Guyana Times - Saturday, September 30, 2023

Dr Irfaan Ali greeting Andrea Sabita Ogle, who was recently appointed Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, USA. Judge Ogle, a Guyanese-born American who hails from Berbice, is the first Guyanese to be elected by the Queens Democratic Party chaired by Congressman Gregory Meeks

2 houses destroyed as fire erupts at Eccles Old Road – millions in losses, several homeless

Afire of unknown origin on Friday ripped through two houses at Eccles on the East Bank Demerara (EBD), leaving millions in damage and sev

dren off to school.

been saved.

eral homeless.

The blaze reportedly started at about 10:30h at Lot 76 Eccles Old Road, EBD, and quickly spread to the house at Lot 75, thus reducing both structures to ashes. One of the houses was occupied by Kelvin McDonald, his reputed wife, Kimberly Yarde, a primary school teacher, and their three children.

Decked in his boxers and a white vest, McDonald, who works with a security firm, explained that earlier in the morning, he had returned from work and saw his reputed wife and chil-

“After they left, I washed and after washing, the blackout came and I hung out my clothes, locked up both doors, and went into the front room to take a nap. While relaxing, I started to smell smoke. When I looked up, I saw the light on, so I figured the current came on,” McDonald stated with tears settled in his eyes.

“Upon entering the room that has the breaker and everything else, I saw this small blaze and I started asking for assistance and called the Fire Service. I tried the pipe, but no water was coming there. The neighbour helped me with a hose and we were trying, but as it caught on to the sponge, it started blazing.”

He further explained

that the house has been experiencing electrical issues since he moved in. He noted that he couldn’t save anything from the burning building.

The village, Guyana Times understands, is equipped with one fire hydrant. With the assistance of the strong winds, the fire had its way. Within minutes, the first building was destroyed.

“…I work at Lot 77 and where there is business, so I see my sister run out of the shop with all the other workers and I see fire at the next door neighbour”, a woman stated.

“There is across the street from where the first house was burnt… as soon as we see the fire, we called the Fire Service… these people took long to come… when they came, we asked them to soak our house because the shot had gas from front to back and if out the house had caught afire, it would have been a catastrophe… they did not pay us no mind. The fire ended up destroying the side of our house,” she said.

The exact number of individuals residing in the second home, which reportedly housed a restaurant on

the lower flat, remains unclear.

An investigation into the incident has been initiated to determine the cause of the fire and assess the

extent of the damages incurred. The affected residents are now left to make alternative living arrangements and face the horrendous task of rebuilding.

Women shot while parting schoolgirls during brawl

However, eyewitnesses who gathered at the scene stated that the fire engines took about 45 minutes to arrive at the scene. The closest fire station is at Republic Park, EBD. During that time, residents formed a bucket brigade with the aim of putting out the fire but this proved futile due to the intensity of the heat.

Another resident added that when the fire tenders arrived, they ran out of water and were forced to tap into a water source. He added that if the fire tenders had come prepared, the second building could have

Two women were reportedly shot by an identifiable male on Thursday while attempting to separate two teenage girls who were fighting.

The incident took place at about 18:45h on Freeman Street, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

According to the Police, the suspect was identified as Kennard Jabar, however, his age, address, and occupation remain unknown.

Police stated that a fight broke out between two 16-year-old girls from the same area and upon seeing this, the two women

intervened in an attempt to break up the fight and defuse the situation.

However, eyewitnesses recounted that the suspect turned up at the scene, whipped out a handgun from his waistband, and discharged several shots in the direction of the fight.

Consequently, both victims sustained gunshot wounds - one to her right hand and the other to her left hand.

It remains unclear whether the suspect had any affiliation with the victims or the girls involved in the altercation. After

firing the weapon, the suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Quick-thinking members of the public rushed the victims to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were treated and sent away. Based on available information, Police said an unknown male who was in the suspect's company retrieved the spent shells from the scene and also fled with them.

The CCTV footage was collected from the area and is being reviewed.

Firefighters at the scene

The two houses that were destroyed

A resident fetching water to soak a nearby building

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, Sep 30 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Sunday, Oct 1 –05:30h – 07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Sep 30 – 16:50h – 18:20h and Sunday, Oct 1 – 05:25h – 06:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-Westerly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 17:12h reaching a maximum height of 2.91 metres.

Low Tide: 10:48h and 23:08h reaching minimum heights of 0.37 metre and 0.27 metre.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Govt withdraws another $10.4B from Natural Resource Fund

The Guyana Government has made its 5th withdrawal this year from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to the tune of US$50 million to continue financing its massive development agenda.

This latest withdrawal was announced by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Friday. He said in a statement that the US$50 million – equivalent to G$10.4 billion, was taken out this month from the NRF, which is being held at the New York Federal Reserve Bank.

In accordance with Section 16 of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act 2021, as part of the Budget 2023 process, parliamentary approval was granted for a total of US$1.002 billion to be transferred during the 2023 fiscal year.

Only earlier this month, the Government reported that in August and September, amounts totalling US$200 million or G$41.6 billion had been transferred from the Natural Resource Fund to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities.

These withdrawals followed another US$400 million or G$83.2 billion being taken out of the NRF in February and May of this year.

In total, the accumulated withdrawals from the NRF thus far this year amount to US$650 million or G$135.2 billion.

ity carbon credits to Hess Corporation.

Since the passage of the NRF Act in 2021, the Guyana Government has gone on to establish the Natural Resource Fund Board.

In January of this year, the Bank of Guyana signed an agreement to officially hand over control of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to the Board of Directors appointed by the President.

According to Section 5 (6) (d) of the Act, the Board is required to enter into an operational agreement with the Bank, so that manage-

ment of the Fund can change hands. This agreement was signed two days after the reading of the 2023 budget.

The NRF Board is chaired by Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh. Other members of the Board are Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett; Private Sector Executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentarian Dunstan Barrow; and former Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Compton Bourne.

In August, Chairman Singh submitted the first NRF Report for 2022 in which he indicated that the NRF Secretariat is slated to be established in the second half of this year. With the establishment of the Secretariat, he noted that the operational needs of the Board will be met.

Despite the absence of the Secretariat, however, Major Singh assured that the NRF has been functioning in an efficient manner and has maintained contact and a healthy exchange of information with all relevant parties.

“The Board, through the

Chairman, has been maintaining contact and exchanging information on a regular basis with the investment committee and the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee through their respective Chairs and with the Hon Minister of Finance,” the Chairman said in the report.

He added, “Monthly and Quarterly Reports on the performance of the fund received from the Bank of Guyana have been perused by the Board and shared with the two committees of the Fund. These reports and the performance of the Fund are publicised within the prescribed timelines on the Ministry of Finance’s website and in the public media in compliance with the Act.”

Under the Principal Act, the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) has an Investment and Public Accountability Committee as well as an Oversight Committee.

The NRF Fund Board consists of five members, while the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC) is comprised of nine members, and the Investment Committee has seven members. (G-8)

COMMODITIES

According to Friday’s statement from the Finance Minister, “The PPP/C Government will continue to work aggressively through sound and transformative investments of oil resources from the NRF, utilising these resources in a clear and transparent manner, to the benefit of present and future generations.”

The funds in the NRF have their origins in the oilrich Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where United States oil major ExxonMobil and its partners are producing the ‘light sweet crude’ using the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Last year was the first time Guyana had used oil funds to finance a national budget. In fact, in 2022, the Government withdrew a total of $126 billion (US$607.6 million) in three tranches from the NRF which went towards financing Guyana’s national development plans.

This year’s $781.9 billion budget was financed for the first time by both oil and climate funds, earned from selling Guyana’s high-qual-

Senior Finance Minister

Dr Ashni Singh

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

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

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

Exploit opportunities

For an economy like ours, there is not much we can do about globalization, just as we could not when it started its present literal iteration after Columbus had stumbled across the Americas and Europe realized the world was not flat, but was in fact a globe. We were there at the beginning when the plantations of the Dutch and then the English were created through slave labour to supply agricultural products for Europe. As our lands in the “new world” became populated, “free trade” replaced the mercantilist policies of the imperial powers, and became driven by comparative advantages in production of goods and services.

There was an ebb-and-flow between protectionism and free trade over the years, but, in the late 20th century, free trade accelerated to unbelievable levels during the communication and transportation revolutions. The world truly became a village, as each country attempted to move up the value chain in its productive capacity so as to deliver improved standards of living to its citizens. In Guyana, however, the PNC regime, after independence, embarked on what turned out to be a detour and frolic as far as following that path of development is concerned. Rather than diversifying outside the plantation economy in a strategic fashion, by picking products that it could export at an advantage and earn foreign exchange to purchase those items it did not have as an advantage, it chose an autarkic strategy that was bound to fail because of our extremely small and underdeveloped markets. Burnham’s policies, compared to Lee Kwan Yew’s for Singapore, which became independent around the same time as us, is an object lesson in the importance of strategic decisions in the development of former colonies.

In the latter part of the 20th century, the Far Eastern Tigers replicated Singapore’s success, and demonstrated that the export-driven strategy was transferable. Yet, in Guyana, we continued attempting to improve efficiencies in agricultural products like sugar, in which we neither had a comparative advantage (as say, Brazil), nor did it platform us into new vistas of production that delivered such advantages. This is not to say that such production must be abandoned with no consideration of the social impact, but that those social considerations would be better addressed by moving Guyana into higher value-added products.

Presently, we have also taken the lead within the region for food security, and made a commitment to reduce Caricom’s US$6 billion food bill by 25% by 2025. Now, while this is a good strategic choice in one area where we do have a comparative advantage – land/agriculture – by coupling it with new crops like soya and corn and rearing cattle, this is necessary, but not sufficient to take full advantage of globalization and move up the development scale. For this to occur, we must at each stage use the technology that we have mastered and move to a higher level. By focusing only on agriculture, we will inevitably reach a point of diminishing returns and stagnating horizons.

As such, our burgeoning oil industry offers us a platform for moving us strategically into a higher quantum level of development. Take, for instance, the gas-to-shore project on which the Government has embarked, and which has been severely criticized by some elements putatively on “environmental” grounds. This initiative offers us the opportunity to develop manufacturing skills and expertise by Guyanese to an intermediate level – such as manufacturing urea from Natural Gas – which has been tried and trusted for a hundred years, so there is not much risk involved. Within a few years – before our oil has run out, and at which time we should control a bulging Natural Resource Fund (NRF) that can then facilitate us moving to a higher level of production and continue onwards and upwards on a virtuous cycle.

That globalization had stumbled because of supply-chain issues precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and then the Ukraine war has exposed its downside, but it will be resolved to continue its inexorable march. We have no choice but to exploit its opportunities.

Dear Editor,

Several Members of Parliament in Guyana and a set of race-baiters gathered in Washington, DC, at the Rickford Burke-organized "race conference" to lambaste the ruling PPP/C administration in Guyana. The theme of the conference focused on exposing what they asserted is "racism and dictatorship in Guyana".

Speakers made claims of racism and authoritarian rule, but no empirical data was offered to buttress those claims. Members of US Congress chided them for lack of evidence to back their imagined and wild allegations. It was all hate and innuendoes.

Any objective person analyzing Guyanese affairs or visiting the country would come away with an inescapable conclusion that Guyana is a functioning democracy where everyone has an equal place.

I was not impressed with the speakers. They engaged in demagoguery and cheap shots with no rational thought. Most of the speakers were filled with racial hate and rage for the PPP/C and its supporters, and for Africans who align with the Government.

Rickford Burke, the main organizer of the conference, referred to Africans who support the PPPC as “house slaves”. That in itself is a reflection of the attitude of the organizers and speakers towards those in disagreement with him. If you don’t agree with the organizers, then you are labelled a house slave by racial entrepreneurs who are

determined to promote disunity in Guyana. The use of that term doesn’t belong in the Guyanese context. Its usage is condemned.

There were several absurd incendiary claims clearly designed to win sympathy from the US Administration and members of Congress. But the plan will fail, because the policymakers in Washington, Members of Congress, the US Embassy in Guyana, and Afro-Guyanese in the diaspora and at home know who stole democracy (1968 to 1992, and again in 2015 to 2020), who were the real dictators, and who attempted to rig the 2020 general elections? The whole world saw the public spectacle of the PNCR (APNU)AFC’s attempt to rig the elections.

One agent provocateur or agitator after another has levelled allegations against the Guyana Government for lack of democracy and racism, yet these very accusers engage in unbridled freedom of speech in Guyana, making those very same allegations about racism; and when asked to provide evidence to back them, they came up empty.

Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir admitted as much when she stated that empirical data can't be had.

On the issue of democracy, the conference was very undemocratic. The conference itself was selective in attendees and attendance; there was restrictive attendance, and critics of the PNCR Opposition and of Rickford Burke and orga-

nizers, or those Africans who disagree with the charges of racism levelled against the PPPC, were denied registration and entrance at the conference. The organizers were very strict in enforcing who could attend the conference, and only those cleared by the organizers were granted entry. Picking and choosing who could attend the conference is not democracy.

On the issue of alleged PPP/C Government racism, where is the evidence? Ms. Maxine Waters of Texas and other members of the Black Caucus asked for evidence to buttress allegations of racism against Africans. They came up empty, blaming the PPPC for not providing info. The truth is there is no racism under the PPP administration.

The composition of the Government is truly representative of the cosmopolitan nature of the country, of all ethnicities and faiths.

Over a third of the Ministers of Government and heads of Government agencies in proportion to the composition of the population and half of the Permanent Secretaries are Africans. A tenth is of Amerindian or Indigenous people. Nearly 20% are of Mixed descent. The Prime Minister is an African. Some 75% of the bureaucracy are Africans, along with 95% of the army, 75% of the Police Force, and 70% of teaching staff.

