Guyana Times - Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Sparendaam couple remanded on narcotics-possession charge

During the exercise, a search was carried out at the couple’s home. According to the Police report, ranks found a plastic bag that contained 12 Bamboo (a paper used to wrap the cannabis), a quantity of transparent zip lock bags, and two transparent plastic bags containing a quantity of ganja.

The discovered items were shown to the two occupants of the home. They were told of the offence committed, cautioned and both denied ownership.

Acouple was on Monday remanded to prison on a drug trafficking charge in relation to the discovery of a quantity of marijuana at their Lot 1 Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

Kevin Archer, a 31-yearold- gold miner and his 31-year-old wife Carletta

Sutton, were arrested on Saturday last.

To the charge which alleged that on the day in question, they had 943 grams of Cannabis sativa (marijuana) in their possession for the purpose of trafficking, they pleaded not guilty.

They appeared be-

The

fore Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts. Following their plead, they were remanded to prison until September 7.

Police stated that the

discovery was made during an operation that was conducted between 06:00h and 07:00h on August 19 in the Plaisance, Better Hope, and Vryheid’s Lust villages along the East Coast of Demerara

in search of guns, drugs, ammunition and wanted persons.

They were both arrested and escorted along with the suspected narcotics to the Sparendaam Police Station, where the marijuana was weighed in their presence and amounted to 943 grams.

After 4 months on remand

Zamol Samuels, who is facing a charge of manslaughter over the death of a 38-year-old father of five, was granted $500,000 bail on Monday, four months after he was charged with the offence.

Samuels of Gaja Landing, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini), reappeared before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court.

He has not been required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on March 27 at Black Water Landing, Region One, he unlawfully killed Aaron Conyers, 38.

Samuels, who is being represented by Attorneyat-Law Bernard DaSilva, will return to court on November 20 for the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

According to the Police, Leon Caravaio, a labourer of Gaja Landing went to Dorothy Samuels's house to charge his phone on March 27, when he noticed

Conyers imbibing with others at Zamol's shop, which is located on the east side of Dorothy Samuels’s yard.

Conyers and one of the individuals with whom he was drinking, allegedly got into a fight, according to Caravaio. When Samuels noticed this, he intervened, and Conyers verbally assaulted him.

Conyers then struck the back of his head after being thrown to the ground by Samuels. The now-dead man reportedly sprang up and started to insult Samuels in a lewd manner.

He then left the yard and collapsed on the side of the road. Conyers, a businessman, was picked up by his wife and sister and taken home, where he was put to bed.

The following morning, he was overheard groaning and was subsequently taken to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, where he died whilst receiving treatment. His cause of death was given as brain haemorrhaging due to blunt trauma.

Remanded: Kevin Archer

marijuana that was found in the couple’s place of abode

Remanded: Carletta Sutton

Manslaughter accused Zamol Samuels

Dead: Aaron Conyers

Accused charged with killing father of 5 granted $500,000 bail

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, Aug 22 – 20:30h –21:15h and Wednesday, Aug 23 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Aug 22 – 07:30h – 09:00h and Wednesday, Aug 23 – 08:05h – 09:35h.

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 partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 25 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 07:58h and 20:13h reaching maximum heights of 2.5 metres and 2.48 metres.

Low Tide: 13:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.77 metre.

CoI into Mahdia deadly fire opens today

The much-anticipated Commission of Inquiry (CoI) probing the Mahdia dorm tragedy officially opens today, with the Terms of Reference (ToR) having been released to the public on Monday. It shows that the inquiry will last for up to two months unless extended by the President.

President Ali recently appointed retired Major General Joe Singh as Chairman and Attorney-at-Law Kim KyteThomas and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John as Commissioners. Also, Attorney-at-Law Javed Shadick will serve as the commission’s Secretary.

The ToR details that the commission will inquire into and report on everything leading up to the dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 20 juveniles back in May, as well as the causes of the fire.

They will also investigate and report on what actions were taken to provide care, medical attention, and support to the injured and deceased and their relatives, in a timely manner. Recommendations are also expected from the commission, which will include necessary measures to prevent a reoccurrence of such tragedies.

“I direct that you, Major General Ret’d Joseph Govinda Singh, shall be the Chairman of the commission. And I direct that the Chairman and other Commissioners shall constitute a quorum. And I direct that the commission shall render its report, findings and recommendations to the President, in writing, within two months or within such other time as may be directed by the President,” the ToR further states.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Further, the inquiry will be done at Georgetown, from the commission’s Middle Street office, and Mahdia or any other places the commission determines. It will also be held in public, though the commission reserves the right to exclude anyone deemed fit for the preservation of order or any other reason.

The ToR further states that the commission will establish and regulate itself in accordance with the relevant laws and that officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will ensure the safety and preservation of order during the proceedings.

It was only a couple of weeks ago that the members of the CoI took their Oath of Office before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus at the Office of the President in Georgetown. At the swearing-in ceremony, President Dr Irfaan Ali noted that the CoI represents a crucial step towards understanding and healing from this horrific incident.

The President had further noted that the CoI was sworn in at this time to allow for a more conducive environment, given the immediate mental toll the event had taken on community members.

Last month, the Government announced that in addition to medical and mental health support, they

would also be providing $5 million each to families of the 20 children who died in the fire, an initiative that the President clarified will not hinder the work of the CoI. It came on the heels of President Dr Irfaan Ali pledging full compensation to the aggrieved families when he engaged family members after the fire.

In the Agreement, Government pledged to continue to offer such support as may be necessary to the victims and their families. Given that public monies are being expended, and recognising that these expenditures will have to be transparently ac-

counted for, the agreements were reduced into writing.

In the early hours of May 22, the fire had already ripped through the Mahdia school dormitory after being maliciously set by a 15-year-old student. The facility housed about 59 students from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie and Chenapau. Information from the Guyana Fire Service indicated that 14 youths died at the scene of the fire, while six died at Mahdia District Hospital.

Initial reports indicated that the teenage accused threatened to set the place on fire after her cell phone was confiscated and more so after

she was previously suspended for engaging in activities contrary to the rules of the institution.

The girls who perished in the fire are Subrina John, Belnisa Evans, Loreen Evans, Bibi Rita Fiona Jeffrey, Lisa Roberts, Tracil Thomas, Delecia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arianna Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Martha Dandrade, Mary Dandrade, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Sherlyn Bellarmine, Eulander Carter, Andrea Roberts and Sherana Daniels. Adanye Jerome, the five-year-old son of the dorm’s mother, was also among those who passed.

From left: CoI Secretary Javed Ally; Chairman, Major (ret’d) Joe Singh; acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, President Dr Irfaan Ali, Commissioners Kim Kyte-Thomas and Derrick John, and Education Minister Priya Manickchand, at the swearing-in

– report expected within 2 months, as ToR released

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

Religious community & youths

In Guyana, there is no doubt that the church – whether Christian, Hindu (temple) or Muslim (masjid) – play a significant role, both socially and otherwise. However, there seems to be a need for a more dominant role of these institutions in tackling crime among youths. The involvement of youths in crime is no secret in Guyana. A glaring example of this is a quick perusal of any of the dailies, where many of the perpetrators of crime – petty or serious – are youths, although this phenomenon is not limited to these shores only.

This newspaper reported some time ago about a forum where over 100 persons from across the Caribbean gathered at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in an attempt to address youth crime and violence in Caricom countries. Under the theme “Youth Crime and Violence – Breaking the Cycle: Exploring New Platforms for Transformation”, the mission of the consultation was to derive strategies for the reduction of youth crime and violence through discussion of the issues promoting youth crime. As all avenues are being explored to fight against youths’ involvement in crime, Government must consider the church, to a substantial extent, as playing a significant role.

These religious institutions make a difference in people’s everyday lives, and many of our places of worship are deeply rooted in communities. It is through this medium that these religious institutions can impact youths and crime. The church, through outreach programmes, can impact neighbourhoods, making them not only generous, but safe. Because of the influence that religious organisations have over their congregations, Government should tap into this and offer support to places of worship (Christian, Hindu, and Muslim) to finance projects that would enable them to more effectively tackle issues of poverty, which in many cases are the root causes of crime. This support will, to a greater extent, encourage churches to develop a broader vision for how they might have a greater impact on the lives of people in local communities and their surrounding environs.

Guyana’s faith-based organisations had the benefit, over the years, of training programme initiatives by the Government (present and past) to address concerns of the escalating ills of the society.

At one of those trainings, when the now Vice President was Head of State, he used the opportunity to appeal to community and religious leaders to reach out to the youths who are at the crossroads of their lives, especially during that crucial time of puberty, when vital lifechanging choices can create a criminal or a pillar of the society.

He had also averred that the religious leaders of societies are on “the frontline”, but whether they can make the good generals that would lead their respective communities to a cleaner and more moral society is yet to be seen. Nevertheless, he had expressed his faith in their ability to pilot the society’s ship into calmer and more peaceful waters.

There is no doubt that youths of today are faced with numerous challenges, even more challenges than there were in years gone by; and as such, to adequately address the issues, emphasis must be placed on the church, which is one of the institutions that first touch the lives of youths.

Places of worship, with adequate financing, can help address the issue of crime by instilling values that relate to moral compasses being missing in many of today’s youth. Among these values are honesty, respect, spirituality, and a sense of justice and fairness.

Prime Minister Rowley should be thankful for Guyana

Dear Editor,

Trinidad and Tobago’s

(TT) Prime Minister, Keith Rowley, has a lot he should be thankful to Guyana for, rather than making disdainful remarks about Guyana.

I also saw, from one of my Trinidadian friends, that a minority leader of a political party posted on his Facebook page that Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, called a press conference to respond to Prime Minister Rowley’s inappropriate remarks. That is not true. The Vice President did not address Prime Minister Rowley in his press conference. It was after his press conference, and during the question-and-answer segment, when a journalist posed the question about foreign exchange shortage, that he said what he said as an en passant comment.

But let me take this opportunity to highlight a few things in regard to why Prime Minister Rowley should be thankful to Guyana, because this is not the first occasion in which he has made remarks about Guyana in a mocking way.

Trinidad & Tobago is Guyana’s largest trading partner for imports, whereby Trinidad enjoys a handsome trade surplus with Guyana. In 2022, Guyana’s import bill with Trinidad amounted to over US$1 billion, accounting for 25% of Guyana’s total imports. On the other Guyana, Guyana’s exports to Trinidad are virtually negligible, less than 5% of total non-oil exports, giving rise to a trade surplus with Guyana in the region of US$900 million.

Additionally, there are two large Trinidadian con-

glomerates operating in Guyana, namely: Massy, and Ansa McAL Group of Companies; and one financial institution, Republic Bank Ltd. In 2022, these three companies racked up an estimated after-tax profit in the region of US$185 million from their operations in Guyana. There are many other Trinidadian companies operating in Guyana’s oil and gas sector as well, and some are in partnerships with Guyanese firms. So, looking at our balance of payment accounts, reasonable estimates can be derived in terms of the repatriation of profit to Trinidad.

