Guyana Times - Saturday, July 29, 2023

Parents urged to support child, youth health programme

China-Guyana relations have stood test of changes in international landscape – President Xi tells President Ali

Driver stabbed to death by woman at minibus park

Opposition MP charged for allegedly exposing genitals, released on bail

After high-speed chase, Police nab Linden man with ammo, ganja, large quantity of cash

Page 16

set aside for cost-of-living assistance yet to be spent – Jagdeo

injured in Norton St smash-up

Public Service Commission

CJ throws out GPSU’s challenge to Mohandatt Goolsarran’s appointment

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, has dismissed the Guyana Public Service Union’s (GPSU) challenge to the appointment of Mohandatt Goolsarran to the recently sworn-in Public Service Commission (PSC), declaring that it contained not a “scintilla of evidence, was unmeritorious, frivolous, and vexatious”. The ruling was delivered on Thursday at the Demerara High Court.

Goolsarran was one of two nominees that the National Assembly had settled on for appointment to the PSC since he had been nominated by the Guyana Public Service Senior Staff Association (GPSSSA). The GPSU argued that the GPSSSA is not a certified trade union recognised by the Trade Union Recognition Act for the purpose of representing public officers for the appointment to the PSC, and hence could not properly nominate Goolsarran for appointment to the PSC in accordance with Article 200 (1)(b) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Article 200 (1) of the Constitution dictates that

the PSC shall consist of six members who shall be appointed as follows: (a) three members appointed by the President acting after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition; (b) two members appointed by the President upon nomination by the National Assembly after it has consulted such bodies as appear to it to represent public officers or classes of public officers; and (c) if the President thinks fit, one other member appointed by the President acting in accordance with his own deliberate judgement.

In reply to the GPSU’s case, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, argued that the framers of the Constitution deliberately and intentionally used the term “such bodies as may appear” in order to lend to the widest possible interpretation. Considering this, he said that any attempt to narrow this clear intention would violate or fetter the supremacy of the Constitution.

“Accordingly, an attempt to use the Trade Union Recognition Act to constrict the language of

the Constitution is without any basis and would be an obvious unconstitutional exercise. The framers of the Constitution also applied and used the term ‘trade union’ in various other provisions, but deliberately chose to use the word ‘bodies’ in Article 200 (1) of the Constitution,” he argued.

The Attorney General also highlighted that the framers of the Constitution are familiar with the manner in which public officers can be represented and that this is seen in the wide-

ly recognised fundamental right of the freedom of association.

He said the right to associate freely is further reinforced in Article 200 (1) by the recognition of any “body”, be it an association, a non-government organisation, or a trade union, of public officers or classes of public officers. He, therefore, said there is no requirement, under Article 200 (1) for the GPSSSA to be registered anywhere in pursuance of their exercise of the freedom of association. Additionally, the Attorney General emphasised the concept of parliamentary privilege, which is grounded in the common law, subject only to the supremacy of the Constitution. Essentially, it was argued that as long as the National Assembly acted intra vires the Constitution, the court has no reason, and or ought not, to meddle in its internal affairs.

According to Nandlall, Article 200 (1) of the Constitution vests the power to determine the bodies to be consulted, solely with the National Assembly.

Accordingly, he add-

ed, the National Assembly by Resolution 24 of 2003, decided that the GPSSSA would be among the bodies to be consulted pursuant to Article 200 (1).

He was keen to point out that for the past 20 years, the GPSSSA has been invited to submit nominees to the PSC, which it has accordingly done, and its nominees have correspondingly been accepted, adopted by the outer Assembly, and thereafter appointed to the PSC. As such, he argued that the GPSU, is now, after 20 years, estopped from now instituting a claim.

After hearing oral arguments from the attorneys-at-law for all the parties, the Chief Justice found that the GPSU’s case contained not a “scintilla of evidence, was unmeritorious, frivolous and vexatious”, said the Attorney General Chambers in a statement on Friday.

In dismissing the application, the Chief Justice awarded costs in the sum of $750,000 to each of the respondents, the Attorney General, and the Speaker of the National Assembly.

During his week-

ly programme—Issues in the News—the Attorney General had said, “After 20 years, the GPSU suddenly awakes from a slumber and begins now to challenge, legally, the qualification of this body to send a nominee,” calling the legal challenge “a disguised attempt to sabotage constitutional democracy, and to sabotage the work of the Government.”

Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali swore in six members of the PSC.

In addition to Goolsarran, the other members are Manniram Prashad, Maurice Gajadhar, Melcita Bovell, Chandrawati Ramson, and Janice Bowen.

These members have been appointed to serve for three years.

The PSC is a constitutional body responsible for overseeing the Public Service in Guyana.

It is in charge of appointing, promoting, and disciplining public service officials and fashioning rules and regulations to govern the activities of public servants in office. (G1)

Mohandatt Goolsarran

…says not a "scintilla" of evidence; “unmeritorious, frivolous, and vexatious”

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, July 29 – 01:30h

– 03:00h and Sunday, July 30 – 02:00h – 03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, July 29 – 13:25h

– 14:55h and Sunday, July 30 – 14:35h – 16:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

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

Winds: Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 13:45h reaching a maximum height of 2.28 metres.

Low Tide: 07:10h and 19:33h reaching minimum heights of 0.82 metre and 0.95 metre.

China-Guyana relations have stood test of changes in international landscape – President Xi tells President Ali …countries to build closer community with a shared future

Initiative with Guyana's Low-Carbon Development Strategy 2030 and welcomes Guyana's participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Stressing China encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Guyana, President Xi said the two sides should expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of energy, mining, finance, agriculture and fisheries, and infrastructure construction, and cultivate new growth areas such as new energy and green development.

The Chinese President further urged efforts to improve cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, so as to consolidate the foun-

tional and regional affairs, President Xi said China supports Guyana in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

China is willing to work with Guyana in practicing genuine multilateralism, safeguarding the common interests of the developing countries, and jointly addressing the challenges of climate change, food security, energy security and other issues, President Xi said.

The Chinese President also recalled his visit to the Caribbean Region in 2013, adding that China has consistently supported Caribbean countries in their unity, self-reliance, development and prosper-

LOTTERY NUMBERS

China and Guyana on Friday vowed to build a closer community with a shared future as Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Guyanese President Dr Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Ali arrived in Chengdu on Thursday to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games.

During the meeting, President Xi hailed the two countries’ bilateral enduring friendship, stressing that China and Guyana should be good friends who trust each other and rely on each other.

“Although China and Guyana are far apart, our friendship has a long history. This year marks the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese people in Guyana as one of the six major ethnic groups in Guyana.

The Chinese-Guyanese people have made important contributions to the local economic and social development…China-Guyana relations have stood the test of changes in the international landscape over the past half century and grown stronger over time,” the Chinese President expressed.

He called on the two sides to share opportunities, tackle challenges, seek cooperation and promote development together so as to build a closer ChinaGuyana community with a shared future.

As two developing countries, the Chinese President said China and Guyana should work in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples, strengthen communication and cooperation, and firmly support each other to achieve the steady and sus-

tained development of the bilateral ties.

He added that the Chinese side is willing to promote the in-depth docking of the Belt and Road

dation of friendship between the two countries.

Noting China and Guyana share broad common interests and similar positions in interna-

ity, and is willing to work with the Caribbean side to build a closer ChinaCaribbean community with a shared future.

President Dr Irfaan Ali meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping

President Dr Irfaan Ali touring the Chengdu Ronsheng Pharmaceutical Company - an affiliate of the China National Pharmaceutical Group Co, Ltd (Sinopharm)

Editor: Tusika Martin

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

Recklessness and sale of alcohol

Now that the Guyana Police Force has started the ‘Respect the Road’ campaign with focused enforcement, there is need to ensure that the legislation that deals with the sale of alcohol to minors and designated drivers, passed in the National Assembly, is fully enforced.

The Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2022 was a long-overdue piece of legislation; and, more importantly, the consequences of sale of alcohol to minors is long overdue.

As it now stands, the law requires liquor store operators to verify the age of patrons prior to entry into their establishment, and importantly, prescribes harsher penalties for holder/holders of a liquor licence who employ a minor to supply, sell, or assist in the sale of alcohol. This carries a fine ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.

However, more importantly, sale of alcohol to a designated driver will also be prohibited. Over the years, the issue of alcohol and the massive damaging effects it is having on individuals and communities has repeatedly been brought to the fore. There has been a number of deadly accidents countrywide, most of which were as a result of alcohol consumption. Persons, all of whom could have been working and assisting their families, and perhaps helping in the development of their communities and country as a whole, are now dead. This is in addition to the dozens of other persons who had lost their lives earlier in the year because of some form of recklessness committed by drivers; or, in some cases, carelessness by pedestrians themselves.

We are indeed convinced that the efforts being made by law enforcement and other authorities to reduce the alarming rate of road accidents are not achieving the desired results. This year will go down as yet another year when Guyana experienced some of its most horrific road accidents, resulting in losses of lives and injuries to countless others. We are very much concerned about the number of persons losing their lives on our roadways. Too many families have been broken as a result of losing loved ones due to road accidents, most of which could have been avoided.

The reasons for the high rates of road accidents are well known, and there is no need to rehash them here, except to say that while there are various factors which impact on road safety, there is little doubt that the single most important one, in a general sense, is enforcement of the traffic laws. The Government has enacted the relevant legislation in relation to driving under the influence, loud music in vehicles, overloading, speeding, etc, but if the laws are not adequately implemented, they become useless. It would be interesting to find out how many of the drivers who are stopped for breaking a traffic law/s are actually charged and brought before the courts. It should also be mentioned here that, in some cases, Police officers themselves are engaged in breaking the traffic rules; for example, by speeding or driving under the influence, and hence are the source of some of the accidents we currently experience.

While it is not our intention to paint the entire Police Force with the same brush, as there are many professional and honest officers within the Force, we are convinced that unless what is perceived as the endemic corruption in the organisation — and the traffic section in particular — is addressed in a systematic way, we will not achieve the desired results. We had also made the point before that Guyanese need to move away from the culture of disregard and irresponsibility in relation to using the roadways.

For a small country such as ours, we cannot afford to continue along this path. We reiterate our support for the recently launched “Respect the Road” campaign, and support the full enforcement of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2022 which seeks to bring the full force of the law upon those who are reckless in the use and sale of alcohol.

The realities of climate change

By Glenn Tucker

Earlier this week I was monitoring a Florida-based meteorologist and heard him declare, "…this is the hottest July in recorded memory". It would be hard to disagree with him.

Each year wildfires burn about 2 million acres of land in Canada. Already this year, 27 million acres have been burnt. All this while drought has affected 76 per cent of that country's farmland. The smoke from the fires sometimes makes visibility over hundreds of square miles in neighbouring United States virtually impossible.

In the United States, millions of citizens are affected by storms, flooding, wildfires, and droughts at the same time. Across the pond, in southern Europe, tourists are scampering back to the airport — some on foot — to avoid the heat and return home. At the time of writing, 19,000 tourists were leaving Greece and Italy is suffering badly.

Last week I was in Portland — the parish known for daily showers. I was shocked to learn that the river that feeds Somerset Falls has dried up. Several rivers, in fact. On my way back I noticed that the river running past Castleton Gardens is now just a trickle. In Stony Hill, the long, heavy showers are no more. But poincianas and poui trees bloom heavier and last longer. Jamaica Zoo in St Elizabeth is making special water arrangements to preserve its animals. Chicken farmers are losing hundreds of chickens daily as a result of the heat.

This is climate change. Some call it global warming, others describe it as a global climate crisis. All these terms refer to the same thing. The fact is that the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere is rising because of continued emissions of greenhouse gasses. They let sunlight pass through the atmosphere, but they prevent the heat that the sunlight brings from leaving the atmosphere. The main greenhouse gases are water vapour and carbon dioxide.

Some effects of greenhouse gases are the flooding of coastal cities, the desertification of fertile areas, the melting of glacial masses, the proliferation of devastating hurricanes, warmer and more acidic oceans, fish migration, animal extinction, biodiversity loss, water shortages, and displaced communities. Over 97 per cent of scientists agree that humans cause climate change.

The rate of carbon emissions are the highest they have been in 66 million years and the amount of warming in the coming decades is expected to be 250 times great-

er than the average warming during the past century.