In terms of the distribution of resources, Africans get a majority of public housing. Africans and Mixed are also represented among the awardees of contracts and

Government scholarships in tertiary institutions. In every area of allocation of resources, Africans are over-represented. The preceding facts cannot happen in a society in which Africans face discrimination.

It is noted that there is massive infrastructure work ongoing primarily in areas where African-Guyanese dwell, and grants are distributed to all, and yet no speaker found anything positive to say about the Government, or the progress in the country over the last three years.

While the accusers levelled uninformed, baseless allegations in Washington, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was in Linden, a PNCR stronghold, where he was accorded a rock star welcome. (Look at the attached photo of a massive crowd)! Lindeners mobbed him for pix. Is that evidence of anti-African racism? The VP is expanding the PPP/C support base while racial entrepreneurs are making unsupported accusations.

Clearly, contrary to the accusations by organizers of the conference in Washington, Africans are not victims of racism in Guyana. They are the largest beneficiaries of the state; and their views are not censored, not by the state or private media. They freely express their views in all forms of media, and lobby the Government for greater benefits – hallmarks of a free, open, engaging, democratic society.

Yours truly,

Michael McIntosh

Education Minister Priya Manickchand is joined by Regional Education Officer Adrian Elgin, Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) Devendra Persaud, and teachers and pupils to cut the ribbon to officially commission the Haslington Nursery School, ECD

Guyanese should condemn “house slaves” remark at Washington, DC conference

Minister Benn raises concerns about gender disparity among inmates in rehab programmes

there is more work to be done,” he said.

Minister Benn outlined the significance of transforming the Prison Service to ensure the safe reintegration of prisoners into society.

He further emphasised the need to conscientiously rehabilitate individuals, harnessing their potential to create better citizens. The Minister highlighted the importance of utilising inmates' time in prison productively to benefit society.

“There is high participation of the female prisoners with respect to these activities but we have to advance more the issues of men being involved and we may

the Guyana Prison Service embarked on comprehensive improvement plans. These initiatives included

integration of offenders into society.

During a thanksgiving service to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) on Friday, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn raised concerns about the gender imbalance of inmates participating in various rehabilitation activities. Held at the National Cultural Centre on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, the event kicked off with a church service, giving praise for 40 years of service which is being celebrated under the theme, “Promoting

Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Prisoners.”

The event included a significant ribbon-cutting ceremony which opened a twoday exhibition that will showcase the skills of prisoners.

During this event, Benn expressed his concerns about the limited involvement of male inmates in the prison reform programme.

He emphasised the urgency of rectifying this disparity to prevent individuals from reverting to violent or dangerous tendencies after serving their sentences.

Despite substantial en-

Hakeem Jeffries,

Dear Editor,

It is time to take off the gloves and get real. Hakeem Jeffries is only involved in Guyana politics because he represents Brooklyn, NY and lots of Afro-Guyanese live, vote, and work there. If he were running in Richmond Hill, Queens, he would have taken a completely different view of Guyanese politics, because that is a heavily-populated

gagement in agricultural activities, particularly in furnishing and training, the Minister noted a stark contrast in participation between male and female prisoners.

While some programmes are in their nascent stages, Minister Benn stressed the importance of addressing these issues promptly to prevent recidivism.

“…we are finding ways in spite of the experiences with COVID and other disruptions …we are involving them more in agricultural work, which has been significant over the past years…

involve the risk that may be inherent in them doing things aside from what they are being accustomed to.”

In January of this year,

Rickford Burke both opportunists/racists

Indian area.

So, he has no real conviction; it is all politics and politricks. In any case, he should be more concerned about his own US politics, as with Trumpism and the rise of the powerful white Republican machine, people of colour are being marginalised, and their voting and living rights are being destroyed daily.

Less said about Rickford

Burke, whom I have known all his life. He is ambitious, an opportunist, trying to feather his own bed in the US. He is also a racist, and cares nothing about “One Guyana”; the more divisions he can create and nurture, the better for him. He has no real interest in Guyana, except as a platform. He has attached himself to Jeffries so he can rise with him. But Mr. Jeffries,

when you lie with dogs, you rise with fleas.

Now the Americans have seen through the lies and deceit of Jeffries, Burke, Norton and the PNC, and confusion reigns. The PNC are only concerned about racism and shared governance when they are in opposition.

Regards, Paul Belfield, NY

Some people will never be satisfied

Dear Editor,

Recently, I overheard a conversation in a public office in which a public officer said the Government is building roads. I listened to her and the person she was having the conversation with, until I heard them say it is only roads for some, and not all.

Just recently, I saw quite a number of bids being published for Regions 4 to 6 for roads to be constructed; so, of course, I interjected. Lo and behold, the

public officer said, “Oh well, roads cannot feed me.” Fair enough, roads cannot feed you, but if the roads were not being done, it would have been another issue.

I wanted to ask the question: which roads did Granger build for you? What was majestically changed in your life under the APNU-AFC administration? However, if I did ask that, it would have been seen as offensive to the individual.

Guyana is developing

through infrastructure, and even intellectually, since a lot of people can study for FREE through the GOAL initiative in the comfort of their homes. However, we can have all the development, we can have a ton of oil, we can have reduced electricity rates in the future, we can have bridges to bridge neighbouring countries to open up more avenues for tourism and the business community, and we can have much more; yet, it is heart-wrenching

to know some will never be satisfied once it is a PPP/C initiative. Our thinking must change, we must understand that development is happening whether we like it or not; and simply, Guyana will be better off with all that is happening and all that is to come. I feel sorry for the people who will always complain and will never be satisfied!

Sincerely,

Tanya Niamatali

constructing new prisons and living quarters, upgrading facilities, modernising penal legislation, and enhancing the successful re-

To showcase the outcomes of the reform programmes, products crafted by inmates from Lusignan, Mazaruni, and New Amsterdam Prisons were displayed at the exhibition on Friday.

Inmates involved in welding and construction exhibited a range of products, including lamps, fireside stoves, desks, benches, bed frames, and chair sets. Those participating in food preparation showcased seasonings and meals, while a unique programme allowed them to produce skin moisturisers.

Additionally, inmates engaged in barbering and craftsmanship, highlighted the diverse skills being nurtured within the prison system.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn assisting a young girl to cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the exhibition on Friday

Minister Benn examining one of the many products on display at the exhibition

Another piece made by inmates on display

Page Foundation

Power Up Maths

Question 1:

Test Questions

1a)

If 60km = half of the journey Total

= 60km x 2 = 120km

(CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY)

BY OVID

His every possession was converted To what he could devour Till nothing remained except a daughter. This only child deserved a better father. His last chattel, he cashed her in for food. He sold her, at the market. But she was far too spirited To stay as a bought slave.

Stretching her arms towards the sea, she cried:

“You who ravished my maidenhead, save me.” Neptune knew the voice of his pretty victim And granted the prayer.

Her new owner, Who minutes ago was admiring the girl he had bought, Nowsaw only Neptune’s art––featured And clothed like a fisherman. Perplexed, He spoke to this stranger directly.

“You with your fishing tackle, hiding your barbs In tiny gobbets of bait––may you have good weather And plenty of silly fish that never notice The hook till it’s caught them!––can you tell me

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate force and motion by building a cotton ball catapult.

Materials:

Cotton balls (you can also use some other soft item to launch)

4 rubber bands

Plastic cap from a two-litre drink bottle

7 Popsicle sticks

Paint (optional)

Glue

Instructions:

Pile up five of the popsicle sticks in a stack on top of each other.

Then use two of the rubber bands to tie the ends and hold the sticks together.

Now put two of the popsicle sticks

together and wrap a rubber band around one of the ends to hold the sticks together. Separate the two popsicle sticks gently and do so in a way that keeps the rubber band from sliding off the one end.

Position the pile of five popsicle sticks in between the two popsicle sticks you have pried open.

Utilising the remaining rubber band, wrap it around the two open popsicle sticks and the stack of five popsicle sticks to secure the catapult together.

Now glue a plastic cap to the end of the popsicle stick to function as a holder for the cotton ball to be launched.

Press down on the top popsicle stick and let go to launch the cotton ball from the plastic cap.

How it works:

The cotton ball catapult works because energy can be converted from one type to another and transferred from one item to another. There is potential energy stored in your catapult when you push it down. When you release the catapult, the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy (motion) and transferred to the cotton ball. Make this a science project: Try using different materials and build a larger catapult. Try launching different shaped items that weigh the same and observe any differences. Try adjusting the amount or size of rubber bands. (sciencefun.org)

“Where is the girl who was here a moment ago? Her hair loose, and dressed in the cheapest things, She was standing right here where her footprints––Look––stop, and go no further. Where is she?”

The girl guessed what the god had done for her. She smiled to hear herself asked where she might be. Then to the man parted from his money: “I’m sorry, my attention has been fixed “On the fish in this hole. But I promise you, By all the help I pray for from Neptune, Nobody has come along this beach For quite awhile--and certainly no woman.”

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

T&T Manufacturers’ Association to field trade mission to Guyana

With the aim of further enhancing trade relations between the two countries, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) will be hosting a trade mission to Guyana next month.

The delegation will be led by the TTMA’s President, Roger Roach, during the four-day visit which will run from October 3 to 7, 2023.

This year, the delegation will consist of 31 companies and 45 participants, including representatives from Eximbank and ExporTT Limited.

The sectors participating consist of food and beverage, chemical, construction, household products, agro-processing, cargo and services.

According to the TTMA, this mission aims to strengthen ties between the two Caribbean Community (Caricom) neighbours and

foster new relationships between T&T and Guyanese companies.

“Guyana will continue to be on the trade mission schedule for the TTMA, due to the opportunities presented for mutual trade.

TTMA looks forward to a successful event as we continue to strengthen ties between the business communities of both countries,” the

Association said.

Guyana remains a significant trading partner for T&T, ranking in the top five export destinations in the Caribbean. Main exports consist of mineral fuels, beverages, food and beverage items, chemical products, and paper-related commodities just to name a few.

This trade mission is the second consecutive physical

trade mission to Guyana for the TTMA since COVID-19, with a virtual trade mission being held in 2021 and the first in-person mission last year. The March 2022 mission comprised 23 T&T manufacturers and was hailed a success by both the Association as well as the Trinidadian Government.

During that visit, engagements were held be-

tween companies from the two Caribbean nations as well as the TTMA and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).

On Friday, Trinidad’s Ministry of Trade and Industry applauded the TTMA on its planned trade mission to Guyana, which it noted will be the Association’s third visit.

“It is therefore encouraging to observe a progressive growth in the interest by local companies, as well as those in Guyana, to actively engage and explore trade partnering opportunities… The Ministry of Trade and Industry extends its best wishes to the TTMA and all participating companies and looks forward to the successes to be derived from this trade mission to Guyana,” the T&T Government agency said.

For the period 2018 –2022, Trinidad and Tobago

have been a net exporter to Guyana, with trade surpluses being recorded over the period. Guyana has consistently been a top market within Caricom for Trinidad and Tobago’s non-energy exports.

In 2021, Guyana was the second-largest destination for Trinidad and Tobago’s total and non-energy exports. Bearing in mind the attractiveness of the Guyanese market, and with Guyana being a fellow Caricom Member State, there is an abundance of opportunities that exist through the import and export of non-energy products between both countries.

The TTMA has already executed several trade missions in 2023 to Grenada, the Dominican Republic, Suriname and St Lucia as part of its mandate to expand exports both regionally and internationally.

Electricity conservation necessary to mitigate hike in demand – GPL tells consumers

The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has recorded its highest-ever electricity generation and demand in the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS), leading the utility company to encourage consumers to practice electricity conservation.

The company recorded a peak demand of 182 Megawatts (MW) compared to 154 MW for the corresponding period last year.

This notable increase in electricity generation and consumption can be attributed to the increasingly high temperatures over the past few months and growth in the housing and commercial sectors, the utility company deduced.

GPL in a published notice stated, “This situation is not unique to GPL, as countries around the Caribbean and the world are facing similar energy challenges. Neighbouring Trinidad recorded its highest-ever electricity consumption in August.”

The rise in temperature has led to heightened use of air conditioning units and fans. In some instances, AC units and fans are left on in homes and businesses that are unoccupied, resulting in unnecessary energy wastage.

To cushion the effects of this situation, GPL is seeking the support and cooperation of our customers in adopting conscientious electricity conservation practices.

These conservation practices are: unplug appliances when not in use; turn off fans and lights before leaving rooms; unplug stereo sys-

tems, computers, printers, and TVs that are not in use.

If these must remain plugged in, ensure they are in energy-saving mode. Persons can also use LEDs as they consume significantly less electricity and generate less heat.

Factories, manufacturers, and other large customers should manage their production schedules efficiently to conserve electricity. Schedule laundry and ironing on one day instead of multiple days.

“GPL will continue to closely monitor this situation and encourage all customers to embrace electricity conservation as a daily practice,” the power compa-

ny added.

The Government is aiming for a massive energy mix to ensure stable electricity output with the multibillion-dollar transformational gas-to-energy project which includes the construction of an integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

By 2025, with 300MW of new baseload capacity provided with natural gas, the reliability of the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS) grid will increase while the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions associated with electricity

generation will be reduced by half.

The plant aims to reduce the cost of energy by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix, thereby potentially saving Guyana US$150 million on power generation annually. Through the turbines used at the plant, 300 MW of energy will be generated, which is double the amount that GPL currently provides.

In June, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced that there was ac-

tive interest from Brazil to bring the Amaila Falls project to life after it was hindered when the China Railway First Group (CRFG), the company that won the contract, had informed the Government of its difficulties meeting the contractual obligations.

