Guyana Times -Friday, September 1, 2023.pdf

“Parental responsibility” needed after

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 1 – 04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, September 2 –04:15h-05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, September 1 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, September 2 –05:45h-07:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There should be sunshine and thundery showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:42h reaching a maximum height of 2.80 metres.

Low Tide: 11:17h and 23:35h reaching minimum heights of 0.40 metre and 0.30 metre.

Explore all tools to ensure free, fair elections – outgoing US Ambassador

By Vahnu Manickchand

Having had firsthand observation of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections fiasco, the outgoing United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, is urging the country to examine all the options available to strengthen its electoral system, thus producing free and fair elections.

Ambassador Lynch made this remark on Thursday during a press conference – her last here, as she wraps up an almost five-year stint in Georgetown.

Ambassador Lynch, along with other Western diplomats, had played an

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition have been pushing for the use of biometric data as well as for a clean voters’ list, because they claim the current list is bloated.

Back in May, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had stated that the use of biometrics could help enormously at polling stations, but manual verification checks by party agents would be required. He clarified, however, that biometrics cannot be used to disenfranchise voters.

Constitutional Reform

During a press conference in June, Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM),

sive national consultation process to get underway.

Since the 2020 elections, steps have been taken to strengthen Guyana’s electoral system with needed amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA) –the country’s main electoral law. The National Registration Act, another electoral law, has also been amended.

Recommendations

Following the 2020 electoral fiasco, Guyana conducted its Local Government Elections (LGE) in June, and it was described by Ambassador Lynch on Thursday as “free and fair.” However, she

LOTTERY NUMBERS

integral role in ensuring democracy prevailed in Guyana, and the will of the Guyanese people was upheld, after blatant attempts by the then APNU/AFC regime to rig the March 2, 2020 elections. Those efforts had resulted in a five-month political impasse, during which the US had imposed visa sanctions against several key players who were leading the attempts to undermine Guyana’s democracy.

During Thursday’s press conference, the US Diplomat said there are a number of lessons learned from that controversial election.

“I think it's important to explore all tools that Guyana has access to in order to, again, ensure the elections continue to be free and fair,” the Ambassador stated in response to a question on whether the country should employ the use of biometrics in its electoral process.

“I think many nations now are exploring biometrics as that one additional tool that they can use to ensure that elections are free and fair. So, I don't know what the final decision will be [in Guyana].”

The PNC-led A

Justice (Retired) Claudette Singh, had noted that constitutional reform is needed in order for the electoral body to clean the present voters’ list and introduce biometrics into the voting process.

“This will take us back…,” the GECOM Chair had pointed out, as she added, “To remove a person’s name from the voters’ list on the grounds of residency and the introduction of biometrics will necessitate an amendment to the Constitution… GECOM does not have the legal parameters to do this.”

The Guyana Government has announced plans for a constitutional reform process. In fact, the Constitution Reform Commission Bill 2022 was passed in the National Assembly in November last year, clearing the way for the establishment of a 20-member Constitutional Reform Commission.

During his weekly programme, Issues in the News, earlier this week, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, had announced that this Commission would be set up before the end of September. This will pave the way for a comprehen-

pointed out that there are still several recommendations that were made after the 2020 polls that are yet to be implemented. On this note, the US envoy urged Guyana to ensure those recommendations are implemented.

“The electoral process is critical to a strong democracy, so I would advise the people of Guyana: the Government and all parties, to look at those recommendations very closely. Look at the recommendations that were made after the 2020 election to see what really stands out and what things can be worked on now. You don't want to wait to the last minute, until it's a month before the [next] election,” she stated.

According to the outgoing US Diplomat, some of these recommendations, such as changes to infrastructures, could take time to be implemented, hence they require action now. For instance, she recalled that during the 2020 elections, one of the observations that were made was the lack of proper access to polling stations for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“So, I would say get going on those recommendations sooner, rather than

later,” the US envoy implored.

Meanwhile, as the country embarks on this critical constitutional reform process, the Ambassador has urged dialogue between the Government and the Opposition.

“I think the most important takeaway for me is that all political parties really have the same goal… From what I can tell, they all want Guyana to succeed. They want the people of Guyana to have opportunities, access to increased opportunities, access to jobs, quality health care, and quality education. So, I would say, going forward, it's important for them to converse and talk about areas of mutual agreement. Of course, they’re political parties, they won't agree on everything, but I think it's important for them to converse and talk,” Ambassador Lynch has contended.

It was only on Wednesday that President Dr Irfaan Ali reiterated his willingness to engage the Opposition, but he argued that this responsibility needs to be shared by the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, who has so far refused to be cordial with the Head of State.

The Guyanese Leader pointed out that the Opposition Leader has not demonstrated or reciprocated a willingness to engage.

“The Leader of the Opposition can pick up the phone tomorrow and call me, and I will speak to him… [But] this is a Leader of the Opposition who doesn’t have the basic decency to shake the hands of the President…I tried twice to shake the man’s hands and he refused, and now you telling me I must try again. Why he can’t try? Because it’s inconvenient for the narrative for him to try, but the convenient narrative is that the President is not meeting him,” President Ali stated.

...urges look at post 2020 elections recommendations

Foreign Diplomats were observed leaving the GECOM Command Centre back in March 2020

Outgoing US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Mental health

It is said that once you know the ins and outs of any issue, its resolution is in sight, because we know the parameters. May this be so with mental health.

The issues of mental health and suicide prevention, two topics which were categorised as ‘taboo’ in many cultures, is now being openly discussed in Guyana.

In September 2022, just one month after its passage in the National Assembly, President Dr Irfaan Ali signed the Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act 2022 into law.

The Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act, which was passed on August 10, 2022, paves the way for mental health services to be more accessible to Guyanese.

As part of the Bill, the Government is now required to give mental health patients access to care.

In his presentation on the Bill, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had said that local statistics show that 1520 per cent of Guyanese have a form of mental health illness – mild, severe or acute.

Due to the lack of resources, many countries are unable to mount the kind of response that is needed to address the mental health challenges of their populations or many are forced to scale back the level of response needed due to other areas competing for scarce resources.

As Hamlet had stated in his writings, “I have of late –but wherefore I know not – lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercise; and, indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory…”

Depression is part of the human condition and Hamlet’s description of its symptoms matches those in a modern medical textbook. The categorisation has become more precise, the treatments more advanced, but the illness is still badly understood and its consequences often hidden. Depression remains if not a source of shame, then at least bewilderment to those who suffer from it and those around them. Yet it is on the increase, neurotic disorders affecting one in six adults at some point in their lives. Society, and medical science, needs a better response.

Back in 2010, UK Journalist and the Guardian’s head of special projects, who led a team of Journalists investigating international trends and issues, Mark RiceOxley wrote powerfully of his “decline from unremarkable working dad of three to stranded depressive sitting on the floor doing simple jigsaws”.

His shock was not just at the crushing effect of a condition that seemed to come from nowhere, but the confusion about how to overcome it.

The truth is medical advances have controlled many diseases, but depression in its different forms is either becoming more common or being detected more often – and perhaps both. Pharmaceutical treatments, while restricted in their effectiveness, are being used much more widely.

However, part of the challenge is defining what is it to be depressed. The term has such a wide common meaning that it can be used to cover anything from passing grief to long-term illness. The Royal College of Psychiatrists lists typical symptoms: feeling utterly tired; feeling useless, inadequate and hopeless; and feeling unhappy most of the time among them. But there can be no medical exactitude to an illness experienced in different degrees and different ways by different people – only that you know it when it comes.

The human mind is the most extraordinary and least understood part of the body, the source of joy and creativity. It can also, as Hamlet knew, create the horror of depression: “This brave o’erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours.”

Excellent leadership of Guyana by PPP/C

Dear Editor,

It’s now three years since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic is back in the leadership of our beautiful country. This, of course, was made possible by the will of the majority of the Guyanese people in the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

I was very confident that the PPP/C Administration would return to manage the affairs of Guyana. The youths in this country were not old enough to see the poor management of the country between 1964 and 1992, but had firsthand experience of the APNU-PNC/ AFC’s poor management between 2015 and 2020.

Our people suffered, over 35,000 people lost their jobs directly or indirectly with the closing of the sugar, mining, forestry and agriculture industries, and over 200 taxes were placed on the backs of poor Guyanese. The $10,000 ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant for school children, high tuition fees at the University of Guyana etc.

Let me take this opportunity to extend my gratitude, and to congratulate

His Excellency President

Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Hon Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Dr Ashni Singh, and other members of the Cabinet for the excellent management of our country Guyana, with the support of the Private Sector and the hard-working Guyanese people.

Dr Ali, you are a true democratic leader with a very good vision for developing Guyana; and with assistance from a good mentor, the experienced Dr Jagdeo, a highly recognized lead-

er in the Caribbean and the world, we know Guyana is in good hands.

Reflecting from when you took office on August 2, 2020, when the world, including Guyana, was facing a serious pandemic – COVID-19 - millions of lives were lost. Guyana was also facing heavy rainfall, which caused flooding and destroyed large portions of crops in many Regions, and there was the high cost of living and the high rate of unemployment under the APNU/AFC Administration. This was a great test for the PPP/C Administration, and you have demonstrated professional leadership, not only to bring Guyana out of that crisis, but also to bring rapid transformation and development of our country.

There is a massive housing development in all 10 Regions, the preparation of Silica City on the Linden Highway, and the increase of potable water treatment plants. There is rapid road network upgrade in the city, towns, villages; there are farm-to-market roads and new highways. Construction of the new US$261M bridge across the Demerara River has commenced, and there is to be a new four-lane Wismar/Mackenzie bridge, and a bridge across the Corentyne River to link Guyana and Suriname.

The first phase of the US$190M dollar highway from Linden to Mabura, then to Lethem, which links Guyana and Brazil, has commenced. In the Health sector, 12 new hospitals will be built, and the existing hospitals and health centres will be improved.

Each person suffer-

ing from diabetes received $600,000 to assist in paying for dialysis, the return of the ‘Because We Care’ Cash grant, 20,000 Goal scholarships, expansion of the BIT training, free university tuition by 2025, and construction of new secondary and primary schools in the various regions.

In the agriculture sector there is rapid expansion - developing smart agriculture with the intervention of shade houses, expansion in various agricultural crops in the various regions, thousands of acres of soya beans and corn in the Intermediate Savannahs, an experiment in the cultivation of wheat and millet, expansion in the production of black water shrimp, and aquaculture, installation of several agro-processing plants for value-added products, the setting up of a new US$20 million dairy farm at Moblissa with the rearing of over 500 head of milking cows.

The reopening of closed sugar estates. The expansion of the bauxite industry at Linden with a new US$150 million kiln 15, which was recently commissioned, and the projected expansion of a Maz project.

The reopening of the Alumina Plant. Working towards the development of cheap energy in our country, so we can be competitive with our neighbours. As such, we will be building the 300MW Gas to Shore Plant, The 165 MW Amaila Hydro Project, and the development of solar farms in various regions. In Linden, a 15 MW solar farm will be set up by the Government and a 12MW one is to be construct-

ed by Bosai.

With the return of the LCDS 2030, Guyana is the first country to receive carbon credits of US$750 million for the next 7 years. Our Indigenous people will benefit from 15% of this sum, which they are already receiving.

Massive improvement in ICT with the setting up of many call centres and ICT Hubs in rural areas. Expansion is also ongoing in the Tourism Sector with five new brand-name hotels under construction, and the development of eco-tourism. With all the developments taking place, we are putting more of our people to work.

Now, with Guyana being an oil-producing country and with the rapid growth in our economy, we are presently rated as the fastest-growing economy in the world, and we are projected to grow by 25.1% for the next 3 years.

I am now convinced that Guyana will become the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

Dr Ali is a real transformational leader; he is leading this country to prosperity, and he leads by example. I believe that he should be congratulated by all Guyanese on the good work he is doing and working towards a One Guyana. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic has proven to be the best choice for Guyana and for the future of this country, and it’s a Government for all Guyanese.

Sincerely,

Andrew Forsythe PPP/C Coordinator Region #10

A group of dancers performing a routine on Wednesday evening, during a dinner hosted by President Dr Irfaan Ali at State House for participants attending the National Toshaos Council Conference, which will culminate today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC)

Prefab structures to support health, education sectors in hinterland communities

The Government is now exploring the option of rolling out prefab structures in hinterland communities as a way of supporting the health and education sectors.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday during a dinner with Amerindian leaders who are attending the National Toshaos Conference (NTC).

According to the Head of State, the Government is exploring the possibility of installing prefab structures

to accommodate students, teachers, and healthcare professionals while highlighting some of the work already in several communities.

