Guyana Times - Saturday, August 26, 2023

200 three-bedroom homes to be constructed at Leonora

…over 1000 persons receive lots at Building Expo’s "Dream Realised" exercise

lots to applicants in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

While the Ministry is making a dent in the existing backlog it met after assuming office in 2020, the number of backlog cases continues to rise. An evaluation of the pending applications for Region Three one year ago stood at about 14,000. A few months ago, there were just over 13,000 pending applications.

AMemorandum of Understanding

(MoU) has been inked between the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and South Atlantic Logistics and General Services for the construction of 200 homes at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

On heels of International Building Expo, the agreement was signed on Friday between Chief Executive Officer of the CHPA, Sherwyn Greaves, and Founder of New Century

International, Alex De La Cruz.

Each home will measure 862 square feet, which is 62 square feet more than the other three-bedroom homes being constructed under the National Housing Programme. However, the homes will remain at the same cost of $9 million.

Moreover, each unit would be constructed on approximately 5,000 square feet of land, using interlocking columns and blocks, and without the use of mortar. The columns would also

form part of the foundation of the homes.

Among those present were Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch; Senior Commercial Officer at the US Guyana Embassy's Department of Commerce, Daniel Gaines; New Century International Vice President David Bishop, among other officials.

During its term in office thus far, Government has delivered over 6000 house

As the infrastructural landscape of Region Three changes rapidly with more roads and highways being built, new homes would be constructed in the backlands of communities such as Uitvlugt, Stewartville, Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Leonora, Meten-MeerZorg and Tuschen.

Among the road works being undertaken in Region Three is the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway. This $11.8 billion road project is being undertaken by eight companies, and is expected to be completed by October. However, during a site visit last month, President Ali had to admonish the contractors, since all of them were behind in the execution of the project.

Eventually, that highway will be further expand-

ed from Crane all the way to Parika. Moreover, the gas-toshore project would see construction of a new road from the West Demerara foreshore all the way to Wales, West Bank Demerara.

Simultaneously, the Dream Realised Allocation Exercise at Building Expo 2023 also kickstarted on a good note on Friday. In two days, close to 2000 families from all income brackets would leave the Guyana

National Stadium at Providence having completed the first stage to homeownership.

The Housing Ministry allocated some 1,200 lots to families in the Lusignan, Good Hope and Two Friends Housing Schemes within the low-, moderate- and middle-income brackets. Today, the Dream Realised activity will continue with allocations for Region Three. (G12)

The MoU signed between Chief Executive Officer of the CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves, and Founder of New Century International, Alex De La Cruz

A recipients in the process of securing lots in the presence of Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 26 – no retraction scheduled and Sunday, August 27 – 01:00h-02:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, August 26 –11:50h-13:20h and Sunday, August 27 – 13:15h-14:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected during the day interrupted by light rain showers in the early afternoon hours, with clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 12:12h reaching a maximum height of 2.13 metres.

Low Tide: 18:03h reaching a minimum height of 1.11 metres.

“Damaging impacts” of slavery continue to be felt – Gladstone heirs offer apology for slavery and indentureship …Center

for Migration and Diaspora Studies launched

Indigenous people’s development programme, the establishment of cultural institutions, eradication of illiteracy, development of an African knowledge programme, debt cancellation, among other things.

“We urge the British Government to enter into meaningful discussions with Caricom, so that both parties can move towards a better future together,” said the junior Gladstone.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

In their first step of correcting the wrongs of former slave owner John Gladstone in Guyana, his descendants on Friday offered a formal apology for their family’s involvement,

“We wish to offer his sincerest apologies for his actions in holding your ancestors in slavery in Guyana… “Slavery was a crime against humanity, and its damaging impact continues

“We understand that we cannot change history, but we believe that we can have an impact on the world in which we live. In apologizing for the actions of our ancestors, we hope to work towards a better future.”

Gladstone voiced sup-

The family will be creating a financial fund to assist various projects in Guyana in creating long-term relationships. The family also recognized John Gladstone’s role as one of the architects of bringing indentured immigrants to Guyana after the slave trade was abolished.

After slavery came to an end with emancipation in 1838, Gladstone proceeded to expel the majority of the newly-emancipated freedmen from his plantations and imported large numbers of indentured servants from British India as part of the Indian indenture system.

Quamina and his son John Gladstone, who led the 1823 Rebellion, were enslaved on Gladstone plantations. The University itself is founded on plantation lands upon which part of the revolutions were enacted.

while noting the dire impacts that continue to permeate society even today.

The University of Guyana and the Guyana Reparations Committee had invited members of the Gladstone family to participate in the launch of UG’s International Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies.

Chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee, Eric Phillips, accepted the signed apology from the Gladstone family. Simultaneously, a silent protest was organized at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre as the apology was being handed over.

John Gladstone is the father of William Gladstone – four-time British Prime Minister. After the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, he received the largest of all compensated emancipation payments made via the Slave Compensation Act 1837 for the loss of his slaves. He is responsible for enslaving over 2,500 persons in Guyana.

Charles Gladstone, on behalf of his family, stated,

to be felt across the world today. It is with deep shame and regret that we acknowledge our ancestor’s involvement in this crime, and with heartfelt sincerity that we apologize to the descendants of the enslaved in Guyana. In so doing, we recognize slavery’s continuing impact on the daily lives of many.” He also called on other descendants of slave owners to open discussions on their ancestors’ contributions to what is considered crimes against humanity, and discuss ways in which they can offer contributions.

port for the 10-Point Agenda for Reparatory Justice under the umbrella of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM): which speaks to repatriation, an

The Gladstone ancestor is also recorded as “one of the initiators of schemes for the exporting of indentured labour to the Caribbean”. It is also indicated their ancestor John Gladstone, who died in 1851, might have owned the Whitby and Hesperus, the ships which transported the first East Indian Indentured to Guyana.

Charles Gladstone offering the apology on behalf of his family

John Gladstone was responsible for the enslavement of hundreds

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Water conservation and El Niño

The Guyana Hydrometeorological Department has predicted a period of decreased rainfall, which could last for another six to 12 months and as a result the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has begun sensitisation programmes in all Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) as the country prepares for El Niño.

Before El Niño intensifies, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) should also start its campaign to educate the general public on water conservation.

Many years ago, when Guyana had extreme El Niño conditions, the now President of Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali, when he was at the time Housing and Water Minister, had said that despite depleting water resources, citizens were not serious about conservation; they were still wasting the commodity. This prompted him to go on a large-scale campaign to save water.

At the time, even alarming drops in the water levels in the East Demerara Water Conservancy and the Lamaha Canal and threats of water shortages and rationing did not curtail extravagant usage.

At a recent training of RDC officials in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), CDC Director General, Colonel (Retired) Nazrul Hussain is quoted as saying that the commission has been travelling countrywide and documenting feedback from their engagements as it relates to each region’s preparedness for any eventuality. To quote him, awareness and preparedness “are two key words… and there is an education and informative process through short presentations on how El Niño can affect the population in terms of lives and livelihood”.

Water conservation, then and now, is an issue Guyanese are still to embrace. Our propensity to waste water may be largely attributed to GWI’s approach to the issue also. There have been, and continue to be, considerable losses in the distribution systems and unsatisfactory response to leakage reports are communicating to consumers that wastage is not a grave concern to the authorities. We must admit that there has been great improvement over the years at GWI. However, the precious commodity is still being lost due to leakage. If consumers are to be more serious about conservation, GWI must first set the example. The company can no longer tolerate inefficiencies in its water distribution systems and the resulting loss of revenue associated with it. Increases in pumping, treatment and operational costs make these losses prohibitive. With a high-priced operation, the utility is losing valuable financial resources when volumes of water are lost through leakages.

A leak detection programme can be highly valuable as it encourages people to think about water conservation before they are asked to take actions to reduce their own water use. We believe that the public must be encouraged more to conserve, but efforts are still inadequate.

It is very challenging to convince Guyanese of the importance of water conservation. We feel, however, that more results will be achieved if authorities show consumers how serious it is about conservation by reducing leaks across the country. Then it may strategically target sections of the population with its message. The utility company’s educational programme should also include teaching children to conserve. However, despite its importance, it does not lessen the need for a nationwide public education programme to get the entire population to understand the concept and put it into practice. The utility may also want to dispel myths about Guyana’s water resources during its campaigns.

Indian Indentureship: another form of slavery

The following article consists of excerpts from a Paper delivered by Dr. Cheddi Jagan to the Genesis of a Nation Activity in May, 1988, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians into Guyana:

Indentureship was another form of slavery.

In many respects, it was equally brutal. On 9th January, 1839, the BRITISH EMANCIPATOR, the official organ of the Anti-Slavery Society of Great Britain reported that “the British Public has been deceived With the idea that the coolies are doing ‘well’; such is not the fact; the poor friendless creatures are miserably treated.” Governor Henry Light, in a dispatch to the Colonial, Office wrote that “the immigrants had suffered much sickness and were in a filthy state”.

On 15th February 1840, he stated:

“I confess I should be unwilling to adopt any measure to favour the transfer of labourers from British India to British Guiana, after the failure of the former experiment. Admitting that the mortality of the Hill coolies first sent may have been accidental, I am not prepared to encounter the responsibility of a measure which may lead to a dead loss of life on the one hand, or, on the other, to a new system of slavery. Corporal punishment is not unknown to those poor people, and I have heard no argument used in favour of enabling the crowded population of India to take ad the high wage of Guiana, which remove the danger I apprehend… ”

Elizabeth Taylor, a worker of Plantation V Hoop,(owned by John Gladstone, who launched the Indian Indentureship program) told a Commission of Enquiry:

“The coolies were locked up in the sick house next morning they were flogged

with a cat-o-nine-tails; the manager was in the house, and they flogged the people under his house; they were tied to the post of the of the gallery of the manager’s house; I cannot tell how many licks; he gave them enough. I saw blood. When they were flogged at the manager’s house they rubbed salt pickle on their backs.”

A Royal Commission in 1870 pointed out that indentured Indian immigrant was trapped by the law “in the hands of a system which elaborately twists and turns him about, but always leaves him face to face with an impossibility.”

Stoppages of wages were “everyday occurrences”. Severe penalties were imposed for absenteeism. The indentured labourer’s movement was restricted. The Vagrancy Law required a “pass” before he/she could travel more than two miles beyond the boundaries of the estate.

And like the slaves in the “Nigger yard”, the indentured immigrant was forced to live in the “Coolie yard”, or “Bound yard” in low-lying ranges, which were not uprooted until the 1950s.

I recall my mother, who slaved for 8 cents in the canefields and never had a chance of going to school remarking: “Bhaiya, ahwee prapa punish,” meaning: Brother we greatly punished. Under the plantocracy, sugar was really bitter. Though entitled to return to India at the end of his or her 5-year indenture contract, only a small percentage of the immigrants could afford the return passage.

The plantocracy created not only a wage differential, but also a division of labour. Cheap muscle power was needed. So the Indians were relegated to the “Backdam”, the canefields. To ensure an abundant supply of even children’s labour, the

“Swettenham Circular” stipulated that Indians were to be exempt from the compulsory provisions of primary education.

And whenever the source of cheap Indian labour was threatened, the sugar planters wielded their considerable power. On more than one occasion, they used their legislative power to block salaries for the Governor and the top administrators. This was their way of demonstrating their power and displeasure with the British Government, which at times contemplated the ending of indentureship because of the scourge of malaria and the brutalities of the system.

But exploitation was not all. The new wage-slaves were also resented and despised. They were resented because they had been brought by their colonial/plantation masters to undercut the position of the freed African population. The Africans had the feeling that “the coolie takes bread from the Negro labourer and lowers the price of labour”.

The indentured Indians were also despised because they brought a culture alien to Western customs and values. The epithet “coolie” depicted the Indian immigrants’ situation.

Indentureship finally came to an end in 1920. But not before there had been

numerous demonstrations, skirmishes, riots and uprisings against starvation wages, appalling conditions and the abuse of women. And the workers paid with their blood; for instance, in British Guiana at Devonshire Castle (September 1872) – 5 killed and 6 wounded; at Non Pariel (October 1896) – 6 killed and 58 wounded; at Friends (May 1903) – 5 killed and 7 wounded; at Lusignan (September 1912) – 1 killed; at Rose Hall (March 1913) – 15 killed; at Ruimveldt (April 1924) 13 killed; at Leonora (1939) – 4 killed; at Enmore (June 1948) – 5 killed and 8 wounded.