Considering all of the above, altogether, the Trinidad economy earns anything over US$1.3 billion attributed to Guyana’s economy. This amount represents nearly 6% of TT’s 2022 GDP, 17% of TT’s current revenue, and 91% of TT’s total debt service figure for 2022. In other words, Guyana’s contribution to the TT economy (from trade and profits from TT companies in Guyana) is sufficient to cover more than 90% of TT’s debt service payments.

It is interesting to note that in just seven years, US$4.6 billion of TT's economy was wiped out under Prime Minister Rowley: from US$27 billion in 2015 down to US$22 billion in 2022. Another US$3.1 billion in TT’s foreign reserves disappeared: from US$9.9 billion in 2015, the equivalent of 12.2 months’ import cover, down to US$6.8 billion, the equivalent of 8.6 months’ import cover in 2022. As for the total debt stock: 90% of GDP and climbing, up from 68% in 2015.

To put this in perspective, Guyana's preoil GDP was US$4 billion. Effectively, the TT economy shrank by an amount that is larger than the size of Guyana's pre-oil GDP. That's like killing all of the productive sectors in the Guyanese economy, taking it from a state of prosperity and growth to bankruptcy and widespread poverty in just seven years -- all under the stewardship of Prime Minister Rowley. Meanwhile, the Guyanese economy is projected to surpass TT’s economy by 2025. For instance, based on projected growth for 2023, real GDP is forecasted to more than quadruple from pre-oil levels to US$17 billion.

While the Guyanese dollar is weaker to the US dollar than the TT currency to the US dollar, the Guyanese exchange rate has been stable over the last 15 years within the framework of a floating exchange rate system. In the case of Guyana, exchange rate stability is important at this time versus a revaluation of the exchange rate for a stronger currency.

Conversely, Trinidad & Tobago has a fixed exchange rate regime, which means that to maintain a certain exchange rate, the Central Bank has to maintain an established minimum level of foreign exchange reserves. As mentioned above, the foreign exchange reserves were equivalent to more than one year’s worth of import cover, which has weakened consistently to 8.6 months of import cover in 2022. This means that if the TT economy continues to dwindle at the current

rate, by 2025, the TT economy will be in trouble; that is, a brewing debt and foreign exchange crisis.

In addition, to date, Guyana has a long list of unresolved trade barriers with Trinidad & Tobago, to the extent that Guyanese firms are prevented from exporting their commodities into TT; even approved items are denied entry. And TT seems to have no interest in resolving these issues, though some, if not all, are in violation of the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Be that as it may, I wish to acknowledge that, over three decades ago, Trinidad & Tobago under former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday was very generous to Guyana when Guyana had its own debt crisis. To this end, Guyana benefitted from debt forgiveness from TT, which in part helped Guyana to recover during that period.

Finally, Guyana has always been generous to Trinidad & Tobago, and there was a time when Trinidad was more generous to Guyana. Guyana welcomes the many Trinidadian firms operating locally, and our Guyanese businesses have many fruitful and gainful partnerships with their Trinidadian counterparts. Going forward, I would like to see more mutual respect for each other, especially from the level of the current TT Government. And to the rest of our TT counterparts, some of them need to drop the arrogance; it won’t get anybody anywhere.

Yours respectfully,

Joel Bhagwandin

Shell Beach, also known as Almond Beach, a 90-mile-long beach of sea shells, is the nesting ground of four species of marine turtles: Green, Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill. It is located along Guyana’s Atlantic Coast in Region One (Barima-Waini)

Construction of City Hall Admin Building Finance Committee assessing way forward – City Engineer

The construction of the City Hall Administrative Building continues to be stalled as the finance committee for the project is now looking at other means to move forward with its completion.

This was revealed by the City Engineer Colvern Venture during a telephone interview with this publication on Monday.

According to Venture, "The finance committee met last week, and we're in discussion to restart the construction of that building.”

Venture added that the contractor’s contract has expired and at this point, he cannot say whether the Council will continue with the same contractor or select a new one.

“We don't have a contractor right now, the contractor time has expired so the finance committee is looking at the matter right now so I wouldn't be able to say if we would continue the works with that contractor or go back to re-tender," Venture told this publication.

During a previous interview with this publication, the Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore revealed

that construction was stalled because of issues with the contractor, who kept requesting multiple extensions.

According to Mentore, construction has been stalled for over a year. He added that the contractor did a lot of “general work” but never actually completed a specific phase. As such, he said the Council was seeking legal advice on how

to end the relationship with the company and hire another firm.

“He did a lot of general work…externally and internally so in doing that we weren’t able to actually complete a phase. We would have been moving to complete the downstairs, which would have been the Treasurer Department and then we have the other departments on the oth-

er floor. But we didn’t get the chance to complete any of the phases. Most of the work he did was general,” Mentore explained.

“Most of the work that has to be done is the…finishing work, framing up things, and putting ceiling. We have to settle it now, as it relates to finishing work… that in itself takes time but it also takes money,” the Deputy Mayor added.

Back in March, Former Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall had stated that his Ministry will be offering technical assistance to the Council for the completion of the proj-

$1B contract inked for construction of pump station at Craig

ing station on the East Bank of Demerara. And that is about $1 billion. This shows how we are responding to the needs of our people,” Mustapha relayed.

As part of Guyana’s food security aim, farmers countrywide continue to benefit from the construction and maintenance of new and existing drainage systems, and farm-to-market roads, among other interventions.

The Minister further explained that “Over the last three years, we have purchased and fixed 28 new pumps across this country. That is a monumental achievement for us. We have nine pump stations being built across our country.”

ect in a timely manner.

Noting that it is outrageous that after two years, the Georgetown Mayor and City Councill (M&CC) is unable to wrap up the construction of its Administrative Building.

According to previous reports, the building was being constructed in phases. In 2019, the Central Government gave $75 million to the M&CC for the first phase of construction works.

The second phase of construction would have commenced in December 2021,

after the Government handed over a $30 million subvention to City Hall to complete the building.

The new building, when completed, is expected to have an elevator, a room for the holding of statutory meetings, and all the vital administrative departments.

The construction of the administrative building became a top priority for the municipality, given the dilapidated state of the existing structure, which is unsafe for staff.

To mitigate flooding in many farming areas while increasing food productivity, residents along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor will soon benefit from the construction of a pump station at Craig.

The contract was signed on Friday to the tune of $1 billion. The disclosure was made by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the commissioning of a dredge at Little Diamond sluice, EBD.

“I went to Craig since

the entire East Bank said that they had to wait for tidal drainage, as they needed 24-hour drainage. The drainage capacity needed to improve. When we were planning our budget for this year, we put in our budget to build a brand-new pump-

The Minister noted that flooding has been mitigated tremendously in the Diamond area.

Recently, for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to execute rehabilitation works on existing drainage systems in Region Two, an additional $2.5 billion in funding was approved.

City Engineer Colvern Venture

Pump station at Kingston

The City Hall Building

Types of angles (cont’d)

BY WILLIAM BLAKE

Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies. Burnt the fire of thine eyes? On what wings dare he aspire?

What the hand, dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, & what art, Could twist the sinews of thy heart? And when thy heart began to beat. What dread hand? & what dread feet?

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to show you how to use a balloon to power a water fountain.

Materials:

Empty 2-litre soda bottle

Balloon

Straw – a bendable straw works best

Putty

Sharp nail, pin

Funnel

Tray or wash bin to collect the water

Optional – food colouring

Instructions:

Have an adult poke a hole big enough for the straw to just barely fit through.

Put the hole about a third of the way from the bottom of the bottle.

Slide the straw through the hole. Leave about half of the straw sticking out of the bottle.

Make sure to point the end of the straw up.

Use the putty to securely seal the area around the straw.

Place the bottle in the tray.

Use the funnel to fill the bottle with water until it reaches the level of the straw opening. If you go higher then this the water will come out of the straw.

Optional – add a drop of food colouring.

Blow up the balloon. Pinch the balloon but do not tie it closed.

Stretch the mouth of the balloon over the opening of the bottle being sure to keep the balloon pinched closed.

Release the balloon and observe what happens.

How it works:

The water in the bottle has air pressure pushing down on it. When the balloon is released, the air pressure on top of the water increases. This increased pressure forces the water out of the straw and creates the balloonpowered water fountain.

Make this a science project: Try this easy balloon experiment with different sized balloons. Try smaller plastic bottles with bigger balloons. Try different diameter straws like big milkshake straws or small stir stick straws. (sciencefun.org)

What the hammer? what the chain, In what furnace was thy brain? What the anvil? what dread grasp. Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears And water’d heaven with their tears: Did he smile his work to see? Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger Tyger burning bright, In the forests of the night: What immortal hand or eye, Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

WORD SEARCH

Guyana receiving high interest from int’l investors for agri sector – Mustapha

–innovative

Ahead of the upcoming Agri Investment Forum and Expo, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has indicated that interest is high from foreign companies in available opportunities in Guyana’s agricultural sector.

The Agri Investment Forum is being held from October 20 to 22 of this year, under the theme “Accelerating Investment in Vision 25 by 2025”. At the

financing must be explored during Agri

opening ceremony last week, Mustapha spoke of the interest already building up in the expo and, specifically, investment opportunities in the sector.

“It is heartening to see the enthusiasm of international organisations, investors, and experts that have participated in previous agri investment and exposition, at the last forum in Guyana and in Trinidad and Tobago. Their presence reflects a

Investment Forum

shared commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Region’s agri food system.”

“It is against this background that already, we have received a number of interests from international organisations that are expected to be in Guyana from October 20 to 22, to ensure that we advance investment in the agri sector.”

The Minister further noted that together, the two sides must explore in-

ture filled with possibilities.”

“The global agri sector is rapidly evolving, with trends such as climate-smart agriculture, agri tech innovation, and supply chain resilience taking centre stage. We must heed the call of the times, aligning our strategy with international best practices while nurturing the unique strengths of our nation’s agricultural heritage.”

ble discussions following the opening of the event.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Whiptail development, which will be ExxonMobil’s sixth development project in the Stabroek Block, has been completed and the project documents indicate that the project will cost US$12.9 billion.

ExxonMobil had approached the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval for the Whiptail development. According to the EIA, the project will target between 33 and 72 wells. According to the documents, development drilling is expected to last from late 2024 or early 2025 through mid2030, with the possibility of extending it as late as 2031.

Installation of subsea components of the project are meanwhile slated to begin in the 2025 second half or early 2026. The installation of the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, as well as commissioning and start-up, are expected to occur in 2027. The life of the project is expected to last for at least 20 years.

According to the oil company, the project will employ over 500 persons during drilling and installation. Additionally, between 100 and 180 persons will be employed during production. It was further explained that the Whiptail FPSO vessel will be similar to the one for Yellowtail and will be designed to target 300,000 bar-

rels per day.