“Today I received a design proposal for these prefab buildings for small schools that are sometimes so expensive to build, because you have to take in all the materials. So, we’re going to assess that proposal and I’m confident that as we plan in the new year, we can at least have about 50 or 60 of these facilities ready to go

to the areas with small volumes of children,” President Ali unveiled.

The President also noted that the prefab structures were also being considered for nurses and teachers' living quarters.

“We’re also looking at this prefab solution for our nurses and our teachers’ quarters. In addition to this, the Ministry of Education is working now on finding ways in which we can utilize local talent, local labour, local wood, local concrete, in building out for the larger

type of schools,” Ali stated.

The President further revealed that the government conducted a study in 2022 to identify areas in the health and education sectors that can be improved.

“The Ministry of Education, sometime last year, was tasked with completing a full assessment of all the educational facilities, and the Ministry of Health, all the health facilities, including hostels, pools, nurses’ quarters [and] teachers’ quarters. And we are in the process of implementing that report, that is why you will see many new teachers’

NAREI facilitates agricultural training to prison inmates

Benn.

“This is to obtain self-sufficiency in its agricultural production and to educate inmates and equip them with life skills that will ensure their gainful employment or that they can themselves become successful business owners or farmers upon release,” Sears pointed out.

quarters, doctor quarters, [as well as] new schools that we are on the verge of building,” the President outlined.

He also announced that the Government would set aside $100 million to aid in the development of grounds and recreational facilities in Amerindian communities. The Head of State lauded the work of the Toshaos in the agriculture sector, which,he noted, will help to further Guyana in its goal to be food secure in the coming years.

“We are very pleased that you’re paying so much attention to food security and advancing your agricultural system, and that is the next area that we’re going to work aggressively with you on, because by the time we get to 2027/2028, we want you to be in a position where you are self-re-

liant and you’re sustainable in terms of your food production in the regional system.

“We thank you for the [way] you’ve embraced our low carbon development strategy. And the way in which you are working to ensure the benefit of this strategy continues to be in the interest of your communities and the people of your communities. You should be very proud that you are the custodian of a strategy that the entire world wants to have for theirs,” President Ali said to the Toshaos.

In January of this year, it was reported that a prefab school was being constructed in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) to address the issue of overcrowding in schools across the region. The school was expected to be completed two months after commencement.

Under the “Grow

More” initiative, several officers and inmates from the Lusignan, Mazaruni, New Amsterdam and Timehri Prisons have completed training with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), on nursery management, vermiculture, and seedling production.

The capacity-building exercises saw participants being educated on organic practices and eliminating the use of chemicals to produce healthier food. The training was conducted with the aim of emphasising the importance of returning nutrients to the soil through composting, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices within the prison facility.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot said that

the training programmes were part of the objective of the Guyana Prison Services (GPS) to continuously promote self-sufficiency. Moreover, these initiatives indicate the Service’s commitment to the rehabilitation of inmates through the development of personal and practical skills.

Chairman of the Prison Service Agriculture Development Board, Brian Sears said the Board of Directors was working assiduously to ensure that the GPS’s agricultural developmental plans and activities were in keeping with the mandate given by the Home Affairs Minister, Robeson

Sears also indicated that the agriculture department is looking to team up with NAREI for more theoretical and practical training for officers and inmates.

During a telephone interview with this publication on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer for the GPS, Rajiv Bisnauth shared that once an inmate indicated interest in the programmes, they are given the opportunity to participate.

He further explained that the produce harvested from the various farms is used to cook meals in prisons across the country.

He noted too that the programme which is being run by the Agricultural Board of the GPS has seen significant support from Food for the Poor which previously donated several tools.

Through the programme, inmates plant a variety of crops and vegetables such as cabbage, ochroes, eggplants, pineapple and many other crops.

President Dr Irfaan Ali delivering his remarks during the dinner

President Ali and some of the Amerindian leaders during the dinner

Some of the inmates displaying ochroes that were harvested in July

Some of the inmates and officers during the training

Page Foundation

Tree Diagrams

BY HARRIET MONROE

COLUMBIA! on thy brow are dewy flowers

Plucked from wide prairies and from mighty hills. Lo! toward this day have led the steadfast hours. Now to thy hope the world its beaker fills. The old earth hears a song of blessed themes, And lifts her head from a deep couch of dreams. Her queenly nations, elder-born of Time, Troop from high thrones to hear, Clasp thy strong hands, tread with thee paths sublime, Lovingly bend the ear.

Spain, in the broidered robes of chivalry, Comes with slow foot and inward-brooding eyes. Bow to her banner! ’t was the first to rise Out of the dark for thee.

And England, royal mother, whose right hand Molds nations, whose white feet the ocean tread, Lays down her sword on thy beloved strand To bless thy wreathed head; Hearing in thine her voice, bidding thy soul Fulfil her dream, the foremost at the goal. And France, who once thy fainting form upbore, Brings beauty now where strength she brought of yore.

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to show you how to make your reflection disappear. Being able to make your reflection disappear may seem like magic, but we will show you it’s just science.

Materials:

Roll of aluminum foil

Scissors

Instructions:

Cut a 10-inch square of foil from

the roll. Use scissors to avoid creating any wrinkles in the foil.

Look at your reflection in the shiny side of the foil.

Now crinkle up the foil in a way that doesn’t cause creases as you will need to flatten it out.

Flatten out the foil.

Now look for your reflection.

Your reflection will have vanished.

How it works:

Light reflects from the smooth

foil surface in straight lines directly back at you enabling you to be able to see your reflection. Even though, you are able to flatten out the crumpled foil, the wrinkled and scrunched surface send the reflected light in all directions making your reflection seem to magically disappear.

Make this a science project: Try folding the foil into squares with sharp creases to see if it changes your reflection. (sciencefun.org)

France, the swift-footed, who with thee Gazed in the eyes of Liberty, And loved the dark no more.

Around the peopled world Bright banners are unfurled. The long procession winds from shore to shore. The Norseman sails

Through icy gales

To the green Vineland of his long-ago. Russia rides down from realms of sun and snow.

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

Govt greenlights Tullow’s sale of Orinduik Block shares – VP Jagdeo

…says Kanuku Block partners seeking renewal of expired prospecting licence

The Guyana Government has taken a decision to approve the sale of London-based Tullow Oil’s majority stake in the Orinduik Block to Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Only last week, the Vice President said that while the Government has heard about the sale, Tullow had not yet formally informed local authorities of this decision, which needed to be approved.

Earlier last month, Tullow announced that it has agreed to sell its 60 per cent total interest in the Orinduik Licence to Eco Guyana Oil and Gas (Barbados) Limited in exchange for a combination of upfront cash to the tune of US$700,000 and contingent consideration.

“We have, in principle, agreed that the approval will be given for Tullow to sell its shares to Eco and to exit that [Orinduik] Block,” Jagdeo disclosed at a press conference on Thursday.

According to the Vice President, with this change of block ownership, Eco will now be responsible for completing the work programme on the Licence.

Completion of this trans-

action between Tullow and its Orinduik Block partner Eco is expected to occur in the second half of 2023.

In an August 10 statement, Tullow said its decision to exit the Orinduik licence was in line with its strategy to focus on its high-return production assets in Africa and infrastructure-led exploration around producing hubs and deliver its objective to unlock value in emerging basins.

In 2019, Tullow drilled two exploration wells – Jethro-1 and Joe-1 – on the Orinduik licence, which yielded uncommercial oil discoveries.

Nonetheless, Tullow recognises the material oil resource potential remaining in the Orinduik licence, and as such, the terms of the sale transaction with its Block partner will allow the British company to retain exposure to any potential future success in the region.

Based on the transaction summary, Eco will have to pay Tullow US$4 million if it makes a commercial discovery, and another US$10 million if Guyana issues a production licence, as well as royalty payments on future production.

It had been a rough few

years for Tullow, which in 2020 was forced to write off US$1.2 billion in wells that were not financially viable. Included in the 2019 amount is US$60 million for three wells Tullow drilled offshore Guyana but could not continue working thereon.

The Orinduik Block is just a few kilometres from ExxonMobil’s discoveries in the Liza and Payara fields in the oil-rich Stabroek Block.

With the acquisition of Tullow’s 60 per cent interest and its own existing 15 per cent working interest – Eco is now the leading operator on the Orinduik licence with a whopping 75 per cent inter-

White Water Creek to get $25M agro-processing facility

est. The remaining 25 per cent working interest is shared by a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Total E&P Guyana BV (TOQAP).

Kanuku Block

Meanwhile, in addition to its Orinduik assets, Tullow Oil also has a stake (37.5 per cent in a farm-in deal) in the neighbouring Kanuku Block, which is operated by Repsol with a 37.5 per cent working interest. TOQAP holds the other 25 per cent interest in the Kanuku Block.

During Thursday’s press conference, VP Jagdeo explained that the 10-year Prospecting Licence for the Kanuku expired in May and the Block partners have written the Government, seeking a renewal.

The Vice President noted that the Government has discussions with the licence holder this week, but no decision has been made at the Cabinet level as yet.

While the Government has indicated to the Block partners that their application would be “considered favourably”, VP Jagdeo pointed out that if the renewal was granted, then it would be done under conditions of the newly-crafted Production Sharing Licence . These include a reduction in the size of the block, the payment of a signing bonus and all other fiscal conditions such as increased royalty. Additionally, they would also have to move aggressively with their explo-

ration development plan.

The Kanuku partners claim to have invested over US$500 million in the block, which has three wells and a 3D seismic. Jagdeo suspects that this substantial investment sum is the driving force behind the request to renew the licence, adding that the partners will lose all of it if they don’t move to production.

“They want to continue the activities there. They must

vestor,” the VP stated.

However, Jagdeo outlined that there was a counter-argument that the Government was cognisant of in considering this application and that is that a renewal of the Prospecting Licence could undermine the ongoing oil blocks auction and it could also set an unwanted presence whereby others would want the same deal which means that Government will not get the best deal in terms of an aggressive exploration plan out of such a renegotiated arrangement.

On the other hand, the Vice President said there was also the view that since the Kanuku Block partners are already committed to the Block they will move faster in terms of development, since they already have intense knowledge of the area and have already spent US$500 million.

have seen some potential for discoveries which is why they want the Prospecting Licence renewed. So, I think it’s clearly an interest that they believe based on their reading of their seismic that the area has great potential.”

“If they don’t get back this block, the US$500 million expended there, because they have not moved onto production, they lose every cent of it. The Government of Guyana and the people of Guyana do not have to pay back for that, because the exploration activity is done at the risk of the in-

Nevertheless, VP Jagdeo noted that once the Natural Resources Ministry completes engagements with the Kanuku Block partners, it would make the necessary recommendations to the Cabinet on whether or not to renew the Prospecting Licence.

Some six wells have been drilled in the Kanuku Block to date – Carapa-1, Jaguar-1, Berbice-2, Abary-1 and Mahaica-1 and 2. Repsol had drilled the Beebei-Potaro well last year and encountered good-quality reservoirs in the primary and secondary targets, but they were water-bearing. (G-8)

An agro-processing facility

Some 250 households in White Water Creek, North West District (NWD) and surrounding villages in Region One (BarimaWaini) will soon benefit from a spanking new $25 million agro-processing facility.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha made the announcement on Wednesday during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference 2023 that is being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The Government’s push for Guyanese to grow and produce what they consume daily prompted the establishment of the food processing facility.

When it becomes operational, farmers will be able to advance their operations to more commercialised value-added production and achieve sustainable economic growth through agro-processing.

This will ensure that products, including cassava bread, farine, and cassareep, have easier access to markets.

“That is why in hinter-

land communities now, we are building an afro-processing facility. I am happy to report that in White Water, I will commission one very shortly. One was commissioned recently in the Deep South. St Ignatius has one. We will do another one in Region Nine and Mabaruma will have one,” Minister Mustapha stated.

Agro-processing

He explained that agro-processing increases household income and creates new potential for export revenue by adding value to basic agricultural produce.

“We want you to not only produce primary products, but we want you to add value to your products,” the Agriculture Minister stressed.

More than 12 agro-processing facilities have been established in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, and 10. In excess of 2500 farmers, agro-processors, wholesalers and retailers now have access to certified agro-processing facilities in their regions.

Crabwood Creek and Orealla communities in

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Region Six will also benefit from the construction of processing facilities.

With the commissioning of a $14 million agro-processing facility earlier this month, over 200 farmers in Karaudarnau Village, Region Nine now have the opportunity to add value to their produce.

Meanwhile, a $37 million state-of-the-art food processing factory commissioned at Fort Wellington in West Coast Berbice is benefiting about 700 persons from both Regions Five and Six.

In November 2022, a $15 million agro-processing factory was opened in St Ignatius, Region Nine for farmers to process their peanuts and cashew nuts.

