds at Mon Repos –

body of vagrant found along Camp St

Police are probing an alleged murder after the lifeless body of a man was found at Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) with gunshot wounds.

The dead man, whose only name was given as “Shawnie”, and whose age and address are unknown, was found at about 07:30h on Sunday at Third Street Mon Repos, ECD.

Based on the information received, persons in the area heard loud explosions resembling that of gunshots in their community and upon checking, they observed the now dead man running out of a yard and then falling to the ground on the opposite side of the street in front of a

The alleged suspect was later seen exiting the said yard. Shortly after, the

acting Chief Justice in 2017.

Prior to this, the late Justice Ian Chang was appointed acting Chief Justice in 2005 and served in position until his retirement in 2015.

Guyana’s failure to have substantive appointments in its two top judicial posts have been lamented on both locally and regionally.

In fact, CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, during a previous visit had called on Guyana’s political leaders to resolve their impasse and appoint a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and a Chief Justice for Guyana’s courts. He had said the situation is a matter of “serious concern” as it has implications for the proper running of the Guyana courts.

Meanwhile, the current Ali-led Government has in the past publicly declared its support for the confirmation of Justices George and Cummings-Edwards as Chief Justice and Chancellor, respectively.

Additionally, the APNU/

AFC Opposition including Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, has also voiced their support for the confirmation of these two jurists in their respect posts.

During Saturday’s press conference, President Ali dismissed any assertions that his Administration’s delay in making these two substantive judicial appointments is linked to any dissatisfaction with the performances of the acting Chancellor and acting Chief Justice.

“Let me stop you there. You're taking your assumption a bit far [about] me not wanting to appoint a Chancellor and a Chief Justice… We have not been only critical of some of the rulings, we have been vindicated… You forgot that there is a final court called the CCJ. And every time we have had an objection to a ruling, we did what was right in the eyes of the rule of law. We respectfully went to the CCJ… and the rulings of the CCJ are there for anyone to examine,” Ali con-

tended.

Further questioned about whether he will be comfortable with these two senior judicial posts remaining vacant throughout his presidency and possibly into a new term in office, the Head of State pointed out that his Administration is focused on having all three arms of Government –Executive, Legislative, and Judicial – operating with excellence.

“So, let me say that what I'm concerned about is an effective Judiciary system –one that we can rely on; one that the international community can rely on; one that is efficient and supported by necessary technology and infrastructure that will make them efficient; one in which we have the full complement of Judges and Magistrates, and that is what the JSC is working on. So, I'm not going to confine myself to individuals or posts. I'm gonna confine myself to the system and I’m looking at the holistic system,” President Ali posited. (G-8)

School health screening launched in Nappi Village

two-storey wooden and concrete building.

Melanie, ECD.

Upon arriving in the area, they found “Shawnie” lying on the western side of the street. The body was examined during which gunshot wounds were seen on the lower back, with exit wounds at the navel, and another gunshot wound was seen to the man’s right-side instep.

One 9mm spent shell and one 9mm live round were recovered at the scene. The body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting identification and post-mortem examination.

Also on Sunday morning, the body of an alleged vagrant was found lying at the corner of Camp and Norton Streets, Georgetown. While details on the discovery are sketchy, Guyana Times was informed that an investigation has been launched.

In continuing with the goal of screening at least 27,000 nursery school children by the end of the year, the Health Ministry on Saturday launched its Comprehensive Child and Youth School Health Screening Programme in Nappi Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Executed by the Ministry in collaboration with Mount Sinai Health Systems, this first-time initiative is intended to improve the health of school children between the ages of five and 17 across Guyana.

The first phase of this initiative is seeing children at the nursery school level being screened and treated for oral health, hearing and vision, with Region Nine notably having 99 per cent of their children participating.

During the Nappi Village launch, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted that the programme will eventually advance from the nursery school level to further account for children in primary and secondary schools.

Having rolled out the programme in other regions across Guyana earlier last month, the Ministry is working closely with teachers within the Education Ministry to detect challenges a child may be facing as it pertains to their sight, hearing or dental health.

If any abnormalities are identified, that child will be referred to the necessary specialist for follow-up care and treatment.

Since the programme’s commencement, Minister Anthony, during an event last week, had revealed that of the 5600 nursery school children the Ministry had screened thus far, some 500 nursery school children were detected with various health issues they were now looking to rectify.

Meanwhile, at the recent launch, Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton explained that while the programme has been rolled out in all ten regions, Region Nine has been one of the leading regions with high numbers of chil-

dren who have taken advantage of screening opportunities thus far.

She reiterated that the Ministry is taking proactive measures to promote the overall health and wellness of the students, enabling them to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Furthermore, Dr Anthony disclosed that Region Nine will soon benefit from living quarters for doctors and nurses who may need to visit the region to provide care.

"Apart from the health facilities, and telemedicine services in the region, if there is a need for doctors and nurses to come to the region to provide services, with the help of the regional services, we have embarked on the construction of living quarters for those healthcare workers,” Anthony said.

Among those present at the launch were Regional Health Officer, Dr Cerdel McWatt; Hinterland Coordinator Michael Gouveia and Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock.

Comprehensive Child and Youth School Health Screening Programme launched in Nappi Villag

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Police were summoned to the scene along with Emergency Medical Technicians from

The body that was found at Camp and Norton Streets (Joseph Allen Photo)

Moments after the body was found at Mon Repos

Mahaica

fatal smash-up

One day after a traffic accident that claimed the lives of four persons along the De Hoop Public Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), 21-year-old Vikram Ramjawan of Besty Ground, East Canje, Berbice, who survived that accident, is calling on drivers to act in a more responsible manner.

In fact, he urged motorists to “Stop drinking and driving because you are costing the lives of innocent people.”

The two-vehicle collision has left Kellon Jones called “Backless”, 33, of Fort Ordinance, East Canje, Berbice; Jason Rudder, 37, and his daughter, Jamella Rudder of Glasgow Housing Scheme; and Chris Gonsalves, 26, of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) dead.

At the time of the accident, Jones was the driver of a motor car bearing registration number PMM 7104 with four passengers including the Rudders, Shelly Harry, 50, of Fort Ordinance and Ramjawan. The other car, PPP 4090, was driven by Gonsalves, and he was only occupant.

According to the Police, Jones was heading to Berbice while Gonsalves was heading

in the opposite direction at a fast rate of speed and under the influence of alcohol. The cars reportedly collided headon.

