Guyana Times -Friday, September 22, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 22 –09:30h-11:00h and 22:00h-23:30h and Saturday, September 23 –23:30h-01:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, September 22 –08:30h-10:00h and Saturday, September 23 – 10:00h-11:30h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers and sunshine are expected during the day, with light to thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to South-South-Easterly between 0.89 metre and 2.23 metres.

High Tide: 09:07h and 21:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.21 metres and 2.27 metres.

Low Tide: 15:53h reaching a minimum height of 1.07 metres.

Oil blocks auction

Guyana will not back down from developing resources – Jagdeo on Venezuela’s intimidation tactics

Not surprised by the recent statements made by Venezuela on Guyana’s oil blocks’ auction, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that the Guyanese Government will not back down from the development of the country’s resources – both on land and offshore.

Last week, Guyana concluded the bid round of its historic oil blocks’ auction, receiving 14 offers on eight of the 14 blocks offshore that were put up for auction. On Tuesday, however, Venezuela issued a communique in which it protested against this oil blocks’ auction, even though all the blocks are in Guyana’s sovereign territory.

During his press conference on Thursday, VP Jagdeo said none of the six companies that submitted bids during the licensing round has reached out to Government over this latest development.

“We have not heard from any of the bidders that they are concerned about the statement. And it’s not surprising that Venezuela would issue this statement. They have done so almost for every major event when we’ve tried to utilize the economic resources of our country, both on land and in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” the Vice President pointed out.

According to Jagdeo, the Guyana Government has appropriately responded to this intimidation tactic by its Spanish-speaking neighbour. In fact, Guyana has also received the support of the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS), who have rejected Venezuela’s aggression.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

The Vice President contended that Guyana will not back off from developing its resources.

“No. This is our sovereign Guyanese territory, and the 14 blocks are all in our Exclusive Economic Zone,” VP Jagdeo maintained when questioned on whether Government will pull back from the auction and future developments.

Venezuela is laying claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in Essequibo, and a portion of Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) where over 11 billion barrels of proven reserves are estimated to exist, with oil production and exploration activities currently ongoing.

After failed negotiations and good offices processes between the South American nations, Guyana has moved to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to get a final and binding ruling on the October 3, 1899 Arbitral Award to settle the long-standing border controversy. This matter is still pending in the World Court.

In its communique earlier this week, Venezuela said: “Guyana does not have sovereign rights over these maritime areas and consequently any action within their limits. It is a violation of International Law, as long as they are not carried out through an agreement with Venezuela.”

Venezuela further said that “any illicit and arbitrary concession that Guyana grants, has granted or intends to grant in the areas in question is unacceptable and violates its sovereign rights”, and Venezuela warns that “these actions do not generate any type of rights to third parties who participate in said process”.

Guyana’s sovereign rights

In response, the Guyanese Government said the statement made by Venezuela is a threat to not only the country, but to regional and international peace and security, as well as to all of Guyana’s current and potential partners.

“Guyana has no doubt that under international law the waters in question form part of its Exclusive Economic Zone, where Guyana alone enjoys sovereign rights over the resources in the sea and beneath the seabed. If Venezuela disputes this, then it is obliged by the United Nations Charter and the Charter of the OAS to employ

only peaceful means to seek a resolution. Both Charters prohibit the threat or use of force against another State.

“Guyana therefore implores Venezuela to honour its obligation to pursue only peaceful means to settle any dispute it may have with Guyana, including adjudication before the International Court of Justice…,” the Government said on Tuesday.

Since then, condemnation of Venezuela has flowed from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition, as well as from the Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Luis Almagro and US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichols.

Additionally, Guyana has informed major bilateral partners and international bodies of Venezuela’s intimidation, including the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday as well as the UN Secretary General António Guterres on Thursday.

However, Caracas has not been happy with the US’ “interfering position” on the matter, and in a second statement on Wednesday, the Nicolás Maduro Government rejected “…the opportunist and interventionist position expressed by the Department of State of the United States of America in relation to the claims of the Guyanese government, under the tutelage of the Exxon Mobil company, which aspires to ignore the legitimate rights of the Venezuelan people over its territory.”

It added that the US is trying to “…justify this new attempt to strip Venezuela of its legitimate historical rights, and in turn encourage a dangerous escalation of a controversy that has been addressed for years through diplomatic and peaceful mechanisms.”

Venezuela, in the statement, said it is alerting the international community of the US intentions to create, in our Peace Zone of Latin America and the Caribbean, a military base in Guyana, to turn that country into the spearhead of an aggression operation against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which would put the peace and stability of the entire region at risk.

“The People and the Government of Venezuela, united in defense of the Homeland, will not give in or be intimidated by pressure, blackmail, or threats when it comes to defending the sacred homeland,” the missive further detailed. (G8)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Tusika Martin

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School violence & undisciplined behaviour

The Education Ministry is seeking to address violence in schools even as we continue to seen videos circulating on social media with our young children indulging in in grave indiscipline behaviour.

Sometime ago, a columnist for this publication in one of her columns had asked the question if we are indeed surprised of this stark reality in many of our schools when violence surrounds young people of varying ages, on our streets, on our television screen, on game consoles, on our phones, in our neighbourhoods and for too many, even in our homes.

To help curb this escalating situation that has exited for years and has been hard to get under control the Education Ministry is continuing its campaigns in schools on bullying and any other indiscipline behaviour.

In some schools in the USA, metal detectors are common, as sometimes is the presence of a Police patrol on the outskirts. Some may be tempted to ask why, in a country that is rich and is the bastion of freedom and democracy. Others may counter that exactly because of what the country represents, it can afford to have such mechanisms in place. The answer basically lies in trying to curb violence in schools.

Another menace is bullying.

Violence in schools is not confined there, and is prevalent in many other places. In Guyana, we have, in the past, seen a collaboration between the Guyana Police Force and the Education Ministry wherein random searches were conducted at schools for potential weapons. Surprisingly, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, and toy guns were found during some of these random searches.

An important aspect of the Education Ministry’s collaboration with the Police is that the partnership involves discussion on topics of violence, crime committed at schools, gang fighting, offensive weapons and, significantly, consequences.

Who would have thought that in the process of getting an education here in Guyana, safety in schools is becoming a primary concern? With the threats in question, it seems rightfully so.

In the past, we have seen several teachers being beaten by parents, and also, in the past, there were several cases in which students fought their teachers. Over time, there were other reports of students being stabbed by others, or hurt by other means. Bullying, which is just another form of abuse, and even violence, was reported to be highly prevalent in many schools. The recent fight among New Campbellville Secondary School students, which was posted on social media, is a good example of violence in schools.

Those represent reported cases, as the understanding is that many cases are unreported out of fear of repercussion.

Solace must not be taken in living in a changing world. Violence, over the years, and its extensive coverage through the media, have led to seeming immunity to the gory images, and now make for casual reading.

This must not be allowed to slip into the mindsets of students and teachers. They must be free from such psychological stress and be able to focus on learning, to build much-needed capacity for the future of the country. All have an integral role to play in helping to repel this scourge.

While there may be compelling arguments over what may be the reasons students act the way they do, and the spread of violence, immediate mitigating measures have to be derived and implemented.

Many have argued that parents and guardians need to be more involved and aware of what their children are doing, keeping an eye on any possible worrying signs. While that could still be effective in many ways, there is a challenge as the child approaches adulthood. At that stage, one’s space and privacy could present barriers. There are also social factors that contribute to disallowing such necessary interventions to some extent, which further complicates an already complicated situation.

We support the ministry when it said on Thursday when it reiterated its disapproval of violence in schools as it aims to ensuring that “students can learn in a safe and conducive environment.”

The ministry should not hold back its hand on students, who breach of the Maintenance of Order and Discipline Policy in school which includes expulsion, suspension and mandatory psychosocial counselling.

Venezuela trying to bully us and harass us mentally

Dear Editor, It is obviously most painful to observe the fact that Venezuela seems more concerned at being like a hungry, drunken monkey, hopping on our backs and trying to bully us and harass us mentally, so that we cannot exploit the resources bequeathed by God Almighty to our lands, and as per international covenants and treaties. It was former President David Arthur Granger who coined the words: “Venezuela is like a monkey” jumping on our backs.

Instead of trying to make the Guyanese people's lives miserable, the Venezuelan President, as he says he is, should concentrate on feeding his people; instead of driving his citizens away for others to feed them. He needs to provide food, housing, medication and peace of mind; and utilise the vast resources he has within his country’s territory to bring some semblance of joy to the hearts of the Venezuelan people, instead of to himself and his family, as dictators usually do.

Because of mismanagement of the resources; abuse of the people; confusion in the minds of the people; starvation of the people; lack of milk for the babies, and lack of medicines for the people, Venezuela has become a despicable pariah state of mass starvation and insecurity of its people.

Maduro, instead of being the ‘jumping, drunken monkey’ on the backs of the Guyanese people and our var-

ious Governments, should come to us with his hands folded, kneeling to our President and our Government and our non-governmental organizations, thanking us for feeding his masses -- Venezuelan masses who land as refugees on our territory in mass hunger and confusion. Those of his country folks who need medicine, care and love he continues to chase away.

Maduro should applaud the Dr Irfaan Ali Government, and even any other previous governments in our country, for providing comfort to his hungry mass of people in our land. We are a hospital people, people who will share their food, medicine and water.

I sometimes wonder if Maduro is bereft of shame! I wonder how he can look at himself in the mirror. The Venezuelan Government issued a communiqué published in the media, in which it protested against the recent oil blocks’ auction by Guyana (Guyana Times: 20th September, 2023). The communiqué stated that: “Guyana does not have sovereign rights over these maritime areas, and consequently any action within their limits. It is a violation of International Law, as long as they are not carried out through an agreement with Venezuela”.

Venezuela further said that “any illicit and arbitrary concession that Guyana grants, has granted, or intends to grant in the areas in question is unacceptable and vio-

lates its sovereign rights, and warns that these actions do not generate any type of rights to third parties who participate in said process.” (Guyana Times 20th September, 2023).

I must remind you, readers, that this communiqué issued by the Venezuelan Government has been made despite the UN Geneva Agreement of 1986, which reinforced the 1899 Arbitral Award that confirmed Essequibo as belonging to Guyana (Guyana Times 20th September, 2023).

Guyana has taken its case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Further, Guyana and Venezuela made representations on this matter before the World Court in November 2022, since Venezuela had long sought claim to “more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in Essequibo. Venezuela is also laying claim to a portion of Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which more than eleven billion barrels of proven reserves are estimated to exist (G-3)”

His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has issued a response to the Venezuelan Government on behalf of the Guyanese people:

“The Government of Guyana reserves the right to pursue economic development activities in any portion of its sovereign territory or any appurtenant maritime territories. Any unilateral attempt by Venezuela to restrict the exercise by Guyana of its sovereignty and sovereign rights will be wholly inconsistent

with the Geneva Agreement and the rule of international law” (Guyana Times 20th September, 2023).

The President is being supported in his stand by the APNU/AFC parliamentary Opposition, who categorically stated: “We affirm that it is the right of the Government of Guyana to pursue economic activities in any portion of its sovereign territory or any appurtenant maritime territories, for the benefit of the people of Guyana (Guyana Times 20th September 2023).

I want to applaud our Government for standing up to the brutal face of Maduro, and also for being close to the USA and contracting with ExxonMobil and other American and international corporations to exploit the resources in our part of the hemisphere that we have been blessed with.

It would appear that President Maduro and His Government have truly won the ‘list of shame’. It is a wonder how they could face the international community with their gluttony. I say gluttony because they have one of the largest reserves of oil in the world, but cannot seem to bring any semblance of joy to their population. And yet still “he”, “they” are gluttons for more, and must prey on little Guyana’s newly-found oil reserves in its exclusive sovereign territory.

Sincerely,

Roshan Khan

President Dr Irfaan Ali met with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday, and the two engaged in discussions on food and energy security, climate change, and the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy (Office of the President photo)

GDP growth is not a good determinant of poverty reduction

Dear Editor, The legacy of colonialism has allowed poverty to become endemic in Guyanese and other post-colonial societies. It has also left Guyanese policy makers with massive challenges. Unfortunately, their apparent reliance on the country’s unprecedented GDP growth of 62.3% in 2022 and 37.2% in 2023 (projected), (and existing per capita GDP of US$18,990) to produce a significant reduction in moderate poverty (MPR) might not be on solid foundation.

Guyana’s MPR declined from 43.2% in 1993 to 30.0% in 2010 (PRSP). The extreme poverty rate (EPR) was reduced from 28.7% in 1993 to 17% in 2010. Apart from the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) of 2015, there has not been any further study, except the one done for 2019 by the World Bank (WB), which put the poverty rate at 48.8%. Rather than continuing its decline, the MPR increased by 18.8 points

(from 30.0% to 48.8%) between 2011 and 2019.

Why this dramatic reversal? Does this indicate that the PRSP had lost its momentum? Or was it due to different methodologies used in those studies?