Years ago, when I first heard of climate change, I did not take it seriously. But we all should. The main threats resulting from climate change, which stems from the rising temperature of Earth's atmosphere, include rising sea levels, ecosystem collapse, and severe weather. Rising temperatures from human-caused greenhouse gas emissions affect planet-wide systems in various ways. For example, it warms the polar regions and the oceans. This melts the ice cover at the poles and causes the sea level to rise. Climate change affects ocean habitats by lowering oxygen and decreasing phytoplankton, which are the small plants that serve as the base of marine food chains. The process also kills coral reefs.

The warming of the atmosphere also changes weather patterns, causing more severe storms and droughts across many global regions. Higher temperatures are affecting the length of seasons and in some places are already crossing safe levels for ecosystems and humans.

In Jamaica, pig farmers now spend much of their days hosing down their pigs as pigs have no sweat glands and will die quickly in this heat. Chickens are dying in large numbers. These conditions cause stress directly and indirectly to animals across the world. Many species are approaching or have reached the limit of where they can go to find hospitable climates. The real problem is how climate affects the ecosystem and food chain that animal has adapted to. In the US and Canada, moose are struggling due to an increase in ticks and parasites that are surviving the shorter, milder winters.

Salmon rely on cold, steady flowing rivers to spawn. As climate changes the temperature and flow of waterways, salmon populations have begun to dwindle, which affects many species that rely on salmon, like orcas and grizzly bears.

There are some natural places with enough diversity in altitude and geology such that, as the planet warms, they can be resilient strongholds for plant and animal species. These strongholds serve as breeding grounds and seed banks for many plants and animals that otherwise may be unable to find habitat due to climate change. But strongholds may not be an option for all species as some plants and animals are blocked from reaching strongholds by human development, like cities, highways, and farmland.

From straining agricultural systems to making regions less habitable, climate change is affecting people everywhere. We

may be able to observe how weather patterns near us are shifting. In Alaska, entire coastal communities are being moved because the sea level has risen to the point at which their original location is no longer habitable.

Climate change also exacerbates the threat of human conflict resulting from a scarcity of resources, like food and water, that have become less reliable as growing seasons change and seasons become less predictable. Around the globe, many of the poorest nations are being impacted first and most severely by climate change, even though they have contributed far less to the increase in carbon emissions that has caused the warming in the first place.

Warming ocean temperatures are melting polar ice and shifting ocean currents and fish migration, leading to coral bleaching and die-offs. Because of the ocean's role in regulating Earth's climate by absorbing greenhouse gas emissions, they are taking a direct hit from climate change. All of this extra absorbed carbon dioxide is altering the chemistry of our oceans, making them more acidic. Ocean acidification is now the highest it has been in 300 million years.

The disrupted weather patterns, which have led to more droughts and floods, also result in rising populations of insect pests that eat a higher share of crop yields.

It cannot be ignored that agricultural lands are among the Earth's largest natural reservoirs of carbon, and when farmers use soil health practices, like cover crops, reduced tillage, and crop rotation, they can draw even more carbon out of the atmosphere.

In order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says we must reduce carbon emissions to the point at which we hold global warming to no more than 1.5°C. To do that we must, as a planet, commit ourselves to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This will be very difficult and will require a range of solutions applied together. We will need to transition all sectors of our economy away from fossil fuels that emit carbons, increase our use of clean energy sources, like wind and solar, harness the power of nature to capture carbon, and deploy technologies that capture and store carbon.

Scientists claim that proper land management of forests and farmlands, also called natural climate solutions, can provide up to one-third of the emissions necessary to reach the Paris Climate Agreement goal. (Jamaica Observer) (Glenn Tucker is an educator and a sociologist. He is also a former president of the Mico Historical Society)

President Dr Irfaan Ali being given a guided tour of the Chengdu Museum in China's Sichuan province. Established in 1958, Chengdu Museum is the largest comprehensive city museum in Southwest China, as well as a national first-class museum (Office of the President photo)

Traffic accidents & offences

Dear Editor,

The government is in the process of a massive road expansion programme, while hundreds, if not thousands, of new vehicles are entering the country seemingly without restraint or control. At the same time, almost every day, serious accidents involving loss of lives are being increasingly reported on our roads is evidence that we are failing as a government to manage the traffic. It has become a public relations nightmare for the government.

Personal Experience

Driving north on the East Bank road in the vicinity of Grove in a slowly moving line of traffic many miles long, not one, but two cars, drove into the back of my vehicle when I was stopped behind the car in front of me, causing considerable damage to my vehicle. One of the cars was found to be actually owned by a government agency but driven uninsured by a driver contracted to the agency. The other car was insured for a maximum payment of $300,000. The estimated cost of damage to my car to my insurance company is just under $1M. However, though I have full insurance coverage, the insurance company imposes a deductible of $500,000. The drivers of both of these cars have been charged and, at the very most, will pay a fine of $30,000 because our traffic laws and the fines and punishment for driving dangerously or recklessly are completely out of date, while the insurance companies are under no obligation to provide compensation for extensive damage.

It is not surprising, therefore, that reckless and dangerous driving continues to prevail without any significant punishment, while safe drivers subjected to this are not protected. It is obvious that the entire system governing the imposition of punishment for reckless and dangerous driving needs to be revised and the obligation for insurance coverage reviewed.

Let me describe my own recent experience driving from Georgetown to New Amsterdam and back and from Georgetown to Parika and back and experienced the

following: Animals, that is cattle, horses, sheep, goats freely roaming our major highways and grazing untethered alongside roads throughout the country, presenting a clear, present and immediate danger to all motorized traffic.

• On my drive from Georgetown to Parika, I personally encountered, within the first fifteen minutes, the following:

• Motorcycles and cars entering the roundabout with traffic already circling the roundabout. This regularly takes place at both roundabouts at the northern and southern ends of Mandela Avenue.

• Cars undertaking, that is inside of the lefthand lane on the “back road” going west towards the East Bank Road and crossing against the red traffic light.

Cars stopped, waiting to go straight in the left hand turn lane at the junction site of the back road to the Industrial Site road leading to the East Bank Road. A snow cone cart impeding traffic on the right hand lane of the East Bank road highway.

Four motorcycles, one behind the other, overtaking my car at speed, none of the riders wearing helmets. While crossing the Demerara River Bridge going west, five motorcycles with riders wearing no helmets. While proceeding on the West Coast Demerara road, cars overtaking while approaching a blind corner, also overtaking in the face of oncoming traffic, forcing oncoming traffic to break to avoid a collision.

• Frequently observed cars with fully tinted windows, passing through roadblocks manned by traffic police.

• On both drives, while driving at the maximum permitted speed limit and, on occasion, slightly over the speed limit, I was frequently passed by other cars well over the speed limit.

On the new Mandela Avenue highway, it is common practice for cars proceeding on the marked lanes for cars to be undertaken by cars on lanes marked for bicycles.

Congratulations from Washington, DC

Dear Editor, Congratulations are extended to the Minister of Public Works, the Ministry, Infab, all other partners and supporters; all fellow citizens who cross the bridge regularly, and those who cross only occasionally. Indeed, congratulations are extended to all Guyanese!

One of our largest public engineering jobs so far has been done successfully -- ahead of time, and most likely within budget. Let us take a minute to recognize and acknowledge what has been in many ways a great lesson for us all together.

No doubt, the old “bridge man”, Bridge Engineer Joe Holder, would have been proud

On the new Mandela road, it is frequent practice for cars to cross the traffic lights on yellow, just before turning to red.

All of the above traffic offenses are taking place with virtual impunity, often in the presence of the traffic police.

On enquiry, I understand that the procedure for obtaining a Drivers Licence is as follows:

1. Apply for a Drivers Licence at the GRA and collect a book instructing the rules of the road.

2. Take a written multipurpose driving test.

3. When informed that you have passed the written driving test, apply and pay a fee at Eve Leary to undertake a road practical driving test on the road under the supervision of a police officer.

4. Undertake a parking maneuvering exercise between posts under police supervision.

5. With all tests passed, collect the appropriate Driving Licence depending on the vehicle driven during the test, whether motorcycle, car, bus, truck, etc.

Observation I have, however, investi-

gated this process and found, from personal conversations, that many fully licenced drivers have been able to avoid taking the practical road driving test by bribing police officers and receiving a licence. This means that the obvious result of this practice is that there are some substantial number of drivers on the road who may have never actually driven a motor vehicle before becoming fully licenced.

Possible Solutions

The following are some possible solutions for consideration:

Appoint a specially trained traffic law enforcement team of officers tasked with ensuring rigid enforcement of all traffic offenses, whether minor or major. Utilize cameras to monitor every traffic light and roundabout controlled intersection and enforce charges for every recorded offense.

• Assign a mobile traffic enforcement team to detect and enforce offenses such as parking within the regulated distance from corners, parking on blind corners, parking to obstruct free traffic flow (cars parked opposite each

other on narrow roads), exceeding the prescribed speed limit, obstructing right of traffic on turning lanes (parking on a left turn lane only while waiting to go straight) and parking in a prohibited zone.

• Regularly test speed cameras for accuracy to ensure prosecution of speed offenses that cannot be challenged in court for the inaccuracy of the camera.

Charge for driving and failing to dip headlights in a built-up traffic zone such as within the city and in the face of oncoming traffic.

Charge for the failure to use indicator lights when turning.

Charge for failure to stop when approaching a pedestrian crossing with a pedestrian waiting to cross.

Pedestrians crossing on highways must be equipped with stop and go lights controlled by the pedestrian who wishes to cross.

Suspend licences for a minimum of one year for third time repeat offenders within any one year.

• Record and statistically monitor the number of traffic offenses charged against offenses actually pros-

ecuted in court.

• Substantially increase fines and sentences for traffic offenses, including suspension of licences.

• Introduce voluntary advanced test for licences earning reduced insurance premiums in collaboration with insurance companies.

• The GRA must ensure against the issuing of driving licences to persons who have not taken and passed a practical road test. Introduce the requirement of a public transportation (buses and taxis) driving licence with a minimum age of 21 years.

We are fast heading from an already dangerous and badly managed road traffic situation to much worse, with the introduction of additional roads and new high-speed highways, if steps are not taken now to address this situation.

I have sent this letter to Minister Robeson Benn, Capt. Gerald Gouveia, Mr. Clifton Hicken and Mr. Dennis Stephen.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Too many murders being reduced to manslaughter

Dear Editor, Over the past 10 years or so, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali Hack, along with the Judiciary, agreed to numerous decisions to accept mitigating pleas of manslaughter in cases of murder.

It is indeed shocking that a man, Raymond O’Selmo, who stabbed Nadina Kalamadeen, a 35-year-old mother of 5 children, multiple times to death in 2019 was given a sentence of 10 years on the lesser count of manslaughter. Deduction for remand time indicates that he will be free in 5 years.

It is commonplace that charges of murder are too frequently reduced to manslaughter and consequently accepted by the courts. It must be noted that Guyana has one of the highest levels of gender-based violence in the world (1 in 2 women will endure violence), according to the UN Women Survey.

Subrati, then shot him to death. In his brief address, the presiding judge said he did not have much to say, as both sides (defence and prosecution) ‘had extensive discussion regarding the matter, and knew what has been decided upon.

defendant consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustified risk.

4. Acting negligently - the defendant was not aware of the risk, but should have been aware of the risk.

with the Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary must construct the appropriate guidelines.

Sincerely, Leyland Roopnaraine

of a job so well done, breathing refreshing life into his DHB of 1976 until we have our new fixed, high-span bridge within the next eighteen months.

But even more, and beyond that, the alternative accommodations for the public, and our public courteously accommodating each other in the alternative arrangements, is a demonstration of what can be done, what we can become.

Let us congratulate ourselves all around.

Sincerely,

Ambassador Samuel A.A. Hinds Embassy of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Raymond O’Selmo was rejected by Nadina Kalamadeen, and he unleashed a most savage and bloody attack on her, and now the question is: Will this type of person be free to commit further acts of violence in just a few years?

Such sentencing has become the norm in what passes for accurate jurisprudence. A few previous cases will suffice. On November 17, 2020, Devon Chacon was released for time served, which was three years on remand. There should be no mitigating circumstances – scientific or interpretative – that can allow for any leniency of this magnitude. (Possession of marijuana joint carries a regular sentence of 3 and 1/2 years). According to the charge, Devon Chacon armed himself with a gun, entered the home of Abdool

A magistrate jailed a man for six months for stealing toilet paper. But this is not a new phenomenon; way back around 1990, Magistrate Juliet Holder Alleyne sentenced a man for stealing a pound of cheese (from Geddes Grant, now Courts) to 6 months’ imprisonment. The sentence handed down by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall when Kurt Erskine, the killer, left his place of residence on July 05, 2015, armed himself with a gun and travelled miles and shot Ganesh Ramlall (Boyo) to death at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and received 15 years in a most bizarre decision by the judge. The CitiMall owner was shot eight times! Faizal Bacchus, the lookout/informer, was freed (sentenced to time served) after pleading to the lesser count of manslaughter. Lenox Roberts, the third person charged in the murder, received a similar slap on the wrist.