Both drivers, along with the occupants, received injuries and were pulled from the wreckage with severe body injuries. They were rushed to the Mahaicony Public Hospital where Rudder and his daughter along with Gonsalves and Jones were pronounced dead. Harry and Ramjawan were treated, but while Ramjawan was sent away, Harry was transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital suffering from a fractured right leg.

Reports are that Gonsalves had just left a bar in a drunken state even though persons warned him not to drive under the influence.

However, Ramjawan was sitting in the front passenger’s seat and recalled that leading up to the accident, he saw a bright light coming towards them.

“We see a black thing coming and the driver tried to swerve in the corner but it was too late. The car that was coming had on headlights and it run into we. When I look, I see the driver mash up...”

He related that while at the hospital, he learnt that the driver was highly intox-

icated and would have been heard telling his friends that he didn’t mind dying when drove off from a popular shop in Mahaica.

“Stop drinking and driving because you are costing the lives of innocent people,” were Ramjawan’s words to other drivers who ply the roadways on a daily basis. He is thankful for life but is saddened at the manner in which the occupants of the car in which he was travelling met their demise.

At the time of the accident, Jones was working his car as a taxi and would have left Georgetown with the four passengers. The 11-yearold Rudder had earlier in

HEALTH TIPS

the day attended a bursary award ceremony at her father’s place of employment –GuyOil – where she was honoured for her performance at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Speaking with her mother, Shaneah Henry, on Sunday, she related that her daughter was awarded a place at President’s College and had returned home after her first week because she needed her old school uniform to attend the award ceremony.

“We had decided that she would come home once every term or once every month,” the aggrieved mother said with tears in her eyes.

“Yesterday (Saturday) I

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) AWARENESS MONTH (PART 1)

lies, but there are ethnic variations in how PCOS manifests itself, and how it affects people.

DIAGNOSIS OF PCOS

Doctors typically diagnose PCOS in women who have at least two of these three symptoms:

• High androgen levels

Irregular menstrual cycles

• Cysts in the ovaries

This condition can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Women with PCOS are twice as likely as women without the condition to deliver their baby prematurely. They’re also at greater risk for miscarriage, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes.

regulate the menstrual cycle better than a regular weight loss diet.

A few studies have found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least 3 days a week can help women with PCOS lose weight. Losing weight with exercise also improves ovulation and insulin levels.

bathe and dress her and tied her ribbon and carried her out and put her in a car in New Amsterdam. It was she and her father. I called her at 12 o’clock and she said she was not finished as yet and she told me she would call when she was finished. She didn’t call and then last night I got a call saying that she and her father met in an accident and she is no more.”

“She said, ‘Mom, I will pass and make you proud. She said, ‘Mommy, if I pass to go to a school in town, will you send me?’ And I told her yes.”

On the other hand, Jones was described as a very jovial person by his mother, Coretta Gomes, who stated that he always smiled brightly. “He always says nice things to people. He was a loving child.”

Gomes stated that she heard of the accident through one of her son's friends who went to the scene. “And then he called back and said ‘Backless’ gone, he gone’.”

Meanwhile, in the wake of the accident which took the lives of four, including her son, the mother is also advising persons not to drink and drive. (Andrew Carmichael)

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine/ enDocrinology, DiabeTes

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually starts during adolescence, but symptoms may fluctuate over time.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 8–13% of reproductive-aged women.

1 woman in 7 is suspected to have PCOS.

• Up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide.

PCOS is the most common cause of anovulation, and is a leading cause of infertility.

PCOS is associated with a variety of long-term health problems that affect physical and emotional wellbeing.

• PCOS runs in fami-

The doctor should also ask whether the person had symptoms like acne, face and body hair growth, and weight gain.

• A pelvic exam can look for any problems with the ovaries or other parts of the reproductive tract. During this test, the doctor inserts gloved fingers into the vagina and checks for any growth in the ovaries or uterus.

• Blood tests check for higher-than-normal levels of male hormones.

Patients might also have blood tests to check their cholesterol, insulin, and triglyceride levels, to evaluate their risk for related conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to look for abnormal follicles and other problems with your ovaries and uterus.

PREGNANCY AND PCOS PCOS interrupts the normal menstrual cycle, and makes it harder to get pregnant. Between 70 and 80 per cent of women with PCOS have fertility problems.

However, women with PCOS can get pregnant using fertility treatments that improve ovulation. Losing weight and lowering blood sugar levels can improve the chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

• Diet and lifestyle tips to treat PCOS.

Treatment for PCOS usually starts with lifestyle changes like weight loss, diet, and exercise.

Losing just 5 to 10 per cent of body weight can help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve PCOS symptoms.

Weight loss can also:

Improve cholesterol levels.

Lower insulin

Reduce heart disease and diabetes risks.

Any diet that helps to lose weight can help the condition. However, some diets may have advantages over others. Studies comparing diets for PCOS have found that low carbohydrate diets are effective for both weight loss and lowering insulin levels.

A low glycemic index (low GI) diet that gets most carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps

Exercise is even more beneficial when combined with a healthy diet. Diet plus exercise helps you lose more weight than either intervention alone, and it lowers your risks for diabetes and heart disease.

There is some evidence that acupuncture can help with improving PCOS, but more research is needed.

COMMON MEDICAL TREATMENTS

Birth control pills and other medications can help regulate the menstrual cycle and treat PCOS symptoms like hair growth and acne.

• Birth control

Taking progestin daily can: Restore a normal hormone balance.

• Regulate ovulation.

• Relieve symptoms like excess hair growth. Protect against endometrial cancer.

These hormones come in a pill, patch, or vaginal ring.

METFORMIN

Metformin is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also treats PCOS by improving insulin levels.

One study found that tak-

ing metformin while making changes to diet and exercise improves weight loss, lowers blood sugar, and restores a normal menstrual cycle better than changes to diet and exercise alone.

Clomiphene

Clomiphene (Clomid) is a fertility drug that can help women with PCOS get pregnant. It’s important to note that while discussing family planning, and keep in mind that clomiphene increases the chances of twins and other multiple births.

• Hair removal medications

A few treatments can help get rid of unwanted hair, or stop it from growing.

Eflornithine (Vaniqa) cream is a prescription drug that slows hair growth. Laser hair removal and electrolysis can get rid of unwanted hair on the face and body.