Part of this rise in MPR lies in the re-classification of Guyana as an upper middle-income country in 2015, which means that the MPR threshold has risen by 140%, from US$2.50 per day per person to US$5.50 or US$165 per month per person.

Analyzing GDP data, Econometrician Dr Ramesh Gampat observes: “Economic growth does not have a strong impact on poverty reduction.” Data for the period 1993 to 2006 show “at a 1% increase in real per capita income, poverty was reduced by a mere 0.14%.” And despite an increase in GDP of 40.3% (between 2011-2019), a per capita GDP increase of 30.4%, and a GDP average growth of 3.76% during the same period. The MPR did

not decline, but rather increased from 30% to 48.8%.

Of note is that the World Bank says: “Among the determinants of poverty, education level appears to have the strongest correlation with poverty reduction.”

A comment on income inequality. There is a hypothesis which states: the higher the income inequality, the higher the poverty rate, and the narrower the income inequality, the lower the poverty rate. There is no empirical evidence to suggest that a reduction of income inequality would lead to poverty reduction. Dr Ramesh indicates that, in Guyana, inequality had narrowed significantly in the urban areas by 28% between 1993 and 2006, compared with 11% for rural and 17% for interior areas for the same period. Yet the poverty level has remained high in rural areas, and for the hinterland, it was at 76%. However, it is plausible that with a booming economy, income inequality is likely to widen among

groups, and between regions.

The chart shows that poverty and income disparity are a rural/hinterland problem. The poorest quintile of people (85.6%) lives in Region 1 and the richest quintile (28%) lives in Region 4.

In keeping with the Third UN Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2018-2027), the PPPC Government is re-imaging education, reducing inequity, re-structuring the schools’ curricula, and making it more responsive to national economic develop-

ment needs, as well as taking into consideration the World Bank’s theory that higher education has the greatest potential to lift people out of moderate poverty.

Focus is given here to three sectors: housing, education, and job creation. Education and skills training have continued to lift thousands of people out of poverty through such programs as GOAL scholarships (numbering 19,690), TVET skills training of 4,239 during 2020-2023, and BIT skills training of 4,527 people in 2022.

The grant of 10,873 house lots (41.7% of total house lots allocated between 2020 and 2023) to low-income families represents a subsidy to them of US$156.8 million, plus a subsidy of US$12.7 million was applied to regularize 883 house lots for squatting area residents. The job programs like ‘neighborhood workers’ numbering 13,000; the rehiring of 2,000 Amerindians CSOs and 3,000 sugar workers have also lifted thousands of people out of poverty. If private sector jobs in construction (N=25,000) and oil/gas (N= 3,163) are added, at least 95,000 people would have been lifted out of poverty between 2019 and 2023. This translates into a current moderate poverty rate of 36.4%, a decline of 12.4 points from 2019, when ½ the population (389,791) was living on less than US$165 per month per person.

Sincerely,

Dr Tara Singh

Bandstand project an enormous success, should be replicated

Dear Editor,

As a civic society commentator, it is fair to give credit where credit is due, and offer critiques when necessary. I attended the dedication of the Kingston Bandstand area development completed by the Office of the First Lady. I consider the project to be an enormous success which should be replicated in other areas in Guyana.

Maybe the Office of the First Lady can do a similar project at the Central Corentyne Whim Community Center

Ground, which has a large playground area in need of development. The #63 Beach has also been awaiting a similar development for a long time.

The Office of the First Lady has transformed the Bandstand area with this project. The area looks nicer; feels clean, orderly, and safer; and there is a Police Outpost there. The Food Court area looks clean and nice, and there is a washroom area and handwashing station. These are important conveniences in a recreational area.

Commendation in order for His Excellency

Dear Editor, Our President, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, displayed outstanding scholarship in his response to questions posed by a British journalist on the “Good Morning Britian” television show.

The President’s responses should be a proud moment for all Guyanese, and I wish to commend the President in this regard. While this should be a proud moment celebrated by all, as I perused the newspapers today (September 21st) I was disappointed to see that not a single editorial or writer in the letter pages picked this up, this being a worthy commendation for the President.

Too often, white supremacist folks such as the British journalist whom the President put

in his place accordingly pronounce on Guyana’s affairs in a derogatory and arrogant manner. Disappointingly, some local media entities give those persons a platform to do so.

For example, a few whom I have challenged and exposed their white supremacist attitude towards Guyana are the likes of Tom Sanzillo and Gerard Kreeft from the IEEFA, and others.

Congratulations to His Excellency once again, for representing Guyana well on multiple international platforms of recent, and a huge commendation is in order for his scholastic responses to the arrogant British journalist on the subject of reparations.

Yours respectfully,

Joel Bhagwandin

Contrast this area with the adjacent seawall area, which looks like a ghetto, with a hodgepodge of stalls that a visitor would want to stay away from. The competent authority needs to step in and adopt some of the quality found in the First Lady’s Kingston Bandstand project for that unregulated area. We must not allow a ghetto to develop there.

The Office of the First Lady has demonstrated that once a project has been embarked on, it will be well accomplished. The

First Lady is able to secure cooperation from donors and the appropriate Government agencies to secure successful completion of projects. I am glad the First Lady is focusing on environmental beautification and a clean environment, which are much needed to improve Guyana’s image and to boost tourism.

Guyana is a beautiful country, but a sense of what good landscaping looks like and a culture of cleanliness are sadly lacking. Therefore, the “Dem Boys

We must be cautious!

Dear Editor,

Given the recent threats by Venezuela, we must, as a country, be more vigilant and take extra precautions in who we allow to migrate into our country. In the nottoo-distant past, Venezuela showed that they have a people’s militia that is one million people strong. If we are not cautious, members of their militia can easily pose as asylum seekers and occupy Essequibo.

It is in our nation’s best interest to have an established temporary refugee camp on the border with Venezuela, so as to easily send the refugees back to their homeland when the situation in Venezuela improves. By taking this approach, we will continue to aid those suffering in Venezuela who are seeking our assistance, while also safeguarding our territorial integrity from the dangers of an infiltration by the Venezuela Militia. We must be cautious!

The value of our terri-

tory increases with each oil find, and an impoverished neighbour would be tempted to take what doesn’t belong to them, especially when we consider the history of the dispute and the current map within Venezuela. Their map shows Essequibo as part of their country, and they have been teaching this to their children and citizens for decades. The Venezuelans will feel justified in taking our land from us by hook or by crook.

With the current situation in mind, it is best to require English as a first language in our schools and among our citizens. Once it has been established, the use of Spanish in schools, on police vehicles, and for other Government services must be restricted to the temporary refugee camp.

Containment is important at this stage of the conflict.

Best regards,

Jamil Changlee

Seh” column should lighten up and offer an apology to the Office of the First Lady for the unwarranted criticisms of the project.

(“De old Seawall has gone!”

KN, Sep 16, 2023). I usually agree with most of their commentary, but their criticism of the project seems like nit-picking and what mental health people would call “awfulising.” Dem Boys made a good thing look like a bad thing. Sure, the old,

nasty, “kai” look is gone, and has been replaced with beautifully designed structures. We need more of this to make Guyana look nice. Continue the good work, First Lady! Maybe issue a report card of costs and private donors for skeptics such as “Dem Boys Seh.” Let’s be proud of the new Bandstand area!

Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

Test Questions

By Martin Carter

In this fun and easy force and motion science experiment for kids, we’re going to explore Galileo’s Swinging Strings.

String

Materials:

Clothesline or rope

Scissors

Teaspoon

Paper clips

Instructions:

Cut two pieces of string into 12inch lengths.

Cut five more pieces of string into different sized lengths that are shorter than 12 inches.

Tie one of the 12-inch strings to a paper clip.

Tie the other 12-inch string to

the teaspoon.

Tie the remaining five pieces of string to paper clips.

Tie the clothesline so it is horizontal to the ground and taunt.

Tie all seven lengths of string to the clothesline with the items hanging down.

Make a guess of what you think will happen and then swing the teaspoon.

Observe what happens.

The paper clips should have started swinging and the paper clip on the 12-inch string should have started swinging the most.

How it works:

A pendulum is basically any weight on the end of a string or chain that can swing from side to side. When a pendulum is set in

motion, gravity causes a restoring force that will accelerate it toward the centre point, resulting in a back-and-forth swinging motion. In our experiment, the pendulums share an anchor line. With each swing, energy is transferred from one pendulum to the other. If the pendulums both have the same length, one pendulum comes to a complete stop before alternating motion. This phenomenon illustrates balanced and unbalanced forces, the conservation of energy, and how motion can be used to predict future motion.

Make this a science project: Try different lengths of anchor line. Try pendulums of different weights. Try lines of different lengths. (sciencefun.org)

In a bare night without comfort stood like an infant hearing a drum: Shadows and green grass spinning but clutched at a world without nearing

Like dark ball rising from nothing hurling curse at me and full of scorn: Bare night without comfort stood like an infant hearing a drum.

WORD SEARCH

3i) The mean of the data set 1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 6, 6, 7 is 4

3ii) The mode is the number that appears most often in the series of numbers, so the mode is 3 and 6.

Guyana looking for new companies to market light sweet crude …Payara production included ahead of year-end start up

The Guyana Government is inviting companies to market its share of crude oil from the Stabroek Block, where United States oil major ExxonMobil is producing oil from two floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, and is gearing up to start production at its third project offshore later this year.

The invitation for bids issued by the Natural Resources Ministry invites eligible bidders to submit their bids for the provision of marketing services for Guyana’s entitlement of oil from offshore production activities. Interested companies will be bidding to market crude from the Liza Destiny floating, production, storage and offloading vessel and the Liza Unity FPSO vessel in the Liza field, as well as from the Prosperity FPSO vessel in the Payara Project, which is scheduled to come onstream by yearend.

According to the bid invite, they will have to competitively market and maximise the value of the Government’s crude oil entitlement from developments in the Stabroek Block, and create a competitive market for the Liza, Unity Gold, and Payara Gold blends.

These bids will be conducted on a lot basis, hence bidders can bid for one or more lots, as de-

fined in the bidding documents. Additional information can be obtained from the Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources Ministry.

The deadline for submission of bids is 09:00h on October 17, 2023, when the bids would be opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Bids must be valid for 120 days from the date of bid opening.

Last October, United Kingdom’s BP Oil International Limited won the one-year contract to market Guyana’s share of profit oil from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSOs. The new contractor would now have to market the country’s crude from three FPSOs.

Prior to BP Oil, Saudi Aramco was contracted in September 2021 to market Guyana’s share of profit oil from the ExxonMobil-led operations offshore. Guyana started producing oil in December 2019, and its crude lift was initially marketed by Shell Western, after which Hess International marketed the following oil share.

Currently, Exxon and its co-venturers Hess and CNOOC are producing as much as 400,000 bpd with the two FPSOs in the Liza field. The Payara will add another 220,000 bpd when production is regulated in a few months after start-up.

For 2023, Guyana is entitled to 17 lifts.

Earlier this month, the

Guyana Government released the Mid-Year Report of 2023, in which it was reported that there were eight lifts of profit oil from the two producing FPSOs during the first half of this year.

Between January and June 2023, Government earned US$705.2 million as revenue from its share of profit oil from two lifts that occurred in the final quarter of 2022, and seven of the eight lifts that occurred in the first six months of this year. Government also earned US$110.8 million in royalties from 2022’s last

quarter and from production and sales in the first three months of this year.

According to the report, in July, US$73.8 million was received as a profit oil payment for the Government lift done in June. The cumulative balance, inclusive of interest income of US$35.6 million, at the end of June was US$1,723.5 million, after withdrawals of US$200 million each in the months of February and May.

It was noted, however, with the price of crude oil declining amid demand-side concerns and financial market disruptions that threaten a global slowdown in economic activity, the forecast for NRF deposits has been marginally downgraded. Petroleum deposits for the year are now projected to total US$1,629.3 million,

compared with US$1,631.7 million estimated at the beginning of the year.

Consequently, the Guyana Government is now projected to earn some US$1,410 million from the sale of Guyana’s share of profit oil, and US$219.3 million in royalties. It is anticipated that at the end of the year, the NRF closing balance will stand at approximately US$2 billion.

So far this year, Government has withdrawn, in four tranches, some $124.8 billion (US$600 million) from the NRF, which is being held in an account at the New York Federal Reserve Bank in the United States. In the second half of the year, it is anticipated that another $125.2 billion will be withdrawn from the NRF.

261 traffic violations registered nationwide in single day

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday said it has recorded a total of 261 traffic cases in one day. This figure comprises 88 cases related to speeding and an additional six cases for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).

Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, the Traffic Chief, emphasizes that the ongoing nationwide traffic enforcement initiatives represent a collaborative and impartial effort involving Traffic personnel and various stakeholders. Their shared goal is to combat reckless behaviour on the roads, and enhance overall road safety.

Singh has acknowledged that daily fluctuations in traffic cases suggest these efforts are making a difference. Nevertheless, he said the ultimate goal of achieving an ideal 'zero accident report' remains a work in progress.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to exercise caution by reducing their speed, refraining from driving under the influence, utilising designated drivers who are sober and capable, fastening their seatbelts, and ensuring they arrive at their destinations safely.