Take, for example, the sentence handed down Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall three months ago, in the matter of Kurt Erskine. Now, there are 4 modes of a crime:

1. Acting purposely - the defendant had an underlying conscious object to act.

2. Acting knowingly - the defendant is practically certain that the conduct will cause a particular result.

3. Acting recklessly - the

In legal terms, these men possessed a guilty mind, the so-called Mens Rea, which refers to criminal intent. Therefore, sentencing should be in accordance with this factor.

There is urgent need for a sentencing policy, and the Attorney General along

Editor’s note:

On July 26, 2023, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said that the Government is embarking on crafting sentencing guidelines. These will be available once ongoing consultations are completed.

Page Foundation

Solving equations by multiplication and division

Before you begin to solve equations by multiplication and subtraction, you should review some interesting things about numbers.

Division is the “opposite” of multiplication. Multiplication is the “opposite” of division. If you multiply an original number by a second number, and then divide the product by a second number, you are left with the original number. For example: 4 x 6 ÷ 6 = 4.

If you divide an original number by a second number, and then multiply the quotient by a second number, you are left with the original number. For example: 4 ÷ 2 x 2 = 4. That works because division is the same as multiplying by a reciprocal.

Example

You know that if you have a fraction with the same number in the numerator and denominator, the fraction is equal to 1. So (6 )/6 = 1, 2/2 = 1 and x/x = 1. (You do not even need to know the value of x!)

Remember

In an equation, you need to treat both sides the same way. Whatever you do to one side, you must also do to the other side.

1) 5x + 30 = 10

2) 8m – 4 = 32

Exercises: Solve

3) 24 + 4p = 88

4) 10b + 18 = 128

Supplies

* aluminium pie pan

• wool sock or other small piece of wool fabric

• Styrofoam plate

• pencil with a new eraser

• flat-head thumbtack

• fork (optional)

Let’s get started!

In advance: Work out how to make the room used for this demonstration as dark as possible.

Step 1: Turn the aluminium pie pan over and gently push the thumbtack through the centre.

5) 28 + n = 14

6) 9z + 36 = 45

Step 2: Gently turn the pie pan over again, making sure the thumbtack stays in place. Push the eraser of the pencil into the thumbtack. Set the pie pan aside.

Step 3: Turn the Styrofoam plate upside down. Briskly rub the plate with the wool sock for at least 2 minutes..

Step 4: Using the pencil as a handle, put the pie pan on top of the upside down Styrofoam plate.

Step 5: You should touch the edge of the pie pan with a finger. Did you feel a shock?

Step 6: Make the room dark. Touch

7) 7p – 4 = 29 8) 3 + 9 = 2m

the edge of the pie pan with a finger or a fork. Did you see a spark? Step 7: Give everyone a chance to make a spark. You may need to recharge the Styrofoam plate with additional rubbing using the wool sock. Talk about their other experiences with static electricity. Have they ever scooted across the carpet and then received a shock from a doorknob? How do other objects become electrically charged? How does the demonstration with the pie pan and Styrofoam plate relate to how lightning forms? (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

BY SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea.

So twice five miles of fertile ground With walls and towers were girdled round; And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills, Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree; And here were forests ancient as the hills, Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.

But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover!

A savage place! as holy and enchanted As e’er beneath a waning moon was haunted By woman wailing for her demon-lover!

And from this chasm, with ceaseless turmoil seething, As if this earth in fast thick pants were breathing, A mighty fountain momently was forced: Amid whose swift half-intermitted burst

Huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail, Or chaffy grain beneath the thresher’s flail: And mid these dancing rocks at once and ever It flung up momently the sacred river. Five miles meandering with a mazy motion

Through wood and dale the sacred river ran, Then reached the caverns measureless to man, And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean; And ’mid this tumult Kubla heard from far Ancestral voices prophesying war! The shadow of the dome of pleasure

Floated midway on the waves; Where was heard the mingled measure From the fountain and the caves.

It was a miracle of rare device, A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice!

A damsel with a dulcimer

In a vision once I saw:

It was an Abyssinian maid And on her dulcimer she played, Singing of Mount Abora. Could I revive within me

Her symphony and song, To such a deep delight ’twould win me, That with music loud and long, I would build that dome in air, That sunny dome! those caves of ice! And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise.

WORD SEARCH

CGX/Frontera has not approached Govt to start production – VP

define how much oil was found.

CGX’s first discovery in the Corentyne Block, the Kawa-1, struck light oil and gas condensate in May 2022. However, the well was subsequently plugged, with appraisal works expected in future.

The Wei-1 well is located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of the Kawa-1 discovery.

Meanwhile, the

Guyana Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, following the announcement of oil at Wei-1, had emphasised that this discovery reaffirms Guyana’s hydrocarbon potential.

“This recent discovery marks a significant milestone in offshore Guyana’s exploration endeavours, with a total of 45 findings since 2015, reaffirming the country’s hydro -

carbon potential outside of the highly productive Stabroek Block,” the Ministry had said in its June 28 statement.

CGX currently holds a 32 per cent participating interest in the Corentyne Block while 68 per cent is held by Frontera, after CGX decided to sell its majority stake last July.

It was explained that as part of the agreement, CGX would trans -

fer 29.73 per cent of its participating interest in the Corentyne Block to Frontera in exchange for Frontera funding the joint venture’s costs associated with the Wei-1 exploration well for up to US$130 million.

Frontera would also provide up to an additional US$29 million for the Kawa-1 exploration well, Wei-1 pre-drill, and other costs. (G11)

China-Guyana relations have stood...

Despite its announcement of a major oil discovery in the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana, Canadabased CGX Energy Inc and its partner Frontera Energy Corporation have not approached the Government on wanting to start production.

“They claim they’ve made discoveries but everything is in their court as to whether they want to move to production, then they have to approach us. I must say at this point in time, in spite of the discoveries, they have not approached us to say ‘we want to now start producing’,” Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told a press conference on

Thursday.

While all of the commercially viable oil discoveries offshore Guyana have so far been made by United States (US) oil giant ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek Block, CGX and Frontera announced in June that they had made a major oil find in local waters.

The discovery was made at the Wei-1 well, approximately 200km offshore Georgetown. The Wei-1 well encountered 210ft of hydrocarbon bearing sands in the Santonian horizon. However, it was explained that rock and fluid samples would be analysed by an independent lab over the next twothree months, to properly

President Xi further expressed hope that the Guyanese side will continue to play an active role in the development of relations between China and the Caribbean countries.

For his part, President Ali stressed that relations between Guyana and China have maintained sound development with strong political mutual trust.

The Guyanese side firmly adheres to the one-China principle, President Ali noted, adding his country regards China as a highly reliable partner and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Guyana.

China has played an important role in the economic and social development of Guyana and

the Caribbean region, not only sharing China's experience, but also providing valuable assistance to Guyana and regional countries in the development of infrastructure, connectivity, medicine and health, the Guyanese Head of State said.

Voicing his support to a series of major initiatives put forward by President Xi, the Guyanese president also said his country hopes to work closely with China to better address global challenges such as energy, climate change and food security.

This is President Ali’s first official visit to China, and he is accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and a

private sector delegation.

So far, President Ali has visited the Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower in Shanghai, where his delegation was given a guided tour of the massive 1,536-foot structure that creates a picture of ‘twin dragons playing with pearls.’

Visiting the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, a guided tour of the six-storey building which displays Shanghai’s urban planning and development, was also facilitated.

Ali and his delegation were also given a guided tour of the Chengdu Museum in China's Sichuan province. Established in 1958, Chengdu Museum is by far the largest comprehensive

city museum in Southwest China as well as a national first-class museum. The museum covers an area of about 11,333 square meters with a total floor area of around 65,000 square meters, of which about 20,000 square meters are devoted to exhibitions.

Meanwhile, trade between Guyana and China has been increasing over the past few years, and at the end of 2022, bilateral trade in goods had jumped to US$1.88 billion. In May, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, acknowledged that there is scope for even greater relations between the two countries.

Guyana and China celebrated 50 years of bilateral relations last year. (G11)

Opposition MP charged for allegedly exposing genitals, released on bail

July 16 at Seaforth Street, Section A, Campbellville, Georgetown.

This is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act. It is further alleged that, on the same date and location, he used obscene language to Odit, causing a breach of the peace and provoking Odit to cause him distress.

ed the incident to the Police, and that led to Patterson being arrested. He was subsequently released on $200,000 station bail.

Police ranks later visited the scene, and were

able to obtain CCTV footage of the incident. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised that Patterson be charged with these offences. (G1)

Dealing with… … cancer sticks

Opposition Member of Parliament David

Patterson has been charged for exposing his genitals to a man, and for using obscene language to that man. He has been placed by a magistrate on $70,000 bail.

Patterson, an executive member of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Party, appeared on Friday before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charges.

It is alleged that Patterson exposed his genitals to Ramroop Odit on

The court prosecutor did not oppose Patterson being placed on bail, and the magistrate placed Patterson on $50,000 bail on the first charge, and $20,000 bail on the other two charges. The matters have been postponed until September 11.

In a video widely circulated on social media, a man believed to be Patterson, a former Minister under the APNU/AFC Government, was seen exposing his private parts along the Railway Embankment Road in Kitty, Georgetown, in the vicinity of the Alliance For Change Headquarters.

It is alleged that Patterson intentionally exposed his genitals by urinating at the location, and when confronted by Odit, allegedly used a series of expletives and showed him his middle finger. Odit report-

Port Kaituma man found not guilty of statutory rape

Stephen Belle, a 30-yearold resident of Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini), has been found not guilty of statutory rape, after being charged following an incident that occurred on July 14, 2018, when the virtual complainant, a 12-year-old girl, went for a morning run at 05:00h.

The verdict was reached on Thursday, July 27, 2023 following a jury trial at the Sexual Offences Court.

Stephen Belle

The prosecution had contended that Belle had seen the girl and had asked her if she wanted an XL Energy Drink, to which she had replied in the affirmative. He allegedly gave the girl the drink, after which he took her to his house and made sexual advances to her, before raping her.

In his defence, Belle, who sells beverages, had denied committing the crime. He had said that he did not stay at his house, but had left the girl there as he went in search of her mother, since she was young and on the road at such an odd time.

Following hours of deliberation, the 12-member mixed panel returned with its verdict, which found Belle not guilty of statutory rape.

Justice Jo-Ann Barlow thereafter informed him that he was free to go, and in response, Belle cried and told the court that mothers and fathers should protect their children. The trial proceedings were heard in-camera. This matter was prosecuted by State Counsel Simran Gajraj, Latifah Elliott and Rbina Christmas, while Attorneyat-Law Teriq Mohammed had represented Belle. (G1)

The Health Minister’s been reminding us about noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that kill most of us. He should’ve mentioned that insidious “slow poison” known as “cigarette”, that gives us lung cancer. At least we can do something about this NCD!!

Your Eyewitness has long harboured a suspicion that our Indigenous Peoples - “discovered” by Columbus and soon exterminated from the West Indies - had their revenge on Europeans by passing on the use of tobacco to them!! They used tobacco only occasionally, for religious purposes – kinda like Rastas and ganja!

Even though James I of Britain, in his polemic of 1604, titled “A Counterblaste to Tobacco”, denounced the use of tobacco as a "custome lothsome to the eye, hatefull to the Nose, harmefull to the braine, dangerous to the Lungs, and in the blacke stinking fume thereof, neerest resembling the horrible Stigian smoke of the pit that is bottomelesse,” nobody listened to him! The man was a prophet!!

After all, there were big bucks to be made from the “blacke stinking fume”!! Soon Africans slaves were hauled over the Atlantic to grow tobacco on PLANTATIONS - to keep up with the demand for the addictive stuff that created its own market!! The colonies that would become the US of A soon became the biggest producers of tobacco - and eventually the largest producers of cigarettes.

Fast forward to the middle of the 20th century and medical research showed Old King James was right!! Some 4000-odd (very odd!!) chemicals produced when tobacco’s burnt have led to lung cancer!! But that US contribution to democracy called “lobbying” soon kicked into gear on behalf of the US tobacco companies, to convince legislators and the public that cigarettes weren’t just “sexy”, but GOOD for them!!