This project will be based on a Build-Own-OperateTransfer (BOOT) model where the company will supply electricity to GPL Inc at a cost not exceeding

US$0.07737 per kWh and where the company will provide the entire equity required by the project and undertake all the risks associated with the project.

Meanwhile, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) had approved the use of US$83.8 million, earned from Norway to keep Guyana’s rainforests intact, for the construction of eight solar farms that aim to add renewable energy sources to Guyana’s grid.

The trade mission fielded by the TTMA in March 2022

Berbice taxi driver slapped with 12 charges for driving with cop on bonnet

Crisis…

…in Opposition ranks

Ataxi driver who reportedly hit a Police officer with his car on Wednesday, September 27, and carried him on the bonnet through the streets of New Amsterdam, has been slapped with 12 charges.

Prince Sinclair, 37, of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice appeared on Friday before New Amsterdam Magistrate Renita Singh and had the charges read to him.

Police have said that at Main Street, Pitt Street, and Pope Street in New Amsterdam, he drove in a manner dangerous to the public. As such, he has been slapped with three dangerous driving charges.

He has also been charged with behaving in a disorderly manner, and with causing actual bodily harm to Constable Daniel Fredricks, who was at the

time performing traffic duties along Main Street, New Amsterdam. Reports are that Sinclair drove motor car PLL 4242 in a dangerous manner, and failed to stop when he was directed to do so by the Police officer.

Sinclair has also been charged with driving a vehicle without wearing his seatbelt, failing to have all parts and accessories of the vehicle maintained in such a condition that no danger is likely to be caused to other persons using the said road, stopping within 30 feet of a corner, and driving a motorcar with a tint to the extent that it obstructed identification of the driver and occupants travelling in said vehicle.

Sinclair pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and Attorney-at-Law

Tuana Hardy who repre -

sented him told the court that the vehicle was parked in front of a relative’s business place along Main Street when the accused was asked to move the vehicle.

She also told the court that the accused is willing and ready to compensate the Police Constable. According to the attorney, Sinclair is expected to undergo surgery due to an illness.

As such, Magistrate Singh granted Sinclair bail to the tune of $145,000, and instructed him to lodge his passport with the court. He will return to court on October 27.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force, in a statement, said Constable Fredricks was on patrol duty with the Force’s motorcycle, CL 2610, along Main Street, New Amsterdam

when he observed motorcar PLL 4242 parked within 30 feet of Shoe Lane and Main Street, obstructing the free flow of traffic. As such, Constable Fredricks approached Sinclair and told him of the offence committed.

Sinclair got angry, and started to use a series of expletives at the cop. He then entered his car, drove it towards the Police rank, and hit the rank on his right foot. Constable Fredricks fell on the car bonnet, and Sinclair continued to drive along Main Street and then on to Republic Road. After the car had come to a halt, the constable was escorted to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where a doctor on duty treated him for his injury and later sent him away.

Trio jailed, fined $1.7M each for drug trafficking

27, 2023 at their residence at Lot 295 Shantiniketan Street, Prasad Nagar, Georgetown. The drug has a local street value of $1.1 million.

CANU reported that on the day in question, its ranks conducted an operation at the premises along Shantiniketan Street, Prasad Nagar, Georgetown and discovered the cocaine. The three convicts were present during that operation.

If nothing else, the pilgrimage by the Opposition top brass to Washington to meet the Congressional Black Congress (CBC) - while participating in the “Guyana Conference” organized by their chief hatchet man from Brooklyn – has exposed their utter bankruptcy in honing an effective strategy to get back into office. It started right after they were able to do just that in 2015 - by going into a coalition with the AFC and garner enough votes from outside the PNC’s traditional African base to gain a majority.

Now, a standard rule in politics is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”!! Leave the thing that made you succeed damn well alone!! But the Sanctimonious Gangster just couldn’t help himself; he just had to kick the AFC to the curb by shuttering sugar and throwing thousands of their supporters on the breadline. They thus shot the PNC in the foot – and have been unable to even crawl forward politically, much less rise up. Their screams that the US “installed” the PPP into office - after they were caught in flagrante delicto with their hands in the ballot boxes - didn’t actually endear them with that country.

But this latest trip to Washington has exposed their intellectual bankruptcy further. What’s the point of claiming rampant discrimination against African-Guyanese when you can’t produce the numbers?? Doesn’t this prove that their earlier claims – say, about African contractors being locked out of construction bids - were just so much hot air?? It led to their hosts asking them for proof!!

But the most trenchant implicit criticism was the question “Where’s their development plan?” They were being reminded that an opposition’s gotta show voters that the incumbent government ain’t doing its job, and the opposition has a better plan!! But we in Guyana know this to our cost, don’t we?? Rather than just cussing out the PPP for, say, it’s subsidising the sugar industry, why don’t they come up with an explicit plan as to what they’d do if voted in?? Will they shut down the entire operations?? Their criticisms seem to suggest as much – but why don’t they say it outright?? The problem is they can’t say it, because they’ll have to say what they’d then do with the eight thousand or so remaining workers!! And will then be justifying the PPP’s subsidies from the same social responsibility playbook being used by the Government!!

The PNC - by their inability to formulate policies and recruit leaders who can run Guyana effectively – can then either scamper abroad to beg for interventions to install them into office, as they’re doing now; or try to rig elections.

Nothing’s changed since the sixties – except the PPP’s acceptance of real politik to not tee off the Yanks!!

…from Venezuelan refugees

Hot on the heels of news that a record 400,000 refugees just crossed Panama’s Darien Gap on their way to the USA comes news that a large boat from Venezuela just showed up off Bushy Park, at East Bank Essequibo, and disgorged over 80 Venezuelan refugees. As the Yanks apply pressure at their border to stem the tide of humanity headed their way, we can expect our refugee numbers to rise precipitously. That mass of humanity’s gotta find a way out!

Three persons nabbed with narcotics by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) were on Friday found guilty as charged at the conclusion of their trial before Georgetown

Magistrate Annette Singh. They have each been sentenced to a two-year term of imprisonment, and have each been fined $1.7 million.

Lena Narine, 63,

Sherlan Edmonson, 54, and Earl Branch, 49, were charged in January of this year with the offence of trafficking 1.050 kilograms (2.3 pounds) of cocaine, found on January

Narine had been arrested in 2022 after 10 parcels of cocaine and a quantity of ecstasy were found at 295 Shantiniketan Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown. This publication is, however, unaware of the legal status of that matter.

From the reports, we learn that the new refugees have relatives and friends from previous waves, who give them info on where to land, and are there waiting to receive and shelter them. As such, we can expect the refugee numbers to continue to soar. The question is whether we can absorb them without disrupting our already troubled social order!! Was the move to make Spanish our second language meant to deal with this new demographic??

Won’t we then be strengthening Maduro’s claim? …in the US

The US is again on the verge of a governmental shutdown that’ll deny millions of citizens critical services. So, should we adopt their checks-and-balances structure to allow the PNC to do the same here?

Charged: Prince Sinclair

The Police constable on the bonnet of the car

Jailed: Lena Narine Jailed: Earl Branch Jailed: Sherlan Edmonson

Investors “overwhelmingly confident” in Guyana, PPP/C Govt – Jagdeo – as $1B West Central Mall opens at Leonora

port private sector investment

and development. He noted that because of this economic development policy of the Government, there has been a developmental explosion across the country.

However, the Vice President posited that with this success comes challenges that the Government has had to grapple with such as high prices and shortages of building materials as well as shortage of skilled labour.

labour… Guyana needs about 100,000 more skilled labourers right now because of the [ongoing and future] development of the country and the vision the Government has for the country,” he stated.

According to Albert, the mall is a much-needed facility in Region Three, which he noted will not only contribute to the development and future growth of West Demerara but also to the country.

The physical landscape and economy of Region

Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) continue to be transformed with projects such as the $1 billion West Central Mall

the supporting facilities of the PPP/Civic Government. It’s the ability to chart a course to ensure that we achieve those results and that is why, not just here in this venture, but right across the country, you

In fact, labour shortage was one of the setbacks that the executives of West Central Mall Incorporated had to face during the two-and-a-halfyear construction of the facility.

During his remarks, Developer Hemraj Albert said the road to the finish line was not easy.

“We faced many challenges such as logistics, weather, increased prices of materials and significant shortages of

“The gap between a social entity for entertainment and cohesion was missing in Region Three. It was with this gap that we prospected with ideas when we acquired the land and I am pleased to say that the idea of a shopping mall was birthed,” the businessman noted.

With Region Three pegged as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, Albert said he and his family are proud to be part of that development story.

Meanwhile, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond in brief remarks, highlighted the tourism pull and attraction that the West Central Mall brings. She said projects being undertaken now such as this new mall and all its worldclass facilities have demonstrated the fact that the standard is being raised in terms of development in the region.

According to the Minister, with increasing visitors every year to Guyana – this month

alone recording a 12 per cent hike, facilities such as the mall add to the country’s tourism product and offer more to persons outside of the capital city.

“So, now when our visitors come to Guyana, it’s not just Georgetown they’re coming to; that we’re able to present the entire Guyana. There is something, there is an experience for everyone in every single part of the country that you go and that is significant,” Walrond stressed. (G-8)

that was opened on Friday at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, these investments are reflective of the confidence that the private sector has in the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

Boasting a diverse shopping experience with over 50 stores, nine fast food restaurants in a 250-capacity food court as well as a fine-dining restaurant – Atlantis Cuisine, the Ace Bar and Lounge, and the largest kids play area equipped with a ball pit pool, slides, mini trampoline, and a zipline, the West Central Mall Incorporated is a family venture undertaken by Hemraj Albert, his wife, and children.

One of the main features of the 98,000-square-foot facility is its two-screen theatre that has 2D and 3D capacity.

The mega mall – the first of its kind in Region Three – was commissioned by the Albert family and Vice President Jagdeo on Friday evening.

During his feature address, Jagdeo pointed out that this massive investment undertaken by the Albert family is due to the economic dynamism of the local private sector. He noted that a lot of investors have noticed and are taking advantage of the pro-business signal being sent by the PPP/C Administration – driven mainly by its economic and developmental policies.

“An economy operates on confidence as much as it operates on fiscal incentives. When you speak to the private sector across this country, they are overwhelmingly confident about the direction that our country is going in and

see similar facilities being put in place,” the Vice President stated.

According to Jagdeo, investors have to make critical decisions and often take a lot of risks, hence the current Dr Irfaan Ali-led Administration strongly believes in minimising those risks to encourage private sector investments. This, he noted, however, can only be done through a clear vision and policies to support that vision – policies that are friendly to investments as well as job creation.

Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the ruling PPP/C, recalled when the party was in Opposition during the 2015 to 2020 period, it had observed the widespread disincentives hindering investment under the then APNU/AFC coalition and recognised that the Guyanese economy would not expand and create jobs or wealth for the people.

Against this backdrop, they came up with a strategy to transform the country with a stable macroeconomic environment, enabling infrastructure and a reduction of the burdensome taxations imposed by the previous regime.

He pointed out that “propoor” and “pro-private sector” were the main objectives of the PPP/C economic philosophy – something which they were heavily criticised for and many thought could not be achieved.

VP Jagdeo outlined that they have proven the naysayers wrong, having injected over $100 billion in disposable income into the pockets of Guyanese in the past few years and expending billions of dollars into infrastructure and other areas to sup-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the opening of West Central Mall at Leonora on Friday

The $1B West Central Mall at Leonora, West Coast Demerara was opened to the public today

Developer of West Central Mall, Hemraj Albert

Graham’s Hall student sent home for wearing Indigenous outfit

– Minister, school later apologise

Graham’s Hall Primary School

In the height of Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations across the country, a student of Graham’s Hall Primary School was on Friday sent home for her cultural wear –which prompted immediate intervention to correct this blunder.

The mother of the child took to social media, explaining that her child was asked to wear an Indigenous outfit to school. After spending some $8000 for an outfit and getting her daughter ready, the student was turned away and was reportedly told that she could not “go in the school like that”.

However, the matter was swiftly rectified when Education Minister Priya Manickchand subsequently responded that the school was contacted. Later, she posted, “This child is in her classroom. The school apologises.”

While it is not the first time that a child wearing an Indigenous outfit was sent home, persons raised concerns over the acceptance of the Amerindian culture, particularly in relation to their traditional clothing.

Back in 2018, a pub-

lic outcry ignited after Mae’s Schools deemed an Indigenous student’s cultural outfit inappropriate, which saw the National Toshaos Council (NTC) joining forces with the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) and Red Thread in criticising the actions taken by the administration of the private institution.

The mother of the child shared that her son was brought to tears and then expressed loathing for the costume which he once admired after he was turned back at the gate – a move which the school said was taken after they deemed his outfit “inappropriate”.

This resistance led to an apology being issued to the nine-year-old boy, who was affected by the school’s stance.

Amerindian Heritage Month is being celebrated under the theme “Celebrating Our Traditional Culture While Building One Guyana”.

Only a few weeks ago, a child attending a school on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) was sent home for wearing a Raksha Bandhan on his wrist. This was not

taken lightly by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS). The Education Minister was quick to respond and offer an apology while noting that children should be able to observe tradition without being victimised.

Further, only recently, a child was sent home for an inappropriate hairstyle –something that had caused a public outrage. Again, the Minister intervened, apologised and related that no child should be sent home for a preferred hairstyle.

Security officer jailed for smuggling ganja in sneakers into Camp St Prison

A21-year-old woman who attempted to sneak 106 grams of marijuana into the Camp Street Prison in Georgetown was on Friday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Teana Anderson, a security guard of “C” Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, pleaded guilty to trafficking in narcotics before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, while explaining that she was unaware of what was inside the bag, given to her by someone to take for a prisoner.