"Public awareness initiatives extend beyond daylight hours and encompass establishments like bars and restaurants, where traffic officers conduct informative sessions and provide bar owners with contact numbers for immediate communication regarding motorist behaviour," the Traffic Chief has said.

Moreover, the Police Force has implemented sug-

Telling it…

…to the man

Just before his appearance at the UN, to make his presentation to the General Assembly, Pres Ali was interviewed by one Richard Madeley from the “Good Morning Britain” programme - on their ITV channel. Now, we know these morning show hosts are speaking generally to yahoos out in TV land - and are trying to shock them out of their somnolence!! In essence, they’re shock jocks to the guests they have on their shows! But this Madeley fella is more than the average piece of empty-headedness – and he displayed it all to John Public in his “interview” with Pres Ali.

gestion boxes, and collaboration with members of the Regional Road Safety Councils and other partners is ongoing. These initiatives are all aimed at fostering a positive shift in the mind-

for the breach of prescribed fitness, three for operating a motorcycle without a helmet, three for breaching a provisional licence, three for failure to wear a seatbelt, three for an unverified vehicle, two for failure to produce a driver's licence, and one for failure to conform to a sign, among others.

There was one case each for the following offences: breach of insurance, breach of a condition of a road service licence, driving without a driver's licence, carrying a pillion rider without a safety helmet, dangerous driving, no reflective mirror, no silencer, carrying more persons than the permitted number, an unlicensed motor vehicle, and an uninsured motor vehicle.

The "Respect the Road" initiative was launched in July of this year in a desperate move to reduce accidents following a rise in fatalities and reckless use of the roadways.

In the first half of 2023, over 2000 persons were charged with ticketing offences.

Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has noted that despite harsher penalties being imposed on defaulters, violation of traffic laws remains high. According to him, factors contributing to the alarming statistics include speeding, driving under the influence, poor driver behaviour, distracted driving, and inadequate infrastructure.

Now, to give you a measure of the faux arrogance Madeley adopts to cover his shallowness, which matches that of his basically redneck audiences, imagine he once had the temerity to describe Sir David Attenborough – the world-famous “Our Planet” host - as “just a broadcaster”!! That’s like calling the Kohinoor “just a diamond”!! He was widely panned as a “disrespectful, arrogant little oaf”!! And this is what he was once again with the President.

He raised the question of reparations for Britain’s role in the slave trade and slavery in the Caribbean and Guyana. Pres Ali immediately labelled it for what it was - the biggest crime against humanity ever – and, as such, there was no question that reparations must be delivered!! You could see the condescending way Madeley talked about slavery - but the President would have none of it. At one point, Madeley asked with a smirk, "It's about gestures, and you think that the British Royal Family should make a big gesture, don't you? What do you mean, hand over a palace to your country?" Imagine a British TV host dismissing the calls for reparations as answerable with “gestures”.

And he was transparently using the reductio ad absurdum technique - where you try to prove your position by pointing out the absurdity or foolishness of the other fellow’s point - with the palace gambit. But Ali gave him a punch in the solar plexus when he replied: “We don't want the British to hand over a palace that we built! They have 'lovely green hardwood from Guyana', and if someone went there, they could see 'the sweat, tears and blood of the slaves who were exploited, and the revenue that was earned from their exploitation”. He firmly told Madeley that Guyana wasn't 'asking for a palace, we're asking for justice'!!

set of motorists, and enhancing public safety on the roadways.

Around the same time last month, 90 traffic cases were recorded during an enforcement exercise on the East Coast Demerara corridor. These exercises were conducted in Regional Division 4C, in the station districts of Sparendaam, Beterverwagting, Vigilance, Cove and John, and Mahaica by traffic ranks in collaboration with members of the Road Safety Council in Regional Division 4C.

The cases included 50 for speeding, nine for the prohibition of tinted glass, three

As the uneducated lout he is, Madeley clearly wanted to hide that it was a British Monarch - Charles II – who’d founded the Royal African Company to trade in enslaved Africans!! And built palaces with the blood-stained money. Madeley was criticised for “vile” behaviour!! But that won’t save Britain from paying reparations!!

…to Big Brother??

Your Eyewitness thought, when Rep Jeffries promised he’d do a Solomon and also meet Guyana’s Opposition after facing off Pres Ali’s troupe, he’d be heading down to old Mudland. Fat chance!! Turns out that Jeffries can’t come to our Opposition, so our Opposition’s gonna be going up to Jeffries!! But if Jeffries wanted to court his Crown Heights Caribbean constituents, you think he’d have brought up the TEN – Opposition members to parade them in the hood!!

But the moment your Eyewitness saw the Opposition worthies were going to meet the House Democratic Leader on September 27 in Washington, he knew Jeffries was roped in by his PNC buddy from Canarsie to do twofer!! Give the feature address at the latter’s “Conference on Guyana”, and then “meet” the Opposition MPs, whose profile would be raised!!

They think that holding the “Conference” at the Washington Press Club (WPC) makes it sound “official”!! Who’d you think you’re foolin”?? The WPC is rented for US$500 for five hours!!

…to the Venezies

It happens all the time – all the way back to Jagan and Burnham!! The moment the Venezies rattle their sabres, the PNC and PPP come together as one. Maybe they should be rattling those sabres all the time??

A motorcyclist being pulled over for not wearing a safety helmet during a recent traffic enforcement exercise

A Traffic rank conducting a traffic enforcement exercise

A Police rank conducting a traffic enforcement exercise.

Norton calls for resignation of Reg 4 Chairman over pending domestic charges

later recants statement

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has called on the Chairman of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Daniel Seeram, to do the “decent thing” and step down from his public post in light of domestic violence allegations against him.

Seeram, an Executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the leading party in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) faction of the Opposition, is being accused of assaulting his wife and brandishing his firearm during a confrontation in the wee hours of Monday.

Both Seeram and his wife are currently on station bail, with charges pending against him. This is not the first time the Region Four Chairman has been involved in such a matter.

During his weekly press conference on Thursday, Norton, PNCR Leader, was questioned about the matter, and said, “As it relates to the resignation, I think Daniel Seeram understands the nature of what has happened. It is true it is not the first time, and I will leave it to him to do the decent thing.”

The Opposition Leader further outlined the PNC’s zero-tolerance of violence against women.

“We are a party in which there are a lot of women, and we oppose vehemently any attempt to embarrass, assault, or do anything to women,” Norton posited.

However, on Thursday evening, the Opposition Leader was quoted in an article published by the online news agency Demerara Waves recanting his position on the matter. He said the matter should be dealt with by the Guyana Police Force.

“In my opinion, my choice of language was bad. Really and truly, I should first of all say that it continues to be an allegation, and the Police should be allowed to [do] their work, and let’s see where it goes in the legal realm,” the PNCR Leader told Demerara Waves.

Based on reports, the incident occurred at about 03:00h on Monday at the couple’s Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara apartment. Seeram had reportedly returned home from an outgoing, and an argument developed between him and his wife. The situation escalated and turned violent, during which the husband and wife assaulted each other. Seeram allegedly brandished his licensed firearm as well during the incident.

His wife filed a report at the Turkeyen Police Station, and following an investigation, advice was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to charge Seeram.

In March 2022, Seeram was charged and placed on bail for allegedly threatening his father-in-law with a gun at MovieTowne.

Meanwhile, weighing in on the issue, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr

Bharrat Jagdeo, has called out the selective activism of several civil society groups, demonstrated in their silence regarding this issue.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference held at Freedom House on Thursday, the General Secretary said Government has remained cautious in its response to the issue, to avoid providing ammunition for the chairman to mislead the public.

“We’ve been very careful about how we intervene. If we had called for the resignation right at the beginning, they would’ve said we were trying to influence the outcome of the court case. He would use our statement to get the kool-aid-

ers to say that the PPP wants to get rid of him. He’ll use it as an excuse, so sometimes we are very tactical about these issues. We don’t want the kool-aiders who will believe anything to start justifying him and supporting him,” the GS pointed out.

Seeram is accused of assaulting and causing actual bodily harm to his wife.

Dr Jagdeo pointed out that this is not the first time Seeram has been embroiled in allegations of this nature.

Last year, the former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) captain appeared before the court to answer a charge of threaten-

ing behaviour allegedly committed against his father-inlaw, Shaheed Hamid.

“It seems as though, in this country, a group of people who have very limited credibility; the Red Thread, the GHRA, etc, I don’t see them protesting in front of his office or his home. But you will recall the issue with Dharamlall. He hadn’t been charged, but they were out there protesting and issuing statements,” he said.

He made it clear the Government believes that persons guilty of these crimes should face the full brunt of the law.

Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Decomposed body of Grove, EBD man found in house

Almost one week after his disappearance, the body of 52-year-old Michael Benjamin was found in an advanced state of decomposition in an unfinished wooden house in which he had lived at Downer Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara.

He had last been seen alive on September 15 at around 16:00h, when he had had a brief conversation with a family member.

On Wednesday, at about 15:30h, neighbours began detecting a strong

scent emanating from the man’s house, and when they went to investigate, they saw Benjamin’s decomposed body on the floor.

The Police were summoned to the scene, and the body was inspected for marks of violence, but none was seen.

The body has been taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to await a post-mortem, and an investigation has been launched.

Only three days ago, the body of 37-year-old Collis

Trio busted with ganja during Police operation at Grove

Alison Tyrell was found in his shop at Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, three days after he had last been seen by his friends.

It was reported that the mother of his children had visited his home after she had not heard from him for several days. Upon arriving there, she was greeted by a foul odour coming from the shop. She reportedly went into the shop and found the man’s lifeless body on the ground.

The Police were contacted, and an investigation has been launched.

Three persons, one of whom is a woman, were arrested on Wednesday evening following the discovery of a quantity of cannabis during a Police operation at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Police have said that between 20:50h and 22:40h on Wednesday, ranks intercepted Toyota Premio motorcar PZZ 5392, which at the time was occupied by the driver Romel Bollers, a 31-year-old mason of Brutus Street, Agricola, Greater Georgetown; and Evander Lewis, a 32-year-

old mechanic of Kiskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

A search carried out on their persons found nothing illegal, but a search conducted on the vehicle unearthed several transparent bags containing a quantity of ganja, found on the back seat. The two men were told of the offence, cautioned, arrested, and taken to the Golden Grove Police Station, where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 150 grams.

However, following information received, the ranks proceeded to a house along the Grove Public Road, where contact was made with Latanya Reynolds, a 24-year-old vendor. Police conducted a search on her premises and found a plastic bag containing a quanti-

weighed,

ty of ganja on a bench in the backyard. Reynolds was also arrested and taken into custody. The narcotics, when

amounted to 44.3 grams. The motorcar was impounded and the three persons remain in custody, pending charges.

Two of the suspects who were arrested

The female suspect who was arrested for the ganja

The ganja that was found in the car

The car in which the marijuana was found

MoE commissions new $172M wing at East Ruimveldt Secondary School

Days after a new wing was commissioned at Queen’s College, the Education Ministry on Thursday commissioned another new wing, this time at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, which was constructed at a cost of $172.6 million.

This new facility will accommodate grades seven and eight students, and, more importantly, address the longstanding concern of inadequate space.

The new facility has the capacity to accommodate 150 students, and boasts 10 classrooms, male and female washrooms, a furnished Information Technology (IT) laboratory, a staff room, and an office for the Deputy Headmistress (DHM).

Constructed by Delp Construction and General Supplies, the new building has been designed with insulated internal walls that absorb and break the path of unwanted sounds specifically for the classrooms, while the external walkway eases access between several lectures and main blocks of the teaching complex.

During the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the headteacher of this educational institution, Katheryn Fraser, explained that the new wing became needed after the school had seen an increase in its student population during the COVID-19 pandemic -- by some 157 students.

“Students were called online at that time, and we did not have the real-life situation of what the actual attendance and accommodation would be like. When we started to have face-toface interactions, we realised that our main building could not accommodate our students,” Fraser said.

“With the intervention of the Ministry of Education, a tent was suggested. Our administration and the ParentTeacher Association (PTA) agreed on the tent with the intention that our building will follow shortly. Our

school population is growing. I know for certain that, with our new block, the accommodation problem is now resolved,” Fraser explained.

The new wing is named after a former principal, the late Samuel B. Moffatt, whom Fraser noted had transformed the school into one that produces students who can compete with top institutions at both the academic and athletic levels.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand

including Math and English. And we need you to partner with us,” Manickchand said.

“Before the month ends, we're going to be sending in the Allied Arts Unit to your school. In addition to the academic pursuits, every single one of you must be exposed to a musical instrument, a sport, a foreign language, a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) subject, and a strong sense of volunteerism,” Manickchand said

in the school’s grounds that can accommodate students from neighbouring schools as well.

Beyond East Ruimveldt Secondary, Manickchand disclosed, plans are afoot to commission an extension block at St. Winefride’s Secondary School, while

works are ongoing on the Christ Church Secondary, North Ruimveldt Secondary, St. George’s High School and St. Mary’s High School.