When it comes to any potential impacts from the project, the EIA states that the project will not disturb any natural onshore habitats since it is taking place over 195 kilometres off the coast. However, it states that the project may potentially have a meaningful impact on water quality, climate, and certain marine biological and socio-economic resources. However, mitigation measures were included in the assessment for the EPA to peruse.

“The potential impacts of planned Project activities were assessed based on the interactions between these activities and portions of the environmental and socioeconomic receptors affected,” the EIA stated.

“Considering the embedded controls, impacts from planned activities were rated as having Negligible, Minor, Moderate, or Major significance. Based on this assessment, no environmental or socioeconomic impacts from the planned activities were found to have Major significance.”

Meanwhile, the EPA issued a notice inviting citizens to submit any concerns they may have about the project, within 60 days. According to the notice, “The Public is hereby notified that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Impact

Statement (EIS) for the Whiptail Development Project, Production facilitates for petroleum production in the Stabroek License Area, offshore Guyana, proposed by the Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), have been submitted.”

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Since last year, Guyana has been recording weekly lifts in the Stabroek Block with oil production now at 340,000 barrels per day (bpd) from the <<<Liza Destiny>>> and <<<Liza Unity>>> FPSO vessels. With EEPGL making weekly lifts, Guyana’s crude entitlement of one million barrels occurs monthly from the two FPSOs.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana, including the now Whiptail project, will be online by 2027. Production has already started on the Liza Phase 1 and 2 projects, while the third development, Payara, will start up at the end of this year.

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

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will target a mammoth 250,000 barrels per day (bpd). Both Yellowtail and Uaru, the fifth development, have received approvals.

novative financing options to make these investments a reality. Mustapha also made reference to the rapidly evolving global agriculture sector and innovations such as climate-smart agriculture.

He noted the importance of Guyana finding the right balance of evolving its agriculture sector in line with global norms, while also nurturing the unique strengths of Guyana’s traditional agriculture.

“It is the expectation that together, we will explore innovative financing models, harness cutting-edge technologies and amplify the impact of our collective efforts to propel us forward to a fu-

Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud; Programme Manager of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Shaun Baugh; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd; Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop; members of the diplomatic corps, and others were also present at the launch of the agro-investment forum.

This is the third Agri Investment Forum and expo. The previous two editions were both held last year, one in Guyana and the other in Trinidad. During the first agri expo in May 2022, a number of regional agencies participated in round ta-

Donor agencies worked directly with Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries to discuss their options and interests. And among the regional leaders who travelled to Guyana for the threeday event were the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley and Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Motley.

Other Caricom leaders who attended the Agri Forum and Expo included Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne; Prime Minister of Belize, Johnny Briceno; Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit; and Premier of Montserrat, Joseph Easton Taylor- Farrell. Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahamas, Chester Cooper and Agriculture Ministers from around the Region also attended the event.

During the inaugural event, Guyana served as the hub for potential investment talks.

Over 250 exhibitors displayed their booths, with international stakeholders from countries such as Jamaica, the United States of America, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, and Barbados. (G-3)

Map showing location of Exxon projects offshore Guyana, including the proposed location of Whiptail

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Whiptail project to cost

US$12.9B, as EIA completed – EPA invites public feedback on massive project

Convicted child rapist files appeal

After being convicted of child rape and being handed a 17-year jail sentence, Troy Anderson of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), has notified the Court of Appeal (CoA) of his intention to pursue the appeal he had previously filed against his conviction and jail time.

On Friday, a prison officer informed the Appellate Court that Anderson, now 43, is going ahead with the matter. As such, the case will be called for a report on October 24. Anderson was found guilty by a jury of the offence of rape of a child under 16 in 2016 and was subsequently sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment by trial Judge Jo Ann Barlow.

It was the prosecution’s case that on March 27, 2013, the victim went to a location to have a seamstress alter her pants. When she ar-

rived, she was greeted by the now-convicted man, who informed her that the seamstress was inside the bedroom.

In order to get to the seamstress's location, the victim first opened the lower part of the rear door. However, when she went inside, she did not see the seamstress, and she was just about to leave when Anderson entered and shoved her to the bed before fastening the door.

The prosecutor said as the schoolgirl tried to leave the bed, she was once more shoved backward as Anderson undressed and raped her. The youngster made many fruitless attempts to fend off her rapist, but the court heard that even her screams were ineffective, since he was covering her face with a rag.

Anderson gave the girl $1000 after engaging in the

sexual act, but she refused it. The young girl did not tell her parents when she got home because she thought they would beat her. But the next day, she started to feel pain and a burning feeling in her vagina, and she also got a temperature. She was taken to the Linden Hospital on April 7, 2013, where she was visited and examined by a doctor who discovered that she had developed an infection.

In his unsworn statement, Anderson had vehemently denied committing the crime. “What you did kept her hospitalised for too many days. The court finds displeasure in your actions. I have noted from your lawyer…that you are a regular church-goer. I do trust you find God while you are in prison, so when you are released, you are a better person,” Justice Barlow had said to Anderson while reprimanding him.

Police, teacher granted bail on assault charges

Why not… …an oil refinery??

Ever since the PPP were finally allowed to assume office – which was being denied them by the PNC’s barefaced attempt to rig the 2020 elections – they started executing the Manifesto on which they’d been elected. This has always been their practice: a manifesto is a contract they made with the people when they went to the polls. So, it was no surprise when - early on - they announced they were considering a modular refinery that would be able to supply our needs for petroleum products – now and going forward. With their throwing up highways here, there and everywhere…isn’t there gonna be a commensurate number of vehicles hitting asphalt?? And no matter what Elon Musk says, most of them will be demanding gas to turn those engines!!

There was one local businessman who’d already indicated to the old PNC Government back in 2018 that he wanted to set up such a refinery. And knowing from where the breeze was blowing, he told them he was gonna locate it at Linden. He’d budgeted some US$100 million, he claimed. Never mind he would’ve been adding to his expenses the cost of transporting the crude oil up the Linden Highway!! Anyhow, that proposal went nowhere – even as he resuscitated it when the PPP came into office. But that also somehow disappeared into the wind.

APolicewoman and a teacher were on Monday released on

25,000 each by Magistrate Rhondell Weever for assaulting each other.

Aketa Williams, 27, a Police Constable, and 30-year-old Shonetta Porter appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where the charge was read to them.

Police stated that Porter assaulted Williams on June 10, at Longden Street, Georgetown, with the intent to cause her actual bodily harm. She, however, pleaded not guilty.

In retaliation, Williams then assaulted Porter. She pleaded guilty with an explanation, telling the court that it was Porter who hit her first and she was acting in self defence.

As such, the Magistrate changed her plea from guilty to not guilty. The women were granted bail and ordered to return to court on September 25.

Well, when the PPP asked for expressions of interest in 2022, they’d already indicated they were looking to locate it at Crab Island in the Berbice River. Clearly, the DeepWater Harbour they’d persuaded CGX to build there was to facilitate shipments of crude in - and shipments of refined products out. It was in the plans, baby!! So, when Pres Ali visited the Dominican Republic (DR) and signed an MOU for an oil refinery and a petrochemical plant that would produce urea for agricultural production, with the DR having a stake of over 51% in both projects, no one should’ve been surprised!

Now we can see the Government’s strategic planwhich should give the critics of the refinery something to chew on. Right off the bat, the naysayers came out ranting and screaming about the polluting threats from refining; the costs; and the long-term viability. But DR will be putting in most of the capital; providing markets for some of the refined products; and, critically, will provide our agricultural thrust with urea!! And the contract will be for thirty years!!

The naysayers conveniently forget that, as far as pollution’s concerned, in the grand scheme of things, because of our massive forests, we’re still a net carbon sink!! And we’d be saving on our largest need for foreign currency by cutting off petroleum products’ importation!! TAKE THAT, doom and gloomers!!

…freedom??

This Emancipation Day, your Eyewitness tasted the bitter aftertaste of “what might’ve been”. What might’ve been if a less unprincipled cad and bounder than Burnham had acceded to power? Lee Kwan Yu wrote in his book, “From Third World to First”, how at the time of independence he envied the British colonies in the West Indies.

We had everything, he said. Resources; location in the West; an educated ruling class etc, etc. But as the years went by, he noted, while the latter was “educated”, they loved to talk more than to do. They were “men of words” and not “men of action”. He marvelled how he’d meet them at Heads of Commonwealth Meetings and they’d spout all sorts of theories of “underdevelopment” and “colonialism” etc…but just wouldn’t do a single realistic thing to actually free their countries.

And we still have that quality in the present lot of PNC leaders. They’re all just talkers, not doers. And bullies!!

…a national dress?

And for real emancipation, the observers should’ve given a plaque to Schuman for standing up for the true meaning of emancipation. No more being stuck with imitating the erstwhile masters’ sartorial choices.

The man let it all hang out!! If we’re to be emancipated, shouldn’t we all??

12-Y-O Mahdia deadly fire survivor discharged from US hospital

The 12-year-old student who sustained critical injuries following the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire in May, was discharged on Monday, following three months of surgeries, skin grafts, physical rehabilitation and grief counselling.

Mariza Williams was initially seeking treatment at the Georgetown Public Health Corporation (GPHC) before being medically evacuated (medevacked) to the Regional Burn Centre at Northwell Health, Staten Island University Hospital in the United States (US) for advanced care.

Though her face was spared, she suffered second and third-degree burns to her back, legs and arms, accounting for more than 40 per cent of her body. She took 92 days to get to this point in her recovery.

“The discharge of this little girl is a joyous chapter in this otherwise horrific story,” Vice President of the Centre for Global Health at Northwell Health, Dr Eric Cioe Peña stated.

“The Mahdia fire was a national tragedy in Guyana that captivated the world and was heartfelt in Little Guyana in Queens. Getting her home will help accelerate the healing process for Mahdia and Guyana,” Peña said.

During her discharge, the child was accompanied by her parents, Marlene and Max Williams.

Also present were GPHC Head of Surgery, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar; Guyanese Ambassador to the US, Samuel Hinds, and Director of the Regional Burn Centre at Staten Island University Hospital, Dr Michael Cooper.

While at GPHC, Williams underwent two surgeries, and her condition, though critical, improved steadily. Recognising her need for further care, however, plans to medevack her ensued.

On May 27, she was picked up by the Global Rescue Ambulance via the Air Ambulance at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and taken to the Northwell facility –which waived all costs for medical care.

Last month, it was revealed that she underwent several surgeries at Northwell and though extubated, was recovering well and was engaging in physiotherapy–a treatment that is done to restore a patient’s mobility, function and well-being.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony visited the child at Northwell Health, where he noted her significant progress and expressed his appreciation towards the hospital’s staff for their expertise in ensuring Williams was getting the best outcome.