Those events clearly explode the caricature that Indians are uncultured and docile. Far from it, their culture was rooted in struggle – struggle for the common good. And the massacre of 13 at Ruimveldt in 1924 clearly demonstrated their proletarian intelligence. Despite their lack of formal education, their proposed peaceful march to Georgetown, the capital, signalled their realisation that the amelioration of their own abominable conditions depended on unity and solidarity – unity of rural and urban workers and solidarity which transcended the narrow confines of race. They were marching to the capital to lend support to the struggling urban Black workers on strike under the leadership of the working class champion, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. To them, Critchlow was “Black Crosby”, named after a white Immigration Agent General.

Indian/Black unity at the working people’s level in Guyana was manifested on several occasions when exslaves and Indian immigrants struggled together against the colonial exploiters and oppressors. It was shattered in the mid-1920s not only by police brutality, but also by imperialist “big stick” methods.

Dr Cheddi Jagan

Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago: Snapshot of Economic Performance 1992-2022

Dear Editor,

My attention was drawn to a statement made by Trinidad & Tobago’s (T&T) High Commissioner to Guyana, Ambassador Conrad Enill. In his statement, he asserted that there is no shortage of foreign currency (forex) in T&T in response to claims made by Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. To substantiate his claim, the Ambassador went onto state that Guyana’s

same period, in 2014 the forex reserve stood at US$652 million representing 4.4 months import cover, which fell below 3 months import cover during the period 2018-2019, and in 2021. At the end of 2022, the forex reserves increased to US$932 million, up from 2.2 months import cover in 2021 to 3.1 months import cover.

Readers would recall that in my previous essay on this matter, I pointed out that T&T

iii) the private market usually responds with an illegal or parallel currency market.

The situation described at (iii) above may have been contained, because T&T companies that are operating in other markets such as Guyana, have been sourcing forex from those markets, and this has been confirmed by the Guyanese authorities.

With that in mind, T&T

billion during the period. The non-energy exports also fell below the 2015 level of US$2.6 billion to less than US$2 billion from 2016 – 2020, then rebound to just over $2 billion in 2021-2022, but less than where it was in 2015. This outturn is indicative of T&T’s failure to adequately diversify the nonoil economy, hence their heavy reliance on the energy sector, despite being an oil and gas

an aggressive, expansive development agenda aimed at diversifying the non-oil economy.

In 1992, T&T’s GDP stood at US$5.44 billion with a per capita income of US$4,231, which increased by 308.27% to reach US$22.21 billion, and 277.83% to reach US$15,986 respectively, by the end of 2022.

For the same period, spanning three decades, Guyana’s GDP stood at US$370 million

3,559.28% to reach US$18,333, surpassing T&T’s per capita income of US$15,986 in 2022.

Finally, Guyana is poised to become the economic backbone of the region, a role that T&T carried for decades. It is crucial, therefore, that T&T recognizes this as a positive development and position itself to work with Guyana and the rest of the region. In this regard, Guyana still needs tremendous

foreign reserve is equivalent to 1.4 months import cover whereas T&T is the equivalent of 8.6 months import cover as of the end of 2022.

However, the Ambassador’s figure for Guyana is incorrect. The fact is that Guyana’s foreign reserve has improved since the PPP/C Government has been re-elected in 2020, which was below 2 months import cover during that period but has improved to 3 months import cover at the end of 2022.

As shown in table one above, in 2014 T&T net forex reserves stood at US$11.5 billion which represented 12.9 months import cover. By the end of 2022, the forex reserves declined by US$4.665 billion to US$6.8 billion, the equivalent of 8.6 months import cover. In the case of Guyana, for the

and Guyana operate two different exchange rate regime. In this regard, T&T operates a fixed exchange rate regime, inter alia, enforcing strict exchange rate controls especially at times when the country’s forex reserves is depleting at an alarming rate.

Typically, countries with fixed exchange rate system usually set the exchange rate at a level that overvalues the local currency. The disadvantages with this type of exchange rate system, which T&T is experiencing for the past seven years or so, are that:

i) the situation is not tenable indefinitely, foreign reserves dwindle fast,

ii) the only way to sustain this system is to implement controls, and

may not have a forex shortage in a real sense at the moment― from the perspective of the level of the country’s net forex reserve relative to their import cover. Nonetheless, they do have a serious problem wherein the forex reserve has been depleting at a relatively fast rate, which could culminate into an economic crisis in a few years’ time.

The current economic situation in T&T can be partially explained by the external trade data in the above table. Energy exports accounts for 80-86% of total exports. Since 2015, energy exports amounted to US$9 billion, which fell below this amount in 2016-2017, rebound to 2015 level in 2018, and fell below that level again in 2019 through 2021, recording its lowest level at US$4.3

producing economy for over a century.

On the other hand, Guyana is keen to avoid this in the long term, viz-a-viz, the government’s commitment to execute

The AFC owes Guyana an official apology

Dear Editor, When the AFC entered Guyana’s politics, it was seen as a breath of fresh air. The preamble to its constitution is full of all the “good stuff” one would expect of any political party that declares itself on the side of equality, justice, and the rule of law. Point three of the preamble of their constitution reads as follows: “The AFC recognises that the development of a just society is founded on the supremacy of the rule of law.” Wonderful indeed. Nothing less is expected. Point four is even more elaborate. It states, “In accordance with these democratic values, the AFC subscribes to the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of persons under the rule of law, and commits itself to the protection of these essential values and to advocating for their constant adoption to the changing needs of modern Guyanese society.” Bravo!

These are lofty ideals, and had the AFC lived up to what it promised, Guyana would have been much further along the path of socio-economic development and cultural advancement. History can be cruel, though, and the record of the AFC is ample proof that we should trust, but also verify. Rather than advancing democ-

racy, the rule of law, and good governance, the AFC became the poster child of betrayal. Three historic betrayals need amplification.

The AFC had promised that it would never join-up with the authoritarian PNC. Yet it did the exact opposite when the opportunity arose. Its behaviour in Parliament during President Ramotar’s tenure can only be described as unconscionable. Four specific things come to mind. The AFC voted against the Money-Laundering Bill, something that placed enormous pressure on Guyana from the international community. Financial institutions were pushed into unimaginable difficulties, and citizens ultimately paid a heavy price.

They also sided with the PNC to kill the Amalia Falls project, and only acceded at the very last minute because an AFC big one was a possible beneficiary.

Then they sided with the PNC against sugar workers, something that was repeated when they took full control of the Government under the Granger presidency.

And not least, the AFC betrayed the Amerindian communities of Guyana by voting down the line items in the capital budget aimed at infrastruc-

ture and development projects in those communities.

In 2015, the AFC betrayed not only the Guyanese people, but its own supporters by going into an alliance with the PNCled APNU.

The second great betrayal concerns the oil contract signed in 2016. It was an AFC man, Raphael Trotman, who spearheaded the attack. Now, even though we accept a contract is a contract, the same AFC is calling for a renegotiated instrument. The party has sided with Glen Lall and a motley crew of characters whose daily calls for a renegotiated contract have become part of the political landscape.

Some AFC supporters, such as Mike Persaud, spend all their time jabbing in the dark corners of obscurity and irrelevance. The oil contract is their only means of existential maintenance.

The final betrayal was mammoth by any standard in any nation. The same AFC that had promised to live by the rule of law joined the APNU in a brazen effort to disenfranchise the entire nation during five months of electoral mayhem. During these five long agonizing months in 2020, the AFC prostrated itself beneath the APNU, allowing itself to

be caressed into ignominy. A leaked video showed that Mr. Ramjattan knew the APNUAFC had lost, but he and the AFC persisted with their abusive lies, their daily distortions, their grand betrayal.

Guyana is a land of resilient people. Then President-inwaiting, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, and General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, asked supporters to protest if they want, but to do so within the ambit of the nation’s laws. How remarkable it is that in the face of shameless electoral banditry, Ali and Jagdeo, and the entire PPP leadership, could and did find the courage, the guts, and the decency to abide by the rule of law. This is something the AFC had long abandoned.

The AFC ended up with more seats in Parliament than it could have possibly won. I suppose loyalty, no matter how immoral, can still yield some benefits. The question, though, is: how can the AFC live with itself? It must be very difficult. But Guyanese are also a forgiving people. On this score, it is not too late for the AFC to offer a sincere apology for the great betrayals it has committed.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud

and per capita income was US$500 in 1992. Bearing in mind that Guyana was a bankrupt economy at that time, which T&T helped by generously writing off Guyana’s debt with T&T at that time, in an effort to reduce the debt burden. By the end of 2022, real GDP increased cumulatively by 3,764.86% to reach US$14.3 billion, and per capita income increased cumulatively by

amount of support to develop its own resources in terms of human, physical, technological, financial, and its capacity, to effectively pursue its development goals. Herein lies the opportunity for T&T to assert itself as a strategic partner to advance the economic prosperity of both countries.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

Page Foundation

Double-Line Graphs

A double-line graph often compares how information changes for two or more persons, places or things as time passes.

Exercises: Exercises: Interpret

1) What can you say about the supply and demand of ice cream from the double-line chart?

BY PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY

In which year were the most dolphins seen in Guyana and Suriname?

Step 1 : Look for the highest point on the graph for the Guyana data (80)and then the Suriname data(100).

Step 2 : Look along the horizontal axis for the time that point relates to: 1999 (Guyana) and 1997 (Suriname).

2)What conclusion can you draw from the double-line graph about students’ grades and how much TV they watched?

All overgrown with azure moss and flowers So sweet, the sense faints picturing them! Thou For whose path the Atlantic’s level powers Cleave themselves into chasms, while far below The sea-blooms and the oozy woods which wear The sapless foliage of the ocean, know Thy voice, and suddenly grow gray with fear, And tremble and despoil themselves: oh hear!

IV If I were a dead leaf thou mightest bear; If I were a swift cloud to fly with thee; A wave to pant beneath thy power, and share The impulse of thy strength, only less free Than thou, O uncontrollable! If even I were as in my boyhood, and could be The comrade of thy wanderings over Heaven, As then, when to outstrip thy skiey speed Scarce seem’d a vision; I would ne’er have striven As thus with thee in prayer in my sore need. Oh, lift me as a wave, a leaf, a cloud! I fall upon the thorns of life! I bleed! A heavy weight of hours has chain’d and bow’d One too like thee: tameless, and swift, and proud.

V

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate colours by making a beautiful rainbow with Skittles.

Materials:

Plate Skittles

Warm water

Instructions: Arrange the Skittles in a circle around the edge of the plate. Gently pour the warm water into the centre of the plate until it fills up around the Skittles. Watch as the beautiful and colourful rainbow grows.

How it works:

The Skittle candies are coated with sugar and food colouring. The water dissolves the sugar and releases the food colouring which then slowly diffuses through the water.

Make this a science project: Try other colourful candies. Try different temperatures of water. Try vinegar. Try adding salt to the water. (sciencefun.org)

Make me thy lyre, even as the forest is: What if my leaves are falling like its own! The tumult of thy mighty harmonies Will take from both a deep, autumnal tone, Sweet though in sadness. Be thou, Spirit fierce, My spirit! Be thou me, impetuous one! Drive my dead thoughts over the universe Like wither’d leaves to quicken a new birth! And, by the incantation of this verse, Scatter, as from an unextinguish’d hearth Ashes and sparks, my words among mankind! Be through my lips to unawaken’d earth The trumpet of a prophecy! O Wind, If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?

WORD SEARCH

CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY

NISA Building renaming

Dr Roger Luncheon left an indelible footprint on Guyana’s security architecture – Head of State

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Building has been renamed after the late Dr Roger Luncheon, and according to Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, the former Secretary of the Defence Board has played a central role in not only national development, but the development of the country’s intelligence and security architecture.

The building has now been renamed the Dr Roger Forbes Luncheon Building, National Intelligence and Security Agency.

President Ali made this remark during a simple ceremony on Friday morning for the renaming of the NISA Building, which is now called the Doctor Roger Forbes Luncheon Building.

“Dr Luncheon has left an indelible footprint on our nation’s security architecture. It therefore is fitting that the NISA Building should be named in his honour. In so doing, we’re not only paying homage to a man of exceptional calibre, but also associating his legacy with the important work of protecting our motherland.

“Dr Roger Luncheon played a central role in shaping our country’s national security policies and plans. As the Secretary of the Defence Board for many years, he acted in coordinating efforts to protect our homeland from internal and external threats. His dedication to the wellbeing of our citizens, and his tireless work in maintaining law and order are of

public record and acclaim,” the Head of State noted.