Owing to the large expenditures made in these sectors, the export revenue from agro-processed goods brought in $897 million for the nation, with a 61 per cent rise in export volume from 1071 metric tonnes in 2021 to 1724 metric tonnes in 2022.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Duo caught with cocaine pellets get 4 years, fined $1.6M each Fighting over…

lets were weighed in their presence and amounted to 1.084 kilograms.

CANU at the time had said the illicit drug, which has a street value of Gy$1.2M, would be worth way more than that overseas.

…the Gladstones

Magistrate

Rhondell Weever

on Thursday sentenced each of two men to serve 36 months’ imprisonment on drug trafficking charges.

The custodial punishment was imposed on Ron Reid, 50, and Nigel Dundas, 46, who were each ordered to pay a fine of $1.6M.

These two men were

initially charged with the offence in March 2022 and were remanded to prison, but were subsequently granted $300,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of their trial.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has said that on March 2, 2022, at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, these men had 1.084 kilograms of co-

caine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking.

It was reported that, on the day in question, CANU ranks were conducting an operation at a house in the West Ruimveldt “Front Road” area when the two men were caught wrapping cocaine pellets. They were arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters, where more than 100 pel-

Reid is no stranger to the drug enforcement unit, and can be described as one of the big fishes in the drug trade. In fact, on March 2, 2015, he and his common-law wife were arrested after they were allegedly found with 70 grams of cocaine. They were later slapped with a drug trafficking charge to which they pleaded not guilty. In that case, it was reported that on the day in question, CANU ranks went to the couple’s home. After they had knocked on the door, Reid’s wife reportedly appeared. When ranks asked her for Reid, she reportedly tried to engage them in conversation, delaying their gaining access to the house.

A rank then heard a sudden running of water inside the house, and when he stormed in, he found Reid standing in front of a sink that had four cocaine pellets inside.

In 2017, CANU had issued a wanted bulletin for Reid, after his alleged associate, Julius Watkins, was intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with 114 cocaine pellets that he had ingested. Watkins subsequently pleaded guilty to trafficking narcotics and was sentenced to four years in prison and fined $2.5M.

The court heard that between September 12 and September 15, 2017, Watkins swallowed 114 pellets laced with a total of 960 grams of cocaine. On the latter date, he was attempting to board an outgoing flight to Canada at the CJIA when CANU ranks noticed him acting suspiciously as he approached the scanning area. As such, Watkins, a taxi driver at the time, was questioned and taken to CANU Headquarters, where he confessed to swallowing pellets laced with cocaine.

He was subsequently transported to the Woodlands Hospital, where he excreted the pills containing the illegal substance.

Watkins had sought to justify his actions to the Chief Magistrate by explaining that he was facing a financial crisis and was unable to send his children to school. As such, he said, he had taken the “job” to earn extra money.

And here your Eyewitness thought that the battle over the sins of the Gladstones was fought and done within 1823!! Naïve little sod!! While that battle involved over 10,000 slaves on the East Coast of Demerara, this ongoing battle two hundred years later has dragged in all of Guyana – including the lot who’ve deserted our fair shores to live in the lands of our erstwhile slave masters – to fight among ourselves!! Seems that for this internecine battle, we’ve adopted the cry of that arch-imperialist Churchill: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender…” So, who said Massa never taught us anything??

So, what’s this fight all about?? Since the dust hasn’t settled yet, your Eyewitness doesn’t have a definitive answer – but there is no lack of candidates!! First, there’s the fight on whether Gladstones’ apology for the sins of their fathers should’ve also been extended to the Indian Indentured who were brought in after slavery was abolished. Your Eyewitness thought that shoulda been left to the Gladstones - since it was they who were trying to assuage their guilt for past wrongs. Why should others tell them what should prick their consciences??

Then there was a fight over the location where the apology shoulda been delivered. In your Eyewitness’s estimate, that should’ve either been at Success - where the slave uprising started - or at Vreed-en-Hoop, where the “Gladstone Indian Indentureship Experiment” was launched. If we’re looking at the past, let’s go back to where the past that prompted the apology really started!! Those who brought the Gladstones down however – in collaboration with UG – felt that the forum should be at UG, while the Government plunked for the Convention Center. Was that because that locale was closer to Plantation Success??

Now another fight – more like a catfight actually –has arisen, cause one fella from London, the heart of the dastardly imperialist enterprise, saw fit to complain that those folks picketing the Gladstones were overreacting!! They were looking at the £100,000 gift horse by the Gladstones in the mouth!! Now, c’mon!! If the Gladstones’ conscience had pricked them about a past they saw as “abominable”, don’t the descendants of those who experienced that abomination have the right to express their feelings in a way they see fit?? In other words, the British education they received after slavery and indentureship hasn’t anesthetised the picketers enough??

And the last fight is the sniping by those who’ve launched the “apartheid state” salvos at the Ali administration, at the ACDA leader initiating the Gladstones’ trip - for not consulting them!!

Jealousy!!

…ports

Before Exxon struck that gusher – figuratively!! – miles under the Atlantic, the talk of us needing a deepwater port had arisen so as to facilitate shipping from northern Brazil to the Atlantic. And saving them the thousand-mile journey eastwards to Belem, when the goods eventually had to go north. But even then, at the beginning of the millennium, Georgetown was already too congested. And the consensus was that the highway from Lethem should divert to the mouth of the Berbice River, where a deep-water harbour should be located.

Fast forward two decades and CGX put up their hand to build it on Crab Island - near the Berbice Bridge. But those poor sods seem to’ve been cursed!! Even though they pioneered oil drilling off our shores – and even helped us resolve our border dispute with Suriname – they just can’t seem to get off the starting blocks - with oil or the harbour.

On the latter, we’re now told it’ll be done in stages. They’re now at the “stelling” stage!!

…gravy

The Rose Hall strike is an object lesson in the dangers of grants becoming entitlements. When the estate was closed, some workers - transferred to Albion and Blairmont - were happy. However, those fired got a $250,000 grant - which the transferees want when asked to return home!!

Jailed: Nigel Dundas and Ron Reid

Newly-commissioned GDF Officers urged to expand knowledge in foreign policy, diplomacy

– establishment of Defence Institute gets green light from Pres Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday presented Instruments of State Commissions to 21 new Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officers who successfully completed the Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) No 54, and Instruments of State Warrant to two new Warrant Officers.

The Instruments of Commission signify the officers’ competence and worthiness to serve in the Force, earned after undergoing rigorous training.

During the simple ceremony at State House, Main Street, Georgetown, the President explained that the instrument was not merely a document but an indication of the power the officers now hold and the responsibilities that come with their new positions in wielding command, making critical decisions and leading within the military.

“You have a responsibility and duty to support the Chief of Staff and your superiors in shaping strategy, maintaining discipline and ensuring effective operations of the GDF. The Instrument of Commission signifies the trust placed in the officer by the military hierarchy,” Ali said.

“It serves as a reminder of your duty to serve with integrity, lead with purpose and defend our motherland with courage,” Ali added.

The President noted that this Standard Officers’ Course No. 54 will now proceed for one more year of rotation within the State of Guyana.

“You will proceed on understanding that in one year, you must learn Spanish –you must be competent in

the language. You must also understand that within this year, you will be spending at least six weeks at the Foreign Service Institute so that you can have a full understanding of all aspects in relation to foreign policy, our diplomacy and its link and relation to defence,” Ali explained.

Highlighting that military studies have become more complex and technical, the President added that the officers will also be expected to spend at least six weeks engaging in an orientation course on the Fundamentals of Strategic Studies at the University of Guyana (UG).

“Combat readiness demands aptitude and expertise in a wide range of skill sets, including leadership and decision making, technological proficiency, cybersecurity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, diplomacy and peace studies. The military leader is now ex-

Institute within the GDF,” Ali announced.

With that, he noted that he is authorising the Chief of State to proceed with the development of the programme

authorities in maintaining internal order and security,” Ali said.

On that note, the President urged the new officers to take guidance from their seniors who he noted have a level of compe-

tence, expertise, experience, training, skill level, and education that sets them apart from their colleagues across the Region.

Also present at the ceremony were Army Chief Brigadier Omar Khan;

National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh. (Pooja Rambaran)

pected to know about military logistics and administration without neglecting the more regular and routine elements of training, such as physical fitness, marksmanship, and tactical proficiency,” Ali said.

Along the lines of training, the President also disclosed plans to initiate a Defence Institute within the Force.

“In the execution of this weighty responsibility that is now on your shoulder and in keeping with the new development trajectory and the high standards we want for our officers in the GDF, I have carefully reviewed the recommendation from the Chief of Staff for the establishment of a Defence

and its curriculum to bring the institute into effect in a short time.

External and internal threats

While the Force is primarily obligated to prevent and counteract external threats and acts of aggression against the nation, the President also highlighted the importance of addressing internal insurrections and upholding domestic stability.

“While domestic governance and the rule of law are paramount, there are times when internal challenges threaten to disrupt societal harmony and order. In such circumstances, the Defence Force may be called upon to support the law enforcement

Newly-commissioned Guyana Defence Force Officers receiving their Instruments of State Commission and State Warrant

President Dr Irfaan Ali; Army Chief Brigadier Omar Khan; National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh alongside Guyana Defence Force officials

“Parental responsibility” needed after recent fatal accidents involving children – Min Benn

Parents were urged to exercise responsibility for the whereabouts and activities of their children taking into consideration the recent road accidents which claimed the lives of several teenagers over the past weekend.

While the Guyana Police Force (GPF) works aggressively to reduce the high road carnage rate and violations on the roadways, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said parents must also play their part in ensuring their children are safe.

“It speaks to not only the responsibility of the Police and officialdom but also parental responsibility. What is your child doing with a car in groups with particular persons at certain hours in the evening? Not that the adults themselves give the best examples. A lot of the driving around with loud music, playing with speeding and all of these

things are examples given by adults. And so those are issues we have to work on,” Benn told media operatives on Thursday.

Over the last weekend, six teenagers lost their lives due to vehicular accidents. On Sunday, four of them died after the vehicle

in which they were travelling slammed into a parked motor lorry and then into a fence along the Resource Public Road, Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

At the time, the driver of the car, Davenand Singh, 17, was transporting

19-year-old Daniel Terbeni, 18-year-old Divyanie Narine and 19-year-old Amiesha Yasoda Jaikaran, when he lost control of the vehicle.

They had all left a wedding in the area and were on their way to the Demerara Harbour Bridge when the accident occurred.

Hours before, a collision involving two cars, a truck, and a motorcycle at Unity Public Road on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) claimed the lives of three persons, including 19-yearold Shawn Persaud of Huntley, Mahaicony, ECD.

In another accident, Thakoor, called “Budoo”, of New Amsterdam died dead after crashing his motorcycle into a utility pole along the East Coast Berbice Highway.

The Guyana Police Force has been working to turn around the number of

speeding and drunk driving cases. Impaired driving – whether through drugs or cell phone use – has also been under their watch.

Statistics show that the most uneventful incidents are recorded in the nights and from Thursday to Monday.

Benn stated, “This is worrying. I think our statistics have already been destroyed by the trend for this year. I don't think we will achieve the less than 100 road deaths that we achieved last year. But we recognise that there's an increased number of vehicles on the road. We recognise that there are persons who still insist on drunk driving or just speeding through the joy of it; too much adrenaline that many of these persons are very young.”

The Minister also recognised the alarming rate of motorcyclists and pillion

riders who have died on the roadway for the year, adding that his ministry through the Guyana Police Force, has been distributing free helmets to errand motorcycle users.

“We still will give out more. But we have asked the Guyana Police Force, the Head of the Traffic Department, and the Commanders to take them off the road…The Police are going to give us again an update or revise even though again, traffic plan and they are going to take stronger action. We expect them to do so. They will be held to account for that,” Benn asserted.

Bar owners

The Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Act 2022 calls for liquor licence holders to play a more active role against drinking and driving; for one, by avoiding the sale of alcohol to inebriated persons who are likely to leave the premises by driving.

Breach of these duties by the licence holder has increased to $100,000 for a first offence, and $200,000 for a second offence.

The Home Affairs Minister pointed out that no one has been fined as yet, but the Police will be looking at prosecution for delinquent licence holders.

“I don’t think we have prosecuted any as yet, but this is one of the issues that the Police will deal with as we go forward.” (Rupa Seenaraine)

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn during an interview with the media on Thursday

Mahdia Tragedy will remain an “object lesson” for Fire Service – Benn

…dorms being equipped with alarms, extinguishers

Just over three months after 20 children perished in a fire that devastated the Mahdia Secondary School girls’ dormitory in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn reiterated that it will remain an ‘object lesson’ for the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

During a GFS event on Thursday, Benn zeroed in on the fire – which was maliciously set by a student of the institution.