At that point, Williams had begun to walk about 10 to 15 feet, though the doctors shared their hope to get her to around 40 before her discharge.

Williams was the only victim of the tragic fire to be flown overseas to seek treatment.

The May 21 fire that engulfed the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) claimed the lives of 19 of her friends and the five-year-old son of the dorm’s caretakers.

A fifteen-year-old student was later charged with 20 counts of murder for her alleged involve-

ment in the fire.

Initial reports indicated that this student had her cell phone confiscated, and was previously suspended for engaging in activities contrary to the rules of the institution, after which she allegedly threatened to

cause “trouble” during an argument with the administrators.

The members of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) were recently sworn

in to conduct an investigation into the fatal fire.

Mariza Williams, with parents Max and Marlene Williams (ABC News Photo)

Medical evacuation efforts

Court grants CAL’s injunction for pilots to return to work

– airline resorts to charter flights as disruptions continue

Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has secured an injunction by the Industrial Court against the Trinidad and Tobago Pilots Association (TTALPA), which has now mandated them to return to work.

This is one day after the Trinidad-based carrier cancelled over three dozen flights, reportedly owing to a large number of pilots calling in sick. In addition, the injunction further ordered TTALPA to instruct its membership to immediately report for duty as rostered and required in the normal course of their employment with Caribbean Airlines.

In a release to the press, CAL stated that it has sought the support of the Industrial Court after receiving calls from 75 pilots between August 19 and 20, 2023, each indicating they were unwell and unable to report for duty.

The airline received each of these calls around three hours before the scheduled departure times of the respective flights.

This resulted in approximately 60 flights having to be cancelled between August 19 and 20. The unavailability of these pilots, combined with the short notice, made it impossible to recover.

However, in a ruling by Industrial Court members Melvin Daniel, Albert Aberdeen and Bindimattie Mahabir, it was stated that the Pilots Association has been “restrained from taking and/or continuing to take and/or participating howsoever in industrial action within the meaning of the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 88:01...including calling in sick en masse."

Meanwhile, the Association has denied reports that it was striking; it is illegal for pilots to engage in that type of action. The Union has also been asked to instruct its membership to immediately report for duty as rostered, with a warning that a penal clause can be endorsed.

It states, “If you the within named party no. 2 being the TT Airline Pilots

Association or any of your members or howsoever otherwise known, classified, designated, categorised, called or described disobey this order you will be liable to the process of execution for the purpose of compelling you to obey same.”

There were flights to and from countries in the Caribbean as well as the United States and Canada that were affected. Among the flights that were cancelled on Sunday were five flights to and from Guyana. In addition, another 14 domestic flights between

Trinidad and Tobago were also cancelled.

In a brief travel alert advisory on its Facebook page on Sunday, CAL explained that there were “… disruptions to its operations for August 20 due to cockpit crew constraints.”

According to the T&T Guardian, TTALPA said it is prohibited by law from taking industrial action as their members are deemed “essential workers”.

On Monday, the airline company advised that its teams are still proactively working to manage and up -

date its operational schedules.

“Today, there has been a remarkably high volume of calls from pilots reporting that they are unwell and unable to report for duty. These calls come in at approximately three (3) hours prior to flight departure times… As a result of the sick calls, Caribbean Airlines has had to cancel several flights,” the airline stated.

“The airline is working on recovery flights for displaced passengers of cancelled services. However

due to the number of individuals impacted, this process is currently ongoing,” the statement reiterated.

Some international and domestic flights for Monday were also impacted, prompting actions from its Reservations Service Centre. The airline also urged persons to check online for their flight status and those with cancelled flights are being asked not to turn up to the airport.

The airline on Monday evening issued an apology to all its customers who were affected by the incident.

“We fully understand the frustration and extreme disappointment that such unexpected cancellations can bring, especially when many of you were eagerly anticipating long-awaited vacations, and crucial academic journeys. In response to this critical situation, Caribbean Airlines, at significant cost — immediately wet-leased two aircraft, obtained accommodation for stranded passengers and took legal advice,” CAL stated.

GAWU shuts down request for other estates to join strike actions in Berbice

The Guyana

Agricultural and General Workers

Union (GAWU) has refused to allow other estates to join their colleagues at the protest line in solidarity with the transferred sugar workers, who are required to return to the Rose Hall Estate when it reopens next month.

The strike continued on Monday, this time in front of the PPP/C office in New Amsterdam, where other categories of sugar workers joined the protest, which

were retrenched and were sequentially issued with severance packages.

The striking workers took to the streets one day after a high-level meeting involving senior officials of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), GAWU, management of the three estates, and workers’ representatives. The meeting was aimed at discussing harvesting strategies for the Rose Hall Estate, which is expected to commence grinding operations

their severance package,” Tambron explained. Moreover, the striking workers are arguing that apart from the severance packages, the retrenched workers also received the $250,000 cash grant that was handed out after the PPP returned to office, whereas they received nothing.

“We are continuing to represent the matter until we have a solution to the matter. These workers are adamant, and they decided

is in its second week. The workers on strike are those who were transferred from the Rose Hall Estate when it was closed in 2017. They are now being asked to return to the estate, despite not being given treatment similar to the retrenched workers. The retrenched sugar workers were paid a severance package which the transferred workers were not entitled to.

Last Wednesday, scores of harvesters and planters from the Albion Estate, along with more than 100 harvesters from the Blairmont Estate, downed tools as they called for a package similar to what had been given retrenched workers if they are to return to the Rose Hall Estate.

On Monday, they were joined by the seven welders and seven recleaners who were also transferred from the Rose Hall Estate when it was closed.

When that estate was closed, about 2500 persons were employed, and 1,181

on September 16. A decision was taken at that meeting to relocate 140 cane harvesters from the Albion Estate and a further 130 from Blairmont Estate to work at Rose Hall Estate for the crop, which is expected to last between five and six weeks.

GAWU Berbice representative Harvey Tambron, who is also the union’s Vice President, has said the issue was not brought to the fore during last Wednesday’s meeting, but on Saturday a high-level delegation from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) met with the union and about 50 workers who are currently on strike. That meeting was headed by GuySuCo’s Agriculture Director Vishnu Panday.

“At the end of the meeting, the workers demanded that they be given their severance package. The Agriculture Director explained it cannot happen, so we left the meeting with the understanding that they are demanding to have

to call on the other estates to support them, but we are not lobbying for that. What we are for is that somebody from the Government should approach the workers and talk to them and find a way out in order to resolve the issue. Whatever the outcome, the union stands by the workers,” Tambron declared.

However, Tambron explained that although some of the workers are protesting for better working conditions and benefits, work continues at the Albion and Blairmont Estates. On Monday, Albion reported that 515 harvesters were on duty, and were able to load 342 punts of cane; while at Blairmont, 227 harvesters turned out and loaded 150 punts of cane.

Last week Blairmont Estate produced 773 tonnes of its projected 890 tonnes’ target of sugar. Albion, on the other hand, produced 906 tonnes of its projected 1400 tonnes’ target of sugar.

(Andrew Carmichael)

A section of the protestors

GAWU Vice President Harvey Tambron addressing some of the striking workers outside Freedom House in New Amsterdam, where they staged their protest action on Monday

Dr Roger Luncheon’s life holds many examples for all – Dr Singh –

to be cremated today

“There are many before you and they have chosen a path of fearlessness and the will to stand for what they believe and what you believe in and the courage to fight for that which is right and Rodger is a fine example of that.” – pull quote

Hundreds turned up at the People’s Progressive Party Civic headquarters in New Amsterdam to reflect on the life of former head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Rodger Forbes Luncheon on Saturday evening.

During the “Night of Reflection,” Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh stated that Dr Luncheon held many examples for all Guyanese and provided important lessons for all including him.

“I learnt immeasurably; I consider myself a student of Rodger Luncheon. I learnt from him as did anybody else who came in contact with him. It was a great privilege to observe his intellect and his ability to process things.”

Recounting that Dr Luncheon in his early days attended Howards University in the US of A and subsequently became a nephrologist, Dr Singh noted that by choice he re-

turned to Guyana and began working at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“Dr Luncheon quickly not only identified with the progressive politics of Dr Cheddi Jagan but fully associated himself and integrated himself with Dr Jagan and the PPP at a time when simply saying that you are PPP could have gotten you locked up, at a time when simply saying that you are PPP could have caused you to lose your job. He was working at Georgetown Public Hospital, at a time when simply appearing at a PPP meeting could have gotten you fired and never getting work again, Rodger Luncheon identified philosophically and fundamentally with the politics of the PPP and the politics of Dr Jagan- embraced it and integrated himself into it,” Dr Singh noted.

This he added was being done at a time when it was not fashionable for AfroGuyanese professionals to become members of the PPP and to associate themselves with that party.

“Today we have all seen how Afro-Guyanese who openly associate with the PPP and are members of the PPP continued to be attacked by the PNC up to

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh addressing the gathering

this day. Can you imagine in those days how an AfroGuyanese professional coming out openly and saying ‘I am PPP’ were treated? Remember at that time the Party was not in government. It was in opposition with Burnham in Government with no prospect of democracy returning – with no prospect of ever getting into government, Dr Luncheon associated with Dr Jagan at a time when he could have come under personal attack, his life could have been under threat, when being in opposition only meant a lot of hardship and struggle but he said ‘I believe in what Dr Jagan

and the Peoples Progressive Party are doing and I will serve my county through my party’,” Dr Singh pointed out.

Dr Singh stated that Dr Luncheon showed remarkable courage.

“There are many before you and they have chosen a path of fearlessness and the

will to stand for what they believe and what you believe in and the courage to fight for that which is right and Rodger is a fine example of that.”

He also spoke of how he personally learnt from the former HPS when he worked as Director of Budget in the Finance Ministry.

“I speak about learning and teaching, those of us who are senior comrades, there is a lesson in this for us; today we are bringing in a lot of young comrades, we have a duty just like Rodger Luncheon took the time to sit down with me at 6 O’clock with me on Saturday and all Sunday afternoon... He made the time to listen and advise. Dr Luncheon’s life in that regard provides also an important lesson to us.

Further, he added that Dr Luncheon was an outstanding member of successive PPP Governments.

“I want to ask all of the senior comrades to emulate

that; make yourselves available to young comrades –guide them, counsel them, rain them in sometimes when they are running away too fast but don’t kill their enthusiasm completely,” Dr Singh advised.

Also making presentations at the ‘Night of Reflection’ were Regional Chairman, David Armagon and Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain.

Dr Luncheon will be cremated today. His body will leave the Memorial Gardens, Princes Street for the Office of the President, Vlissengen Road after which it will be taken to Freedom House on Robb Street. He will be then taken to his Kitty, Georgetown residence.

His body will be taken to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre for a funeral service where General Secretary of the PPP, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and President Dr. Irfaan Ali will address the gathering.