But with the evidence showing that even “second hand” smoke could give folks cancer, the manufacturers had to do something! They couldn’t just give up all these profits, could they? They looked around like Columbus and saw that the natives in what is now the Third World didn’t know better. Why not sell it to THEM? After all they wanted to live just like the Americans and Europeans, didn’t they?

And so said, so done. With the First World exporting cancer sticks, after 50 years, we’re now the biggest smokers on the planet! So, what happened to “The Tobacco Control Bill 2017”, which bans smoking in all indoor workplaces, indoor public places, and public transport?? Is it working?? Is our lung cancer rate decreasing??

Your Eyewitness never smoked after answering the question posed by the philosopher Bertrand Russel:

“Can you imagine a cow inhaling smoke from burning grass? He couldn’t!!

…our potential

One of the bitter truths we Guyanese don’t want to accept is that while we have a heck of a lot of resources - now oil’s coming out of our kazoos!! - we need an even greater heck of a lot of capital to develop them to bring in the wherewithal we need to extract and market them!! So, for the longest while, we ran around boasting that “we got potential”!! Fat lot of good THAT did us!! And now we’re screaming about being “exploited” when those with capital come in to make the play.

Now, let’s get this straight, shall we? When the Yanks and Canuks came in to “develop” our bauxite, what exactly did we get? Some jobs for a while, and lots of holes in the ground. Ditto for gold. So, what are we to make of the claims that Exxon’s “raping” us for our oil?

The bottom line when doing business has always been “caveat emptor” - buyers beware!! But the complainers don’t utter a word about the self-proclaimed “trained negotiator” who sold us out!! Go figure!

…Govt success

Your Eyewitness predicted there would’ve been pandemonium when the DHB was closed for three days. That everything proceeded like clockwork demands that he eats humble pie and wring his ears – on his knees!! Consider that done!

Opposition MP

David Patterson

New oil law, model PSAs to be finalised next month

The Government is working to finalise the new Petroleum Activities Bill and the model Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) next month, ahead of its final extension of the oil blocks auction.

The oil blocks auction was launched in December 2022, with an April 2023 deadline, however, it was later extended to July. Now, the Government has extended to September 12 for companies to submit bids.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference on Thursday assured that this is the final extension as Government plans to finalise the model PSA and to table the new oil Bill at the next sitting of the National Assembly on August 3.

“We anticipate that the legislation will be passed before the recess so we’ll have

a finalised PSA and also the new Petroleum Activities Law which were the two preconditions that we set ourselves before we conclude the bid round, so both would be ready and that would give enough time to the potential bidders,” the Vice President outlined.

Jagdeo explained that despite the delay, interest in the auction appears to still be growing, with at least two potential investors expressing such.

Fourteen oil blocks are up for auction, with companies required to pay a US$20,000 fee to access the data room for the auction.

The sizes of the 14 oil blocks on auction range from 1000 to 3000 square kilometres. Under the new fiscal terms in the draft PSA, Guyana stands to benefit from as high as US$20 million signature bonuses for the deep-water blocks, and

US$10 million for the shallow-water blocks.

Additionally, all future PSAs would include the retention of 50-50 profit sharing after cost recovery; the increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to a fixed rate of 10 per cent; the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax; and the lowering of the cost recovery ceiling to 65 per cent from 75 per cent.

Earlier this year, US oil giant ExxonMobil had said it was awaiting the final terms of the new PSA before it made a decision on bidding for the oil blocks offshore Guyana that are up for auction.

New Oil Bill

Meanwhile, on the new oil Bill, Jagdeo had revealed that stiff penalties and taxation are among the concerns raised by industry players in their feedback on the draft law.

Armed bandits rob Corentyne businessman of over $5.5M

CCTV footage seen by this publication showed the gunman searching the businessman’s pockets.

“He search to see if I had a gun and then when he look into the front passenger seat, he saw the bag and he opened the door and took the bag and when he opened it and saw the money, he took it and jumped on the bike and they rode away.”

According to the businessman, he was helpless. He said that on three separate occasions he had applied for a firearm licence but his last application is still pending. The matter has since been reported to the Police. (G4)

The draft Petroleum Activities Bill contains a number of new provisions and very stiff penalties for those who fall afoul of the law. Among the areas it looks to make improvement in is mandating that oil companies make tangible contributions not only on a social level but a capacity-building level.

The Bill contains a provision enforcing petroleum exploration and production licenses that may “provide for the payment of a training fee payable annually throughout the validity of the petroleum agreement.” It also provides for oil

companies to establish a system of financial support for environmental and social projects, which they will fund out of pocket. According to the Bill, “the terms of the programme and the financial contribution by the licensee are established in the petroleum agreement.”

There is also a provision that allows the Government to call on the oil company to supply it with oil if the domestic needs of the country outstrip Guyana’s crude entitlement. However, the Bill makes it clear that “the volume of crude oil which the licensee shall be required to sell under this section shall

not exceed their share of profit oil entitlement under the petroleum agreement.”

Further, the Bill also contains stiff penalties. For instance, an individual can be fined up to $30 million and/or be subjected to up to three years’ imprisonment for any violations under the law. There is also a fine of not more than $10 million for failure to comply with any order issued under the law.

The Bill also expands the legislation to cover carbon dioxide (CO2) storage and pipeline transportation, no doubt a nod to the gas-to-energy project. (G11)

ACorentyne, Berbice businessman was on Thursday afternoon robbed of in excess of $5.5M in local currency along with US$800.

The incident occurred at about 17:00h outside of his Corentyne home.

Makarrak Singh, who owns and operates Karran and Son General Store of Bush Lot village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) said the incident occurred outside of his home and lasted about 40 seconds during which he was robbed of the day’s sales and other money.

Singh said he transacted some business off of the premises and collected $4M before going back to the store. He said a short while after, he closed his business place and left for

home. He recalled that as he approached the entrance to his yard, he heard tires screeching.

According to the businessman, he opened the driver’s door and walked to the other side, using the front of the lorry to get there.

CCTV footage shows a motorcycle with two men pulling up alongside the lorry and the pillion rider getting off and using the back of the vehicle to get to the driver’s door.

Singh said he saw a man armed with a gun approaching him from the front of the vehicle.

“He asked me if I had a gun and I told him no. He asked me where the bag was and I told him that I did not come with a bag and that I left it at the store.”

The gunmen caught on CCTV camera

| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$5B set aside for cost-of-living assistance yet to be spent – Jagdeo

The $5 billion set aside in Budget 2023 for the alleviation of the high cost of living affecting citizens is yet to be spent, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed on Thursday.

“We’ve not spent the $5 billion that we’ve set aside this year for assistance on cost of living measure as yet,” he told a press conference.

However, he highlighted that Government has already made a number of interventions aimed at addressing the burdens faced by locals since 2020 to date.

“Electricity is a huge component of the high cost of living; electricity prices. We kept water and electricity prices constant. We then reduced in the period when freight had gone from $3500 to $20,000 per container to ship from China. We still use the $3500 for the purpose of calculating the tax-

es,” he stated.

The excise tax on fuel was also reduced on several occasions in light of the rampant rise in fuel prices.

He also pointed to the steel and cement subsidy programme for persons building their houses.

Thousands of persons have also gained employment through the Government’s

part-time job initiative.

The “Because We Care” cash grant has also been increased to $40,000.

In fact, the Vice President highlighted that other countries have had worse spikes in their cost of living, and less governmental interventions when compared to Guyana.

“The cost of living has

skyrocketed in Trinidad and Tobago, it has skyrocketed in Venezuela; in Suriname, it’s unbelievably, in the US, etc. So, cost of living increases has been observed throughout the world, higher than in Guyana,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh told the National Assembly on Thursday last that the spending of the $5 billion will be done before the fiscal year ends.

“Interventions will be implemented during the course of the current fiscal year and certain before the end of the fiscal year,” he said, noting that once Government determines what interventions to make, it will be announced to the public through traditional methods.

Minister Singh was at

the time responding to questions asked by Opposition Parliamentarian Annette Ferguson.

He explained that during Budget 2023, Government stated very clearly that the “utilisation and application of this sum of $5 billion provided for in the budget will emerge from ongoing community engagements given in particular our recognition that the impact of global developments on the domestic economy as it relates to the cost of items is an ongoing and evolving situation.”

He reminded that, “ev-

ery day…our President and our Ministers are engaged in consultations in communities throughout the length and breadth of this country, and we said very clearly at the time of the budget that the application of these resources will emerge from ongoing community engagements and from our assessment of the evolving global and domestic economic situation.”

Meanwhile, some $5.5 billion was also set aside in 2022 for interventions aimed at easing the burden of the rising cost of living.

(G11)

Retrial ordered for man convicted of child rape

The Court of Appeal has unanimously overturned an elderly man’s conviction for raping an eight-year-old girl, finding that the trial Judge committed errors that rendered that conviction unsafe.

The Justices vacated Collin Cummings’s conviction for statutory rape and sent his case back to the Demerara High Court to be retried at the next criminal session.

They held that a retrial was warranted in the interest of justice.

The appellate court’s ruling overturned the jury’s guilty verdict which was delivered after they received directions from trial Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall.

That Judge had sentenced Cummings to 30 years’ imprisonment, ordering that he does not become eligible for parole until after serving 25 years of his sentence.

In the appeal filed on his behalf by Attorney-at-Law Tiffany Durant, Cummings had argued, among other things, that the trial Judge had, in several instances, misdirected the jury; and had failed to put his defence of alibi to the jury.

In relation to the ground

of alibi in this appeal, Durant said her client’s mother had testified that at the time and place the eight-year-old girl alleged she was raped, her son was at another place.

“The implication of that is that she [the virtual complainant] could not have been with him [Cummings] at the same point in time,” the lawyer had advanced.

This appeal was heard by Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory-Barnes and Rishi Persaud, and additional High Court Judge Jo-Ann Barlow. The State was represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (ADPP), Dionne Mc Cammon.

After a trial before Justice Morris-Ramlall in 2018, Cummings, a gold miner of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), had been convicted of raping the girl on August 20, 2016.

When the jurors had returned with their unanimous guilty verdict, Cummings had maintained his innocence by stating, “I am innocent of this charge brought against me.”

He had also begged the Judge to give him the minimum penalty.

Cummings is said to be in his 60s. (G1)

Collin Cummings

Speeding trucks damaging DHB as development hikes freight transported

…records increase in vehicle count daily

The rapid rate of development coupled with the infrastructure boom have put significant strain on the structural integrity of the age-old Demerara Harbour Bridge, as the increase in trucks traversing at a fast rate is causing serious damages.

General Manager of the DHB Corporation, Wayne Watson on Friday explained to Guyana Times that maintenance works are needed so that the bridge does not buckle under these circumstances.

“The bridge will continue to have defects simply because it would have surpassed its lifespan and also, we have continuous loading from 18 tonnes. One might consider 18 tonnes to not be much but when you couple 18 tonnes with speed, that is what, in management’s opinion, is what is destroying the structure.”

Current weight limit of the bridge is 18 tonnes but special crossings are accommodated for vehicles up to 24 tonnes – executed with-

in a consistent speed at the centre of the two-lane floating structure.

He outlined, “When you have the 18 tonnes going in normal traffic and it is not that congested, it gives the truck driver the opportunity to speed. But with the 24 tonne, we control that vehicle from the time it transits and monitor. Our fear is not the weight. It is the weight with the speed.”

DHB Management would

have written several companies in order to have their truck drivers comply with measures to safeguard the bridge. However, some have not acknowledged this position.

The General Manager positioned, “While you have some agencies responding, some have totally ignored our letter. The reality is that for the bridge to remain structurally sound, apart from us doing the maintenance as need be, it is important that the commuting public and companies that are accessing the bridge via trucks, haulers or whatever equipment must assist us in maintaining the integrity.”

Maintenance

This month, the Demerara Harbour Bridge clocked 44 years since it was commissioned. Between Tuesday and Thursday, the old Span Nine was removed and replaced by a new one –fabricated locally at a cost of $1.2 billion by Industrial Fabrications Inc (InFab). This was facilitated over a

three-day shutdown along with critical works on the high-span.

Before the Panamaregistered oil tanker, MV Tradewind Passion, crashed into the bridge and rendered it inoperable for several days back in 2022, that section was frequently maintained. Owing to the costs attached, a decision was taken for a complete replacement.

He zeroed in, “With the loaded trucks traversing, we saw sometimes twice or thrice a month, those said fractures would break again and we would have to fix

it…A decision was taken by the Government that rather than continuing to fix the span, it made much more sense to replace it.”