Before passing sentence on Anderson, Magistrate Daly inquired if she had anything to say, and the unrepresented woman replied, “No”.

Apart from the custodial sentence, Anderson has been fined $30,000.

The woman was held at about 13:15h at the penitentiary, where she had gone to take a package for inmate Akeem Edwards, who is serving a lengthy sentence for murder.

When Anderson arrived at the facility, a search was

conducted on a black plastic bag she was carrying, and a diligent check unearthed a quantity of cannabis hidden under the sole of a sneaker.

As such, she was told of the offence, cautioned and arrested, before being escorted with the narcotics to the Alberttown Police Station in Georgetown.

Efforts to smuggle drugs into the prisons have caused Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot to emphasize that smuggling contraband into a correctional facility is a felony with serious repercussions. He is urging citizens to understand the risks they pose to themselves, society, convicts, and officers by dealing in contraband inside the walls of the prisons.

In the meantime, he is praising the prison guards for their vigilance.

In February 2022, Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry had sentenced Edwards to 47 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of a murder charge over the killing of a fellow inmate.

On September 14, 2014, in the county of Essequibo, Edwards murdered 21-year-old Teon Smith, who was at the time serving a five-year sentence for robbery under arms. Edwards must serve 40 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

The child wearing the Indigenous outfit

Jailed: Teana Anderson

Optique Vision Care announces 1st specialty eye hospital for 2024 completion

Mall and Giftland Mall.

However, the sixth undertaking will be one of its kind for the private optical industry.

“We will be the first private-owned specialty hospital in Guyana. The first phase of this project is under construction,” the CEO stated.

The new hospital will be located at Lot 350 New Market Street, Georgetown, and will provide a full suite of eye care surgeries to complement existing services and intended to serve not just Guyana but the Caribbean. It is another investment made in line with capitalising on the developmental boom and transformation that the country is experiencing.

Optique Vision Care has commenced the construction of Guyana’s first privately-owned specialty hospital, earmarked for an August 2024 opening.

This announcement was made on Friday during an event at Herdmanston Lodge to celebrate the 10th

anniversary of Optique Vision Care in Guyana.

Starting their first location in Mahaica from small beginnings, Optique Vision Care has become a household name in the optic industry. Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dhani Narine, shared that they now operate at five locations, including Amazonia

“As a company, we are proud to be part of and to embrace the country’s national development plan, including medical tourism. We see this as the next chapter in Optique’s journey and look forward to providing even more employment opportunities for Guyanese. It is with a sense of purpose that we recommit ourselves to bring a sense of ultimate satisfaction to those who rely on our services.”

Narine outlined that the

Sir Ronald Sanders to return as President of OAS Permanent Council

Guyanese-born Caribbean diplomat, Sir Ronald Sanders, who currently serves as Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the Organisation of American States, is set to create history by assuming the presidency of the OAS Permanent Council for an unprecedented third term.

This remarkable achievement marks another significant ‘first’ for Antigua and Barbuda since the OAS expanded its membership 61 years ago.

Sir Ronald’s third official term commences on October 1, 2023. He has already demonstrated his leadership and commitment by serving as President on various critical occasions, including acting as President over five sessions in the past two weeks alone.

His previous official tenures as President in 2016 and 2021 saw him steering the OAS Permanent Council’s response to political crises in nations like Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. As a pivotal figure within the Organisation, Sir Ronald has been instrumental in drafting, negotiating, and endorsing resolutions, declarations, and statements that resonate with countries across the hemisphere.

Ambassador Sanders

has consistently voiced significant issues pertaining to the Caribbean, taking a strong stance on matters like climate change, racism, discrimination, reparations for slavery, women’s rights, and the urgent call for social justice and equity.

In recognition of this historic accomplishment, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister, E Paul Chet Greene, expressed the Government’s profound pleasure.

“Ambassador Sanders’ record-setting leadership at the OAS amidst a plethora of challenges facing the nations of our hemisphere un-

company has made many breakthroughs over the decade, including providing jobs for persons leaving the University of Guyana (UG) and being the first to use an electronic health record system in the optical industry in the country.

“A brand that we are all very proud of from the inception of its vision, that is Optique Vision Care; a

brand that our customers are proud of and inspire our team. Optique Vision Care was born out of a desire to see all Guyanese experiencing healthy eye care and being facilitated with a means to achieve this,” he shared.

Marketing and Events Coordinator, Kamaria Daniels highlighted that over the past decade, Optique Vision Care has

been responsible for many social projects, working with Rotary Clubs, United Women for Special Children, the Office of the First Lady, and other volunteer networks.

“The unmistakable spirit of community, which is one of the building blocks of Optique Vision Care, undertakes and plays a vital part in the corporate social responsibility as seen in its commitment to visiting communities [where] proper eye care is unavailable.”

Recently, 100 children from various homes benefitted from spectacles. United Woman for Special Children, Ann Geer shared in her testimony, “I believe your corporate social responsibility that doesn’t come from what society dictates as a business entity, but rather from your hearts…I think I speak for [other recipients] when I say we’re very appreciative of your generous gift of improved vision.”

equivocally demonstrates that a country’s size is no barrier to its ability to lead effectively, provided it is armed with knowledge and experience,” Minister Greene stated.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Sanders disclosed that his third presidency’s agenda would prominently feature critical issues like climate change, guns, gangs, violence, and access to concessional financing for development. He aims to improve the inter-American system and anticipates addressing the ongoing situations in Haiti, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dhani Narine

An artistic impression of the new Optique Eye Hospital, once completed

Sir Ronald Sanders is set to service his third term as President of the OAS Permanent Council

Govt commissions spanking new $28M Haslington Nursery School

foundation for children to be successful as they move through the school system.

Further, Manickchand said that the Government of Guyana through her Ministry will continue to support teachers and students.

She spoke about the recently distributed school grants that can be used to purchase items to enhance the school and ensure its smooth functioning. Haslington Nursery School currently has 60 pupils on register. This amounts to a total of $240,000 per term at $4000 per child.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

on Friday commissioned the spanking new Haslington Nursery School, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), which was constructed to the tune of $28,129,000.

Delivering the feature address, the Minister en-

couraged parents to play a greater role in the lives of their children so that they can receive an education. At the same time, she charged the teachers to continue working with their pupils to ensure that they can read at their grade level.

She noted that this will go a long way in setting the

Minister Manickchand told parents that even though the grants are given to support the work of the school, they should still play an active role in the life of the school through the Parent Teacher Association. She said the new school is more than a building. “In this building, children will attend school, and they will leave ready to help run this country, to help to run this world. So, it is far more than a building, but it must have begun with

a building,” she noted.

The Education Minister said the Government of Guyana is investing in children across Guyana and

buildings, classrooms, laboratories, and equipment - educational infrastructure - are crucial elements of school learning environ-

cellent work to improve the quality of education infrastructure in the region.

Also present at the commissioning ceremony was

will continue to do so to produce the quality of citizens that can further develop and move Guyana forward.

Assistant Chief Education Officer (CEO), Devendra Persaud ex-

ments. There is strong evidence that high-quality infrastructure facilitates better instruction, improves student outcomes, and reduces dropout rates, among other benefits.”

the Regional Education Officer, Adrian Elgin, who stated that he was honoured to witness the commissioning of the school.

On behalf of the Regional Democratic Council

plained that the new structure is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to enhance school structures across the country so that children can enjoy the best facilities to acquire an education.

“I firmly believe that

He further added that nursery education is paramount in developing a well-rounded child.

Persaud, however, applauded the regional administration and the Department of Education for Region Four for their ex-

and the Department of Education, he thanked the Education Ministry and the Government of Guyana for ensuring the region and the community of Haslington received a brand-new nursery school.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand unveiling the plaque with a pupil of the school and the Head Mistress

The old Haslington Nursery School

The new Haslington Nursery School

Regional Education Officer Adrian Elgin handing over the keys to Head Mistress of the school in the presence of Education Minister Priya Manickchand

GBTI awards 15 students with bursaries for exemplary performance at NGSA 2023

Three years after its pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s (GBTI) bursary programme returned on Friday, with 15 students being presented monetary awards for their successful performance at the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

The students – members of the Bank’s Early Savers Club – were randomly selected after submitting their results at the national exam earlier this year and received this honour at the Bank’s Kingston, Georgetown branch.

The awardees include Top 1 per cent performer Jada Pike of Queen’s College

alongside Nekemiyah Cumminga of St Stanislaus College; Davidge Rock of St Joseph High School; Avron

Doodnauth of Anna Regina

Multilateral; Noel Campbell of Diamond Secondary; Addison Cain of The Bishops’ High School; Kaiden Bobb of Christ Church Secondary; Clint Phillip and Ariel Adams of St Joseph High School; Nicholai Chong of Mae’s Secondary; Malia

Morgan of North Georgetown

Secondary; Zaundreah

Benn of West Demerara

Secondary; Troyden Success of Bygeval Secondary; Raiyad Shahabudeen of St Rose’s High and Ahyalla

Deonarine of Anna Regina

Secondary. Chief Executive Officer

(CEO) of the banking institution, James Foster explained that this monetary award aims to aid the students with their school needs, thereby easing the financial burden on their parents and guardians.

“Continuous programmes make it more manageable for parents to finance their children’s education. We believe consistent support can lead to better academic performance as students can focus on learning without having to worry about finances,” Foster said.

He added that this investment in education can further positively contribute to improved economic opportunities and social development within the country.

Foster noted that the Early Savers Programme is one way the Bank seeks to support the growth and development of young citizens as not only do they develop saving habits but also discipline.

Along those lines, Foster disclosed that the bursary award programme will continue to grow to respond to the needs of students.

“We plan to complement the bursary programme currently in place with opportunities to build careers, not only within Guyana but also in the Region,” Foster said, urging students to keep their

eyes open for these upcoming changes.

As the 15 awardees embark on their high school journey, the GBTI CEO advised them to be brave, do what is right and not what feels good, and ground themselves in values that last, like honesty, hard work, responsibility, fairness, generosity and respect for others, and above all, to be kind.

“Secondary school is the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter that influences many aspects of your life; personal and career goals are created and enhanced, key friendships and relation-

ships are formed, and nurtured,” Foster said.

“It is therefore important that you remain resolute to the values instilled by your parents, embrace the expectations of your parents, teachers and community but most importantly, embody what you want to achieve for yourself,” he added.

On behalf of the students, Noel Campbell of Diamond Secondary extended appreciation to the Bank for its recognition of their performance, as he noted it will contribute greatly to their secondary education and overall success.

(Pooja Rambaran)

UG, JetBlue collaborate to host Wellness Expo on mental health

JADE during the expo’s opening, the team highlighted the importance of properly addressing mental health concerns, noting that mental health conditions are largely widespread, untreated and under-resourced.

Notably, one in eight persons live with a mental health condition, 71 per cent of people with psychosis do not receive mental health services, and only two per cent of health budgets, on average, go to mental health.

Aiming to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, JetBlue African Diaspora Experience (JADE) and Blue Abilities, in collaboration with the University of Guyana (UG), on Friday hosted a Wellness Expo themed “Balancing Emotional, Physical and Financial Health.”

This one-day affair was held at UG’s Turkeyen Campus and allowed persons to take advantage of free health screening, communicate with counsellors onsite, witness a fitness demo and sample some healthy food options.

During the event’s opening ceremony, JetBlue JADE’s Co-chair, KellyMarie Mingo noted that this initiative falls in line

with the airline’s continuous goal of inspiring humanity.

“JADE, JetBlue’s African Diaspora Experience, was founded in 2017 to inspire and support our crew members from the African diaspora. Through programmes like these, we are able to touch not only our crew members but our customers as well,” Mingo said.

“In partnership with other groups like Blue Abilities, we’re able to bring thoughtful programming in the mental health arena. We’re very happy to be here on the ground in Guyana,” Mingo said.

Suicide prevention

During a short video presentation by JetBlue

In moves to increase public knowledge of how to aid those in need, the video shared information on suicide warning signs.

These include drastic changes in mood or behaviour, frequently talking about death, having a sense of hopelessness, substance abuse, depicting aggressiveness or irritability, giving things away and making funeral arrangements.

To that end, the video added useful guidelines on how to approach someone who may need assistance--choosing a time and place to speak privately, having a calm conversation and sharing reasons for concerns.

Persons initiating these conversations are advised to avoid being judgmental or immediately problem-solve and try to change the other’s mood, and in-

stead be patient, listen compassionately and give their full attention.

When asking questions, the recommended approach is to use clear, precise language like “Are you thinking about suicide?” instead of vague language like “You’re not going to do anything crazy, are you?”

For further professional assistance, those in need are encouraged to call the helplines: 223-0001, 223009, 600-7896, and 6234444. Additional resources include the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s hotline 914 and the Health Ministry’s Mental Health Unit hotline at 655-SAFE (7233), 266-

1407 or 226-7400.

National and regional response

With Guyana recording one of the highest suicide rates in the world, the National Assembly last November passed the Suicide Prevention Bill 2022 in a move to decriminalise suicide and provide measures to fight against its high occurrence.

As such, the Bill speaks to the provision of suicide prevention services and support to survivors of suicide, persons with suicidal ideations and those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Meanwhile, the Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) recently approved a new re-

gional strategy aimed at improving mental health and suicide prevention in the Americas and mobilising resources to respond to the demand for care.

The new strategy responds to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the increased prevalence of mental health problems and related disruptions in essential services.

The Strategy for Improving Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the Region of the Americas will guide PAHO Member States in their efforts through an equity- and rights-based approach to mental health care, taking into account the national context, needs and priorities.