Arson suspected as Bartica house gutted by fire

An abandoned house at Bartica Arcade, Essequibo River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), was on Sunday afternoon destroyed after a mattress reportedly caught fire.

A Venezuelan woman, who had taken up residence in the structure, has since been arrested and is in Police custody after reportedly shouting that it was an ‘accident’.

Information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) disclosed that the wooden house was owned by 68-year-old Alfred Wyatt. It was abandoned and frequented by vagrants.

The fire reportedly started at about 17:30h, destroying the building that measured approximately 20 feet by 15 feet.

It consisted of one bedroom and was mounted on threefoot concrete pillars.

Seeyone Lindore, a 45-year-old businessman, told investigators that he was at the Arcade when he observed smoke emanating from the said building. He then observed Carmen Cristina Ruiz, a Venezuelan national, running out of the yard whilst uttering, “it was an accident”.

Lindore raised an alarm and contacted the Police, who immediately responded to the scene, as did the Guyana Fire Service with one water tender and a water bowser.

Firefighters went into action and extinguished the fire. However, by that time, the building was completely destroyed.

Ruiz, who was occupying the building, was contacted by the Police and questioned. She alleged that one hour prior to the fire, she left Bartica Arcade and went to a Chinese supermarket to purchase groceries, and on her return to the house, she observed the mattress on fire.

The woman said she attempted to pull the mattress out of the house but was unable to do so as the fire quickly spread. She then ran to safety. No other buildings were damaged.

The house was not fitted with electricity, nor was it insured. The cost of damages is unknown. Ruiz is presently in custody, assisting with the investigation.

The abandoned structure which was occupied by the Venezuelan woman

Sod turned for $388M Magistrate’s Court at Friendship, EBD

Days after the sod was turned for the construction of the Timehri Magistrates’ Court, a similar exercise was held on Monday, this time at Friendship, also on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

The sod was officially turned by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall; Chancellor of Judiciary (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The $388,873,985 contract for the construction of the courthouse was awarded to Romano Builders Inc by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) after a public tender.

The building will house a courtroom, Magistrates’ chambers, living quarters for a Magistrate and a clerk of court, washroom facilities, parking facilities and a perimeter fence. The project is expected to be completed by October 2024. Present at the sod-turning were staff of the Supreme Court and the contractor, Joey Monjal among

others.

In her brief remarks, Magistrate Latchman thanked the Attorney General for the “groundbreaking initiative” and extended gratitude to the Government of Guyana, noting that the court will serve citizens on the EBD and assist with the expansion of Guyana’s jurisprudence.

On Friday last, the sod was turned for the construction of the $303,905,015 Magistrates’ Court at Timehri, EBD. The contract for the construction of the courthouse was awarded to Orion Engineering Incorporated.

Upon completion, the building will house a courtroom, Magistrate’s chambers, living quarters for a Magistrate and a clerk of court, washroom facilities, parking facilities, and a perimeter fence.

This court will deal with cases arising out of the lower East Bank area, all the way up to Silverhill along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The project is expected to be completed by September

2024.

Only on Wednesday, a new state-of-the-art courthouse was commissioned to the tune of $294.7 million at Vigilance on the East Coast Demerara. This facility features accommodation for two Magistrates’ Courts, living quarters for two Magistrates, an office for the East Demerara Magisterial District, a prisoners’ holding cell, a domestic violence room and a conference room for lawyers, among other facilities

Currently, similar courthouses are being constructed at Port Kaituma and Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini), Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara and Cove and John, ECD.

Since August 2020, when the current PPP Administration assumed office, several new court facilities have already been commissioned at Bartica, Kwakwani and Mibicuri.

The Judiciary has been taking steps to ensure that

Teen found dead in apartment died from “compression injuries to neck” – autopsy

ened to end her life if he didn’t reconcile the relationship.

However, the two communicated for some time and the man told investigators he tried to comfort and encourage her not to do that. The teen, however, stopped responding to him.

justice is delivered on time regardless of where citizens live, by constructing new Magistrates’ Courts, expanding several courthouses, and opening new Magisterial Districts.

Following last month’s swearing-in of the new Judicial Service Commission (JSC), it is expected that more Judges and Magistrates will be appointed soon to comple-

ment the massive upgrades to the Judiciary’s physical infrastructure.

The Judiciary has also commissioned Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Courts and Children’s Courts as well as specialised courts for hearing sexual offences such as rape.

Additionally, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is being de-

ployed to improve the efficiency of the court system. In this regard, SMART courts are among the new projects intended in 2023 to accelerate the provision of justice. An e-Litigation Programme for the Court of Appeal and the Georgetown High Court, as well as a Case Management System for the Magistrates’ Courts are intended to go live in 2023.

Dead: Malinda Niewenkirk

Apost-mortem performed on the body of Malinda Niewenkirk, who was found dead in her Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) apartment, confirmed that she died as a result of ‘compression injuries to neck’.

The 19-year-old was found on Thursday – one day after she broke up with her ex-boyfriend. Police stated that she had threat-

The man further told the Police that he became suspicious and as such, went to make a report at the Vigilance Police Station. The Police subsequently went to the house, where they made the discovery.

Nevertheless, following the autopsy performed by the state’s pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, the dead teen’s relatives are reportedly contemplating a private autopsy, holding out that she was killed.

Meanwhile, Shadow Home Affairs Minister, Geeta Chandan-Edmond in a release stated that there is no scientific information available that could contra-

dict those results.

“However, considering the current wanton lack of trust in the Guyana Police Force and the circumstantial evidence which is in the public domain, the nation would be well served if there is the release of the PME Report and the commencement of a Coroners Inquest as provided for in the Coroners Act,” she added.

The Inquest, she stated, should be conducted by the District Magistrate as coroner while adding that an Inquest would inform not only the circumstances immediately prior to, during, and immediately after the death but will also inform whether or not a crime was committed to be prosecuted upon.

This can restore some semblance of credibility in the Guyana Police Force which is currently experiencing its worst credibility crisis, she noted.

Officials at the sod-turning exercise

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, along with Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, in discussion with the contractor for the Friendship Magistrate’s Court

GAWU Congress attracts over 300 delegates – set for August

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is set to host its 22nd Delegates’ Congress this week, where over 300 delegates will converge to address key issues and ills affecting workers.

On Wednesday and Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, the milestone activity will be held under the theme “Advancing Workers’ Rights, Economic Progress and Social Justice”. It will review the work of the Union since its last Congress in 2016 while examining local and international developments.

President Dr Irfaan

23 & 24

Ali and recently re-elected General Secretary of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco, and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF), Sue Longley are expected to address the gathering.

The Union has added that it will also honour several outstanding Union members who have contributed to GAWU’s successes and triumphs. Joining the Congress will be overseas delegates from Jamaica and Argentina, with solidarity and support from fraternal organisations locally and overseas.

Delegates and observers will receive the report of the General Council, which

will be presented by the Union’s General Secretary, Aslim Singh.

“The comprehensive report covers more than 50 subjects and will address the Union’s activities, functioning, and stewardship since the last Congress. Following the report’s presentation, delegates and observers will share their contributions and offer suggestions and guidance as the GAWU charts its path until the next Congress.”

The business session will also see some 20 motions being moved and discussed. The proposed motions address several important and relevant issues and are sure to attract some level of discussion.

The beginnings of

90 traffic cases made during ECD enforcement exercise

GAWU trace back to 1946, when the British Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU) was founded. The Union played a large role in a strike in 1948 by work-

ers on a number of estates on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

It was officially established in 1961 and is the largest Trade Union in

Guyana, representing almost 20,000 workers including the overwhelming majority of sugar workers who are employed in the country’s largest industry. GAWU also represents workers in fish processing, forestry, rice processing, distilleries, services, and other sectors.

At the international level, the representative body is affiliated with the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), which has a membership of millions in 130 countries; and the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers Association (IUF) which represents 336 organisations in 120 countries.

An enforcement patrol along the East Coast Demerara roadways led to 90 traffic cases being made by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in just one day.

On Sunday, traffic enforcement exercises were held in Regional Division 4C, in the station districts of Sparendaam, Beterverwagting, Vigilance, Cove and John, and Mahaica. This was done by traffic ranks in collaboration with members of the Road Safety Council in Regional Division 4C.

The cases made included 50 for speeding, nine for prohibition of tinted glass, three for breach of prescribed fitness, three for operating a motorcycle without a helmet, three for breaching of provisional license, three for failure to wear seatbelt, three for unverified vehicle, two for failure to produce a driver’s licence, one for failure to confirm to sign among others.

There was one case each for breach of insurance, breach of condition of road service licence, driving without a driver's licence, carrying pillion rider with-

out safety helmet, dangerous driving, no reflective mirror, no silencer, carrying more persons than the permitted number, unlicensed motor vehicle, and uninsured motor vehicle.

A breakdown showed 42 cases made at Sparendaam, 21 at Vigilance, 10 at Mahaica, 10 at Beterverwagting, and seven at Cove and John.

This month, the Guyana Police Force also embarked on exercises to remove multi-coloured lights and flashers from motor lorries and various other vehicles. These flashy modifications have been a cause for concern, as they not only distract other drivers but also create hazardous situations on the road.

The traffic enforcement operations are part of a campaign to instil a sense of discipline among drivers and make roads safer for all users. By cracking down on offenders and issuing appropriate penalties, the Police hope to send a strong message that traffic violations will not be tolerated.

The public has been urged to cooperate with traf-

fic authorities and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and reduce road accidents. Regular enforcement exercises will continue to be conducted in various parts of the region to maintain road safety and prevent traffic violations.

Since July, “Respect the Road” was initiated, in a desperate move to reduce accidents after a rise in exacerbated fatalities and reckless use of the roadways.

For the first half of 2023, over 2000 persons were charged with ticketing offences, which exceeded 3000.

Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken had said that ticketing has not been working to some extent; despite harsher penalties being meted out to defaulters, violation of traffic laws remains high.

According to the acting Top Cop, speeding, driving under the influence, poor driver behaviour, distracted driving and inadequate infrastructure were some of the factors contributing to the alarming statistics.

As the 8th Annual Youth Parliament concluded on Friday, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips reiterated the Government’s commitment to empowering and involving young citizens in shaping Guyana’s growth trajectory.

Youth Parliament is a chance for selected youths to enhance their public speaking skills while working to find solutions to key political, social and economic issues.

During an awards ceremony and reception on Friday at the Ramada Princess Hotel, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the Prime Minister commended the participants and noted the importance of promoting opportunities for them to voice their opinions and ideas.

“Young people's voices, ideas, and actions are desirable and essential. Your generation, equipped with a unique blend of technological prowess, global connectivity, and an unquenchable thirst for justice, has unprecedented power to steer societies towards progress and equality,” Phillips said.

He explained that initiatives such as the

Youth Entrepreneurship Programme and the President’s Youth Advisory Council are testament to the Government’s dedication to empowering young people and integrating their interests into the national agenda.