He went on to say that Dr Luncheon’s legacy is one of sterling service, exemplifying integrity and excellence. The President said Dr Luncheon was a guiding light of the disciplined services, providing leadership and helping to safeguard Guyana’s sovereignty.

The Commander-inChief posited, however, that while NISA’s work focuses on security-related matters in Guyana, the renaming of its building after Dr Luncheon signifies national development and prosperity – all tenets of what he stood for.

“This building, though security and intelligence in focus, goes beyond that. Dr Luncheon’s name on this building is about national development and national prosperity, because they are integral parts into the defence structure and intelligence gathering structure, which is part of the defence structure, of our country.

“So, I think this is very fitting, given Dr Luncheon’s role and his input in national development, with a strong understanding of national security. That combination is what made him exceptional and different, because here is a man that understood that everything from the national security level had to be integrated with national development,” the President stated.

Dr Luncheon, a former Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat under several previous People’s Progressive

Party/Civic (PPP/C) Governments, passed away after an extended period of illness at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on August 2 at the age of 74.

Up until his death, he was still a severing member of the party’s Central and Executive Committees, as well as a Presidential Advisor.

The Head of State had announced at Dr Luncheon’s funeral on Tuesday that the NISA Building would be renamed after this long-serving public servant in recognition of his contribution to Guyana and the country’s security sector.

As the Secretary of the Defence Board for several years, Dr Luncheon had worked with countless men and women in uniform –many of whom are now leading the country’s security agenda, including Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan.

He said the dedication of the NISA Building in honour of the legacy of Dr Luncheon is a just move, as it reflects on the pivotal role that the former Defence Board Secretary played in shaping Guyana’s national security and the evolution of state intelligence.

“Dr Luncheon did not only shape lives, he also shaped progress, important progress for national development and security – a concept he held dearly and was able to address through the application of an improved intelligence structure. And it was the support to this

field of intelligence did Dr Luncheon bring much stability to national development,” Brigadier Khan stated.

Another senior official who benefitted from the late Dr Luncheon’s ideals and principles is NISA Deputy Director, Colonel Sheldon Howell, who committed to carry forward the torch lit by Dr Luncheon.

“We will continue to uphold the values he cham-

pioned, the principles he defended, and the dedication he exhibited. As we enter this new chapter, let us draw strength from his legacy as we face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead…

“Let this building stand as a symbol of our collective gratitude – a place whether the memory of Dr Roger Luncheon will forever reside. May it inspire future gen-

erations to strive for excellence, to serve with unwavering dedication, and to believe in the transpiration of power, knowledge and security,” Col. Howell noted.

Meanwhile, President Ali on Friday also announced that a number of Dr Luncheon’s works would be displayed in the building, and a bust of the public service stalwart would be done.

(G8)

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing officials and relatives of Dr Luncheon at Friday morning’s renaming ceremony

A relative of the late Dr Roger Luncheon joined Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, and other senior officials at the renaming of the NISA Building on Friday

Another witness testifies in photographer’s cybercrime trial

attacking him was posted by “Mudwata” on Facebook and YouTube.

After Bruce’s arrest, Smith said several persons had come forward with information about the cartoon character.

As such, a court order was issued to search Bruce’s house for any evidence that would pin him to the character.

The Police are obliged under the provisions of the Cyber Crime Act 2018 to investigate any report made concerning cyberbullying.

(G1)

As the trial in the cybercrime charge against photographer Keron Bruce continues, another witness has given testimony. This is approximately the third prosecution witness to do so.

Bruce, 35, a father of two, is on trial before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce on accusation of being the person behind the social media cartoon character “Mudwata”, who, according to the Police, has made slanderous publications about several persons, contrary to the Cybercrime Act.

It is alleged that on January 25, 2021, at Soesdyke, EBD, Bruce used a computer to disseminate information about Journalist Leroy Smith, knowing same to be false. Police are alleging that the information subjected Smith to public ridicule, contempt, hatred, and embarrassment.

Bruce, who is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard Da Silva, was re-

leased on $100,000 bail, pending the hearing and determination of his trial.

The trial continues on October 4 at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts.

In January of 2022, Police arrested Bruce and several other persons on allegations of the cartoon character slandering persons.

Police Headquarters have said ranks have seized several pieces of equipment from a house at DD Eccles, EBD. And several voice messages were also collected, which when analysed matched the “Mudwata” commentary, the Police Headquarters have said.

The arrest of Bruce came days after Smith, owner and managing editor of the online media outlet BIG SMITH News Watch, had offered a $1 million reward for reliable information that would lead to the proper identification of the cartoon character.

Smith had made this offer after a video aggressively

Pork-knocker nabbed with drugs in home

Making… …amends?

It doesn’t take much to fray tempers in our dear ole Mudland. Take what’s happening with the scions of the Gladstone family’s apology for their role in slavery and indentureship back in the day. While John Gladstone didn’t actually pull himself up by his bootstraps, he was bold enough to leave his father’s small 18th century corn-trading business and - piggybacking on the mercantilist policies of the British Government - soon became a powerful WI Planter who got elected to the British Parliament.

In the early 19th century - after the Napoleonic wars - he branched out from his trading activities and jumped into owning cotton and sugar plantations that used African slave labour and made a bundle!! But while his slave-owing foray lasted for just a few years, one of his plantations – Success – was the scene of that most massive slave uprising of 1823. It wasn’t ironic, but a sign of the times that the leader of the rebellion had been given his name – John Gladstone - as a sign of being the property of his owner. The name was as effective as a brand made with hot iron.

But Gladstone’s role in Indian indentureship was even more critical, since it was he who initiated the system in the Caribbean with the fateful “Gladstone Experiment of 1838”. It was he who arranged for the Whitby and the Hesperus to bring those 406 poor souls to replace the freed Africans. Within five years, a quarter of them had perished, and an Inquiry had been conducted into their bestial treatment!! The usual platitudes were issued, and emigration was reintroduced in 1845, to continue till 1917 - by which time 239,000 had been shipped to Guiana from a total of almost 500,000!!

Law enforcement officers have arrested a 40-yearold pork-knocker of

Stewartville Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD), after discovering a quantity of marijuana in his residence.

Acting on information received, Police ranks swooped down on the WCD house on Thursday afternoon. The initial search of the suspect yielded no items. However, during a search of the living quarters ranks saw a black plastic bag hanging on a nail and upon checking, they found 54 transparent Ziplock plastic bags. Each bag held leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The man was arrested and escorted to the Leonora Police Station, where the drug was weighed; it amounted to 135 grams.

As investigations continue, Thomas remains in custody.

While some are emphasising that there was a contract for the indentureds, to suggest that they were in a situation like today – it should be noted that any deviation from that contract by the Indian Indentured was dubbed a CRIMINAL offence - for which there was an onerous fine and jail time!! The indentured needed a pass to leave the plantation – just like during slavery. There were at best only 3 women to every ten men – leading to horrible intraIndian violence. All of these pressures created such strain on the indentureds that suicide became endemic – and continues to this day.

And it is for these reasons - and countless othersthat the Gladstones will be apologising for their ancestor’s role in slavery as well as indentureship. But with partisans arguing about who suffered more, etc etc…it is imperative that the 100,000-pound donation to UG be used to establish the facts on slavery and indentureship.

While we may differ on the interpretation of those facts, the latter should be undisputed.

…history

Before Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute barrier for the mile in 1954, few thought it could be done. But then paring away seconds from new records soon became routine.

Your Eyewitness suspects that something similar is happening with the number of subjects being written and passed at the CSEC exams, once the barrier of 15 subjects was broken a decade ago. The numbers have since inexorably increased, and in this year’s results, one kid actually wrote and passed TWENTY-SEVEN subjects!! 23 Grade Ones and 4 Grade Twos!! WOW!!

Frankly, your Eyewitness really thought that this wasn’t humanely possible – but there it is! And the kid wasn’t even from one of the so-called “premier” Georgetown schools that annually skim off the cream of the NGSA crop!! This was ARMS, over in Essequibo, that has joined SVN on the West Coast Demerara to now not only regularly top Guyana at SCEC and CAPE, but also the entire Caribbean.

Why do it?? To show it can be done??

…the score even?

Last June, Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Russian private mercenary Wagner Group, mounted a rebellion and marched towards Moscow. He embarrassed his old friend Putin. Yesterday it was reported he was killed in a mysterious crash!! Coincidence?

Keron Bruce

The cartoon character Mudwata

The ganja that was found in the pork-knocker’s home

Ramjattan admits 39 gun licences granted in 2020 without approval from Board

Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), the former Public Security Minister under the previous APNU/AFC Government, Khemraj Ramjattan, has admitted that 39 firearm licences were granted from March to August 2020 without the approval of the Firearm Licensing Approval Board.

While speaking at his party’s recent press conference, Ramjattan, an Attorney-at-Law by profession, sought to defend this by stating that the Firearm Licensing Approval Board was afraid to meet during this period because they were scared of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The firearm licences for the 2020 March period, up to when we [APNU/ AFC] were in Government in 2020, that period, 39 firearm licences were granted without the Board’s approval, but with the Commissioner [of Police] and [Police] Commander approval. The Board was afraid to meet because of that small room they used to meet downstairs. They were scared of the COVID.”

Guyana’s first COVID-19 case was confirmed on March 11, 2020.

Because of “necessity”, he said, 39-gun licences were granted without the Board’s approval. He added that those who were issued with licences “are all people of good character”.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had previously told the National Assembly there would be a review of all the firearm licences granted under the coalition Government, because it was discovered that

more than half of them were issued without approval from the Board.

“It appears as though 2020 was a banner year for the issuance of firearms at the hand of the Minister [Ramjattan] without the engagement of the Firearm Licensing Board.

61 per cent of all firearms issued in 2020 were issued at the hands of the Minister without the engaging of the Firearm Licensing Board,” Minister Benn had told the House. Although he admit-

ted that some firearm licences were issued without the Board's approval, Ramjattan, in responding to Minister Benn, dismissed his assertion as “scandalous”. In so doing, he said, “I want to indicate that during the 2015-2020 period, all gun licences granted were granted after approval by the Commander of the Division, the Commissioner of Police, and the Firearm License Board.

The five-year performance report that I published has each year and

how many gun licences were granted. It is far less than the amounts granted prior to 2015.”

Ramjattan has called on the Home Affairs Minister to reconvene the Public Security Parliamentary Committee, so that the issue at hand and other matters could be scrutinised. According to him, Minister Benn has refused to reconvene the committee because he is afraid of his stewardship of the Home Affairs Ministry being scrutinized.

Moreover, Ramjattan disclosed that all information pertaining to the issuance of firearm licences under his tenure as a minister can be found at the Ministry’s Firearm Licence Unit.

Notably, the AFC Leader pointed out that when he was appointed Public Security Minister in 2015, “I did not change any persons on the Board. They were all members who were there for two or three years before 2015. I never, never changed anybody.”

The Ministry of Public Security was renamed the Home Affairs Ministry

when the PPP/C returned to Government in August 2020.

The criterion for eligibility for a gun licence may change as a result of reforms to the application procedure that Minister Benn hinted at last year. There is a three-stage process for licensing. It begins with an application letter being sent to the Divisional Police Commander, who assigns a rank to check on the applicant’s character in his or her community. The application is then sent to the Police Commissioner’s Office to ensure that the applicant has no previous antecedents or convictions. The application then goes to the Firearm Licensing Approval Board. It is then decided at that stage whether the applicant is fit.

If so, the application is sent to the Home Affairs Minister for the final stamp of approval. Unsuccessful applicants have the right to appeal the refusal of their applications for firearm licences under the Firearms Act to the President of Guyana. (G1)

…says Board members were afraid to meet because they were “scared” of COVID-19

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

After years of waiting

US$5M from sale of GTT shares to Chinese company paid – VP

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that the entire US$30 million for the sale of the Guyana Government’s 20 per cent shares in the then Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) to a Hong Kong firm has been paid over in full, along with interest.

Back in 2012, the then Guyana Government had sold its 20 per cent shares in GT&T to Hong Kong Golden Telecom Company Limited (HKGT) to the tune of US$30 million. However, it

was agreed in the deal with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) that US$25 million would be paid over at the time of the sale, and the remaining US$5 million would be paid within two years, but the Chinese company did not meet that deadline.

During a recent press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed that the money has since been paid over in full by the Chinese company.