It was reported that the fire was allegedly set in the bathroom area of the dormitory.

According to the surviving female students, they were asleep and were awakened by screams. Upon checking, they saw fire/smoke in the bathroom area, which quickly spread into the building.

While 19 students and the five-year-old son of the dorm mother perished, others also suffered injuries and smoke inhalation

died at Mahdia District Hospital. The 20th died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Another student,

Northwell Health, Staten Island University Hospital in the United States for advanced care.

The 12-year-old student was subsequently dis -

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.

Meanwhile, the

gate 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

“It will remain an object lesson for the Guyana Fire Service, in relation to the inspections and supporting issues directly in relation to prevention at particular places. I want to thank the firefighters who engaged in that particularly difficult circumstance.”

In the early hours of May 22, the fire had already ripped through the Mahdia school dormitory thus leaving 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 and Andrea Roberts dead.

Adanye Jerome, the five-year-old son of the dorm mother, was also among those who perished.

while several managed to escape.

Coming out of this incident, the Home Affairs Minister shared that the necessary preventative and firefighting mechanisms are being installed in dormitories to prevent a recurrence.

“We did reviews of the building and recommendations were made, which had to be followed up. Since then, we have been working to install, particularly for dormitories and other places, the fire alarms and extinguishers. We also talked about access and hammers.”

However, the facility at the time of the fire housed about 59 students from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie and Chenapau. Following the devastation, the Fire Service had reported that 14 of the teenagers were burnt to death at the scene, while five

Mariza Williams was initially seeking treatment at the Georgetown Public Health) before being medically evacuated (medevacked) to the Regional Burn Centre at

charged following three months of surgeries, skin grafts, physical rehabilitation and grief counselling

Though her face was spared, she suffered second and third-degree burns

much-anticipated Commission of Inquiry (CoI) probing the Mahdia dorm tragedy has opened and will last for two months.

The team will investi -

manner.

Recommendations are also expected from the Commission, which will include necessary measures to prevent a reoccurrence of such tragedies. (G-12)

Body of unidentified man found at Bartica

The lifeless body of an unidentified male has been found lying on a parapet at 4th Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The dead man, of Amerindian descent, was discovered in the area by a 44-year-old taxi driver on Thursday at about 06:00hrs, and the Bartica Police Station was immediately notified.

A team of detectives visited the scene and found the body, clad in a purple jersey and black pants, along with long boots, lying face down. The scene was processed and the body was examined, but there were no marks of violence thereon.

The body has been taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital mortuary to await a post-mortem. Investigations are ongoing.

The children who perished in the fire

Aftermath of the devasting fire

Mariza Williams, alongside parents Max and Marlene Williams

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

The body of the unidentified man

10-month-old baby dies after father loses control of speeding car at Sophia

The road carnage continued on Guyana’s roadways when a 10-month-old baby met her demise following a two-vehicle collision at Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown on Wednesday. The dead infant is Zainab Boyer of Sixth Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Based on reports received, the accident involved a taxi bearing registration number HC 8812, which was at the time being driven by a 28-year-old of A Field Sophia, and motor car PYY 7263, owned and driven by the baby’s father, Khary Boyer, a 26-year-old of Sixth Street, Cummings Lodge, Georgetown.

Investigations revealed that at the time of the accident, motor car PYY 7263 was travelling at a fast pace with three occupants, a 32-year-old female, the nowdead child, and a five-yearold girl who was in the back passenger’s seat.

While in the vicinity of the Juvenile Holding Center, Boyer reportedly lost control of the vehicle thus resulting in him swerving and ending up in the path of the taxi.

This resulted in a headon collision. Police stated that both drivers and all three occupants of motor car PYY 7263 sustained bodily injuries. They were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Zainab Boyer succumbed to her injuries.

The other injured persons are being treated at the medical facility. Only recently, four teenagers lost their lives after the vehicle in which they were travelling went out of control and crashed into a parked truck and then into a con-

Security guard bound, bludgeoned to death at Lusignan Golf Course

Asecurity officer attached to the Lusignan Golf Course, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Thursday morning found dead inside the clubhouse. The dead man has been identified as 57-yearold Dalchand Dhanai of Lusignan Pasture, ECD.

Police stated that around 06:20h, a report was made to the Vigilance Police Station that a body was found inside the club. The body was reportedly discovered by another worker who turned up for work.

crete fence at Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Dead are Daveanand Singh, 17, of Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Amiesha Jaikaran, 19, of La Grange Old Road, WBD; Divyanie Narine, 18, of Kitty, Georgetown; and Daniel Tirbeni, 19, of La Grange, WBD.

Two of them reportedly died at the scene while the other two died while receiving medical attention at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Singh has already been laid to rest.

Charity farmer feared dead following river mishap

The detectives during their preliminary investigations observed Dhanai lying face down in the upper flat of the building, with his hands bound with shoelaces and there were injuries to his head.

Guyana Times understands that two brush cutters, a laptop computer, several cases of beverages and some other items were stolen from the property as the bond was broken into. Some of the items have since been recovered in some nearby bushes.

At the time of the tragic incident, Dhanai was the only guard on duty.

When contacted, his stepson, Avinash Persaud, who is the reigning Guyana Open golf champion, related that the now-dead man left home on Wednesday about 17:45h for work. About 05:30h on Thursday, Persaud received news that Dhanai’s body had been found in a pool of blood.

“It's supposed to have a game today (Thursday) and some of them guys showed up early… it normally happens – where there is a

game the guys would show up early to practice… when they show up early, he (Dhanai) would normally open the gate for them to get into the compound.”

Persaud added that after the guys honked their horns several times and Dhanai did not open the gate, they thought something was amiss.

“Them boys decide to jump the fence and right away see that the place was broken into… when they check for my stepfather, they saw him lying on the ground in a pool of blood… the door to the bond and so were broken… and they immediately called the Police and me,” he related.

Persaud recalled that when he arrived at the scene, his stepfather was lying on the ground with his hands tied behind his back and blood on his face. “It looks like they lash him to the head and face, because you could see the mark on his face with blood…”

He described Dhanai as a hard worker. In fact, Dhanai started to work at the club at a very young age as a groundsman but after he started to age, he was given the responsibili-

ty of overseeing the premises. “He working there for like 25-30 years – he was a full-time staff.”

He was the father of one son who resides overseas. The Executive and members of Lusignan Golf Course have expressed their condolences to the family of Dhanai. In a release to the media, the club stated that the members were still in shock at this tragic incident while reiterating that the safety and well-being of its staff was paramount.

Further, the club noted that it would cooperate with detectives in finding the perpetrator (s) and bringing them to justice.

“The Club will be closed in the near future as a mark of respect to the family and to allow them, our members and staff, to mourn the loss of our colleague,” the release added.

Siblings arrested after gun, ammo found on premises

Forty-year-old Regan Rodriguez, a farmer of Charity Housing Scheme, is now feared dead following a two-boat collision along the Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Thursday.

Based on reports received, a licensed boat captain was

the lone occupant in a 21foot wooden boat powered by a 250-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine and was proceeding from the Charity Wharf to Grant Phoenix Park, Lower Pomeroon River.

However, during the journey, he collided with another wooden boat that was pow-

ered by a 5-hp Yahama engine. The smaller vessel was captained by Rodriguez.

Following the incident, the captain went to the Charity Police Station and reported that he was proceeding south on the river when he collided with Rodriguez causing him to capsize and fall overboard.

The captain claimed that he did not see the smaller boat and just felt an impact. Upon looking into the water, he said he saw a hat and a small boat with the engine 'tilt up'.

A joint search party has since been established with the aim of recovering Rodriguez. The boat captain remains in Police custody and is assisting with the investigation.

A27-year-old man and his 24-year-old sister were on Thursday arrested following the discovery of a 9mm pistol and nine rounds of live matching ammunition.

Based on reports received, a team of police Officers from Regional Division # 3 acted on information received and went to a property at Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) where they conducted a search.

During the raid, the 9mm pistol with the marking ‘JA NINE 9MM’ was found with its serial number filed off under a mattress in one of the bedrooms. In addition, the ammunition was unearthed.

The siblings were told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested, and taken to the Leonora Police Station where they were placed in

The gun and ammunition found during the Police operation

custody. The firearm and ammunition were lodged, pending further investigations.

Only recently, it was reported that the Guyana

Police Force (GPF) seized 68 firearms from January to July 2023, thereby representing a 13.3 per cent increase in overall confiscation of such weapons.

Dead: Zainab Boyer

Murdered, Dalchand Dhanai

The boat belonging to the missing man

Middle management engaged in response to ‘challenging circumstances’ in Fire Service

Benn challenges GFS to ‘get in line’ with Guyana’s transformational agenda

lenging circumstances”, he said.

“Even while we contemplate having more and more of those mobile assets, particularly the specialized ones, we are indeed in particularly challenging circumstances,” Benn declared.

The GFS, he shared, must ‘get in line’ with what is happening in the country in terms of development.

Recognizing that there have been setbacks in the performance of its middle management, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has embarked on efforts to better synchronize and enhance the institution’s ability to respond to fires, emergencies, and rescue events.

The Guyana Fire Service hosted its first sub-officers conference on Thursday at the new Homestretch Avenue Headquarters, during which Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham underscored that, due to the non-performance of the middle management, the intention is to bridge the pillars between senior and junior supervisory arms.

“Both levels are very important. And so, for us to have continuity and to have capacity building for self-development, (which) is planned by the organization, it is important that you have the knowledge and the requisite skills imparted to you, so that you're

able to lead those who are below you,” Wickham underscored.

According to him, there are some officers who stand at the centre of the organization with that great role and responsibility to ensure that younger firefighters are acquainted with the plans and policies of the institution.

Wickham also highlighted that Government has been generous in its budgetary allocations for the entity, and as such, he urged officers to capitalize and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

“I want to challenge all of you today. Make good use of the opportunity given to you,” the Chief Fire Officer outlined.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn re-emphasized that the country is at one of the most propitious times in its development. While physical infrastructure and mobile assets are being bolstered, the Fire Service is still facing “chal-

“The most important thing is leadership: initiative, and the quality of delivery of that service when we’re called into action. How well are we prepared? Are our pumps working? Do we have all the proper disposal of assets in relation to getting the job done efficiently? How do we respond to complaints of arriving late?” he questioned.

At this time, he said, the Fire Service should be fit for purpose. Benn insisted on the need for firefighters to exercise caution and wear protective equipment and breathing apparatus.

“We have to pay attention to the quality, quantity, and type of protective equipment for firefighters. We must insist that they wear it. I keep talking about the question of breathing apparatus and proper usage and care of the firefighting clothing,” Minister Benn said.

Officers have been encouraged to follow all procedures and rules in keeping with good firefighting practice, and to exude the required discipline.

“If we cannot protect a life in proper engagement as a firefighter or first re -

Body of teen who disappeared at Coomacka Mines Beach recovered

Two days after 13-yearold Hassini Mack had disappeared from the Coomacka Mines Beach, his body has been found floating in the Upper Demerara River.

The discovery was made on Thursday at around 05:30hrs.

At time of the discovery, Mack’s mother Cerenze Sobers and members of the community and ranks from the Mackenzie Police Station were continuing their search for the body in the Coomacka Mines Beach area.

Police have said that when Mack’s body was retrieved from the water, there were no visible marks of violence thereon. The body was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex mortuary,

where a post-mortem will be conducted.

It was reported that Mach, along with his two younger siblings and some family friends, including a Canadian national, an

American national and two other children, had gone to the Coomacka Mines beach on Tuesday. However, while swimming, 13-yearold Mack and a 14-year-old boy had proceeded to the edge of the water to “wash off”.

Police had explained that as the two children began to walk towards the centre of the river, the water started to flow at a fast rate, causing Mack to be submerged. As they began to shout for help, the 29-yearold Canadian national rushed to their assistance, and managed to rescue the 14-year-old. The man had attempted to rescue Mack, but by that time he had already disappeared. Up to press time on Tuesday, his body had not been found.

sponder, then we’re not doing anything; we won’t be doing enough; we aren’t at the basic optimum level of service that the public expects,” Benn said.

This year has seen completion of the $648 million GFS Headquarters at Homestretch Avenue. In January, several new vehicles and bicycles to the tune of $88.8 million, all of which were purchased by the Government of Guyana, were handed over to the organization. Later in June, more than $273 million in advanced firefighting

equipment from Angloco, a British firefighting and rescue vehicles manufacturing company, was received.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham

Officers at the conference on Thursday

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn addressing officers of the GFS

Dead: Hassini Mack

After a 6-year hiatus from the Miss Universe Pageant, one of eight lucky young ladies will represent Guyana at the year’s pageant. This year's pageant saw a total of 500 applicants expressing interest; however, when the residency requirements process began, that number was reduced to 90 because of competition fees and

other deterrents.