“By next September, we are not going to have the space problem that we had when I came into office in 2020. We're very sure of

it. And we're very glad to be able to provide seats for children to sit in classrooms,” Manickchand said.

The Minister also committed to continue providing students with textbooks and exercise books, and to ensure all teachers across Guyana are trained by 2025.

shared her hope to see students excel both academically and in other fields, thereby requiring a commitment from them to avoid being disruptive and disobedient within their classes.

“We don't only want you to sit in a classroom. We want you to enjoy your secondary schooling, and we want you to emerge from these schools successful, with five or more subjects,

to the students.

This new wing is not the only infrastructural change students at East Ruimveldt Secondary will see, however.

A new Science Lab is currently being constructed on the school’s premises, and there are plans to have a modernised Home Economics Department.

Manickchand also expressed that MoE is considering to build a pool with-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand unveiling the plaque for new Samuel B Moffatt Wing

The newly-commissioned wing at East Ruimveldt Secondary School

42 persons from 10 countries get Guyanese citizenship

isation once he/she shows they are ordinarily resident in Guyana, and have been so resident throughout a period of seven years immediately preceding the application; that they are of good character; and that they intend to reside in

Guyana.

On approval, the website said, the person would be granted a certificate of naturalisation, and would have to take the Oath of Allegiance to Guyana.

Included in a list of requirements published

on the Ministry of Home Affairs website is that the “applicant must advertise in the newspaper for two consecutive days that he or she is applying to the Ministry of Home Affairs for Naturalisation as a citizen of Guyana.”

Karasabai residents now have access to local radio through EDYOU FM

The Education Ministry’s radio station, EDYOU FM, has turned on its radio signal in the Indigenous community of Karasabai in the

cess to local radio for the very first time.

This is in keeping with EDYOU FM’s ongoing efforts to expand its network and bring distance

ment while noting its potential benefits to the schools in particular.

“Once the radio is linked to our schools, it will serve as a mode of positive rein-

Atotal of 42 persons from 10 countries on Wednesday received their Guyanese citizenship following the Home Affairs Ministry’s naturalisation and registration ceremony on Wednesday.

“We all should embrace diversity; we can all learn from each other,” Permanent Secretary of that Ministry, Andre Ally, told the audience while giving brief remarks.

The ceremony also included remarks from the Head of Immigration Support Services, Michelle Davis, who expressed elation at being part of this inaugural ceremony.

The ceremony began with the recital of the National Pledge

and National Anthem. Following the official ceremony, Permanent Secretary Andre Ally presented certificates to the new citizens.

When contacted, Ali told <<Guyana Times>> this is the first time such a ceremony was hosted, thus making it a historic event. He noted that among the nationals who became Guyanese citizens were Cubans, Brazilians and Indians.

Only recently, a section of the media reported there was an increase in applications for Guyanese citizenship.

Back in 2019, only

13 Haitians received Guyanese citizenship since 2015, which saw 141 persons from 35 different na -

tionalities, including a single Haitian, being given Guyanese citizenship.

The following year, 192 persons were given Guyanese citizenship. The successful applicants were from 34 countries, including one from Haiti.

In 2017, nationals from 40 countries were given citizenship. The amount totalled 230 and included seven Haitians.

In 2018, 252 persons from 42 different countries were given citizenship; seven were from Haiti.

For 2020, just over 100 persons from 30 countries had received citizenship, including two Haitians.

The Ministry of Home Affairs website states that a person is eligible to apply for citizenship by natural -

South Pakaraima community of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and residents now have ac-

education to people across the country. Villagers now have access to daily lessons for multiple levels in various subject areas, and over ten diverse live shows cover topics such as education, health, sports, women’s empowerment, history, current affairs, and aspects of Guyanese culture.

Locally known as “the home of the Sun Parakeets”, Karasabai has approximately 1600 residents, predominantly Macushis, who usually had limited internet services. As such, they have never been able to enjoy access to television, telephone, and radio signals, a phenomenon EDYOU FM intends to change with the introduction of its radio station into the community’s scope of services.

“This is yet another commitment we have honoured. See, we are using every opportunity and technology afforded us to reach children all across this country,” Education Minister Priya Manickchand related.

Headteacher of the Karasabai Nursery School, Melissa Beaton, also resident in the village, has commended the develop-

forcement, and we will also be able to listen to current affairs of our country, other than people coming to tell us. The children will have the opportunity to listen to stories, songs, poems, and lessons over the radio,” Beaton said.

Since radio is new to Karasabai, EDYOU FM has recognized the need for devices to be installed in the schools and community, and is committed to adding the village to its distribution list for where the station will deliver radios.

In a similar move back in March, EDYOU FM had broadened its reach in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), within Kamarang and riverine communities along the Mazaruni River, including Paruima, Waramadong, Kako, Jawalla, Philippi and Imbaimadai. Through this initiative, thousands of students and residents were able to benefit from a local radio station, 99.9 FM, for the first time, using radios that EDYOU FM, in collaboration with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), had distributed.

Residents of Karasabai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)

A young boy receiving his certificate of citizenship from Permanent Secretary Andre Ali

Fire at NA dumpsite continues to burn, posing environmental issue

Afire that erupted on Monday at the municipal dumpsite in New Amsterdam continues to burn, thus posing concerns among the residents,

but more particularly the Town Council.

The municipal dumpsite, situated at Esplanade Road in New Amsterdam, went up in flames on

Monday, and the Fire Service has been battling to contain the blaze. Heavy winds have pushed the raging flames to the far side of the dumpsite, making it impossible for firefighters to reach the location. However, the GFS has assured that there is no threat to life or property.

The GFS had said the fire was under control on Tuesday, but on Wednesday thick smoke obscured visibility in the compound of the New Amsterdam Hospital and on the premises of the Berbice High School. The situation became so worrying that Mayor Wainwright McIntosh has had to make his second visit to the location, where he was able to speak with workers contracted by Cevons Waste Management (CWM), who have responsibility for managing the dumpsite.

“What they are saying is that they are making preparations via the excavation of a drainage network, after which they will install a three-inch pump. According to the worker at the dumpsite, to say when this pump will arrive, the worker has no knowledge as to when it will arrive to commence the process

Drunken driver crashes into Police vehicle at Providence

Adrunken driver is now in Police custody after he reportedly crashed his vehicle into a Police vehicle at Providence Old Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Wednesday evening.

Richard Adams, 31, was at the time driving vehicle PVV 3157. Police have said the Force vehicle had stopped and was waiting to turn onto the major road when Adams's vehicle hit it from the rear, causing damage to the bumper.

Adams was consequently arrested, taken to Providence Station, and subjected to a breathalyzer test, which showed that he was above the legal limit of alcohol consumption. He is currently in custody, assisting with the investigation. His car has been impounded for examination by a certifying officer.

Police have recently intensified efforts to appre-

hend drivers who operate under the influence of alcohol. Only a few weeks ago, more than 30 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence.

This follows the launch of a nationwide campaign by the Police Force aimed at promoting safe road use. During this campaign, drivers receive lectures on road safety themes such as "Arrive Alive," "Stop Speeding," and "Don't Drink & Drive," obeying traffic officials, signs, and the functioning of traffic lights, ad-

of eradication of the fire at the municipal dumpsite,” McIntosh has said.

A worker employed with a firm contracted by CWM explained that the plan is to dig two reservoirs to get access to water to battle the ongoing fire. However, the system suggested to be put in place is not likely to have any significant impact on the fire,

ning, fire fighters were at the scene, battling the blaze which continues to spread rapidly.

“The residents are affected; it is a health hazard and it causes concern. So, I am asking for the contractor to hasten his footsteps to deal with this environmental crisis that we are faced with as a Municipality,” the mayor has declared.

get in contact with the management of the company contracted to manage the facility.

“It is not the municipality who would have given that contract out. This contract was procured through the Government of Guyana. The Municipality, sadly, to date has not seen any contract coming from the Government of Guyana

herence to speed limits, and vehicle maintenance.

Motorists are also advised against using handheld devices while driving, and against driving under the influence of alcohol. Drivers are encouraged to ensure that their driver's licences and other documents are up to date before using a motor vehicle.

Police statistics reveal that driving under the influence of alcohol and excessive speeding are the primary causes of accidents in Guyana.

as the reservoir would not have capacity to supply water in the amount anywhere close to what is needed.

Up to Thursday eve -

In explaining that the dumpsite is not being managed by the Municipality, McIntosh related that all efforts are being made to

or the contractor,” Mayor McIntosh explained.

In 2020, under the previous administration, a contract was given to CWM.

Mayor Wainwright McIntosh at the scene on Wednesday

The fire continues to spread

Fire tenders at the scene

Firemen battling the blaze on Thursday

The Police pick-up that was damaged as a result of the accident

Partyholics are in for a treat this weekend, as the Cricket Carnival comes to a climax with several highly anticipated shows that would definitely be the highlight of the twoweek-long list of activities.

The first event, titled “Wet”, is billed for Friday evening at the National Park.

This j’ouvert-style event will feature Nailah Blackman, Skinny Fabulous, Sackie, Yung Bredda, Lady Lava, Adrian Dutchin, Nekeita, and Dj Harry, among others.

General admission to “Wet” costs $3000, and the VIP experience costs $10,000. Tickets can be purchased at HJ Box Office, Fireside Suite, Xtra Energy (Stabroek Market), Stove Top Restaurant, That Look Boutique, White Castle Fish Shop, Exclusive Styles, and World Access Top-Up Shop (Mackenzie).

The excitement increases on Saturday, when the Cricket Carnival Committee hosts the Guyana Super Concert at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. This concert would feature some of the biggest names

in various genres of music. Machel Montano and Kes the Band are expected to headline the concert. In addition, Jamaica Dancehall artistes Sean Paul and Shenseea are set to perform in Guyana after several years of absence.

In addition, Guyanese soca sensation Adrian Dutchin and Nekeita are slated to perform.

General admission to the Guyana Super Concert costs $6,000, while a ticket to the stage front is $28,000 and the VVIP Experience is $60,000. Further, after the CPL final game

on Sunday evening, all roads would be leading to the Montra Bar and Lounge for the after-party activity, featuring international chutney king Ravi B. Adding the vibes during the evening will be Deejay Seon along with Selectors Chino and Carl.

Patrons will be admitted without charge before 19:00h, but would be required to pay $2000 after then.

Patrons heading over to the club after midnight would be required to pay $3000. VIP reservations are also available, by calling 621-9021.

Finally, the Cricket Carnival season will conclude with the Carnival Road Parade on Monday. Several bands, including the Hits & Jams Lava band, Decoded, and the 595 Heritage Band, will take to the streets. The bands will assemble on Main Street Georgetown, and will move off at 13:00h.

The parade will move into Avenue of the Republic, turn east on Church Street, north into Irving Street, continue north into JB Chandisingh Road, and will end at the Kitty roundabout.

Nearly a month after winning the Miss Jamzone 2023 title, Trevlind Harry on Tuesday drove off in her brand-new Nissan Juke. Apart from the new motorcar, she also collected gift cards from Transbyshop Pitbull Jeans and Sexy Me Sexy You, and three months’ worth of spa services from The Refine Spa.

The presentation was made at the Hits & Jams (HJ) Headquarters in Queenstown, Georgetown.

Second-runner-up Shequana

Holder uplifted her cash prize of $250,000, and first-runner-up Aliya Wong carted off $500,000. The beauties also received gift cards for fitness outfits from Fashion Fitness.

“I am grateful to everyone who would have contributed to this victory. I can say that I’m now getting the opportunity to get some rest, which I’m grateful for as well. And having the prizes now, it’s amazing.

I have my own car now, so I don’t have to depend on anybody; I can get around perfectly fine on my own,” Harry expressed.

Harry, who had been sponsored by AJM Enterprises, also copped the prizes for Miss I can and I will, Best Talent, and Best Fantasy Swimsuit.

“My journey was not

easy. That’s how I took the prize of ‘I can, and I will’, because I had a lot of hurdles that I had to get over. But knowing that you can do something, believing in yourself, I believe you can accomplish anything, and I am living proof of just that,” Harry told media operatives at the presentation ceremony.

Harry noted she had faced

former Miss Jamzone 2022, Amel Griffith, encouraged the awardees to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way.

“Because of initiatives like this, the Miss Jamzone Pageant, I believe that I’m a more empowered young woman today. I have influence, I have a say, a voice. So don’t take the crown or this

drink hampers compliments of Guyana Beverages Inc., Fruta, Kool Kids, and Busta.

Applications for the competition were opened back in April, and some 80 applications were narrowed down to 17, with the final nine being selected after a round of online voting. Those nine moved on to compete at the final event on August 27 at the Splashmins Resort on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Pageant Director Wasim Khan congratulated the awardees, and expressed appreciation for the supporters and coordinators who developed the pageant over the years.