“When young people engage in activities such as these, their participation serves as a powerful reminder that the issues they care about—be it climate change, social justice, education, or healthcare—are not abstract concepts but real challenges that require practical solutions. When we sit at the table with our young people, we allow their ideas to breathe life into policy discussions, shape legislative agendas, and make their concerns part of the national conversation.”

The Prime Minister further highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts to boost youth employment, homeownership and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills development.

These initiatives, he explained, are part of a comprehensive vision to improve the quality of life for young citizens, enabling them to become influential community and national leaders.

Along with Prime Minister Phillips, the Speaker of the

National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir; Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues; Deputy British High Commissioner Judy Kpogho, and representatives from the University of the West Indies attended the event.

The 8th Annual Youth Parliament opened on August 12, with 86 young people participating. In addition to the sittings of the Youth Parliament on August 17 and 18, participants received mentorship and relevant information on the role of the Parliament, as well as public speaking skills.

During Youth Parliament’s opening ceremony, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy had expressed his belief that as Guyana’s development continues, there are a number of young people committed and ready to seize available opportunities to make tough decisions and safeguard the country’s democracy.

“We have, in our midst, young people who are able to formulate plans for the participation in our oil economy, while championing the adaptation of modern approaches to traditional sectors of agriculture, health and education,” McCoy had said.

General Secretary of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF), Sue Longley

Police ranks during the exercise on the ECD

“Young people's voices, ideas and actions are essential”– PM tells Youth Parliamentarians

Participants at the Eighth Annual Youth Parliament awards ceremony and reception

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

Around The World OIL NEWS

Ukrainian drone destroys Russian supersonic bomber

Crude oil settles lower as hope fades for Chinese demand

Brent and US crude oil finished on Monday at a loss, as hopes for Chinese demand faded

"It seems that (China's recovery) is not going to happen," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital. "It's doubtful they're going to be buying. They bought a lot of crude for storage earlier in the year. They're sitting on a lot of crude."

Brent crude settled down 34 cents at US$84.46, a loss of 0.4%. US West Texas Intermediate crude finished at US$80.72 a barrel for a loss of 53 cents or 0.65%. Earlier in the session, both benchmarks had been up by as much as US$1.

"Right now, it’s a battle between Saudi production cuts versus demand destruction," said Robert Yawger, director of energy futures, Mizuho Securities USA.

Gains in crude prices through the summer were driven by the tight balance between crude oil supply and high demand, especially in the US summer driving season, which ends the first of September, and from Latin America.

At the same time, OPEC led by Saudi Arabia, plus Russia have cut production to better match demand, especially from China, which has yet to meet expectations for post-pandemic recovery.

Saudi Arabia said this month its production would remain around 9 million barrels per day, a cut of about 1 million barrels, through the month of September.

Last week, both front-month benchmark fell 2%, snapping a seven-week winning streak on concerns China's sluggish economic growth will curb oil demand, while the possibility of further increases to US interest rates also overshadows the demand outlook.

China's central bank trimmed its one-year lending rate by 10 basis points and left its five-year rate unmoved. That was a surprise to analysts who had expected cuts of 15 bps to both as recovery in the world's second-largest economy has been slowed by a worsening property slump, weak spending and tumbling credit growth.

Top exporter Saudi Arabia's July shipments to China fell 31% from June while Russia, with its discounted crude, remained the Asian giant's largest supplier, Chinese customs data showed.

China's crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia are expected to remain depressed through the third quarter, analysts said.

China is drawing on record inventories amassed earlier this year as refiners scale back purchases after prices were driven above US$80 a barrel by supply cuts implemented by the OPEC+ group comprising the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia.

"We still see a tight oil balance for the remainder of the year, which suggests that prices still have some room to run higher," said Warren Patterson, ING's head of commodities research, adding that the dollar was also providing support.

A weaker dollar makes oil purchases less expensive for holders of other currencies, potentially boosting demand. (Reuters)

Moon landing: anticipation builds for India after Russia's crash

India's space agency on Monday released images its spacecraft took of the far side of the moon as it headed for an attempted landing on the lunar south pole, just days after the failure of a Russian lander.

The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft had been in a race with Russia to be the first to land on the lunar south pole, a region whose shadowed craters are thought to contain water ice that could support a future moon settlement.

As news of the failure of Russia's Luna-25 mission broke on Sunday, ISRO said that Chandrayaan-3 was on course to land on Aug 23.

All systems on the spacecraft are working "perfectly" and no contingencies are anticipated on the landing day, the space agency said on Monday.

The mission -

Aflagship Russian longrange bomber has been destroyed in a Ukrainian drone strike, according to reports.

Images posted on social media and analysed by BBC Verify show a Tupolev Tu22 on fire at Soltsy-2 airbase, south of St Petersburg.

Moscow said that a drone was hit by small-arms fire but managed to "damage" a plane. Ukraine has not commented.

The Tu-22 can travel at twice the speed of sound and has been used extensively by Russia to attack cities in Ukraine.

The Russian Ministry of Defence said in a statement that an attack by a "cop-

ter-type UAV" took place at around 10:00 Moscow time (08:00 BST) on Saturday.

It stated the location as "a military airfield in the Novgorod region", where Soltsy-2 is situated.

"The UAV was detected by the airfield's observation outpost and was hit with smallarms fire," the Ministry said.

"One airplane was damaged; there were no casualties as a result of the terrorist act."

The statement also said a fire which broke out in the airfield parking lot was quickly extinguished.

However, images posted on the social media platform Telegram showed a large fire

Images posted online show a Tu-22 on fire at Soltsy-2 airbase

engulfing a jet with the distinctive nose cone of the Tu22. BBC Verify analysed the images and believes them to be credible.

While the destruction of a single aircraft will have lit-

tle effect on the potency of Moscow's current 60-strong fleet, the operation highlights Kyiv's growing ability to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. (Excerpt from BBC News)

‘Historic’: Ecuador voters reject oil drilling in Amazon protected area

live in self-isolation.

The area also holds some of Ecuador’s largest deposits of oil, fuelling pressure to drill in the area.

Initially, the Government of former President Rafael Correa endeavoured to protect the area from development. In 2007, he introduced an initiative calling for the international community to contribute US$3.6bn in exchange for a ban on drilling.

But when the aid did not materialise, Correa and his successors proceeded with oil extraction on Yasuni land.

soon reach a tipping point: Deforestation from oil mining and other industries is linked to reduced rainfall, which in turn could accelerate the demise of the rainforest.

And the decline of the Amazon could have global repercussions, as the forest serves as a crucial carbon sink, capable of absorbing carbon emissions from the atmosphere.

Chandrayaan means "moon vehicle" in Hindi and Sanskrit - is India's second attempt to land on the south pole of the moon. In 2019, ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 mission successfully deployed an orbiter but its lander crashed.

Rough terrain makes a south pole landing difficult, but making a first landing would be historic. The region's water ice could supply fuel, oxygen and drinking water for future missions.

India's moon mission blasted off on July 14, and the lander module of Chandrayaan-3 separated from the propulsion module last week.

For India, a successful moon landing would mark its emergence as a space power as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Government looks to spur investment in private space launches and related satellite-based businesses.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Voters in Ecuador have passed a referendum to prohibit oil drilling in a protected area of the Amazon rainforest, a move hailed as “historic” by environmental activists.

With nearly all the votes counted on Monday, almost 60 per cent supported the ban on oil development in Yasuni National Park, often described as one of the world’s greatest havens of biodiversity.

The referendum was part of a snap general election on Sunday that included votes for the presidency and National Assembly.

The Yasuni National Park — home to hundreds of species of birds, amphibians and reptiles — was designated by the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO, as a biosphere reserve in 1989. The park is also the home of several Indigenous communities, some of whom

Seven die in crash on bus carrying Corinthians soccer fans in Brazil

Seven people died in a bus crash on a highway in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais in the early hours of Sunday, said the state's military fire brigade.

The bus was carrying fans of soccer team Corinthians, after they attended a match against Cruzeiro in the Minas Gerais capital, Belo Horizonte.

Passengers said that 43 people were in the vehicle, which lost its brakes at around 2:50 am, hit a ravine and flipped over, according to firefighters.

The Fire Department said 36 people were injured, 27 of them were taken to hospitals and one was in a serious but

non-life-threatening condition.

Corinthians regretted the accident and expressed its solidarity with the families of the victims. Several other Brazilian soccer clubs also expressed their condolences.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is a Corinthians fan, offered his condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

"I hope for the recovery of the injured and an investigation into the causes of the accident. We need peace and vehicles in good conditions on the roads, because there is no way to recover lives lost," said Lula in a post on social media. (Reuters)

Scientists have warned that the Amazon could

But ahead of Sunday’s vote, supporters of drilling warned that a ban would damage Ecuador’s economy, which relies heavily on oil extraction. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Historic drought, hot seas slow Panama Canal shipping

Before the Ever Max ship carrying lava lamps, sofas, Halloween costumes and artificial Christmas trees could make its inaugural Panama Canal voyage this month, a historic drought forced it to drop weight by offloading hundreds of containers.

Weather-related disruptions denied the vessel, owned by Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen Marine, a chance on Aug 1 to set a record for carrying the most containers through the vital maritime shortcut that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The Panama Canal Authority has reduced maximum ship weights and daily ship crossings in a bid to conserve water. Maritime transportation experts fear such events could become the new normal as rainfall deficits in the world's fifth-wettest country spotlight climate risks affecting the ocean shipping industry that moves 80% of global trade.

Ship owners have the op-

tions of carrying less cargo, shifting to alternate routes that can add thousands of miles to the trip or grappling with queues that earlier this month backed up 160 vessels and delayed some ships by as much as 21 days.

The restrictions already are sending China-US spot shipping prices up as much as 36% amid soaring sea temperatures that climate scientists warn could supercharge extreme weather.

"You have to wave a caution flag because the temperatures are so far above normal," said Drew Lerner, founder and senior agriculture meteorologist at World Weather, whose customers include global commodity traders.

Canal operators are on a tightrope as they work to manage maritime trade disruption and prepare for what is shaping up to be an even drier period next year, said Peter Sand, chief analyst at air and ocean freight rate benchmarking platform Xeneta. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A man from the Waorani of Pastaza Indigenous group navigating the Curaray River in the Amazon province of Pastaza, Ecuador, in April 2022 [Fabio Cuttica/Thomson Reuters Foundation]

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Do only what you can, even if someone tries to guilt you into taking on more. Know your limitations and strengths. A trendy new look will boost your confidence.

(March 21-April 19)

Express your thoughts, expand your mind and make changes to improve your lifestyle. Optimize your skills to suit what's trending. Concentrate on work.

(April 20-May 20)

Pay attention to what's happening at home and in personal relationships. Listen carefully. Honesty will lead to better choices. Self-awareness and improvement will increase your confidence.