Surgery can be an option to improve fertility, if other treatments don’t work. Ovarian drilling is a procedure that makes tiny holes in the ovary with a laser or thin heated needle to restore normal ovulation.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

See a doctor if:

You’ve missed periods and you’re not pregnant.

• You have symptoms of PCOS, such as hair growth on your face and body.

You’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than 12

months, but haven’t been successful.

You have symptoms of diabetes, such as excess thirst or hunger, blurred vision, or unexplained weight loss.

If a woman’s periods are already irregular or absent and she is trying to get pregnant, she should not wait 12 months to see a specialist to be evaluated.

Also, keep in mind that if you do not wish to get pregnant, irregular or absent periods are not birth control in themselves.

It may still be possible to get pregnant even under these conditions. It’s best to use contraception in this case, even with PCOS.

PCOS can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle and make it harder for her to get pregnant. High levels of male hormones also lead to unwanted symptoms like hair growth on the face and body.

Lifestyle interventions are the first treatments doctors recommend for PCOS, and they often work well.

Weight loss can treat PCOS symptoms and improve the odds of getting pregnant. Diet and aerobic exercise are two effective ways to lose weight.

Medications are an option if lifestyle changes don’t work. Birth control pills and metformin can both restore more normal menstrual cycles and relieve PCOS symptoms.

“Stop drinking and driving because you are costing innocent lives” – survivor – “Mommy if I pass to go to a school in town, will you send me? – mother recalls 11-Y-O daughter asking her

Dead: Jamella Rudder Dead: Jason Rudder Dead: Chris Gonsalves Dead: Kellon Jones

Regional Antigua, other small island nations seek climate protection from Law of the Sea

The Prime Ministers of two small island nations that face ongoing impacts from rising sea levels will appear at legal hearings at an international court in Hamburg, Germany, today, and seek an advisory opinion on the obligations of countries to combat climate change.

Prime Ministers Kausea Natano of Tuvalu and Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda will give evidence at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, which will consider whether carbon emissions absorbed by the ocean should be considered marine pollution, and what obligations nations have to protect the marine environment.

The tribunal will issue an advisory opinion, which is not legally binding, but offers an authoritative statement on legal matters that could guide countries as they craft climate protection law.

The Prime Ministers, representing the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS), will argue that countries have an obligation to protect the marine environment under

the UN convention on the Law of the Sea, including from greenhouse gas emissions.

“We come here seeking urgent help, in the strong belief that international law is an essential mechanism for correcting the manifest injustice that our people are suffering as a result of climate change," said Tuvalu's Natano.

Excessive carbon pollution results in damage to the oceans, including coral bleaching and acidification.

Low-lying island states like Tuvalu and Vanuatu are also at risk of becom-

Chile march to commemorate Pinochet victims marred by violence

Rival protests are being held in Chile’s capital ahead of the 50th anniversary of a military coup that ousted the democratically-elected President Salvador Allende and brought General Augusto Pinochet to power.

“The crowds have been very, very mixed and so have their messages. It’s been a very violent day so far,” Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman, reporting from Santiago, said on Sunday.

“It was mayhem,” she said.

More than 3200 people were killed or “disappeared” – abducted and presumed killed – by Pinochet’s security forces. About 38,000 were tortured during his 17-year dictatorship. The general died of a heart attack on December 10, 2006, aged 91. He was never tried in court.

ing submerged by water by the end of the century due to slow-onset climate impacts.

Small island nations have also sought legal clarity on nations' climate obligations in other courts. Vanuatu led a campaign to ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue an advisory opinion on countries' obligations to address climate change.

The UN General Assembly in March voted to refer the case to the ICJ, which will issue an opinion in 2024.

(Reuters)

Argentine conservative Opposition wins provincial governorship by landslide

Argentina's main Opposition alliance, Juntos por el Cambio, has won the governorship of Santa Fe province, the country's third most populous, in a sweeping victory for the conservative bloc, according to official provisional election data.

As of Sunday evening, Maximiliano Pullaro had won 60.60 per cent of the votes, while the candidate for the Peronista alliance Union por la Patria, Marcelo Lewandowski, ob-

tained 29.25 per cent, with votes counted in 57.14 per cent of the province's polling centres.

One of the most important agricultural districts in Argentina, Santa Fe is home to the Rosario agricultural port complex, from which more than 80 per cent of the country's agricultural shipments are exported.

The provincial elections were held in the midst of a major economic crisis, with annual inflation accelerating to almost 115 per cent.

The landslide victory for the Opposition alliance comes six weeks before Argentina's presidential elections on October 22, when the ruling centre-left Peronist party will seek to retain power with current Economy Minister Sergio Massa as its candidate.

The latest national polls show an advantage for the libertarian economist Javier Milei, followed by Massa and the Juntos por el Cambio candidate, Patricia Bullrich. (Reuters)

2 earthquakes rock Trinidad on Sunday

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 rocked several parts of Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said that the

quake occurred at 7:34h (local time) at a depth of 32 kilometres.

It said it was felt in the capital, Port of Spain, as well as 100km north west Arima, east of there, 105km west north west of San Fernando, in south Trinidad.

The quake is the second to be felt in Trinidad

on Sunday, the SRC said, noting that at 2:13h (local time) a tremor with a magnitude of 3.5 rattled the capital, and was also felt 119km south west of St George’s in Grenada and 111km north east of Carúpano in Venezuela.

The quake was located at a depth of 132km, the SRC added . (CMC)

Sunday’s march through the streets of the capital to the general cemetery that houses a memorial to the victims of Pinochet’s brutal regime, stopped briefly at the presidential palace, La Moneda, where then-president Allende was over-

thrown on September 11, 1973.

Leftist President Gabriel Boric joined the procession of some 5000 people, according to the Government – becoming the first leader of Chile since the end of the dictatorship in 1990 to do so.

“When the leftist president, who has a coalition similar to the one Allende had 50 years ago, started to honour the former President, people dressed in black balaclavas came throwing stones and almost

broke into the presidential palace,” Al Jazeera’s Newman said.

Inside the cemetery, some mausoleums were damaged, including the tomb of a right-wing Senator killed in 1991.

“Those responsible for this violence are adversaries of the Government,” said Deputy Interior Secretary Manuel Monsalve, adding three Police Officers had been injured.