The eight delegates were given the freedom to select their own title to represent a specific region, village, or town across Guyana.

These are Miss Bartica, Colline Ward; Miss Demerara-Mahaica Mackella Profeiro; Miss Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Chandini Baljor;

Miss Georgetown, Lieve Blanckaert; Miss La Parfaite Harmonie, Melissa McLean; Miss Pakaraima, Britny Mack; Miss Pomeroon-Supenaam Lisa Narine and Miss Rupununi, Anika Felicien.

The delegates will be officially sashed by their respective sponsors this evening followed by the grand coronation on Saturday evening at the Guyana

Marriott Hotel Georgetown.

On pageant night, the delegates will be judged on in several segments including interview, swimsuit, evening gown, and intelligence.

The winner of the Guyana leg of the competition will then travel to El Salvador to compete in the international pageant slated for November 18, 2023.

Twenty-four-year-old Trevlind Harry who was proudly sponsored by AJM Enterprises on Sunday outshone eight other contestants to cop the title of Miss Jamzone 2023 when the pageant was hosted at the Splashmin’s Resort, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Harry who is a nurse at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) and of Utivlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) also copped the awards for best talent and best fantasy wear.

However, Aliya Wong sponsored by Miss Sleepy Trading was adjudged the first runner-up at the pageant that showcased physical beauty, talent, grace, poise, and intelligence followed by Shequana Holder, Miss Hard Rock Café as the 2nd runner-up.

Prior to the pageant, Harry told the Guyana Times that she would use her confidence as an advantage on pageant night, and without a doubt, she rocked the stage. Her fantasy wear, designed by Guyanese designer, Randy Madray was captivating to the eyes of the packed to-capacity audience and the judges.

The specular piece comprised the most vibrant hues of slithering red, with tinges of fiery orange, yellow, and black titled ‘Coils of Guyana”.

The stunning beauty did justice to the piece that celebrates the unmatched beauty of our snakes as a symbol of economic transformation. The long-sleeved ensemble displays a 3D rhinestone snake on my tall curvaceous body, complemented by jewels of the Rain

Forest, home of the Giants.

After the pageant, she praised Madray for the piece while adding that he went over and beyond to create a masterpiece that wow everyone who was at the pageant.

It is worth noting that Harry stumbled on stage during the quarter-final competition at the Marriott Parking Lot. She went on to be selected as the top nine vying for the title and ultimately the crown. This, however, did not come easy since she had to balance work and rehearsals.

“I know how hard I have been working for this… I have been pushing by working hard and it entailed sleepless nights. All the cries, sweat, and tears paid

off… I am forever thankful to my sponsor, AJM Enterprises.”

The newly crowned queen was confident of winning the pageant after she responded to her final question about Guyana. I simply stated where Guyana was located and what it is famous for… Obviously, we are located in South America and we are famous for producing oil… that is what actually put us on the world map.”

Without a doubt, she captivated the crowd with her personality and stage presence. She won herself a new car and other prizes while the 1st runner-up walked away with $500,000 and the 2nd runner-up copped $250,000.

Trevlind Harry during the swimwear segment

Harry in her fantasy wear designed by Randy Madray

Harry During her introduction segment

The newly crowned queen, Trevlind Harry is flanked by 1st runner-up Aliya Wong and 2nd runner-up, Shequana Holder (Photos by POTSALT Media)

Bartica businessman remanded for hammering customer to death

Roopnarine had armed himself with a hammer and dealt him several blows to his head. The incident occurred at about 19:45h on August 23 at Blast Gaming Centre, which is owned and operated by Roopnarine’s 63-yearold father.

On the day in question, the younger Roopnarine was left in charge of the gaming centre while Braithwaite, a regular customer, was playing at one of the slot machines.

Police related that the

two had a misunderstanding over alcohol spilling on the countertop, and during the argument, Roopnarine had reportedly scolded Braithwaite. Police added that Braithwaite then armed himself with several glass bottles that were nearby, and began hurling them at Roopnarine, who was in the bar behind the counter.

Roopnarine then armed himself with a hammer and went behind Braithwaite, who had made his way to the front of the gaming centre,

where Roopnarine dealt him blows to his head and face.

Braithwaite had fallen to the ground and remained motionless. He was taken to the Bartica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. His body was examined, and blunt wounds were observed to the right jaw area, above the right eye, and to the forehead. His cause of death has been given as multiple bluntforce injuries to the head/ multiple blunt force trauma to the head.

Several days after being released on $1 million station bail pending investigation into the murder of one of his customers, Bartica businessman Raymond Roopnarine has been remanded to prison for the heinous crime.

Roopnarine, a 35-yearold businessman of Lot 30 Second Avenue, Bartica,

Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), appeared on Thursday before Bartica Magistrate Christel Lambert and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that, on August 23, he murdered Mark Braithwaite, 40, of Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica. Roopnarine has been remanded to prison until September 29.

Roopnarine had been arrested shortly after the incident, but in keeping with the advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), was released on $1M station bail on Saturday, after the 72-hour detention period had expired.

It has been reported that Braithwaite was killed at a gaming shop located at Second Avenue, Bartica after

Accused in De Kinderen fatal chopping slapped with murder charge

McDoom duo busted with ganja at Itaballi Landing

Two residents of the ward of McDoom in Greater Georgetown have been nabbed with a quantity of ganja at Itaballi Landing in the Lower Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Police have said that ranks were conducting a mobile patrol at Itaballi Landing on Wednesday when they observed grey motor van GTT 2796 proceeding in the opposite direction.

The van's owner, a 43-yearold resident of Middle Street, McDoom, Greater Georgetown, was driving the vehicle, and there were two other occupants inside: a 63-year-old miner and a 63-year-old seaman, both of McDoom.

The vehicle was intercepted and the occupants and their personal belongings were searched, but nothing illegal was found. A

further search was carried out on the motor vehicle, and a bag containing five parcels was found in its tray. Two of the parcels were wrapped in black plastic and three were wrapped in transparent plastic. Upon inspection, the parcels were all found to contain quantities of cannabis.

Upon interrogation, the miner and seaman both claimed ownership of the narcotics.

They were escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where the ganja was weighed and amounted to 3.1 kilograms. They remain in custody pending charges.

Christian Carew, called ‘Chris Carew’, a 29-yearold pork knocker, has been charged with the murder of Lindsford Kenwayne Duguid, whom Police say was stabbed and chopped to death back in June at De Kinderen Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Carew, of Lot 60 De Kinderen, WCD, was arrested last Tuesday and charged with murder on Wednesday.

Arraigned before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, he was not required to plead to the indictable charge, and has been remanded to prison. He will make his next court appearance on October 30, 2023.

It has previously been reported that the 34-year-old Duguid was killed on June 26 allegedly by three persons, who thereafter went into hiding.

Based on reports received, at about 22:00h on the day in question, Duguid had allegedly visited the De Kinderen location and asked for a 22-year-old female

Venezuelan national. Police say Duguid was informed by the owner of the property that the woman was not at home. However, the landlord told investigators, hours later, at about 03:30h the following morning, he heard screaming, and upon checking, he saw Duguid pulling the woman by her hair, while another suspect held on to Duguid’s waist from the back.

The owner said he rushed to the area and saw Duguid and two of the suspects fighting in a drain. He said he saw one of the suspects with a knife in her hand stabbing at Duguid’s leg, while a male Venezuelan national was seen holding the deceased around his neck. Sometime later, the third suspect appeared with a cutlass in his hand, and began to chop Duguid about his body. One of the suspects was heard asking for a rope, and that was used to tie Duguid’s legs.

The Police were contacted, but by the time they arrived on scene, the suspects had already fled. Duguid was found lying in a drain with

chop wounds to his left and right fingers and hand, while his right leg and chest had stab wounds. In addition, there were multiple chop wounds to his head, and a rope had been tied around his legs and neck.

One brown-handled knife, suspected to be one of the murder weapons, was found on the grass parapet about four feet from Duguid’s body; and upon searching the drain, Police recovered a Samsung cellphone and a pair of female running boots. A search of the De Kinderen yard revealed bloodstains leading from a yard pipe to the stairs.

Detectives also searched the house, during which one pair of camouflage pants and one white jersey soaked with mud were collected. Also, the remaining rope that formed a clothesline was collected as evidence.

While searching the location, Police said, they located a cutlass near a plastic barrel that contained water, along with a pair of long pants and one shirt with mud.

Murder accused Raymond Roopnarine

Dead: Mark Braithwaite Magistrate Christel Lambert

The ganja that was found in the tray of the vehicle

Dead: Lindsford Kenwayne Duguid

Murder accused Christian Carew Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ANSA McAL Trading Ltd transitioning to ANSA McAL Distribution Inc

The Trinidad and Tobago-based ANSA

McAL Group of Companies on Thursday announced its strategic decision to streamline its business operations in Guyana as a means to continue its path of a sustainable future and growth trajectory.

With effect from today, September 1, the distribution operations of ANSA McAL Trading Limited (Guyana) (AMTL) will transition to ANSA McAL Distribution Inc. (AMDI).

AMTL Managing Director Troy Cadogan explained that this shift will facilitate greater alignment with the strategic vision of the Group’s Distribution Sector, and will benefit all stakeholders in addition to making immeasurable contributions to Guyana’s economy.

“AMDI, as an independent entity, will add value to the already stellar portfolio of AMTL. We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering products and brands to our wholesale and retail customers in the most efficient, cost-effective manner, supported by brand management at world-class

standards,” Cadogan explained.

AMTL has been operating in Guyana for some 30 years as one of the largest and most prominent distribution companies in the country. It offers 95 per cent of the population a number of products spread across five major divisions – beverages, consumer products, Procter and Gamble, pharmaceuticals, and construction solutions.

The company will continue the operations of the Group with an emphasis on real estate development in Guyana.

According to the company’s statement, the ANSA McAL Group remains committed to the country’s

continuous development through each business sector in which it operates. It notes that the company has made many contributions to the building and cultural landscape in Guyana. In this regard, AMTL has sponsored several cultural and sports events, including inter-country cricket, football, boxing and squash games, the Rupununi Rodeo, Bartica Regatta, motor racing, and activities during Amerindian Heritage Month.

In January, the Group had even adopted the steel pan ensemble, Parkside Steel Orchestra, donating some $1 million for their growth.

Meanwhile, the compa-

Trio nabbed with ganja during Police operation at Friendship

Three men are now in Police custody following the discovery of 450 grams of cannabis in a house at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Thursday.

Based on reports received, Police, acting on intelligence received, went to the house, situated along the public road, and made contact with 56-yearold Richard Charles, who claimed to be the owner of the house.

The ranks informed Charles of their reason for being there, and requested permission to conduct a search on the premises.

The ranks observed two other men, who identified themselves as John D'Ornellas, a 28-year-old vendor of Block X, Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD, and Jerome Bernard, 42, a labourer of ‘C’ Field, South Sophia, on the premises.

Permission was given to search the house, and during that search, ranks unearthed a transparent

The three men in Police custody

parcel containing a quantity of ganja under a bed in one of the bedrooms.

Upon being questioned, Charles claimed that the two other men were occupying the bedroom in which the cannabis was found.

They were all arrested and escorted to the Diamond Police Station, where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 450 grams.

Investigations are ongoing.

ny in July disclosed its intention to acquire a stake in Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company Limited (BBB), adding to its current portfolio of alcoholic products which include the brands Hennessy, Moet and Chandon, Bacardi and Heineken.

AMTL is located for expansion at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), with two warehouses spanning over 26,000 square feet, a branch in Berbice, and partnerships in Essequibo. It otherwise holds operations in Grenada, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the United States of America, as well as its base in Trinidad and Tobago.

Cops accused of taking bribe freed

Acorrupt transaction charge against a Police officer was recently dropped after Magistrate Peter Hugh upheld a no-case submission presented by defence attorney Tuanna Hardy.

Police Sergeant Ramesh Chaitram and Constable Marlon Khadoo, both of Ulverston Village, Corentyne, were last year accused of corruptly obtaining $400,000. The allegation against them was that whilst being agents of the Guyana Government, on September 11, 2022, at the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost, they corruptly obtained from Gomotie Mattadin $400,000 as inducement for not charging Jahamal Hussain for illegal possession of a firearm.

At the close of the prosecution’s case, Khadoo’s attorney Tuanna Hardy submitted that her client had received no money, and even if he had, he had not been in a position to forgo charges against Hussain, as he was not the Station Sergeant at the Police station where he worked.

Magistrate Hugh thus upheld the attorney’s nocase submission and dismissed the charge against Khadoo. The charge against Chaitram was similarly dismissed earlier this

year. Chaitram and Khadoo had each been placed on $100,000 bail pending determination of their trials.