Having assessed that the bridge was poorly maintained a few years ago, Watson underscored that every endeavour has been made in repairing critical fragments.

“With the condition based on my assessment, the bridge was poorly maintained. What we intended to do as we have the opportunity, that is during the retraction schedules, we can do

as much as one junction at a time. We can replace one junction at a time on either the right or left within the same period as a retraction. With the experience of the teams, we can do a whole lot during retractions.”

Repairs are also facilitated in the evening owning to the high volume of traffic on a daily basis. This deliberate effort was done so as to not frustrate commuters, especially at peak hours. Schedule maintenance is done from 22:00h to 06:00h on weekdays.

DHB General Manager Wayne Watson

The Demerara Harbour Bridge has been outfitted with a new Span Nine

Motorcyclists injured in Norton St smash-up

Two motorcyclists are now nursing injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital following a high-speed collision with a motorcar on Norton Street, Georgetown at about 13:45h on Friday.

According to eyewitness accounts, the motorcyclists were travelling in an easterly direction on Norton Street when motorcar PAC 6269 approached from the south at an alarming rate of speed. It slammed into the motorcyclists, and they sustained severe injuries as they were knocked off their bikes and thrown into the air before falling some 20 feet from the point of impact.

Plaisance resident injured in violent altercation with partner’s ex

Passersby rushed to their aid and immediately contacted the Police and emergency medical technicians (EMT) for assistance. The EMT team arrived and transported the duo to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical attention.

The extent of their injuries has been described as severe. Police have since launched an investigation. (G9)

A34-year-old man from Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was involved in a serious altercation on Monday last, according to reports.

The incident occurred when the man, identified as Locksley Adridge, was allegedly attacked by an individual known to be the father of his partner's child.

One of Adridge’s relatives recounted to Guyana Times that the suspect had a history of abusive behaviour. On the day of the incident, the suspect reportedly appeared in front of Adridge's residence and began behaving disorderly.

Adridge reportedly asked the suspect to leave the premises, however, the suspect did not heed the warning and returned shortly after, continuing with his

disruptive behaviour. The relative said Adridge armed himself with a cutlass and confronted the suspect about his conduct.

During the confrontation, the situation escalated, and the suspect brandished a knife, leading to a violent altercation between the two men. Adridge sustained a stab wound to his chest during the scuffle. The altercation continued and both men fell into a nearby trench, where Adridge received several more stab wounds.

Following the attack, the suspect fled the scene and the injured man was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Police have since been notified of the incident and an investigation has been launched.

Scenes of the accident that occurred on Norton Street, Georgetown

Roads to be upgraded for regularised Blueberry Hill residents

…persons receive Agreements of Sale for lands

our other housing schemes," Rodrigues outlined.

The Housing and Water Ministry has been actively working to regularise squatters. Seven new settlements were regularised last year.

Since September of last year, Minister Croal had said that no new squatting areas would be recognised by the Housing and Water Ministry, as efforts move apace to issue titles for some of the current areas where this is an issue.

The Housing Minister had said that efforts to distribute titles continue even as the Ministry continues to

squatting.

Through the Housing and Water, Public Works and Local Government and Regional Development Ministries, more than 1100 internal access roads in communities across the country will also be upgraded to concrete and asphaltic concrete over the coming months.

As part of transparency and accountability measures, the projects will be monitored with assistance from the respective NDCs. Maps of the areas and copies of the contracts will be given to each NDC and residents will be able to visit the

Regularised areas of Blueberry Hill (North) in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) have been identified for road upgrades, a project that will benefit scores of residents.

Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues was accompanied by the technical staff of Central Housing and

Planning Authority (CHPA) on Thursday as she conducted a visit to several sites.

The area encompasses approximately 150 lots, with some of them being occupied by informal settlers for more than two decades.

Regularisation in Blueberry Hill was delayed as a result of ownership issues and corrections being made to the plan, as more

persons started to occupy the area. On Thursday, the Housing Ministry also held an Agreement of Sale processing exercise to allow the residents to receive legal ownership for their house lots.

Following the site visit, Minister Rodrigues said the engineers are now tasked with completing the road designs to move forward with

Speeding trucks damaging DHB...

Costs for maintaining the bridge has been ‘alarming’, according to Watson. But the small profit stands nowhere near to having a sound structure where commuters can traverse safely, he pointed out. Government has also supported in providing support through subsidies.

“While profitability of the Harbour Bridge is something of concern, the focus is to restore the integrity so that it can be safe for commuters. It is not a serious consideration as against structural integrity,” he underlined.

Traffic flow

It has been observed that the number of vehicles transiting the DHB crossing has jumped. Average count per day was about 16,000

just two years ago; now it is about 20,000 to 25,000 for both east and west bound.

“I have recognised one thing. The traffic flow on a daily basis has been steadily on the increase. On our monthly assessment, the highest number of vehicle transiting the bridge is on a Sunday. We have a daily average of between 10,000 to 15,000 in one direction.”

Main artery Prime Minister Mark Phillips accompanied Public Works Minister Juan Edghill to the site on Thursday evening as the three-day closure wrapped up and there was free flow of vehicular traffic. He recognised the importance of the structure, labelling it a main artery in connectivity.

The Prime Minister ex-

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pressed, “It’s not only connecting people who live in Region Three. People in Region Seven move through Parika and Region Three and then they pass the bridge to go and do their business. For people in Region Two, similarly will move and use the bridge. So, this is the main artery connecting Region Two, Region Seven, Region Three, and I would extend it further to Region One.”

China Railway and Construction Corporation (International) Limited is mobilising to construct the US$260M new Demerara River bridge. The structure is slated for completion by December 2024. Once completed, it will alleviate traffic woes often felt by West Bank and East Bank commuters. (G12)

construction of the roads.

"We want to ensure that the residents here can live in a community that has a proper road network as in

allocate house lots. Pursuing a robust housing campaign, he had said, would ensure that there is no need for

NDCs to receive information on the scope of works for projects in that particular area. (G12)

One of the roads which were inspected this week

Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, and CH&PA Head, Sherwyn Greaves, handing over Agreements of Sale

After high-speed chase, Police nab Linden man with ammo, ganja, large quantity of cash

Driver stabbed to death by woman at minibus park

ALinden minibus driver was stabbed to death in the vicinity of the Linden minibus park, on Water and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, by a female.

Dead is 37-year-old Zehron Nieuenkirk also known as “Orlando”, a father of five and of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

called me into the hospital to bring the child clinic card.

So, when I come out back, I see they fetching him in on a stretcher, and I and my aunty started screaming.”

Aman’s bid to escape arrest was shortlived after he was nabbed by Police ranks along Bucktown, Wismar Road, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Friday.

According to Police, at about 05:50h, anti-crime patrol ranks received information that the driver of motor car PAC 6822, a 29-year-old man, was carrying a firearm and large quantity of narcotics.

As such, all patrols were alerted, and they intercepted the car at the four corners of One Mile, Wismar. However, upon seeing the Police ranks, the Block 22, Wismar, Linden man drove off at a fast rate along the One Mile public road in a western direction. The

ranks gave chase behind him and managed to intercept him along the route to Bucktown, Wismar.

Police said ranks then escorted the driver to the Mackenzie Police Station where the motor car was searched in his presence.

Two live 9mm ammunition was found under the driver's seat along with a bulky haversack near the front passenger seat. The bag contained one black plastic parcel with several transparent zip-lock bags, all containing a number of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The bag also contained

$48,900 (Guyana currency). A further search was done, and $911,500 (Guyana currency) in $5000, $2000, $1000, and $50 notes, along with £30 and US$5 were found in the pocket between the driver’s and passenger seat, Police said.

Police noted that the man admitted ownership of the narcotics but denied any knowledge of the ammunition found. The suspected narcotics amounted to three lbs (equivalent to 1360.777 grams) when weighed.

The suspect was placed in custody pending investigations and charges.

An eyewitness told Police that he was sitting on the Parliament Building fence, chatting with the nowdead man when they were joined by the suspect, and during the conversation, Nieuenkirk pinched her on her left hand and she “knocked away” his hand and pulled out a pointed brown-handled knife from her waist.

The eyewitness related that upon seeing the weapon, Nieuenkirk told the woman that she cannot use it on him, and as the suspect started to walk away, Nieuenkirk hugged and lifted her from behind in a joking manner.

However, soon after the victim made a sound and was heard asking the woman “Is what you done to me girl?”.

At that time, the injured

man pulled down his pants and showed the eyewitness a wound to his rightside groin area which was bleeding. After committing the act, the suspect fled the scene with the knife in her hand.

Meanwhile, when <<<Guyana Times>>> visited the dead man’s home on Friday, his cousin-in-law said, “I was at the hospital with my little cousin when I hear a horn blowing coming into the hospital. When I looked, I see it was his bus and I was wondering what he was doing there, but at the same time they

“They ask us if we were his family and if we came because we heard what happened and we told them no because we were there with the child. I immediately called his child and wife and they asked us to sign a paper for immediate surgery. About 30 minutes later they come out and say he succumbed.”

She further stated that the suspect and the now dead man were friends and it is quite unfortunate how things ended.

“They were good friends, and it is just unfortunate how it ended. We also hope they find the suspect because he was a very good man. He was jovial. The whole morning his children crying and them children around ask who they are going to do things with now, and who will play Phagwah with them now,” the woman.

The man’s body is at GPHC mortuary awaiting post-mortem. Efforts are being made to locate the suspect as investigations continue. (G9)

Parents urged to support child, youth health programme

Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton has called on parents to throw their support behind the Comprehensive Child and Youth Health Programme, which aims to ensure that the well-being of a child is met through early detection of any potential health concern.

During a message broadcast, the senior health official recognised that through this new initiative, Guyana’s children can be among the healthiest in the Region.

Hamilton voiced, “We believe that a healthy body and mind are essential for academic success. With this programme, we are taking proactive measures to promote the health and well-being of every student, enabling them to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.

To parents, I call on you to give us your support as we work towards ensuring that our children are among the healthiest in the Caribbean and Latin America.”

The Comprehensive Child and Youth Health Programme, which is slated for rollout in the coming weeks, will facilitate oral health, hearing and vision screening for children and adolescents in schools.

Intended to improve the health of school children aged 5-17, the Health Ministry has collaborated with the Education Ministry

to launch this initiative among children entering the nursery level. The Ministry aims to screen at least 27,000 nursery-level children by the ending of the year.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared that on Christmas Eve in 2022, a newborn from Masakanari (Gunns Village) in the Deep South Rupununi Savannahs was critically ill but with the use of digital tools, doctors from the Georgetown Public Hospital were able to communicate with the community health worker. They were able to conduct a clinical examination and determined that the child needed to be transferred to GPHC. The child is now a healthy eightmonth-old.

Without digital technology, this case could have been added to the country’s infant

mortality rate, the Minister examined.

As such, he indicated that Guyana is collaborating with several partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank and Pan American Health Organisation to enhance utilisation of digital tools and platforms in healthcare delivery as they map out new programmes.

“When we prioritise connected health, we strengthen healthcare opportunities across all levels, from primary to secondary to tertiary. Investing in connected health, which includes health information, health informatics, wearable medical devices, software, personalised medicine, mobile health and telemedicine, presents an opportunity to achieve universal health coverage and to provide health for all.”

At the core, he identified that digital health tools have immense potential to benefit citizens.

“This initiative aims to upgrade the quality of healthcare and increase the availability of healthcare services to people in the country. Electronic health records will be introduced to bring citizens and healthcare specialists together to promote equality in healthcare and address the human resource limitations,” he added in his message. (G12)

Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton

Dead: Zehron Nieuenkirk

Electronic medical records to vastly improve patient management at GPHC

Paving the way for increased digital healthcare countrywide, the Georgetown Public Health Corporation (GPHC) on Friday launched an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, with its Internal Medicine department already making use of digitised patient records.

Through a collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), this EMR system aims to increase efficiency, reduce errors and ease the accessibility of health records of patients across the hospital.

Head of GPHC’s Medical Clinic, Dr Grace White explained that the system is configured into modules including clinical, administrative, admissions and registration components.

“When a patient comes to the clinic, rather than having to present a paper card, they're going to have all their registration information collected and entered digitally. And so, when they return to the clinic, all that has to be done is have their code be put in [and] that would bring up their information,” Dr White explained.

Patients are assigned a unique identifier, by means of a code as Dr White mentioned

or by presenting their name. This identifier helps them to move along the process of seeing a doctor more effectively.