“We sold the shares for US$30 million…and US$5

million was [outstanding]… The facts are now that all US$30 million has been paid, and because of the court decision, another US$2.2 million. So, US$32.2 million have been paid so far, because the US$2.2 million is in interest, and they still have to pay some additional interests – several million dollars more.”

“So, it has been fully paid, the entire sale sum, and we have received now interest on some of the outstanding money,” the Vice President indicated.

The interest Jagdeo

mentioned stemmed from court proceedings filed by the state to recover the outstanding sums of money from the Chinese company.

After the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime took office in 2015, it had committed to go after the US$5 million owed, and took over negotiations with HKGT, which is a subsidiary of Datang Telecom International Technology.

This saw then Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, embarking on his controversial trip to China. He was accompanied by NICIL’s Legal Counsel at the time, Natalia Seepersaud.

Following that trip, it was disclosed that the Minister of State was able to retrieve some documents which show the US$5 million was paid, and as such, efforts were launched to track down to whom, how, where and when the payment was made, since no record of payment was made.

While, the Coalition Government did not provide any details about the information given to it by the Chinese company, it was hinted that the payment was made under the previous administration.

However, the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration had long maintained that the US$5 million was still outstanding to Guyana. In fact, when contacted shortly after the revelation by the Coalition regime, former President Donald Ramotar, under whose leadership the transaction was conducted, had indicated that he is not aware of Datang making a payment on the outstanding amount. However, he noted that if any such payment was made, it would have been

paid to NICIL, with whom the Datang subsidiary had the transaction.

Former Head of NICIL, Winston Brassington, had subsequently stated that efforts were still afoot to recoup the money.

However, after two years of negotiations with the Chinese company failed and there was no trace of any money being paid, the Coalition took Hong Kong Golden Telecom as well as GTT to court in 2018 to recover the outstanding sum owed to the State.

Then in 2020, the High Court had ordered GTT to pay NICIL some US$3.2 million. This sum was the dividends earning on the 4125 GTT shares that HKGT had obtained from the sale.

The Court had ordered that GTT pay all future dividends on the shares sold to the Chinese company until the remaining amount is paid.

It was reported that, based on the court ruling, NICIL would recover more than double the initial US$5 million that was owed to it due to interest payments set out by the court. (G8)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Govt awaiting WHO recommendations before sourcing dengue vaccines

The Health Ministry is seriously considering the use of vaccines to curb the spike in dengue cases, but will be awaiting official word from the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization, which is currently analysing data.

Responding to inaccurate reports in sections of the

media, the Ministry clarified in a statement that it has not procured any dengue vaccine for use in the National Dengue Control Programme. The missive outlined, “The use of dengue vaccine in the Dengue Control Programme is under serious consideration in Guyana, but a decision is yet to be made whether Guyana will introduce dengue vaccines as

part of the fight against dengue. Once a decision is made, Guyana will procure adequate supply of dengue vaccines.”

The Ministry indicated that while the dengue vaccines – Dengvaxia from Sanofi Pasteur and Qdenga from Takeda – are licensed in a small number of countries, they have not yet been prequalified by the World

“Damaging impacts” of slavery...

FROM PAGE 3

Compensation

One day prior, it was reported that President Dr Irfaan Ali had called for that apology to include compensation and reparative justice.

President Ali welcomed the Gladstone heirs’ apology, which he said was the first step in the process of reparative justice. He said it is an acknowledgement of the cruel nature of African enslavement and indentureship in Guyana, as well as an act of contrition that paves the way for justice.

“The apology offered by the descendants of John Gladstone underscores their willingness to confront their family’s dark past, and to acknowledge the immense pain, suffering and indignities inflicted upon innocent persons through their family’s actions,” the Head of State was quoted as saying.

According to the President, the Gladstone family has already admitted that it benefitted from African enslavement and indentureship on the Demerara and other plantations owned by its patriarch, and has agreed to undertake certain actions.

To this end, he declared, “I therefore propose that the intended apology include issues of compensation, reparative justice, and those involved to be posthumously charged for crimes against humanity.”

Based on historical records, John Gladstone was an absentee owner of plantations in Jamaica and Guyana who built on his wealth earned from the mercantile trade in India, the United States, and the West Indies. After British seizure of the colonies that became Guyana in 1803, John Gladstone began to invest in them. His interests and acquisitions included, at one time, the plantations at Belmonte, Coverden, Hampton Court, Industry, Met-en-Meer-Zorg, Success,

Vreed-en-Hoop, Vreedenstein and Wales.

Despite the 1823 Demerara Slave Revolt at his plantation at Success, Gladstone was not deterred from expanding his investments in the then British Guiana. At the time of slavery abolition, he received compensation which at today’s value is estimated at more than £10 million, while the freed Africans received nothing.

Silent protest

As the programme was ongoing, a group of persons flocked the back bleachers inside the George Walcott Theatre, displaying placards in protest to object and share their concerns as to why they believe it’s not enough at the time. Briefly speaking with reporters, one of the protesters said he believes the real apology must be accompanied by substantial actions.

Additionally, African activist Nicole Cole said an apology is not enough, but added that it is a step in the right direction.

Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Committee, Dr. Eric Phillips, accepted the apology from the Gladstone Family.

Meanwhile, commenting on the protest and the objections of the protesters, Eric Phillips, executive member of the African Cultural and Development Association and the Repatriations Committee, said everyone has a right to protest.

“We welcome it, but we have to understand our history.”

Diaspora studies

The University of Guyana on Friday launched its International Center for Migration and Diaspora Studies, in collaboration with the National Reparations Committee. It will be focusing on research and data

analysis for slavery and indentureship.

The Diaspora and Migration Centre is set up to pursue five specific areas of research interest, including Diaspora and Migration in and around Academia; Youth, Technology and Vulnerable communities; Indigeneity; Indentureship and Slavery as specific and integral aspects of dispersion.

UG Chancellor Professor Edward Greene noted that the new institution would foster belongingness and healing, explore the intersections of diaspora, and place greater emphasis on the future of youths.

“I can imagine that the Center would help the University to project achievements in terms of new standards, adopt policy proposals, promote ambitious cooperation programmes, and identify and disseminate good practices. But there are other important spinoffs and expectations that should also be of benefit to Guyana’s overall concern,” said Professor Greene.

Head of the Diaspora Unit, Rosalinda Rasul, said the importance of research and data collection to guide decision making and to heighten the awareness of changing dynamics with migration is paramount.

“The Government of Guyana recognizes the importance and power of its diaspora and their work as investors, philanthropists, lobbyists, ambassadors, and agents of change. The Government recognizes their capacities and resources that contribute to social and economic development,” she said.

The Centre will, on Monday, launch a suite of courses on migration studies. This undertaking is supported by the Canadian Embassy and UNICEF. (G12)

Health Organization.

Neither the WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control, and the European Union regulatory authorities have recommended these vaccines for universal administration. In the small number of jurisdictions around the world where the vaccines are used, they are only used under very restrictive conditions.

The WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization has been studying the dengue vaccine data, and Guyana is awaiting the recommendations coming out of the SAGE Group.

“As soon as the SAGE comes out with its recommendations, Guyana will

work with PAHO/WHO to include dengue vaccines in our fight against dengue. Guyana’s FDA is prepared to license dengue vaccines as soon as a decision is made to use these vaccines,” the Ministry added.

One week ago, over 2,100 confirmed cases of dengue were reported in Guyana, of which more than 230 patients were hospitalised. In addition, 11 dengue-related deaths have been recorded for the year.

To ensure the adequate prevention, diagnosis and management of dengue, a Technical Working Group has been activated to assess, recommend, and implement actions to mitigate this pub-

lic health threat.

Further, to ensure prevention and a curb in transmission, several environmental and entomological measures have been increased across Guyana, such as fogging (fumigation), residual spraying, home inspections, and distribution of larvicidal chemicals to communities through the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

However, the Ministry has also increased the procurement and distribution of rapid diagnostic testing kits and other laboratory supplies and equipment to ensure adequate diagnostic capacity.

If left untreated, dengue can be fatal in a matter of hours. It is transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito –the same vector that transmits Zika and Chikungunya. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, rash, nausea or vomiting. The Health Ministry has cautioned against self-medicating.

Despite the rate of dengue cases in Guyana being above normal since March, Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, had stated earlier this month that the situation does not yet need to be classified as a crisis. (G12)

The Aedes mosquito which transmits the dengue virus

GPL again warns against unauthorised operations near network

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has again warned the public about contacting it before carrying out any activity near its network.

This is in light of damage caused to one of its transmission lines by excavator operations at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

At approximately 12:03h on Monday, an excavator operating in the Friendship backdam area damaged the company’s L3 Transmission Line which serves as a link between its Golden Grove Substation and the Garden of Eden Power Plant, both on the EBD.

At time of the incident, the L3 Transmission Line was transferring approximately 17 Megawatts of power, and the sudden disruption in generation caused a cascading effect on generating stations, which led to a shutdown of the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System, GPL has said.

As a result of the damage, which rendered the line incapable of transferring power to the grid, customers from Good Hope to Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD); from Nandy Park to Grove, EBD; and from Seafield to Colombia, West Coast Berbice (WCB), were left without electricity for several hours.

According to GPL, the location in the backdam where the Transmission Line suffered the damage is approximately three miles from the main Friendship access road, and is accessible only by boat.

Earlier this year, GPL Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Support Services)

Renford Homer told the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) that damage to the power company’s utility poles and other infrastructure is affecting its electricity distribution. He said the company has been going after the perpetrators, including reckless drivers and companies, to have them stand the cost of repair/ replacement, but this has not been very fruitful. He was at the time giving a review of GPL’s 2022 Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPT).

In response to the increase in disruption of service caused by traffic accidents and construction, GPL commenced a procedure - as of September 2022 - that involves persons from its Transmission, Legal and Loss Reduction Departments working collaboratively with the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

“In this process, we have the evidence to support that this particular vehicle or this particular equipment owned

by this particular contractor…Our Legal Department reaches out to whoever is the individual or company that has caused the disruption. We look at, basically, for that period [of disruption] what is the cost of the service and the cost of the bill…,” Homer had outlined.

Although that bill would be delivered to the company or individual for them to compensate the power company, Homer had confessed, the GPL has not been very successful in receiving compensation. He, however, said the company has intensified its efforts in this regard.

Private contractors and/ or Government agencies executing infrastructural works within close proximity (about 20 feet) to the GPL network are required to notify the company within 72 hours prior to commencing work, so that the actions deemed necessary to facilitate the safe execution of those works can be determined and undertaken.

In addition, GPL has been imploring road users to exercise caution on the roadways. (G1)

Sophia man dies 11 days after colliding with motorcar

hicle.

self in to the Police," she said.

A32-year-old man of Sophia, Greater Georgetown died on Thursday morning, 11 days after colliding his motor cycle with a motorcar on Durban Street, Georgetown.

This accident occurred on August 13, while Salassie McFarlane was driving a motorcycle east on the northern side of Durban Street. In a video seen by this publication, a black motorcar was attempting a U-turn on the road when McFarlane, who was speeding, collided with the front portion of that ve-

The impact of that collision threw McFarlane into the air, and he fell to the ground with severe injuries about his body.

In an interview on Friday, the man’s sister said that after the accident, the driver of the car picked up her brother and took him to the hospital, where he was admitted as a patient in critical condition up until when he died on Thursday.

"Someone called us…I think it was someone from the hospital, because the driver picked him up and took him to the hospital… The driver later turned him-

McFarlane sustained severe internal head injuries, broken hips, lacerations to his face, and heart and lung malfunctions from that accident.

"We're basically broken; he leaves behind both his parents and nine siblings, for whom he was the eldest, and also the aunt who raised him for the latter years of his life. Most notably, he leaves behind his two babies who were born in April, for whom he was the breadwinner," the sister said. "He was loving, supportive, and always jovial."

A few minutes after the accident occurred on Durban Street, Georgetown

Dead: Salassie McFarlane

Scenes from Building Expo 2023

41.25% growth in housing loans between 2020 and 2023 – Pres Ali

As the housing sector continues to rapidly develop with the onset of new house lots and homes, the banking sector is following suit, providing more housing loans, according to President Dr Irfaan Ali.

Ali made this remark on Thursday during the opening ceremony of the International Building Expo 2023 at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Comparing the period of 2015-2019 under the former APNU/AFC Government to that of 2020-2023 under his administration, the Head of State explained that there has been a 41.25 per cent growth in lending for home ownership and house construction over the past three years.