(May 21-June 20)

Let your mind wander, and you'll find a way to make your dreams come true. Step outside your comfort zone; an exciting turn of events will help you revamp your long-term plans. Discuss your needs.

(June 21-July 22)

Avoid anyone who brings you down or takes advantage of you. Taking on too much will make matters worse. Be a good listener, and you'll gain perspective regarding personal possibilities.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

You've got more going for you than you realize. Don't hesitate to speak your mind and set your plans in motion. Discipline and research will get you where you want to go.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Avoid getting roped into someone else's agenda. Be clear about your position, and you'll shake off any backlash. Romance is favored. Take action and be open to new experiences.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

You've got plenty of options. Open your eyes, discuss your plans with knowledgeable people and push for changes that make your life easier. Don't jeopardize your health or position.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Take charge and finish what you start. Action will set you apart from those who prefer to talk a lot and produce very little. Trying to buy love or favors will cost you dearly.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Quicken the pace, speak up and aim to make a difference. Your vision is grand, but cutting corners wherever possible will be necessary to maximize your efficiency. Reach out to a friend.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Keep your thoughts to yourself, and you'll avoid getting into an intellectual disagreement. Pay attention to your health. Put your energy into something creative that soothes your soul.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Take on whatever comes your way with a determined attitude. You can make a difference if you adjust your lifestyle. Let your heart lead the way and your actions speak for you.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

11 Guyanese chess players off to Youth CAC Games in T&T

Eleven Guyanese chess players arrived in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday August 20 to participate in the XIV CAC Youth Chess Festival, to be played from August 21st to 26th at the Cascadia Hotel in Port-of-Spain.

The rhythm of play in those championships is 90 minutes plus an increment of 30 seconds per move from move one.

Matthew Singh of Queen’s College and former Marian Academy student Ronan Lee are competing in the U18 absolute category. Aniyah Couchman of Queen’s College is playing in the U18 female category.

Alexander Zhang of Queen’s College and Italy Ton Chung of St. Stanislaus College are competing in the U16 absolute and female categories respectively.

Kyle Couchman (brother of Aniyah Couchman) of Queen’s College and Dominic Sam of St Joseph High are in the U14 ab-

The 11-member Guyanese chess team that will compete at the Youth CAC Games

solute category. Siblings Ciel Clement of Queen’s College and Kaija Clement of St. Roses High are in the U14 female category.

Nicholas Zhang (brother

of Alexander Zhang) of Queen’s College is playing in the U12 absolute category, while Kateleya Sam of Mae’s Primary, the youngest member on the team, is playing in the

U10 female category. The Guyanese delegation is headed by Marcia Lee, who also serves as GCF Secretary and Head of the Women in Chess Committee. Roberto

Slingerz, Belle West, Uitvlugt Warriors bag victories in WDFA Senior Men’s League

In typical tornado fashion, Slingerz FC demolished Eagles FC 11-0 in the 2nd match of the West Demerara FA double-header in the Senior Men's League, played at the Tuschen Community Centre ground last Sunday.

It was the second occasion that Slingers administered an 11-0 humiliation on an opponent in the competition, and after 3 games, this seemingly omnipotent side have accumulated 31 unanswered goals.

The onslaught was spearheaded by four braces: Ricardo Halley’s in the 16' and 87'; Jamal Codrington’s in the 21' and 46'; Leo Lovell’s in the 28’ and 85'; and Deon Alfred’s in the 61' and 83'. Then there

was one each for Lennox Young (2'), Brian Wharton (38') and Clive Nobrega (80').

Meanwhile, Bell West have registered their first victory of the season after coming from a goal down to eas-

ily beat Wales FC 3-1 in the opening match. Quacy Alleyne gave Wales the lead in the 9th minute, but teammate Jacob Roach produced an own goal in the 32nd minute to hand Belle West the equaliser.

Derek Cornelius struck in the 60th minute to give Bell West the advantage, then in the 72nd minute Wales were reduced to ten men, after Shamar Abrams was first shown a yellow card for unsportsmanlike behaviour, before instantly being shown another for dissent, resulting in his expulsion.

Adrian Webster sealed the Bell West win five minutes from full time. It was the first win for Bell West, who had a draw and a loss in their other 2 outings, while Wales lost for the 2nd time to add to their single win.

On Saturday, Uitvlugt Warriors maintained their unbeaten run in the League

Neto is accompanying the team to coach the players throughout the tournament. He and FM Anthony Drayton also helped to prepare the team prior to its departure. Neto is an experienced national player who has represented Guyana globally.

This event is FIDE-rated and offers these young players not only the opportunity to put their skills to the test against the best and brightest players under the age of 18 across the region, but also the chance for those skills to be rewarded with titles and norms.

Gold, silver and bronze trophies will be awarded to players taking the top three spots in each category. The top three CAC countries, based on total points, would also receive trophies. Countries will earn points based on top five finishes in each category; where a 5th place finish grants one point

and 1st place finish five points. As is typical for these events, the winners will be decided by the points obtained by each player. The champions will be decided by who obtains the most points, and in the case of ties, winners will be decided by the implementation of a number of tie-break systems. This nine-round Swiss system tournament features over 200 players from 15 countries across the Central American and Caribbean region. President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Federation, Sonja Johnson, confirmed this, while stating that St Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Haiti are fielding contingents for the first time alongside long-time competitors such as Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados and Suriname.

Tabatinga FC book quarterfinal spot in Rupununi Football Assn League 2023

when they held off a stiff challenge from Pouderoyen FC to win 2-1 in the solitary match of that day. The first game of that intended double-header was a no show by Number One All Stars in their scheduled game against Uprising FC, but the feature match produced a close encounter.

The Warriors took the attack to Pouderoyen from the opening whistle, and after 28 minutes, broke the deadlock through Kevis Fraser. Seven minutes later, Dwayne St. Kitts missed a golden opportunity to level the scores when he failed to convert from the penalty mark.

The equaliser came in the 71st minute, thanks to Matthew Chidume. Within 2 minutes, the Warriors regained the lead, as Sherlock Phillips sealed the victory.

The Warriors were then reduced to 10 men after Fraser received his 2nd yellow card in the 75th minute, but Pouderoyen failed to capitalize on the one-man advantage in the final 15 minutes, and the Warriors took the 3 points as spoils.

The West Demerara FA is one of nine Regional Associations of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). They are providing 2nd tier football Leagues with funding from the Federation's Members-Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP).

Tabatinga FC defeated Far East United by five goals to four (5-4) in a group stage fixture in the Rupununi Football Association League played on Saturday night at the Wadapna Sports Ground in Central Rupununi.

The score was 1-1 at the end of the first half, both sides having come close to taking the lead going into the second half, but a proverbial dogfight in the second half saw Tabatinga scoring early to adjust the score to 2-1 in their favour.

The Far East quickly rallied and scored two fast goals in 10 minutes to go up 3-2; before Tabatinga, boosted by their raucous supporters, capitalized on a string of opportunities to score three goals in nine minutes to go up 5-3.

Far East scored another goal in the dying minutes of the game to make it 5-4, but it was too late for this youthful side to level the scores despite their having waged a valiant battle, because the referee blew the final whistle before their mission was accom-

plished.

Sharpshooter Carlos Isaacs was responsible for three goals, while Deivison Da Silva and Werbeth Silva each contributed one goal to the Tabatinga tally. Gibson Francis scored two goals, while Alonzo Benedict and Elijah Simon each literally headed home a goal for the Far East.

The result of this match is that unbeaten Tabatinga, with 12 points, advance to the quarterfinals with one game in hand. Gladiators Football Club also advance, as their 9 points in 5 matches were enough to guarantee their qualification.

The Central teams (inclusive of the Gladiators FC and Guyana Rush Saints Females) now await their quarterfinal opponents, which will comprise 4 teams from North Rupununi, 1 team from Deep South/South Central Rupununi, and 1 team from East Central Rupununi. The quarterfinals would most likely be played in home-andaway fixtures commencing in early September 2023.

The Tabatinga Football team

Slingerz FC’s goal scorers after their massive 11-0 victory

Goal scorers for Warriors: (L) Kevis Fraser and (R) Sherlock Phillips

‘Historic’ new courts open at National Gymnasium facility

we’re pretty proud of this,” Minister Ramson declared.

The National Gymnasium will now be able to better facilitate multiple sporting disciplines being played simultaneously with the commissioning of three new outdoor courts.

The Minister further explained, “This is something that we started working on in 2021 and continuously, after we started having a vision for this place; and we realize the importance, because it’s a connecting point between North Georgetown

try about where we’re going and where sport’s going,” the Sport Minister added.

A few other stakeholders were present to ‘take in’ the new Courts, with Jermain Slater, representing Basketball; Cristy Campbell, representing Lawn Tennis, and Jamaal Shabazz, representing Football, appreciating what the new facilities would do to boost their respective sports.

Outdoor courts for Basketball, Futsal and Lawn Tennis will add to the diversity of the Mandela Avenue venue in Georgetown, with those disciplines eyeing expansion of their pools of players. The courts, which according to the Sport Ministry have been in the works for the past two years, have boosted the capabilities of the indoor facility, which has been home to over half a dozen sports in recent months.

Subject Minister Charles Ramson jr, after getting a good look at the courts and a feel of the spectators’ accommodations last Saturday, has described the move as a historic one.

“This is history in the making, that we’re able to have four sports at one facility being played at the same time. I don’t think any other facility, not just Guyana; I don’t think any other facility in the Region, probably, has that capability. So,

and South Georgetown, and there’s a lot of people living here. So, when we had a number of initiatives and a number of projects, it gave us the opportunity to expand

ment in a more safe, responsible environment.

He divulged, “The aim is to give everybody an opportunity to play (at) different points of the day, day or night, and different types of sport. So, it’s a very satisfying feeling from the Government side, but it also is a much more satisfying feeling seeing so many young people being part of so many different types of sport being played at the same time.

“Plus, on the spectating side, it gives so many people the opportunity to come and have good quality enter-

“Something like this we’ve always wanted: more facilities. And this is not just another facility; I mean, it has the FIBA- approved hoops, as you can see; sufficient lighting; the court size is standard court size; we have good bleachers, so people can brace their backs, relax and enjoy basketball; and it’s a space for our own,” Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association

er events. The Minister has made it clear that this is a basketball space, because we find some courts, there’s other things that happen on a basketball court, but this is our space, and this space is specifically dedicated to this league.”

pleased and grateful as well to see this facility in its final stage. Of course, we’re having a mini tournament here, and the overall objective is to expand tennis, and particularly we want to introduce the sport to the South Georgetown area.

“That aligns with our objective at the GTA: to expand and to reach new areas to introduce and also develop the sport,” The GTA President reiterated.

While it is not the conventional set-up for Football, Senior Men’s National Football team head Coach Jamaal Shabazz opined that the Futsal court can still be a place for discovering new talent.