Three people were arrested, authorities said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Contractor killed in T&T

Gillian French said she didn’t want her son, Kevin Barker, to do work for the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). She begged him to turn down a contract he was awarded under HDC’s rehabilitation project, but he told her he was not “taking needles” (being intimidated) by the gangsters who demanded he give them 20 per cent of the estimated $90,000 contract. He told anyone who would listen that he was not paying the “tax”.

“Right now, the contract on pause until Police and army come to guard.

For peace sake, for my sake, for the children’s sake, for family sake I tell him to give back that contract. I tell him don’t take it,” French said.

Police sources said the “tax” was a $20,000 extortion fee demanded from Barker and when he didn’t pay up, his murder was ordered from behind bars. Investigators believe the father of four was targeted because he brazenly refused to give in to repeated demands from criminals.

Around 22:00h on August 29, Barker was shot dead behind Building

8, Maloney Gardens. Police reported that three men in dark clothes, all wearing masks, two armed with rifles and one with a handgun, opened fire on Barker before running off.

Crime scene investigators recovered 19 spent 5.56 mm shells, 24 spent 9 mm shells and three 5.56 mm rounds of ammunition at the scene.

Officials of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation have been liaising with police to address increasing gun violence in Maloney area.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazil's Lula positive on French membership of rainforest organisation, French presidency says

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed France's candidacy to the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO), French President Emmanuel Macron's office said in a statement on Sunday, after the two leaders met in New Delhi.

Lula had invited France, which has territory in the Amazon through its overseas territory of French Guiana, to attend a summit of the countries of the Amazon forest last month.

French officials said

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Violence broke out on the day Chileans are paying homage to former President Allende [Carlos Barria/Reuters]

Macron had not travelled to the summit in Belen, at the mouth of the Amazon River, because France was

not a full member of the organisation of eight countries. (Reuters)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

OIL NEWS

Supertanker stocks ride the waves of volatile oil market

The global ocean shipping sector is one of the most volatile in the oil and gas business. Back in June, we reported that commodity shipping stocks had gone on a tear after freight rates for US-loading supertankers had skyrocketed as Asian refiners turned to the US market amid production cuts by OPEC+ nations.

Average spot rates for older very large crude carriers (VLCCs) climbed to US$83,300 per day while rates for newer and more fuel-efficient VLCCs hit US$91,000 per day. VLCCs are super-massive tankers that carry 2 million barrels of oil.

Well, things have taken a 180-degree turn, and shipping stocks are currently getting hammered after Saudi Arabia extended its voluntary 1-million-barrel-per-day (b/d) production cut through year-end, while Russia extended its own 500,000-b/d voluntary production cut in August with a 300,000-b/d reduction from September through December.

The Saudi cuts are seen as particularly damaging to demand for VLCCs, as well as ships that carry Russian exports mainly Suezmaxes (1-million-barrel capacity) and Aframaxes (750,000-barrel capacity). According to Kpler data, Russia’s seaborne crude exports clocked in at 3.12 million b/d in August, down 18% from the recent high in May while seaborne products exports averaged 1.58 million b/d last month, 22% lower than the March high. Falling ton-miles (volume multiplied by distance) as well as lower tanker rates has been depressing overall shipping revenues, with most companies in the space expected to post a weak fourth quarter.

Consequently, leading commodity shipping stocks have been reversing earlier gains: over the past 30 days, Tsakos Energy Navigation shares have declined 9.7%; Teekay Tankers - 12.2%; Nordic American Tankers - 11.9%, Frontline - 4.0%, Euronav NV - 11.3% and International Seaways6.7%.

But the tanker bulls have refused to give up, and insist there’s plenty of light at the end of what they consider a short tunnel.

“While Q4 crude-tanker earnings will likely be softer than expected, the outlook for 2024 has become much more exciting,” wrote Jefferies analyst Omar Nokta in a client note on Wednesday. Nokta says he’s “increasingly confident that 2024 will be a banner year for tankers,” with the market poised for a “rate eruption”.

According to Clarksons Securities analyst Frode Mørkedal, “When OPEC+ eventually resumes production, which is projected to happen in earnest by Q2 2024, the tanker market should experience an immediate uplift.”

Interestingly, it’s not just Wall Street punters that are buying the bullish narrative but ship owners themselves, with some reportedly pulling their older tankers from second-hand markets in anticipation of another boom time. The experts are also predicting stronger growth in the coming year:

To be fair, it’s not hard to see why optimism remains high with oil demand still robust.

China worries aside, physical markets continue to show signs of strength, with Asian refineries expected to continue ramping up imports while crude inventories at the Cushing, Oklahoma, hub are expected to drop to their lowest level since April.

Supplies have become increasingly tight since late June as Saudi Arabia and Russia cut production. Indeed, the latest energy report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealed that global oil demand grew by 3.26 million barrels per day in Q2, reaching an all-time high of 103 mb/d. The IEA estimates that the call on OPEC and inventories will be 30 mb/d in Q3 and 29.8 mb/d, which implies inventory draws of over 2mb/d in both quarters at current OPEC output levels; the IEA assessed OPEC output at 27.86 mb/d in July. The call on OPEC is a measure of the “excess demand” that OPEC countries face, and equals the global oil demand minus both the crude oil production by non-OPEC countries and the production by OPEC countries which are not subject to quota agreements. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Around The World Morocco survivors seek aid as earthquake toll passes 2100

Survivors of Morocco's deadliest earthquake in more than six decades struggled to find food, water and shelter on Sunday as the search for the missing continued in remote villages and the death toll of more than 2100 seemed likely to rise further.

Many people were preparing to spend a third night in the open after the 6.8 magnitude quake hit late on Friday. Relief workers face the challenge of reaching the worst-affected villages in the High Atlas, a rugged mountain range where settlements are often remote and where many houses crumbled.

The death toll climbed to 2122 with 2421 people injured.

The damage done to Morocco's cultural heritage became more evident as local media reported the collapse of a historically important 12th century mosque. The quake also damaged parts of Marrakech old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In Moulay Brahim, a village 40 km (25 miles) south of Marrakech, residents described how they dug the dead from the rubble using their bare hands.

On a hillside overlooking the village, residents buried a 45-year-old woman who had died along with her 18-year-old son, a woman sobbing loudly as the body was lowered into the grave.

Yassin Noumghar, 36, complained of shortages of

People walk next to a damaged building, in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake, in Amizmiz, Morocco, September 10, 2023

water, food and power, saying he had received little government aid so far.