“This occurred because of very deliberate strategies by the Government to ensure that we reduce the cost of home ownership and we bring down the cost of

borrowing,” Ali said. “So, over the years, we have been able to increase the incentives to the banking sector to support lending to the housing sector. For example, the interest rate in 2020 for low-income housing was about 6 per cent. Today, because of the incentives and the policies we have implemented, that interest rate is between 3 and 3.75 per cent, Ali said.

In fact, over these past

two months, several banks have implemented promotions aimed at easing the process of home ownership for customers.

Running until Sunday, Demerara Bank Limited’s (DBL’s) “A Loan That Brings You Home” promotion allows customers submitting and obtaining loan approvals to enjoy several benefits, including waiver of processing fees, 50 per cent waiver of attor-

ney fees, waiver of site inspection fees, competitive equity contribution, and no anticipatory interest on principal payments.

Meanwhile, last month, GBTI launched its “Dream Big – We’ll Take Care of The Rest” promotion, offer-

ing reduced interest rates to aid persons seeking financial assistance to buy, build, or complete their new homes; or for persons wishing to renovate their homes.

And Citizens Bank is running its “My Time

Home Mortgage” promotion until October 31, offering prospective homeowners the chance to benefit from interest rates as low as 3.5 per cent, reduced loan fees, insurance premiums, and a maximum of 30 years to repay.

Mortgage Relief

Introduced in 2013 under the previous PPP/C administration, the Mortgage Interest Relief Programme was one aimed at reducing the amount of interest paid by a homeowner on their mortgage.

This programme, Ali noted, has been particularly successful over the last few years.

“If you look at the benefits from the Mortgage Interest Relief Programme – in five years, the total benefit to the population was less than $1 billion. In the last three years alone, more than $2.4 billion went back as mortgage interest relief to the people of Guyana,” Ali said.

NEW GPC awards bursaries to employees’ children

The NEW Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (NEW GPC) on Friday awarded two children of its employees, who were successful at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), with bursaries for their performance.

The awarded students are Senovia Noel, who scored a total of 497 marks on her NGSA exam and was placed at St. Stanislaus College, and Rizwan Valz, who scored a total of 420 marks and will continue his secondary education at Nations Guyana Inc.

For five years, each child will receive $50,000 annually, provided that they perform with a minimum pass

Marics launches new eco-friendly Honda model

Guyana’s automobile industry has been further expanded as Marics and Company Limited, the authorised dealers for Honda motor vehicles in Guyana, on Friday unveiled the new Honda HR-V, dubbed the modern SUV.

Adding to the fleet of eco-friendly Honda models in Marics’ lineup, the new compact SUV, available in both LX and EX trim levels, boasts a sleek exterior, a 1496cc engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, a wireless charger, Honda Lanewatch capabilities, and much more.

“Marics and Company has been part of the Guyanese market for over 55 years. We take pride in helping our communities develop and care for the environment. At Marics, we offer products of high quality and durability, and exceptional customer ser-

vice,” said Anand Kalladeen, Marics General Manager.

The HR-V LX costs $5.9 million duty free, and $8.75 million all taxes included, while the HR-V LX costs $5.5 million duty free and $8 million all taxes included.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh expressed that the launch of this new vehicle adds to the overall development of Guyana, which is occurring at a rapid and unprecedented pace.

“Our Government’s commitment is that we maintain and further enhance the environment in which every single family can own their own home…own their own means of transportation, and live a quality of life comparable to their peers anywhere else in the world,” Singh explained.

The Finance Minister noted the importance of Guyanese consumers being able to enjoy a world-class level of service in any institution.

“Today, you have more authorised distributors, you have manufacturers’ representatives, you have more companies providing the same quality of service to their customers as they can enjoy in the United States of America,” Singh said.

“Whether you are providing support services to the oil and gas sector, whether you're providing transportation services, whether you're providing accommodation, whether you're providing food, it almost doesn't matter which sector of economic activity you’re operating in, [because] there is no sector in which demand is not moving rapidly,” Singh said.

As such, he further urged Marics and Company to ensure they provide the same level of customer service to their Guyanese customers as they would receive if they bought a Honda model in any other part of the world.

“And company by company, service provider by service provider, as we achieve that, we are moving one step, each step at the time, closer to building the modern Guyana the President and the Government are working so assiduously to build,” Singh said. (G13)

The new bursary recipients, Senovia Noel and

Human Resources Manager of the NEW GPC, Faye Scott, has wished the students great success on their new educational journey.

“From the fourth of September, you will be earmarking on a new journey. You have a new school, new rules to follow, new things to learn, and even greater expectations. As you begin this journey, on behalf of the NEW GPC family, I wish you nothing but great success. I even look forward to celebrating your future success,” Scott told the students.

Scott added that a lot of past awardees have had their awards suspended for various reasons, and she encouraged the students to ensure they work hard to complete the programme.

“I want to emphasise that you must try to ensure that you are able to collect

your award for those five years. The onus is on you to work with your children to ensure that they have the grades necessary. I’m disappointed when employees’ children don’t achieve their 60 per cent. I trust that you will all work hard and ensure that, going forward, there will be no more suspended awardees”, Scott remarked.

Former bursary recipient Samatra Scott encouraged the students to participate in school activities and take the time to learn and explore new opportunities.

“Some people will encourage you to study, and others will encourage you to have fun. I encourage you to learn; I encourage you to take charge and just go out there and learn as you embark on this journey. You will find out that different fields will interest you as you go about your school. You should learn about yourself; you should develop new skills [and] gain knowledge. You never know where life will take you, but you should always continue

to strive and to learn,” she encouraged.

along with previous years’ recipients, share a photo on Friday rate of 60 per cent each term. This will also be extended to those who choose to further their education at the sixthform level.

Another previous bursary recipient, Joanne Singh, also encouraged students to work hard and be consistent in their studies.

“Whatever you set your mind to, once you train and study hard, your effort and the time invested is what will have you being successful,” Singh told the two new awardees.

Speaking on behalf of both bursary recipients, Noel remarked, “I would like to thank NEW GPC for presenting us with this award for success at the NGSA. It was a long journey with sleepless nights preparing for the exams and having to take all those extra classes. I am happy we made our parents proud, and believe that hard work always pays off. This bursary award will definitely motivate us to work harder, and I promise to do just that.”

NEW GPC has been offering bursary awards since 2000.

41.25% growth in housing...

Subsidies

In another measure to aid homeowners, Ali noted that the Government has made efforts to subsidise the costs of the house lots, allocating low-income house lots at a subsidy of almost 97 per cent, low-middle income house lots at a subsidy of 75 per cent, and middle-income and young professional house lots at a subsidy of 65 per cent.

Meanwhile, the steel and cement subsidy programme aids residents to kickstart their construction process, having emerged after a realisation that several house lots were left empty after their allocation, due to their owners’ inability to start building right away.

“When you look at a subsidy that we give for steel and cement, we have processed more than 95 per cent of all the applications we receive. We have already allocated 75 per cent of all those who are approved,” Ali said.

The two new bursary recipients, Senovia Noel and Rizwan Valz

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh unveiling one of the new eco-friendly Honda model vehicles

Rizwan Valz,

CDC helping regions brace for El Niño impact

Lethem bar destroyed by fire

Th e Hydrometeorological Department of the Agriculture Ministry, which is responsible for observing, archiving and understanding Guyana's weather and climate, has predicted a period of decreased rainfall which could last for another six to 12 months.

This is coming on the heels of increasingly wet days in Guyana. In fact, according to the Hydromet Office, in 2022, Guyana recorded 201 wet days.

Worlddata.info states that the country has been recording an average of 150 wet days over the past decade, with October being the driest month with 10 rainy days on average and June is the rainiest with an average of 22 days of rain.

However, earlier this year, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) forecasted that there is a 90 per cent probability of the El Niño event continuing during the second half of 2023.

The WMO has since advised Governments around

the world should mobilise preparations to limit the impacts on health, ecosystems, and economies. This, the organisation noted, is vital to save lives and livelihoods.

Locally, Prime Minister Mark Phillips has mandated the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to do sensitisation sessions with all 10 Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) as the country prepares for El Niño.

CDC Director General, Colonel (Retired) Nazrul Hussain said that there was no need to panic since the country was not experiencing a drought.

However, the leadership of all regional administrations must be prepared for any eventuality.

Sessions have already been held in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

On Thursday, the CDC met with stakeholders in Region Five.

Apart from the Hydromet

Office, the fire department, and Guyana Water Inc, the stakeholders included the Agriculture Ministry, through its agencies the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

According to the CDC Director General, they have been documenting the feedback from their engagements as it relates to each region’s preparedness for any eventuality.

“Those are the two key words – awareness and preparedness – and there is an education and informative process through short presentations on how El Niño can affect the population in terms of lives and livelihood and based on the feedback we get from them, it gives us an idea of how prepared they are,” Hussain said, noting that there are vulnerability maps which are being used to sensitise regional administrations as it relates to the most vulnerable areas.

“Using the data and information that they present to us during these sessions we can update and be better prepared to deal with it at a regional level and also at the community-based level.”

According to Hussain, stakeholders might need additional funds to be adequately prepared for El Niño, which is likely to have a negative impact on the country as we approach 2024.

He noted that those agencies should plan well so that needed funds could be in their budgetary allocations.

“Now that we are in our budgetary cycle and El Niño is predicted to go for another six-plus months which will take us into next year, these agencies can also factor in budgetary requests to cushion the effect of El Niño at the agency level.”

Meanwhile, the CDC will next meet with stakeholders in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and then Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). (G4)

Abar at Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) was completely destroyed by fire on Friday evening while a house that is situated in the same yard was partially destroyed.

Reports are that the fire started sometime around 18:00h.

Guyana Times understands that the business and house are owned by Taffline Singh.

Singh, who lives with her husband and three children, operates the bar, which is located in front of her home.

Based on information reaching this publication, the fire started in the bar where

Singh was cooking. Reports are that the adapter on the gas cylinder suddenly detached and blew off, spewing gas into the cooking area of the establishment. This resulted in the massive blaze, which was sparked by the lit stove.

The flames rapidly engulfed the bar and then spread to Singh’s house. At the time of the inferno, there were patrons in the bar. Luckily, no one was injured in the fire.

This publication was told that quick action by firefighters from the Lethem Fire Station prevented the flames from spreading throughout the house, which is only partially damaged.

The bar on fire on Friday evening

Civil Defence Commission Director General, Colonel (Retired) Nazrul Hussain addressing stakeholders in Region Five at Latchmansingh School on Thursday

Man wanted for murder in Guyana nabbed in Suriname

…handed over to local authorities

Authorities in neighbouring Suriname have arrested 31-yearold Carlos Evans for whom a wanted bulletin was issued in March 2020 in Guyana.

Evans, who has been wanted in connection with the murder of Tony Bisnauth, committed at Carriage Road in Rosignol, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), has since been handed over to local authorities.

Police on Friday said that authorities in the Dutch-speaking territory deported Evans, and he has been placed in custody of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Georgetown.

Police, on March 18, 2020, issued a wanted bulletin for Medellin Orlando Evans and Carlos Evans, known as “Beast”.

Rosignol businessman Tony Bisnauth, 78, was killed on his birthday. It was reported that Bisnauth was celebrating his birthday with close relatives and friends outside his snackette

at Rosignol when three men, armed with two guns and a cutlass, pounced on them and demanded cash and valuables. Bisnauth did not comply with the bandits’ demand, and was shot in the head. The Evans brothers were later identified as two of the suspects.

In September last year, Medellin Orlando Evans was shot and killed in Suriname.

He had reportedly had a heated argument with a Surinamese, who has since been identified as ‘Quinten’.

Berbice mother-son murder

Another person of interest arrested

Members of the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) of the Criminal Investigations Department have arrested a fifth person as the investigations continue into the death of 31-yearold Melissa Arokium and her eight-year-old son Anthony Arokium.

Quinten told the Dutch Police that he had owed Evans SRD 300, but did not have it when approached. He said Evans had pulled out a gun and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire, and in retaliation, he pulled out a sharp object and stabbed Evans, who reportedly died on the spot.

Meanwhile, reports are that local investigators were on Thursday able to get vital information from Carlos Evans as they continue to investigate the 2020 murder.

(G4)

Empowering 1st responders: US Govt supports cutting-edge computer forensics training

gations.

Their bodies were found in different sections of the apartment they lived in situated at Lot 189 Mangrove Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The woman’s body was discovered lying in a pool of blood on the floor while the child was on his bed, also in a pool of blood, with what appeared to be at least one stab wound to the back of his neck while his mother was seen with what appeared to be chop wounds to the neck, shoulder, and chest.