GBTI presented new high schoolers with bursary awards

GBTI officials and awardees

JetBlue JADE’s co-chair Kelly-Marie Mingo Mental Health Resources

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fire reignited at burnt remains of Saffon Street supermarket

“The owner supposed to come clean up this place because Rambarran done clean up his place. When the junkies go in there and they smoke and they fall to sleep, it lighting back. The smoke killing all of we. If the fire spread to Sussex Street, we will get caught. [The owners] supposed to come and move out his things,” said neighbour, Tessa Cheeks.

Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Officer Thomas explained that after the Fire Service declared the scene of the fire safe months ago, the onus was on the owners to take care of cleaning up the area. He noted that this is approximately the third time firefighters have been called to the same scene.

Almost three months after a fire destroyed a supermarket on Saffon and Sussex Streets in Georgetown, its remains were set aflame once again on Friday afternoon, with preliminary reports pointing towards it being the work of vagrants.

The fire reportedly started around 16:00h, though neighbours of the burnt building say its debris has caught aflame sev -

eral times over the weeks–a result of the owner allegedly not clearing up the remains.

In July, firefighters rescued five Chinese nationals who were trapped in the two-storey Hong Wei Supermarket after a fire started in the building that is reportedly owned by the proprietors of Ravina Anand’s Home Goods.

Despite efforts by the Fire Service, the build -

ing was gutted, with eyewitnesses saying that the upper flat collapsed first while the second was completely charred.

The neighbouring building, also destroyed by the fire, was a meat centre owned by Alvin Rambarran.

Neighbours of the building expressed that the area had not been properly cleared after the initial fire, thereby causing these subsequent occurrences.

“As I got the report of the call, I came right over. I think it’s just vagrants who set this place on fire, who lit up the garbage. It’s rubbish basically–they just lit it and it went undetected. We were called when there was already a large fire,” Thomas said.

“We would only be called when there’s a large fire. When we get here and we try to find out information from persons, they’re refusing to say who exactly lit it so we can’t safely say who it is but we know the area is prone to vagrants,” Thomas said.

– GLDA Head

The distribution of the Black Giant chicken programme is moving apace, as over 63,000 Black Giant chickens were distributed across the hinterland regions and other parts of the country.

The distribution forms part of a concerted effort to grow the local poultry sector by introducing a resilient breed of chicken.

Black Giant chickens provide a sustainable source of high-quality protein.

It is a sizable dual-purpose bird that can produce up to 200 eggs annually and roughly 4.5 kilograms of meat. While every Guyanese is catered for in this programme, priority is given to women, vulnerable groups and youths.

This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Dr Dwight Walrond on Wednesday during an interview.

“If we look at the figure last year, we would have distributed a total of 63,000-plus Black Giant birds. Of that 63,000, 52,000 would have been distributed in the hinterland communities, in all ten administrative regions. But a lot of it went into the hinterland communities, to ensure that we can satisfy the protein needs of those communities,” Dr Walrond explained.

The programme has not only helped to provide in-

come-generating opportunities beyond poultry production. Among these are transportation, feed supply, and processing.

“But to complement what we are doing; we have 100 farmers who are registered with us as breeders. So, they are just multiplying and hatching the eggs to assist with the distribution. They are also making money in the process.

These birds can graze, forage, consume leftover food from the kitchen, and still produce in a respectable manner.

The introduction of the Black Giant birds, especially in the hinterland, is due to their adaptability, as well as the low maintenance cost.

Dr Walrond said, “If we decide to take broilers to those communities, the environmental conditions will not be suitable for them. These are the temperature and hu-

midity. Then, you look at big part which is access to feed.

The logistics cost in getting the feed into those communities, in some cases, would be more than the cost of the feed itself…With the Black Giant chicks, you are guaranteed over 260 eggs per year from each female.

One of the challenges, Dr Walrond explained, is the high demand for the meat from various restaurants and other entities.

In terms of meat production, Dr Walrond noted that the male chickens will provide five to six pounds of meat at nine weeks, “For us, it is not just looking at the annual meat production from the Black Giant programme, but the eggs. If you look at the cost for Black Giant eggs compared to the Rhode Island Red and the Hy-Line Whites, it is way above because the demand is so high because they are bigger.”

Fire erupted again at Saffon Street supermarket debris

Over 63,000 Black Giant chicks distributed countrywide

Black giant chicks

80 smuggled Venezuelans remain in Police custody

Man remanded for killing Venezuelan woman at Kaikan village

Smuggled onto Guyana’s shores on Thursday, some 80 Venezuelan nationals have been detained by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) after they arrived at Tuschen on the East Bank of Essequibo.

The Venezuelans which included children, arrived in Guyana on Thursday through the Atlantic Ocean – one of the common routes taken by refugees to flee the current deprivations in their homeland.

A video surfaced on social media, showing scores of persons disembarking from a large boat with their belongings. They fetched their bags onto the seawall along the West Coast of Demerara (WCD). Also, in their possession were over 200 fighting fowls. They were taken into Police custody.

Venezuelan migrants seeking refuge in Guyana are being encouraged to present themselves to immigration authorities to get registered in order to benefit from services offered by the Government.

Registration is made easy through the implementation of “roaming immigration officers” who traverse the areas usually populated

by migrants and offer registration and extension of stay services remotely. This process is focused on regularisation and prevention or reduction of these migrants being vulnerable to trafficking, and sexual and labour exploitation.

In Guyana, all children of migrants, legal and illegal, from Venezuela and other countries are allowed full access to be enrolled in the public school system within the host communities, and benefit from Government-funded support programmes including school feeding programmes, school uniform vouchers, and the “Because We Care” cash grants given to all students.

Reports indicate that there are about 40,000 Venezuelan migrants residing in Guyana, with only 21,704 officially documented.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd convened a meeting of the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee to address the influx of migrants from Venezuela into Guyana a few months ago.

The meeting was attended by key Government stakeholders along with in-

ternational partners during which ongoing efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to those migrants from Venezuela were examined. The Government’s response to the migrants includes registration and regularisation services, socio-economic and cultural integration into the Guyanese society and the provision of healthcare and education for migrant children.

Despite the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela and the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Government of Guyana has taken a policy decision to offer humanitarian assistance to migrants fleeing from Venezuela.

Noteworthy is that a significant number are the Warraus, one of the Indigenous groups from Venezuela whose sister group of Warraus live in Guyana in Region One (Barima-Waini), close to the border. The Government has put on record that this group poses the greatest concern from a health and socio-economic perspective.

According to a February 2023 document on Guyana’s response to a call for inputs on the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, it was explained that the current border management measure in place is for immigration authorities to register migrants from Venezuela, and grant extensions of stay to those migrants who do not wish to return to their respective countries due to political and economic challenges or fear of returning for any other reason/s.

Guyanese gets 60 months in NJ for conspiring to import cocaine

“Death,” 38, had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiring to import over 20 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, a statement from the office said. The sentence was imposed on Thursday in Camden federal court.

Jairo Medina Hernandes has been charged and remanded for the murder of Venezuelan national Estephanie Garcia, whose body was found at her home in Kaikan Village, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

This 35-year-old Venezuelan national was arraigned before Bartica Magistrate Dylon Bess on Friday, and was not required to plead to the indictable charge. He has been remanded to prison until December 19.

Based on information received, the woman’s husband, Elvis Trotman, had left home to go to work in Venezuela on Thursday, September 21, at about 17:00h; and the follow -

ing day, the couple’s three children had left home for school at about 7:30h.

However, when the children returned home, they discovered their mother ly -

ing motionless on the floor with blood around her neck.

An alarm was raised, and neighbours who responded reported the matter to the Kaikan Police Station.

The Police in a release said the woman’s body was found lying on its back on the floor of the one-bedroom house, with a red T-shirt pulled just above her breast and multi-coloured underwear pulled below her buttocks, with her private parts exposed, leading investigators to suggest that she had been raped.

Upon examination of the body, two small puncture wounds were seen on her neck.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has said that a Guyanese man has been given a 60-month jail term for his part in a scheme to bring drugs into that North American country.

Dennis Edwards, aka

Edwards had, in 2012, participated in a criminal conspiracy that planned to transport cocaine into the United States via cruise ship. When Edwards, who had been deported from the Dominican Republic, arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on November 14, 2022, he was detained.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced Edwards to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger

credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations, Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge, Robert Kurtz; deputies of the U.S. Marshals Service under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos, Jr; and officers of the Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for its substantial assistance in the investigation. He also thanked officials in the Dominican Republic for their assistance.

The U.S. Government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Criminal Division in Newark.

Murder accused Jairo Medina Hernandes

Jailed: Dennis Edwards

Some of the Venezuelan migrants who arrived on Thursday at Tuschen

66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

Parliamentarians to address global issues, parliamentary democracy

One of the largest gatherings of Commonwealth Parliamentarians will take place next week at the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (66th CPC) hosted by the Parliament of Ghana and the CPA Ghana Branch.

The flagship event will bring together over 500 parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and decision-makers from across the Commonwealth for this unique conference. The CPC offers the prospect of the coming together of the CPA’s global membership to address the critical issues facing today’s Parliaments.

The 66th CPC will be attended by Speakers, Presiding Officers, and Members of Parliament from across the membership of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The CPA is the only parliamentary association to bring together national, state, provincial, and territorial legislatures and the CPA’s

membership includes almost 180 Parliaments and legislatures across the Commonwealth.

The 66th CPC conference will be hosted by the CPA President (20222023), Rt Hon Alban Bagbin, MP, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, from 30 September to 6 October 2023 in Accra, Ghana.

This is the first time that the CPA Ghana Branch and

the Parliament of Ghana will host the CPA’s annual conference. The CPA Africa Region is very active within the CPA’s nine Regions, and this will be the 17th time that the Region has hosted the annual conference. The CPA Executive Committee will also attend the conference as well as the CPA Secretary General, Stephen Twigg. With the ever-in -

creasing focus on greater scrutiny of parliamentarians and Parliaments, the CPA’s annual conference offers the opportunity for Members to benefit from professional development, supportive learning, and the sharing of best practices with colleagues from Commonwealth Parliaments together with the participation of leading international organisa-

tions.

The main conference theme for the 66th CPC is: “The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold.” 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter which outlines the principles and values of the Commonwealth.

A special issue of The Parliamentarian, the Journal of Commonwealth Parliaments, published ahead of the conference, features articles examining the Commonwealth Charter as well as a supplement focusing on Ghana with articles by the Speaker, Members and parliamentary staff from the Parliament of Ghana.

The conference will explore a wide range of workshop topics from the threat of terrorism to gender quotas in Parliaments, tackling energy poverty and achieving sustainable trade and economic development to youth engagement and e-Parliaments.

During the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, there will also be a number of additional conferences and meetings including the 39th CPA Small Branches Conference; meetings of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) networks; the 66th CPA General Assembly; governance meetings of the CPA Executive Committee; and the 57th Society of Clerks-at-the-Table (SoCATT) meeting. The inaugural CPA Emilia Monjowa Lifaka Lecture will also highlight the key role of Commonwealth Parliamentarians in global education in the margins of the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The CPA Lifaka Lecture has been established in memory of Hon Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, the late Chairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee and Deputy Speaker of Cameroon.

House lot awardees at Poke Bridge to soon get access to land

Lethem, Region Nine is currently undergoing significant infrastructural development, with a specific focus on the housing sector.

Major infrastructure works are in progress at the new housing development at Tract CHPA (Poke Bridge), where approximately 575 individuals were allocated resi-

dential house lots.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Water, those individuals who were allocated lands in Phase Four and Five will soon have access to

their properties as infrastructure works are nearing completion.

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn Greaves on Tuesday, visited the location and was briefed on the ongoing works by the clerk of works.

The contractor, R Kissoon Contracting Services, is expected to conclude the road network in Phase Five by the end of this week, while the road network in Phase Four has already been completed. Works are also ongoing on the drainage networks and culverts, as well as the pipe network.

In May of this year, a $507 million contract was signed for the ongoing infrastructure works. Persons have started construction on their

homes in some sections of the scheme.

Meanwhile, a number of homes have been completed in the New Culvert City Housing Scheme, under the Lethem Housing Support Programme.

The initiative represents another commitment by President Dr Irfaan Ali to provide affordable homes for Guyanese.

In the first phase of the project, a total of 48 low-income families are slated to benefit. Several other homes are at various stages of completion in the Tabatinga Housing Scheme.

Conceptualised by President Ali, the programme aims to offer affordable housing options to 600 Lethem residents. Each unit spans approximately 550 square feet and includes two bed-

rooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a sanitary facility. Each home will be constructed at a cost of $3 million, of which $1 million in support for the building cost will be provided by the Ministry.

The Ministry has also partnered with the New Building Society, Republic Bank Guyana Ltd, and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, to offer loans to the tune of $2 million, at a rate of 3.5 per cent to the prospective homeowners.

Furthermore, contracts have been awarded for the procurement of clay bricks from various communities in the region, such as St Ignatius, Kwatamang, Shulinab, and Shea. Timber is also being sourced from the villages of Moco Moco and Surama.

Parliament of Ghana

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves, during inspection of works at the Tract CHPA scheme

One of the completed units at the New Culvert City Housing Scheme

Roof of City Hall building for completion within 2 months

The roof of the City Hall building where major restoration works are currently being done is expected to be completed within two months.

This is according to the Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud.

Persaud made this disclosure on Friday during a visit to the building where he inspected the progress of

works being done. During his visit, the minister engaged with an engineer of the contracting company, Fidis Guyana Incorporated, who related the extension of work that has been done and also informed the minister of additional work that they are yet to undergo.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) at the site, Minister Persaud said that work is about 45 per

cent completed.