With many homes built of mud bricks and timber or cement and breeze blocks,

structures crumbled easily. It was Morocco's deadliest quake since 1960 when a tremor was estimated to have killed at least 12,000 people. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine offensive could have only 30 days left – US Army chief

Ukraine has little more than 30 days left of fighting before the weather hinders its counter-offensive, the top-ranking US military officer says.

Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Gen Mark Milley said colder conditions would make it much harder for Ukraine to manoeuvre.

He admitted the offensive had gone more slowly than expected. But he said: "There's still heavy fighting going on.

"The Ukrainians are still

plugging away with steady progress."

Gen Milley said it was too early to say whether the counter-offensive had failed, but said Ukraine was "progressing at a very steady pace through the Russian front lines".

"There's still a reasonable amount of time, probably about 30 to 45 days' worth of fighting weather left, so the Ukrainians aren't done.

"There's battles not done... they haven't finished the fighting part of what they're trying to accomplish."

Sudan conflict: Dozens killed in attack on Khartoum market, medics say

At least 35 people have been killed after a crowded market in Sudan's capital was hit with "explosive weapons", a medical charity says.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) described it as "carnage", saying that more than 60 people had also been wounded in the attack.

Local residents say a military aircraft bombarded the Qouro market in southern Khartoum on Sunday.

Rival military factions have been fighting since April.

On Sunday MSF's emergency co-ordinator Marie Burton said Khartoum "has been at war for almost six months".

"But still, the volunteers and medical personnel in Bashair hospital are shocked and overwhelmed by the scale of horror that struck the city" on Sunday, she added on X, formerly Twitter.

MSF said "explosive

weapons" had hit the market and that air strikes and shelling continued in "another day of unthinkable suffering and loss of life".

"We're trying to save the lives of people whose body parts have been ripped off by the explosion. It was a carnage," MSF added.

Sudan plunged into a civil war in April after army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo fell out.

About five million people have been forced to flee their homes, and thousands have been killed. Khartoum and the western region of Darfur have been worst hit by the conflict.

The military has repeatedly carried out air strikes in a bid to regain control of the cities.

An air strike killed at least 20 people, including two children, about a week ago, activists said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Kyiv's counter-offensive, which was launched in the summer and aims to liberate Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine, has so far seen only small gains.

But Ukrainian generals claim they have breached Russia's formidable first line of defences in the south.

In the same interview, Adm Sir Tony Radakin, the UK chief of defence staff, said "Ukraine is winning and Russia is losing".

"That is because the aim of Russia was to subjugate Ukraine and to put it under

Russia's control", he said.

"That has not happened and it never will happen, and that's why Ukraine is winning."

He added that Ukraine was making progress in its battle to regain its territory, having recovered 50% of the ground Russia seized. Ukraine's progress was also down to the international community "applying economic pressure and diplomatic pressure, and Russia is suffering because of that", he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US and Vietnam ink historic partnership in Biden visit, with eyes on China

US President Joe Biden on Sunday secured deals with Vietnam on semiconductors and minerals as the strategic Southeast Asian nation lifted Washington to Hanoi's highest diplomatic status alongside China and Russia.

The US has been pushing for the upgrade for months as it sees the manufacturing dynamo as a key country in its strategy to secure global supply chains from China-related risks.

A half-century after a lengthy and brutal Cold War-era conflict, Biden arrived in Hanoi to a ceremony organised by the ruling Communist Party that included school children waving American flags and honour guards carrying bayoneted rifles.

Biden noted the strides that had been taken toward improved ties.

The partnership with Vietnam is part of the Biden Administration's push "to demonstrate to our Indo-

Pacific partners and to the world, the United States is a Pacific nation and we're not going anywhere," Biden told reporters after the meeting in Hanoi.

Vietnam is navigating frosty relations between Washington and Beijing as the tech and textile exporter seeks its own foothold in the international competition to be a low-cost manufacturing hub.

Top Chinese officials, possibly including President Xi Jinping, are expected to visit Vietnam in the coming days or weeks, officials and diplomats said, as Hanoi seeks to maintain good relations with all super powers.

Biden also said in Hanoi he had talked with Xi's deputy at the G20, and that the two talked about stability.

Vietnam's longstanding relationship with Russia faces tests over the war in Ukraine, including talks with Moscow over a new arms supply deal that could trigger US sanctions.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Self-improvement doesn’t have to break the bank. Getting in shape can be done on a shoestring budget if you are determined to reach your goal. Put a routine in place and challenge yourself.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t let temptation set in and logic leave the building. Pay attention to what others do and say, and weigh the pros and cons of overindulgence. Find a safe way to use your skills.

(April 20-May 20)

Participate, but don’t burden yourself by taking on too much. Be sure you take care of your needs before offering your services to someone. Choose your battles wisely.

(May 21-June 20)

Consider where your money goes. Imagination and discipline will pay off. Don’t let anger or frustration get you down. Refining your household budget will give you a refreshed attitude.

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

Simplify your life. Returning to a simpler lifestyle will help you grow and sustain what’s meaningful to you. Change is never easy, but it is necessary. Thinking ahead will pay off.

Listen to others and plan your actions, and success will follow. Your dedication and precision will pay off as you devise a plan that utilizes your skills, knowledge and experience.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Sign up for something you believe in or that will help you improve your lifestyle or relationships. Changing your perspective regarding money matters will help you make better decisions,

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Take better care of yourself. Find ways to declutter your life and balance your bank accounts. Look for a position that is more rewarding and less stressful. Now’s the time to deal with problems.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(BELLWETHER: BELL-weh-thur: One who takes the lead or initiative.)

Average mark 33 words

Time limit 45 minutes

TODAY’S WORD -- BELLWETHER SATURDAY'S WORD -- DECADENT reed resurge reuse rude ruder rued

Explore the possibilities. Attend events or reunions that can enrich your life and broaden your horizons. Verify any information you receive before moving forward.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Can you find 43 or more words in BELLWETHER? The list will be published tomorrow.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Invest wisely. Something good will transpire if you work to increase your qualifications and skills or make cost-efficient changes at home. Pay attention to your health.