Police on Wednesday arrested four persons who were subsequently handed over to the Major Crimes Unit, which took over the investigations.

Police later reported that those arrested were persons of interest and identified two of them as being siblings of the deceased woman along with her boyfriend and the fourth was a neighbour.

Police did not disclose the identity of the fifth person. One of Melissa Arokium’s siblings in custody is said to have discovered the bodies while the other lived in the same building, but in a separate apartment. Arokium operated a small grocery store.

Police said based on initial investigations the crime did not appear to be robbery-related. Meanwhile, neighbours told Guyana Times that the now-dead woman and one of her siblings would frequently get into arguments and he made threats on her life several times. (G4)

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) partnered with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to host a comprehensive First Responder Computer Forensics Training, which was conducted over the past week.

Funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the initiative, which was conducted at the GPF Officer Training Centre, Camp Street, Georgetown, marks a pivotal advancement in equipping first responders with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.

On Friday, the Foundation said that in an age where digital evidence played a critical role in criminal investigations, the First Responder Computer Forensics Training takes centre stage.

Twenty-two participants were given the knowledge and tools to handle electronic evidence, secure digital crime scenes, and navigate

the complex world of cyber investigations.

"Old crimes using new technology requires modern solutions," affirmed PADF cybercrimes expert Matt Blackband, who added that "by offering this cutting-edge training, we are empowering first responders to identify and preserve digital evidence, uphold the integrity of investigations, and contribute to safer communities."

The programme equipped first responders with essential skills and knowledge in evidence preservation, crime scene management, and the use of modern forensic techniques. The training sessions were conducted by seasoned experts from both the United Kingdom and Portugal, fostering a dynamic learning environment that encouraged knowledge exchange and practical skill development. Participants gained insight into best practices for evidence collection, documentation, and preservation, enabling them to uphold the integrity of crime scenes and contribute to successful criminal investi-

The training curriculum covered a range of pivotal topics, including digital evidence handling: participants learnt the proper techniques for collecting, preserving, and analysing digital evidence, and ensuring its admissibility in court; cybercrime investigations: the programme delved into the methodologies used to trace cybercriminal activities, identify potential vulnerabilities, and respond to cyber incidents swiftly; forensic tools and techniques: participants gained hands-on experience with forensic tools, and learning how to extract and interpret data from various digital devices; lastly, legal considerations: the training provided insight into the legal aspects of digital evidence, ensuring that participants understood the importance of maintaining chain of custody and adhering to legal standards.

According to a release from PADF, the initiative underscores the US Government’s and PADF’s commitment to supporting global efforts in combating cybercrime and strengthening law enforcement capabilities.

The training was delivered under PADF’s INLfunded Regional Caribbean Police Professional and Modernisation Project. The goal of the project is to enhance Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) countries’ Police academies’ educational and operational standards and practices, to enable law enforcement officers to address citizen security challenges and strengthen the relationship with the communities they serve.

Dead: Tony Bisnauth

Wanted man captured in Suriname: Carlos Evans

Dead: Melissa Arokium and her eight-year-old son, Anthony Arokium

Lula to reshuffle Cabinet after Africa trip Bahamas reports increase in dengue cases

Ministers.

Padilha said Congressmen Silvio Costa Filho and Andre Fufuca – members of the conservative Republicans and Progressives parties, respectively – will both join the executive, but did not give further detail on which portfolios they would have.

The expected Cabinet reshuffle will help the Government advance its legislative priorities in Congress, Padilha told reporters.

Brazilian Institutional Relations Minister Alexandre Padilha said on Friday that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will announce a Cabinet reshuffle after coming back from a trip to Africa, although the exact date of the move is yet

to be determined.

The leftist President is widely expected to make some changes in his Cabinet in order to secure more support to his Administration in Congress, naming some members from centrist and centre-right parties as

Among the Government's top legislative agenda items are the reform of Brazil's complex tax system and approval of proposals by Finance Minister Fernando Haddad to increase tax revenue to contain its fiscal deficit. (Reuters)

The Bahamas is the latest Caribbean Community (Caricom) country to report an increase in dengue cases with one person being treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at hospital.

“In 2011, The Bahamas experienced a severe outbreak of dengue fever and at that time a significant number of the population was confirmed positive for serotype 1 and 2 presenting to our clinics and hospitals with mild symptoms of dengue,” said Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Michael Darville.

“Today, we have lab confirmation of a case with serotype 3, which is of concern. This means that if someone who has experienced dengue type 1 and 2 from the previous outbreak becomes infected with type 3 they are at serious risk for severe illness and hospitalisation,” Dr Darville warned.

week.

The Health Minister said that all of the cases were on New Providence, with one suspected case on Abaco.

assured that all healthcare facilities are on high alert for dengue cases,”

Dr Darville added, adding that the Department of Environmental Health Services is hard at work to continue vector control.

Spanish Police have made a record cocaine seizure, finding 9.5 tonnes of the drug hidden among boxes of bananas in a shipping container from Ecuador in the southern port of Algeciras.

The stash was the largest ever found in a single container in Spain, the Police said in a statement.

"This operation was an unprecedented blow to one of the world's most important criminal organisations in cocaine distribution, targeting major criminal networks in Europe," it said.

The boxes were marked with more than 30 different

logos matching the different European criminal rings that were to receive the cocaine.

The Police did not name the organisation or the criminal networks in Europe.

The drug was found on August 23 in a refrigerated container, Police added.

The criminal organisation in Ecuador had a large network to ship drugs to Spain, mainly to the ports of Algeciras and Vigo in the northwest, through an international banana trading company located in Ecuador's main banana port, Machala.

They were able to ship

up to 40 containers a month, some of them with drugs, Police said. (Reuters)

He said that there were now 16 cases, with three in the hospital and one of those in the ICU. Health officials reported three cases last

“The public should be aware that my ministry’s National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit and Department of Public Health teams in New Providence and Abaco are actively monitoring these positive cases and family members,” the Health Minister said.

“The public can rest

Dengue is spread by the <<<Aedes aegypti>>> mosquito and the symptoms of dengue include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, aches, and pains such as eye pain, muscle, bone and joint pain.

(Excerpt from CMC)

No raise in water rates, says PM Mottley

There will be no increase in water rates, says Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

She says her administration also has no intention of privatising the Barbados Water Authority.

She made it clear during a press conference on Friday at Ilaro Court, the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Referring to a social media post made by a former political opponent, Mottley said it was unfortunate such information about expecting a change in the amount paid for water was being placed in the public domain.

“I want to say categorically there has been no such discussions about the raising of water rates. I want to also

say there has been no such discussion about the privatisation of the Barbados Water Authority. We did that in 2019, but when you have this kind of speculation from persons who should know better, all you are doing is diminishing the quality of our democracy.”

Mottley did mention that Government would contin-

ue to transition the reform of state-owned enterprises, and will be looking at the Rural Development Commission and the Urban Development Commission.

In addition, she said the aim was still to be world class within the next seven years. “We are looking good, but we still have to cross the finish line.” (Nation News)

Record cocaine shipment found in Ecuadorean banana container Antigua considers cross-Ministry collaboration to control growing monkey population Govt steps into CAL-TTALPA negotiations

In response to growing concerns over the expanding vervet monkey population on Antigua, several Ministries and public sector entities have partnered to cull the mammals.

The monkey population in the eastern part of Antigua has been expanding and is causing challenges for local farmers. To address this issue, the Cabinet has entrusted the Agriculture Ministry with the task of collaborating with other relevant Ministries and agencies to develop effective measures for population control.

Ambassador Lionel Hurst, the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that a concerted strategy was in the works to mitigate the situation. While the intention is to manage the vervet monkey population, the specific methodology for control remains under deliberation. He ruled out poisoning owing to potential collateral damage to other wild-

life. Likewise, he acknowledged the monkeys’ remarkable intelligence and their capacity for emotions, urging a humane approach.

“We know that it won’t be poison because other wildlife will be affected by it, so that is ruled out completely. We also know that some traps might be used, but we take into account that the monkeys are very intelligent creatures and, also, they

have feelings,” he said.

Vervet monkeys have been increasingly observed in areas such as Newfield and Bethesda, with reports from farmers detailing encounters with juvenile monkeys. These animals have reportedly caused significant damage to crops, compelling some small-scale farmers to alter their crop selection.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

The negotiations between Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and the Trinidad and Tobago Pilots’ Association (TTALPA) have taken a different turn as the Government is now set to intervene in the process.

The news was delivered to TTALPA members during a meeting with CAL’s negotiating team on Wednesday, which Guardian Media understands lasted just under an hour.

Both parties are negotiating increases for the period 2015-2020.

TTALPA went from a proposal of 0 per cent, 4 per cent, 4 per cent, 4 per cent and 1 per cent for the fiveyear bargaining period to 0 per cent, 3 per cent, 3 per cent, 3 per cent and

1 per cent. The airline has proposed

0 per cent, 2.5 per cent, 2.5 per cent,

2.5 per cent and 0 per cent, contending that its five per cent lump sum for 2018 to 2019 took into consideration the company’s financial posi-

tion and the increases that have already been applied.

However, as Guardian Media exclusively reported on Wednesday, discussions began to fall apart after the State-owned airline proposed to transition pilots across all fleets from a monthly salary system to an hourly system and reduce its work guarantee from 75 to 60 hours. Overtime, it said, would kick in only after 75 hours.

When asked by the media yesterday about the ongoing negotiations, CAL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Garvin Medera said he did not want to comment as the company had not officially responded to the union’s counterproposal and discussions were at a sensitive stage.

Shortly after yesterday’s meeting ended, TTALPA updated its members on the involvement of the Minister and what would occur going forward. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

The monkey population in the eastern part of Antigua has been expanding and is causing challenges

OIL NEWS

Oil futures up 1% to one-week high on soaring US diesel prices

Oil futures climbed about one per cent to a one-week high on Friday as US diesel prices soared, the number of oil rigs dropped and a fire broke out at a refinery in Louisiana.

Brent futures rose US$1.12, or 1.3 per cent, to settle at US$84.48 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 78 cents, or 1.0 per cent, to settle at US$79.83.

Diesel futures soared about five per cent to a near seven-month high, boosting the diesel crack spread, a measure of refining profit margins, to its highest since January 2023.

"The main thing was concern about diesel prices, the diesel crack spread and worries about diesel shortages when refineries go into maintenance," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group.

He added prices also drew support from a fire at a Louisiana refinery and a drop in US oil rigs.

Weak economic data and a stronger dollar limited gains. For the week, Brent declined less than one per cent and WTI lost about two per cent. Last week, both benchmarks fell about two per cent.

A fire in a giant naphtha storage tank was contained on Friday afternoon at Marathon Petroleum's 596,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) Garyville, Louisiana refinery.

In August, US energy firms cut the number of active oil rigs for a ninth straight month, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely-followed report.

Crude prices rose despite weak economic news from Germany, Europe's biggest economy, and the US dollar, rose to an 11-week high against a basket of other currencies after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said further interest rate hikes may be needed to fight inflation.

Higher interest rates can slow economic growth and reduce oil demand. A stronger dollar can also slow demand by making oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.

US consumer sentiment, meanwhile, fell modestly in August, as short- and long-term inflation expectations worsened, a survey showed on Friday.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley said they expect Brent prices to be well supported around US$80 per barrel, with crude likely to remain in a deficit over the rest of this year before returning to a small surplus in early 2024.

But the likelihood of crude deficits is no foregone conclusion, said John Evans of oil broker PVM.

Norwegian energy firm Equinor, for example, said it started production at its extended Statfjord Ost field six months ahead of schedule. (Reuters)

Denmark plans jail term for burning Quran in public

The Danish Government has proposed a ban on setting the Quran alight in public after a series of burnings led to uproar in Muslim countries.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said such burnings harmed Denmark and risked the safety of Danes.

The planned law will make improper treatment of the Quran or Bible a criminal offence punishable by a fine and jail sentence of up to two years.

The centre-right government said it wanted to send a signal to the world.

Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Denmark had witnessed 170 demonstrations in recent weeks, including the burning of copies of the Quran in front of foreign embassies.

Denmark's PET intelligence service has warned that the latest incidents have intensified the terrorist threat.

Neighbouring Sweden

Around The World

“Absolute lie”: Russia denies role in Yevgeny Prigozhin plane crash

Western suggestions that the Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed on the Russian Government’s orders are an “absolute lie”, the Kremlin says.