Jahamal Hussain, called ‘Matthew’, a 29-year-old carpenter of Nigg Settlement, Corentyne Berbice, was eventually charged with possession of a firearm without being the holder of a licence, a charge to which he pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that on September 11, 2022, at Albion, he had in his possession a .22 revolver without being the holder of a firearm licence. This publi -

cation is unaware of the legal status of that matter.

After the gun was allegedly found at Albion, three Police officers had contacted the accused and had allegedly sought to have the matter not investigated further in exchange for $1 million.

However, after negotiations, the Police ranks had allegedly agreed to accept $400,000.

This publication understands that there was not enough evidence to implicate the third Police officer who allegedly had been involved in the transaction.

AMTL Managing Director Troy Cadogan

L-R: Ramesh Chaitram and Marlon Khadoo

PSC, OPR hold outreaches in several Police divisions

…to familiarise ranks about Standing Orders, address issues & concerns

Amid calls by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) for Police ranks to be trained, the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), a department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), have been holding outreaches in various Police divisions.

the Police Force is committed to making scholarships available to them, while advising them on the importance of aligning themselves for upward mobility. In closing, he urged the ranks to adhere to the Police Force’s Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The Division’s Deputy Commander, Deputy

all times while on and even off duty, and to desist from tarnishing the image of the Police Force.

The fruitful discussion addressed several burning issues that most ranks face daily while executing their sworn duty to serve and protect. Ranks from various regional stations and sub-divisions

Police officers from the rank of Senior Superintendent to Rural Constable, inclusive of Community Police, and most of them had little knowledge of the Standing Orders, the Constitution, and other laws.

“These interviews have established that not one Police rank showed knowledge of the Force’s Standing Orders in its entirety, or even in a substan-

laws, which are used by them on a daily basis,” said Justice Ramlal.

Justice Ramlall further said that 95 per cent of the Police ranks he interviewed did not know anything or anything of significance about their powers of arrest with or without a warrant.

He added, “Based on my interview with the Police per-

out without any investigation being done, or where there is no reasonable suspicion that someone committed any offence.”

As a result, the PCA Chairman has advised the administration of the Police Force to get competent lawyers to pursue “serious” training of all Police ranks on the law, particularly on the funda-

During a recent outreach at the Mackenzie Police Station in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), led by PSC Chairman Patrick Findlay, Police ranks were urged to act ethically and abstain from all forms of corruption, in order to better serve the public.

Findlay, among other things, held a brief discussion with ranks on the following topics: the importance of transformational leadership; roles and responsibilities of the PSC; Police professionalism; corrupt practices; criteria for promotion; and acting appointments for Inspectors and officers. He also urged them to be cognizant of their surroundings.

Findlay told them that

Superintendent A Austin, and the Officer in Charge of Crime in that division, Superintendent Bacon, along with other senior and junior Police ranks, were among those who attended the meeting at the Mackenzie Police

were in attendance to benefit from the much-lauded initiative.

Those in attendance were encouraged to always maintain professionalism, and to help in the committed efforts being made to build partner-

tial way.

Likewise, all these ranks have shown very little knowledge of the fundamental rights of citizens, which are clearly written in Articles 138 to 153 of the Constitution. These ranks have shown that they do not have a working knowledge of the following

sonnel, a substantial number of Traffic Police, and others as well, misuse their powers of arrest to intimidate citizens for favour or reward. Likewise, the Police in the Criminal Investigation Department misuse their powers of arrest in summary conviction matters. Arrests are often carried

mental rights provisions and the application of the law. The PCA is an independent body that receives and looks into public complaints regarding Police misconduct, and oversees the investigation of any criminal offence allegedly committed by members of the Force. (Fiona Morrison)

Driver injured after truck suffers blowout, crashes into trench

Atruck driver sustained injury when the vehicle he was driving on the Essequibo Coast suffered a blowout while travelling to Supenaam, became uncontrollable, and crashed into a ditch at Spring Garden in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Station.

Already for this month, the OPR of the Force has engaged with Police ranks from across various divisions, enlightening them about the Standing Orders, and addressing their issues and concerns.

At a recent meeting with Police ranks in Regional Division #9, Head of OPR, Deputy Superintendent Elston Baird, urged ranks to be diligent in their work, to maintain professionalism at

ships and foster trust and unity between the Force and members of the public.

Similar outreaches were also held in Regional Divisions Four, Seven, Three and Two.

In his 2022 report, Chairman of the PCA, Justice (retired) William Ramlal said that an alarmingly high number of Police ranks are ignorant of the Constitution, other laws, and the GPF’s Standing Orders.

According to him, last year he interviewed 300

Reports are that the uncontrollable truck veered into the lane of oncoming traffic, and a pickup had to swerve into a trench to avoid a collision. The truck eventually crashed into the trench.

The driver of the pickup said he saw the truck coming into his lane, and he instinctively swerved out of the way, but he lost control of his vehicle and it landed in the trench.

Police ranks from Regional Division Nine listened attentively as presentations were made on various topics

Police officers in Region Three and Region Four also benefited from OPR’s outreaches

Chairman of the PSC, Patrick Findlay, with Police ranks stationed in Region 10

The PSC Chairman making a presentation to the ranks

Regional IMF unlocks US$866M for Jamaica to tackle shocks, climate change

The International Monetary Fund's Executive Board approved the disbursement of around US$866 million for Jamaica on Thursday as part of two loan programmes designed to strengthen the country’s economy against multiple shocks.

"Important progress has been made on the fiscal reform agenda," IMF Deputy Managing Director Antoinette Monsio Sayeh said in a statement announcing the completion of the first review into the agreements signed in March.

That progress includes reform of the Caribbean nation's public wage structure

and improvements to its fiscal policy framework.

Jamaica's economy has bounced back following a challenging period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IMF said in March it expects the country's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth reached around four per cent last year, but warned of risks ahead from a range of factors, including the lingering impact of the war in Ukraine.

On Thursday, the IMF Board made available around US$611 million under an agreement it has previously said is designed "to provide insurance against risks from higher

Ecuadorean Police arrest 6 after car bombs explode in Quito

commodity prices, a global slowdown, tighter-than-envisaged global financial conditions, and new COVID outbreaks".

A further US$255 million was made available Thursday under a second loan agreement aimed at strengthening Jamaica's resilience to climate change and better preparing it for decarbonisation and the transition to a greener economy.

The Jamaican authorities have been "advancing their ambitious climate policy agenda to increase resilience to climate change and green the economy", Sayeh said (Excerpt from AFP)

T&T PM urges citizens: Help build your country

Trinidad and Tobago

Prime Minister, Dr

Keith Rowley urged each citizen to check their personal values and their contribution to Trinidad and Tobago, in his message for Independence Day celebrated on Thursday. Conversely, Dr Rowley urged Members of Parliament to connect with citizens, who might feel marginalised.

He said T&T has experienced crime, drugs and violence, plus the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Another significant area is the recent Local Government Elections, which, in conclusion, may be offering us some interesting insights into the mindset of some citizens and, probably, the mood of our republic."

He said reforms would devolve certain government powers to municipal bodies, to help citizens to participate in the democratic process.

"I feel assured that these

T&T PM, Dr Keith Rowley

reforms will improve the lives of citizens and build new lines of communication among neighbourhoods and communities, creating new avenues for people’s involvement in the process of Government.

"Some citizens have been complaining, for some time, that they feel far removed from 'the Government' and, overall, they hold a sense of being remote and excluded."

He said legislators must now acknowledge the many

Police in Ecuador have arrested six suspects after a car bombing in a commercial area of the capital, Quito, as the South American nation grapples with a surge in violence that authorities say is linked to drug trafficking.

The explosion late on Wednesday did not cause any casualties, Police said.

The vehicle exploded owing the ignition of “two gas cylinders with fuel, a slow fuse and apparently dynamite sticks”, Police investigations director Pablo Ramirez told reporters.

Ramirez said agents arrested six people, among them a Colombian nation-

Police Officers check the remains of a car that authorities said was loaded with two petrol tanks and exploded when suspects set it on fire in Quito, Ecuador [Karen Toro/Reuters photo]

al, several kilometres from the site of the explosion hours after the incident.

The suspects have a record of extortion, robbery and murder, he said.

A second vehicle that

contained two cylinders of petrol and a slow fuse also exploded nearby at an office of Ecuador’s prisons agency, police said on Thursday morning.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexican Opposition pick female election candidate

Mexico's Opposition coalition has named an outspoken female Senator with Indigenous roots as their candidate for the 2024 presidential election.

Xóchitl Gálvez is a 60-year-old computer engineer and businesswoman. Her nomination raises the prospect of Mexico having a female President for the first time.

citizens who feel marginalised and alienated, seeing their lives as having little value to the majority.

"We need to reach out to them by giving them hope and the very real prospects of a better tomorrow.

"The proposed local government reform measure is one response."

He said reform would build citizens’ participation, confidence in democracy, and sense of nationalism.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US deports dozens to Haiti despite telling citizens to leave country

Less than 24 hours after the United States urged its citizens to leave Haiti “as soon as possible” owing to increased violence, authorities deported dozens of Haitian nationals back to the country, an immigration rights advocate has confirmed.

Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance advocacy group, told Al Jazeera she has been in contact with some of the families of the Haitians who were on Thursday’s removal flight from Alexandria, Louisiana, to Port-au-Prince.

US media outlets, including The Hill and the Miami Herald, also reported on the deportation flight, which Jozef said carried more than 60 persons. Several flight-tracking websites showed that a plane

was set to arrive in the Haitian capital from Alexandria shortly before noon local time.

Resuming deportations to Haiti is “inhumane”, Jozef said, explaining that asylum seekers and migrants are being sent back to the same conditions they fled in the first place, if not worse.

She compared the crisis in Haiti to a raging fire. “You have a burning house, and you have people, including children, in that burning house,” she said. “Instead of sending the firefighters to save the people, you’re dropping people into the fire.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Former Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum is considered the frontrunner for leftist President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's Morena party.

Gálvez is backed by a three-party coalition including the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which dominated the country's politics until 2000.

Growing up poor as a child, she helped her family sell street food in the central state of Hidalgo.

She moved to Mexico

City, receiving a scholarship to study computer science. Upon graduation she launched a lucrative tech company that went on to secure Government contracts.

Gálvez wears Indigenous clothing, uses colloquial language and is often seen cycling around Mexico City. She is seen as having a quick wit and down-to-earth demeanour

that proves popular with many working class and young Mexicans.

However, she faces a tough task going up against the party of President López Obrador, who enjoys an approval rating of more than 60 per cent, but cannot stand next year because he is serving a maximum six-year term.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bolsonaro stays silent in Police probe of undeclared Saudi, Bahrain jewellery gifts

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his wife Michelle chose to remain silent when they appeared before Federal Police on Thursday to testify in an investigation into jewellery gifts that they received from Arab Heads of State and never declared.

They were called to testify at Police headquarters in Brasilia, along with Bolsonaro's former aidede-camp Mauro Cid, his father, a retired army general, and another military officer that was a presidential aide.

To justify their silence, Bolsonaro's defence team

argued that the case should be heard in São Paulo, where some of the jewellery was seized by customs agents at Guarulhos airport, and not in the jurisdiction of Brasilia.

The gifts of jewellery, expensive watches and gold-plated statuettes from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were never declared and were only known about when Bolsonaro tried to recover the batch that was seized by customs, Police investigations showed.

After the presidential gifts became a matter of public knowledge, a court ordered the couple to hand them over to the State.

Bolsonaro aides and his

lawyer then sought to buy back items that had been sold in the United States, the Police said.

Prosecutors said the correct jurisdiction for the case is Brasilia, where the investigation was ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

It was the fifth time that Bolsonaro has been summoned by Police to make depositions in a series of investigations, ranging from his attacks on Brazil's election system to his suspected role in inciting his supporters to storm Government buildings to protest his election defeat. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Xóchitl Gálvez

OIL NEWS

US crude futures climb over US$2 per barrel, notch 3rd monthly hike

US crude oil prices gained more than US$2 a barrel on Thursday, rising for a third month in a row, on expectations that cuts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) , led by Saudi Arabia, would continue through the end of 2023.

Brent crude futures for October expired up US$1, or 1.2 per cent, at US$86.86 a barrel. The more active November contract gained US$1.59, or one per cent at US$86.83.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for October settled at US$83.63 a barrel, up US$2, or 2.5 per cent.

Six-month US crude oil futures traded as low as US$3.83 below crude for front month delivery, the steepest discount since November 17, signalling tight supplies and encouraging inventory draws.

"The crude market is reacting to OPEC production cuts being extended," said Andrew Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates. "The cuts could go through the end of the year."