“It was overwhelming at one point to see the amount of people that were there [at Splashmins]. And we cannot thank the supporters enough for coming out and supporting not only the Miss Jamzone Pageant, but the Jamzone event in general, which has become a staple in our yearly calendar,” Khan said. “It has been a distinct pleasure, and it has only gotten better over the last two years.”

particular challenges in juggling her responsibilities and getting time off from work, as she is a nurse at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Acknowledging the difficulty that comes with participating in a pageant that has a large viewership each year,

title lightly. You have people that listen to you and look up to you, so use this year to the best of your abilities, and use all opportunities that come your way,” Griffith advised.

Meanwhile, the nine finalists will receive family gift certificates compliments of Royal Castle, and

He is urging prospective contestants to keep their eyes open for when applications would be opened for Miss Jamzone 2024. “We have a big year coming ahead. Lots of things are coming up, because these girls really laid the foundation for Jamzone at Splashmins,” Khan said.

Miss Jamzone 2023, Trevlind Harry, with her new car

Miss Jamzone 2023 second- runner-up Shequana Holder won herself a $250,000 cash prize

Miss Jamzone 2023 first-runner-up Aliya Wong won herself a $500,000 cash prize

Rose Hall Town celebrates 53 years as township

Rose Hall Town, formerly known as Lot Number 9 which was once owned by Dutch planters and later purchased by 57 former slaves in 1842, is now celebrating 53 years as a township.

In 1908, Rose Hall acquired village status, then on September 20, 1970, it was declared a township. The town has a population of just over 800. Williamsburg also forms part of the township.

On Wednesday, the municipality hosted a simple ceremony in observance of this milestone.

The municipality’s vision is to create a modern town that is comparable to the others where all citizens live in peace, security, and health, and are highly motivated.

The municipality also has a vision to ensure justice prevails at all levels. The town’s mission is to foster collaboration and goodwill for all citizens.

Several past employees of the municipality along with businesses, senior citizens, and outstanding per-

sonalities were honoured during the anniversary celebrations.

Dave Budhu is the 13th Mayor to have served the township. He stated that the Town Council would continue to work for the betterment of Rose Hall citizens.

“Today, Rose Hall is growing at a fast pace that was never seen before in its 53 years of existence,” the Mayor pointed out as he detailed some of the developmental projects, which include the paving of all streets.

“No longer a walk in the

mud street or refusing to leave your home to do basic everyday business for your family.”

He added that street lights have been also installed, making most parts of the township safe to traverse at night.

Meanwhile, New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh in congratulating the sister town on its anniversary noted that the unbroken service provided by the municipality of Rose Hall Town speaks of commitment to its citizens.

United Nations Resident

GWI awards $1.3M in bursaries to 27 students

Coordinator to Guyana, Yesim Oruç, who also attended the anniversary celebration, spoke of the UN’s commitment to promoting sustainable development.

She pointed out that President Dr Irfaan Ali was currently at the UN General Assembly, where he continues to push for the Region to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.

These Sustainable Development Goals are 17 in number and are aimed at ensuring that all can achieve prosperity and freedom from poverty and live in social cohesion while liv-

ing in such a way that the planet is protected.

“One of the problems that we still have remaining as we envision a world which is much better and more developed,

is we still [on] have challenges gender-based violence in Region Six, which includes Rose Hall. This is also one of the Sustainable Development Goals,” the UN Representative related.

Twenty-seven students on Wednesday were awarded bursaries by Guyana Water Inc (GWI) worth $1.3 million in recognition of their outstanding performance at the last National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

The presentation was held at GWI’s headquarters at Shelter Belt, Georgetown, and had in attendance GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh, senior company officials and parents.

Addressing the gathering, Baksh congratulated the students on excelling at the NGSA and used the opportunity to urge their parents to pay keen interest to their children’s education.

Baksh, a former Education Minister, also encouraged the students to avoid distractions such as the television and cellphones, and to continue to pay attention to their studies.

He emphasised the importance of paying maximum attention to English and Mathematics, pointing out that these two key subjects were vital for employment and matriculation at the university level.

In addition, GWI’s Board Director, Wendell Jeffrey, in a lively message to the bursary awardees, appealed to them to continue to do well in school, focus on what they want to become and avoid bad company.

Further, GWI’s Human Resources Director, Elvis

Jordon also addressed the gathering, emphasising that education was the key to a bright future. He added that GWI supported the future of the children of its employees.

GWI awards bursaries not only to employees’ children who obtained placement at the top secondary schools but to every employee’s child who attained a secondary school at the NGSA.

The bursaries are awarded to children of employees throughout the country.

The Independence Arch at Rose Hall Town

Rose Hall Town Mayor Dave Budhu

United Nations Resident Coordinator Yesim Oruç

GWI CEO Shaik Baksh (sixth left); Human Resources Director Elvis Jordon (behind Baksh) and Board Director Wendell Jeffrey (right) with the bursary awardees

Baksh presents a prize to one of the awardees

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt inks $226M in contracts for road works at Melanie

Major relief will be provided to the residents of Melanie North on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) following the signing of 19 contracts to the tune of $226.6 million to rehabilitate several roads.

The roads, which measure 1.7 kilometres, with 12 to 14 widths, will be rehabilitated in concrete and are slated to be completed in two to three months.

The road works, which will start shortly, are a direct result of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo's recent visit to the community.

During the simple contract signing on Thursday at Melanie North, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar urged the contractors to honour their contractual obligations.

“I am asking all of you to make sure that when you start to work, you plan your work properly…Make sure that you put those arrangements in place… Your mobilisation advances are for you to mobilise and get the work done,” he said. The Minister further advised the contractors to be respectful towards the residents in the community.

The Government is un -

dertaking various mechanisms to provide Guyanese with employment opportunities. “The other thing I am asking contractors to do is if you can get labour from the community,

please hire people from the community…So that people from the community are part and parcel of the ownership of the road. The children who play on the road and their family who

walk on the road will use the road with a sense of pride,” Minister Indar emphasised.

Approximately 300 roads along the East Coast

corridor are currently being constructed in areas such as Foulis, Enterprise, and Nonpareil, with 13 in Melanie.

On Thursday, con -

tracts were awarded to RP Construction Services, BB Construction, Jays Construction and Logistics Services, HG Construction Services, Innovative Consultancy Contracting and Investment Services, Destiny General Construction and Maintenance Services, Clean Blitz, Precision Contracting Services, Dexter Harry Enterprise, Jemcorp Engineering and Imports, Qset Enterprise, Mac Morris Enterprise, L Pool Civil Works, Handel Garnett Construction,

Omari Hollow Blocks, H and N General Services, DDA Enterprise, and Alliance and General Supplies.

2023 Youth ALLIES Civic Engagement Summit set for Sep 30

The Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) will host its 2023 Youth ALLIES (Advocacy, Leadership, Linkages in Elections and Society) Civic Engagement Summit on September 30 at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT) building at the University of Guyana.

This momentous event, organised by GNYC with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) in collaboration with its esteemed Youth ALLIES

partners, promises to be a pivotal occasion for youth empowerment and engagement.

The summit is being hosted under the theme, "Reshaping democracy through Innovation", and is dedicated to empowering young minds to craft innovative ideas for societal development. It will also provide an essential platform for dialogue between the youth and key stakeholders in the development process.

The summit will feature a diverse range of topics and speakers who are passionate about catalysing positive change in Guyana,

with special features on youth who have undertaken community projects.

Organisations engaged in youth empowerment will have booths sharing on their work. Representatives from both Guyanese and international organisations will also present on topics like climate change and youth, mental health, and leveraging youth leadership for the future.

The summit has already garnered significant interest, with over 200 young people registered to attend.

Registration will commence at 08:30h with the opening ceremony set for 09:00h.

One of the contractors signing his contract

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar and the contractors after the signing

Minister Indar addressing the gathering

Home Affairs Minister, Deputy Commissioner Budhram attend Global Public Security Forum in China

Home Affairs Minister

Robeson Benn and Deputy Police Commissioner (Operations)

Ravindradat Budhram are currently attending the 2023 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang) (GPSCFL) in Lianyungang, East China's Jiangsu Province.

The event commenced on September 19 under the theme "One World, Common Security", with the participation of more than 500 senior law enforcement officials, experts, and scholars from over 50 countries around the world.

The GPSCFL is aimed at forging a network for cross-sector collaboration, building a mechanism for transnational, inter-departmental, and cross-industrial coordination, promoting partnerships for law enforcement capacity building, providing high-quality public goods and services for security, introducing a system for information exchange and sharing, establishing an internationally standardised think tank, and facilitating the supply of and demand for services for over-

seas security protection so as to provide the international community with more security solutions.

Participants will carry out in-depth exchanges and discussions such as Forecasting the Global Security Outlook, Forecasting the Synergy on Public Security, Enhancing Governance Capacity Building, and Sharing Development Fruits Guaranteed by Security.

Moreover, a series of

Melanie residents benefit from improved drainage

– 907 rods of drains cleaned in the last 4 weeks

Atotal of 907 rods of drains have been cleared in Melanie, East Coast Demerara (ECD) to ensure residents receive improved drainage in the area, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

One month after visiting the community, Mustapha returned to the village on Thursday where he met with residents and farmers to discuss additional developmental plans for Melanie.

sub-forums are to be held during the three-day conference, such as the Security and Development Forum and the Seminar on the Global Public Security Index, among other areas.

The GPSCFL is a non-government and not-for-profit international organisation, a cooperative platform upgraded from the Lianyungang Forum launched by the Ministry of Public Security of China in 2015.

School violence condemned, as Ministry probing cases at New Campbellville Secondary

The Education Ministry’s Education Department in Georgetown has embarked on a series of actions to address the undisciplined behaviour of students at New Campbellville Secondary School, following recent reports of school violence among its students.

On September 9, a video circulated on social media showing a 12-year-old female student being hit on her body by a classmate.

Similarly, on September 15, the Education Ministry received reports of a fight between two male students at the secondary school, in which the associated social media video showed one of the students being kicked and stomped on his head by the other.

“Investigations into both cases were conducted and parents of all the students involved were engaged,” the Ministry’s statement on Thursday stated.

“The Ministry of Education has provided support to the parents of the injured students, this includes ensuring that they underwent medical examinations,” the statement added.

Following the meetings, students who were found to be in breach of the Ministry’s policy on the Maintenance of Order and Discipline in school were sanctioned in

keeping with the said policy document which includes expulsion, suspension and mandatory psychosocial counselling.

The Ministry has reiterated its disapproval of any form of violence within schools and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that students could learn in a safe and conducive environment.

In that regard, the Ministry will continue its sensitisation campaigns in schools on issues relating to bullying and any other forms of indiscipline.

Earlier this month, Education Minister Priya Manickchand had disclosed that the Ministry’s Advisor and former Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam was working on the framework of a new policy to address violence in schools.

Since his passing in August, Manickchand said that the Ministry is now looking to put together components of the policy, based on what Sam would have presented.

The policy seeks to not only address cases of school violence when they do occur, but to prevent these instances by developing an approach to identify children who may be more vulnerable to performing acts of violence or being on the receiving end of them.

This comes after several notable instances of school violence, involving not only students but also educators.

In March, relatives of a student were charged for assaulting a teacher of the Fort Wellington Secondary School, West Coast Berbice.

The Ministry had declared that it would take all appropriate actions to ensure that all teachers continue to work in a safe and secured environment.

Such actions include prohibiting violent parents or guardians from having access to the school premises, transferring any learner out of a school whose parents commit acts of violence on teachers or any other sanction deemed necessary, while encouraging the Police or any other institution or authority to take whatever action the law prescribes.

“The VP came here in September to meet with you. After that, he told me that residents raised issues about drainage. I came here just about a week after that and made some commitments to start doing some drainage work immediately. I walked the area with the engineers and made a decision that we’ll send machines here immediately. To date, 907 rods of drains have been cleared amounting to almost $8 million. This will assist you with drainage with the rainfalls. These drains have to be maintained. For those youths from the community who are not working, we’ll give them small contracts to maintain the internal drains that we dug. The NDIA will contract them through the CDC so they will get a monthly income from those works,” the Minister told the residents.

He further stated that a follow-up assessment of the community’s drainage structure would be done to determine if additional works were needed to address issues with flooding.

Mustapha also told farmers that the Ministry through its National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will make planting materials available

for persons who have kitchen gardens.

He added that vulnerable individuals in the area would receive assistance through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority’s ongoing Black Giant Poultry Programme.

“Besides that, I made a commitment the last time I was here to some farmers who have kitchen gardens. I told them that I’d give them planting materials free of cost. NAREI will meet with you to find out what type of planting materials you need and we’ll give them to you free of cost. In addition to that, we will look at the most vulnerable households, starting with single mothers, and we’ll give them 20 Black Giant Birds each. They will receive these birds within three weeks. The Chairman of the Melanie Community Development Council will work with you to get the names so that we can get those birds to you.”

The Minister, however, condemned a resident from a neighbouring village after he made false allegations of racial discrimination towards farmers from the village.

Before the Minister responded to the claims, sev-

eral residents also called out the individual for trying to push a false narrative while noting that drainage works promised by the Government was carried out.