It declined on Friday to definitively confirm Prigozhin’s death in a plane crash, citing the need to wait for test results.

Russian investigators have recovered 10 bodies and flight recorders from the scene of Wednesday’s crash northwest of Moscow, and investigations are under way.

Prigozhin, who conducted a brief but shocking mutiny in Russia two months ago, hired fighters who are feared in Africa and Syria

and played a crucial role in the war in Ukraine.

Some unidentified officials from the West quoted in the media have suggested the plane explosion appears to be vengeance for the Wagner mutiny in June, which posed the biggest challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s 23-year rule.

But Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov flatly rejected the allegations.

“Right now, of course, there are lots of speculation around this plane crash and the tragic deaths of the passengers of the plane, including Yevgeny Prigozhin,” Peskov told reporters in a conference call. “Of course in the West, those speculations are put out under a certain angle, and all of it is a com-

Russian investigators have recovered 10 bodies and flight recorders from the scene of Wednesday’s crash northwest of Moscow

plete lie.”

Prigozhin was listed among those on board the plane.

When asked whether the Kremlin has received an official confirmation of Prigozhin’s death, Peskov referenced Putin’s remarks

from a day earlier. “He said that right now all the necessary forensic analyses, including genetic testing, will be carried out. Once some kind of official conclusions are ready to be released, they will be released.”

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Divided US embraces Trump mug shot merchandise

To critics, the photo is a symbol that his long list of legal woes has finally caught up to him.

has also seen a series of Quran burnings and its security service has warned of a worsening security situation. In July, the Swedish Embassy in Iraq was set alight by protesters.

But both Denmark and Sweden have hesitated to respond to the burnings because of their liberal laws on freedom of expression. Sweden scrapped its blasphemy laws in the 1970s.

Copenhagen decided to move after further Quran burnings at the end of July in Denmark and Sweden. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) called on its members to take appropriate action against countries where the Quran was being desecrated.

The Justice Minister was adamant the proposed change in the law was not targeting verbal or written expressions or satirical drawings. But he said burning religious texts served no other purpose than creating division and hatred.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Former US President Donald Trump's historic mug shot, posted by a Georgia courthouse on Thursday evening, is being turned into T-shirts, shot glasses, mugs, posters and even bobblehead dolls by friends and foes alike.

The shot of Trump with a red tie, glistening hair, and an icy scowl was taken as the Republican pres-

idential front-runner was arrested on more than a dozen felony charges, part of a criminal case stemming from his attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

Supporters and campaign managers have embraced the image of his arrest, as they rally around Trump's claims that the charges against him are politically motivated.

Harare residents fear violence as questions simmer over Zimbabwe election

Rising political tensions in the Southern African nation have spawned fears of post-election violence among residents in the capital Harare, as ballot tabulation continues a day after voting ended.

Zimbabwe held general elections on Wednesday and Thursday, pitting President Emmerson Mnangagwa against Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change, the main Opposition party.

Residents of Harare’s sprawling high-density suburbs such as Budiriro, Glen View, Highfield, Mufakose and Kuwadzana — as well as urban centres like Chitungwiza — had virtu-

ally locked themselves indoors by 18:00h as anxieties gripped the nation. Only a handful of people were seen sauntering home.

“It’s like there is a 6pm curfew,” Anesu Munodawafa, a Kuwadzana resident, said.

Zimbabwe has a history of both pre- and post-election violence, which has fed concerns that Government authorities would use force to quell any protests, particularly from the Opposition.

The Citizens Coalition for Change has already indicated it believes it won this week’s presidential election. Early polls showed the ruling party and them locked in a tight race.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trump's Save America fundraising committee is selling "NEVER SURRENDER!" mug shot t-shirts (US$34.00); beverage holders (US$15.00 for two) and coffee mugs (US$25.00). His son Don Jr is marketing "FREE TRUMP" mug shot t-shirts (US$29.99) and posters (US$19.99).

On the other side of the political divide, the Lincoln Project, a prominent anti-Trump group founded by Republicans, is sell-

ing shot glasses (US$55.00 for six) with the mug shot and "FAFO", a rallying cry among Trump critics. Etsy, the crafts website, has dozens of mocking products, including a Taylor Swift concert t-shirt parody (US$26.00).

In Los Angeles, a t-shirt store unaffiliated with any campaign had already started selling tops emblazoned with the image on Friday afternoon.

The image could be a huge fundraiser for the Republican candidate, some political strategists predict. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Niger junta gives French envoy 48 hours

Niger's coup leaders have given the French Smbassador 48 hours to leave the country as bilateral ties continue to deteriorate rapidly.

The junta said Sylvain Itte had refused to respond to an invitation to meet Niger's Foreign Minister.

France, a former colonial power, said the "putschists have no authority" to order such an expulsion.

Paris opposes July's coup, saying that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum must be returned to office.

Friday's announcement was made by Niger's Foreign Minister installed by the junta.

This follows a series of statements and demonstrations hostile towards France.

The French Foreign Ministry responded by saying that it had "taken note of the putschists", the AFP news agency reported.

"The putschists do

to leave

not have the authority to make this request, the Ambassador's approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities," the ministry added.

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger's coup leader, last week pledged to return the West African nation to civilian rule within three years.

He made the announcement after meeting mediators from the West African regional bloc Ecowas in the capital, Niamey.

Ecowas has threatened military action to reverse last month's overthrow of President Bazoum if talks fail.

The junta head said that Niger did not want a war, but would defend itself against any foreign intervention.

"If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think," he warned. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T-shirts with an image depicting the mugshots of former President Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani are pictured at the Y-Que printing store in Los Angeles, California, US, August 25, 2023 (Reuters/ Mario Anzuoni photo)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Rethink your plan and consider what you want to achieve. Trust your instincts and carry on without making a fuss. You'll hit your objective and get to celebrate your victory.

(March 21-April 19)

You don't stand alone. Speak on behalf of the voiceless. Lead the way and make a difference. Think big, pinpoint problems, adjust what's not working and enjoy your accomplishments.

(April 20-May 20)

Research will pay off. Don't expect others to do things to your specifications or give an honest assessment of a situation. Anger won't solve a problem, but kindness might.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

Do your part and enjoy family and friends. Take on a new challenge that stimulates your mind and encourages you to follow your heart. Don't fear being unique or taking the road less traveled.

Social events will lead to temptation. Have an open mind, but don't let anyone lead you down a path you shouldn't take. Overindulgence, overspending and unverified information will cost you.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Don't offer false hope. Honesty is the best policy when dealing with friends and family. Ask questions and offer solutions, but don't let your temper take control. Keep a positive attitude.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Anger won't solve anything, but a step in a positive direction will alleviate any problem. Establish what you want and make it happen. Do what makes you look and feel good.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Know your limitations, set boundaries and don't take risks that can affect your health or well-being. Pay attention to detail when dealing with investments, legalities or medical issues.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Keep busy; movement will help ease stress and encourage fitness. Don't give up hope because someone is misleading or discouraging you from doing what brings you joy. Accentuate your finer qualities.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Save money, get your affairs in order, and enjoy life more. A social gathering, trip or seminar will change how you think, feel and respond to others.

Don't change anything prematurely. Refuse to let anyone pressure you or make you feel inadequate or insecure. Rise above controversy and pour your energy into life, love and happiness.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Set high standards and goals, then get moving. Refuse to let money and jealousy be the driving forces in your life. Strive for peace and happiness, and help people in need.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

American Noah Lyles wins double gold

-Britain’s Zharnel Hughes falls short of 200m medal

Britain's Zharnel Hughes missed out on a 200m medal, as the American Noah Lyles completed a sensational sprint double, and Shericka Jackson won gold in the women’s 200m event in Budapest.

Hughes was unable to add to his breakthrough 100m bronze with a fourthplace finish in 20.02 seconds. Erriyon Knighton ensured an American one-two behind Lyles, who won in 19.52, while Letsile Tebogo took bronze.

Jackson defended her title with a dominant victory in a championship record 21.41, to add to her 100m silver.

Americans Gabrielle Thomas and 100m cham-

pion Sha'Carri Richardson completed the podium. British pair Daryll Neita, who ran a personal best 22.16, and Dina AsherSmith finished fifth and seventh respectively.

Earlier, Britons Keely Hodgkinson and Jemma Reekie secured places in Sunday's women's 800m final with victories in their respective heats.

Lyles cemented his position as the world's top sprinter as he backed up Sunday's surprise 100m victory with the gold many had already handed to him. Victory took less than 20 seconds for the 26-year-old, but the outcome had felt almost inevitable.

Lyles flew off the bend and stormed clear to finish 0.23 secs clear of rising star

Knighton, the 19-year-old securing the silver he had likely expected to achieve behind his compatriot.

It means Lyles remains on course to end the cham-

East Bank, North Essequibo to face off in Sunday’s final -Hicks

scores century for QC

The Essequibo leg of the Finals of the Republic Bank Ltd

(RBL) Nationwide Under-23 Inter-Club Super50 tournament is set to be played on Sunday, August 27, at the Golden Fleece Ground. An exciting clash is anticipated as the East Bank Zone secured their spot in the final against North Essequibo ahead of their battle.

Batting first, Bartica made 118 all out in 24 overs, with I. Baccus (22) and H. Lamb (33) providing the runs. National player Aryan Persaud ended with 4-32 in 7.2 overs, including 2 maidens, 1 wicket maiden and 1 double-wicket maiden. Wazim Mohammed also had a stellar game, grabbing 3-38 in 5 overs, featuring one double wicket maiden.

East Bank then battled to 119-7 in 14.2 overs. Mohammed hit 21 off 15, while Ronaldo Scouten finished on 36 off 21 balls.

Bartica’s bowlers toiled, with H. Lamb (2-22) and S. Sutton (2-34) employing their best efforts.

Queen’s College beat Agricola by 156 runs

Tuen Hicks hammered 18 fours in his 101 off 106 balls to headline the Queen’s College 156-run mauling of Agricola with their posting of 287-10 in 45 overs. Kevin Williams (36) and Ntini Permaul (27) were the other scorers for QC.

Bowling for Agricola, Joel

Tuen Hicks

Gilkes snapped up 4-47 and scored a run-a-ball 29 with four fours and a six. QC ended their innings on 131 runs made from 21.4 overs. QC’s star with the ball was Daniel Persaud, who captured 4-26 while Kampta Seepersaud grabbing 2-3.

Action continues today

with matches in Georgetown involving Lusignan facing Better Hope while Upper Demerara take on West Demerara at QC. On Sunday, MYO battle DCC at GCC, Transport CC come up against Ogle CC at QC, and Golden Grove CC test their skills against Queen’s College.

pionships with all three gold medals he set out to achieve, with the men's 4x100m med-

als to be settled at the weekend.

While he did not fulfil his

pre-event prediction of breaking Usain Bolt's world record, Lyles emulated the Jamaican legend with the two golds, becoming the first man to win both sprint titles at the Worlds since Bolt in 2015.

Hughes, unable to get close to the British record 19.73 secs he ran at last month's London Diamond League, could not mount a serious challenge in the closing stages, as Botswana's Tebogo added to his 100m silver. But at least he will leave Budapest as the first British man for 20 years to make a world 100m podium, achieving his goal of earning a first global medal.

(Adapted from BBC Sport)

Jenni Hermoso “didn't consent” to Luis Rubiales’ kiss; Spain players refuse to play

Jenni Hermoso says she did not consent to be kissed by Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales – as 81 players confirm they will not play for Spain's women's team until he is removed from his post.

Rubiales has refused to resign after kissing forward Hermoso on the lips following Spain's Women's World Cup final win over England in Sydney.

The Spanish Government started legal proceedings seeking to suspend the 46-year-old, while FIFA has also launched disciplinary proceedings.

Rubiales had been widely expected to resign at an extraordinary general assembly called by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), but instead said "I don't deserve this manhunt".

He added: "Jenni was the one who lifted me up. I told her to 'forget about the penalty [that Mary Earps saved]' and I said to her 'a little peck?' and she said 'OK'.

"It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, euphoric and consensual. That's the key. A consensual 'peck' is enough to get me out of here?"

Pachuca player Hermoso released a long statement on social media, saying: "I want to make clear that at no time did the conversation to which Mr Luis Rubiales refers to in his address take place and, above all, was his kiss ever consensual."

She added his claims were "categorically false and part of the manipulative culture that he has generated".

"I feel the need to report this incident, because I believe no person, in any work, sports or social setting should be a victim of these types of non-consensual behaviours. I

felt vulnerable and a victim of impulsive-driven, sexist, outof-place act, without any consent on my part," she continued.