Brent closed about 1.5 per cent higher for August, while WTI gained 2.2 per cent, with both benchmarks posting gains for the third straight month in a row owing to signs of tightening supply.

Analysts expect Saudi Arabia to extend a voluntary oil production cut of one million barrels per day into October, adding to cuts put in place by OPEC+.

"With Brent prices having stalled in the mid-US$80s ... the prospect of those Saudi barrels returning to the market any time soon looks slim and the impact is increasingly being felt across the world as commercial stock levels of crude and fuel products continue to drop," said Ole Hansen, a Saxo Bank analyst.

On the supply side, the latest Government data showed US crude oil production rose 1.6 per ment in June to 12.844 million bpd, its highest since February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic destroyed demand for fuel and other oil products.

Adding to tight supply expectations, however, US crude inventories fell by a larger-than-expected 10.6 million barrels last week, depleted by high exports and refinery runs, Government data on Wednesday showed.

US consumer spending increased 0.8 per cent last month, the Commerce Department reported and the S&P 500 rose after US inflation data matched estimates, underscoring expectations the Federal Reserve could pause its monetary tightening.

The US central bank can end its cycle of rate increases if the labour market and economic growth continue to slow at the current gradual pace, Eric Rosengren, the former President of the Boston Fed, said on Wednesday.

Weak Chinese factory data limited further gains, however.

China's manufacturing activity shrank again in August, an official factory survey showed, fuelling concerns about weakness in the world's second-biggest economy.

China's official purchasing managers' index rose to 49.7 from 49.3 in July, the National Bureau of Statistics said, but it remained below the 50-point level. A reading above 50 points represents expansion from the previous month.

The US Government on Wednesday revised down its Gross Domestic Product growth for the second quarter to 2.1 per cent from the 2.4 per cent pace reported last month, and data released separately showed private payroll growth slowed significantly in August. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Around The World Johannesburg fire leaves 74 dead

Adeadly fire in Johannesburg's inner city was "a wake-up call" for South Africa, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Seventy-four people were killed – including 12 children – after a blaze in a five-storey building, which was being occupied by homeless people.

More than 50 others were injured.

Earlier, the city of Johannesburg confirmed it owned the building, but said cartels had taken it over. Officials say the cause of the deadly fire is unclear.

In a news conference at the site of the fire,

Ramaphosa said the incident needed to be investigated and lessons learnt to prevent future tragedies.

"It's a wake-up call for us to begin to address the situation of housing in the inner city," the South African leader said.

The building used to be a home for abused women and children, but once the lease expired, it was "hijacked", President Ramaphosa explained to reporters.

Many properties around the area where the blaze happened have been deemed unfit to live in.

Yet these old blocks, abandoned by their owners or the city authorities, are

More than 50 other persons were injured

full of families, often paying rent to criminal gangs who run them.

Some of those who use the buildings include undocumented migrants, mostly from other African

countries. South Africa faces a chronic housing shortage, with an estimated 15,000 people estimated to be homeless in Johannesburg.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Ukraine’s months-long counteroffensive at the crossroads

Acritical juncture has been reached in Ukraine’s monthslong counteroffensive. After weeks of difficult battles, Ukrainian forces have slowly edged south in the Zaporizhia region, taking hamlet after hamlet as Russian forces try to keep them at bay.

The counteroffensive in the south is just one part of a significant push

along a vast front line, stretching from Vasilivka in Zaporizhia to the city of Donetsk in the eastern region of Donbas and up to Bakhmut, a city north of Donetsk to the outskirts of Kupiansk in northeastern Ukraine. This does not even include the strikes and raids on Crimea and from across the Dnipro River from the city of Kherson to the Black Sea.

Proud Boys leader Joe Biggs sentenced to 17 years for Capitol riot

Aleader of the farright Proud Boys has been sentenced to 17 years in prison, one of the longest sentences yet handed out over the US Capitol riot.

Prosecutors said US Army veteran Joe Biggs, 38, was an "instigator" of the storming of Congress on January 6, 2021.

The former Infowars correspondent was convicted of seditious conspiracy and other charges in May.

African Union suspends Gabon’s membership after military coup

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council said it has decided to “immediately suspend” Gabon following the military coup in the country this week.

The body said on X, formerly Twitter, that it “strongly condemns the military takeover of power in the Republic of Gabon” and has decided “to immediately suspend the participation of Gabon in all activities of the AU, its organs and institutions”.

The announcement came after a meeting of the Council on the situation in Gabon fol-

lowing Wednesday’s coup that followed disputed elections in which President Ali Bongo Ondimba was declared the winner.

It said the meeting was chaired by African Union commissioner for political affairs Bankole Adeoye of Nigeria and the current holder of the council’s rotating chair, Burundi’s Willy Nyamitwe.

The takeover ended the Bongo family’s almost six decades in power and created a new conundrum for a region that has struggled to deal with eight coups since 2020.

Nigeria’s recently-elected President Bola Tinubu called it a “contagion of autocracy”.

“My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copycats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped,” Tinubu, who chairs West Africa’s main regional body ECOWAS, said on Thursday.

The General who overthrew Gabon’s Bongo dynasty will be sworn in on Monday as transitional President, the army said, as the Opposition called for its candidate to be recognised as the winner of weekend elections. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

In court, Biggs pleaded for leniency and expressed remorse for his actions.

The sentence, handed down by US District Judge Timothy Kelly, is below both federal sentencing guidelines and the 33 years sought by prosecutors.

Another Proud Boys member, Zachary Rehl, was sentenced on Thursday to 15 years, also on a charge of seditious conspiracy.

Rehl, a former US Marine and leader of the Philadelphia branch of the Proud Boys, was seen on video spraying a chemical irritant at officers outside the Capitol during the riot.

Biggs was convicted of a slew of charges in May, including seditious conspiracy, conspiracy to use intimidation or threats to prevent officials from discharging their duties and interference with law enforcement during civil disorder.

In court, a tearful Biggs apologised for his actions and said he was "seduced" by the crowd on the day of the riot.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

There has been widespread speculation that somehow Ukraine’s advance in the south has stalled or at the very best been limited. In reality, its soldiers have had to make their way across open ground through a maze of well-placed fortified positions and trenches.

The surrounding area is heavily mined and likely approaches are covered

by Russian heavy artillery and missile batteries. Movement can be easily spotted in the distance as drones tirelessly monitor the battlefield.

This interlocked, carefully prepared fortified line is what Ukrainian forces have been deliberately advancing through for months.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia reject China's latest South China Sea map

The Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have rejected as baseless a map released by China that denotes its claims to sovereignty including in the South China Sea and which Beijing said on Thursday should be viewed rationally and objectively.

China released the map on Monday of its famous U-shaped line covering about 90 per cent of the South China Sea, a source of many of the disputes in one of the world's most contested waterways, where more than US$3 trillion of trade passes each year.

The Philippines called on China on Thursday "to act responsibly and abide by its obligations" under international law and a 2016 arbitral ruling that had declared the line had no legal grounds.

Malaysia said it had filed a diplomatic protest over the map.

China says the line is based on its historic maps. It was not immediate -

ly clear whether the latest map denotes any new claim to territory.

China's U-shaped line loops as far as 1500 km (932 miles) south of its Hainan island and cuts into the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

"This latest attempt to legitimise China's purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones has no basis under international law," the Philippine Foreign Ministry said.

Its Malaysian counterpart in a statement said the new map holds no binding authority over Malaysia, which "also views the South China Sea as a complex and sensitive matter".

The map was different to a narrower version submitted by China to the United Nations in 2009 of the South China Sea that included its so-called "nine-dash line". (Excerpt from Reuters)

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Put your adrenaline to good use and finish what you start. Don’t leave yourself open to criticism because you neglected to follow your plans. Romance looks promising.

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

Avoid costly ventures. Monitor your food and drink intake, and don’t overspend trying to impress someone. You’ll gain respect if you know when to decline and when to say yes.

Improve your living space. Comfort and convenience will ease stress and add flexibility to your daily routine. Surround yourself with people who support your efforts.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Share your thoughts and create a buzz. Take advantage of an opportunity to learn from an expert. Don’t give in to temptation or take orders from someone who’s condescending. Trust your instincts.

Pay attention to what’s happening around you, and you’ll gain insight into what to pursue and what to avoid. Concentrate on using your skills, knowledge and experience.

Tailor your day to fit your needs. Broaden your horizons; learn something new. Resist temptation and people using manipulative tactics. Concentrate on what’s important to you.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

See what’s new and exciting in your neighborhood and decide if you want to participate. Personal improvements will boost your confidence and offer insight into possibilities.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Refuse to let anyone jeopardize your chance to get ahead. Network, join the conversation and tell others what interests you. The connections you make will lead to a long-overdue change.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Trust your instincts. Improvements at home or to yourself are favored. Pay attention to the changes going on around you. Speak passionately about your plans, but don’t exaggerate.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Keep a tally of how much you spend. Be honest with yourself and others regarding your feelings. A change will give you the boost you need to liven up your life and start something new.

Make a point to save money. Don’t rely on hearsay. Do some fact-finding. Avoid impatience. Concentrate on personal growth and romance. Legwork may be required.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Refuse to let anyone limit what you can do or say. Speak for yourself and make decisions conducive to getting what you want. You have more opportunities than you realize.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ExxonMobil rewards NSBF Champions

Back in July, Kwakwani Secondary School made a clean sweep of the Boys’ and Girls’ Under-18 National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF) titles, in addition to winning the Under-14 Boys’ competition.

Aside from the allotted prize monies for the school, the three basketball teams out of Region 10 were given another reward, being treated to dinner and a tour of Georgetown, ExxonMobil’s Kingston Head Office, and the National Museum, all compliments of ExxonMobil, the tournament’s title sponsor.

ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Advisor, Ryan Hoppie, during the tour of the company’s office, shared a little bit about the rationale behind the initiative.

“So earlier in the year, we started out with the Linden

U18 football champions, and what we’re trying to do is ensure that outside of the tournament, the young people that are taking part in these initiatives, these competitions, have an experience that allows them to understand a little bit more about what we do as a company,” Hoppie explained.

He added, “The rationale behind it is really starting that conversation about what’s happening in the industry, our operations, and I would say opening doors, windows and a peek into what we do as a company. So that young people can dream, they can think beyond just sport, what are some of the things available to them, once they stay in school and they do well.”

Of course, Kwakwani

Secondary are not the first to

RBL nationwide Under-23 InterClub Super50 tournament…

Deopersaud pilots Albion to Berbice zone title

receive the royal treatment, with Waramuri Primary Top and Bartica Secondary, winners of the Girls’ and Boys’ U14 tournaments respectively, benefitting from a similar exercise one month prior.

Hoppie noted that it can be seen as a way to motivate the young sportsmen and women to work harder at their craft.

The ExxonMobil

Community Relations Advisor divulged, “Being able to go to the National Museum; being able to take part in the immersive experience with the oil and gas exhibition; and then just some social time, heading over to Hard Rock and having lunch or dinner, and just enjoying your favourite meal, sometimes things that are new

to you as well; it’s just really looking at a holistic experience.

“And what we’re trying to do is help our young people understand that when you work hard and you put in the effort, that there are opportunities available. And so, they can dream and they can be really motivated to work harder,” he further related to

this publication. Thus far for 2023, ExxonMobil has powered the Linden U18 Schools’ Football tournament, the Under 14 Boys’ and Girls’ Football tournament in collaboration with Petra Organization, and the National Schools’ Basketball Festival; and has rewarded all its champions in a similar way.

IPF World Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships… Tyrrell powers to deadlift silver

…Ends 10th overall in 74kg category

Even though he described it as his worst performance in his powerlifting career, Guyana’s Dominic Tyrrell ended his participation at the 2023 edition of the World Men's Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships in Cluj Napoca, Romania with a silver medal in the deadlift.

Fans in the competition arena, and indeed those in Guyana and around the world, were anticipating an even bigger attempt for his second attempt, but that was not to be as he timed out that second attempt.

Kumar Deopersaud

has bowled Albion to victory by taking 4 wickets in the finals of the Republic Bank Limited Nationwide U23 InterClub Super50 tournament, in which Albion defeated Blairmont in a thrilling Super Over.

Each team posted 90 during their respective innings. Batting first, Damion Cecil led with 28 for Albion, and Afraz Budhoo contributed 17. The Blairmont bowling was spearheaded by Akash Ragobeer, who took 4 for 19, while Nigel Deodat and Seon Glasgow each snared two wickets.

Blairmont then failed to overtake their opponents’ score, and were stuck on 90, as Glasgow (29) and Chris Harry (27), failed to complete the task.