“I don’t know what the comrade is speaking about. When we make commitments, we work to fulfil them. This is not about race and we shouldn’t use race to divide us. My ministry, and the entire Government for that matter, does not distribute the country’s resources based on race, we work with a programme. We have to look at the reality. Today, you had two Ministers of Government visit your community in less than an hour of each other. That has never happened before. We have a great opportunity in our country, because we are seeing persons from different ethnic groups coming together and that is the way to go. We have to look at our future. We cannot allow politics and race to divide us. That has kept us back for decades and we have the chance to change that.”

Minister Mustapha was accompanied by several agency heads and other technical officers from the Agriculture Ministry.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Deputy Police Commissioner (Operations) Ravindradat Budhram with Chinese officials at the conference

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha engaging residents of Melanie

Regional Brazil's top court boosts Indigenous rights in landmark ruling

Brazil's Supreme Court has rejected efforts to restrict native peoples' rights to reservations on their ancestral lands.

Six of the 11 Justices on Thursday ruled in favour of restoring territory to the Xokleng people, from which they were evicted.

The ruling sets a precedent for hundreds of Indigenous land claims and is expected to have widespread consequences for Indigenous land rights.

The decision was met with celebrations and tears of joy by members of Indigenous groups from across the country.

The Xokleng are an indigenous group numbering some 2300 people living in the highlands of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil.

They were the victims of one of the most brutal land clearances in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.

Anthropologists have documented how mercenaries hired to drive the Xokleng from their ancestral lands would collect the ears of those they killed to claim their reward.

The Xokleng currently live on the Ibirama La-Klãnõ lands alongside two other indigenous groups.

The groups were officially granted the rights to Ibirama La-Klãnõ – a 15,000-hectare

(37,000-acre) parcel of land –in 1996.

But they argue their ancestral lands were much bigger before they were driven from them by force.

Their struggle for this land has put them at loggerheads with tobacco growers and farmers, who argue that they have worked the land for decades and should not be evicted from it.

This particular case goes back to 2009 when the Xokleng were evicted by Santa Catarina's Environmental Institute from lands which form part of a nature reserve.

The Xokleng appealed against the decision with the help of Brazil's Indigenous affairs agency, Funai.

At the appeal in 2013, the Santa Catarina state author-

Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela sign gas deal

Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have signed an inter-institutional agreement for the joint production of gas from the Dragon Field, a deal that has been in the works since 2018.

A tweet from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced the signing of the historic deal, saying the signing of the agreement was a “message of peace, solidarity and shared sovereignty.”

A publication from the Venezuelan Government said the agreement would allow for the installation of pipelines in Venezuelan waters to produce gas in a joint venture between the two countries.

The deal was signed by T&T's Energy Minister, Stuart Young and

ities used a legal argument known as "marco temporal" (Portuguese for timeframe) to defend the eviction of the Xokleng.

Proponents of the "marco temporal" argue that in order for Indigenous groups to lay legal claim to any land, they have to prove that they lived on that very land when the Brazilian constitution was signed in 1988.

The court ruled against the Xokleng, arguing that because they were not living there in 1988, they had no rights to the lands.

The Xokleng's supporters said the decision ignored the fact that they had been forcibly removed decades earlier to make way for mostly German settlers. (Excerpt from BBC News)

500,000 Venezuelans already in US offered work permits

The US will grant temporary deportation relief and access to work permits to nearly half a million Venezuelans already in the country, US officials said on Wednesday, a move that follows calls by Democrats to help newly-arrived migrants work legally.

About 472,000 Venezuelans in the US on or before July 31 will be eligible now for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a period of 18 months. Some 243,000 Venezuelans already have the status stemming from a 2021 designation that was renewed last year.

President Joe Biden, a Democrat seeking re-election in 2024, has faced record illegal border crossings, fuelled by a sharp rise in recent years of migrants fleeing economic and political turmoil in Venezuela.

Fellow Democrats, most prominently New York City Mayor Eric Adams, have called on Biden to expand work access for newly-arrived migrants who have strained local and state resources.

The US Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) said the expansion of protected status for Venezuelans was warranted owing to "Venezuela's increased instability and lack of safety".

Frosty diplomatic relations between the US and Venezuela make it difficult for the US to deport Venezuelans to their home country. But a US agreement with Mexico has allowed thousands of non-Mexicans – including Venezuelans – to

be deported to Mexico in recent months.

Venezuela's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The number of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border illegally dropped in May after the Biden Administration rolled out stricter asylum rules, but crossings have rebounded in recent months.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuelan Minister of Popular Power for Petroleum and President of Petróleo de Venezuela (PDVSA), Pedro Tellechea.

“We are going to produce gas together,” said Tellechea. “T&T and Venezuela in a sovereign manner is a powerful signal for the Caribbean. Sooner rather than later (we will) convert all this gas with the technology that you manage well, into wealth.”

The Dragon deal was first made between both countries in 2018, signed by T&T Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Venezuelan President Maduro with the National Gas Company (NGC), Shell and PDVSA. The deal was for a pipeline from Venezuelan

waters to Trinidad and Tobago, which had an estimated cost of US$1 billion.

But turmoil in Venezuela led to the deal being shelved in 2019, prompting the TT Government to seek alternative prospects by studying development options to produce gas from the Loran-Manatee Field, a field which straddles the Venezuelan-Trinidad border.

Last year, TT applied for the right to be exempted from US sanctions placed on Venezuela.

The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) granted TT a two-year licence allowing for the commencement of the deal.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Kenya urges quick UN green light of Haiti mission

Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday urged the United Nations to quickly authorise an international security mission to Haiti, which it has agreed to lead, as the impoverished Caribbean nation suffers from devastating gang violence.

"Haiti is the ultimate test of international solidarity and collective action," Ruto told the UN General Assembly. "The international community has failed this test so far, and thus let down a people very, very badly."

Haitian authorities and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres have for months been calling for a security mission to the island nation, but many countries have been hesitant to step in, partly out of fear of finding themselves in a bloody quagmire.

Kenya volunteered in

July to lead a multinational Police intervention to train and assist the Haitian Police, but the mission would need a green light from the UN Security Council.

Ruto urged the UN to quickly work out a framework to allow for the mission to begin.

"Kenya is ready to play its part in full, and jointly, with a coalition of other na-

tions of goodwill, as a great friend and true sibling of Haiti," Ruto said.

He added: "Haiti deserves better from the world."

Gangs control roughly 80 per cent of the Haitian capital, and violent crimes including kidnappings for ransom, carjackings, rape and armed theft are common.

(Excerpt from AFP)

Aide says Bolsonaro floated Brazil coup idea after election – reports

Aclose aide to Jair Bolsonaro told Police the former Brazilian President met senior military officers last year to discuss a military intervention to overturn the election result after he lost, newspaper O Globo and news website UOL reported on Thursday.

Bolsonaro's former aide, Mauro Cid, agreed this month to cooperate with Federal Police, who are investigating the former President for possible crimes, from embezzlement to inciting his supporters' January riots in the capital Brasilia. Police have kept Cid's testimony confidential as they investigate.

According to Thursday's reports, which did not cite their sources, Cid allegedly told Police that Bolsonaro sounded out commanders of the armed forces about a draft decree to overturn the election.

Lawyers for Cid did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reports. Federal Police said they do not comment on ongoing investigations.

In a statement, Bolsonaro's lawyers denied the allegations.

"During his Government, (Bolsonaro) never supported any movement or project that was not supported by law," they said.

Supreme Court Justice

Alexandre de Moraes earlier this month authorised the cooperation deal between Cid and the Police, and released him from jail, where he has been since May when he was arrested as part of an investigation into the suspected forgery of Bolsonaro's COVID-19 vaccination cards.

Bolsonaro is accused of forging an election denial movement that culminated with the January 8 storming of Government buildings in Brasilia by thousands of his supporters. He has already been banned from seeking office until 2030 by Brazil's federal electoral court.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ezaltino Juvei, 27, paints Xokleng traditional patterns on Rosa Kamam Pripra, 5, during a reunion at Xokleng Laklano Indigenous Land, Jose Boiteux, Santa Catarina state, Brazil, August 17, 2021

The Hernandez family, Venezuelan migrants seeking asylum in the US who were not received for the appointment they got using the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) CBP One application, walk next to the border wall after crossing the Rio Bravo to turn themselves in to US Border Patrol agents, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, February 9, 2023 (Reuters/Jose Luis Gonzalez photo)

Roseline Volant who was shot at by Police in Petit-Goâve during a demonstration against the cost of living arrives for treatment in hospital on September 14, 2023 (Richard Pierrin/AFP)

Around The World OIL NEWS

In Washington, Zelenskiy courts Congress, Biden on military aid

Why oil stocks are lagging behind soaring crude

oil prices

Over the past couple of months oil markets have been on fire, with oil prices gaining 30 per cent since June after Saudi Arabia and Russia announced they would extend their production cuts and exports. The cuts have proven to be pretty effective, with commodity analysts estimating that global markets could be currently facing a deficit of as much as three million barrels per day. This implies that the rally is in-line with market fundamentals, unlike the previous situation where market sentiment was extremely bearish despite early signs of tightening supply.

It’s, therefore, surprising to find that energy stocks have been lagging the commodity they track by a significant margin. The energy market’s popular benchmark, the S&P 500 energy index has only managed a 14 per cent gain over the timeframe, while its 6.5 per cent return in the year-to-date badly lags the S&P 500’s 15.2 per cent gain over the timeframe.

It’s quite clear that energy investors don’t share the enthusiasm of hedge funds and speculators, which have become the most bullish in nearly two years. It’s even more perplexing when you consider the energy sector is currently the cheapest in the market, with the current sector PE ratio of 7.6 less than half the S&P 500’s average at 19.9.

To be fair, there’s a method to this madness, with Chevron Inc’s latest debacle at its giant LNG plants in Australia helping to sour sentiment. CVX accounts for a chunky 17 per cent of the S&P 500 energy index.

Underwhelming earnings

But there’s a lot more to it. The latest earnings season is now almost complete, and the erstwhile high-flying oil and gas sector has left a lot to be desired. Whereas Q3 2023 earnings growth for the S&P 500 clocked in at a miniscule 0.2 per cent, well below the five-year average earnings growth rate of 12.0 per cent, it actually marked the first time the market managed to post positive growth in four consecutive quarters.

In contrast, the monster earnings growth, high commodity prices and stock rally the energy sector enjoyed over the past two years set it up for some really tough comps. The sector has reported the largest earnings decline of all eleven sectors at a steep -40.1 per cent, thanks to lower year-over-year oil prices taking a massive toll on the bottom line. Indeed, despite the recent rise in oil and gas prices, the average price of oil to date in Q3 2023 (US$80.39) is still 12 per cent below the average price for oil in Q3 2022 (US$91.43). (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians seek guarantees before handing arms to Baku

Ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh need security guarantees before giving up their weapons, an adviser to their leader said on Thursday, a day after Azerbaijan declared it had brought the breakaway region back under its control.

“We have an agreement on the cessation of military action, but we await a final agreement – talks are going on,” David Babayan, an adviser to NagornoKarabakh’s breakaway ethnic Armenian leader Samvel Shahramanyan, told Reuters news agency.

“We need to talk through a lot of many questions and issues. There has not been a final agreement yet,” he said.

When asked about giving up weapons, Babayan said

US President Joe Biden assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday that strong US support for his war to repel Russian invaders would be maintained despite opposition from some Republican lawmakers to sending billions more in aid.

Biden and Zelenskiy held a war council in the White House East Room as part of a blizzard of appearances the Ukraine leader made looking to bolster US support for a war that began in February 2022 and has no end in sight.

"Mr President, we're with you, we're staying with you," Biden told Zelenskiy before reaching across the table and shaking his hand after two hours of talks.

Zelenskiy thanked Biden for a new US$325 million military aid package of weaponry and air defences, saying "it has exactly what our soldiers need now".

He said he and Biden agreed on specific steps to expand the export of grain from Ukraine in the face of a Russian blockade and tensions with neighbour Poland. He did not detail the steps.

Biden's request for US$24 million in more Ukraine funding to help pay for Ukraine's defence and humanitarian aid through the end of the year is bottled up in a budget fight pushed by Republican hardliners in the House of Representatives.

Asked how to overcome the opposition, Biden said the only way was approval

by the US Congress.

“I’m counting on the good judgment of the United States Congress. There’s no alternative," he said.

Comments from Republican Senator Rand

Paul, a frequent critic of foreign aid, were emblematic of the opposition. He told Fox Business News that Ukraine is a "corrupt regime" and that the war has no end in sight. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India stops new visas for Canadians, asks Ottawa to downsize missions as spat worsens

India on Thursday suspended new visas for Canadians and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country, sharply escalating a spat triggered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusations linking New Delhi to a Sikh separatist's murder.

The Indian Foreign Ministry said Canada has not shared any specific information in connection with the allegations Trudeau made and that New Delhi was willing to look at it if provided.