Do whatever it takes to get ahead. Show initiative, and don’t let anyone take credit for your ideas or work. Someone will take advantage of you if you give them the opportunity.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Make a realistic assessment of what someone is offering. Talks will lead to worthwhile deals, contracts and a change of attitude. Stay within your budget. Lean on a partner if you need to.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Stella Maris remain unbeaten to clinch “Future Warriors” championship

Astar was born and a new batch of champions hit the block on Sunday afternoon as Stella Maris Primary School emerged winners of the “Future Warriors” Tapeball tournament, powered by ExxonMobil Guyana.

Playing at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground, Stella Maris remained unbeaten through the three-team round-robin stage, before a commanding win in the anticipated final.

Earlier in the day, Stella Maris defeated St Pius

Primary by 23 runs after posting 49-4, as Nicholai Hawker took 3-2 from his two overs to rout St Pius in the chase. Ashawn Collins assisted with 2-8 from one over in the impressive bowling performance.

In the next game, eventual highest run-scorer

Tafari Softleigh, alongside Brandon Frank, flexed his bat to get the team to 103 without loss in the first innings. Softleigh hit 63 from 29 balls, inclusive of five sixes, while Frank contributed 33 from 19. In the chase, FE Pollard Primary only got to 39-5 in their eight overs. Softleigh also shone with the ball, taking 3-4 from two overs.

With Stella Maris already securing their place

in the final, St Pius and FE Pollard battled for the next spot in the final. FE Pollard prevailed by a three-run margin after batting first.

The team got to 55-2 in their eight overs, compliments of a sparkling 32 from 18 off the bat of Devante Primo.

They then restricted St Pius to 52-5, with Christian Seenauth being the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-8 from two overs. In the grand finale, FE Pollard also batted first, posting 46-2 in their eight overs. Primo was once again outstanding, hitting 39 from 24, including eight fours. In the chase, Stella Maris’s Frank smashed 28 from 10 and Softleigh 19 from 8 to lead their team

Djokovic wins US Open for record-equalling 24th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic battled past Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 and into the tennis history books on Sunday, winning the US Open to equal Margaret Court's record haul of 24 Grand Slams.

The victory, his fourth in 10 Flushing Meadows finals, capped another remarkable Grand Slam campaign for Djokovic with wins at the Australian, French, and US Opens and a return to the top of the world rankings when they are updated today.

final on Saturday, with no clear support for either player from an attentive but subdued audience.

to the championship inside three overs.

For his innings of 63, Softleigh received a $10,000 gift voucher, while Seenauth received the same for bowling figures of 5-16 in two overs, earlier in the tournament. Both players also received the best batsman and best bowler accolades for 135 runs and seven wickets in the tournament, respectively. As part of their championship prize, Stella Maris Primary will get the opportunity to meet the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) team. That will be facilitated by ExxonMobil. The tournament was organised by FL Sport.

GVF successfully convenes male and female volleyball selection for IGG

The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) successfully convened its trials, to select the male and female players who will represent Guyana at the upcoming Inter Guiana Games (IGG) to be held from October 26 to October 31, 2023 in Suriname.

The trials were held at the National Gymnasium on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Coaches Levi Nedd and Rodney Fredericks will be the Head Coaches for the males and females respectively while Luen David will deputise for both teams.

The female team read: Tracy Ann Caesar, Wonda Abacka Isaacs, Christal Anntonette Welch, Aliyah Dyna Mohabir, Rennia Page Liverpool, Renata Patrice Liverpool, Britney Poonsammy, Amelia

Bangat, Dessia Andrews, Onecia Dundas, Duncan Beyonce, and Yania Squires.

The male team read: Akadian Andrews, Jaden Watkins, Staffon Jarell Lewis, Orandi Welcome, Harold Booker, Deron Aaron, Nicolas Ramdial,

Clarence Fitzpatrick Lucius, Dua Grant, David Blair, Mucah Chichester, DeAndre Alcee, Permanent Saywack, and Jaden LaRose.

Training sessions are expected to be held at the National Gymnasium on weekends.

The 36-year-old Serb becomes the oldest US Open men’s winner in the Open Era and the first to win three Grand Slam events in a season for the fourth time.

The win was also a measure of revenge for Djokovic.

The second seed walked out onto a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday and stared across the net at Medvedev the man once again standing between him and history just as he had two years ago.

The last time the two clashed at the US Open was in the 2021 final when the Russian captured his only major and denied the Serb a rare calendar Grand Slam.

While Djokovic and Medvedev are intriguing figures, neither has been fully embraced by the New York crowds.

Certainly, there was little of the electricity that crackled through Arthur Ashe during the women's

As expected in a contest featuring the sport's two premier hardcourt players, almost every point was contested with long rallies as both men pounded away at each other from the baseline.

Djokovic came out playing with purpose and applied pressure right away breaking the third seed at the first opportunity on the way to a 3-0 lead.

That would be the only break Djokovic would need

against a surprisingly flat Medvedev who could not manufacture a single break chance in the first set.

During a marathon one-hour-and-44-minute lung-bursting second set, Medvedev would find life forcing a tiring Djokovic into long grinding point, after grinding point.

But the tireless Russian's hard work would pay no dividends as he was unable to convert any of his few break chances including one at 6-5 that would have given him the set.

Medvedev charged in front 3-1 of the tie-break, but again could not land the knockout blow as Djokovic came off the ropes to take it 7-5 and a 2-0 lead.

If there is one thing Djokovic possesses it is a killer instinct and the Serb wasted no time striking, breaking Medvedev to go up 3-1 in the third.

A defiant Medvedev answered with his first and only break of the match, but it was not enough with Djokovic hitting right back with another break and then holding serve the rest of the way to clinch the title. (Reuters)

Stella Maris Primary celebrate their victory

Some members of the female volleyball selection for the Inter Guiana Games

Djokovic at centre court on Sunday

Novak Djokovic lifts his 24th Grand Slam trophy

Daniil Medvedev playing one of his shots (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/ USTA)

Barbados Royals beat Guyana Amazon Warriors to lift WCPL trophy

Barbados Royals finished the 2023 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) season as champions when they wrapped up an eight-run final win against the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

After topping the group stage with two wins over the Warriors and one win and one loss over previous winners Trinbago Knight Riders, the Royals claimed the second-ever WCPL title at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad.

After losing the toss and being put in to bat for the first time, the Royals posted 169-7, with Captain Hayley Matthews finding a big score at the right time before being slowed down in the final few overs keeping the Warriors in hope of a result.