“The roof should be completed within two months’ time along with the floor and the internal walls,” said Minister Persaud.

However, based on the inspection, many works are still to be completed and as such, the company is expected to legally write to the ministry, requesting additional time for the project.

In 2022, the company was offered an extension

with a promising timeline of June 2023.

“I cannot say what extension time they are looking at but once they write to us, we will take it from there and see what we will do,” the local government minister noted.

Another challenge facing the contractor is the constant availability of special sizes of wood that need to be cut. According to the minister, these sizes do not in-

clude the regular sizes such as 2 by 4, 1 by 6, or 1 by 4, but rather 9 by 9 and 12 by 12.

“What we found during our visit here is that because this is an old wooden building when we remove a part of the wall, we see the other portion being badly rotted and so that also needs a lot of work,” added Minister Persaud.

The project which initially cost $780 million was

awarded and signed on September 24, 2021. Due to the extensive work that was yet to be completed, the government further intervened and allocated some $263.1 million in this year’s budget towards the project.

Persaud encouraged the contracting company to make sure that the work is diligently being done and that excellent quality must be possessed at the end.

6 bridges completed along Kurupukari-to-Lethem stretch

Lethem continues to move apace, six bridges have already been completed, the Ministry of Public Works announced on Friday.

The completed bridges include those along the Small Mausiparu, Holder’s, Maipa, and Edward’s waterways. This lot was awarded to International Imports

and Supplies. The other contractors are Vals Construction, KP Thomas and Sons Contracting Inc., Rim Construction, JR Ranch, and Theodore Faria General Contracting Service.

Formerly wooden structures, the bridges were constructed to American Association

of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards to ensure longevity and stability.

These bridges represent the Government’s drive to build out a massive road network, establishing a smooth corridor of connectivity.

It is President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision to improve hin-

Pensioner busted with unlicensed gun, ammo

A72-year-old pensioner was on Thursday arrested following the discovery of an unlicensed firearm and matching ammunition in his possession at Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast.

The pensioner, George Aubrey Archer of Suddie Public Road, Essequibo Coast, was reportedly contacted by Police after they received certain information.

As such, the ranks requested to conduct a search on him during which they found one .32 Taurus pistol containing one magazine with 17 matching rounds of ammunition in the waistband of his pants.

The elderly man was questioned whether he was

The gun and ammunition found in possession of the pensioner

the holder of a firearm licence, to which he replied "no".

He was subsequently told of the offence committed and cautioned during which he replied: "Officer, the gun

is me own and me gat it to protect me self."

The pensioner was arrested and escorted to the Suddie Police Station where he remains in custody pending charges.

terland connectivity and ensure that infrastructural development is expanded to every region in the country.

The contracts for the ongoing works were signed in April 2022 between the Ministry of Public Works and six contractors to the tune of $3.19 billion. This stretch of works complements the wider project to construct/rehabilitate some 45 bridges along the Linden-Lethem stretch.

The upgrades are being done in two phases, the first phase being the 32

bridges from Kurupukarito-Lethem corridor, while the other phase includes 13 bridges from Mabura to Kurupukari.

The contracts for the 13 bridges from Mabura to Kurupukari were signed in December 2022, and these bridges are also set to be converted into concrete structures.

The bridges are being rehabilitated in several areas along the Lindento- Lethem trail, including Surama, Iwokrama, Annai, and Yakarinta.

Additionally, Government is in discussions to construct a 700-metre bridge across the Essequibo River at Kurupukari to allow for 24-hour travel. Currently, persons travelling along the Linden-Lethem trail are transported across the Essequibo River by a pontoon service. The construction of this bridge would promote greater ease and efficiency in travelling across the river.

Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud, engaging an engineer of Fidis Guyana Inc.

Persaud engaging Town Clerk (ag) Candace Nelson and Assistant City Engineer of the Mayor and City Council, Rasheed Kellman

One of the completed bridges along the Kurupukari-to-Lethem route

Regional Migrants are being raped at Mexico border as they await entry to US

When Carolina's captors arrived at dawn to pull her out of the stash house in the Mexican border city of Reynosa in late May, she thought they were going to force her to call her family in Venezuela again to beg them to pay $2000 ransom.

Instead, one of the men shoved her onto a broken-down bus parked outside and raped her, she told Reuters. "It's the saddest, most horrible thing that can happen to a person," Carolina said.

A migrant advocate who assisted Carolina after the kidnapping, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed all the details of her account.

The attack came amid an increase in sexual violence against migrants in the border cities of Reynosa and Matamoros, both major transit routes for immigrants seeking to enter the US, according to data from the Mexican Government and humanitarian groups, as well as interviews with

An Ecuadorean migrant clasping her hands while recalling how she was held kidnapped and sexually trafficked near the USMexico border, as she spoke with reporters in New Jersey, US,

eight sexual assault survivors and more than a dozen local aid workers.

"The inhumane way smugglers abuse, extort, and perpetrate violence against migrants for profit is criminal and morally reprehensible," US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Luis Miranda said in response to questions about the rise in reported rapes.

Criminal investiga -

US imposes visa restrictions on more Nicaraguan officials over human rights

The United States is imposing visa restrictions on dozens of Nicaraguan municipal officials for their role in alleged attacks on human rights, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Washington has previously sanctioned top figures in Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega's Administration including Vice President Rosario Murillo, three of her children, senior Government officials and Police and army top brass.

taking steps to impose visa restrictions on 100 Nicaraguan municipal officials, adding that till date the number of such restrictions is over 1000.

"Since August, President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have shut down and seized the Central American University and the Central American Institute of Business Administration, two of the country’s most renowned centers of higher learning, under arbitrary and unfounded pretenses," Blinken said.

Government has committed serious and systematic violations which amount to crimes against humanity, a United Nations-appointed team of human rights experts said in March.

The three-person body said the Government has committed acts of torture, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detention since 2018.

It named Ortega and Murillo, who is his wife, as participants in the violations.

tions into the rape of foreign nationals, excluding Americans, were the highest on record in the two cities this year, according to state data from 2014 to 2023 obtained by Reuters through freedom of information requests.

The US State Department considers Tamaulipas, where the two cities are located, to be the most dangerous state along the US-Mexico border. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Number of migrants crossing Panama's Darien Gap surpasses 400,000 to record high

The number of people crossing the perilous Darien Gap linking Panama and Colombia has hit a record high of 400,000 in the year to September, official data showed, as migration to the United States intensified despite efforts to curb the flow.

More than half of those migrants were children and babies, Panama's Security Ministry said in a statement, adding that September alone saw the number of crossings increase by a fifth compared to the previous month.

The year-to-date figure of 402,300 migrants is almost double the number for the whole of 2022.

The United Nations had estimated in April that the number of migrants for the entire year would be 400,000.

Most of the migrants traversing the dangerous stretch of jungle are Venezuelans, with others from Ecuador, Haiti and other countries, Panama's Security Ministry has said.

Panama announced earlier this month measures to stop the increase in migration, including deporting more people with criminal records and a decrease in the number of days some tourists are allowed to stay in the country.

These measures follow a two-month pro-

gramme launched in April by the United States, Panama and Colombia to tackle undocumented immigration.

Costa Rica, another transit country for the migrants, declared a state of emergency earlier this week, and its President Rodrigo Chaves said he would visit the Darien Gap in early October in an effort to contain a migrant crisis.

The United States in May rolled out a new policy to deter illegal crossings, including deporting migrants and banning re-entry for five years, as the Biden Administration grappled with migration at record highs. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Human rights groups say Ortega has in recent years repressed Opposition politicians, news outlets, business leaders and the Catholic Church.

Blinken said on Friday the State Department was

"Ortega and Murillo have targeted independent academic institutions, disrupting the hopes and dreams of Nicaraguans seeking to build a better future in their homeland."

Nicaragua's

Ortega first came to power as a leader of the left-wing Sandinista guerrilla movement that toppled the Somoza dictatorship in a 1970s revolution. He was in and out of office over the years but took power again in 2007 and has ruled since.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Indigenous people march on Bogota to demand justice for killings

Thousands of Indigenous protesters have converged on Tercer Milenio Park in the heart of the Colombian capital, with music playing and smoke from campfires wafting through the air.

Members of the so-called

Brazil's jobless rate drops to 7.8% in quarter through August

Brazil's jobless rate dropped for the fifth consecutive rolling quarter in the three months ended in August, reaching its lowest since early 2015 as the labour market in Latin America's largest economy continues to show resilience.

The unemployment rate reached 7.8% in the quarter through August, statistics agency IBGE said on Friday, in line with market expectations and down from the 7.9% seen in the previ-

ous rolling quarter.

Brazil has been facing a "favourable scenario" on the employment side, IBGE's research manager Adriana Beringuy said in a statement, which has allowed for a drop in the number of people actively looking for work in the country.

The job market's strength is one of the reasons mentioned by some central bank board members for the authority not to pick up the pace of its 50-basis-point-

per-meeting monetary easing, as it tends to support services inflation at higher levels.

"It has been a surprise, we're heading towards the lowest unemployment levels in years," central bank chief Roberto Campos Neto told a forum on Friday. "Wages are starting to tick upwards but still lag behind."

There are now 8.4 million unemployed people in Brazil, according to IBGE, a 5.9% drop from the pre-

vious quarter. The number of employed people, meanwhile, rose 1.3% to 99.7 million.

The jobless rate is at its lowest since the quarter ended in February 2015, and the total number of unemployed people stands at its lowest since June 2015.

Some economists, nonetheless, do not see excessive pressure on consumer prices stemming from the labour market. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“Minga” – a collective movement of Indigenous peoples – have organised protests in Bogota many times before, but this is their first demonstration during the Administration of leftwing President Gustavo Petro.

This week, they travelled with a simple – albeit pressing – demand: end an ongoing wave of violence that has disproportionately affected Indigenous people in Colombia, whose communities stretch across nearly every region, from Narino to Amazonia.

Petro, who took office in August 2022, has promised to pursue what he calls “total peace” in a country that is still grappling with the effects of nearly six decades of internal armed conflict.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

His plan, which involves both military action and direct negotiations with criminal armed groups, has so far yielded mixed results.

A six-month ceasefire with the largest remaining rebel group in Colombia, the National Liberation Army (ELN), which was celebrated as a political victory in August, has so far held.

But a number of informal ceasefires with other armed groups this year have since collapsed, and violence in rural areas has largely continued unabated.

The Global Witness advocacy group recently designated Colombia as the most dangerous country in the world for land defenders and environmental activists last year – and a disproportionate number of those targeted leaders come from Indigenous communities.

According to statistics from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 37,000 people across the country were affected by violence between January and September of this year.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

on August 18, 2023

Indigenous advocates participating in a protest in Bogota to reject rising violence against their communities [Joshua Collins/Al Jazeera]

Around The World OIL NEWS

Russian power substation hit in latest Ukrainian drone wave attack

Oil settles lower, but ends quarter up 28% on tight global supply

Oil prices settled 1% lower on Friday due to macroeconomic concerns and profit taking, but rose about 30% in the quarter as OPEC+ production cuts squeezed global crude supply.

Front-month Brent November futures settled down 7 cents to US$95.31 per barrel at the contract's expiry, up about 2.2% in the week and 27% in the third quarter. The more liquid Brent December contract was settled down 90 cents to US$92.20 per barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) settled down 92 cents to US$90.97, up 1% in the week and 29% in the quarter.

With oil futures inching closer to US$100 a barrel, many investors took profits on the rally given ongoing macroeconomic concerns.

"WTI has been the belle of the ball, but today it's losing its lustre," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York, citing profit taking and economic concerns.

Oil and gas activity in three US energy producing states has been rising with the latest jump in prices, according to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

In July, US crude production grew to its highest since November 2019, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.

Investors looked ahead to a potential partial US Government shutdown on Sunday, an "unnecessary risk" to a resilient US economy, top White House economic adviser Lael Brainard said.

Worries about the Chinese economy also intensified as shares of indebted property developer Evergrande Group were suspended until further notice following a report that its chairman had been placed under police watch.

The US oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by seven to 623 in the week to Sept. 29, the lowest since February 2022, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely followed report on Friday.

While the total rig count fell by 51 in the third quarter, the cuts have slowed compared with a reduction of 81 in the second quarter as oil prices have rebounded due to tightening supplies.

Brent is forecast to average US$89.85 a barrel in the fourth quarter and US$86.45 in 2024, according to a survey of 42 economists compiled by Reuters on Friday.

The OPEC+ ministerial panel meeting will take place on Oct 4 and there is "increasing probability the voluntary supply cuts by Aramco are reduced," National Australia Bank analysts said in a client note, referring to Saudi Arabia's state oil producer.

The supply cuts announced by Saudi Arabia and Russia are expected to dominate oil prices for the remainder of this year. However, a run towards US$100 per barrel could be shortlived because of "the artificial nature of supply shortages in the system, and the fragile macro environment", said Suvro Sarkar, energy sector team lead at DBS Bank. (Reuters)

Acombat drone dropped explosives on an electricity substation in a Russian village near the border with Ukraine, while Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported shooting down more than a dozen Ukrainian drones over the Russian regions of Belgorod, Kursk and Kaluga.

In the Russian village of Belaya, located less than 25km (16 miles) from the border, “a Ukrainian drone dropped two explosive devices on a substation”, Kursk regional governor Roman Starovoyt said on the Telegram messaging app early on Friday.

“One of the transformers caught fire. Five settlements and a hospital were cut off from power supply. Fire crews rushed to the

scene,” he said.

“Power will be restored as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Russian authorities said earlier that two Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the neighbouring Belgorod region.

The Defence Ministry in Moscow said the first drone was “thwarted” at about 5pm local time (14:00 GMT) on Thursday. A second drone was brought down about four hours later.