A blanket suspension of new visas by India for a Western country is unheard of and marks the lowest point of India-Canada relations.

The announcement came hours after Canada's High Commission in India said it would temporarily "adjust" staff presence in the country after some diplomats received threats on social media platforms.

But Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Ottawa had been asked to reduce

Abbas tells UN peace only possible when Palestinians get full rights

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has told the United Nations General Assembly that Middle East peace would not be achievable until the Palestinians were granted full rights.

numbers at its diplomatic missions in India to bring parity between the missions of the two countries.

Bagchi said India suspended issuing new visas to Canadian citizens due to "security threats" to its staff in its consulates in Canada.

India has not provided any evidence or given details of the nature of such security threats, and Canada's Public Safety Minister, Dominic LeBlanc said in response on Wednesday that Canada was a safe country.

Canada is the fourth largest source of foreign tourists with 350,000 visitors in 2019, a number which fell following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Indian Government data.

The unprecedented tensions flared up on Monday after Trudeau said Ottawa was investigating "credible allegations" about the potential involvement of Indian Government agents in the June murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Sophie Turner sues Joe Jonas for children's return to England

his people could not be left to die, so would need security guarantees first.

Karabakh Armenian authorities accused Azerbaijan of violating a ceasefire agreed on Wednesday after a lightning Azerbaijani offensive forced the separatists to agree to disarm.

Baku’s Defence Ministry said the allegation that its forces had broken the ceasefire was “completely false”.

Two sources in Stepanakert, the main city in the troubled region known as Khankendi by Azeris, told Reuters news agency they had heard heavy gunfire on Thursday morning, but it was not clear who was firing.

The claims came after delegations from the warring sides started talks in the Azeri city of Yevlakh.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

“Those who think that peace can prevail in the Middle East without the Palestinian people enjoying their full, legitimate national rights would be mistaken,” Abbas told the UN’s annual gathering on Thursday.

The veteran 87-year-old leader made a new appeal to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to call an international conference on creating a Palestinian state.

A UN conference “may be the last opportunity to salvage the two-state solution and to prevent the situation from deteriorating more seriously and threatening the security and stability of our region and the entire world”, Abbas said.

Abbas’s address came as the United States appeared

to make progress in brokering a normalisation deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The US, historically the peace broker between the two sides, has all but given up on serious negotiations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s hard-right government, which has pushed forward with illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli-Saudi normalisation would dramatically redraw the Middle East by formally bringing together two major US partners and longtime adversaries.

Netanyahu met US President Joe Biden on Wednesday on the sidelines of the annual General Assembly in New York, and on the same day, an interview was aired with Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in which he said that the process of normalisation was getting “closer”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

British actress Sophie Turner has sued her singer ex-partner Joe Jonas – requesting he return their two children to their "habitual residence" England.

The celebrity couple announced earlier this month that they were divorcing after more than four years of marriage.

They described the split at the time as "amicable".

However on Thursday, lawyers for Turner, 27, filed a legal petition citing the "wrongful detention" of their children in New York.

The 34-year-old Jonas Brothers singer, who is American, is seeking joint custody of their two daughters –Willa, who was born in 2020 and their second child, who was born last year but whose name has not been released to the public.

According to Turner's legal petition, which the BBC has seen, the couple had made England their "permanent home" in April. The documents state that Jonas had incorrectly claimed in his divorce application that the children,

who have dual citizenship, had lived in Florida for the six months before he filed it.

Turner and Jonas had agreed that the children were allowed to travel to the US in August, where their father was on tour, the petition states, but this was a "temporary arrangement".

The court filing goes on to say that the pair met late last week to discuss their separation, during which Turner reiterated their "agreed plan" for the children to return "home to England".

However, Jonas has allegedly refused to return their passports and to send them to the UK.

Turner is said to currently be in New York with the children.

In response to the allegations, a representative for Jonas told CNN that the pair's meeting on Sunday had been "cordial" and that his impression was that they had "reached an understanding that they would work together towards an amicable co-parenting setup".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

US President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, September 21, 2023 (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque photo)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Don’t wait for someone to take the reins. A social event will lead to temptation. Monitor your intake and choose your words wisely, and you’ll outmaneuver anyone who tries to get in your way.

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

SUDOKU

(May 21-June 20)

Let your intellect guide you. Gather information and surround yourself with helpful people who won’t take advantage of you. Network and mix business with pleasure.

Don’t let anyone cloud your vision or give you the runaround. Be prepared to take care of health and personal matters yourself. Concentrate on fitness and exercise. Don’t let down your guard.

Be honest with yourself. Establish what you want so you can make your way to your objective. Anger or frustration will leave you spinning your wheels. Focus in order to make progress.

(June 21-July 22)

Follow your heart and pursue what’s essential. Control situations by taking charge and giving your all. Personal gain and growth will help tame your ego and offer insight into what’s possible.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Be creative regarding investments, contracts and money management. A conversation will offer information about something new and exciting. Be careful not to overextend yourself.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Reach out to someone you trust and share ideas, information and skills with them. Get involved in a cause or event that energizes you mentally, physically and emotionally.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Incorporate change into your daily routine. Spice things up; find a way to stimulate your mind and get back into the swing of things. Work to achieve stability and add dimension to your life.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Establish what’s true and what isn’t, and think about how you want to proceed. Finding accurate information will be difficult, and persistence will be necessary.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Don’t share financial, medical or legal matters. Initiate changes at home that will save you money and ease stress. Refuse to let someone close to you talk you into something.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Distance yourself from people who are a bad influence. Have faith in yourself and spend time on personal growth, physical improvements and getting your life in order.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Size up your situation and establish what you want. Take charge and initiate change with strength and courage; the outcome will help you gain respect. Reevaluate your connections.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

T&T's Soca Warriors back in top 100 on FIFA World Rankings list

…Guyana moves up 3 places

Eight-time Caribbean Cup champions

Trinidad and Tobago have surged inside the top 100 on the FIFA World Rankings list for the first time in almost five years, following recent wins over El Salvador and Curacao.

The Soca Warriors – in the latest list published on Thursday – climbed four

places up to 98th from 102, a spot they held in the last rankings in July. They were last inside the FIFA top 100 at 92nd in December 2018. Based on their world position, the twin island republic remains the fourth highest rated in Caribbean Football Union (CFU).

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have jumped

two places up the FIFA list to 56th in CFU, and remain ahead of Haiti, ranked 87th and Curacao, ranked 90th. Antigua and Barbuda complete the CFU’s top five at 137th.

In the only change to the CFU’s top 10, Guyana have climbed into 10th position with a three place move to 165th in the world,

Raducanu to return to Tennis next season

Britain's Emma

Raducanu says she will make her return to tennis next season, after struggling with injuries.

The former world number 10 has missed three of the four Grand Slams this season, after undergoing surgery on her ankle and both wrists in May.

On Monday Raducanu dropped outside of the world's top 200, and she will not return to tennis before the season-ending WTA Finals in November.

"Next season I'll be back," the 20-year-old told BBC London. "This season, all the slams were finished, so it was difficult to watch them go by, but I was trying to stay in my lane as much as possible, and keep focused on my recovery."

Raducanu has been hampered by a series of injuries since her stunning US Open title win in 2021. The

Emma Raducanu

former British number one has not gone beyond the second round of any Grand Slam since becoming the first British woman in 44 years to win a major singles title.

Asked about how she deals with criticism, Raducanu said: "The fact they are still talking about me even though I'm not at these events is just a compliment. Someone told me, 'Worry when they are not

talking about you'."

Raducanu returned to the practice court in August for the first time since undergoing surgery, and despite playing just 10 matches in 2023, she is hoping to return to better form and fulfil her Wimbledon dreams.

"Wimbledon is the dream, and always has been, growing up. It's still the ultimate dream to win Wimbledon," she said. (BBC Sport)

as Barbados – the result of Nations League losses to Montserrat and Nicaragua

– slipped out of the top 10. They fell six places on the world list, from 166th to

172nd.

World champions Argentina strengthened their grip at the summit of the world rankings. The Argentines, who dethroned Brazil at the top in April, defeated Ecuador and Bolivia in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers earlier this month to improve their status.

Despite losing to Germany in a friendly last week, France retained second place, followed by Brazil (third), England (fourth) and Belgium (fifth) (Sportsmax)

-says Head Coach Rahul Dravid

India are strongly backing Suryakumar Yadav to bring his game-changing ability to the World Cup, despite the slow start to his ODI career.

Suryakumar is the #1 T20I batter on the ICC rankings, but he hasn't yet found the same gear in ODIs, where his first 25 innings have only brought two fifties and an average of 24.40.

Head coach Rahul Dravid has no doubt about the qualities Suryakumar brings to the table. He feels they could make a significant difference for India from #6. He said India had no second thoughts about Suryakumar's place in their World Cup 15 - which they would need to finalise by September 27.

"I don't think he needs to worry about the 27th; we've picked our team for the World Cup, and Surya is in it," Dravid said ahead of the first ODI against Australia in Mohali. "We've made that decision, and we completely back him because he's got a certain quality and ability that we've seen. Yes, we've seen those qualities at the moment in T20 cricket, but we know the kind of impact a player like him can make batting at six.

"He can change the course of a game, so we've completely backed him. We're very clear about that. There's been total clarity on the fact that we're completely behind him, and we know, hopefully, he'll be able to turn it around."

Suryakumar is presently not part of India's first-choice

top six, but Dravid indicated he would be part of the starting XI against Australia, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya rested for the first two ODIs.

"These three games, he is someone who will get all three games, or at least the first couple certainly, to be able to again develop and keep growing in his journey as a one-day cricketer; but in terms of selection, no, we've made our decision."

Rahul Dravid has indicated that Suryakumar Yadav will start the ODI series against Australia, and bat at #6.

Dravid was also asked about the decision to rest senior players such as Rohit and Kohli ahead of what could be some "tough games" against Australia, before India's World Cup campaign officially kicks off with their first warm-up fixture on September 29.

"With people like Virat and Rohit specifically, from our perspective, it's really important that we get them to the first game of the World Cup physically and mentally in the space they want to be in," Dravid explained. "At this level, the amount of cricket that they've played, they know how they need to prepare themselves.

“A lot of these decisions are made in discussion with them in an effort to try and get…all our players, obviously not only the two of them, but certainly the senior and the more experienced guys kind of have their routines, and know

what they need to do to get into the first game in the right frame of mind.

"So, a lot of these decisions we discuss with them on how best they would like to prepare in the lead-up to big events like the World Cup. Based on those discussions, we come up with some mutual decisions on deciding. Probably these two games were good games to take off, just to refresh mentally more than anything else, and then come back from (the third ODI in) Rajkot, and then it's going to be a tough couple of months ahead of us."

The one other major talking point at the press conference was R Ashwin, who will be auditioning for a spin bowler's berth should the need arise, with Axar Patel nursing a quadriceps strain.

Ashwin hasn't played an ODI since January 2022, but Dravid isn't worried. He echoed Rohit's thoughts that an experienced player such as Ashwin doesn't need too much game time to get back into the groove.

"Having someone of Ashwin's experience to come back is always good for us," Dravid said. "Also, he's got the ability to be able to contribute with the bat at #8. He's someone who we've always thought of, where in case there were certain injuries or opportunities opened up, he was always part of our plans. I know he hasn't played a lot of oneday cricket in the last bit, but someone of his experience can deal with that really well." (ESPNCricinfo)

The senior men’s national team of Guyana, the Golden Jaguars

The senior men’s national team of Trinidad and Tobago, the Soca Warriors

“We've picked our team for the World Cup, and Surya is in it”

Match start times confirmed for WI vs England in December

Cricket West Indies (CWI) have confirmed the start times for the first ever Christmas Series played between West Indies and England in December 2023. The series will feature eight matches – three CG United OneDay Internationals (ODI) and five T20 Internationals (T20I) from 3 to 21 December, as fans get the opportunity to rally at home and celebrate with the West Indies ahead of the Christmas holidays.

England arrive in Antigua to start the tour with two CG United ODIs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on 3 and 6 December. The 1st CG United ODI is a day game starting at 9:30am, with the 2nd CG United ODI starting at 1:30pm as a day/night game. The 3rd and final CG United ODI, to be played at Kensington Oval, Barbados on 9 December, will also be a day/night game starting at 1:30pm.

The fivematch T20I starts in Barbados with the first match played at Kensington Oval under lights starting at 6pm. The Spice Isle of Grenada then welcomes

both teams for the 2nd and 3rd T20Is on 14 and 16 December, with both matches starting at 1:30pm. The tour concludes in the week before Christmas with the 4th and 5th T20Is on December 19 and 21. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad will

GOA represented at Pan Am Sports Development Seminar

The Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association continues as part of its strategy in building capacity to announce the successful participation of National Hockey Coach Robert Fernandes representing the Guyana Olympic Association at the PanAm Sports - Sports Development Seminar on High Performance Sports in the Pan-American Region, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 22 & 23, 2023.

who purchase online and in advance can choose their preferred seats and benefit from a discount compared to tickets purchased at the venue box office.