In response, competition top scorer Sophie Devine could only manage a start before some tight bowling restricted the run rate required, leaving the Warriors short.

Gaby Lewis got the

SCOREBOARD

b Joseph 22 Suzie Bates c Burns

b Matthews 36 Stafanie Taylor (c)

b Wellington 4 Shemaine Campbelle

Royals off to a firing start before falling inside the power-play with the score 37-1 after six overs.

(RR:

Fall of wickets:

(Gaby Lewis, 4.6 ov), 2-144 (Rashada Williams,

ov), 3-144 (Laura Harris, 16.4 ov), 4-149 (Erin Burns, 17.4 ov), 5-149 (Hayley Matthews, 18.1 ov), 6-149 (Aaliyah Alleyne, 18.3 ov), 7-168 (Chinelle Henry, 19.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sheneta Grimmond 3-0-21-0

Shabnim Ismail 4-0-30-4

Sophie Devine 2-0-24-0

Shreyanka Patil 4-1-25-1

Karishma Ramharack 3-0-30-0

Shakera Selman 2-0-25-0

Suzie Bates 2-0-12-0

Guyana Amazon Warriors Women (T: 170 runs from 20 ovs)

Sophie Devine st †Williams

b

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.05) 161/8 Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Sophie Devine, 4.4 ov), 2-47 (Stafanie Taylor, 6.1 ov), 3-107 (Suzie Bates, 13.6 ov), 4-141 (Natasha McLean, 17.5 ov), 5-147 (Shabika Gajnabi, 18.1 ov), 6-149 (Shreyanka Patil, 18.5 ov), 7-149 (Sheneta Grimmond, 18.6 ov), 8-160 (Shabnim Ismail, 19.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Qiana Joseph

Hayley Matthews

Amanda-Jade Wellington

Afy Fletcher

Erin Burns

Matthews prevailed through the middle overs putting on the first-century partnership of the competition with Rashada Williams.

However, the Warriors clawed back into the game,

restricting the Royals to 32-6 from the final five overs. After early struggles for wickets, Shabnim Ismail showed her quality with 4-30, picking up the wickets of all the Royals top four batters.

In response, Guyana Amazon Warriors, in a similar fashion to the Royals, had an important middle-over

partnership after making the most of the power-play, with Suzie Bates and Shemaine Campbelle putting on 60.

The Royals’ bowlers did enough with the ball to restrict the run rate enough to deny the Warriors despite some late hope given by Natasha McLean with a 17ball 28, including taking 16 runs from the 17th over.

Matthews was at the forefront once again in key moments with McLean run out off her bowling at the non-striker's end with some misfortune in her dismissal combined with some brilliant reactions from the Barbados Captain.

Royals bowlers were economical as they have been throughout the competition with overseas star AmandaJade Wellington in particular starring with 4-23, including 3-2 in the penultimate over when the Warriors

Pooran, Guptill fifties propel TKR to win over Tallawahs

Trinbago Knight Riders reached second place in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) points table with a comfortable seven-wicket win over the Jamaica Tallawahs.

The Knight Riders won the toss and opted to field first and that was to prove to be an inspired decision as the Jamaica Tallawahs struggled to post a competitive total.

Other than Imad Wasim, who hit a valiant 62, no one else was able to stick around to help the Tallawahs pose a more challenging total than 154-8.

The Knight Riders were to make light of the chase as Nicholas Pooran followed up his unbeaten century with a rapid 54 off 35 balls. That knock laid the foundation and the Knight Riders were to chase down the remainder of the total with minimum fuss.

Earlier, the Tallawahs found their innings choked by spin as Brandon King and Amir Jangoo fell inside the power-play, with the defending champions only reaching 29-2 at the end of the first six overs.

The squeeze continued outside the power-play, with the Tallawahs leaving themselves a lot to do at the

backend as they reached 102-4 with five overs to go.

However, Wasim made light of the pitch with a timely half-century off 26 balls but when he fell in the final over, the Tallawahs were unable to add enough late blows to make their total a more threatening one.

The Trinbago Knight Riders chased down the

155 required with ease. Fifties from Pooran (54) and Martin Guptill (53*) with the added theatrics of some

with 16 balls to spare. (CPL)

SCOREBOARD

Jamaica Tallawahs (20 ovs maximum)

Brandon King (c)c Guptill

b Carmichael 8

Amir Jangoo

b Narine 13

Jermaine Blackwood c Russell

b Ali Khan 29

Shamarh Brooks †

b Hosein 9

Imad Wasim c Alleyne

b Ali Khan 62

Fabian Allen c Russell

b Narine 14

Chris Green c Russell

b Ali Khan 4

Raymon Reifer not out 0

Mohammad Amir run out (Pooran/†Tucker) 5

Extras (lb 6, w 4) 10

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.70) 154/8

Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Brandon King, 2.3 ov), 2-29 (Amir Jangoo, 5.5 ov), 3-53 (Shamarh Brooks, 9.5 ov), 4-88 (Jermaine Blackwood, 13.4 ov), 5-135 (Fabian Allen, 17.4 ov), 6-148 (Imad Wasim, 19.2 ov), 7-149 (Chris Green, 19.4 ov), 8-154 (Mohammad Amir, 19.6 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Jaden Carmichael 4-0-27-1

Akeal Hosein 3-0-10-1

Sunil Narine 4-0-29-2

Waqar Salamkheil 3-0-26-0

Andre Russell 3-0-29-0

Ali Khan 3-0-27-3

Trinbago Knight Riders (T:

155 runs from 20 ovs)

Martin Guptill not out 53

Sunil Narine lbw

b Green 15

Nicholas Pooran c Blackwood

b Imad Wasim 54

Kieron Pollard (c)c Allen

b Imad Wasim 6

Andre Russell not out 20

Extras (b 4, nb 1, w 2) 7

TOTAL 17.2 Ov (RR: 8.94) 155/3

Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Sunil

Narine, 1.5 ov), 2-102 (Nicholas

Pooran, 12.2 ov), 3-115

(Kieron Pollard, 14.1 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammad Amir 3-0-19-0

Chris Green 4-0-29-1

Salman Irshad 3-0-21-0

Kelvin Pitman 1.2-0-17-0

Raymon Reifer 2-0-23-0

Imad Wasim 3-0-28-2

Fabian Allen 1-0-14-0

required 23 from 12 balls. Campbelle’s brilliant knock was left in vain as Matthews was able to defend 21 off the final over despite Ismail’s cameo giving the Royals a late scare. In the end, Barbados Royals (169-7) beat Guyana Amazon Warriors (161/8) by eight runs.