“All the information is forwarded into the computer so the nurse who's looking after [the patient] just has to open up and to enter their details and vital signs. By the time she's done, it reaches the doctor's office and the patient will actually go in to be seen,” Dr White said.

The system uses a modified version of an Indian open-source EMR software called Bahmni and while PAHO continues to offer immense technical assistance, local company Techlify has also been performing back-

end support to ensure its smooth operation.

Currently, this EMR system is being piloted in the Internal Medicine Medical Clinic, whereby information on new consults, or patients entering the clinic for the first time, are being inputted into the system to allow medical professionals to help them at a faster pace.

“Since we started [implementing the system] on July 6, all the new consults are being entered into the system, and this is from not only the general Internal Medicine Clinic, but all the subspecialties, and a percentage of the follow-up patients,” Dr White said.

Patients to benefit from digital X-rays at Diamond Hospital

…PAC system to be implemented by 14 hospitals by end of year

In another effort to advance the digitisation of healthcare in Guyana, the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, which serves persons along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor, today is commissioning a digital X-ray machine to better treat patients.

Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy made this announcement on Friday during the launch of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system at the Georgetown Public Health Corporation (GPHC).

“A patient who will have an X-ray at the Diamond regional hospital will have a real-time interpretation of the images by a radiologist at GPHC utilising the Picture Archiving and Communications (PAC) system,” Dr Ramsammy said.

Through a continued partnership with radiolo-

gy non-profit organisation, RAD-AID International, GPHC has been implementing the PAC system for several years now in an aim of enhancing their radiology health services and capabilities.

PAC is a medical imaging technology that allows healthcare professionals to access and store electronic medical images and reports quickly, easily and from any location, thereby eliminating the need to manually file and send sensitive patient information.

Dr Ramsammy expressed that by the end of this year, 14 hospitals will be implementing the PAC system, with more than 60 per cent of X-rays done by these hospitals to be read by radiologists at GPHC.

“We are transforming the [health] sector from one that made minimal use of digital technology to [one]

While plans are already underway to introduce this system into the Accident and Emergency department next, it is unclear when exactly all units of the hospitals will be fully utilising digitised patient records.

“We do have contracts that cater for a period of time – there's a commitment for part of what has to be done to be finished by December. But whatever extensions are needed to perfect the system as we roll out in the various departments has been assured,” Dr White said.

Lead healthcare delivery

Meanwhile, GPHC Chairman and Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy shared the public hospital’s plans to lead healthcare delivery in the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

“[Our] young doctors, nurses and medical technologists have demonstrated [the

ability] to lead health development in Guyana and the Region. If we are going to take that place as leaders of health in the Region then we must have an EMR system in place,” Dr Ramsammy said.

He noted that already, GPHC has a functioning laboratory information system that is interlinked with all of

its clinics, thereby allowing doctors to read lab results in real-time through an electronic portal.

Dr Ramsammy added that work is underway with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to further the rollout of a high-quality EMR system, with the one being launched at GPHC just the beginning of that effort.

Meanwhile, on the national scale, an EMR has been in the talks for some time now, with a Data Protection Bill set to be presented in the National Assembly soon, laying the foundation for the countrywide digital health system.

Also present at the EMR system launch on Friday were GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robbie Rambarran and PAHO/ World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Systems and Services Advisor, Daniel Albrecht.

that fully optimises digital technology in improving healthcare in our country,” he added.

According to him, the PAC system will also have the capacity to be linked to the EMR system.

Newly introduced into GPHC, the EMR system allows for the digitisation of patient health records to allow for improved efficiency, and reduced wait times and errors when managing patients.

Since July, this system has been implemented in the Internal Medicine department, with plans already underway to enter it into the Accident and Emergency department next.

The overall goal of the hospital is to implement the seamless patient management system across the hospital, though a specific timeline for doing so has not been imposed.

GPHC Medical Clinic Head, Dr Grace White

GPHC Chairman and Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

US orders non-emergency personnel to leave violence-hit Haiti

The United States has ordered non-emergency Government personnel to leave Haiti, as the Caribbean nation continues to reel under widespread gang violence, kidnappings and political instability.

In a travel advisory issued late on Thursday, the US State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and their family members, and said US citizens in Haiti should leave “as soon as possible”.

“Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include US citizens,” the statement said, adding that violent crimes including armed robbery and carjackings are also common.

“Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. The US Government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Haiti,” it said.

Gang violence has surged in Haiti and the capital, Port-au-Prince, particularly after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. And the country’s virtually non-ex-

istent Government system has made stemming attacks even more difficult.

The violence has impeded access to healthcare facilities, forced the closure of schools and clinics, and worsened already dire food insecurity by cutting residents of gang-controlled areas off from critical supplies.

Bottom of Form

And Haiti’s de facto leader, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whom Moise chose for the post just days before he was killed, has faced

Peru's Boluarte seeks to broaden powers, change legislature amid protests

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte said on Friday she would request expanded legislative powers and is open to reshaping a historically unpopular Congress as protesters renewed their demands for her to stand down.

During an Independence Day speech in Lima, Boluarte said she would request legislative powers from Congress for 120 days to fight crime. She said she was open to reverting Congress to a two-chamber legislature from a single-chamber format.

reach Congress but were held back by Police after a brief clash. Crowds began to disperse as Boluarte's three-hour long speech drew to a close.

The Congress is dominated by right-wing parties and has a single-digit approval rating.

"lead us to live in a society of enemies, reigned by unnecessary and irreconcilable antagonism."

a crisis of legitimacy – and attempts to chart a political transition for Haiti have failed.

This week, groups of displaced Haitians gathered outside the US embassy in Port-au-Prince to try to seek safety from the gangs.

“Gangs just shoot and they ask for control of the area. They took our house and we are in the street. We want help to go back home,” one woman outside the embassy said, as reported by CNN. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

jobless rate hits lowest since 2014 for a quarter through June

Brazil's jobless rate fell in the quarter through June to its lowest level for the period in nine years, statistics agency IBGE said on Friday, underscoring the labour market's resilience despite its high interest rates.

Unemployment in Latin America's largest economy hit 8.0% in the three months through June, down from 8.3% in the previous rolling quarter and below market expectations, as economists polled by Reuters had a median forecast of 8.2%.

It was the fourth consecutive drop for a rolling quarter, according to IBGE, which said the move reflected seasonally lower vacancy rates. There are now 8.6 million unemployed people in Brazil, it added.

Finance Minister

Fernando Haddad cautioned that despite the positive data, the unemployment rate should not be perceived as an indicator of a strong economy, given the country's 10% real interest rate leading to an activity slowdown.

Brazil's benchmark interest rate stands at a sixyear high of 13.75% since August 2022 as part of the

central bank's bid to lower inflation, although an easing cycle is widely expected to start early next month.

Talking to journalist, Haddad said he sees plenty of room for the central bank to kick off its monetary easing cycle with a "reasonable" rate cut.

Some economists also expect high interest rates to

take their toll going ahead, as economic growth softens in the country.

Even so, the latest data were still welcomed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government, as the leftist leader campaigned last year pledging to reduce unemployment in the country. (Excerpt from Reuters)

"(These are) measures Peru needs to face, with more strength and efficiency, delinquency and crime," Boluarte said.

Protesters attempted to

Boluarte, who succeeded leftist Pedro Castillo after he was removed from office and jailed last December, has faced waves of protests in which more than 60 people have died in at times violent clashes with Peruvian security forces.

"I call for a grand national reconciliation between all Peruvians," Boluarte said, adding that ideological differences shouldn't

The deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces have led to more protests and allegations of human rights abuses against Boluarte, who is facing multiple investigations for her actions during the strife.

The demonstrations died down after February and have struggled to regain momentum. The latest protests have been dubbed "the third takeover of Lima" and are the culmination of people coming from Peru's poorer south to protest in the capital Lima since last week. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bolivia challenges global dollar dominance with Chinese yuan, Russian rouble

Bolivia's Government is determined to curb dependence on the US dollar for foreign trade, instead turning to the Chinese yuan, officials said, as Latin American support for alternative currencies grows.

Economy Minister Marcelo Montenegro said the Andean country was following "a pattern at the level of international trade, that is generating a progressive increase in the use of the yuan in foreign trade," during a press conference on Thursday in La Paz.

Bolivia has faced months of severe dollar shortages, driven in part by falling natural gas production, a key national export. Net foreign

currency reserves have fallen to roughly US$4 billion from a peak of US$15 billion in 2014, pressuring state finances and threatening Bolivia's long-defended currency peg with the dollar.

"China has become the world's largest exporter. And in what currency would a large exporter want to receive everything it produces? Not in dollars, but in its own currency," Montenegro said.

Through Bolivian stateowned bank, Banco Union, importers and exporters have been able to trade in yuan since February, and the Russian rouble since March, bank officials have said.

Financial transactions worth 278 million Chinese

yuan (US$38.7 million) accounted for 10% of Bolivia's foreign trade in May through July, Montenegro said.

Russia's ambassador to Bolivia, Mikhail Ledenev, has said that the transactions between Banco Union and Russia's Gazprombank facilitate "the work of Russian companies in the market" despite economic sanctions imposed on Moscow by Western nations since 2022.

China and Russia are stepping up investments to develop Bolivia's huge but largely untapped lithium resources to meet growing demand for the metal used to make electric vehicle batteries. (Excerpt from Reuters)

IMF, Argentina reach staff deal on loan reviews to unlock US$7.5 billion

The International Monetary Fund said on Friday that it has reached a staff-level agreement with Argentina to unlock about US$7.5 billion and complete the fifth and sixth reviews of the struggling country's US$44 billion loan programme.

The agreement, which still needs IMF Executive Board approval, eases some programme requirements because a devastating drought has created a "very challenging" economic environment in Argentina, causing some end-June financial targets to be missed.

Reuters first reported that the agreement would combine the fifth and sixth reviews of Argentina's IMF programme -- a move that provides additional loan funds sooner. The IMF said its Board would meet to consider the agreement in the second half of August.

The Fund said in a statement that since the fourth review of the loan programme in March, Argentina's economic situation has become very challenging due to the larger-than-anticipated impact of a drought, which had a significant impact on exports and fiscal revenues."

"There have also been policy slippages and delays, which have contributed to strong domestic demand and a weaker trade balance," the

IMF added.

To sustain demand for Argentina's peso currency, the agreement calls for authorities to ensure that pol-

icy interest rates remain "sufficiently positive in real terms."

The agreement projects a more gradual accumulation of reserves, with a target of around $1 billion by the end of 2023, compared to a $8 billion goal set in March.

The agreement calls for Argentina to tamp down import demand with new foreign exchange taxes for imported goods and to strengthen expenditure controls. But its 2023 primary fiscal deficit target remains unchanged at 1.9% of GDP, the IMF said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil's

A man carrying his belongings after Haitian National Police officers fired tear gas to clear a camp of people trying to escape armed gangs, in front of the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince, July 25, 2023 [Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters]

A customer paying for pork in a local market in Buenos Aires, Argentina March 14, 2023

Around The World OIL NEWS

Typhoon Doksuri roars into China, destroys power lines, uproots trees

Oil posts 5th week of gains on signals of tighter supply

Oil prices rose on Friday and notched a fifth straight week of gains as investors were optimistic that healthy demand and supply cuts will keep prices buoyant.

Risk appetite in wider financial markets has been fuelled by growing expectations that central banks such as the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank are nearing the end of policy tightening campaigns, boosting the outlook for global growth and energy demand.

Bolstered by supply cuts from the OPEC+ alliance announced earlier this month, both oil benchmarks gained nearly 5% for the week - a fifth straight week of gains. The benchmarks are on track to gain over 13% for the month.

Brent crude settled 75 cents higher to US$84.99 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 49 cents to US$80.58 a barrel.

Both benchmarks fell by as much as US$1 briefly earlier in the session, as investors took profits after WTI rose above US$80 per barrel, Price Futures Group analyst Phil Flynn said.

Bullish demand expectations were boosted on Thursday after US second quarter gross domestic product grew at a forecast-beating 2.4%, supporting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's view that the economy can achieve a socalled "soft landing."

Investors are warming up to the idea of peak rates getting ever closer, while it is looking increasingly probable that the United States will avoid recession, said PVM analyst Tamas Varga.

Fresh data released on Friday showed some of the euro zone's top economies displayed unexpected resilience in the second quarter even as a raft of indicators pointed to renewed weakness ahead, as manufacturing ails and services slow.

Meanwhile, policymakers in China have pledged to step up stimulus measures to invigorate the post-COVID recovery after the world's second-largest economy grew at a frail pace in the second quarter.