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE (with start times)

December 3: 1st CG United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua –9:30am

December 6: 2nd CG

United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua –1:30pm

December 9: 3rd CG United at Kensington Oval, Barbados – 1:30pm

December 12: 1st T20I at Kensington Oval, Barbados –6pm

December 14: 2nd T20I at Grenada National Stadium, Grenada – 1:30pm

National Olympic Committee (NOC) representatives were given a preview of the "DASH" Platform which will be donated by Pan-Am Sports to all NOCs within the Pan American region. The Data Analytics in Sports and High-Performance Platform is a unique tool which uses artificial intelligence to help NOCs track and predict the future performance of athletes.

be hosting a West Indies vs England men’s fixture for the first time with day/night matches starting at 4pm.

Fans can purchase tickets in advance from the Windies Tickets service presented by Mastercard at Tickets. Windiescricket.com . Fans

December 16: 3rd T20I at Grenada National Stadium, Grenada – 1:30pm

December 19: 4th T20I at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad – 4pm

December 21: 5th T20I at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad – 4pm

On day one of the seminar Dr. Leandro Mazzei, Professor of Sports Sciences at the University of Campinas, presented on the "Essential concepts on the achievement of international sports success". He also gave an update on the main results of the "Development of high-performance sport In the Pan-American countries" research project which is currently underway, with the final findings scheduled to be released upon conclusion of the Pan-American Games in Santiago, Chile later this year. Director of Sport Science, Medicine and Innovation at Canada's "Own the Podium" Organisation, Dr. Andy Van Neutegem delivered an insightful presentation on the Canadian approach to the

"Development of high-performance sport (Long-Term Development Program / Coach Development Program)". This was followed by the Brazilian Case on the development of high-performance sport (Brazil Sport Development Framework / Youth National Games) presented by Kenji Saito and Taciana Pinto.

Day two of the seminar included a tour of the Brazil Olympic Committee Training Centre, followed by a Round Table discussion on the High Performance Sport Development approaches of Jamaica, Brazil and Canada. The seminar concluded with a tour of the world famous Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Asked about the experience, Fernandes stated "The seminar was excellent, it highlighted all the long term planning, systems, coach and athlete support services that go into high performance. Sustained success on the podium doesn't happen by chance, it's often the end result of eight or more years of deliberate actions to identify, nurture,

65 youths involved as RFA launch summer grassroots programme

The Rupununi Football Association (RFA) kicked off their Guyana Football Federation (GFF) summer grassroots programme on September 17 with a total of 65 eager, aspiring boys and girls between five and twelve years old.

Every Sunday, over the next three months, enthusiastic youngsters from various communities, including Lethem, Tabatinga and Culvert City, will be taught the fundamentals of football from 8:30am to 10:00am at the Wadapna Sports Ground in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

GFF President Wayne Forde officially launched the national initiative in early August with the distribution of essential gear to all Regional Associations through the Members Finance Assistance Programme (M-FAP).

The main aim of the introductory sessions is to cultivate a passion for football

and provide valuable developmental opportunities for aspiring young footballers.

According to RFA President Norbert Williams, the introduction of M-FAP in 2021 has had a profound effect on the advancement of the Rupununi football programme, particularly at the grassroots level.

“Football is the passion of the Rupununi, and we want our children to learn how to play from a young age. This is why we are so happy to organise the GFF grassroots programme in every part of our region,” he shared, adding that the “GFF M-FAP programme is helping us to improve football in a big way. We now have our own minibus, which is allowing our Academy Training Centre (ATC) coaches to visit each sub-district to organise the grassroots programme and scout talented boys and girls.”

The initiative, expected to continue every Sunday until December, will be

launched in other areas in the Rupununi later this month.

Training sessions in Lethem are being conducted by four volunteer coaches, including former Golden Jaguars player Dexter Bentick, who is also the Youth Development Officer of the Rupununi Academy Training Centre. Boys and girls will have the opportunity to learn basic techniques, coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship while enjoying the sport they love.

GFF President Wayne Forde has praised the RFA for their outstanding efforts in effectively utilising M-FAP to successfully host initiatives that foster the growth and development of young players.

“The Rupununi Football Association is among the best examples of how some Regional Associations are taking full advantage of the M-FAP programme and maximising the value of our investment,” Forde said.

He added, “Grassroots is where the dream begins for every child that comes into contact with football at an early age. That is why we are investing so heavily in grassroots football nationwide.

“Through M-FAP, more coaches are being trained to deliver grassroots sessions, and more equipment is being distributed to our Regional Associations so that they can successfully implement this programme.”

The initiative has been

expose and support talent so each athlete who possesses the desire to do so, can fulfil their potential. My biggest take away from this experience is that no matter the size of your budget, success can be achieved if you invest your resources strategically.

I think the organisers did an exceptional job of demonstrating this by their contrasting comparison of the Canada, Brazil and Jamaica models. We must create our own uniquely Guyanese high performance model to nurture the young world class natural talent we have always possessed into the adult Olympic Champions they are capable of being."

The Executive Committee is pleased with the representation and will be meeting in the near future with Mr. Fernandes to help develop the high performance model suited for Guyana. This will coincide with an upcoming session the Executive Committee will be engaged in to strengthen their policies, vision and strategic plan to evaluate and plan the way forward since President Godfrey Munroe secured the landslide victory to assume Presidency of the Guyana Olympic Association.

well-received and successfully implemented in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) by the Bartica Football Association (BFA).

The GFF remains committed to the advancement and promotion of football countrywide by providing strategic support through M-FAP to its members in the areas of Administration and Operations, Equipment and Materials, Competition and Technical Development, and Infrastructure Development.

West Indies will take on England in a Christmas Series this December

West Indies white ball captain Rovman Powell

A scene from the commencement of the summer grassroots programme in the Rupununi

Guyana’s Robert Fernandes among other Pan Am representatives

Amazon Warriors looking to bounce back in clash against Tallawahs tonight

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs today, September 22, in Qualifier

Two at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, EBD.

This match determines who will oppose Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in Sunday’s final.

According to GAW vice-captain Romario Shepherd, the Warriors had an off-night in their recent game against the TKR, having lost the powerplay with both bat and ball.

“In the powerplay we can improve, both bat and ball. We did not play well, like we did throughout the tournament. It was an offnight for us, it was the first time we lost the powerplay with bat and ball in the same game. It is just for us to get things right and get a better game,” Shepherd has said.

The mood in the Warriors camp, Shepherd said, is not total disappointment. “It is not something to be truly disappointed, that is why we wanted to finish on top of the table. We have a next chance, so we have to go back to the drawing board and see where we went wrong. And against Jamaica, we will try and get the things correct that we

did not get against TKR.”

Keemo Paul has missed the last few games due to injury, and according to Shepherd, there is a chance he will return today for the Jamaica clash.

“We back Odean with the bat; we back our players. We are missing Keemo Paul, who is one of our best batsmen this tournament. Hopefully, he can get better, because he is batting in the nets. You never know, sometime Friday he is out there,” Shepherd disclosed.

Warriors posted 166 in their 20 overs against TKR, and Shepherd noted that the Warriors were 20 runs short.

“I think we were 20 runs short. We backed our bowlers to defend the total

(167), but it did not happen. Things like that happen in cricket, just it is just for us to rectify these things on Friday against Jamaica,”

Record-breaking CYG quartet headline 26-member IGG team

The Athletics

Association of Guyana (AAG) has named a 26- member squad to represent the Land of Many Waters at the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) next month in neighbouring Suriname.

The Games are set to run from October 26th to 31st, and will include 9 other sport disciplines outside of track-and-field.

Commonwealth Youth

Games (CYG) 4x400M

record holders Tianna Springer, Malachi Austin, Narissa McPherson and Javon Roberts headline the star-studded list of young Guyanese athletes, having being deemed the standout athletes at last weekend’s IGG trials.

Springer will be contesting in her pet events, the 200M and 400M; while Austin does the male version of the same events. McPherson will be contesting in the 400M and 800M races, while Roberts will tackle the 800M and 1500M middle-distance events.

The other girls on the team are Athaleyha Hinckson (100M, 200M), Krystal Morris (100M, Triple Jump), Marissa Thomas (800M, 1500M), Esther McKinnon (1500M,

3000M), Donel Fraser (3000M), Latifah James (Shotput, Discuss), Tamara Mingo (Shotput, Javelin), Sheneque Holder (Discuss, Javelin), Amrist Hector (Long Jump, Triple Jump), Tamara Harvey (Long Jump) and Zeryssa McRae (High Jump)

The boys competing are: Jaheel Cornette (100M), Ezekiel Newton (100M, 200M), Afi Blair (400M), Kaiden Persaud (800M, Javelin), Jamol Sullivan (1500M, 3000M), David Bovell (3000M), Jamie Fraser (Shotput, Discuss), Jaheme Henry (Shotput, Discuss), Robert Marcus (Javelin, Triple Jump),

Rodel Greene (Long Jump, High Jump) and Emanuel Adams (Long Jump, High Jump.

Three coaches, namely Christopher Gaskin, Robin Phillips and Carlotta Rodney, would be accompanying the athletes, while Noelex Holder would be the Physiotherapist. Kenisha Headley will act as both Team Manager and National Technical Official (NTO).

The disciples that will be contested at the upcoming IGG Games are: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Football, Futsal, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis and Volleyball.

Shepherd noted. The Berbician has shared positive sentiments on his fellow countryman Shamar Joseph. Although

Joseph has not been picking up wickets, Shepherd thinks he has great promise and pace.

“He is very exciting, fit and aggressive. His figures do not reflect how well he bowled so far, but I am hoping the next game things can go his way. A lot of missed opportunities came off his bowling. The goods (are) there, so it is just to iron out a few things. Hopefully, he can get a good game, and get a four-wicket haul,” Shepherd highlighted.

After St Lucia Kings were spun out by the Tallawahs in the Eliminator, the Providence surface has been the talk around town.

According to Shepherd, it was not the easiest of wick-

ets to bat on early.

“The wicket was really sticky. The ball was jumping, and it was hard to play shots. And as the game went on, it got better. When I went out to bat, it was still tacky, and at the halfway stage, they rolled the wicket, so TKR got a better start on the wicket than us,” Shepherd said.

Tallawahs will be a dangerous opponent. Having finished the league stage in fourth, they went on to win the title, and they beat the Amazon Warriors in crunch games.

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad: Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Saim Ayub, Hazratulla Zazai, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Azam Khan, Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie, Dwaine Pretorius, Kevlon Anderson, Shamar Joseph, Keemo Paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ronsford Beaton, Matthew Nandu and Junior Sinclair.

Jamaica Tallawahs squad: Imad Wasim, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Mohammad Amir, Alex Hales, Chris Green, Jermaine Blackwood, Shamarh Brooks, Hayden Walsh Jr, Raymon Reifer, Amir Jangoo, Steven Taylor, Shamar Springer, Nicholson Gordon, Kirk McKenzie and Kelvin Pitman.

Sterling Products backs Courts Pee-Wee again

Building on last year’s collaboration, Sterling Products Limited has again come on board the ‘Courts Optical’ Under-11 Pee-Wee Schools Football tournament.

Now in its 10th edition, the tournament is set to get underway tomorrow, Saturday, September 23rd, with Sterling Products’ support in cash and kind being a timely one.

In a simple presentation ceremony held on Thursday at the company’s Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Head Office, Sterling’s Public Relations Officer Youlandra McCammon voiced the company’s commitment to aiding in the production of rounded children.

“Sterling Products is committed to the continuous development of the Education system. Thus we, at Sterling, are so happy to be part of this year’s edition, the 10th edition, of Courts Pee-Wee School competition,” McCammon stated.

She added, “I think, and the company also thinks, (that) with more programmes and more initiatives like this, it will help our kids to be more physically active and also teach them values - values and skills that they will take on for a

very long time as they progress.”

Representing the organizers was Petra’s Troy Mendonca, who expressed gratitude to the company for their involvement.

“They would’ve recognised the importance of this tournament over the years, and have agreed to be part of the tournament once again. And so, on behalf of the Petra Organisation, the Ministry of Education, and the Kids, we want to say a special thank you to the management and staff of Sterling Products for giving us the opportunity to relate to them and invite them,”

Mendonca shared.

When the ball gets rolling on Saturday, Soesdyke and Kabakaburi Primary schools will face off in the first game of this year’s tournament. Thereafter, Redeemer will take on Tapakuma Primary, St. John’s will take on Annandale, Potaro and St. Ambrose Primary will do battle, One Mile will lock horns with F.E. Pollard, and Rosignol and Winfer Gardens will go toe-to-toe. A total of 16 games are scheduled for the first day of the competition.

The Pee-Wee tournament is set to conclude on November 12th.

Romario Shepherd is backing the Warriors to improve in the powerplay today

Brandon King is leading the Tallawahs

Alex Hales has already scored a century at Providence this season

Ezekiel Newton is another talent to watch on Guyana’s IGG team

Sterling Products Ltd PR Officer, Youlandra McCammon