Deopersaud was de-

stroyer for Albion with 4 wickets in regulation period, and Leon Cecil picked up 4 scalps to give Albion a fighting chance. However, the thrilling Super Over saw Albion rallying to victory off the last ball, thanks to the heroics of Deopersaud, who snagged 2 more wickets after being entrusted with the most important over of the game. He finished with 6 wickets in total, while marshalling his team to the title.

Albion and Essequibo champions North Essequibo now await the Demerara champions in the National Playoffs, which will be played on September 7 and 8.

The RBL Nationwide Under-23 Inter-Club Super50 Tournament continued on Thursday with Transport taking on DCC in a round three encounter of the Demerara zone.

The 23-year-old, T&Tbased strongman, who is now destined for France, where he has landed a job, did not begin his day well, but ended glowingly with him announcing to the world that Guyana is a nation to be reckoned with in the powerlifting world.

Lifting in the second of two flights of 10 lifters each, Tyrrell failed in his first attempt to squat 227.5kg, just over 500lbs. He got it on the second attempt, but failed his third attempt at 232.5kg. Already on the board though, Tyrrell placed that behind him and was focused on the bench press, which saw him getting all three lifts, the highest being 140.0kg.

This kept him in the fray, and despite not challenging for the top podium spots overall, Tyrrell knew he had something special coming in his pet lift, the deadlift.

With a very eye-catching routine before he attempts every deadlift, Tyrrell’s first attempt was the highest by any lifter in both flights, 300.0kg. It was a successful attempt that propelled him into the gold medal spot for this lift.

His third and final attempt was 310.0kg, but he was not able to lift it off the platform. That was the exact weight that India’s Aren Joy Fernandes achieved on his second attempt to land the deadlift gold medal.

Tyrrell’s first attempt was solid enough for the silver, while his Total of 667.5kg was good enough to seal him the 10th position overall in the world out of the 20 competitors.

In an invited comment after the medal presentation, Tyrrell said he loves to be very frank with analysing his performances, and in this instance, it was the worst that he has had at the competition level since he started the sport.

“It was the first time that I have gone into a competition and not hit the numbers or anywhere near the numbers that I was planning to hit. It was the first time that I didn’t make any progress with my total since I started powerlifting. All things considered, I definitely have a lot of room to improve, and I definitely should have put a better foot forward,” he has said.

Further, he noted that there were a number of challenges he had encountered pri-

or to getting to Romania, and clearly being in a weight class that is too low was a challenge.

“It’s about time that I move up to 83kg, which is my plan. I’m definitely too tall for this weight class. All things considered, I’m happy that I am the 10th strongest lifter in the world, I am the second-best dead-lifter in the world, and to have accomplished that on my worst day possible, I am not mad at all. I am contented and glad that Guyana’s flag was able to fly at least in some regard,” he explained.

Tyrrell has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; National Sports Commission; Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation; Mr. Oudit Seenarain, and his family for making his dream a reality.

Meanwhile, Alberto Herraiz Frances of Spain, who won the squat (267.5kg), also took the overall gold with a total of 710.0kg. Silver went to Bobby Kian Tong Tan (702.5kg) of Singapore, who was the gold medal winner of the bench press contest with 190.0kg; while the overall bronze medal was presented to Thomas Bouyer of France (700.0kg), who was also the bronze medal winner in the bench press with 170.0kg. Silver in the squat was taken by Alessandro Pastorello (255.0kg) of Italy, and the bronze went to Frances’ colleague Marcos Albaladejo Castro (152.5kg). The bench press silver was won by Laszlo Pota of Hungary (175.0kg). Sy James Emmanuel of the Philippines was the deadlift bronze medalist.

Community Relations Advisor Ryan Hoppie engaging the young basketball players from Kwakwani at the company’s head office

A few of the students perusing an exhibit at the National Museum

Kumar Deopersaud receiving the Man of the Match Trophy

Junior world 74kg deadlift bronze medalist, Guyanese Dominic Tyrrell (left), with India’s Aren Joy Fernandes (gold medal) and Sy James Emmanuel of the Philippines, who took bronze

Royal resurrection as Athanaze leads Barbados to victory over Tallawahs

By Brandon Corlette

West Indies Test batsman Alick Athanze arrived at the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League with a match-winning 76 to lead Barbados Royals to their second win in five matches this season.

Royals defeated defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs by six wickets in match 14 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Tallawahs had ear-

while Evans rotated the strike.

Athanaze played the shot of the night when he reverse-sweep Wasim for a sweet maximum. The Dominican then tonked Wasim over mid-wicket the very next ball as he reached his fifty in 31 balls, and he continued to light up Kensington with his elegance.

Evans departed for a composed 30, ending the 89-run partnership with Athanaze that took Royals into safety. At 114-3, Royals required

roes Kyle Mayers and Jason Holder ran through the Tallawahs’ top-order. Holder had King caught for one, and Mayers had Kirk McKenzie caught for seven. The danger man Alex Hales from England had a short stay, scoring only 12 as Royals were 23-3 after 5.2 overs.

Tallawahs, reached his fifty in 34 balls. He displayed ease and grace with his strokeplay. The classy right-hander Brooks struck four sweet sixes and seven fours. His innings ended when he was caught at wide-long-on for 78 from 41 balls.

lier posted 160-7 in 20 overs, while Royals scored 161-4 in 19 overs.

First ball of the Royals chase, with Mohammad Amir getting his usual movement with the ball, Rahkeem Cornwall was dropped at midoff. He lived a charmed life with the bat while hitting two fours and one six. Tallawahs spinner made the breakthrough after Amir’s first spell of 2-1-1-0. Green trapped Mayers at the crease for four

47 from 27 balls. Captain Rovman Powell had a warm welcome by the vocal crowd. Athanaze was caught at fineleg for 76 from 48 balls. His classy knock featured seven fours and three sixes.

Jason Holder and Rovman Powell ensured no further hiccups as Royals won by six wickets and one over to spare. Chris Green ended with good figures of 2-21 in his four overs.

Earlier, Barbados Royals won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Royals gave their home fans something to cheer about as they made early inroads. Hometown he-

Raymon Reifer and Shamarh Brooks joined forces and took Royals to 57-3 after 10 overs. Reifer laboured during his 16 from 20 balls, and Qais Ahmad ended his misery by clearing his stumps away. Brooks was the man who stepped up in the 54-run stand. At 77-4, Imad Wasim joined Brooks and the duo motored along. The Barbadian Brooks, who is plying his CPL trade with Jamaica

After the 54-run stand with Brooks and Wasim had ended, Fabian Allen entered the arena at 131-5 in 16.5 overs.

Wasim’s brisk 33 propelled Tallawahs to 160-7 in 20 overs. Holder was the best bowler with 2-19 in four overs.

The 2023 CPL continues tomorrow, Saturday September 2. Guyana Amazon Warriors men will play St Kitts and Nevis Patriots from 10:00h, and Barbados Royals will play St Lucia Kings from 19:00h. Both matches will be played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown Barbados.

Imad Wasim 3-0-36-1

Nicholson Gordon 4-0-37-0

from 14 balls, while Imad Wasim removed Rahkeem Cornwall for 17.

Royals were 25-2 in 5.2 overs, and it was a slow innings, as the score reached 50 from 8.2 overs. Laurie Evans and Alick Athanaze started operation rebuild, and at the half-way stage, Royals were 69-2. Athanaze showed finesse early in his innings,

Imad Wasim pushed Tallawahs’ total to 160

Alick Athanaze

Shamarh Brooks made 78 runs

Qais Ahmed removed Reifer

Jason Holder was the best bowler

Laurie Evans

Women’s CPL: Devine century in vain, as Royals complete heist

showed class and experience.

Under glorious sunshine at the beautiful Kensington Oval, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine took Warriors to 50-0 in the power play. Royals were not as clinical in the field early on, but Harris took a good catch to remove Bates for 23, with Warriors cruising at 69-1 in nine overs.

At the half-way stage, the Guyanese franchise were 71-1 in 10 overs, with captain Stafanie Taylor partnering a

By Brandon Corlette

Guyana Amazon Warriors Women have suffered a six-wicket defeat to the Barbados Royals Women in match one of the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Sophie Devine’s blistering 103 was not enough, as Royals chased down the Warriors’ 166 in the match, played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown Barbados. Royals ended victorious on 169-4, winning with two balls to spare.

Batting first, Warriors posted 166-2 in their allotted 20 overs. In the chase, Royals had a cautious start, scoring 36 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket, with openers Hayley Matthews (23) and Gaby Lewis standing tall. Warriors did not give too much away, and off-spinner Karishma Ramharack was rewarded with the wicket of Matthews at 40-1 after

6.2 overs. Warriors got only one wicket in the first 10 over of the Royals innings, but the Barbadian franchise posted only 68 in the first half. Still acclimatizing, Shreyanla Patil, the spinner from India, was taken for 21 runs in her first two overs.

Cherry-Ann Fraser was introduced late in the innings, and she had a wicket in her first over. Gaby Lewis looked set for a fifty, but she played one shot too many and was bowled for 47 from 35 balls, in which were contained eight fours in a lone hand.

Two wickets fell with the score on 93 runs, but Laura Harris threatened with some stunning hits. She struck 30 from 12 balls before being dismissed by the impressive Devine at 131-4 in 15.4 overs.

The Warriors death bowling proved costly, and the Royals middle-lower order capitalized. South African

Shabnim Ismail bowled a brilliant penultimate over, that cost only three runs and swung the game back in the Warriors’ favour. Royals required nine in the final over, and Bates was tasked with that responsibility. International player Erin

Burns took Royals across the line in a thrilling finish with her unbeaten 27.

Earlier, Guyana Amazon Warriors Women won the toss and opted to bat first. Barbados Royals women found it difficult to make early inroads, as the Kiwi pair

fired-up Devine. The 33-yearold Devine reached his fifty in 41 balls, displaying strength across the ground.

Royals did not cling to all their chances, and Taylor was getting into her own. The duo breached this fifty-run stand in 41 balls for the second wicket before Taylor, who was also dropped, eventually was caught at the wicket for 22 from 26 balls off Qiana Joseph.

Natasha McLean, batting at number four, slammed

her first ball over mid-wicket for a six, to keep the momentum on the Warriors side, after Taylor departed with the score on 131-2 in 17.2 overs.

Devine continued her brutal assault, hitting Aaliyah Alleyne for her third maximum. In the final over of the game, Devine went bang, hitting 14 runs in three balls to go to her century in style. She struck Joseph for a six over wide-long-off to finish unbeaten on 103 from

64 balls. The New Zealander hit 10 fours and five sixes as Warriors ended on 166-2 in their allotted 20 overs. McLean remained unbeaten on 13 from eight in a solid batting effort. AmandaJade Wellington had 1-28 in her four overs.

The Massy Women’s CPL will continue on Saturday September 2, when Barbados Royals Women will play Trinbago Knight Riders from 16:00h Eastern Caribbean Time.

“One Guyana” Basketball Tournament continues tomorrow

The “One Guyana” Basketball Tournament begins day four on Saturday, August 26th with three exciting games at the National Gymnasium.

Stabroek Eagles will come up against the Leonora D-Up Rising Stars at 17:00h, followed by Cummings Lodge Bounty Colts coming up against Cummings Lodge UG Trojans at 19:00h.

Kitty/Campbeville Ravens will battle North Ruimveldt Black Caimans in one of the most anticipated clashes at 21hrs.

The tournament will see 14 teams divided into

Compliments of

two conferences, the Harpy Eagles Conference and the Jaguars Conference, with a projected 56 to 63 games to be played.

The tournament will see the teams from the Jaguars Conference and Harpy Eagles Conference playing the teams within their conference twice, with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs.

The number one-ranked team plays the team ranked fourth, and the number two team plays the third-ranked team. The winners of the play-off games will then advance to their Conference Finals, where they will play the best two-of-three games

A glimpse of what to expect

to determine who advances to the National Finals.

The teams of the Jaguars Conference are Stabroek Eagles, Leonora D-UP Rising Stars, Cummingsburg Bounty Colts, Lamaha Park/Springs Pepsi Sonics, Bagotstown/ Prospect Kobras, Cummings Lodge and UG Trojans.

The Harpy Eagles Conference comprises Kitty/ Campbellville Ravens, South Ruimveldt Ravens, Plaisance Guardians, Guyana Defence Force, Wortmanville/Werken-Rust Pacesetters, North

Ruimveldt Caimans and Kwakwani Untouchables.

The tournament-winning team would receive $1 million along with trophies, while the runners-up would receive $500,000 plus trophies.

The Tournament has been made possible by sponsorship from the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry; G-Boats Guyana; National Sports Commission, Guyana Basketball Federation, and Georgetown Basketball Federation.

Stafanie Taylor supported Devine

Taylor led her GAW Women troops well

McLean and Devine celebrating the milestone

Harris led the Royals’ chase