In an interview on Friday, Exxon Mobil chief Darren Woods said he expected record oil demand this year and next.

On the supply side, US oil rigs fell by one to 529 this week, their lowest since March 2022, energy services firm Baker Hughes said on Friday. The data is an indication of future supply.

Evidence of tightening is mounting, given declining US inventories and Saudi Arabia's voluntary cut of 1 million barrels per day, Commerzbank analysts said, highlighting this month could have seen OPEC oil production plunge to its lowest level since the autumn of 2021.

Saudi Arabia is expected to extend the voluntary oil output cut for another month to include September, five analysts said, to provide additional support for the oil market. (Reuters)

Typhoon Doksuri swept into southern China on Friday, unleashing heavy rain and violent gusts of wind that whipped power lines and sparked fires, uprooted trees, and ripped off part of a stadium roof.

The typhoon is the most powerful to make landfall in China this year and second-strongest to hit south-eastern Fujian province since Typhoon Meranti in 2016, forcing the closure of schools, businesses and the evacuation of workers from offshore oil and gas fields, state media said.

Doksuri has affected more than 724,600 people, with 124,400 people evac-

Niger coup: Abdourahmane Tchiani declares himself leader

Gen Abdourahmane

Tchiani has declared himself the new leader of Niger after a dramatic coup.

Also known as Omar Tchiani, he staged a takeover which started on Wednesday when the presidential guards unit he led seized the country's leader.

Deposed President Mohamed Bazoum was Niger's first elected leader to succeed another since independence in 1960.

Bazoum is currently thought to be in good health, and still held captive by his own guards.

He had been considered a key ally by Western nations in the fight against Islamist militants in the region.

France - the former colonial power - has said that it does not recognise any of the coup's leaders and will only recognise Bazoum as Head of State.

"We reiterate in the strongest terms the international community's clear demand for the immediate

restoration of constitutional order and democratically elected civilian power," a statement from the French Foreign Ministry read.

The coup has also been roundly condemned by international bodies including the African Union, West African regional bloc (Ecowas), the EU and the UN.

However, the leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group has reportedly praised the coup, describing it as a triumph.

The BBC has not been able to verify the authenticity of his reported comments.

The Wagner group is believed to have thousands of fighters in countries including the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali, where it has lucrative business interests but also bolsters Russia's diplomatic and economic relations. Wagner fighters have been accused of widespread human rights abuses in several African countries.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Norway, Finland battle rapid spread of bird flu

Norway and Finland

face record outbreaks of bird flu this year which have killed thousands of seagulls and other species, put livestock at risk and restricted travel in some areas, officials said.

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has circulated throughout Europe in recent years, leading to a cull in May and June of millions of birds on French farms alone and affecting the supply of poultry meat and eggs.

Officials in the Arctic town of Vadso, part of Norway's Finnmark county, said they had collected more than 10,000 dead birds in the area and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on Thursday imposed a travel ban covering three nature reserves.

"The outbreaks we are seeing in various places in Finnmark this year are much larger than we have seen in the past in Norway," said Ole-Herman Tronerud, the chief veterinary offi-

cer at the Norwegian Food Safety authority.

The H5N1 virus strain has spread among poultry and wild birds for years but there have been sporadic outbreaks reported globally in mammals such as cats, mink and otters.

Neighbouring Finland also said wild birds were heavily affected and that the H5N1 strain has now been found in 20 fur farms, up from 12 earlier this week.

"The pathogen was con-

uated and resettled, and caused direct economic losses of 52.27 million yuan ($7.30 million), media reported.

In the Fujian port city of Quanzhou, 39 people were reported to have suffered minor injuries, and more than 500,000 homes lost power.

The retractable roof of a stadium in downtown

Quanzhou was ripped apart as wind lashed its huge dome, sending glass and metal flying.

Doksuri's wind speed was downgraded to severe tropical storm but torrential rain was still expected to hit inland provinces such as Anhui, which grows corn, rice, soybean and cotton. Its massive rain bands are expected to arc as far north as Beijing on Sunday or Monday.

There were no immediate reports of fatalities. In 2016, at least 11 people were killed when Meranti made landfall near the port city of Xiamen, south of Quanzhou.

"The whole of Xiamen didn't go to work this morning," said a resident surnamed Zhuang.

"There are no cars on the roads, and factories and shopping malls are closed. Guess people are scared after Meranti." (Excerpt from Reuters)

African leaders press Putin to end Ukraine war and restore grain supplies

firmed as a variant circulating especially among the seagulls," Finland's Ministry of Social Affairs and Health said in a statement on Wednesday.

Three U.N. agencies this month warned that outbreaks globally raised concerns that the virus might adapt to infect humans more easily, and urged countries to strengthen disease surveillance and improve hygiene at poultry farms. (Excerpt from Reuters)

African leaders pressed Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to move ahead with their peace plan to end the Ukraine conflict and to renew a deal on the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain that Moscow tore up last week.

While not directly critical of Russia, their interventions on the second day of a summit were more concerted and forceful than those that African countries have voiced until now.

They served as reminders of the depth of African concern at the consequences of the war, especially rising food prices.

"This war must end. And it can only end on the basis of justice and reason," African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat told Putin and African leaders in St

Petersburg.

"The disruptions of energy and grain supplies must end immediately. The grain deal must be extended for the benefit of all the peoples of the world, Africans in particular."

Reuters reported in June that the African plan floats a series of possible steps to defuse the conflict including a Russian troop pullback, removal of Russian tactical nuclear weapons from Belarus, suspension of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Putin, and sanctions relief.

Putin gave it a cool reception when African leaders presented it to him last month. On Friday, he said Moscow respected the proposal and was carefully studying it, with Ukraine due to be discussed later at a working dinner. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard searching for victims of the capsized passenger boat M/B Princess Aya in the waters of Binangonan, Rizal province, Philippines, July 28, 2023

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Central African Republic's President Faustin-Archange Touadera met on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 28, 2023

(March 21-April 19)

Learn as you go, and you'll reach the top. Get out and mingle with people heading in a similar direction or who share your interests. A self-improvement project will lift your spirits.

Keep life simple. Figure out what you need to do and make it happen. Dedication and persistence will pay off. Don't complicate matters with contradictions.

(April 20-May 20)

Consider your plans before making a move. Get the go-ahead from dependents and those affected by your decisions. Keeping everything out in the open will help alleviate problems.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

You'll find purpose in life if you help people. Participation will open doors to new beginnings. Discipline and acts of kindness will pay off and encourage you to do more.

Avoid temptation and overindulgence. Be the voice of reason and stick to your principles. Work to make a difference and do what you can for those who ask for help.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Keep an open mind, be resourceful and don't be afraid to change direction or make a move. Trust and believe in yourself and your decisions, and refuse to let your emotions lead you astray.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Nurture relationships that count and walk away from those who stand between you and your dreams. Pay attention to detail and let self-improvement and personal growth be your goals.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Wait until you have verified facts before you make a decision or share your intentions. You can stabilize your position and make life easier if you are prudent and direct.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Think before you act. Someone will give you false information. Be resourceful, and you'll save yourself aggravation. Put more effort into self-improvement and spending quality time with loved ones.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Adjust your routine to fit your schedule. Take care of time-sensitive matters that offer opportunities to maintain or boost your status quo. A change of pace or a new interest will improve your lifestyle.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Aim straight and shoot for the stars. Don't stop or wait for others to catch up; note what's important to you and make your dream come true. Listen to your heart.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

A partnership will help you save money and offer the chance to advance. Speak up about your wants and be ready to negotiate. A change may not excite you initially, but give it a chance.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

The Ashes Series 2023…

TEST 5 HANGS IN THE BALANCE

On an absorbing day of Test cricket at The Oval, Australia scored 295, taking a lead of 12 runs against England, after fighting efforts from Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy.

Resuming day two on 62/1, Australia had a massive chance to pile the pressure on England by posting a big total. Considering this, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne resumed proceedings with caution, happy to play defensive shots or leave deliveries. It was slow going in the opening session, with the two sides engaged in a deadlock. The English pacers, though, made life extremely difficult for Khawaja, and especially so for Labuschagne, with runs hard to come by.

The hard work paid off, as England finally had a breakthrough in the session, courtesy of some brilliance from Joe Root in the slips. Labuschagne’s knock of 9 off 82 deliveries came to an end against the bowling of Mark Wood, but Steve Smith and Khawaja safely negotiated the remainder of a low-scoring session.

Prominent West Indian and T20 all-round cricketer Kieron Pollard is the first person to invest in a pioneering strategy for cricket – the development of a technical performance shoe that focuses equally on both the male and female games. This is a global first in what has traditionally been a parochial and patriarchal sport.

The fresh, emerging brand behind the strategy is ME+U, founded in 2019 by Matt Carter. Following a major ankle dislocation, Carter has worked with a world-class design team and professional players to develop a male and female technical shoe that reduces strain across the ankle, knees and lower back.

Worldwide testing of the shoe began in 2022, and strong positive feedback has been received. Testing has continued through the summer, as the ME+U brand promises “continuous improvement to make the world’s best male & female cricket shoes”.

This bold strategy focuses on a rapidly growing global cricket market. The advisory team behind the brand includes Steffan Jones, Rajasthan Royals’

The second session saw action picking up, with England making perfect use of helpful bowling conditions. England dismissed five Australian batters, starting with Stuart Broad trapping Khawaja on 47. A couple of overs later, Broad struck again, dismissing the dangerous Travis Head for 4 with a cracker of a delivery on the fourth stump line

that the batter edged to the keeper. The English momentum continued when Mitchell Marsh chopped on a James Anderson delivery on 16, after looking in good touch at the crease, and the direction continued to shift when Root suckered Alex Carey into a drive, as Ben Stokes held on to his 100th Test catch to send the wicketkeeper-batter packing for 10.

When Wood took the wicket of Mitchell Starc, it ensured that England had a dream session, with Steve Smith and Pat Cummins having a massive rebuild job ahead for Australia. They did exactly that, with Smith going on the attack in the final session and Cummins giving him able support. Smith survived an extremely close run-out call and reached

his half-century, continuing his staggering record at The Oval.

The Smith-Cummins partnership got Australia close to England’s total, and the vital 54-run stand finally came to an end when Smith tried a big shot against Chris Woakes, leading to a top-edge that was caught by Jonny Bairstow. It was, nonetheless, a brilliant effort by Smith, who played a crucial knock of 71.

Todd Murphy then walked out and took the aggressive route against short-

pitched bowling by hitting Wood for three sixes. He played an entertaining knock of 34, that created a 49-run stand with skipper Cummins, before being trapped lbw by Woakes as the end of the day edged close.

The final wicket to fall was that of Cummins. He perished on 36 following a brilliant catch from Stokes on the boundary, as Australia took a lead of 12 at the end of day two. (ICC)

SCOREBOARD

High Performance Bowling Coach; and Lydia Greenway, the former England batter and Mumbai Indians Coach in the WPL.

Kieron Pollard captained the West Indies cricket team, and was part of the 2012 ICC World Cupwinning WI team. This week, Pollard will be donning the ME+U shoes as he captains the Mumbai Indians New York in the inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC) which commenced on July 13 in Dallas, Texas.

Pollard has said: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in ME+U. After wearing the shoes and

understanding the ethos behind the brand and the concept for sport expansion, I was sold. I’m equally thrilled to be able to wear the shoes in MLC, and to be part of the vision to provide shoes specifically designed for women. Women’s cricket is equally exciting as the men’s game, and deserves attention.”

Lydia Greenway has also been part of the Mumbai Indians coaching staff for the inaugural Women’s Premier League. Speaking about Pollard’s investment, she said: “For far too long, female cricketers have had no option but to wear cricket shoes which simply are

Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2…

not suitable for them (wearing men’s or juniors), putting them at greater risk of injury. ME+U has developed a shoe that is tailored to the shape of the female foot. And it’s brilliant for us to have Kieron on board, as he’s one of the most respected cricketers of our generation. His input into the technical development alongside our women pro players is significant. We want to bring the best cricket shoe to market. It is the one per cent improvement, and not facing injury from your kit, that makes all the difference.”

ME+U Founder and COO, Matt Carter, has said: “Getting Kieron on board as an investor and Ambassador for our brand is absolutely remarkable. It is truly a testament to the shoes we’ve developed so far, and his belief in our vision, particularly around equality in the game and technical shoe development. And this will be the first of hopefully several more Ambassador announcements this year, as our shoes will do the talking point.

“ME+U are on schedule to announce further plans for the brand at the end of the English cricket season”.