Andre Russell muscle saw the Knight Riders see the game home

Nicholas Pooran and Martin Guptill scored fifties

Hayley Matthews stroked her best CPL innings

Devine was removed early in the chase

Motie defends 6 runs in lastover thriller against Royals

Powell blasted 39 from 19 balls to leave the equation at 31 runs needed from 19 balls.

By Brandon Corlette

Amagical last over from spinner Gudakesh

Motie helped Guyana Amazon Warriors clinch a three-run win against Barbados Royals in match 23 of the 2023 Republic

Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Motie defended six runs in the final over to help restrict Royals to 178-8 in 20 overs. Amazon Warriors had earlier posted 181-9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Saim Ayub and Shai Hope scoring half-centuries.

While 182 to win was always likely to be a tall order, the Royals did not help their assignment by losing both their openers inside the power-play. However, they reached the six-over mark at 54-2.

A 60-run partnership between Laurie Evans and Alick Athanaze was eventually bought to a close when Odean Smith got Evans to commit to a shot too early and Athanaze himself was to follow 12 balls later.

Just when it seemed the Royals were going to fall to defeat, Captain Rovman

Once Carlos Brathwaite and Justin Greaves had got the equation down to six off the final over, it looked a forgone conclusion, but the Warriors and Motie closed out a famous win for Warriors nation.

Earlier, the Guyana Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first. Chandrapaul Hemraj missed out while Junior Sinclair returned to the playing XI. Warriors experimented with Motie at the top of the order, but that did not

last long. Motie made seven from eight balls and he departed at 9-1 in 1.3 overs.

Hope joined Ayub and the duo took Warriors to 41-1 after six overs. Hope was dropped on 15 by Obed McCoy off the bowling of Kyle Mayers, who bowled four overs on the trot for 24 runs.

Hope and Ayub rotated the strike with ease and grace, and took advantage of the poor deliveries with maximums. Despite the surface being on the slower side, Warriors stood firm at the half-way stage, scoring 83-1 after 10 overs.

Ayub then reached his second successive fifty of

the season in 32 balls. Three balls later, Ayub offered a return catch to Brathwaite.

The 21-year-old Pakistani opener had struck six maximums and one four in his 58 from 35 balls. Hope and Ayub had added 98 runs together, and Warriors were 107-2 in 11.4 overs when Azam Khan joined Hope at the crease.

One over later, Khan was caught for a four-ball duck, as Warriors were reduced to 109-3 in 12.5 overs.

Hope and Shimron Hetmyer then took Qais Ahmad for 20 runs in one over, and the Barbadian Hope reached his fifty, his second in as many matches, in 39 balls.

He then chopped on and was removed by McCoy for an even 50 from 40 balls, an innings laced with four sixes and one four. Keemo

He sent back Hetmyer for 24, Romario Shepherd for 2 and Smith for a golden duck.

Paul tonked 23 from 10 balls, and Warriors ended on 181-9 in their 20 overs. The 2023 Republic Bank CPL will continue on Wednesday in Guyana, with Warriors taking on Jamaica Tallawahs at 19:00h at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Paul came to the crease with Warriors on 139-4 in 16.3 overs.

Brathwaite, who bowled expensively in Barbados and was dropped, returned with good skill this game, with 4-27 in his four overs.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Amazon Warriors (20 ovs maximum)

Saim Ayub c &

b Brathwaite 58

Gudakesh Motie c McCoy

b Cornwall 7

Shai Hope

b McCoy 50

Azam Khan †c Greaves

b McCoy 0

Shimron Hetmyer c van der Merwe

b Brathwaite 24

Keemo Paul

b Holder 23

Romario Shepherd c Qais Ahmad

b Brathwaite 2

Odean Smith

b Brathwaite 0

Dwaine Pretorius c Brathwaite

b Holder 0

Junior Sinclair not out 1

Imran Tahir (c)not out 4

Extras (lb 1, w 11) 12

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.05) 181/9

Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Gudakesh

Motie, 1.3 ov), 2-107 (Saim Ayub, 11.4 ov), 3-109 (Azam Khan, 12.5 ov), 4-139 (Shai Hope, 16.3 ov),

5-167 (Shimron Hetmyer, 18.2 ov),

6-169 (Romario Shepherd, 18.5 ov), 7-169 (Odean Smith, 18.6 ov), 8-170 (Dwaine Pretorius, 19.2 ov), 9-177 (Keemo Paul, 19.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Kyle Mayers 4-0-24-0

Rahkeem Cornwall 2-0-20- 1

Jason Holder 4-0-37-2

Obed McCoy 3-0-25-2

Qais Ahmad 2-0-31-0

Carlos Brathwaite 4-0-27-4

Roelof van der Merwe 1-0-16-0 Barbados Royals (T: 182 runs from 20 ovs)

Rahkeem Cornwall

b Pretorius 8

Kyle Mayers (c)

b Paul 16

Laurie Evans †c &

b Smith 44

Alick Athanaze c Paul

b Shepherd 27

Rovman Powell run out (Sinclair) 39

Jason Holder c Shepherd b Pretorius 4

Justin Greaves c Smith

b Motie 16

Carlos Brathwaite c Paul

b Motie 12

Roelof van der Merwe not out 1

Extras (lb 7, w 4) 11

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.90) 178/8

Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 2.3 ov), 2-39 (Kyle Mayers, 4.4 ov), 3-99 (Laurie Evans, 10.6 ov), 4-112 (Alick Athanaze, 12.6 ov), 5-129 (Jason Holder, 15.2 ov), 6-151 (Rovman Powell, 16.5 ov), 7-177 (Carlos Brathwaite, 19.3 ov), 8-178 (Justin Greaves, 19.6 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Dwaine Pretorius 4-0-24-2

Gudakesh Motie 4-0-38-2

Shepherd

Odean Smith 2-0-24-1

Hope scored his fifty from 38 balls

Shai Hope and Ayub added 98 runs together Joy for Gudakesh Motie

Saim Ayub struck six sixes in his innings

Rovman Powell was hurt after his run-out

Carlos Brathwaite claimed 4-27 in four overs

Warriors fans braved the heat on a Sunday morning in Trinidad