"Quite simply, I was not respected."

She added that she was put "under continuous pressure" to help with a "statement that could justify" Rubiales' actions – and so were her family, friends, and team-mates.

"These types of incidents add to a long list of situations that the players have been denouncing. This incident is the final straw and what everyone has been able to witness on live television also comes with attitudes like the one we saw this morning [Friday] and have been part of our team's daily life for years," she added.

A statement from England's Lionesses, who lost to Spain in the final, said the incident was "unacceptable".

It added: "The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn't take any convincing to take action against any form of harassment.

"We stand with you, Jenni Hermoso."

A statement by players'

union Futpro was signed by a host of players, including all 23 members of the Spain squad which just won the World Cup.

It read: "After everything that happened during the delivery of medals of the Women's World Cup, we want to state that all the players who sign this letter will not return to a call for the national team if the current leaders continue."

Spain's next game is against Sweden in the Nations League on September 22.

Borja Iglesias, who plays for Real Betis, said earlier on Friday he would not play for the men's national team again while Rubiales is in charge.

The Spanish Government will ask Rubiales to explain himself to a Spanish court as soon as possible, Secretary of Sport Victor Francos said earlier on Friday.

If the administrative court deems he violated the professional sports code, he could then be suspended.

Meanwhile, FIFA will look at whether his actions constitute violations of Article 13 in its disciplinary code, concerning offensive behaviour and fair play.

(BBC Sport)

Noah Lyles

Jenni Hermoso says she did not consent to be kissed by Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales

Firepower added to TKR squad for CPL 2023

One of the tournament’s most successful franchises, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have added firepower to their squad for the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Australian big hitter Tim David is amongst the replacement overseas players signed by the TKR. David replaces Rilee Rossouw, who is no longer available for the 2023 season.

David has CPL experience having previously represented the Saint Lucia Kings at the tournament. He is, however, not available for the first six league games of the tournament, and will have a temporary replacement in the form of Irish in-

ternational Lorcan Tucker, the wicketkeeper-batter who has played more than 100 times for Ireland and has made more than 1500 runs in T20 cricket.

Also joining the Knight

Port Mourant, Albion to clash in BCB/Minister

Riders is England international Tom Curran. He will be a temporary replacement for Noor Ahmad, who is no longer available for the 2023 season.

The Knight Riders have also confirmed that their fi-

nal overseas spot will go to USA international Ali Khan, who has been part of the franchise’s set-up since 2017.

The full Trinbago Knight Riders squad for 2023 is below:

Trinbago Knight Riders squad: Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine,

Nicholas Pooran, Tom Curran, Akeal Hosein, Dwayne Bravo, Martin Guptill, Waqar Salamkhiel, Noor Ahmad, Tim David, Jayden Seales, Ali Khan, Mark Deyal, Chadwick Walton, Terrence Hinds, Kadeem Alleyne, Jaden Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker.

West Indies Rising Stars ready for Sri Lanka tour

– 1st match bowls off tomorrow

The members of the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 team arrived in Sri Lanka and have hit the ground running. The squad arrived in Colombo on Tuesday, and will play their first match on Sunday, August 27 at 1:30am Eastern Caribbean time.

Head Coach Rohan Nurse said things have gone smoothly and the team is looking ahead to the upcoming series against Sri Lanka Under-19s – which will feature three Youth One-Day Internationals (ODIs) 50 overs) and two Youth Tests (four-day) at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

The Port Mourant Cricket Ground will come alive today, Saturday, August 26 with some exciting junior cricket, as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) hosts the final of the long-awaited BCB/Minister Zulfikar Mustapha Under-15 tournament.

The grand final is expected to be an exciting one with several of the county’s top Under-15 players in action for Port Mourant and Albion. The match will start at 09:30h local time and executives of the BCB are expected to be present to supervise.

BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that the final of the tournament, which started in 2021, was delayed owing to several factors, but the BCB decided to host it at this point, using the current date of birth for this year’s competition.

The last final was recently played at

the Area H Ground, with Rose Hall Canje defeating Rose Hall Town to emerge as champions.

The Albion team would be led by Farhan Belle and he would be supported by national junior player Nathaniel Ramsammy, Feaz Baksh, Nicholas Lepps, and Sahid Gajnabi.

Port Mourant’s challenge would be spearheaded by brothers Navin and Ravin Boodwah, Asgar Nabbie, Vishal Williams, and Arvin Samaroo.

The tournament is sponsored by the Berbice-born Agriculture Minister. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament was once involved in county cricket at the Second-Division level.

He was the Captain of the Bloomfield Second-Division team, and has been very supportive of the game in the county. More than $100,000 worth of prizes will be presented to the winners, runners-up and Man of the Final.

“Based on how well the players responded to today’s session, we will raise the intensity and volume of work in tomorrow’s session as we prepare for the warm-up match,” Nurse said. “The warm-up game will be used as an opportunity to get all the players involved and allow them to spend time in the middle in all aspects of the game.”

Nurse added: “Given the volume and length of travel

the squad had undertaken, today’s session was tailored towards re-establishing mobility with the trainer. In addition, we focused on getting them familiar with the conditions through fielding drills and a short net session.”

Top-order batter Stephan Pascal will be Captain for the white-ball matches with Nathan Sealy, the left-arm spinner, to lead the side for two red-ball matches. The next ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka in January and February 2024.

Full Squad

Stephan Pascal (co-Captain) – right-handed bat

Nathan Sealy (co-Captain) – left-arm spin/right-handed bat

Jewel Andrew –right-handed bat/wicketkeeper

Mavendra Dindyal –right-handed bat

Joshua Dorne –right-handed bat

Nathan Edward –left-handed bat/left-arm fast

Tarrique Edward –right-handed bat/right-arm off-spin

Reon Edwards – left-arm fast

Deshawn James – rightarm fast

Jordan Johnson –left-handed bat

Devonie Joseph –left-handed bat/wicketkeeper

Tamarie Redwood – rightarm leg-spin

Isai Thorne – right-arm fast

Steve Wedderburn –left-handed bat

Adrian Weir – right-handed bat

Match Schedule

August 27: 1st Youth

ODI at Rangiri Dambulla

International Cricket Stadium

August 30: 2nd Youth

ODI at Rangiri Dambulla

International Cricket Stadium

September 1: 3rd Youth

ODI at Rangiri Dambulla

International Cricket Stadium

September 5-8: 1st Youth Test at Rangiri Dambulla

International Cricket Stadium

September 12-15: 2nd

Youth Test at Rangiri

Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

Jackson shatters own championship record as she storms to gold in Budapest

Shericka Jackson defended her 200m world title on Friday at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. Having lost the 100m final on Monday, Jackson left it all on the track on Friday, storming away from the stacked field to win in 21.41, breaking her own championship record of 21.45 set in Oregon in 2022. The time is also a new national record.

Jackson now has the second and third fastest times ever in the event. In Jackson’s wake was American Gabby Thomas, who clocked 21.81 for the silver medal. Sha’Carri Richardson, the 100m champion, picked up her second medal of the

championships, running a personal best 21.92 for bronze.

Julien Alfred of St Lucia, fifth in the 100m final, finished fourth in 22.05 while Daryll Neita of Great Britain ran a personal best 22.16 for fifth place.

Anthonique Strachan of The Bahamas finished sixth in 22.29, with Dina Asher-Smith of Great Britain close behind in 22.34.

Marie Jose Ta Lou was eighth in 22.64.

Jackson won Jamaica’s third gold medal in Budapest and ninth medal overall. (Sportsmax)

Lorcan Tucker

Tim David

Tom Curran

Navin Boodwah Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Shericka Jackson stormed to a new championship record of 21.41 to win gold in the 200m

Isai Thorne and Mavendra Dindyal are the two Guyanese in the squad

Playing positive and going hard: Tahir’s mantra for GAW success this season

– Warriors to play Tallawahs tomorrow

By Brandon Corlette

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) are off to a solid start in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), with a 65-run win against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Warriors will be in action again tomorrow, Sunday, August 27 against defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs from 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time, at Warner Park, St Kitts.

According to Warriors’

newly-appointed Captain, Imran Tahir, playing positive cricket and going hard with the bat will be the mantra for success this season for the Guyanese franchise.

“Look, I said it from the start, that I play very positive cricket. We have the team, everyone is able to do that, we have four all-rounders, they can come in any time once we have a good start. If we have a good start, we want to go as hard as we can, that’s the plan going forward,” Tahir said after the Warriors win over

Patriots.

The 44-year-old Tahir add ed: “There will be a day where we will lose wickets, but we got Hetmyer and Hope. They know their roles, and the way they batted good (against Patriots) and that was really good to see.”

Tahir was really proud of his first win as full-time cap tain of the Warriors, and he was delighted with Gudakesh Motie’s Player of the Match ef fort of 4-29.

“Feel really proud, first game as Captain, and I think the boys did fantastic job. Our batters and whatever the plan we had and how we have been practising, they executed really well today, so I am really happy for my boys.

“Our (Motie and myself) overs are very crucial in the middle. We have four luxury. He (Motie) bowled really well, and that is why we

pick him, he has been with us for a few years, so yea I hope he carry on, he bowled really well in these conditions,”

Tahir said.

Meanwhile, Motie was happy to bowl alongside the veteran Tahir.

“Hitting the right areas. It was a good pitch, and once you hit the right areas, you will get success. I enjoy bowling alongside him. He has a lot of experience, and I enjoy it,” Motie said after his career-best figures in CPL.

He also thanked the Guyanese fans for their continued support. “Shout out to the fans them, thank you for the support.”

The Warriors’ next opponent will be the Jamaica

Tallawahs, who looked the most complete team thus far, with two wins. Tallawahs will be led by former Warriors opener Brandon King, and Guyanese legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul will be in the dressing room as Coach. King has been in sublime form, with back-to-back fifties this season.

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad: Saim Ayub; Chandrapaul Hemraj; Azam Khan(w); Shai Hope; Shimron Hetmyer; Dwaine Pretorius; Keemo Paul; Romario Shepherd; Odean Smith; Imran Tahir(c); Gudakesh Motie; Matthew Nandu; Hazratullah Zazai; Kelvon Anderson; Kevin Sinclair; Junior Sinclair and Ronsford Beaton.

GAW’s new kid on the block, Saim Ayub enjoying CPL atmosphere

By Brandon Corlette

Twenty-one-year-old

Pakistani batting talent Saim Ayub is relishing his maiden stint in the “Biggest Party in Sport”, with the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW).

After two matches this season in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Ayub has shown his explosive skill with an unbeaten 24 and 31.

According to the left-handed opener, he is enjoying playing with the Caribbean boys in a friendly environment.

“I was pretty excited to play in the tournament (CPL) for Guyana Amazon Warriors. I heard it is a good franchise, and brilliant environment, and I am enjoying the game. First match it got some rain, and it was difficult to bat, the pitch was wet, but I just focused on the positive and play my game,” Ayub said.

The pocket rocket also enjoys batting in the power play, where he can take on the bowlers. “I bat in the powerplay, so I have to take the advantage of that, and my game is to naturally hit

the ball, take on the bowlers and I just try to do that, believe in what I practise for,” Ayub said.

Ayub also shared similar sentiments as Imran Tahir,

not that good to play all the matches, so I play two matches and fail in that. I then went to Pakistan Super League (PSL) and there I perform, so they watch that

and picked me.”

During training sessions

as it relates to the positive and fearless brand of cricket that the Warriors want to play this season. “We have positive intent, and never fear, we play fearless cricket, and we are never afraid of getting out,” the young opener said.

“I have been to BPL (Bangladesh Premier League), at that time I was

and off-field activities, Ayub has bonded really well with his Warriors team-mates, and he looked at home already. “These West Indies guys, I love them, they are

very jolly, and they create a very good and friendly environment in which I love,” Ayub added.

Meanwhile, the 2023 CPL continues today, Saturday, August 26 with two matches. St Lucia Kings will play Trinbago Knight

Riders from 10:00h while St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will play Barbados Royals from 19:00h. Warriors will play their next game on Sunday, August 27 against Jamaica Tallawahs at 10:00h local time at Warner Park, St Kitts.

GAW’s new kid on the block, Saim Ayub

Captain Imran Tahir

Gudakesh Motie was brilliant with four wickets against Patriots

Jamaica Tallawahs look a dangerous side

Keemo Paul is one of four all-rounders in the side

Romario Shepherd looked powerful with the bat