“I think facilities is so important, first of all for participation, mass participation; and basketball, futsal, boxing, it’s always good to have somewhere where people could gather in a safe environment. and the way the facility has been refurbished, I think it’s very impressive,” Shabazz told this publication.

(GABA) President Jermaine Slater shared.

the horizon and see what this facility really can do.”

Ramson jr went on to share the aim of the additions to the venue, noting that it provides entertain-

tainment; that’s responsible type of entertainment. So, it’s not just about the concerts and the bars. I think this is great, it really sends a strong signal for the coun-

Slater added about the significance of the basketball court, especially for the ongoing One Guyana League, “So we don’t have to compete with a lot of persons wanting to use the space to do oth-

Meanwhile, in the case of Tennis, the courts will be used to expand the sport, as revealed by Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) President Cristy Campbell.

Campbell disclosed, “It’s a good feeling, and the tennis fraternity is extremely

Callender is new Women’s Chess Champion - after emerging victorious in Diamond Insurance Women’s National C/ship

The Women’s National Chess Championship, sponsored by Diamond Insurance, came to a close on Sunday August 20th with Jessica Callender emerging victorious on 8 points after nine rounds.

Callender lost no matches, but drew her games against Aniyah Couchman and Anaya Lall.

The championship came down to a clash between Callender and qualifying champion Sasha Shariff on the final day. The final point Callender earned here solidified her victory.

After drawing in their encounter during the Qualifiers, the duo played a tense 4.5-hour match, with both sides eager to secure the victory. They played a symmetrical English opening. By move 66, Callender had captured all of Shariff’s pieces and was up a Queen.

She checkmated her opponent 10 moves later.

Callender is a former UG Chess Champion, and has represented Guyana on multiple occasions, including in the most recent FIDE Chess Olympiad in India. This, however, is her first national title. The 21-year-

old is currently the highest rated active female chess player in Guyana. She ranks 10th overall in ratings for active chess players in Guyana as at August 2023.

Callender is also quite active

in developing chess locally as a member of the Women in Chess Committee. She is a volunteer coach in the GCF Chess club and is part-time assistant arbiter in some youth tournaments.

Shariff, who held the women’s title from 2020 to 2022, finished the championships on 6.5 points. She drew her game against Anaya Lall and lost matches to Ciel Clement and eventual champion Jessica Callender.

The third-place winner is young Aniyah Couchman, who is currently representing Guyana in a team at the Youth CAC Chess Festival in Trinidad and Tobago. She finished on 6 points after losing to Shariff and Aditi Joshi, and drawing her matches against Waveney Johnson and Callender.

Italy Ton Chung (5 points), Johnson (5 points), Joshi (4.5 points), Clement (3.5 points), Adia Alphonso (3 points), Lall (3 points) and Chelsea Harrison (0.5 points) all finished 4th to

10th places respectively.

This event was made possible with the hard work of Tournament Director Irshad Mohamed, Chief Arbiter John Lee, Tournament Coordinator Marcia Lee, and Assistant Arbiters Kim Shing Chong and Taffin Khan.

This event was also a farewell to Lall, the current U16 chess champion and a national player. Lall has now migrated. In her time playing for Guyana, she was a beacon of inspiration to local chess players, particularly those in the community of persons with disabilities. As a deaf chess player, the 13-yearold’s determination led her to excel at the game, even against opponents who often had years of experience above hers. The local chess fraternity will miss her dearly, and wishes her the best as she furthers her education.

The GCF also wishes to thank School of the Nations for providing the venue for the National Championship.

The Golden Jaguars Head Coach further stated, “The lights also add the opportunity to play after hours; and, you know, often times it’s in these situations with the grassroots players playing and participating you get some gems that can move into the national team.”

In addition to the opening, tournaments for the respective courts were also contested on Saturday evening, while the indoor aspect of the Gymnasium hosted Boxing for the Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schools Boys and Juniors’ tournament.

A look at the clash between eventual Champion Jessica Callender (L) and Sasha Shariff

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, accompanied by DoS Steve Ninvalle, NSC Chairman Kashif Muhammad, GOA President Godfrey Munroe, GTA President Cristy Campbell, and NSC Commissioner Dellon Davidson, observed a basketball game from the new stands

Action on the newly- commissioned futsal turf

Action on the newly- commissioned Basketball Court

A look at the recently-opened courts for Basketball, Futsal and Lawn Tennis

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr.

CPL moves to St Kitts after rain-hit weekend in St Lucia

By Brandon Corlette in St luCia

The 2023 Republic Bank

Caribbean Premier League first leg has been completed, with rain washing out four of the six matches at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia.

All teams will now travel to St Kitts and Nevis for the second leg of the tournament, which will commence on Wednesday, August 23, with Patriots playing Jamaica Tallawahs at Warner Park.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play against the Patriots on Thursday August 24 from 19:00h.

After the first week, Kings had four points, leading the table, with one win, one defeat and two no-results in four matches.

Tallawahs are in second with three points from two

of Cricket, Adhishwar, the mood in the Patriots camp is fantastic, despite not playing all the cricket they would have liked. However, the Patriots have a packed schedule, and Adhishwar is confident of the guys being ready to play.

He also noted that the squad is excited, and he high-

games, recording one win and one no-result. Patriots are third with two points, TKR are fourth with one point, with their lone match being washed out, as have the Warriors. Royals are in sixth, recording a defeat in their lone match in St Lucia.

According to St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Director

lighted the Guyanese duo of Sherfane Rutherford and Ashmead Nedd who are in the squad.

“I think both are excited. Sherfane has been good for us. He was an integral part of our team in the championship win in 2021, and the 6IXTY. Every player is clear of their roles, and Sherfane

will be a key member in our batting lineup. He will bat at different positions; it is more regard to the situation. He will play a key role in us finishing games,” Adhishwar said. “Whoever it is, we are backing out team to come out on top,” the director noted.

Barbados Royals squad (CPL 2023): Rovman Powell (C), Laurie Evans, Alick Athanaze, Rahkeem Cornwall, Donavan Ferreira, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Roelof van der Merwe, Akeem Jordan, Joshua Bishop, Obed McCoy, Qais Ahmed, Ramon Simmonds, Maheesh Theekshana, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke, Kevin

Wickham.

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad (CPL 2023): Imran Tahir (capt), Romario Shepherd (VC), Shimron Hetmyer, Kevlon Anderson, Azam Khan, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope, Mohammad Haris, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Saim Ayub, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Odean Smith, Ronsford Beaton, Gudakesh Motie, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Matthew Nandu. Jamaica Tallawahs squad (CPL 2023): Brandon King (C), Jermaine Blackwood, Shamarh Brooks, Alex Hales, Amir Jangoo, Kirk McKenzie, Steven Taylor, Fabian Allen,

Ben Cutting, Chris Green, Imad Wasim, Raymon Reifer, Shamar Springer, Nicholson Gordon, Joshua James, Mohammad Amir, Naveenul-haq, Hayden Walsh.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots squad (CPL 2023): Ambati Rayudu, Joshua Da Silva, Andre Fletcher, Jyd Goolie, Evin Lewis, Sherfane

Leonardo Julien, Kimani Melius, Sean Williams, Roston Chase, Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus, Sikandar Raza, McKenny Clarke, Matthew Forde, Peter Hatzglou, Alzarri Joseph, Jair McAllister, Jeavor Royal, Chris Sole.

Trinbago Knight Riders squad (CPL 2023):

Rutherford, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Dominic Drakes, Johann Layne, George Linde, Yannic Cariah, Sheldon Cottrell, Izharulhaq Naveed, Kofi James, Ashmead Nedd, Oshane Thomas.

Saint Lucia Kings squad (CPL 2023): Johnson Charles, Faf du Plessis,

Mark Deyal, Martin Guptill, Nicholas Pooran, Rilee Rossouw, Chadwick Walton, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Kadeem Alleyne, Jaden Carmichael, Terrance Hinds, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmed Lakanwal, Matheesha Pathirana, Jayden Seales.

RBL/LGC Junior Golf Programme concludes first leg in Berbice

The Berbice leg of the LGC/Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd Junior Golf Programme officially concluded at the Paradise Community Centre Ground on August 17, 2023, having commenced on August 14.

Over the course of three days, numerous children were introduced to the sport in a region known for its cricketing tradition.

LGC Vice President Brian Hackett said, "We saw a total of 47 students attending the event. We continue to see a number of children showing interest in the program as we bring it to them. Berbice is a county traditionally known for its cricket, so when we introduced the children to it, they were not au fait. But after the first day, they couldn't put down their golf clubs; they were hitting the ball with great enthusiasm. They demonstrated that the game of golf has a place in Berbice, and we at

the LGC are extremely happy to see this."

Hackett also noted that the club is grateful to Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd. for the excellent initiative which it has financed. Hackett noted that Republic Bank is making a difference in every community, particularly in Berbice, when it comes to promoting the game of golf.

"We would like to express our gratitude to Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd

for taking this courageous initiative. It is truly appreciated, especially considering the positive feedback we have received. The children of Berbice have demonstrated that golf is something we need to continue pursuing in the Ancient County, based on the results we have seen," Hackett shared.

The results for the three days were as follows:

Ages 6-9 - FEMALES

● Kellisa Millington

● Oquanna Sam

● Okeisha McAlmon

MALES

● Kurt's Millington

● Aiden Mingo

● Elijah Marcus

Ages 10-12 (NO

FEMALES IN THIS

AGE GROUP)

MALES

● Christopher Saul

● Christon Saul

● Sherwin Saul

● John Wilson

Ages 13-14 (FEMALES)

● Sarafina Sheppherd

● Abella Carmichael

● Angel Carmichael

MALES

● Chris Lillah

● Jeremiah Briggs

● Jaden Noble

Ages 15-16 (FEMALES)

● Okisha Fordyce

● Alicia Williams

● Atasha Williams

MALES

● Tryon Gordon

● Darian Jacobs

● Timothy Jacobs

Aden Semple of President’s College and Kaden Persaud of Rosignol

Secondary have noted that although the sport is outside their comfort zone, they thoroughly enjoyed it. They also expressed their gratitude to Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd. and the Lusignan Golf Club for making this opportunity possible for them.

This initiative will cater to approximately 150 children. With the conclusion of the Berbice leg, attention will now shift to the Linden (August 22-25) and Lusignan (August 2124) legs, leading up to the highly anticipated grand finale on August 26, 2023 at the Lusignan Golf Club.

Guardians and parents are reminded that to register their children they just visit or call the Club house on 220-5660 and speak to the club Manager, Vishal.

Participants of the Berbice leg of the Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd/ LGC Junior Chip, Putt and Drive competition

LGC VP Brian Hackett

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ Director of Cricket, Adhishwar

Brandon King showed form with the bat

Kings are on top of the table after week one

Azam Khan showed power for Warriors

Jamaica will be eager to defend their title

Warriors Head Coach Lance Klusener will be rallying his troops