Russia’s state-run TASS news agency later reported, citing Russia’s Defence Ministry, that 10 Ukrainian drones were brought down over the Kursk region overnight and one over the Kaluga region.

Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Russian territory in recent weeks, with regions of the country now

A man is seen inside a damaged multi-storey apartment block following a reported Ukrainian drone attack in Voronezh, Russia, in June 2023 [Vladimir Lavrov/Reuters]

regularly subject to waves of Ukrainian drone attacks that have sporadically damaged buildings, including in Moscow.

While Russian officials have downplayed their significance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated this

week that attacks on targets in Russia would increase.

“We clearly see the areas where pressure on Russia needs to be increased so that terrorist capabilities do not grow,” he said in his nightly address on Tuesday.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Suicide bombings at 2 mosques in Pakistan kill at least 57

Superintendent of Police was among those killed as he oversaw security arrangements in the area, Police said.

Suicide bombings ripped through two mosques in Pakistan on Friday, killing at least 57 people, including seven children, as believers marked the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, police and health officials said.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, from which the death toll could climb, with many people seriously injured and others having been trapped beneath the wreckage.

In the first blast, in Mastung in the southwestern province of Balochistan, the bomber detonated his explosives near a Police vehicle where people were gathering for a procession, senior police official Munir Ahmed said.

At least 52 people were killed, according to district health official Abdul Rasheed, including the children who were aged nine to 11. At least 58 people were injured.

A deputy

Swedish PM seeks help from military as gang violence rocks country

Sweden’s Prime Minister announced that he will hold talks with the head of the Swedish armed forces and the Police Commissioner to discuss ways to stem gang violence following a wave of attacks that have resulted in at least 11 people killed so far this month.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that he would meet with the armed forces’ Supreme Commander and the National Police Commissioner on Friday to

explore “how the armed forces can help Police in their work against the criminal gangs”.

“Sweden has never before seen anything like this,” Kristersson said on Thursday in a rare televised address to the nation.

“No other country in Europe is seeing anything like this,” he said.

Two people were killed in separate shootings in Stockholm on Wednesday, and a woman in her 20s was killed when a bomb tore up a

house in Uppsala in the early hours of Thursday.

“This is a difficult time for Sweden,” Kristersson said in his speech.

“A 25-year-old woman went to bed last night on a completely ordinary evening but never got to wake up,” he said.

“We will hunt the gangs, we will defeat the gangs,” he added.

It was not immediately clear in what capacity the military would get involved in tackling Sweden’s gang

problem, but previous proposals have focused on soldiers taking over protection duties from Police to free up more resources for crime-fighting.

Getting the military involved in crime-fighting would be a highly unusual step for Sweden, but it underscores the severity of the gang violence that has claimed almost a dozen lives across the country so far this month, including teenagers and innocent bystanders.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

“Nawaz Gishkori tried to stop the suicide bomber, but he blew himself up after getting close to him,” Javed Lehri, a senior Police Officer said. The gathering, in which people were carrying flags and banners, was at a mosque belonging to the Barelvi sect, generally considered more moderate than hardline Islamic sects such as Salafism.

Some hardline sects consider veneration of the Prophet Mohammad as heresy. The second attack, in neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed five people at a mosque, according to rescue officials. The roof collapsed, broadcaster Geo News said, trapping about 30 to 40 people under the rubble. The attack involved two explosions, one of which was at the mosque gate and the other in the compound, an official said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

State of emergency declared in New York City over flash flooding

Astate of emergency has been declared in New York City as strong storms bring flash flooding.

Many of the city's subway systems, streets and highways have flooded, while at least one terminal at LaGuardia Airport closed on Friday.

Up to five inches (12.7cm) of rain fell in some areas overnight, and up to seven more inches (17.8cm) are due, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has said.

"This is a dangerous, life-threatening storm," she added.

"I am declaring a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley due to the extreme rainfall we're seeing throughout the region," she said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

She urged people to take steps to stay safe and "never attempt to travel on flooded roads".

No deaths or critical injuries have been reported.

A state of emergency was also declared in the New Jersey town of Hoboken, just across the Hudson River from New York City.

In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams, warned people it was a time for "heightened alertness and extreme caution" as the state of emergency was put in place.

"Some of our subways are flooded and it is extremely difficult to move around the city," he told a press briefing.

Authorities have so far conducted at least six rescues of residents trapped in flooded basements, according to officials.

Much of the flooding has so far centred on the borough of Brooklyn.

More than 2.5 inches of rain was reported in one hour in Brooklyn Navy Yard. In a virtual briefing, New York's chief climate officer Rohit Aggarwala said that the city's sewage system was only designed to handle 1.75 inches an hour.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Victims are treated at the Mastung hospital, following a deadly suicide attack on a religious gathering in Balochistan province, Pakistan, September 29, 2023 in this handout image. Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital Mastung/ Handout via Reuters

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Speed things up to ensure you finish what you start and have time to honor your promises. Share your feelings and intentions with someone you want to work with or have by your side.

(March 21-April 19)

Refuse to let emotions and temptation stand between you and your goal. Put thought into your plans and turn them into a reality. A gesture you make will change how others perceive you.

(April 20-May 20)

Get in the game and play to win. Challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone. What you experience and learn will help you avoid pitfalls. Stand tall and let your confidence carry you far.

(May 21-June 20)

Sharing personal information will cost you. Listen and observe, and you'll gain insight into how others think and what they can do. Look for alternative ways to use your skills.

(June 21-July 22)

Learn from your mistakes and put your energy where it can do some good. Don't let anyone steal your thunder or use persuasion or temptation to lead you down the wrong path. Self-improvement is favored.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Take a unique approach, and you'll attract followers. Take to social media or invest in something you enjoy doing that has the potential to bring in extra cash. Dream big!

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

SUDOKU

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Clear up pressing domestic matters or problems affecting meaningful relationships. Let your actions speak for you, and do something thoughtful for a loved one. Alter what isn't making you happy.

Tidy up loose ends and move on to something that elevates you. Using your skills creatively will change your life, help you gain respect and give you clarity regarding the possibilities.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Alter your space to accommodate your needs. Start a project that eases stress and makes you feel good about yourself. Add to your comfort and make a smart commitment. Romance is in the stars.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Don't take on unnecessary burdens. Set goals and keep working until you are satisfied with the results. Take the initiative to change what you don't like or need.

Focus on money management, good health and ending whatever is holding you back. Start promoting what you want to do with your life. Distance yourself from negativity and demanding people.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Refuse to let anyone upset you. It's important to consider what you want and to immerse yourself in something that helps you gain perspective and inspiration. Leave nothing to chance.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

PEANUTS

Donaldson replaced as Reggae Girlz head coach

…Ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz

2-1 loss to Canada on Tuesday was Head Coach Lorne Donaldson’s last match in charge of the Jamaica Senior Women’s Football squad, as according to the Jamaica Football Federation, his contract will not be renewed.

Donaldson was appointed Reggae Girlz head coach in June 2022, and led the national women’s team to their second consecutive qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. At the World Cup, he took Jamaica to a historic round-of-16, after drawing with France and Brazil and defeating Panama in the group stage. The Reggae Girlz eventually bowed out following a 1-0 loss to Colombia.

The Reggae Girlz have suffered back-to-back losses to Canada in a failed bid to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, but the progress the team has made under Donaldson’s leadership is without question. However, according to the JFF, following a meet with the coach, whose contract comes to an end on September 30, a new head

coach will be sought.

“The Jamaica Football Federation and Coach Lorne Donaldson had a meeting to discuss his contract as the Senior Women’s Team coach. After an extended discussion, both parties came to an agreement that the contract would not be renewed,” the JFF said in a statement on Friday.

“The JFF wishes to place on record our thanks to Lorne for his services to Jamaica’s football over the years, and specially making us proud at the recent

BCB launches Jagdeo Construction Lower Corentyne

2nd Division Tournament

…BCB/UG

Atotal of eighteen second division teams from the Lower Corentyne area would shortly be involved in a knockout second division tournament which was officially launched on Monday last.

Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, and we are confident that he will have unlimited success in his future endeavors, and wish him the very best.”

The development means the Reggae Girlz will be without a head coach for the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup qualifying matches in less than a month. However, the JFF states, “We will immediately put the machinery in place to have competent staff in place for this important competition.” (Sportsmax)

Popular Berbice Contractor Kris Jagdeo of Jagdeo Construction Inc. has joined hands with the Berbice Cricket Board to sponsor a 20/20 cricket tournament for teams between #1 Road and #43 Village. BCB President Hilbert Foster has hailed the support of the company and urged the eighteen teams to get themselves in order for the start of the tournament on October 15.

Teams taking part are Kennard Memorial, Ramnarine Memorial, Kildonan, Whim, Tain Block 4, Port Mourant, RHT Bakewell, Rose Hall Tigers, UG Elites, Guns and Cannon, Tamarind Roots, Belvedere United, Albion, Jai Hind, Chesney, Kilcoy, Fyrish, and Courtland.

The first round of the tournament would involve the following matches:

1. Fyrish vs Whim @ Fyrish

2. Kilcoy vs Tamarind Roots @ Kilcoy

Fury to face Usyk in undisputed world title fight

Ahistoric undisputed heavyweight fight between champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has been signed, and will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Additional details, including the fight date, are yet to be announced.

Briton Fury, 35, is the WBC champion, and Ukraine’s Usyk, 36, holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.

“Delighted to finally get this fight signed,” said Queensbury promoter Frank Warren. “This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport.”

The winner will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. The targeted date is 23 December, although the fight could be pushed back to early next year.

Fury has won 33 fights with one draw since turning professional in 2008.

‘The Gypsy King’ must first come through a non-title bout against MMA star Francis Ngannou uninjured on 28 October in Riyadh.

Usyk - who has won all 21 pro bouts - defended

his titles against Londoner Daniel Dubois in August.

“The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century,” Warren added. Fury faced criticism for failing to reach terms with Usyk after a proposed bout at London’s Wembley Stadium in April fell through.

“I can’t believe that it’s happening, but it is,” Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk said.

There has not been an undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999, when Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield to defend the WBA, WBC and IBF titles.

“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the two greatest heavyweights of their generation, and I can’t wait to see what happens when they step into the ring in Riyadh,” Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum said. “They are special talents worthy of competing for the greatest prize in sports.”

The fight will form part of ‘Riyadh Season’ - an entertainment events festival held in Saudi Arabia’s cap-

Usyk

Fury are both undefeated in their pro careers

ital every winter since its launch in 2019.

A number of high-profile bouts have been held in Saudi in recent years, including Usyk’s win over Anthony Joshua in August 2022.

The Gulf kingdom has been accused of investing in sport and using high-profile events to improve its international reputation.

Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its human rights violations - 81 men were executed on one day last year; women’s rights abuses, the criminalisation of homosexuality, the restriction of free speech, and the war in Yemen.

Its international standing was severely damaged by the 2018 killing of Jamal

Khashoggi, a US-based Saudi journalist who was a prominent critic of the Government.

Human rights campaigners have said sport is being used by the Saudi Government to distract from longstanding reputation issues. Felix Jakens, Amnesty International’s UK Head of Priority Campaigns and Individuals at Risk, said in a statement: “Ever since Anthony Joshua’s fight against Andy Ruiz in 2019, we’ve become used to these big-money bouts being hosted in Saudi Arabia.

“They are clearly part of a pattern of sportswashing, where the Saudi authorities try to use sport to distract from their appalling human rights record. (BBC Sport)

3. Jai Hind vs Kildonan @ Jai Hind

4. Chesney vs Albion @ Chesney

5. Ramnarine Memorial vs Tain Block 4@ Liverpool

6. UG Elites vs Courtland @ Port Mourant – 10am

7. Port Mourant vs Belvedere @ Port Mourant –1:30pm

8. RHTY&SC vs Kennard Memorial @ Area ‘H’ – 10am

9. RHT Tigers vs Gun and Cannon @ Area ‘H’ – 1pm

BCB President Hilbert Foster and Chairman of the Competition Committee Leslie Soloman met representatives of the clubs on Wednesday and informed them that the tournament is the first of three to be played in the Lower Corentyne area. Only players living in the sub areas would be allowed to participate. The other two Lower Corentyne tournaments would be another 20/20 and a 40-over round robin.

Foster expressed thanks to Kris Jagdeo for his continued support, and hailed the $300,000 scholarship as another red letter day in the continued development of Berbice Cricket. Jagdeo said he is pleased to be associated with Berbice Cricket, as he has been impressed with the developments taking place in the county. The winning team, runner-up and Man of the Finals would receive monetary awards along with trophies.

Meanwhile, the Berbice Cricket Board is on the verge of joining hands with the University of Guyana to open the historic Berbice Cricket Wall of Fame at the Berbice Campus. A total of 29 Berbice players who played for the West Indies at the tests, ODI and 20/20 levels would be inducted in the Wall of Fame, which would be situated in the Berbice Campus.

The list of players are John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Ivan Madray, Joe Soloman, Basil Butcher, Roy Fredericks, Alvin Kallicharran, Leonard Baichan, Sew Shivnarine, Clayton Lambert, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Narsingh Deonarine, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Devendra Bishoo, Assad Fudadin, Brandon Bess, Veerasammy Permaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie, Candacy Aktins, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneeta Grimmond, Tremayne Smartt, Ashmini Munisar, Royston Crandon, Romario Shepherd and Milton Pydanna.

A plague along with cricket information would be unveiled for each player at the University. The BCB billboard with the county’s twenty test players would also be upgraded. The billboard was erected in 2012 in front of the historic Port Mourant Cricket Ground, which has produced seven of the players.