Motorsport enthusiasts in Guyana are eagerly anticipating the adrenalin-fuelled spectacle of Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2, track preparation for which commenced on Sunday with Team Mohammed’s testing the track, and their GTR thereon.

The Trinidadian contenders’ cars were shipped to Guyana by title spon-

sor Tropical Shipping, and those machines are being tested for their readiness.

This two-day Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2 event will be contested by 75 local vehicles, with 5 from Trinidad and 25 from Suriname coming to test the mettle of the locals. Already, drivers are dialling, tuning and testing their cars for the main attraction on Sunday, July 30. (Omar McKenzie)

Team Mohamed’s fleet of Nissan GTRs

Pollard with the ME+U shoes in the MLC

World Badminton Day tournament on at National Gymnasium

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) on Thursday staged its annual tournament at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue to commemorate World Badminton Day 2023.

That tournament, sponsored by Total Solutions, includes students of the Nursery Badminton Academy, Yonex Badminton Club and Berbice Badminton clubs.

What is World Badminton Day?

According to the Badminton World Federation, World Badminton Day brings people and communities together to experience fun and inclusive badminton through a variety of active, engaging, and innovative badminton events.

Those events will take place globally over the same period of time. While events may range in size, location and focus, the common theme to celebrate and promote badminton will be shared by all.

When is World Badminton Day?

The International Badminton Federation (IBF), as it was originally

named (it is now Badminton World Federation – BWF), was established on July 5, 1934 with nine founding member associations.

In recognition of this significant date in badminton’s history, World Badminton Day will be celebrated annually on July 5 with activities and events delivered throughout that week.

Results of the matches played on Day One are as follows:

Men’s A Division: Viraj Singh beat Godfrey Proctor 21-8, 21-14; Jaurel

Hendricks beat Haymant Ramdhani 21-15, 21-8; Colin Bowry beat Jason Stephney 26-24, 21-15; Chet Bowling beat Nkosi Beaton 21-15, 21-9; Avinash Odit beat Andrew Williams by W/O; Marlon Chung beat Jahiem Carmichael 21-9, 21-14; and Tyrese Jeffrey beat Jamal Sinclair W/O.

Men’s B Division: Renako Bender defeated Mohamed Farouk 21-9, 2110; Godfrey Proctor defeated Jonathan Ferreira 21-8, 21-10; Jonathan Debidin defeated Onayi Andrews 21-8, 21-14;

Genesis Football Club’s summer camp set for August 2

athletes will receive top-notch coaching, enabling them to develop their technical abilities and tactical understanding of the game. Moreover, the camp will go beyond football training, as the importance of holistic development is recognised.

Lennox Morrison beat Haresh Persaud 21-12, 217; Jason Stephney beat Tristan Gouveia 21-5, 216; Jonathan Robinson beat Andrew Williams by walkover (W/O); Omkar Persaud beat Amaan Khan 21-12, 21-9; Colin Bowry beat Nikolas Pollard 21-12, 2114; Jahiem Carmichael beat Gabriel Felix 21-5, 2115; Jedidiah Uwagboe beat Avinash Ramnarine 2110, 21-9; Raah Russell beat Azariel Mason 21-13, 21-7; Haymant Ramdhani beat Adeeb Zaman 21-17, 2117; Jonathan Debidin beat

Haymant Ramdhani 21-

16, 17-10 (retired); Jaurel Hendricks beat Raah Russell

21-6, 21-13; Nkosi Beaton

beat Renako Bender 21-

5, 21-10; Lennox Morrison

beat Jason Stephney 21-

14, 21-12; Viraj Singh beat Jonathan Robinson 21-4, 21-16; Jahiem Carmichael beat Jedidiah Uwagboe 21-

13, 21-17; Colin Bowry beat Godfrey Proctor 19-21, 2220, 21-6; and Frank Waddell beat Onayi Persaud 21-15, 21-2.

Men’s C Division: Frank Waddell defeated Azariel Mason 21-4, 219; Onayi Andrews beat

Isiah Proctor 21-8, 217; Renako Bender beat Tristian Gouveia 21-14, 2112; Lennox Morrison beat Gabriel Felix 24-22, 21-16; Omkar Persaud beat Adeeb Zaman 21-9, 21-15; and Joanathan Debidin beat Onayi Andrews 21-7, 21-0.

Women’s A Division: Jefina James defeated Genevieve Bookram 21-17, 21-11; Priyanna Ramdhani beat Leshaunte Berkley 213, 21-3; Priyanka Shivnauth beat Neveah Eastman 21-17, 21-8; and Alima Eastman beat Jefina James 21-12, 21-9.

Women’s B Division: Alima Eastman defeated Aaliyah Bacchus 21-6, 21-6; Asiya Eastman beat Gabrielle Felix 19-21, 21-13, 21-4; Nevaeh Eastman beat Genevieve Bookram 219, 21-8; Jefina James beat Gianna Ramnarine 21-9, 2110; and Leshaunte Berkley beat Jefina James 21-12, 2112.

The Guyana Badminton Association would like to thank Total Solutions for sponsoring this tournament for the second year now and from the inception of World Badminton Day. The tournament continues on Friday (July 28) and concludes on Saturday (July 29).

Goodwill Bilateral Series 2023…

National U13 players depart for T&T on July 30

The Genesis Football Club is delighted to announce the upcoming summer football camp that will be held from August 2 to August 31.

This highly anticipated camp is specifically designed for children aged 6 to 18. It offers an incredible opportunity for young football enthusiasts

to refine their skills and ignite their passion for the game.

Adding to the excitement, Genesis Football Club is privileged to have the esteemed presence of former national player Anthony Awo Abrams, who will be a mentor and share his invaluable expertise with the participants. Under his guidance, these aspiring

To nurture well-rounded individuals, this camp will have integrated mentorship sessions that focus on character-building and leadership skills, while engaging public speaking sessions would empower the participants to express themselves with confidence.

With a perfect blend of sportsmanship, personal growth and unforgettable memories, this summer football camp promises to be an extraordinary journey for all the young talents involved.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh met with the national under-13 team at the La Bonne Intention Cricket Hostel on Wednesday afternoon, one day before the team had their final session as they completed preparations for the upcoming Goodwill Bilateral Series between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, scheduled for the period July 30-August 9 in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

The Goodwill Bilateral Series is an arrangement between the GCB President and Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board President Azim Bassarath. The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) under-13 team visited Guyana last December for the first Goodwill Bilateral Series, which the ‘Soca-boys’ won 3-1.

This tour to TT marks the return tour of what would be an annual series between the two countries, with the hope of eventually having a

regional under-13 tournament in the near future.

In the short meeting, President Singh commended the players and management for their efforts during the recently concluded GCB Under-13 Inter-County tournament, as well as their commitment shown during camp. Mr. Singh stressed discipline, dedication and hard work as three attributes needed to be a successful cricketer. He also told the very young and exuberant group that they have now become ambassadors of Guyana, and should carry themselves as proud representatives of our country both on and off the field.

It was brought to the attention of the GCB President that several players were not equipped to go on the tour. This was quickly addressed, and those players were assisted with the needed equipment and other necessities.

The team will leave Guyana 05:00 hours on Sunday, July 30, and play the first of the four-match series on August 2.

Participants of the 2023 World Badminton Day tournament organised by the Guyana Badminton Association

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh meeting with the Guyana U13 team

A Glimpse of the sessions being facilitated

St.Ignatius Secondary School will be representing Region#9 at the upcoming Digicel Schools Football tournament which will be held on July 29, at the Education Ministry ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown

India might look to experiment further against battered Windies

- second ODI bowls off today at 9:30h local time

Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2.0… Rameez Mohamed looking to upset the field

already showcased his versatility and adaptability as a driver.

"We wanted to give game time to the ODI guys who have come in, we will keep trying those things whenever possible," said Rohit Sharma after India's win in the first ODI, justifying the batting order which saw the skipper himself batting outside the top-six for only the second time since 2013 while Virat Kohli didn't get to bat at all. In the lead up to the World Cup later this year, India made plenty of exper iments with their batting order in a modest chase of 115. On a Kensington Oval pitch which had plenty of help for the bowlers, as many as 15 wickets went down against spin. India eventually got over

the West Indies out cheaply. Mukesh Kumar was decent in his debut game while India also tried Hardik Pandya as their opening bowler, with some success. They are likely to continue with such experiments, both with their batting and bowling, in the second ODI as they look to seal the series and extend their winning streak against the

IST (9:30 AM local time)

Where: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

What to expect: There was enough bounce and spin on offer during the first ODI, helping the pacers and spinners alike. India might look to bat first should they win the toss in the second game, to give their batters some challenge should the pitch turn out anything similar for the second game. Showers are forecast in the first half of the day, and might lead to some interruptions.

Motorsport enthusiasts in Guyana eagerly anticipate the adrenaline-fueled spectacle of the Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2.0 that gets underway tomorrow at the South Dakota Drag Strip at Timehri.

One name that is sure to stand out among competitors is Rameez Mohamed, a multi-disciplined motorsport driver who is passionate about Endurance, Circuit races, and Drag Racing. Rameez is no stranger to victory, and this time, he has a burning desire to win with his 2jz Mustang, recently acquired from BM Soat Auto Sales and Rentals.

Rameez’s journey with his 2jz Mustang began just two days before the previous Drag Wars event. Acquiring the car so close to the race gave him little time to get familiar with it, but being a determined and skilled driver, Rameez took

the challenge head-on. The last event served as an opportunity for him to get acquainted with the powerful machine. Although he didn’t secure a win, his drive left a lasting impression on the fans.

Throughout 2023, Rameez Mohamed has tasted victory driving various cars, including his Endurance Honda Integra, Group 2 Honda Civic, and Toyota Starlet. These triumphs have undoubtedly boosted his confidence as he prepares to take on the field tomorrow at Drag Wars 2.0 with his 2jz Mustang. Rameez is focused on per sonal victories, and has a strong desire to represent Guyana on the motor sport map. His performances in various disciplines have

Regarding his upcoming challenge, Rameez is confident in his car’s capabilities. Rameez believes that with enough preparation he can be highly competitive with his Mustang.

One key characteristic that sets Rameez Mohamed apart from his peers is his love for the fans. He understands that they are an essential part of the motorsport experience, and he always aims to put on a show that leaves them thrilled and excited.

Tickets for the event cost $3000 for adults, $1000 for children and $10,000 for VIP.

the line despite losing five wickets, and Ishan Kishan's half-century would have given the team management some confidence as they look to finalise the World Cup spots.

Kuldeep Yadav, preferred over Yuzvendra Chahal for the first match, made the most of the opportunity despite bowling only three overs, as he combined with Ravindra Jadeja to skittle

West Indies in ODIs to 10 games.

The hosts, on the other hand, will have a lot of work to do in order to challenge India. Their batting has especially been a let-down with four among the top five getting into double digits but none putting up a big score. The bowling, on the other hand, was quite impressive, with the way they didn't let India off the hook despite posting a low total. Shai Hope, who top-scored with 43, will be hoping for some kind of support at the other end and will expect the batters to show better application with their shot-making going forward.

When: July 29 at 7:00 PM

Keacy Carty, Alzarri Joseph, Oshane Thomas and Kevin Sinclair were the ones to sit out for the first game. Among them, Carty is an option in the batting order, with Mayers not having had a good run in ODIs of late. Carty, meanwhile, had scored 87 in his previous outing against Sri Lanka.

Probable XI: Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope (C & wk), Keacy Carty, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Dominic Drakes, Yannic Cariah, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales.

The visitors may not make too many changes as they look to give the current lot another go to audition for the World Cup. They are likely to remain unchanged.

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.(cricbuzz)

Sole and Williams set for maiden CPL stints with St Lucia Kings

Scotland bowler Chris Sole will be joining the Saint Lucia Kings for the first half of their 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season. Sole is the first Scotland player to appear at the CPL and will be with the Kings until Bhanuka Rajapaksa joins the squad after the first five group matches.

Sole has played 38 international matches for Scotland, claiming 58 wickets in those matches and was a significant contributor to Scotland’s deep run at the ICC World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe this

month.

The Kings have also announced that they have signed Zimbabwe international, Sean Williams as a replacement for Dasun Shanaka who is no longer available for the 2023 CPL.

Williams brings huge experience to the Kings squads having scored more than 7500 runs in his 238 international matches for Zimbabwe. A very useful bowling option, Williams also brings another spin bowling option to the Kings team. CPL 2023 bowls off in St Lucia on August 16.

Sean Williams Chris Sole

Shai Hope and Rohit Sharma