Lorne Donaldson

and

Hilbert Foster and Director of the UG Tain Campus, Dr. Gomathirnayagam Subramarian, met to discuss the Wall of Fame

BCB President Hilbert Foster launching the Kris Jagdeo Construction Inc’s tournament with representatives of the company

Guyanese Archery team for Caribbean Development Championships

Duncan Victoria

Kum

Karin Toppin

Ann Williams

Deoroop

Julie

Theresa

Natalyia Pollard Alim

Rasheed Courtlee

Rodrigues

Richard Dookie

Teemahall Lall Kamla

Singh

Nicholas Hing Ramane

Kum Naudia

Maraj

Shrikanata Deoroop

The aforementioned archers include a group of 17 Athletes and 5 Officials. It was disclosed that the Team Leader would be experienced archer, Nicholas Hing.

A22-member Guyanese team has jetted off to the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean Development Championships.

President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon, at their recent press briefing and team send-off exercise, indicated

that it gave her great pleasure to congratulate the participants on their decision to take their Archery shooting a step further.

In this regard, the formal announcement was made as to the team that will be travelling to participate in the Caribbean Development Championship Games from Friday, September 29th to

Sunday, October 1, 2023 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Tobago.

The Archery team reads:

Robert Singh

Umasankar Madray

Jeewanram Persaud

Saeed Karim Naresh

Sukhu Roshini

Boodhoo

Bibi Salim Samira

Linden Masters reign supreme in GUYFAM Over-55 tournament

In addition, Archery Guyana President, PersaudMcKinnon took the opportunity to congratulate Former President of Archery Guyana, Mohamed Gamal Khan and Guyana’s sole Continental Judge for his service and representing Guyana.

Meanwhile, Team shirts were sponsored by Guyana Beverages Inc. (GBI),

Archery Guyana’s loyal corporate sponsor. According to Archery Guyana, they have stepped up once again to assist with the kind sponsorship of shirts for the team’s participation. As such, the Board of Directors of Archery Guyana conveyed profound gratitude to their member, Mr. Samuel Arjoon and the management of Guyana Beverage Inc. for their continued support for the development of Archery in Guyana.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Guyana Beverages Inc. was the Marketing Manager, Mr. Colin Higgins who opined what a privilege it was to engage and collaborate with Archery Guyana on events like this. Oasis water was taking the opportunity to develop talent in the sport.

The Association’s Board of Directors also wished each and every one of the participants all the very best on their endeavours in Trinidad.

GMR&SC collaborating with FIA to boost sim racing in Guyana

In a groundbreaking partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) is set to revolutionize the motorsport landscape in Guyana by introducing sim racing as an official discipline.

Underthe name Guyana Football Association of Masters (GUYFAM), the Masters football fraternity held an over-55s one day festival last Thursday at the GFC ground, where the Linden Masters triumphed over two other competing teams.

On a sunny Youman Nabi holiday, host team RastafarEye Patriarchs lost their 2 matches 0-1 and 0-4 to Club 45 and Linden Masters respectively, while the Championship-decider ended in a 2-all stalemate.

The 40-minute a match Festival was reduced to a triangular competition after Pele Masters failed to muster a team. In the decisive encounter, Christopher King gave Club 45 the early opening lead with a blaster, after breaking through the defense.

The Mining Town Masters replied almost immediately through Gavin Greenidge, before Gregory Griffith hit a powerful right-booter from the top of the box to give Linden the advantage after 15 minutes of pulsating action.

Led by former national midfielder Terrence ‘Old Head’ Lewis, who was here, there and everywhere, Club 45 launched attack after attack before King again broke free to level the score just before the half.

Upped to a sixty-minute affair, the match produced a 2nd half of near misses and solid defending at both ends, and the scoreline was not changed when the final whis-

named the Tournament’s Best Midfielder, while Linden’s Steve Retemiah was awarded the Best Goalkeeper’s trophy and team mate Steve Hector won the oldest player’s trophy,

As part of the initiative, GMR&SC has received 2,000 iRacing licences under the auspices of the FIA. These licences, valid for a year, offer Guyanese racing competitors and enthusiasts a golden opportunity to venture into the world of sim racing. Interested parties can access these licences for free by reg-

iRacing platform. The qualifying phase for this championship will run online from September 29th to October 5th.

affordable entry point, and helps professional drivers maintain their form,” Kumar explained.

“At GMR&SC, we envi-

tle was blown. Linden with a +4 goal difference were crowned Champions over Club 45, who ended with a +1 goal difference.

Captain of the Linden Masters, Garfield ‘Snooker Shepherd, captured the Best Defender and MVP trophies as well as the top goal-scorer trophy, which he jointly shared with Christopher King, their each having 2 goals.

‘Old Head’ Lewis was

he being 66 years old.

A number of individuals contributed the trophies that were contested for, including Snoops Jewellery of Linden and Golden Smile of the capital city. Three former hockey players also made contributions towards the staging of the festival: Ivor Thompson, Dexter Wyles and Dr. Claude Gooding, as did former Western Tigers player Shawn Thompson.

istering under GMR&SC. But that’s not all. Competitors will be uniquely qualified for the inaugural South American Esports Championship. This thrilling virtual contest is slated for November 2nd, aligning with the São Paulo Formula 1 Grand Prix week. Participants will compete using the FIA F4 car on the

Luis Kumar (GMR&SC Executive) has expressed immense enthusiasm for the future of sim racing in Guyana.

“Sim racing is more than just a game. Although there are costs associated with setting up a rig, it is undeniably the more economical discipline of motorsport. We’ve witnessed sim racers transition to real-world racing and vice versa. Sim racing offers an

sion a robust future for sim racing in Guyana,” he has said.

The move by GMR&SC is anticipated to bring motorsport within the reach of many more enthusiasts in the country, paving the way for the next generation of virtual and real racers. For further details on registration, persons can message 654-5381.

Guyana Beverages Inc.’s Marketing Manager Mr. Colin Higgings handing over one of the sponsored shirts to Archery Guyana President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon

From left to right: GBI Marketing Manager Colin Higgins, AG Treasurer Robert Singh and AG President Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon

A look at the ‘sim racing’ experience

Champions of over-55 football festival, Linden Masters

Tournament MVP of Masters over-55, Garfield ‘Snooks’ Shepherd, is all smiles as he collects his silverware from Terry Meusa, a member of GUYFAM

4 multipurpose sport facilities for hinterland regions - Ramson

is why, starting this year, some of you would’ve seen myself and Minister Pauline Sukhai all across the hinterland areas. We are going to be starting the commencement of the construction of multipurpose indoor facilities, five of them, four of which are going to be in the hinterland, staring this year.”

Labelling each facility ‘a catalyst for development of talent’, the Minister, under whose mandate culture also falls, revealed that the indoor facilities will also be available for cultural activities and weddings, among other events.

The 5 multipurpose facilities have a timeline for completion in 2024. In the meantime, however, Ramson disclosed that investment has gone into 100 Amerindian communities for ground enhancement projects.

With the intent of exposing communities to several other sport disciplines aside from the usual football and cricket, five multipurpose sport facilities are in the works, four of which will be for the hinterland regions, according to Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. Ramson Jr. was at the time addressing the

opening ceremony of 2023 Heritage Games at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown on Wednesday evening when he told a crowd of Indigenous athletes: “It is because of that that we are making the largest investment in our capital infrastructure in this country’s history, which includes our sports areas. And that

While the facilities will reportedly be built in Regions 1, 3, 7, 8 and 9 (Region 3 being the non-hinterland venue), the Minister shared on the wide variety of sports they will cater for. He said, “These are going to be the first of its kind in your part of the regions. You’re going to be able to play indoor sports like volleyball, futsal, basketball, badminton, table tennis, tennis; you name it. All of that will become available to you on the completion of that facility next year.”

GOA hosts sports medicine workshop

“In addition, we saw the display of so many beautiful cultural items here today on display, the multipurpose facility will cater for all kinds of events,” Ramson Jr. said.

The Sport Minister disclosed, “I want to also share with the entire Games here today; at the last NTC (National Toshao Council) Conference, we already distributed $100 million to

100 communities for their ground enhancement. And in a very short space of time, we’re going to continue that until we complete all of the Amerindian communities across the country.”

NAMILCO U17 National Academy playoff commences next Saturday

The Guyana Olympic Association has successfully hosted a sports medicine workshop with approximately seventy (70) participants at Olympic House at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

Under the chairmanship of Secretary-General Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, the Workshop was declared open by the President of the Guyana Olympic Association, Mr. Godfrey Munroe, on Saturday 23rd September, 2023, and he outlined the background and reiterated the intention of his Executive Committee to continue to explore new pathways to enhance athletes’ performances and strengthen the Olympic Association’s policies, vision, and strategic plan to evaluate and pave the way forward.

The workshop was commended by all present, as it was a true enlightenment for all participants present.

Delivering Remarks also was Dr. Ariane Mangar, Head of the Rehabilitation Department, Ministry of Health, who commended the tripartite collaboration between the Guyana Olympic Association, the Ministry of Health, and the

Guyana Physiotherapists Association.

Presenters included Ms. Vanessa Wickham, a Sports Physiotherapist who works at the National Sports Physiotherapy Department at the National Aquatic Centre. Most recently, she has been working with the G.O.A. with various travelling teams.

Topics included factors/ steps to decrease risk of injury, and the importance of recovery for the athlete.

Participants were treated to a surprise presentation by the renowned Dr. Akshai Mansingh, Dean of Sports Medicine at the University of West Indies, Mona Campus, and the Chief Medical Officer for West Indies Cricket and the Caribbean Premiere League.

His interactive presentation on the role of the coach in the management of injuries was well received by those present.

The Guyana Olympic Association’s affiliated members and invited coaches and athletes further understood the proposed working relationship between the National Sports Clinic and the Guyana Olympic Association. President

Munroe’s remarks on the intention of linking affiliates with physiotherapists was met with resounding applause. He explained that the Executive is working on, and will be collaborating with, physiotherapists on how to assign physiotherapists to affiliates to work with coaches and athletes post and pre-competition procedures.

The aim is to further establish a database tracking of athletes. A baseline to be created and work to begin from there.

At the end of the workshop, participants interacted over refreshments, networked and left understanding inter alia how sports injuries are managed, better able to identify factors which contribute to injuries, understanding steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing injuries, understanding how coaches can support athletes during pre-habilitation and rehabilitation.

This Workshop was the first of a series to be undertaken as the Guyana Olympic Association aims to empower its affiliate members through support for executives of national federations, coaches and athletes.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 National Academy Playoff is back for another season of thrilling football from the country’s future male stars.

The academy playoff will be rolled out through the GFF’s Academy Training Centers, and will kick off on Saturday, October 7, at the National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). At yesterday’s simple launching ceremony, which was held at NAMILCO Headquarters at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, the company’s Marketing Supervisor Alicia Anderson reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting grassroots football, and encouraged persons to show their support by attending the games.

“We have come on board again to support football for the Under-17 tournament, which spreads across the length and breadth of Guyana. We want persons to render support to the grassroots players, which is important for their growth and development. We would have seen this ripple effect happening in other sports across Guyana as well,” she said.

Anderson added: “When you support grassroots football… that bit of motivation, the support that the players

get playing in front of a crowd, and to hear the shouts, “Run and pass the ball!” or, “Goal!!” it gives them that extra boost that they need to work on their performance, and builds their motivation to perform even better.

“NAMILCO has always been a part of that through our Thunderbolt brand, and we will continue to support football,” she promised.

This year's playoff will feature teams in Group A - Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank, the National Under-15 and Berbice; and Group B - Upper Demerara, Essequibo, Bartica, and West Demerara.

After a round-robin phase, the best teams from each group will advance to the championship round to compete for the prestigious title of national champion.

GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph has thanked NAMILCO for their continued support of youth football, and emphasised that collaboration has contributed to the development of young players. He cited Omari Glasgow as a shining example.

Glasgow, who started playing in the Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 League at the age of 14, is now a star player on the Guyana senior men's national team the Golden Jaguars.

“The GFF is very grateful to NAMILCO for partnering again for another year of under-17 football. When

the President Wayne Forde administration took office, NAMILCO was one of the first partners that came on board with a multi-year agreement.

We’ve seen how this partnership has contributed towards the development of our players. The standout person for us would be Omari Glasgow, who was a beneficiary of this competition, playing from as early as 14 years old, and now he is the star of our senior men’s national team.

“And that opportunity was afforded through this partnership with NAMILCO,” Joseph has said.

He noted that the tournament continues to be a fantastic platform for GFF to scout talented players for the junior national teams.

“Our national under-17 boys are going to be involved in international competition in 2024, and this is an opportunity for them to stake a claim to be part of that 23man squad that is going to represent Guyana at that competition. We want to ensure that we deliver a really good playoff, which is a bestvs-best opportunity for our elite youth players within the Regional Academy across the country,” he explained.

Through strong corporate partnerships, GFF continues to organise exceptional tournaments for young players across the country. The Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 League concludes on November 18.

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

Group photo with some of the participants: Front row (left to right) Ms. Emelia Ramdhani, Asst. Secretary of G.O.A; Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Secretary-General of the G.O.A; Ms. Vanessa Wickham, Sports Physiotherapist; Dr. Ariane Mangar, Head of Rehabilitation Department, Ministry of Health; Dr. Akshai Mansingh, Dean of Sports Medicine at the University of the West Indies; Mr. Godfrey Munroe, President of the Guyana Olympic Association; and Mr. Garfield Wiltshire, Treasurer of the G.O.A

GFF’s Competitions Director Troy Peters receiving the sponsorship cheque in the presence of GFF’s Sasha Gouveia and Bryan Joseph, and NAMILCO’s Alicia Anderson